Remove dead code in regcache::dump
[deliverable/binutils-gdb.git] / gdb / doc / gdb.texinfo
1 \input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
2 @c Copyright (C) 1988-2017 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
3 @c
4 @c %**start of header
5 @c makeinfo ignores cmds prev to setfilename, so its arg cannot make use
6 @c of @set vars. However, you can override filename with makeinfo -o.
7 @setfilename gdb.info
8 @c
9 @c man begin INCLUDE
10 @include gdb-cfg.texi
11 @c man end
12 @c
13 @settitle Debugging with @value{GDBN}
14 @setchapternewpage odd
15 @c %**end of header
16
17 @iftex
18 @c @smallbook
19 @c @cropmarks
20 @end iftex
21
22 @finalout
23 @c To avoid file-name clashes between index.html and Index.html, when
24 @c the manual is produced on a Posix host and then moved to a
25 @c case-insensitive filesystem (e.g., MS-Windows), we separate the
26 @c indices into two: Concept Index and all the rest.
27 @syncodeindex ky fn
28 @syncodeindex tp fn
29
30 @c readline appendices use @vindex, @findex and @ftable,
31 @c annotate.texi and gdbmi use @findex.
32 @syncodeindex vr fn
33
34 @c !!set GDB manual's edition---not the same as GDB version!
35 @c This is updated by GNU Press.
36 @set EDITION Tenth
37
38 @c !!set GDB edit command default editor
39 @set EDITOR /bin/ex
40
41 @c THIS MANUAL REQUIRES TEXINFO 4.0 OR LATER.
42
43 @c This is a dir.info fragment to support semi-automated addition of
44 @c manuals to an info tree.
45 @dircategory Software development
46 @direntry
47 * Gdb: (gdb). The GNU debugger.
48 * gdbserver: (gdb) Server. The GNU debugging server.
49 @end direntry
50
51 @copying
52 @c man begin COPYRIGHT
53 Copyright @copyright{} 1988-2017 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
54
55 Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
56 under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.3 or
57 any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with the
58 Invariant Sections being ``Free Software'' and ``Free Software Needs
59 Free Documentation'', with the Front-Cover Texts being ``A GNU Manual,''
60 and with the Back-Cover Texts as in (a) below.
61
62 (a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You are free to copy and modify
63 this GNU Manual. Buying copies from GNU Press supports the FSF in
64 developing GNU and promoting software freedom.''
65 @c man end
66 @end copying
67
68 @ifnottex
69 This file documents the @sc{gnu} debugger @value{GDBN}.
70
71 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, of @cite{Debugging with
72 @value{GDBN}: the @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger} for @value{GDBN}
73 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
74 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
75 @end ifset
76 Version @value{GDBVN}.
77
78 @insertcopying
79 @end ifnottex
80
81 @titlepage
82 @title Debugging with @value{GDBN}
83 @subtitle The @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger
84 @sp 1
85 @subtitle @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN}
86 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
87 @sp 1
88 @subtitle @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
89 @end ifset
90 @author Richard Stallman, Roland Pesch, Stan Shebs, et al.
91 @page
92 @tex
93 {\parskip=0pt
94 \hfill (Send bugs and comments on @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.)\par
95 \hfill {\it Debugging with @value{GDBN}}\par
96 \hfill \TeX{}info \texinfoversion\par
97 }
98 @end tex
99
100 @vskip 0pt plus 1filll
101 Published by the Free Software Foundation @*
102 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor,
103 Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA@*
104 ISBN 978-0-9831592-3-0 @*
105
106 @insertcopying
107 @end titlepage
108 @page
109
110 @ifnottex
111 @node Top, Summary, (dir), (dir)
112
113 @top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
114
115 This file describes @value{GDBN}, the @sc{gnu} symbolic debugger.
116
117 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN}
118 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
119 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
120 @end ifset
121 Version @value{GDBVN}.
122
123 Copyright (C) 1988-2017 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
124
125 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
126 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
127 software in general. We will miss him.
128
129 @menu
130 * Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
131 * Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
132
133 * Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
134 * Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
135 * Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
136 * Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
137 * Reverse Execution:: Running programs backward
138 * Process Record and Replay:: Recording inferior's execution and replaying it
139 * Stack:: Examining the stack
140 * Source:: Examining source files
141 * Data:: Examining data
142 * Optimized Code:: Debugging optimized code
143 * Macros:: Preprocessor Macros
144 * Tracepoints:: Debugging remote targets non-intrusively
145 * Overlays:: Debugging programs that use overlays
146
147 * Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
148
149 * Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
150 * Altering:: Altering execution
151 * GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
152 * Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
153 * Remote Debugging:: Debugging remote programs
154 * Configurations:: Configuration-specific information
155 * Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
156 * Extending GDB:: Extending @value{GDBN}
157 * Interpreters:: Command Interpreters
158 * TUI:: @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
159 * Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
160 * GDB/MI:: @value{GDBN}'s Machine Interface.
161 * Annotations:: @value{GDBN}'s annotation interface.
162 * JIT Interface:: Using the JIT debugging interface.
163 * In-Process Agent:: In-Process Agent
164
165 * GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
166
167 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
168 * Command Line Editing: (rluserman). Command Line Editing
169 * Using History Interactively: (history). Using History Interactively
170 @end ifset
171 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
172 * Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
173 * Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
174 @end ifclear
175 * In Memoriam:: In Memoriam
176 * Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print @value{GDBN} documentation
177 * Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
178 * Maintenance Commands:: Maintenance Commands
179 * Remote Protocol:: GDB Remote Serial Protocol
180 * Agent Expressions:: The GDB Agent Expression Mechanism
181 * Target Descriptions:: How targets can describe themselves to
182 @value{GDBN}
183 * Operating System Information:: Getting additional information from
184 the operating system
185 * Trace File Format:: GDB trace file format
186 * Index Section Format:: .gdb_index section format
187 * Man Pages:: Manual pages
188 * Copying:: GNU General Public License says
189 how you can copy and share GDB
190 * GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation
191 * Concept Index:: Index of @value{GDBN} concepts
192 * Command and Variable Index:: Index of @value{GDBN} commands, variables,
193 functions, and Python data types
194 @end menu
195
196 @end ifnottex
197
198 @contents
199
200 @node Summary
201 @unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
202
203 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
204 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
205 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
206
207 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
208 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
209
210 @itemize @bullet
211 @item
212 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
213
214 @item
215 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
216
217 @item
218 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
219
220 @item
221 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
222 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
223 @end itemize
224
225 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C and C@t{++}.
226 For more information, see @ref{Supported Languages,,Supported Languages}.
227 For more information, see @ref{C,,C and C++}.
228
229 Support for D is partial. For information on D, see
230 @ref{D,,D}.
231
232 @cindex Modula-2
233 Support for Modula-2 is partial. For information on Modula-2, see
234 @ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}.
235
236 Support for OpenCL C is partial. For information on OpenCL C, see
237 @ref{OpenCL C,,OpenCL C}.
238
239 @cindex Pascal
240 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
241 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
242 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
243 syntax.
244
245 @cindex Fortran
246 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, although
247 it may be necessary to refer to some variables with a trailing
248 underscore.
249
250 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Objective-C,
251 using either the Apple/NeXT or the GNU Objective-C runtime.
252
253 @menu
254 * Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
255 * Free Documentation:: Free Software Needs Free Documentation
256 * Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
257 @end menu
258
259 @node Free Software
260 @unnumberedsec Free Software
261
262 @value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the @sc{gnu}
263 General Public License
264 (GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
265 program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
266 freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
267 the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
268 Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
269 Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
270
271 Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
272 you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
273 from anyone else.
274
275 @node Free Documentation
276 @unnumberedsec Free Software Needs Free Documentation
277
278 The biggest deficiency in the free software community today is not in
279 the software---it is the lack of good free documentation that we can
280 include with the free software. Many of our most important
281 programs do not come with free reference manuals and free introductory
282 texts. Documentation is an essential part of any software package;
283 when an important free software package does not come with a free
284 manual and a free tutorial, that is a major gap. We have many such
285 gaps today.
286
287 Consider Perl, for instance. The tutorial manuals that people
288 normally use are non-free. How did this come about? Because the
289 authors of those manuals published them with restrictive terms---no
290 copying, no modification, source files not available---which exclude
291 them from the free software world.
292
293 That wasn't the first time this sort of thing happened, and it was far
294 from the last. Many times we have heard a GNU user eagerly describe a
295 manual that he is writing, his intended contribution to the community,
296 only to learn that he had ruined everything by signing a publication
297 contract to make it non-free.
298
299 Free documentation, like free software, is a matter of freedom, not
300 price. The problem with the non-free manual is not that publishers
301 charge a price for printed copies---that in itself is fine. (The Free
302 Software Foundation sells printed copies of manuals, too.) The
303 problem is the restrictions on the use of the manual. Free manuals
304 are available in source code form, and give you permission to copy and
305 modify. Non-free manuals do not allow this.
306
307 The criteria of freedom for a free manual are roughly the same as for
308 free software. Redistribution (including the normal kinds of
309 commercial redistribution) must be permitted, so that the manual can
310 accompany every copy of the program, both on-line and on paper.
311
312 Permission for modification of the technical content is crucial too.
313 When people modify the software, adding or changing features, if they
314 are conscientious they will change the manual too---so they can
315 provide accurate and clear documentation for the modified program. A
316 manual that leaves you no choice but to write a new manual to document
317 a changed version of the program is not really available to our
318 community.
319
320 Some kinds of limits on the way modification is handled are
321 acceptable. For example, requirements to preserve the original
322 author's copyright notice, the distribution terms, or the list of
323 authors, are ok. It is also no problem to require modified versions
324 to include notice that they were modified. Even entire sections that
325 may not be deleted or changed are acceptable, as long as they deal
326 with nontechnical topics (like this one). These kinds of restrictions
327 are acceptable because they don't obstruct the community's normal use
328 of the manual.
329
330 However, it must be possible to modify all the @emph{technical}
331 content of the manual, and then distribute the result in all the usual
332 media, through all the usual channels. Otherwise, the restrictions
333 obstruct the use of the manual, it is not free, and we need another
334 manual to replace it.
335
336 Please spread the word about this issue. Our community continues to
337 lose manuals to proprietary publishing. If we spread the word that
338 free software needs free reference manuals and free tutorials, perhaps
339 the next person who wants to contribute by writing documentation will
340 realize, before it is too late, that only free manuals contribute to
341 the free software community.
342
343 If you are writing documentation, please insist on publishing it under
344 the GNU Free Documentation License or another free documentation
345 license. Remember that this decision requires your approval---you
346 don't have to let the publisher decide. Some commercial publishers
347 will use a free license if you insist, but they will not propose the
348 option; it is up to you to raise the issue and say firmly that this is
349 what you want. If the publisher you are dealing with refuses, please
350 try other publishers. If you're not sure whether a proposed license
351 is free, write to @email{licensing@@gnu.org}.
352
353 You can encourage commercial publishers to sell more free, copylefted
354 manuals and tutorials by buying them, and particularly by buying
355 copies from the publishers that paid for their writing or for major
356 improvements. Meanwhile, try to avoid buying non-free documentation
357 at all. Check the distribution terms of a manual before you buy it,
358 and insist that whoever seeks your business must respect your freedom.
359 Check the history of the book, and try to reward the publishers that
360 have paid or pay the authors to work on it.
361
362 The Free Software Foundation maintains a list of free documentation
363 published by other publishers, at
364 @url{http://www.fsf.org/doc/other-free-books.html}.
365
366 @node Contributors
367 @unnumberedsec Contributors to @value{GDBN}
368
369 Richard Stallman was the original author of @value{GDBN}, and of many
370 other @sc{gnu} programs. Many others have contributed to its
371 development. This section attempts to credit major contributors. One
372 of the virtues of free software is that everyone is free to contribute
373 to it; with regret, we cannot actually acknowledge everyone here. The
374 file @file{ChangeLog} in the @value{GDBN} distribution approximates a
375 blow-by-blow account.
376
377 Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
378
379 @quotation
380 @emph{Plea:} Additions to this section are particularly welcome. If you
381 or your friends (or enemies, to be evenhanded) have been unfairly
382 omitted from this list, we would like to add your names!
383 @end quotation
384
385 So that they may not regard their many labors as thankless, we
386 particularly thank those who shepherded @value{GDBN} through major
387 releases:
388 Andrew Cagney (releases 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 6.0, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0);
389 Jim Blandy (release 4.18);
390 Jason Molenda (release 4.17);
391 Stan Shebs (release 4.14);
392 Fred Fish (releases 4.16, 4.15, 4.13, 4.12, 4.11, 4.10, and 4.9);
393 Stu Grossman and John Gilmore (releases 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, and 4.4);
394 John Gilmore (releases 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.9);
395 Jim Kingdon (releases 3.5, 3.4, and 3.3);
396 and Randy Smith (releases 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0).
397
398 Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Peter TerMaat, Chris
399 Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
400
401 Michael Tiemann is the author of most of the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} support
402 in @value{GDBN}, with significant additional contributions from Per
403 Bothner and Daniel Berlin. James Clark wrote the @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
404 demangler. Early work on C@t{++} was by Peter TerMaat (who also did
405 much general update work leading to release 3.0).
406
407 @value{GDBN} uses the BFD subroutine library to examine multiple
408 object-file formats; BFD was a joint project of David V.
409 Henkel-Wallace, Rich Pixley, Steve Chamberlain, and John Gilmore.
410
411 David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
412 the original support for encapsulated COFF.
413
414 Brent Benson of Harris Computer Systems contributed DWARF 2 support.
415
416 Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
417 Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
418 support.
419 Jean-Daniel Fekete contributed Sun 386i support.
420 Chris Hanson improved the HP9000 support.
421 Noboyuki Hikichi and Tomoyuki Hasei contributed Sony/News OS 3 support.
422 David Johnson contributed Encore Umax support.
423 Jyrki Kuoppala contributed Altos 3068 support.
424 Jeff Law contributed HP PA and SOM support.
425 Keith Packard contributed NS32K support.
426 Doug Rabson contributed Acorn Risc Machine support.
427 Bob Rusk contributed Harris Nighthawk CX-UX support.
428 Chris Smith contributed Convex support (and Fortran debugging).
429 Jonathan Stone contributed Pyramid support.
430 Michael Tiemann contributed SPARC support.
431 Tim Tucker contributed support for the Gould NP1 and Gould Powernode.
432 Pace Willison contributed Intel 386 support.
433 Jay Vosburgh contributed Symmetry support.
434 Marko Mlinar contributed OpenRISC 1000 support.
435
436 Andreas Schwab contributed M68K @sc{gnu}/Linux support.
437
438 Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
439 libraries.
440
441 Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that @value{GDBN} and GAS agree
442 about several machine instruction sets.
443
444 Patrick Duval, Ted Goldstein, Vikram Koka and Glenn Engel helped develop
445 remote debugging. Intel Corporation, Wind River Systems, AMD, and ARM
446 contributed remote debugging modules for the i960, VxWorks, A29K UDI,
447 and RDI targets, respectively.
448
449 Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
450 command-line editing and command history.
451
452 Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code, the
453 Modula-2 support, and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
454
455 Fred Fish wrote most of the support for Unix System Vr4.
456 He also enhanced the command-completion support to cover C@t{++} overloaded
457 symbols.
458
459 Hitachi America (now Renesas America), Ltd. sponsored the support for
460 H8/300, H8/500, and Super-H processors.
461
462 NEC sponsored the support for the v850, Vr4xxx, and Vr5xxx processors.
463
464 Mitsubishi (now Renesas) sponsored the support for D10V, D30V, and M32R/D
465 processors.
466
467 Toshiba sponsored the support for the TX39 Mips processor.
468
469 Matsushita sponsored the support for the MN10200 and MN10300 processors.
470
471 Fujitsu sponsored the support for SPARClite and FR30 processors.
472
473 Kung Hsu, Jeff Law, and Rick Sladkey added support for hardware
474 watchpoints.
475
476 Michael Snyder added support for tracepoints.
477
478 Stu Grossman wrote gdbserver.
479
480 Jim Kingdon, Peter Schauer, Ian Taylor, and Stu Grossman made
481 nearly innumerable bug fixes and cleanups throughout @value{GDBN}.
482
483 The following people at the Hewlett-Packard Company contributed
484 support for the PA-RISC 2.0 architecture, HP-UX 10.20, 10.30, and 11.0
485 (narrow mode), HP's implementation of kernel threads, HP's aC@t{++}
486 compiler, and the Text User Interface (nee Terminal User Interface):
487 Ben Krepp, Richard Title, John Bishop, Susan Macchia, Kathy Mann,
488 Satish Pai, India Paul, Steve Rehrauer, and Elena Zannoni. Kim Haase
489 provided HP-specific information in this manual.
490
491 DJ Delorie ported @value{GDBN} to MS-DOS, for the DJGPP project.
492 Robert Hoehne made significant contributions to the DJGPP port.
493
494 Cygnus Solutions has sponsored @value{GDBN} maintenance and much of its
495 development since 1991. Cygnus engineers who have worked on @value{GDBN}
496 fulltime include Mark Alexander, Jim Blandy, Per Bothner, Kevin
497 Buettner, Edith Epstein, Chris Faylor, Fred Fish, Martin Hunt, Jim
498 Ingham, John Gilmore, Stu Grossman, Kung Hsu, Jim Kingdon, John Metzler,
499 Fernando Nasser, Geoffrey Noer, Dawn Perchik, Rich Pixley, Zdenek
500 Radouch, Keith Seitz, Stan Shebs, David Taylor, and Elena Zannoni. In
501 addition, Dave Brolley, Ian Carmichael, Steve Chamberlain, Nick Clifton,
502 JT Conklin, Stan Cox, DJ Delorie, Ulrich Drepper, Frank Eigler, Doug
503 Evans, Sean Fagan, David Henkel-Wallace, Richard Henderson, Jeff
504 Holcomb, Jeff Law, Jim Lemke, Tom Lord, Bob Manson, Michael Meissner,
505 Jason Merrill, Catherine Moore, Drew Moseley, Ken Raeburn, Gavin
506 Romig-Koch, Rob Savoye, Jamie Smith, Mike Stump, Ian Taylor, Angela
507 Thomas, Michael Tiemann, Tom Tromey, Ron Unrau, Jim Wilson, and David
508 Zuhn have made contributions both large and small.
509
510 Andrew Cagney, Fernando Nasser, and Elena Zannoni, while working for
511 Cygnus Solutions, implemented the original @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
512
513 Jim Blandy added support for preprocessor macros, while working for Red
514 Hat.
515
516 Andrew Cagney designed @value{GDBN}'s architecture vector. Many
517 people including Andrew Cagney, Stephane Carrez, Randolph Chung, Nick
518 Duffek, Richard Henderson, Mark Kettenis, Grace Sainsbury, Kei
519 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Andreas Schwab, Jason
520 Thorpe, Corinna Vinschen, Ulrich Weigand, and Elena Zannoni, helped
521 with the migration of old architectures to this new framework.
522
523 Andrew Cagney completely re-designed and re-implemented @value{GDBN}'s
524 unwinder framework, this consisting of a fresh new design featuring
525 frame IDs, independent frame sniffers, and the sentinel frame. Mark
526 Kettenis implemented the @sc{dwarf 2} unwinder, Jeff Johnston the
527 libunwind unwinder, and Andrew Cagney the dummy, sentinel, tramp, and
528 trad unwinders. The architecture-specific changes, each involving a
529 complete rewrite of the architecture's frame code, were carried out by
530 Jim Blandy, Joel Brobecker, Kevin Buettner, Andrew Cagney, Stephane
531 Carrez, Randolph Chung, Orjan Friberg, Richard Henderson, Daniel
532 Jacobowitz, Jeff Johnston, Mark Kettenis, Theodore A. Roth, Kei
533 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Corinna Vinschen, and Ulrich
534 Weigand.
535
536 Christian Zankel, Ross Morley, Bob Wilson, and Maxim Grigoriev from
537 Tensilica, Inc.@: contributed support for Xtensa processors. Others
538 who have worked on the Xtensa port of @value{GDBN} in the past include
539 Steve Tjiang, John Newlin, and Scott Foehner.
540
541 Michael Eager and staff of Xilinx, Inc., contributed support for the
542 Xilinx MicroBlaze architecture.
543
544 Initial support for the FreeBSD/mips target and native configuration
545 was developed by SRI International and the University of Cambridge
546 Computer Laboratory under DARPA/AFRL contract FA8750-10-C-0237
547 ("CTSRD"), as part of the DARPA CRASH research programme.
548
549 @node Sample Session
550 @chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
551
552 You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
553 However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
554 debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
555
556 @iftex
557 In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
558 to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
559 @end iftex
560
561 @c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
562 @c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
563
564 One of the preliminary versions of @sc{gnu} @code{m4} (a generic macro
565 processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
566 quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
567 definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
568 session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
569 then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
570 same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
571 @code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
572 procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
573
574 @smallexample
575 $ @b{cd gnu/m4}
576 $ @b{./m4}
577 @b{define(foo,0000)}
578
579 @b{foo}
580 0000
581 @b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
582
583 @b{bar}
584 0000
585 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
586
587 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
588 @b{baz}
589 @b{Ctrl-d}
590 m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
591 @end smallexample
592
593 @noindent
594 Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
595
596 @smallexample
597 $ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
598 @c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
599 @c FIXME... format to come out better.
600 @value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
601 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
602 the conditions.
603 There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
604 for details.
605
606 @value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
607 (@value{GDBP})
608 @end smallexample
609
610 @noindent
611 @value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the
612 rest when needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly.
613 We now tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so
614 that examples fit in this manual.
615
616 @smallexample
617 (@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
618 @end smallexample
619
620 @noindent
621 We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
622 Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
623 @code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
624 @code{break} command.
625
626 @smallexample
627 (@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
628 Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
629 @end smallexample
630
631 @noindent
632 Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
633 control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
634 subroutine, the program runs as usual:
635
636 @smallexample
637 (@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
638 Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
639 @b{define(foo,0000)}
640
641 @b{foo}
642 0000
643 @end smallexample
644
645 @noindent
646 To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
647 suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
648 context where it stops.
649
650 @smallexample
651 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
652
653 Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
654 at builtin.c:879
655 879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
656 @end smallexample
657
658 @noindent
659 Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
660 the next line of the current function.
661
662 @smallexample
663 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
664 882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
665 : nil,
666 @end smallexample
667
668 @noindent
669 @code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
670 by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
671 @code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
672 subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
673
674 @smallexample
675 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
676 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
677 at input.c:530
678 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
679 @end smallexample
680
681 @noindent
682 The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
683 suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
684 shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
685 command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
686 in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
687 stack frame for each active subroutine.
688
689 @smallexample
690 (@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
691 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
692 at input.c:530
693 #1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
694 at builtin.c:882
695 #2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
696 #3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
697 at macro.c:71
698 #4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
699 #5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
700 @end smallexample
701
702 @noindent
703 We step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
704 times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
705 falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
706
707 @smallexample
708 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
709 0x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
710 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
711 0x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
712 def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
713 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
714 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
715 : xstrdup(rq);
716 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
717 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
718 @end smallexample
719
720 @noindent
721 The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
722 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
723 and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
724 (@code{print}) to see their values.
725
726 @smallexample
727 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
728 $1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
729 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
730 $2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
731 @end smallexample
732
733 @noindent
734 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
735 To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
736 surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
737
738 @smallexample
739 (@value{GDBP}) @b{l}
740 533 xfree(rquote);
741 534
742 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
743 : xstrdup (lq);
744 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
745 : xstrdup (rq);
746 537
747 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
748 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
749 540 @}
750 541
751 542 void
752 @end smallexample
753
754 @noindent
755 Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
756 @code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
757
758 @smallexample
759 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
760 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
761 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
762 540 @}
763 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
764 $3 = 9
765 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
766 $4 = 7
767 @end smallexample
768
769 @noindent
770 That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
771 @code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
772 @code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
773 the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
774 any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
775 assignments.
776
777 @smallexample
778 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
779 $5 = 7
780 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
781 $6 = 9
782 @end smallexample
783
784 @noindent
785 Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
786 @code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
787 executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
788 example that caused trouble initially:
789
790 @smallexample
791 (@value{GDBP}) @b{c}
792 Continuing.
793
794 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
795
796 baz
797 0000
798 @end smallexample
799
800 @noindent
801 Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
802 problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
803 lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
804
805 @smallexample
806 @b{Ctrl-d}
807 Program exited normally.
808 @end smallexample
809
810 @noindent
811 The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
812 indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
813 session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
814
815 @smallexample
816 (@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
817 @end smallexample
818
819 @node Invocation
820 @chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
821
822 This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
823 The essentials are:
824 @itemize @bullet
825 @item
826 type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
827 @item
828 type @kbd{quit} or @kbd{Ctrl-d} to exit.
829 @end itemize
830
831 @menu
832 * Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
833 * Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
834 * Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
835 * Logging Output:: How to log @value{GDBN}'s output to a file
836 @end menu
837
838 @node Invoking GDB
839 @section Invoking @value{GDBN}
840
841 Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
842 @value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
843
844 You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
845 to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
846
847 The command-line options described here are designed
848 to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
849 options may effectively be unavailable.
850
851 The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
852 specifying an executable program:
853
854 @smallexample
855 @value{GDBP} @var{program}
856 @end smallexample
857
858 @noindent
859 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
860 specified:
861
862 @smallexample
863 @value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
864 @end smallexample
865
866 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
867 to debug a running process:
868
869 @smallexample
870 @value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
871 @end smallexample
872
873 @noindent
874 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
875 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
876
877 Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
878 complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote
879 debugger attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of
880 ``process'', and there is often no way to get a core dump. @value{GDBN}
881 will warn you if it is unable to attach or to read core dumps.
882
883 You can optionally have @code{@value{GDBP}} pass any arguments after the
884 executable file to the inferior using @code{--args}. This option stops
885 option processing.
886 @smallexample
887 @value{GDBP} --args gcc -O2 -c foo.c
888 @end smallexample
889 This will cause @code{@value{GDBP}} to debug @code{gcc}, and to set
890 @code{gcc}'s command-line arguments (@pxref{Arguments}) to @samp{-O2 -c foo.c}.
891
892 You can run @code{@value{GDBP}} without printing the front material, which describes
893 @value{GDBN}'s non-warranty, by specifying @code{--silent}
894 (or @code{-q}/@code{--quiet}):
895
896 @smallexample
897 @value{GDBP} --silent
898 @end smallexample
899
900 @noindent
901 You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
902 options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
903
904 @noindent
905 Type
906
907 @smallexample
908 @value{GDBP} -help
909 @end smallexample
910
911 @noindent
912 to display all available options and briefly describe their use
913 (@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
914
915 All options and command line arguments you give are processed
916 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
917 @samp{-x} option is used.
918
919
920 @menu
921 * File Options:: Choosing files
922 * Mode Options:: Choosing modes
923 * Startup:: What @value{GDBN} does during startup
924 @end menu
925
926 @node File Options
927 @subsection Choosing Files
928
929 When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
930 specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
931 the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
932 @samp{-c} (or @samp{-p}) options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the
933 first argument that does not have an associated option flag as
934 equivalent to the @samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the
935 second argument that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as
936 equivalent to the @samp{-c}/@samp{-p} option followed by that argument.)
937 If the second argument begins with a decimal digit, @value{GDBN} will
938 first attempt to attach to it as a process, and if that fails, attempt
939 to open it as a corefile. If you have a corefile whose name begins with
940 a digit, you can prevent @value{GDBN} from treating it as a pid by
941 prefixing it with @file{./}, e.g.@: @file{./12345}.
942
943 If @value{GDBN} has not been configured to included core file support,
944 such as for most embedded targets, then it will complain about a second
945 argument and ignore it.
946
947 Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
948 following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
949 them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
950 (If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
951 than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
952
953 @c NOTE: the @cindex entries here use double dashes ON PURPOSE. This
954 @c way, both those who look for -foo and --foo in the index, will find
955 @c it.
956
957 @table @code
958 @item -symbols @var{file}
959 @itemx -s @var{file}
960 @cindex @code{--symbols}
961 @cindex @code{-s}
962 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
963
964 @item -exec @var{file}
965 @itemx -e @var{file}
966 @cindex @code{--exec}
967 @cindex @code{-e}
968 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when appropriate,
969 and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core dump.
970
971 @item -se @var{file}
972 @cindex @code{--se}
973 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
974 file.
975
976 @item -core @var{file}
977 @itemx -c @var{file}
978 @cindex @code{--core}
979 @cindex @code{-c}
980 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
981
982 @item -pid @var{number}
983 @itemx -p @var{number}
984 @cindex @code{--pid}
985 @cindex @code{-p}
986 Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command.
987
988 @item -command @var{file}
989 @itemx -x @var{file}
990 @cindex @code{--command}
991 @cindex @code{-x}
992 Execute commands from file @var{file}. The contents of this file is
993 evaluated exactly as the @code{source} command would.
994 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
995
996 @item -eval-command @var{command}
997 @itemx -ex @var{command}
998 @cindex @code{--eval-command}
999 @cindex @code{-ex}
1000 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command.
1001
1002 This option may be used multiple times to call multiple commands. It may
1003 also be interleaved with @samp{-command} as required.
1004
1005 @smallexample
1006 @value{GDBP} -ex 'target sim' -ex 'load' \
1007 -x setbreakpoints -ex 'run' a.out
1008 @end smallexample
1009
1010 @item -init-command @var{file}
1011 @itemx -ix @var{file}
1012 @cindex @code{--init-command}
1013 @cindex @code{-ix}
1014 Execute commands from file @var{file} before loading the inferior (but
1015 after loading gdbinit files).
1016 @xref{Startup}.
1017
1018 @item -init-eval-command @var{command}
1019 @itemx -iex @var{command}
1020 @cindex @code{--init-eval-command}
1021 @cindex @code{-iex}
1022 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command before loading the inferior (but
1023 after loading gdbinit files).
1024 @xref{Startup}.
1025
1026 @item -directory @var{directory}
1027 @itemx -d @var{directory}
1028 @cindex @code{--directory}
1029 @cindex @code{-d}
1030 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
1031
1032 @item -r
1033 @itemx -readnow
1034 @cindex @code{--readnow}
1035 @cindex @code{-r}
1036 Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
1037 the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
1038 This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
1039
1040 @end table
1041
1042 @node Mode Options
1043 @subsection Choosing Modes
1044
1045 You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
1046 batch mode or quiet mode.
1047
1048 @table @code
1049 @anchor{-nx}
1050 @item -nx
1051 @itemx -n
1052 @cindex @code{--nx}
1053 @cindex @code{-n}
1054 Do not execute commands found in any initialization file.
1055 There are three init files, loaded in the following order:
1056
1057 @table @code
1058 @item @file{system.gdbinit}
1059 This is the system-wide init file.
1060 Its location is specified with the @code{--with-system-gdbinit}
1061 configure option (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
1062 It is loaded first when @value{GDBN} starts, before command line options
1063 have been processed.
1064 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}
1065 This is the init file in your home directory.
1066 It is loaded next, after @file{system.gdbinit}, and before
1067 command options have been processed.
1068 @item @file{./.gdbinit}
1069 This is the init file in the current directory.
1070 It is loaded last, after command line options other than @code{-x} and
1071 @code{-ex} have been processed. Command line options @code{-x} and
1072 @code{-ex} are processed last, after @file{./.gdbinit} has been loaded.
1073 @end table
1074
1075 For further documentation on startup processing, @xref{Startup}.
1076 For documentation on how to write command files,
1077 @xref{Command Files,,Command Files}.
1078
1079 @anchor{-nh}
1080 @item -nh
1081 @cindex @code{--nh}
1082 Do not execute commands found in @file{~/.gdbinit}, the init file
1083 in your home directory.
1084 @xref{Startup}.
1085
1086 @item -quiet
1087 @itemx -silent
1088 @itemx -q
1089 @cindex @code{--quiet}
1090 @cindex @code{--silent}
1091 @cindex @code{-q}
1092 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1093 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
1094
1095 @item -batch
1096 @cindex @code{--batch}
1097 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
1098 command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
1099 initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
1100 nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
1101 in the command files. Batch mode also disables pagination, sets unlimited
1102 terminal width and height @pxref{Screen Size}, and acts as if @kbd{set confirm
1103 off} were in effect (@pxref{Messages/Warnings}).
1104
1105 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
1106 example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
1107 make this more useful, the message
1108
1109 @smallexample
1110 Program exited normally.
1111 @end smallexample
1112
1113 @noindent
1114 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1115 @value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
1116 mode.
1117
1118 @item -batch-silent
1119 @cindex @code{--batch-silent}
1120 Run in batch mode exactly like @samp{-batch}, but totally silently. All
1121 @value{GDBN} output to @code{stdout} is prevented (@code{stderr} is
1122 unaffected). This is much quieter than @samp{-silent} and would be useless
1123 for an interactive session.
1124
1125 This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1126 messages, for example.
1127
1128 Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to
1129 writing directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
1130
1131 @item -return-child-result
1132 @cindex @code{--return-child-result}
1133 The return code from @value{GDBN} will be the return code from the child
1134 process (the process being debugged), with the following exceptions:
1135
1136 @itemize @bullet
1137 @item
1138 @value{GDBN} exits abnormally. E.g., due to an incorrect argument or an
1139 internal error. In this case the exit code is the same as it would have been
1140 without @samp{-return-child-result}.
1141 @item
1142 The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1143 @item
1144 The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1145 the exit code will be -1.
1146 @end itemize
1147
1148 This option is useful in conjunction with @samp{-batch} or @samp{-batch-silent},
1149 when @value{GDBN} is being used as a remote program loader or simulator
1150 interface.
1151
1152 @item -nowindows
1153 @itemx -nw
1154 @cindex @code{--nowindows}
1155 @cindex @code{-nw}
1156 ``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
1157 (GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
1158 interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
1159
1160 @item -windows
1161 @itemx -w
1162 @cindex @code{--windows}
1163 @cindex @code{-w}
1164 If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1165 used if possible.
1166
1167 @item -cd @var{directory}
1168 @cindex @code{--cd}
1169 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1170 instead of the current directory.
1171
1172 @item -data-directory @var{directory}
1173 @itemx -D @var{directory}
1174 @cindex @code{--data-directory}
1175 @cindex @code{-D}
1176 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its data directory.
1177 The data directory is where @value{GDBN} searches for its
1178 auxiliary files. @xref{Data Files}.
1179
1180 @item -fullname
1181 @itemx -f
1182 @cindex @code{--fullname}
1183 @cindex @code{-f}
1184 @sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
1185 subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
1186 number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
1187 displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
1188 recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
1189 the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
1190 and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
1191 @samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
1192 frame.
1193
1194 @item -annotate @var{level}
1195 @cindex @code{--annotate}
1196 This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
1197 effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
1198 (@pxref{Annotations}). The annotation @var{level} controls how much
1199 information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt, values of
1200 expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0 is the
1201 normal, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of
1202 @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable for programs
1203 that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 has been deprecated.
1204
1205 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
1206 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
1207
1208 @item --args
1209 @cindex @code{--args}
1210 Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following the
1211 executable file are passed as command line arguments to the inferior.
1212 This option stops option processing.
1213
1214 @item -baud @var{bps}
1215 @itemx -b @var{bps}
1216 @cindex @code{--baud}
1217 @cindex @code{-b}
1218 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1219 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1220
1221 @item -l @var{timeout}
1222 @cindex @code{-l}
1223 Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1224 for remote debugging.
1225
1226 @item -tty @var{device}
1227 @itemx -t @var{device}
1228 @cindex @code{--tty}
1229 @cindex @code{-t}
1230 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1231 @c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1232
1233 @c resolve the situation of these eventually
1234 @item -tui
1235 @cindex @code{--tui}
1236 Activate the @dfn{Text User Interface} when starting. The Text User
1237 Interface manages several text windows on the terminal, showing
1238 source, assembly, registers and @value{GDBN} command outputs
1239 (@pxref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}). Do not use this
1240 option if you run @value{GDBN} from Emacs (@pxref{Emacs, ,
1241 Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1242
1243 @item -interpreter @var{interp}
1244 @cindex @code{--interpreter}
1245 Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1246 program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1247 communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end.
1248 @xref{Interpreters, , Command Interpreters}.
1249
1250 @samp{--interpreter=mi} (or @samp{--interpreter=mi2}) causes
1251 @value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{@sc{gdb/mi} interface} (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,
1252 The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}) included since @value{GDBN} version 6.0. The
1253 previous @sc{gdb/mi} interface, included in @value{GDBN} version 5.3 and
1254 selected with @samp{--interpreter=mi1}, is deprecated. Earlier
1255 @sc{gdb/mi} interfaces are no longer supported.
1256
1257 @item -write
1258 @cindex @code{--write}
1259 Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1260 is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1261 (@pxref{Patching}).
1262
1263 @item -statistics
1264 @cindex @code{--statistics}
1265 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1266 memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1267
1268 @item -version
1269 @cindex @code{--version}
1270 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1271 no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1272
1273 @item -configuration
1274 @cindex @code{--configuration}
1275 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print details about its build-time
1276 configuration parameters, and then exit. These details can be
1277 important when reporting @value{GDBN} bugs (@pxref{GDB Bugs}).
1278
1279 @end table
1280
1281 @node Startup
1282 @subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1283 @cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1284
1285 Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1286
1287 @enumerate
1288 @item
1289 Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1290 (@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
1291
1292 @item
1293 @cindex init file
1294 Reads the system-wide @dfn{init file} (if @option{--with-system-gdbinit} was
1295 used when building @value{GDBN}; @pxref{System-wide configuration,
1296 ,System-wide configuration and settings}) and executes all the commands in
1297 that file.
1298
1299 @anchor{Home Directory Init File}
1300 @item
1301 Reads the init file (if any) in your home directory@footnote{On
1302 DOS/Windows systems, the home directory is the one pointed to by the
1303 @code{HOME} environment variable.} and executes all the commands in
1304 that file.
1305
1306 @anchor{Option -init-eval-command}
1307 @item
1308 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-iex} and
1309 @samp{-ix} options in their specified order. Usually you should use the
1310 @samp{-ex} and @samp{-x} options instead, but this way you can apply
1311 settings before @value{GDBN} init files get executed and before inferior
1312 gets loaded.
1313
1314 @item
1315 Processes command line options and operands.
1316
1317 @anchor{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}
1318 @item
1319 Reads and executes the commands from init file (if any) in the current
1320 working directory as long as @samp{set auto-load local-gdbinit} is set to
1321 @samp{on} (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory}).
1322 This is only done if the current directory is
1323 different from your home directory. Thus, you can have more than one
1324 init file, one generic in your home directory, and another, specific
1325 to the program you are debugging, in the directory where you invoke
1326 @value{GDBN}.
1327
1328 @item
1329 If the command line specified a program to debug, or a process to
1330 attach to, or a core file, @value{GDBN} loads any auto-loaded
1331 scripts provided for the program or for its loaded shared libraries.
1332 @xref{Auto-loading}.
1333
1334 If you wish to disable the auto-loading during startup,
1335 you must do something like the following:
1336
1337 @smallexample
1338 $ gdb -iex "set auto-load python-scripts off" myprogram
1339 @end smallexample
1340
1341 Option @samp{-ex} does not work because the auto-loading is then turned
1342 off too late.
1343
1344 @item
1345 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-ex} and
1346 @samp{-x} options in their specified order. @xref{Command Files}, for
1347 more details about @value{GDBN} command files.
1348
1349 @item
1350 Reads the command history recorded in the @dfn{history file}.
1351 @xref{Command History}, for more details about the command history and the
1352 files where @value{GDBN} records it.
1353 @end enumerate
1354
1355 Init files use the same syntax as @dfn{command files} (@pxref{Command
1356 Files}) and are processed by @value{GDBN} in the same way. The init
1357 file in your home directory can set options (such as @samp{set
1358 complaints}) that affect subsequent processing of command line options
1359 and operands. Init files are not executed if you use the @samp{-nx}
1360 option (@pxref{Mode Options, ,Choosing Modes}).
1361
1362 To display the list of init files loaded by gdb at startup, you
1363 can use @kbd{gdb --help}.
1364
1365 @cindex init file name
1366 @cindex @file{.gdbinit}
1367 @cindex @file{gdb.ini}
1368 The @value{GDBN} init files are normally called @file{.gdbinit}.
1369 The DJGPP port of @value{GDBN} uses the name @file{gdb.ini}, due to
1370 the limitations of file names imposed by DOS filesystems. The Windows
1371 port of @value{GDBN} uses the standard name, but if it finds a
1372 @file{gdb.ini} file in your home directory, it warns you about that
1373 and suggests to rename the file to the standard name.
1374
1375
1376 @node Quitting GDB
1377 @section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1378 @cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1379 @cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1380
1381 @table @code
1382 @kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1383 @kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1384 @item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1385 @itemx q
1386 To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1387 @code{q}), or type an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{Ctrl-d}). If you
1388 do not supply @var{expression}, @value{GDBN} will terminate normally;
1389 otherwise it will terminate using the result of @var{expression} as the
1390 error code.
1391 @end table
1392
1393 @cindex interrupt
1394 An interrupt (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1395 terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1396 returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1397 character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1398 until a time when it is safe.
1399
1400 If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1401 device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1402 (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
1403
1404 @node Shell Commands
1405 @section Shell Commands
1406
1407 If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1408 debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1409 just use the @code{shell} command.
1410
1411 @table @code
1412 @kindex shell
1413 @kindex !
1414 @cindex shell escape
1415 @item shell @var{command-string}
1416 @itemx !@var{command-string}
1417 Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command-string}.
1418 Note that no space is needed between @code{!} and @var{command-string}.
1419 If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1420 shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses the default shell
1421 (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix systems, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1422 @end table
1423
1424 The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1425 You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1426 @value{GDBN}:
1427
1428 @table @code
1429 @kindex make
1430 @cindex calling make
1431 @item make @var{make-args}
1432 Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1433 arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1434 @end table
1435
1436 @node Logging Output
1437 @section Logging Output
1438 @cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1439 @cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
1440
1441 You may want to save the output of @value{GDBN} commands to a file.
1442 There are several commands to control @value{GDBN}'s logging.
1443
1444 @table @code
1445 @kindex set logging
1446 @item set logging on
1447 Enable logging.
1448 @item set logging off
1449 Disable logging.
1450 @cindex logging file name
1451 @item set logging file @var{file}
1452 Change the name of the current logfile. The default logfile is @file{gdb.txt}.
1453 @item set logging overwrite [on|off]
1454 By default, @value{GDBN} will append to the logfile. Set @code{overwrite} if
1455 you want @code{set logging on} to overwrite the logfile instead.
1456 @item set logging redirect [on|off]
1457 By default, @value{GDBN} output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1458 Set @code{redirect} if you want output to go only to the log file.
1459 @kindex show logging
1460 @item show logging
1461 Show the current values of the logging settings.
1462 @end table
1463
1464 @node Commands
1465 @chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1466
1467 You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1468 name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1469 @value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1470 key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1471 show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1472
1473 @menu
1474 * Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1475 * Completion:: Command completion
1476 * Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1477 @end menu
1478
1479 @node Command Syntax
1480 @section Command Syntax
1481
1482 A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1483 how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1484 arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1485 command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1486 step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1487 with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1488
1489 @cindex abbreviation
1490 @value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1491 unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1492 documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1493 abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1494 equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1495 names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1496 arguments to the @code{help} command.
1497
1498 @cindex repeating commands
1499 @kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1500 A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1501 repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1502 will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1503 repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1504 repeat. User-defined commands can disable this feature; see
1505 @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
1506
1507 The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1508 @key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1509 exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1510
1511 @value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1512 output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1513 (@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen Size}). Since it is easy to press one
1514 @key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1515 repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1516
1517 @kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1518 @cindex comment
1519 Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1520 nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1521 Files,,Command Files}).
1522
1523 @cindex repeating command sequences
1524 @kindex Ctrl-o @r{(operate-and-get-next)}
1525 The @kbd{Ctrl-o} binding is useful for repeating a complex sequence of
1526 commands. This command accepts the current line, like @key{RET}, and
1527 then fetches the next line relative to the current line from the history
1528 for editing.
1529
1530 @node Completion
1531 @section Command Completion
1532
1533 @cindex completion
1534 @cindex word completion
1535 @value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1536 only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1537 are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1538 commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
1539
1540 Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1541 of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1542 word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1543 enter it). For example, if you type
1544
1545 @c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1546 @c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1547 @c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1548 @c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1549 @smallexample
1550 (@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
1551 @end smallexample
1552
1553 @noindent
1554 @value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1555 the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1556
1557 @smallexample
1558 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1559 @end smallexample
1560
1561 @noindent
1562 You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1563 breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1564 @samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1565 were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1566 might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1567 to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1568
1569 If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1570 @key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1571 characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1572 @value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1573 example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1574 begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1575 just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1576 function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1577 example:
1578
1579 @smallexample
1580 (@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1581 @exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1582 make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1583 make_abs_section make_function_type
1584 make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1585 make_cleanup make_reference_type
1586 make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1587 (@value{GDBP}) b make_
1588 @end smallexample
1589
1590 @noindent
1591 After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1592 partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1593 command.
1594
1595 If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1596 can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1597 means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1598 key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1599 one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1600
1601 If the number of possible completions is large, @value{GDBN} will
1602 print as much of the list as it has collected, as well as a message
1603 indicating that the list may be truncated.
1604
1605 @smallexample
1606 (@value{GDBP}) b m@key{TAB}@key{TAB}
1607 main
1608 <... the rest of the possible completions ...>
1609 *** List may be truncated, max-completions reached. ***
1610 (@value{GDBP}) b m
1611 @end smallexample
1612
1613 @noindent
1614 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands:
1615
1616 @table @code
1617 @kindex set max-completions
1618 @item set max-completions @var{limit}
1619 @itemx set max-completions unlimited
1620 Set the maximum number of completion candidates. @value{GDBN} will
1621 stop looking for more completions once it collects this many candidates.
1622 This is useful when completing on things like function names as collecting
1623 all the possible candidates can be time consuming.
1624 The default value is 200. A value of zero disables tab-completion.
1625 Note that setting either no limit or a very large limit can make
1626 completion slow.
1627 @kindex show max-completions
1628 @item show max-completions
1629 Show the maximum number of candidates that @value{GDBN} will collect and show
1630 during completion.
1631 @end table
1632
1633 @cindex quotes in commands
1634 @cindex completion of quoted strings
1635 Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
1636 parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
1637 its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
1638 situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
1639 @value{GDBN} commands.
1640
1641 The most likely situation where you might need this is in typing the
1642 name of a C@t{++} function. This is because C@t{++} allows function
1643 overloading (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished
1644 by argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
1645 may need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
1646 that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
1647 that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}. To use the
1648 word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
1649 @code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
1650 @value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
1651 when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1652
1653 @smallexample
1654 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1655 bubble(double,double) bubble(int,int)
1656 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1657 @end smallexample
1658
1659 In some cases, @value{GDBN} can tell that completing a name requires using
1660 quotes. When this happens, @value{GDBN} inserts the quote for you (while
1661 completing as much as it can) if you do not type the quote in the first
1662 place:
1663
1664 @smallexample
1665 (@value{GDBP}) b bub @key{TAB}
1666 @exdent @value{GDBN} alters your input line to the following, and rings a bell:
1667 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1668 @end smallexample
1669
1670 @noindent
1671 In general, @value{GDBN} can tell that a quote is needed (and inserts it) if
1672 you have not yet started typing the argument list when you ask for
1673 completion on an overloaded symbol.
1674
1675 For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
1676 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1677 overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1678 see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
1679
1680 @cindex completion of structure field names
1681 @cindex structure field name completion
1682 @cindex completion of union field names
1683 @cindex union field name completion
1684 When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
1685 structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
1686 confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
1687 examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
1688 limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
1689 left-hand-side:
1690
1691 @smallexample
1692 (@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
1693 magic to_fputs to_rewind
1694 to_data to_isatty to_write
1695 to_delete to_put to_write_async_safe
1696 to_flush to_read
1697 @end smallexample
1698
1699 @noindent
1700 This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
1701 @code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
1702 follows:
1703
1704 @smallexample
1705 struct ui_file
1706 @{
1707 int *magic;
1708 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
1709 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
1710 ui_file_write_async_safe_ftype *to_write_async_safe;
1711 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
1712 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
1713 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
1714 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
1715 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
1716 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
1717 void *to_data;
1718 @}
1719 @end smallexample
1720
1721
1722 @node Help
1723 @section Getting Help
1724 @cindex online documentation
1725 @kindex help
1726
1727 You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1728 using the command @code{help}.
1729
1730 @table @code
1731 @kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1732 @item help
1733 @itemx h
1734 You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1735 display a short list of named classes of commands:
1736
1737 @smallexample
1738 (@value{GDBP}) help
1739 List of classes of commands:
1740
1741 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1742 breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1743 data -- Examining data
1744 files -- Specifying and examining files
1745 internals -- Maintenance commands
1746 obscure -- Obscure features
1747 running -- Running the program
1748 stack -- Examining the stack
1749 status -- Status inquiries
1750 support -- Support facilities
1751 tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
1752 stopping the program
1753 user-defined -- User-defined commands
1754
1755 Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1756 commands in that class.
1757 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1758 documentation.
1759 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1760 (@value{GDBP})
1761 @end smallexample
1762 @c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1763
1764 @item help @var{class}
1765 Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1766 list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1767 help display for the class @code{status}:
1768
1769 @smallexample
1770 (@value{GDBP}) help status
1771 Status inquiries.
1772
1773 List of commands:
1774
1775 @c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1776 @c to fit in smallbook page size.
1777 info -- Generic command for showing things
1778 about the program being debugged
1779 show -- Generic command for showing things
1780 about the debugger
1781
1782 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1783 documentation.
1784 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1785 (@value{GDBP})
1786 @end smallexample
1787
1788 @item help @var{command}
1789 With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1790 short paragraph on how to use that command.
1791
1792 @kindex apropos
1793 @item apropos @var{args}
1794 The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1795 commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1796 @var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1797
1798 @smallexample
1799 apropos alias
1800 @end smallexample
1801
1802 @noindent
1803 results in:
1804
1805 @smallexample
1806 @c @group
1807 alias -- Define a new command that is an alias of an existing command
1808 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1809 d -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1810 del -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1811 delete -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1812 @c @end group
1813 @end smallexample
1814
1815 @kindex complete
1816 @item complete @var{args}
1817 The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1818 for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1819 command you want completed. For example:
1820
1821 @smallexample
1822 complete i
1823 @end smallexample
1824
1825 @noindent results in:
1826
1827 @smallexample
1828 @group
1829 if
1830 ignore
1831 info
1832 inspect
1833 @end group
1834 @end smallexample
1835
1836 @noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1837 @end table
1838
1839 In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1840 and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1841 of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1842 manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1843 under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Command, Variable, and
1844 Function Index point to all the sub-commands. @xref{Command and Variable
1845 Index}.
1846
1847 @c @group
1848 @table @code
1849 @kindex info
1850 @kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1851 @item info
1852 This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1853 program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
1854 with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1855 registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1856 You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1857 @w{@code{help info}}.
1858
1859 @kindex set
1860 @item set
1861 You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1862 @code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1863 @code{set prompt $}.
1864
1865 @kindex show
1866 @item show
1867 In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1868 @value{GDBN} itself.
1869 You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1870 related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1871 system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1872 which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1873
1874 @kindex info set
1875 To display all the settable parameters and their current
1876 values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1877 @code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1878 @c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1879 @c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1880 @c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1881 @end table
1882 @c @end group
1883
1884 Here are several miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1885 exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1886
1887 @table @code
1888 @kindex show version
1889 @cindex @value{GDBN} version number
1890 @item show version
1891 Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1892 information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1893 @value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1894 version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1895 commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1896 system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1897 variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1898 The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1899 @value{GDBN}.
1900
1901 @kindex show copying
1902 @kindex info copying
1903 @cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
1904 @item show copying
1905 @itemx info copying
1906 Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1907
1908 @kindex show warranty
1909 @kindex info warranty
1910 @item show warranty
1911 @itemx info warranty
1912 Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1913 if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1914
1915 @kindex show configuration
1916 @item show configuration
1917 Display detailed information about the way @value{GDBN} was configured
1918 when it was built. This displays the optional arguments passed to the
1919 @file{configure} script and also configuration parameters detected
1920 automatically by @command{configure}. When reporting a @value{GDBN}
1921 bug (@pxref{GDB Bugs}), it is important to include this information in
1922 your report.
1923
1924 @end table
1925
1926 @node Running
1927 @chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1928
1929 When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1930 debugging information when you compile it.
1931
1932 You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1933 of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1934 your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1935 kill a child process.
1936
1937 @menu
1938 * Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1939 * Starting:: Starting your program
1940 * Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1941 * Environment:: Your program's environment
1942
1943 * Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1944 * Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1945 * Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1946 * Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1947
1948 * Inferiors and Programs:: Debugging multiple inferiors and programs
1949 * Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1950 * Forks:: Debugging forks
1951 * Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
1952 @end menu
1953
1954 @node Compilation
1955 @section Compiling for Debugging
1956
1957 In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1958 debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1959 is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1960 variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1961 and addresses in the executable code.
1962
1963 To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1964 the compiler.
1965
1966 Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
1967 optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, some
1968 compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
1969 together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
1970 executables containing debugging information.
1971
1972 @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
1973 without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
1974 recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
1975 program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
1976 in pushing your luck. For more information, see @ref{Optimized Code}.
1977
1978 Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
1979 @w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
1980 format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
1981
1982 @value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
1983 expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
1984 about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
1985 the @option{-g} flag alone. Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC},
1986 the @sc{gnu} C compiler, provides macro information if you are using
1987 the DWARF debugging format, and specify the option @option{-g3}.
1988
1989 @xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
1990 gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}, for more
1991 information on @value{NGCC} options affecting debug information.
1992
1993 You will have the best debugging experience if you use the latest
1994 version of the DWARF debugging format that your compiler supports.
1995 DWARF is currently the most expressive and best supported debugging
1996 format in @value{GDBN}.
1997
1998 @need 2000
1999 @node Starting
2000 @section Starting your Program
2001 @cindex starting
2002 @cindex running
2003
2004 @table @code
2005 @kindex run
2006 @kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
2007 @item run
2008 @itemx r
2009 Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
2010 You must first specify the program name with an argument to
2011 @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
2012 @value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file}
2013 command (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
2014
2015 @end table
2016
2017 If you are running your program in an execution environment that
2018 supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
2019 that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
2020 @code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
2021 like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
2022 message like this one:
2023
2024 @smallexample
2025 The "remote" target does not support "run".
2026 Try "help target" or "continue".
2027 @end smallexample
2028
2029 @noindent
2030 then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
2031 first (@pxref{load}).
2032
2033 The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
2034 receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
2035 information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
2036 can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
2037 your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
2038 divided into four categories:
2039
2040 @table @asis
2041 @item The @emph{arguments.}
2042 Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
2043 @code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
2044 is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
2045 (such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
2046 the arguments.
2047 In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
2048 @code{SHELL} environment variable. If you do not define @code{SHELL},
2049 @value{GDBN} uses the default shell (@file{/bin/sh}). You can disable
2050 use of any shell with the @code{set startup-with-shell} command (see
2051 below for details).
2052
2053 @item The @emph{environment.}
2054 Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
2055 use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
2056 environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
2057 your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
2058
2059 @item The @emph{working directory.}
2060 You can set your program's working directory with the command
2061 @kbd{set cwd}. If you do not set any working directory with this
2062 command, your program will inherit @value{GDBN}'s working directory if
2063 native debugging, or the remote server's working directory if remote
2064 debugging. @xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working
2065 Directory}.
2066
2067 @item The @emph{standard input and output.}
2068 Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
2069 standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
2070 in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
2071 set a different device for your program.
2072 @xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
2073
2074 @cindex pipes
2075 @emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
2076 pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
2077 program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
2078 wrong program.
2079 @end table
2080
2081 When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
2082 immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
2083 of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
2084 stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
2085 or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
2086
2087 If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
2088 time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
2089 table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
2090 your current breakpoints.
2091
2092 @table @code
2093 @kindex start
2094 @item start
2095 @cindex run to main procedure
2096 The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
2097 With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
2098 other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
2099 main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
2100 execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
2101 procedure, depending on the language used.
2102
2103 The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
2104 breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
2105 the @samp{run} command.
2106
2107 @cindex elaboration phase
2108 Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
2109 executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
2110 languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
2111 constructors for static and global objects are executed before
2112 @code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
2113 before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
2114 will remain to halt execution.
2115
2116 Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
2117 @samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
2118 underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
2119 reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
2120 @samp{start} or @samp{run}.
2121
2122 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
2123 these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution
2124 of your program too late, as the program would have already completed
2125 the elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, either insert
2126 breakpoints in your elaboration code before running your program or
2127 use the @code{starti} command.
2128
2129 @kindex starti
2130 @item starti
2131 @cindex run to first instruction
2132 The @samp{starti} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
2133 breakpoint at the first instruction of a program's execution and then
2134 invoking the @samp{run} command. For programs containing an
2135 elaboration phase, the @code{starti} command will stop execution at
2136 the start of the elaboration phase.
2137
2138 @anchor{set exec-wrapper}
2139 @kindex set exec-wrapper
2140 @item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
2141 @itemx show exec-wrapper
2142 @itemx unset exec-wrapper
2143 When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
2144 launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
2145 with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
2146 @var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
2147 arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
2148 appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
2149 your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
2150
2151 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
2152 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
2153 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
2154 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
2155
2156 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
2157 the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
2158 environment:
2159
2160 @smallexample
2161 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
2162 (@value{GDBP}) run
2163 @end smallexample
2164
2165 This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
2166 @sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
2167
2168 @kindex set startup-with-shell
2169 @anchor{set startup-with-shell}
2170 @item set startup-with-shell
2171 @itemx set startup-with-shell on
2172 @itemx set startup-with-shell off
2173 @itemx show startup-with-shell
2174 On Unix systems, by default, if a shell is available on your target,
2175 @value{GDBN}) uses it to start your program. Arguments of the
2176 @code{run} command are passed to the shell, which does variable
2177 substitution, expands wildcard characters and performs redirection of
2178 I/O. In some circumstances, it may be useful to disable such use of a
2179 shell, for example, when debugging the shell itself or diagnosing
2180 startup failures such as:
2181
2182 @smallexample
2183 (@value{GDBP}) run
2184 Starting program: ./a.out
2185 During startup program terminated with signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
2186 @end smallexample
2187
2188 @noindent
2189 which indicates the shell or the wrapper specified with
2190 @samp{exec-wrapper} crashed, not your program. Most often, this is
2191 caused by something odd in your shell's non-interactive mode
2192 initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell,
2193 $@file{.zshenv} for the Z shell, or the file specified in the
2194 @samp{BASH_ENV} environment variable for BASH.
2195
2196 @anchor{set auto-connect-native-target}
2197 @kindex set auto-connect-native-target
2198 @item set auto-connect-native-target
2199 @itemx set auto-connect-native-target on
2200 @itemx set auto-connect-native-target off
2201 @itemx show auto-connect-native-target
2202
2203 By default, if not connected to any target yet (e.g., with
2204 @code{target remote}), the @code{run} command starts your program as a
2205 native process under @value{GDBN}, on your local machine. If you're
2206 sure you don't want to debug programs on your local machine, you can
2207 tell @value{GDBN} to not connect to the native target automatically
2208 with the @code{set auto-connect-native-target off} command.
2209
2210 If @code{on}, which is the default, and if @value{GDBN} is not
2211 connected to a target already, the @code{run} command automaticaly
2212 connects to the native target, if one is available.
2213
2214 If @code{off}, and if @value{GDBN} is not connected to a target
2215 already, the @code{run} command fails with an error:
2216
2217 @smallexample
2218 (@value{GDBP}) run
2219 Don't know how to run. Try "help target".
2220 @end smallexample
2221
2222 If @value{GDBN} is already connected to a target, @value{GDBN} always
2223 uses it with the @code{run} command.
2224
2225 In any case, you can explicitly connect to the native target with the
2226 @code{target native} command. For example,
2227
2228 @smallexample
2229 (@value{GDBP}) set auto-connect-native-target off
2230 (@value{GDBP}) run
2231 Don't know how to run. Try "help target".
2232 (@value{GDBP}) target native
2233 (@value{GDBP}) run
2234 Starting program: ./a.out
2235 [Inferior 1 (process 10421) exited normally]
2236 @end smallexample
2237
2238 In case you connected explicitly to the @code{native} target,
2239 @value{GDBN} remains connected even if all inferiors exit, ready for
2240 the next @code{run} command. Use the @code{disconnect} command to
2241 disconnect.
2242
2243 Examples of other commands that likewise respect the
2244 @code{auto-connect-native-target} setting: @code{attach}, @code{info
2245 proc}, @code{info os}.
2246
2247 @kindex set disable-randomization
2248 @item set disable-randomization
2249 @itemx set disable-randomization on
2250 This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
2251 randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
2252 is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2253 reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2254
2255 This feature is implemented only on certain targets, including @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2256 On @sc{gnu}/Linux you can get the same behavior using
2257
2258 @smallexample
2259 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2260 @end smallexample
2261
2262 @item set disable-randomization off
2263 Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2264 ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2265 disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2266 @value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2267 as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2268 disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2269
2270 On targets where it is available, virtual address space randomization
2271 protects the programs against certain kinds of security attacks. In these
2272 cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2273 code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2274 a code at its expected addresses.
2275
2276 Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2277 makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2278 having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2279 library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2280 misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2281 random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2282 startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2283 a randomly chosen address.
2284
2285 Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2286 similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2287 a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2288 already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2289 executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2290
2291 Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2292 (as long as the randomization is enabled).
2293
2294 @item show disable-randomization
2295 Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2296 the virtual address space of the started program.
2297
2298 @end table
2299
2300 @node Arguments
2301 @section Your Program's Arguments
2302
2303 @cindex arguments (to your program)
2304 The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2305 @code{run} command.
2306 They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2307 performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2308 @code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2309 @value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2310 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2311
2312 On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2313 @value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2314 calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2315 the program, not by the shell.
2316
2317 @code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2318 @code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2319
2320 @table @code
2321 @kindex set args
2322 @item set args
2323 Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2324 @code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2325 with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2326 using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2327 it again without arguments.
2328
2329 @kindex show args
2330 @item show args
2331 Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2332 @end table
2333
2334 @node Environment
2335 @section Your Program's Environment
2336
2337 @cindex environment (of your program)
2338 The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2339 their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2340 your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2341 path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2342 the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2343 debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2344 environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2345
2346 @table @code
2347 @kindex path
2348 @item path @var{directory}
2349 Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2350 (the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2351 The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2352 You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2353 system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2354 MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2355 is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2356
2357 You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2358 working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2359 use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2360 @code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2361 @var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2362 @var{directory} to the search path.
2363 @c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2364 @c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2365
2366 @kindex show paths
2367 @item show paths
2368 Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2369 environment variable).
2370
2371 @kindex show environment
2372 @item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2373 Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2374 your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2375 print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2376 your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2377
2378 @kindex set environment
2379 @anchor{set environment}
2380 @item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2381 Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2382 changes for your program (and the shell @value{GDBN} uses to launch
2383 it), not for @value{GDBN} itself. The @var{value} may be any string; the
2384 values of environment variables are just strings, and any
2385 interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2386 parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2387 null value.
2388 @c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2389 @c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2390
2391 For example, this command:
2392
2393 @smallexample
2394 set env USER = foo
2395 @end smallexample
2396
2397 @noindent
2398 tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2399 @samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2400 are not actually required.)
2401
2402 Note that on Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program via a shell,
2403 which also inherits the environment set with @code{set environment}.
2404 If necessary, you can avoid that by using the @samp{env} program as a
2405 wrapper instead of using @code{set environment}. @xref{set
2406 exec-wrapper}, for an example doing just that.
2407
2408 Environment variables that are set by the user are also transmitted to
2409 @command{gdbserver} to be used when starting the remote inferior.
2410 @pxref{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}.
2411
2412 @kindex unset environment
2413 @anchor{unset environment}
2414 @item unset environment @var{varname}
2415 Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2416 program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2417 @code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2418 rather than assigning it an empty value.
2419
2420 Environment variables that are unset by the user are also unset on
2421 @command{gdbserver} when starting the remote inferior.
2422 @pxref{QEnvironmentUnset}.
2423 @end table
2424
2425 @emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2426 the shell indicated by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it
2427 exists (or @code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable
2428 names a shell that runs an initialization file when started
2429 non-interactively---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, $@file{.zshenv}
2430 for the Z shell, or the file specified in the @samp{BASH_ENV}
2431 environment variable for BASH---any variables you set in that file
2432 affect your program. You may wish to move setting of environment
2433 variables to files that are only run when you sign on, such as
2434 @file{.login} or @file{.profile}.
2435
2436 @node Working Directory
2437 @section Your Program's Working Directory
2438
2439 @cindex working directory (of your program)
2440 Each time you start your program with @code{run}, the inferior will be
2441 initialized with the current working directory specified by the
2442 @kbd{set cwd} command. If no directory has been specified by this
2443 command, then the inferior will inherit @value{GDBN}'s current working
2444 directory as its working directory if native debugging, or it will
2445 inherit the remote server's current working directory if remote
2446 debugging.
2447
2448 @table @code
2449 @kindex set cwd
2450 @cindex change inferior's working directory
2451 @anchor{set cwd command}
2452 @item set cwd @r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
2453 Set the inferior's working directory to @var{directory}, which will be
2454 @code{glob}-expanded in order to resolve tildes (@file{~}). If no
2455 argument has been specified, the command clears the setting and resets
2456 it to an empty state. This setting has no effect on @value{GDBN}'s
2457 working directory, and it only takes effect the next time you start
2458 the inferior. The @file{~} in @var{directory} is a short for the
2459 @dfn{home directory}, usually pointed to by the @env{HOME} environment
2460 variable. On MS-Windows, if @env{HOME} is not defined, @value{GDBN}
2461 uses the concatenation of @env{HOMEDRIVE} and @env{HOMEPATH} as
2462 fallback.
2463
2464 You can also change @value{GDBN}'s current working directory by using
2465 the @code{cd} command.
2466 @xref{cd command}
2467
2468 @kindex show cwd
2469 @cindex show inferior's working directory
2470 @item show cwd
2471 Show the inferior's working directory. If no directory has been
2472 specified by @kbd{set cwd}, then the default inferior's working
2473 directory is the same as @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
2474
2475 @kindex cd
2476 @cindex change @value{GDBN}'s working directory
2477 @anchor{cd command}
2478 @item cd @r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
2479 Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}. If not
2480 given, @var{directory} uses @file{'~'}.
2481
2482 The @value{GDBN} working directory serves as a default for the
2483 commands that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on.
2484 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
2485 @xref{set cwd command}
2486
2487 @kindex pwd
2488 @item pwd
2489 Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2490 @end table
2491
2492 It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2493 the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2494 during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} is
2495 configured with the @file{/proc} support, you can use the @code{info
2496 proc} command (@pxref{SVR4 Process Information}) to find out the
2497 current working directory of the debuggee.
2498
2499 @node Input/Output
2500 @section Your Program's Input and Output
2501
2502 @cindex redirection
2503 @cindex i/o
2504 @cindex terminal
2505 By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2506 the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2507 to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2508 modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2509 running your program.
2510
2511 @table @code
2512 @kindex info terminal
2513 @item info terminal
2514 Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2515 program is using.
2516 @end table
2517
2518 You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2519 redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2520
2521 @smallexample
2522 run > outfile
2523 @end smallexample
2524
2525 @noindent
2526 starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2527
2528 @kindex tty
2529 @cindex controlling terminal
2530 Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2531 with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2532 argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2533 commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2534 process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2535
2536 @smallexample
2537 tty /dev/ttyb
2538 @end smallexample
2539
2540 @noindent
2541 directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2542 default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2543 that as their controlling terminal.
2544
2545 An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2546 effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2547 terminal.
2548
2549 When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2550 command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2551 for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2552 for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2553
2554 @cindex inferior tty
2555 @cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2556 You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2557 display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2558 program.
2559
2560 @table @code
2561 @item set inferior-tty [ @var{tty} ]
2562 @kindex set inferior-tty
2563 Set the tty for the program being debugged to @var{tty}. Omitting @var{tty}
2564 restores the default behavior, which is to use the same terminal as
2565 @value{GDBN}.
2566
2567 @item show inferior-tty
2568 @kindex show inferior-tty
2569 Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2570 @end table
2571
2572 @node Attach
2573 @section Debugging an Already-running Process
2574 @kindex attach
2575 @cindex attach
2576
2577 @table @code
2578 @item attach @var{process-id}
2579 This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2580 outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2581 targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2582 find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2583 or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2584
2585 @code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2586 executing the command.
2587 @end table
2588
2589 To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2590 which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2591 programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2592 also have permission to send the process a signal.
2593
2594 When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2595 the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2596 the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2597 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2598 the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2599 Specify Files}.
2600
2601 The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2602 process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2603 with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2604 you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2605 can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2606 process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2607 attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2608
2609 @table @code
2610 @kindex detach
2611 @item detach
2612 When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2613 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2614 the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2615 that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2616 are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2617 @code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2618 executing the command.
2619 @end table
2620
2621 If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2622 that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2623 By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2624 things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2625 @code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2626 Messages}).
2627
2628 @node Kill Process
2629 @section Killing the Child Process
2630
2631 @table @code
2632 @kindex kill
2633 @item kill
2634 Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2635 @end table
2636
2637 This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2638 running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2639 is running.
2640
2641 On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2642 while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2643 @code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2644 outside the debugger.
2645
2646 The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2647 relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2648 executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2649 next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2650 reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2651 breakpoint settings).
2652
2653 @node Inferiors and Programs
2654 @section Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs
2655
2656 @value{GDBN} lets you run and debug multiple programs in a single
2657 session. In addition, @value{GDBN} on some systems may let you run
2658 several programs simultaneously (otherwise you have to exit from one
2659 before starting another). In the most general case, you can have
2660 multiple threads of execution in each of multiple processes, launched
2661 from multiple executables.
2662
2663 @cindex inferior
2664 @value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
2665 object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
2666 a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
2667 have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
2668 may be retained after a process exits. Inferiors have unique
2669 identifiers that are different from process ids. Usually each
2670 inferior will also have its own distinct address space, although some
2671 embedded targets may have several inferiors running in different parts
2672 of a single address space. Each inferior may in turn have multiple
2673 threads running in it.
2674
2675 To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @w{@code{info
2676 inferiors}}:
2677
2678 @table @code
2679 @kindex info inferiors
2680 @item info inferiors
2681 Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
2682
2683 @value{GDBN} displays for each inferior (in this order):
2684
2685 @enumerate
2686 @item
2687 the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2688
2689 @item
2690 the target system's inferior identifier
2691
2692 @item
2693 the name of the executable the inferior is running.
2694
2695 @end enumerate
2696
2697 @noindent
2698 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} inferior number
2699 indicates the current inferior.
2700
2701 For example,
2702 @end table
2703 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2704
2705 @smallexample
2706 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2707 Num Description Executable
2708 2 process 2307 hello
2709 * 1 process 3401 goodbye
2710 @end smallexample
2711
2712 To switch focus between inferiors, use the @code{inferior} command:
2713
2714 @table @code
2715 @kindex inferior @var{infno}
2716 @item inferior @var{infno}
2717 Make inferior number @var{infno} the current inferior. The argument
2718 @var{infno} is the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}, as shown
2719 in the first field of the @samp{info inferiors} display.
2720 @end table
2721
2722 @vindex $_inferior@r{, convenience variable}
2723 The debugger convenience variable @samp{$_inferior} contains the
2724 number of the current inferior. You may find this useful in writing
2725 breakpoint conditional expressions, command scripts, and so forth.
2726 @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for general
2727 information on convenience variables.
2728
2729 You can get multiple executables into a debugging session via the
2730 @code{add-inferior} and @w{@code{clone-inferior}} commands. On some
2731 systems @value{GDBN} can add inferiors to the debug session
2732 automatically by following calls to @code{fork} and @code{exec}. To
2733 remove inferiors from the debugging session use the
2734 @w{@code{remove-inferiors}} command.
2735
2736 @table @code
2737 @kindex add-inferior
2738 @item add-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ -exec @var{executable} ]
2739 Adds @var{n} inferiors to be run using @var{executable} as the
2740 executable; @var{n} defaults to 1. If no executable is specified,
2741 the inferiors begins empty, with no program. You can still assign or
2742 change the program assigned to the inferior at any time by using the
2743 @code{file} command with the executable name as its argument.
2744
2745 @kindex clone-inferior
2746 @item clone-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ @var{infno} ]
2747 Adds @var{n} inferiors ready to execute the same program as inferior
2748 @var{infno}; @var{n} defaults to 1, and @var{infno} defaults to the
2749 number of the current inferior. This is a convenient command when you
2750 want to run another instance of the inferior you are debugging.
2751
2752 @smallexample
2753 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2754 Num Description Executable
2755 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2756 (@value{GDBP}) clone-inferior
2757 Added inferior 2.
2758 1 inferiors added.
2759 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2760 Num Description Executable
2761 2 <null> helloworld
2762 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2763 @end smallexample
2764
2765 You can now simply switch focus to inferior 2 and run it.
2766
2767 @kindex remove-inferiors
2768 @item remove-inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2769 Removes the inferior or inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}. It is not
2770 possible to remove an inferior that is running with this command. For
2771 those, use the @code{kill} or @code{detach} command first.
2772
2773 @end table
2774
2775 To quit debugging one of the running inferiors that is not the current
2776 inferior, you can either detach from it by using the @w{@code{detach
2777 inferior}} command (allowing it to run independently), or kill it
2778 using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}} command:
2779
2780 @table @code
2781 @kindex detach inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2782 @item detach inferior @var{infno}@dots{}
2783 Detach from the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN}
2784 inferior number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry
2785 still stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors},
2786 but its Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2787
2788 @kindex kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2789 @item kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2790 Kill the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN} inferior
2791 number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry still
2792 stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors}, but its
2793 Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2794 @end table
2795
2796 After the successful completion of a command such as @code{detach},
2797 @code{detach inferiors}, @code{kill} or @code{kill inferiors}, or after
2798 a normal process exit, the inferior is still valid and listed with
2799 @code{info inferiors}, ready to be restarted.
2800
2801
2802 To be notified when inferiors are started or exit under @value{GDBN}'s
2803 control use @w{@code{set print inferior-events}}:
2804
2805 @table @code
2806 @kindex set print inferior-events
2807 @cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
2808 @item set print inferior-events
2809 @itemx set print inferior-events on
2810 @itemx set print inferior-events off
2811 The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
2812 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
2813 inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
2814 detached. By default, these messages will not be printed.
2815
2816 @kindex show print inferior-events
2817 @item show print inferior-events
2818 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
2819 inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
2820 @end table
2821
2822 Many commands will work the same with multiple programs as with a
2823 single program: e.g., @code{print myglobal} will simply display the
2824 value of @code{myglobal} in the current inferior.
2825
2826
2827 Occasionaly, when debugging @value{GDBN} itself, it may be useful to
2828 get more info about the relationship of inferiors, programs, address
2829 spaces in a debug session. You can do that with the @w{@code{maint
2830 info program-spaces}} command.
2831
2832 @table @code
2833 @kindex maint info program-spaces
2834 @item maint info program-spaces
2835 Print a list of all program spaces currently being managed by
2836 @value{GDBN}.
2837
2838 @value{GDBN} displays for each program space (in this order):
2839
2840 @enumerate
2841 @item
2842 the program space number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2843
2844 @item
2845 the name of the executable loaded into the program space, with e.g.,
2846 the @code{file} command.
2847
2848 @end enumerate
2849
2850 @noindent
2851 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} program space number
2852 indicates the current program space.
2853
2854 In addition, below each program space line, @value{GDBN} prints extra
2855 information that isn't suitable to display in tabular form. For
2856 example, the list of inferiors bound to the program space.
2857
2858 @smallexample
2859 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2860 Id Executable
2861 * 1 hello
2862 2 goodbye
2863 Bound inferiors: ID 1 (process 21561)
2864 @end smallexample
2865
2866 Here we can see that no inferior is running the program @code{hello},
2867 while @code{process 21561} is running the program @code{goodbye}. On
2868 some targets, it is possible that multiple inferiors are bound to the
2869 same program space. The most common example is that of debugging both
2870 the parent and child processes of a @code{vfork} call. For example,
2871
2872 @smallexample
2873 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2874 Id Executable
2875 * 1 vfork-test
2876 Bound inferiors: ID 2 (process 18050), ID 1 (process 18045)
2877 @end smallexample
2878
2879 Here, both inferior 2 and inferior 1 are running in the same program
2880 space as a result of inferior 1 having executed a @code{vfork} call.
2881 @end table
2882
2883 @node Threads
2884 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2885
2886 @cindex threads of execution
2887 @cindex multiple threads
2888 @cindex switching threads
2889 In some operating systems, such as GNU/Linux and Solaris, a single program
2890 may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2891 of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2892 the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2893 that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2894 modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2895 registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2896
2897 @value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2898 programs:
2899
2900 @itemize @bullet
2901 @item automatic notification of new threads
2902 @item @samp{thread @var{thread-id}}, a command to switch among threads
2903 @item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2904 @item @samp{thread apply [@var{thread-id-list}] [@var{all}] @var{args}},
2905 a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2906 @item thread-specific breakpoints
2907 @item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2908 messages on thread start and exit.
2909 @item @samp{set libthread-db-search-path @var{path}}, which lets
2910 the user specify which @code{libthread_db} to use if the default choice
2911 isn't compatible with the program.
2912 @end itemize
2913
2914 @cindex focus of debugging
2915 @cindex current thread
2916 The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2917 threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2918 control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2919 This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2920 program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2921
2922 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2923 @cindex thread identifier (system)
2924 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2925 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2926 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2927 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2928 the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2929 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}, where @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2930 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2931 @sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2932
2933 @smallexample
2934 [New Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 25582)]
2935 @end smallexample
2936
2937 @noindent
2938 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on other systems,
2939 the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2940 further qualifier.
2941
2942 @c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2943 @c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2944 @c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2945 @c program?
2946 @c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2947 @c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2948 @c threads ab initio?
2949
2950 @anchor{thread numbers}
2951 @cindex thread number, per inferior
2952 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2953 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread number
2954 ---always a single integer---with each thread of an inferior. This
2955 number is unique between all threads of an inferior, but not unique
2956 between threads of different inferiors.
2957
2958 @cindex qualified thread ID
2959 You can refer to a given thread in an inferior using the qualified
2960 @var{inferior-num}.@var{thread-num} syntax, also known as
2961 @dfn{qualified thread ID}, with @var{inferior-num} being the inferior
2962 number and @var{thread-num} being the thread number of the given
2963 inferior. For example, thread @code{2.3} refers to thread number 3 of
2964 inferior 2. If you omit @var{inferior-num} (e.g., @code{thread 3}),
2965 then @value{GDBN} infers you're referring to a thread of the current
2966 inferior.
2967
2968 Until you create a second inferior, @value{GDBN} does not show the
2969 @var{inferior-num} part of thread IDs, even though you can always use
2970 the full @var{inferior-num}.@var{thread-num} form to refer to threads
2971 of inferior 1, the initial inferior.
2972
2973 @anchor{thread ID lists}
2974 @cindex thread ID lists
2975 Some commands accept a space-separated @dfn{thread ID list} as
2976 argument. A list element can be:
2977
2978 @enumerate
2979 @item
2980 A thread ID as shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads}
2981 display, with or without an inferior qualifier. E.g., @samp{2.1} or
2982 @samp{1}.
2983
2984 @item
2985 A range of thread numbers, again with or without an inferior
2986 qualifier, as in @var{inf}.@var{thr1}-@var{thr2} or
2987 @var{thr1}-@var{thr2}. E.g., @samp{1.2-4} or @samp{2-4}.
2988
2989 @item
2990 All threads of an inferior, specified with a star wildcard, with or
2991 without an inferior qualifier, as in @var{inf}.@code{*} (e.g.,
2992 @samp{1.*}) or @code{*}. The former refers to all threads of the
2993 given inferior, and the latter form without an inferior qualifier
2994 refers to all threads of the current inferior.
2995
2996 @end enumerate
2997
2998 For example, if the current inferior is 1, and inferior 7 has one
2999 thread with ID 7.1, the thread list @samp{1 2-3 4.5 6.7-9 7.*}
3000 includes threads 1 to 3 of inferior 1, thread 5 of inferior 4, threads
3001 7 to 9 of inferior 6 and all threads of inferior 7. That is, in
3002 expanded qualified form, the same as @samp{1.1 1.2 1.3 4.5 6.7 6.8 6.9
3003 7.1}.
3004
3005
3006 @anchor{global thread numbers}
3007 @cindex global thread number
3008 @cindex global thread identifier (GDB)
3009 In addition to a @emph{per-inferior} number, each thread is also
3010 assigned a unique @emph{global} number, also known as @dfn{global
3011 thread ID}, a single integer. Unlike the thread number component of
3012 the thread ID, no two threads have the same global ID, even when
3013 you're debugging multiple inferiors.
3014
3015 From @value{GDBN}'s perspective, a process always has at least one
3016 thread. In other words, @value{GDBN} assigns a thread number to the
3017 program's ``main thread'' even if the program is not multi-threaded.
3018
3019 @vindex $_thread@r{, convenience variable}
3020 @vindex $_gthread@r{, convenience variable}
3021 The debugger convenience variables @samp{$_thread} and
3022 @samp{$_gthread} contain, respectively, the per-inferior thread number
3023 and the global thread number of the current thread. You may find this
3024 useful in writing breakpoint conditional expressions, command scripts,
3025 and so forth. @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for
3026 general information on convenience variables.
3027
3028 If @value{GDBN} detects the program is multi-threaded, it augments the
3029 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint with the ID and name of
3030 the thread that hit the breakpoint.
3031
3032 @smallexample
3033 Thread 2 "client" hit Breakpoint 1, send_message () at client.c:68
3034 @end smallexample
3035
3036 Likewise when the program receives a signal:
3037
3038 @smallexample
3039 Thread 1 "main" received signal SIGINT, Interrupt.
3040 @end smallexample
3041
3042 @table @code
3043 @kindex info threads
3044 @item info threads @r{[}@var{thread-id-list}@r{]}
3045
3046 Display information about one or more threads. With no arguments
3047 displays information about all threads. You can specify the list of
3048 threads that you want to display using the thread ID list syntax
3049 (@pxref{thread ID lists}).
3050
3051 @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
3052
3053 @enumerate
3054 @item
3055 the per-inferior thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
3056
3057 @item
3058 the global thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}, if the @samp{-gid}
3059 option was specified
3060
3061 @item
3062 the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
3063
3064 @item
3065 the thread's name, if one is known. A thread can either be named by
3066 the user (see @code{thread name}, below), or, in some cases, by the
3067 program itself.
3068
3069 @item
3070 the current stack frame summary for that thread
3071 @end enumerate
3072
3073 @noindent
3074 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
3075 indicates the current thread.
3076
3077 For example,
3078 @end table
3079 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
3080
3081 @smallexample
3082 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
3083 Id Target Id Frame
3084 * 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
3085 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3086 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3087 at threadtest.c:68
3088 @end smallexample
3089
3090 If you're debugging multiple inferiors, @value{GDBN} displays thread
3091 IDs using the qualified @var{inferior-num}.@var{thread-num} format.
3092 Otherwise, only @var{thread-num} is shown.
3093
3094 If you specify the @samp{-gid} option, @value{GDBN} displays a column
3095 indicating each thread's global thread ID:
3096
3097 @smallexample
3098 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
3099 Id GId Target Id Frame
3100 1.1 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
3101 1.2 3 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3102 1.3 4 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3103 * 2.1 2 process 65 thread 1 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
3104 @end smallexample
3105
3106 On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
3107 Solaris-specific command:
3108
3109 @table @code
3110 @item maint info sol-threads
3111 @kindex maint info sol-threads
3112 @cindex thread info (Solaris)
3113 Display info on Solaris user threads.
3114 @end table
3115
3116 @table @code
3117 @kindex thread @var{thread-id}
3118 @item thread @var{thread-id}
3119 Make thread ID @var{thread-id} the current thread. The command
3120 argument @var{thread-id} is the @value{GDBN} thread ID, as shown in
3121 the first field of the @samp{info threads} display, with or without an
3122 inferior qualifier (e.g., @samp{2.1} or @samp{1}).
3123
3124 @value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the
3125 thread you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
3126
3127 @smallexample
3128 (@value{GDBP}) thread 2
3129 [Switching to thread 2 (Thread 0xb7fdab70 (LWP 12747))]
3130 #0 some_function (ignore=0x0) at example.c:8
3131 8 printf ("hello\n");
3132 @end smallexample
3133
3134 @noindent
3135 As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
3136 @samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
3137 threads.
3138
3139 @kindex thread apply
3140 @cindex apply command to several threads
3141 @item thread apply [@var{thread-id-list} | all [-ascending]] @var{command}
3142 The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
3143 @var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the threads that you
3144 want affected using the thread ID list syntax (@pxref{thread ID
3145 lists}), or specify @code{all} to apply to all threads. To apply a
3146 command to all threads in descending order, type @kbd{thread apply all
3147 @var{command}}. To apply a command to all threads in ascending order,
3148 type @kbd{thread apply all -ascending @var{command}}.
3149
3150
3151 @kindex thread name
3152 @cindex name a thread
3153 @item thread name [@var{name}]
3154 This command assigns a name to the current thread. If no argument is
3155 given, any existing user-specified name is removed. The thread name
3156 appears in the @samp{info threads} display.
3157
3158 On some systems, such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, @value{GDBN} is able to
3159 determine the name of the thread as given by the OS. On these
3160 systems, a name specified with @samp{thread name} will override the
3161 system-give name, and removing the user-specified name will cause
3162 @value{GDBN} to once again display the system-specified name.
3163
3164 @kindex thread find
3165 @cindex search for a thread
3166 @item thread find [@var{regexp}]
3167 Search for and display thread ids whose name or @var{systag}
3168 matches the supplied regular expression.
3169
3170 As well as being the complement to the @samp{thread name} command,
3171 this command also allows you to identify a thread by its target
3172 @var{systag}. For instance, on @sc{gnu}/Linux, the target @var{systag}
3173 is the LWP id.
3174
3175 @smallexample
3176 (@value{GDBN}) thread find 26688
3177 Thread 4 has target id 'Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688)'
3178 (@value{GDBN}) info thread 4
3179 Id Target Id Frame
3180 4 Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688) 0x00000031ca6cd372 in select ()
3181 @end smallexample
3182
3183 @kindex set print thread-events
3184 @cindex print messages on thread start and exit
3185 @item set print thread-events
3186 @itemx set print thread-events on
3187 @itemx set print thread-events off
3188 The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
3189 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
3190 started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
3191 be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
3192 Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
3193
3194 @kindex show print thread-events
3195 @item show print thread-events
3196 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
3197 have started and exited.
3198 @end table
3199
3200 @xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
3201 more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
3202 programs with multiple threads.
3203
3204 @xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
3205 watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
3206
3207 @anchor{set libthread-db-search-path}
3208 @table @code
3209 @kindex set libthread-db-search-path
3210 @cindex search path for @code{libthread_db}
3211 @item set libthread-db-search-path @r{[}@var{path}@r{]}
3212 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
3213 directories @value{GDBN} will use to search for @code{libthread_db}.
3214 If you omit @var{path}, @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to
3215 its default value (@code{$sdir:$pdir} on @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems).
3216 Internally, the default value comes from the @code{LIBTHREAD_DB_SEARCH_PATH}
3217 macro.
3218
3219 On @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems, @value{GDBN} uses a ``helper''
3220 @code{libthread_db} library to obtain information about threads in the
3221 inferior process. @value{GDBN} will use @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
3222 to find @code{libthread_db}. @value{GDBN} also consults first if inferior
3223 specific thread debugging library loading is enabled
3224 by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
3225
3226 A special entry @samp{$sdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
3227 refers to the default system directories that are
3228 normally searched for loading shared libraries. The @samp{$sdir} entry
3229 is the only kind not needing to be enabled by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db}
3230 (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
3231
3232 A special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
3233 refers to the directory from which @code{libpthread}
3234 was loaded in the inferior process.
3235
3236 For any @code{libthread_db} library @value{GDBN} finds in above directories,
3237 @value{GDBN} attempts to initialize it with the current inferior process.
3238 If this initialization fails (which could happen because of a version
3239 mismatch between @code{libthread_db} and @code{libpthread}), @value{GDBN}
3240 will unload @code{libthread_db}, and continue with the next directory.
3241 If none of @code{libthread_db} libraries initialize successfully,
3242 @value{GDBN} will issue a warning and thread debugging will be disabled.
3243
3244 Setting @code{libthread-db-search-path} is currently implemented
3245 only on some platforms.
3246
3247 @kindex show libthread-db-search-path
3248 @item show libthread-db-search-path
3249 Display current libthread_db search path.
3250
3251 @kindex set debug libthread-db
3252 @kindex show debug libthread-db
3253 @cindex debugging @code{libthread_db}
3254 @item set debug libthread-db
3255 @itemx show debug libthread-db
3256 Turns on or off display of @code{libthread_db}-related events.
3257 Use @code{1} to enable, @code{0} to disable.
3258 @end table
3259
3260 @node Forks
3261 @section Debugging Forks
3262
3263 @cindex fork, debugging programs which call
3264 @cindex multiple processes
3265 @cindex processes, multiple
3266 On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
3267 programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
3268 function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
3269 parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
3270 set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
3271 will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
3272 will cause it to terminate.
3273
3274 However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
3275 which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
3276 the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
3277 only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
3278 so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
3279 on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
3280 get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
3281 @value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
3282 the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
3283 the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
3284
3285 On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs
3286 that create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork}
3287 functions. On @sc{gnu}/Linux platforms, this feature is supported
3288 with kernel version 2.5.46 and later.
3289
3290 The fork debugging commands are supported in native mode and when
3291 connected to @code{gdbserver} in either @code{target remote} mode or
3292 @code{target extended-remote} mode.
3293
3294 By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
3295 the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
3296
3297 If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
3298 use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
3299
3300 @table @code
3301 @kindex set follow-fork-mode
3302 @item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
3303 Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
3304 @code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
3305 process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
3306
3307 @table @code
3308 @item parent
3309 The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
3310 unimpeded. This is the default.
3311
3312 @item child
3313 The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
3314 unimpeded.
3315
3316 @end table
3317
3318 @kindex show follow-fork-mode
3319 @item show follow-fork-mode
3320 Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
3321 @end table
3322
3323 @cindex debugging multiple processes
3324 On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
3325 command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
3326
3327 @table @code
3328 @kindex set detach-on-fork
3329 @item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
3330 Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
3331 retain debugger control over them both.
3332
3333 @table @code
3334 @item on
3335 The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
3336 @code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
3337 independently. This is the default.
3338
3339 @item off
3340 Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
3341 One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
3342 @code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
3343 is held suspended.
3344
3345 @end table
3346
3347 @kindex show detach-on-fork
3348 @item show detach-on-fork
3349 Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
3350 @end table
3351
3352 If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then @value{GDBN}
3353 will retain control of all forked processes (including nested forks).
3354 You can list the forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN} by
3355 using the @w{@code{info inferiors}} command, and switch from one fork
3356 to another by using the @code{inferior} command (@pxref{Inferiors and
3357 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}).
3358
3359 To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
3360 from it by using the @w{@code{detach inferiors}} command (allowing it
3361 to run independently), or kill it using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}}
3362 command. @xref{Inferiors and Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors
3363 and Programs}.
3364
3365 If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
3366 @code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
3367 breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
3368 @code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
3369 the child process's @code{main}.
3370
3371 On some systems, when a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you
3372 cannot debug the child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
3373
3374 If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
3375 call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent
3376 process, use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name
3377 as its argument. By default, after an @code{exec} call executes,
3378 @value{GDBN} discards the symbols of the previous executable image.
3379 You can change this behaviour with the @w{@code{set follow-exec-mode}}
3380 command.
3381
3382 @table @code
3383 @kindex set follow-exec-mode
3384 @item set follow-exec-mode @var{mode}
3385
3386 Set debugger response to a program call of @code{exec}. An
3387 @code{exec} call replaces the program image of a process.
3388
3389 @code{follow-exec-mode} can be:
3390
3391 @table @code
3392 @item new
3393 @value{GDBN} creates a new inferior and rebinds the process to this
3394 new inferior. The program the process was running before the
3395 @code{exec} call can be restarted afterwards by restarting the
3396 original inferior.
3397
3398 For example:
3399
3400 @smallexample
3401 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3402 (gdb) info inferior
3403 Id Description Executable
3404 * 1 <null> prog1
3405 (@value{GDBP}) run
3406 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3407 Program exited normally.
3408 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3409 Id Description Executable
3410 1 <null> prog1
3411 * 2 <null> prog2
3412 @end smallexample
3413
3414 @item same
3415 @value{GDBN} keeps the process bound to the same inferior. The new
3416 executable image replaces the previous executable loaded in the
3417 inferior. Restarting the inferior after the @code{exec} call, with
3418 e.g., the @code{run} command, restarts the executable the process was
3419 running after the @code{exec} call. This is the default mode.
3420
3421 For example:
3422
3423 @smallexample
3424 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3425 Id Description Executable
3426 * 1 <null> prog1
3427 (@value{GDBP}) run
3428 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3429 Program exited normally.
3430 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3431 Id Description Executable
3432 * 1 <null> prog2
3433 @end smallexample
3434
3435 @end table
3436 @end table
3437
3438 @code{follow-exec-mode} is supported in native mode and
3439 @code{target extended-remote} mode.
3440
3441 You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
3442 a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
3443 Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
3444
3445 @node Checkpoint/Restart
3446 @section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
3447
3448 @cindex checkpoint
3449 @cindex restart
3450 @cindex bookmark
3451 @cindex snapshot of a process
3452 @cindex rewind program state
3453
3454 On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
3455 @sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
3456 program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
3457 later.
3458
3459 Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
3460 happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
3461 includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
3462 system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
3463 moment when the checkpoint was saved.
3464
3465 Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
3466 getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
3467 a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
3468 the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
3469 from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
3470 start again from there.
3471
3472 This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
3473 steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
3474
3475 To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
3476
3477 @table @code
3478 @kindex checkpoint
3479 @item checkpoint
3480 Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
3481 The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
3482 is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
3483
3484 @kindex info checkpoints
3485 @item info checkpoints
3486 List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
3487 session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
3488 listed:
3489
3490 @table @code
3491 @item Checkpoint ID
3492 @item Process ID
3493 @item Code Address
3494 @item Source line, or label
3495 @end table
3496
3497 @kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3498 @item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3499 Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
3500 @var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
3501 etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
3502 was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
3503 in time when the checkpoint was saved.
3504
3505 Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
3506 are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
3507 only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
3508 the debugger.
3509
3510 @kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3511 @item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3512 Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
3513
3514 @end table
3515
3516 Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
3517 of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
3518 (OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
3519 a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
3520 so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
3521 opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
3522 previously read data can be read again.
3523
3524 Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
3525 external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
3526 from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
3527 but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
3528 be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
3529 been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
3530
3531 However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
3532 program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
3533 again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
3534 different execution path this time.
3535
3536 @cindex checkpoints and process id
3537 Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
3538 different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
3539 id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
3540 and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
3541 If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
3542 potentially pose a problem.
3543
3544 @subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
3545
3546 On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
3547 is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
3548 difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
3549 absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
3550 absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
3551 next.
3552
3553 A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
3554 Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
3555 and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
3556 process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
3557 your symbols will all stay in the same place.
3558
3559 @node Stopping
3560 @chapter Stopping and Continuing
3561
3562 The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
3563 program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
3564 trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
3565
3566 Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
3567 such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
3568 @value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
3569 change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
3570 continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
3571 ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
3572 explicitly request this information at any time.
3573
3574 @table @code
3575 @kindex info program
3576 @item info program
3577 Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
3578 running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
3579 @end table
3580
3581 @menu
3582 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
3583 * Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
3584 * Skipping Over Functions and Files::
3585 Skipping over functions and files
3586 * Signals:: Signals
3587 * Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
3588 @end menu
3589
3590 @node Breakpoints
3591 @section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
3592
3593 @cindex breakpoints
3594 A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
3595 the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
3596 control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
3597 breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
3598 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
3599 should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
3600 program.
3601
3602 On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
3603 the executable is run.
3604
3605 @cindex watchpoints
3606 @cindex data breakpoints
3607 @cindex memory tracing
3608 @cindex breakpoint on memory address
3609 @cindex breakpoint on variable modification
3610 A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
3611 when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
3612 of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
3613 combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
3614 @dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
3615 watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
3616 from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
3617 enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
3618 same commands.
3619
3620 You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
3621 whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
3622 Automatic Display}.
3623
3624 @cindex catchpoints
3625 @cindex breakpoint on events
3626 A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
3627 when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
3628 exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
3629 different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
3630 Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
3631 other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
3632 @code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
3633
3634 @cindex breakpoint numbers
3635 @cindex numbers for breakpoints
3636 @value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3637 catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
3638 starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
3639 features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
3640 breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
3641 @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
3642 enable it again.
3643
3644 @cindex breakpoint ranges
3645 @cindex breakpoint lists
3646 @cindex ranges of breakpoints
3647 @cindex lists of breakpoints
3648 Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a space-separated list of breakpoints
3649 on which to operate. A list element can be either a single breakpoint number,
3650 like @samp{5}, or a range of such numbers, like @samp{5-7}.
3651 When a breakpoint list is given to a command, all breakpoints in that list
3652 are operated on.
3653
3654 @menu
3655 * Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
3656 * Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
3657 * Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
3658 * Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
3659 * Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
3660 * Conditions:: Break conditions
3661 * Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
3662 * Dynamic Printf:: Dynamic printf
3663 * Save Breakpoints:: How to save breakpoints in a file
3664 * Static Probe Points:: Listing static probe points
3665 * Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3666 * Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
3667 @end menu
3668
3669 @node Set Breaks
3670 @subsection Setting Breakpoints
3671
3672 @c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
3673 @c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
3674 @c
3675 @c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
3676
3677 @kindex break
3678 @kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
3679 @vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
3680 @cindex latest breakpoint
3681 Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
3682 @code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
3683 number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
3684 Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
3685 convenience variables.
3686
3687 @table @code
3688 @item break @var{location}
3689 Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
3690 function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
3691 (@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
3692 specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
3693 before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
3694
3695 When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3696 C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3697 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3698 that situation.
3699
3700 It is also possible to insert a breakpoint that will stop the program
3701 only if a specific thread (@pxref{Thread-Specific Breakpoints})
3702 or a specific task (@pxref{Ada Tasks}) hits that breakpoint.
3703
3704 @item break
3705 When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3706 the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3707 (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3708 innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3709 returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3710 @code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3711 that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3712 @code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3713 the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3714 inside loops.
3715
3716 @value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3717 least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3718 would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3719 breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3720 existed when your program stopped.
3721
3722 @item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3723 Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3724 @var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3725 value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3726 @samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3727 above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3728 ,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3729
3730 @kindex tbreak
3731 @item tbreak @var{args}
3732 Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. The @var{args} are the
3733 same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3734 way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3735 program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3736
3737 @kindex hbreak
3738 @cindex hardware breakpoints
3739 @item hbreak @var{args}
3740 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. The @var{args} are the same as for the
3741 @code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3742 breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3743 have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3744 debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3745 changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3746 provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3747 will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3748 address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3749 breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3750 example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3751 @value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3752 or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3753 (@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3754 @xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3755 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3756 breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3757 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3758
3759 @kindex thbreak
3760 @item thbreak @var{args}
3761 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. The @var{args}
3762 are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3763 the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3764 the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3765 first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3766 command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3767 may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3768 See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3769
3770 @kindex rbreak
3771 @cindex regular expression
3772 @cindex breakpoints at functions matching a regexp
3773 @cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3774 @item rbreak @var{regex}
3775 Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3776 @var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3777 matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3778 breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3779 the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3780 them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3781
3782 The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3783 like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3784 shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3785 an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3786 @code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3787 match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3788
3789 @cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3790 When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3791 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3792 classes.
3793
3794 @cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3795 The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3796 @strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3797
3798 @smallexample
3799 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3800 @end smallexample
3801
3802 @item rbreak @var{file}:@var{regex}
3803 If @code{rbreak} is called with a filename qualification, it limits
3804 the search for functions matching the given regular expression to the
3805 specified @var{file}. This can be used, for example, to set breakpoints on
3806 every function in a given file:
3807
3808 @smallexample
3809 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak file.c:.
3810 @end smallexample
3811
3812 The colon separating the filename qualifier from the regex may
3813 optionally be surrounded by spaces.
3814
3815 @kindex info breakpoints
3816 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3817 @item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
3818 @itemx info break @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
3819 Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3820 not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3821 about the specified breakpoint(s) (or watchpoint(s) or catchpoint(s)).
3822 For each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3823
3824 @table @emph
3825 @item Breakpoint Numbers
3826 @item Type
3827 Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3828 @item Disposition
3829 Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3830 @item Enabled or Disabled
3831 Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3832 that are not enabled.
3833 @item Address
3834 Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3835 pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3836 contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3837 library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3838 See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3839 have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3840 @item What
3841 Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3842 line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3843 the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3844 the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3845 @end table
3846
3847 @noindent
3848 If a breakpoint is conditional, there are two evaluation modes: ``host'' and
3849 ``target''. If mode is ``host'', breakpoint condition evaluation is done by
3850 @value{GDBN} on the host's side. If it is ``target'', then the condition
3851 is evaluated by the target. The @code{info break} command shows
3852 the condition on the line following the affected breakpoint, together with
3853 its condition evaluation mode in between parentheses.
3854
3855 Breakpoint commands, if any, are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is
3856 allowed to have a condition specified for it. The condition is not parsed for
3857 validity until a shared library is loaded that allows the pending
3858 breakpoint to resolve to a valid location.
3859
3860 @noindent
3861 @code{info break} with a breakpoint
3862 number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3863 convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3864 the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3865 listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3866
3867 @noindent
3868 @code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3869 has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3870 @code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3871 hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3872 was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3873 will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3874
3875 @noindent
3876 For a breakpoints with an enable count (xref) greater than 1,
3877 @code{info break} also displays that count.
3878
3879 @end table
3880
3881 @value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3882 your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3883 the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3884 (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3885
3886 @cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3887 @cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3888 It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3889 in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3890
3891 @itemize @bullet
3892 @item
3893 Multiple functions in the program may have the same name.
3894
3895 @item
3896 For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3897 instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3898
3899 @item
3900 For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3901 correspond to any number of instantiations.
3902
3903 @item
3904 For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3905 several places where that function is inlined.
3906 @end itemize
3907
3908 In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
3909 the relevant locations.
3910
3911 A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
3912 table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
3913 each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
3914 address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
3915 addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
3916 locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
3917 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
3918
3919 For example:
3920
3921 @smallexample
3922 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
3923 1 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
3924 stop only if i==1
3925 breakpoint already hit 1 time
3926 1.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
3927 1.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
3928 @end smallexample
3929
3930 You cannot delete the individual locations from a breakpoint. However,
3931 each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
3932 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
3933 @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. It's also possible to
3934 @code{enable} and @code{disable} a range of @var{location-number}
3935 locations using a @var{breakpoint-number} and two @var{location-number}s,
3936 in increasing order, separated by a hyphen, like
3937 @kbd{@var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number1}-@var{location-number2}},
3938 in which case @value{GDBN} acts on all the locations in the range (inclusive).
3939 Disabling or enabling the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects
3940 all of the locations that belong to that breakpoint.
3941
3942 @cindex pending breakpoints
3943 It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
3944 Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
3945 and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
3946 this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
3947 any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
3948 set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
3949 debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
3950 symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
3951 breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
3952 a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
3953 is not yet resolved.
3954
3955 After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
3956 @value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
3957 shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
3958 pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
3959 ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
3960 that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
3961
3962 This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
3963 example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
3964 a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
3965 a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
3966
3967 Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
3968 differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
3969 enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
3970
3971 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
3972 happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
3973 address specification to an address:
3974
3975 @kindex set breakpoint pending
3976 @kindex show breakpoint pending
3977 @table @code
3978 @item set breakpoint pending auto
3979 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
3980 location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
3981
3982 @item set breakpoint pending on
3983 This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
3984 result in a pending breakpoint being created.
3985
3986 @item set breakpoint pending off
3987 This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
3988 unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
3989 not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
3990
3991 @item show breakpoint pending
3992 Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
3993 @end table
3994
3995 The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
3996 variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
3997 as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
3998
3999 @cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
4000 For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
4001 software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
4002 breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
4003 breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
4004 breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
4005 breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
4006 breakpoints.
4007
4008 You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands:
4009
4010 @kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
4011 @kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
4012 @table @code
4013 @item set breakpoint auto-hw on
4014 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
4015 will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
4016 breakpoint must be used.
4017
4018 @item set breakpoint auto-hw off
4019 This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
4020 type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
4021 trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
4022 @end table
4023
4024 @value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
4025 at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
4026 executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
4027 code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
4028 the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
4029 behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
4030 target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
4031 targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
4032 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
4033
4034 @kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
4035 @kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
4036 @table @code
4037 @item set breakpoint always-inserted off
4038 All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
4039 the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
4040 removed from the target when it stops. This is the default mode.
4041
4042 @item set breakpoint always-inserted on
4043 Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
4044 the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
4045 breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
4046 removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is deleted.
4047 @end table
4048
4049 @value{GDBN} handles conditional breakpoints by evaluating these conditions
4050 when a breakpoint breaks. If the condition is true, then the process being
4051 debugged stops, otherwise the process is resumed.
4052
4053 If the target supports evaluating conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} may
4054 download the breakpoint, together with its conditions, to it.
4055
4056 This feature can be controlled via the following commands:
4057
4058 @kindex set breakpoint condition-evaluation
4059 @kindex show breakpoint condition-evaluation
4060 @table @code
4061 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation host
4062 This option commands @value{GDBN} to evaluate the breakpoint
4063 conditions on the host's side. Unconditional breakpoints are sent to
4064 the target which in turn receives the triggers and reports them back to GDB
4065 for condition evaluation. This is the standard evaluation mode.
4066
4067 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation target
4068 This option commands @value{GDBN} to download breakpoint conditions
4069 to the target at the moment of their insertion. The target
4070 is responsible for evaluating the conditional expression and reporting
4071 breakpoint stop events back to @value{GDBN} whenever the condition
4072 is true. Due to limitations of target-side evaluation, some conditions
4073 cannot be evaluated there, e.g., conditions that depend on local data
4074 that is only known to the host. Examples include
4075 conditional expressions involving convenience variables, complex types
4076 that cannot be handled by the agent expression parser and expressions
4077 that are too long to be sent over to the target, specially when the
4078 target is a remote system. In these cases, the conditions will be
4079 evaluated by @value{GDBN}.
4080
4081 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation auto
4082 This is the default mode. If the target supports evaluating breakpoint
4083 conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} will download breakpoint conditions to
4084 the target (limitations mentioned previously apply). If the target does
4085 not support breakpoint condition evaluation, then @value{GDBN} will fallback
4086 to evaluating all these conditions on the host's side.
4087 @end table
4088
4089
4090 @cindex negative breakpoint numbers
4091 @cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
4092 @value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
4093 special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
4094 programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
4095 starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
4096 You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
4097 @samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
4098
4099
4100 @node Set Watchpoints
4101 @subsection Setting Watchpoints
4102
4103 @cindex setting watchpoints
4104 You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
4105 expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
4106 this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
4107 The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
4108 as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
4109
4110 @itemize @bullet
4111 @item
4112 A reference to the value of a single variable.
4113
4114 @item
4115 An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
4116 @samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
4117 address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
4118
4119 @item
4120 An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
4121 expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
4122 language (@pxref{Languages}).
4123 @end itemize
4124
4125 You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
4126 not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
4127 @samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
4128 @value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
4129 the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
4130 valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
4131 pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
4132 @code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
4133 the expression changes.
4134
4135 @cindex software watchpoints
4136 @cindex hardware watchpoints
4137 Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
4138 hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
4139 program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
4140 times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
4141 catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
4142 culprit.)
4143
4144 On some systems, such as most PowerPC or x86-based targets,
4145 @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware watchpoints, which do not
4146 slow down the running of your program.
4147
4148 @table @code
4149 @kindex watch
4150 @item watch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
4151 Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
4152 expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
4153 changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
4154 to watch the value of a single variable:
4155
4156 @smallexample
4157 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo
4158 @end smallexample
4159
4160 If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]}}
4161 argument, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
4162 @var{thread-id} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
4163 change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
4164 that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
4165 with Hardware Watchpoints.
4166
4167 Ordinarily a watchpoint respects the scope of variables in @var{expr}
4168 (see below). The @code{-location} argument tells @value{GDBN} to
4169 instead watch the memory referred to by @var{expr}. In this case,
4170 @value{GDBN} will evaluate @var{expr}, take the address of the result,
4171 and watch the memory at that address. The type of the result is used
4172 to determine the size of the watched memory. If the expression's
4173 result does not have an address, then @value{GDBN} will print an
4174 error.
4175
4176 The @code{@r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}} argument allows creation
4177 of masked watchpoints, if the current architecture supports this
4178 feature (e.g., PowerPC Embedded architecture, see @ref{PowerPC
4179 Embedded}.) A @dfn{masked watchpoint} specifies a mask in addition
4180 to an address to watch. The mask specifies that some bits of an address
4181 (the bits which are reset in the mask) should be ignored when matching
4182 the address accessed by the inferior against the watchpoint address.
4183 Thus, a masked watchpoint watches many addresses simultaneously---those
4184 addresses whose unmasked bits are identical to the unmasked bits in the
4185 watchpoint address. The @code{mask} argument implies @code{-location}.
4186 Examples:
4187
4188 @smallexample
4189 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo mask 0xffff00ff
4190 (@value{GDBP}) watch *0xdeadbeef mask 0xffffff00
4191 @end smallexample
4192
4193 @kindex rwatch
4194 @item rwatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
4195 Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
4196 by the program.
4197
4198 @kindex awatch
4199 @item awatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
4200 Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
4201 or written into by the program.
4202
4203 @kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4204 @item info watchpoints @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4205 This command prints a list of watchpoints, using the same format as
4206 @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
4207 @end table
4208
4209 If you watch for a change in a numerically entered address you need to
4210 dereference it, as the address itself is just a constant number which will
4211 never change. @value{GDBN} refuses to create a watchpoint that watches
4212 a never-changing value:
4213
4214 @smallexample
4215 (@value{GDBP}) watch 0x600850
4216 Cannot watch constant value 0x600850.
4217 (@value{GDBP}) watch *(int *) 0x600850
4218 Watchpoint 1: *(int *) 6293584
4219 @end smallexample
4220
4221 @value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
4222 watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
4223 value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
4224 cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
4225 executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
4226 @emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
4227
4228 @cindex use only software watchpoints
4229 You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
4230 @kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
4231 zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
4232 the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
4233 watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
4234 @code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
4235 mechanism of watching expression values.)
4236
4237 @table @code
4238 @item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
4239 @kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
4240 Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
4241
4242 @item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
4243 @kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
4244 Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
4245 @end table
4246
4247 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
4248 watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
4249 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
4250
4251 When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
4252
4253 @smallexample
4254 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
4255 @end smallexample
4256
4257 @noindent
4258 if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
4259
4260 Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
4261 hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
4262 value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
4263 every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
4264 that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
4265 hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
4266 will print a message like this:
4267
4268 @smallexample
4269 Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
4270 @end smallexample
4271
4272 Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
4273 data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
4274 watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
4275 can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
4276 cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
4277 double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
4278 wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
4279 into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
4280
4281 If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
4282 to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
4283 Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
4284 time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
4285 able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
4286 warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
4287
4288 @smallexample
4289 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
4290 @end smallexample
4291
4292 @noindent
4293 If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
4294
4295 Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
4296 exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
4297 That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
4298 expression with separately allocated resources.
4299
4300 If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
4301 any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
4302 kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
4303
4304 @value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
4305 (automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
4306 they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
4307 which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
4308 being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
4309 and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
4310 rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
4311 way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
4312 @code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
4313
4314 @cindex watchpoints and threads
4315 @cindex threads and watchpoints
4316 In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
4317 watched expression from every thread.
4318
4319 @quotation
4320 @emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
4321 have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
4322 watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
4323 single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
4324 change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
4325 confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
4326 software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
4327 when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
4328 watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
4329 @end quotation
4330
4331 @xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
4332
4333 @node Set Catchpoints
4334 @subsection Setting Catchpoints
4335 @cindex catchpoints, setting
4336 @cindex exception handlers
4337 @cindex event handling
4338
4339 You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
4340 kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
4341 shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
4342
4343 @table @code
4344 @kindex catch
4345 @item catch @var{event}
4346 Stop when @var{event} occurs. The @var{event} can be any of the following:
4347
4348 @table @code
4349 @item throw @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4350 @itemx rethrow @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4351 @itemx catch @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4352 @kindex catch throw
4353 @kindex catch rethrow
4354 @kindex catch catch
4355 @cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
4356 The throwing, re-throwing, or catching of a C@t{++} exception.
4357
4358 If @var{regexp} is given, then only exceptions whose type matches the
4359 regular expression will be caught.
4360
4361 @vindex $_exception@r{, convenience variable}
4362 The convenience variable @code{$_exception} is available at an
4363 exception-related catchpoint, on some systems. This holds the
4364 exception being thrown.
4365
4366 There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling in
4367 @value{GDBN}:
4368
4369 @itemize @bullet
4370 @item
4371 The support for these commands is system-dependent. Currently, only
4372 systems using the @samp{gnu-v3} C@t{++} ABI (@pxref{ABI}) are
4373 supported.
4374
4375 @item
4376 The regular expression feature and the @code{$_exception} convenience
4377 variable rely on the presence of some SDT probes in @code{libstdc++}.
4378 If these probes are not present, then these features cannot be used.
4379 These probes were first available in the GCC 4.8 release, but whether
4380 or not they are available in your GCC also depends on how it was
4381 built.
4382
4383 @item
4384 The @code{$_exception} convenience variable is only valid at the
4385 instruction at which an exception-related catchpoint is set.
4386
4387 @item
4388 When an exception-related catchpoint is hit, @value{GDBN} stops at a
4389 location in the system library which implements runtime exception
4390 support for C@t{++}, usually @code{libstdc++}. You can use @code{up}
4391 (@pxref{Selection}) to get to your code.
4392
4393 @item
4394 If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
4395 control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
4396 raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
4397 returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
4398 simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
4399 that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
4400 you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
4401 disabled within interactive calls. @xref{Calling}, for information on
4402 controlling this with @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception}.
4403
4404 @item
4405 You cannot raise an exception interactively.
4406
4407 @item
4408 You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
4409 @end itemize
4410
4411 @item exception
4412 @kindex catch exception
4413 @cindex Ada exception catching
4414 @cindex catch Ada exceptions
4415 An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
4416 at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
4417 the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
4418 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
4419
4420 When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
4421 name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
4422 fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
4423 @value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
4424 rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
4425 called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
4426 the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
4427 Pck.Constraint_Error}.
4428
4429 @item exception unhandled
4430 @kindex catch exception unhandled
4431 An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
4432
4433 @item assert
4434 @kindex catch assert
4435 A failed Ada assertion.
4436
4437 @item exec
4438 @kindex catch exec
4439 @cindex break on fork/exec
4440 A call to @code{exec}.
4441
4442 @item syscall
4443 @itemx syscall @r{[}@var{name} @r{|} @var{number} @r{|} @r{group:}@var{groupname} @r{|} @r{g:}@var{groupname}@r{]} @dots{}
4444 @kindex catch syscall
4445 @cindex break on a system call.
4446 A call to or return from a system call, a.k.a.@: @dfn{syscall}. A
4447 syscall is a mechanism for application programs to request a service
4448 from the operating system (OS) or one of the OS system services.
4449 @value{GDBN} can catch some or all of the syscalls issued by the
4450 debuggee, and show the related information for each syscall. If no
4451 argument is specified, calls to and returns from all system calls
4452 will be caught.
4453
4454 @var{name} can be any system call name that is valid for the
4455 underlying OS. Just what syscalls are valid depends on the OS. On
4456 GNU and Unix systems, you can find the full list of valid syscall
4457 names on @file{/usr/include/asm/unistd.h}.
4458
4459 @c For MS-Windows, the syscall names and the corresponding numbers
4460 @c can be found, e.g., on this URL:
4461 @c http://www.metasploit.com/users/opcode/syscalls.html
4462 @c but we don't support Windows syscalls yet.
4463
4464 Normally, @value{GDBN} knows in advance which syscalls are valid for
4465 each OS, so you can use the @value{GDBN} command-line completion
4466 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
4467 available choices.
4468
4469 You may also specify the system call numerically. A syscall's
4470 number is the value passed to the OS's syscall dispatcher to
4471 identify the requested service. When you specify the syscall by its
4472 name, @value{GDBN} uses its database of syscalls to convert the name
4473 into the corresponding numeric code, but using the number directly
4474 may be useful if @value{GDBN}'s database does not have the complete
4475 list of syscalls on your system (e.g., because @value{GDBN} lags
4476 behind the OS upgrades).
4477
4478 You may specify a group of related syscalls to be caught at once using
4479 the @code{group:} syntax (@code{g:} is a shorter equivalent). For
4480 instance, on some platforms @value{GDBN} allows you to catch all
4481 network related syscalls, by passing the argument @code{group:network}
4482 to @code{catch syscall}. Note that not all syscall groups are
4483 available in every system. You can use the command completion
4484 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
4485 syscall groups available on your environment.
4486
4487 The example below illustrates how this command works if you don't provide
4488 arguments to it:
4489
4490 @smallexample
4491 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4492 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4493 (@value{GDBP}) r
4494 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4495
4496 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'close'), \
4497 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4498 (@value{GDBP}) c
4499 Continuing.
4500
4501 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'close'), \
4502 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4503 (@value{GDBP})
4504 @end smallexample
4505
4506 Here is an example of catching a system call by name:
4507
4508 @smallexample
4509 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall chroot
4510 Catchpoint 1 (syscall 'chroot' [61])
4511 (@value{GDBP}) r
4512 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4513
4514 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'chroot'), \
4515 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4516 (@value{GDBP}) c
4517 Continuing.
4518
4519 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'chroot'), \
4520 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4521 (@value{GDBP})
4522 @end smallexample
4523
4524 An example of specifying a system call numerically. In the case
4525 below, the syscall number has a corresponding entry in the XML
4526 file, so @value{GDBN} finds its name and prints it:
4527
4528 @smallexample
4529 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4530 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 'exit_group')
4531 (@value{GDBP}) r
4532 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4533
4534 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'exit_group'), \
4535 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4536 (@value{GDBP}) c
4537 Continuing.
4538
4539 Program exited normally.
4540 (@value{GDBP})
4541 @end smallexample
4542
4543 Here is an example of catching a syscall group:
4544
4545 @smallexample
4546 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall group:process
4547 Catchpoint 1 (syscalls 'exit' [1] 'fork' [2] 'waitpid' [7]
4548 'execve' [11] 'wait4' [114] 'clone' [120] 'vfork' [190]
4549 'exit_group' [252] 'waitid' [284] 'unshare' [310])
4550 (@value{GDBP}) r
4551 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4552
4553 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall fork), 0x00007ffff7df4e27 in open64 ()
4554 from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
4555
4556 (@value{GDBP}) c
4557 Continuing.
4558 @end smallexample
4559
4560 However, there can be situations when there is no corresponding name
4561 in XML file for that syscall number. In this case, @value{GDBN} prints
4562 a warning message saying that it was not able to find the syscall name,
4563 but the catchpoint will be set anyway. See the example below:
4564
4565 @smallexample
4566 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 764
4567 warning: The number '764' does not represent a known syscall.
4568 Catchpoint 2 (syscall 764)
4569 (@value{GDBP})
4570 @end smallexample
4571
4572 If you configure @value{GDBN} using the @samp{--without-expat} option,
4573 it will not be able to display syscall names. Also, if your
4574 architecture does not have an XML file describing its system calls,
4575 you will not be able to see the syscall names. It is important to
4576 notice that these two features are used for accessing the syscall
4577 name database. In either case, you will see a warning like this:
4578
4579 @smallexample
4580 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4581 warning: Could not open "syscalls/i386-linux.xml"
4582 warning: Could not load the syscall XML file 'syscalls/i386-linux.xml'.
4583 GDB will not be able to display syscall names.
4584 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4585 (@value{GDBP})
4586 @end smallexample
4587
4588 Of course, the file name will change depending on your architecture and system.
4589
4590 Still using the example above, you can also try to catch a syscall by its
4591 number. In this case, you would see something like:
4592
4593 @smallexample
4594 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4595 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 252)
4596 @end smallexample
4597
4598 Again, in this case @value{GDBN} would not be able to display syscall's names.
4599
4600 @item fork
4601 @kindex catch fork
4602 A call to @code{fork}.
4603
4604 @item vfork
4605 @kindex catch vfork
4606 A call to @code{vfork}.
4607
4608 @item load @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4609 @itemx unload @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4610 @kindex catch load
4611 @kindex catch unload
4612 The loading or unloading of a shared library. If @var{regexp} is
4613 given, then the catchpoint will stop only if the regular expression
4614 matches one of the affected libraries.
4615
4616 @item signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
4617 @kindex catch signal
4618 The delivery of a signal.
4619
4620 With no arguments, this catchpoint will catch any signal that is not
4621 used internally by @value{GDBN}, specifically, all signals except
4622 @samp{SIGTRAP} and @samp{SIGINT}.
4623
4624 With the argument @samp{all}, all signals, including those used by
4625 @value{GDBN}, will be caught. This argument cannot be used with other
4626 signal names.
4627
4628 Otherwise, the arguments are a list of signal names as given to
4629 @code{handle} (@pxref{Signals}). Only signals specified in this list
4630 will be caught.
4631
4632 One reason that @code{catch signal} can be more useful than
4633 @code{handle} is that you can attach commands and conditions to the
4634 catchpoint.
4635
4636 When a signal is caught by a catchpoint, the signal's @code{stop} and
4637 @code{print} settings, as specified by @code{handle}, are ignored.
4638 However, whether the signal is still delivered to the inferior depends
4639 on the @code{pass} setting; this can be changed in the catchpoint's
4640 commands.
4641
4642 @end table
4643
4644 @item tcatch @var{event}
4645 @kindex tcatch
4646 Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
4647 automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
4648
4649 @end table
4650
4651 Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
4652
4653
4654 @node Delete Breaks
4655 @subsection Deleting Breakpoints
4656
4657 @cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4658 @cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4659 It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
4660 catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
4661 to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
4662 breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
4663
4664 With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
4665 where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
4666 delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
4667 their breakpoint numbers.
4668
4669 It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
4670 automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
4671 when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
4672
4673 @table @code
4674 @kindex clear
4675 @item clear
4676 Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
4677 selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
4678 the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
4679 breakpoint where your program just stopped.
4680
4681 @item clear @var{location}
4682 Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
4683 @xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
4684 most useful ones are listed below:
4685
4686 @table @code
4687 @item clear @var{function}
4688 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
4689 Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
4690
4691 @item clear @var{linenum}
4692 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
4693 Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
4694 @var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
4695 @end table
4696
4697 @cindex delete breakpoints
4698 @kindex delete
4699 @kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
4700 @item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4701 Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
4702 list specified as argument. If no argument is specified, delete all
4703 breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
4704 confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
4705 @end table
4706
4707 @node Disabling
4708 @subsection Disabling Breakpoints
4709
4710 @cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
4711 Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
4712 prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
4713 it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
4714 that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
4715
4716 You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
4717 the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying
4718 one or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} to
4719 print a list of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints if you
4720 do not know which numbers to use.
4721
4722 Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
4723 affects all of its locations.
4724
4725 A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of several
4726 different states of enablement:
4727
4728 @itemize @bullet
4729 @item
4730 Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
4731 with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
4732 @item
4733 Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
4734 @item
4735 Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
4736 disabled.
4737 @item
4738 Enabled for a count. The breakpoint stops your program for the next
4739 N times, then becomes disabled.
4740 @item
4741 Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
4742 immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
4743 set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
4744 @end itemize
4745
4746 You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
4747 watchpoints, and catchpoints:
4748
4749 @table @code
4750 @kindex disable
4751 @kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
4752 @item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4753 Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
4754 listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
4755 options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
4756 case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
4757 @code{disable} as @code{dis}.
4758
4759 @kindex enable
4760 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4761 Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
4762 become effective once again in stopping your program.
4763
4764 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{list}@dots{}
4765 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
4766 of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
4767
4768 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} count @var{count} @var{list}@dots{}
4769 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} records
4770 @var{count} with each of the specified breakpoints, and decrements a
4771 breakpoint's count when it is hit. When any count reaches 0,
4772 @value{GDBN} disables that breakpoint. If a breakpoint has an ignore
4773 count (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}), that will be
4774 decremented to 0 before @var{count} is affected.
4775
4776 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{list}@dots{}
4777 Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
4778 deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
4779 Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
4780 @end table
4781
4782 @c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
4783 @c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
4784 Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
4785 ,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
4786 subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
4787 the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
4788 breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
4789 breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
4790 Stepping}.)
4791
4792 @node Conditions
4793 @subsection Break Conditions
4794 @cindex conditional breakpoints
4795 @cindex breakpoint conditions
4796
4797 @c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
4798 @c in particular for a watchpoint?
4799 The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
4800 specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
4801 breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
4802 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
4803 a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
4804 and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
4805
4806 This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
4807 situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
4808 when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
4809 by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
4810 @samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
4811
4812 Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
4813 since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
4814 it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
4815 and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
4816 one.
4817
4818 Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
4819 your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
4820 that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
4821 format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
4822 unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
4823 that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
4824 program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
4825 breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
4826 conditions for the
4827 purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
4828 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
4829
4830 Breakpoint conditions can also be evaluated on the target's side if
4831 the target supports it. Instead of evaluating the conditions locally,
4832 @value{GDBN} encodes the expression into an agent expression
4833 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) suitable for execution on the target,
4834 independently of @value{GDBN}. Global variables become raw memory
4835 locations, locals become stack accesses, and so forth.
4836
4837 In this case, @value{GDBN} will only be notified of a breakpoint trigger
4838 when its condition evaluates to true. This mechanism may provide faster
4839 response times depending on the performance characteristics of the target
4840 since it does not need to keep @value{GDBN} informed about
4841 every breakpoint trigger, even those with false conditions.
4842
4843 Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
4844 @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
4845 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
4846 with the @code{condition} command.
4847
4848 You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
4849 The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
4850 @code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
4851 catchpoint.
4852
4853 @table @code
4854 @kindex condition
4855 @item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
4856 Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
4857 watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
4858 breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
4859 @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
4860 @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
4861 syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
4862 referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
4863 symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
4864 prints an error message:
4865
4866 @smallexample
4867 No symbol "foo" in current context.
4868 @end smallexample
4869
4870 @noindent
4871 @value{GDBN} does
4872 not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
4873 command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
4874 @code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
4875
4876 @item condition @var{bnum}
4877 Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
4878 an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
4879 @end table
4880
4881 @cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
4882 A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
4883 breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
4884 useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
4885 count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
4886 is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
4887 therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
4888 ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
4889 the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
4890 value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
4891 your program reaches it.
4892
4893 @table @code
4894 @kindex ignore
4895 @item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
4896 Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
4897 The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
4898 execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
4899 takes no action.
4900
4901 To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
4902 a count of zero.
4903
4904 When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
4905 breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
4906 @code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
4907 Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
4908
4909 If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
4910 condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
4911 @value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
4912
4913 You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
4914 as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
4915 is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
4916 Variables}.
4917 @end table
4918
4919 Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
4920
4921
4922 @node Break Commands
4923 @subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
4924
4925 @cindex breakpoint commands
4926 You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
4927 commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
4928 example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
4929 enable other breakpoints.
4930
4931 @table @code
4932 @kindex commands
4933 @kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
4934 @item commands @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4935 @itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
4936 @itemx end
4937 Specify a list of commands for the given breakpoints. The commands
4938 themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
4939 @code{end} to terminate the commands.
4940
4941 To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
4942 follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
4943
4944 With no argument, @code{commands} refers to the last breakpoint,
4945 watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most recently
4946 encountered). If the most recent breakpoints were set with a single
4947 command, then the @code{commands} will apply to all the breakpoints
4948 set by that command. This applies to breakpoints set by
4949 @code{rbreak}, and also applies when a single @code{break} command
4950 creates multiple breakpoints (@pxref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous
4951 Expressions}).
4952 @end table
4953
4954 Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
4955 disabled within a @var{command-list}.
4956
4957 You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
4958 use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
4959 that resumes execution.
4960
4961 Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
4962 execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
4963 (even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
4964 another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
4965 ambiguities about which list to execute.
4966
4967 @kindex silent
4968 If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
4969 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
4970 be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
4971 then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
4972 see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
4973 meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
4974
4975 The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
4976 print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
4977 breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
4978
4979 For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
4980 value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
4981
4982 @smallexample
4983 break foo if x>0
4984 commands
4985 silent
4986 printf "x is %d\n",x
4987 cont
4988 end
4989 @end smallexample
4990
4991 One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
4992 you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
4993 of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
4994 erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
4995 to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
4996 so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
4997 command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
4998
4999 @smallexample
5000 break 403
5001 commands
5002 silent
5003 set x = y + 4
5004 cont
5005 end
5006 @end smallexample
5007
5008 @node Dynamic Printf
5009 @subsection Dynamic Printf
5010
5011 @cindex dynamic printf
5012 @cindex dprintf
5013 The dynamic printf command @code{dprintf} combines a breakpoint with
5014 formatted printing of your program's data to give you the effect of
5015 inserting @code{printf} calls into your program on-the-fly, without
5016 having to recompile it.
5017
5018 In its most basic form, the output goes to the GDB console. However,
5019 you can set the variable @code{dprintf-style} for alternate handling.
5020 For instance, you can ask to format the output by calling your
5021 program's @code{printf} function. This has the advantage that the
5022 characters go to the program's output device, so they can recorded in
5023 redirects to files and so forth.
5024
5025 If you are doing remote debugging with a stub or agent, you can also
5026 ask to have the printf handled by the remote agent. In addition to
5027 ensuring that the output goes to the remote program's device along
5028 with any other output the program might produce, you can also ask that
5029 the dprintf remain active even after disconnecting from the remote
5030 target. Using the stub/agent is also more efficient, as it can do
5031 everything without needing to communicate with @value{GDBN}.
5032
5033 @table @code
5034 @kindex dprintf
5035 @item dprintf @var{location},@var{template},@var{expression}[,@var{expression}@dots{}]
5036 Whenever execution reaches @var{location}, print the values of one or
5037 more @var{expressions} under the control of the string @var{template}.
5038 To print several values, separate them with commas.
5039
5040 @item set dprintf-style @var{style}
5041 Set the dprintf output to be handled in one of several different
5042 styles enumerated below. A change of style affects all existing
5043 dynamic printfs immediately. (If you need individual control over the
5044 print commands, simply define normal breakpoints with
5045 explicitly-supplied command lists.)
5046
5047 @table @code
5048 @item gdb
5049 @kindex dprintf-style gdb
5050 Handle the output using the @value{GDBN} @code{printf} command.
5051
5052 @item call
5053 @kindex dprintf-style call
5054 Handle the output by calling a function in your program (normally
5055 @code{printf}).
5056
5057 @item agent
5058 @kindex dprintf-style agent
5059 Have the remote debugging agent (such as @code{gdbserver}) handle
5060 the output itself. This style is only available for agents that
5061 support running commands on the target.
5062 @end table
5063
5064 @item set dprintf-function @var{function}
5065 Set the function to call if the dprintf style is @code{call}. By
5066 default its value is @code{printf}. You may set it to any expression.
5067 that @value{GDBN} can evaluate to a function, as per the @code{call}
5068 command.
5069
5070 @item set dprintf-channel @var{channel}
5071 Set a ``channel'' for dprintf. If set to a non-empty value,
5072 @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as an expression and pass the result as
5073 a first argument to the @code{dprintf-function}, in the manner of
5074 @code{fprintf} and similar functions. Otherwise, the dprintf format
5075 string will be the first argument, in the manner of @code{printf}.
5076
5077 As an example, if you wanted @code{dprintf} output to go to a logfile
5078 that is a standard I/O stream assigned to the variable @code{mylog},
5079 you could do the following:
5080
5081 @example
5082 (gdb) set dprintf-style call
5083 (gdb) set dprintf-function fprintf
5084 (gdb) set dprintf-channel mylog
5085 (gdb) dprintf 25,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob
5086 Dprintf 1 at 0x123456: file main.c, line 25.
5087 (gdb) info break
5088 1 dprintf keep y 0x00123456 in main at main.c:25
5089 call (void) fprintf (mylog,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob)
5090 continue
5091 (gdb)
5092 @end example
5093
5094 Note that the @code{info break} displays the dynamic printf commands
5095 as normal breakpoint commands; you can thus easily see the effect of
5096 the variable settings.
5097
5098 @item set disconnected-dprintf on
5099 @itemx set disconnected-dprintf off
5100 @kindex set disconnected-dprintf
5101 Choose whether @code{dprintf} commands should continue to run if
5102 @value{GDBN} has disconnected from the target. This only applies
5103 if the @code{dprintf-style} is @code{agent}.
5104
5105 @item show disconnected-dprintf off
5106 @kindex show disconnected-dprintf
5107 Show the current choice for disconnected @code{dprintf}.
5108
5109 @end table
5110
5111 @value{GDBN} does not check the validity of function and channel,
5112 relying on you to supply values that are meaningful for the contexts
5113 in which they are being used. For instance, the function and channel
5114 may be the values of local variables, but if that is the case, then
5115 all enabled dynamic prints must be at locations within the scope of
5116 those locals. If evaluation fails, @value{GDBN} will report an error.
5117
5118 @node Save Breakpoints
5119 @subsection How to save breakpoints to a file
5120
5121 To save breakpoint definitions to a file use the @w{@code{save
5122 breakpoints}} command.
5123
5124 @table @code
5125 @kindex save breakpoints
5126 @cindex save breakpoints to a file for future sessions
5127 @item save breakpoints [@var{filename}]
5128 This command saves all current breakpoint definitions together with
5129 their commands and ignore counts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
5130 suitable for use in a later debugging session. This includes all
5131 types of breakpoints (breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints,
5132 tracepoints). To read the saved breakpoint definitions, use the
5133 @code{source} command (@pxref{Command Files}). Note that watchpoints
5134 with expressions involving local variables may fail to be recreated
5135 because it may not be possible to access the context where the
5136 watchpoint is valid anymore. Because the saved breakpoint definitions
5137 are simply a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands that recreate the
5138 breakpoints, you can edit the file in your favorite editing program,
5139 and remove the breakpoint definitions you're not interested in, or
5140 that can no longer be recreated.
5141 @end table
5142
5143 @node Static Probe Points
5144 @subsection Static Probe Points
5145
5146 @cindex static probe point, SystemTap
5147 @cindex static probe point, DTrace
5148 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{SDT} probes in the code. @acronym{SDT} stands
5149 for Statically Defined Tracing, and the probes are designed to have a tiny
5150 runtime code and data footprint, and no dynamic relocations.
5151
5152 Currently, the following types of probes are supported on
5153 ELF-compatible systems:
5154
5155 @itemize @bullet
5156
5157 @item @code{SystemTap} (@uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/})
5158 @acronym{SDT} probes@footnote{See
5159 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/AddingUserSpaceProbingToApps}
5160 for more information on how to add @code{SystemTap} @acronym{SDT}
5161 probes in your applications.}. @code{SystemTap} probes are usable
5162 from assembly, C and C@t{++} languages@footnote{See
5163 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/UserSpaceProbeImplementation}
5164 for a good reference on how the @acronym{SDT} probes are implemented.}.
5165
5166 @item @code{DTrace} (@uref{http://oss.oracle.com/projects/DTrace})
5167 @acronym{USDT} probes. @code{DTrace} probes are usable from C and
5168 C@t{++} languages.
5169 @end itemize
5170
5171 @cindex semaphores on static probe points
5172 Some @code{SystemTap} probes have an associated semaphore variable;
5173 for instance, this happens automatically if you defined your probe
5174 using a DTrace-style @file{.d} file. If your probe has a semaphore,
5175 @value{GDBN} will automatically enable it when you specify a
5176 breakpoint using the @samp{-probe-stap} notation. But, if you put a
5177 breakpoint at a probe's location by some other method (e.g.,
5178 @code{break file:line}), then @value{GDBN} will not automatically set
5179 the semaphore. @code{DTrace} probes do not support semaphores.
5180
5181 You can examine the available static static probes using @code{info
5182 probes}, with optional arguments:
5183
5184 @table @code
5185 @kindex info probes
5186 @item info probes @r{[}@var{type}@r{]} @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
5187 If given, @var{type} is either @code{stap} for listing
5188 @code{SystemTap} probes or @code{dtrace} for listing @code{DTrace}
5189 probes. If omitted all probes are listed regardless of their types.
5190
5191 If given, @var{provider} is a regular expression used to match against provider
5192 names when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probes by all
5193 probes from all providers are listed.
5194
5195 If given, @var{name} is a regular expression to match against probe names
5196 when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probe names are not
5197 considered when deciding whether to display them.
5198
5199 If given, @var{objfile} is a regular expression used to select which
5200 object files (executable or shared libraries) to examine. If not
5201 given, all object files are considered.
5202
5203 @item info probes all
5204 List the available static probes, from all types.
5205 @end table
5206
5207 @cindex enabling and disabling probes
5208 Some probe points can be enabled and/or disabled. The effect of
5209 enabling or disabling a probe depends on the type of probe being
5210 handled. Some @code{DTrace} probes can be enabled or
5211 disabled, but @code{SystemTap} probes cannot be disabled.
5212
5213 You can enable (or disable) one or more probes using the following
5214 commands, with optional arguments:
5215
5216 @table @code
5217 @kindex enable probes
5218 @item enable probes @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
5219 If given, @var{provider} is a regular expression used to match against
5220 provider names when selecting which probes to enable. If omitted,
5221 all probes from all providers are enabled.
5222
5223 If given, @var{name} is a regular expression to match against probe
5224 names when selecting which probes to enable. If omitted, probe names
5225 are not considered when deciding whether to enable them.
5226
5227 If given, @var{objfile} is a regular expression used to select which
5228 object files (executable or shared libraries) to examine. If not
5229 given, all object files are considered.
5230
5231 @kindex disable probes
5232 @item disable probes @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
5233 See the @code{enable probes} command above for a description of the
5234 optional arguments accepted by this command.
5235 @end table
5236
5237 @vindex $_probe_arg@r{, convenience variable}
5238 A probe may specify up to twelve arguments. These are available at the
5239 point at which the probe is defined---that is, when the current PC is
5240 at the probe's location. The arguments are available using the
5241 convenience variables (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
5242 @code{$_probe_arg0}@dots{}@code{$_probe_arg11}. In @code{SystemTap}
5243 probes each probe argument is an integer of the appropriate size;
5244 types are not preserved. In @code{DTrace} probes types are preserved
5245 provided that they are recognized as such by @value{GDBN}; otherwise
5246 the value of the probe argument will be a long integer. The
5247 convenience variable @code{$_probe_argc} holds the number of arguments
5248 at the current probe point.
5249
5250 These variables are always available, but attempts to access them at
5251 any location other than a probe point will cause @value{GDBN} to give
5252 an error message.
5253
5254
5255 @c @ifclear BARETARGET
5256 @node Error in Breakpoints
5257 @subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
5258
5259 If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
5260 watchpoints, you will see this error message:
5261
5262 @c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
5263 @c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
5264 @smallexample
5265 Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
5266 You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
5267 @end smallexample
5268
5269 @noindent
5270 This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
5271 only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
5272 watchpoints it needs to insert.
5273
5274 When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
5275 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
5276
5277 @node Breakpoint-related Warnings
5278 @subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
5279 @cindex breakpoint address adjusted
5280
5281 Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
5282 which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
5283 @value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
5284 with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
5285
5286 One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
5287 a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
5288 bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
5289 constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
5290 bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
5291 honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
5292 first in the bundle.
5293
5294 It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
5295 instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
5296 a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
5297 another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
5298 breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
5299 printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
5300 is hit.
5301
5302 A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
5303 that's been subject to address adjustment:
5304
5305 @smallexample
5306 warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
5307 @end smallexample
5308
5309 Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
5310 internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
5311 verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
5312 desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
5313 other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
5314 E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
5315 instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
5316 cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
5317
5318 @value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
5319 adjusted breakpoints:
5320
5321 @smallexample
5322 warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
5323 to 0x00010410.
5324 @end smallexample
5325
5326 When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
5327 action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
5328 frequently than expected.
5329
5330 @node Continuing and Stepping
5331 @section Continuing and Stepping
5332
5333 @cindex stepping
5334 @cindex continuing
5335 @cindex resuming execution
5336 @dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
5337 completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
5338 one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
5339 line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
5340 particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
5341 your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
5342 it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
5343 @samp{signal 0} to resume execution (@pxref{Signals, ,Signals}),
5344 or you may step into the signal's handler (@pxref{stepping and signal
5345 handlers}).)
5346
5347 @table @code
5348 @kindex continue
5349 @kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
5350 @kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
5351 @item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5352 @itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5353 @itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5354 Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
5355 any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
5356 @var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
5357 ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
5358 @code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
5359
5360 The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
5361 stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
5362 @code{continue} is ignored.
5363
5364 The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
5365 debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
5366 purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
5367 @code{continue}.
5368 @end table
5369
5370 To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
5371 (@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
5372 calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
5373 Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
5374
5375 A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
5376 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
5377 beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
5378 is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
5379 and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
5380 interesting, until you see the problem happen.
5381
5382 @table @code
5383 @kindex step
5384 @kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
5385 @item step
5386 Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
5387 line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
5388 abbreviated @code{s}.
5389
5390 @quotation
5391 @c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
5392 @c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
5393 @c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
5394 @c distinction here.
5395 @emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
5396 within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
5397 execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
5398 debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
5399 is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
5400 without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
5401 below.
5402 @end quotation
5403
5404 The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
5405 line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5406 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
5407 to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
5408 the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
5409 called within the line.
5410
5411 Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
5412 number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
5413 @code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
5414 on @acronym{MIPS} machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
5415 was any debugging information about the routine.
5416
5417 @item step @var{count}
5418 Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
5419 breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
5420 @var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
5421
5422 @kindex next
5423 @kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
5424 @item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5425 Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
5426 This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
5427 the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
5428 control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
5429 that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
5430 is abbreviated @code{n}.
5431
5432 An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
5433
5434
5435 @c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
5436 @c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
5437 @c
5438 @c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
5439 @c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
5440 @c function are executed without stopping.
5441
5442 The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
5443 source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5444 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
5445
5446 @kindex set step-mode
5447 @item set step-mode
5448 @cindex functions without line info, and stepping
5449 @cindex stepping into functions with no line info
5450 @itemx set step-mode on
5451 The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
5452 stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
5453 information rather than stepping over it.
5454
5455 This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
5456 machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
5457 want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
5458
5459 @item set step-mode off
5460 Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
5461 debug information. This is the default.
5462
5463 @item show step-mode
5464 Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
5465 source line debug information.
5466
5467 @kindex finish
5468 @kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
5469 @item finish
5470 Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
5471 returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
5472 abbreviated as @code{fin}.
5473
5474 Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
5475 ,Returning from a Function}).
5476
5477 @kindex until
5478 @kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
5479 @cindex run until specified location
5480 @item until
5481 @itemx u
5482 Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
5483 current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
5484 stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
5485 command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
5486 automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
5487 than the address of the jump.
5488
5489 This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
5490 though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
5491 exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
5492 simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
5493 through the next iteration.
5494
5495 @code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
5496 stack frame.
5497
5498 @code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
5499 of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
5500 example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
5501 (@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
5502 @code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
5503
5504 @smallexample
5505 (@value{GDBP}) f
5506 #0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
5507 206 expand_input();
5508 (@value{GDBP}) until
5509 195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
5510 @end smallexample
5511
5512 This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
5513 generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
5514 start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
5515 written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
5516 to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
5517 expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
5518 statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
5519
5520 @code{until} with no argument works by means of single
5521 instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
5522 argument.
5523
5524 @item until @var{location}
5525 @itemx u @var{location}
5526 Continue running your program until either the specified @var{location} is
5527 reached, or the current stack frame returns. The location is any of
5528 the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
5529 This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
5530 hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
5531 location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
5532 implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
5533 invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
5534 line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
5535 line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
5536 invocations have returned.
5537
5538 @smallexample
5539 94 int factorial (int value)
5540 95 @{
5541 96 if (value > 1) @{
5542 97 value *= factorial (value - 1);
5543 98 @}
5544 99 return (value);
5545 100 @}
5546 @end smallexample
5547
5548
5549 @kindex advance @var{location}
5550 @item advance @var{location}
5551 Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
5552 required, which should be of one of the forms described in
5553 @ref{Specify Location}.
5554 Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
5555 frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
5556 not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
5557 have to be in the same frame as the current one.
5558
5559
5560 @kindex stepi
5561 @kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
5562 @item stepi
5563 @itemx stepi @var{arg}
5564 @itemx si
5565 Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
5566
5567 It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
5568 instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
5569 instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
5570 Display,, Automatic Display}.
5571
5572 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
5573
5574 @need 750
5575 @kindex nexti
5576 @kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
5577 @item nexti
5578 @itemx nexti @var{arg}
5579 @itemx ni
5580 Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
5581 proceed until the function returns.
5582
5583 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
5584
5585 @end table
5586
5587 @anchor{range stepping}
5588 @cindex range stepping
5589 @cindex target-assisted range stepping
5590 By default, and if available, @value{GDBN} makes use of
5591 target-assisted @dfn{range stepping}. In other words, whenever you
5592 use a stepping command (e.g., @code{step}, @code{next}), @value{GDBN}
5593 tells the target to step the corresponding range of instruction
5594 addresses instead of issuing multiple single-steps. This speeds up
5595 line stepping, particularly for remote targets. Ideally, there should
5596 be no reason you would want to turn range stepping off. However, it's
5597 possible that a bug in the debug info, a bug in the remote stub (for
5598 remote targets), or even a bug in @value{GDBN} could make line
5599 stepping behave incorrectly when target-assisted range stepping is
5600 enabled. You can use the following command to turn off range stepping
5601 if necessary:
5602
5603 @table @code
5604 @kindex set range-stepping
5605 @kindex show range-stepping
5606 @item set range-stepping
5607 @itemx show range-stepping
5608 Control whether range stepping is enabled.
5609
5610 If @code{on}, and the target supports it, @value{GDBN} tells the
5611 target to step a range of addresses itself, instead of issuing
5612 multiple single-steps. If @code{off}, @value{GDBN} always issues
5613 single-steps, even if range stepping is supported by the target. The
5614 default is @code{on}.
5615
5616 @end table
5617
5618 @node Skipping Over Functions and Files
5619 @section Skipping Over Functions and Files
5620 @cindex skipping over functions and files
5621
5622 The program you are debugging may contain some functions which are
5623 uninteresting to debug. The @code{skip} command lets you tell @value{GDBN} to
5624 skip a function, all functions in a file or a particular function in
5625 a particular file when stepping.
5626
5627 For example, consider the following C function:
5628
5629 @smallexample
5630 101 int func()
5631 102 @{
5632 103 foo(boring());
5633 104 bar(boring());
5634 105 @}
5635 @end smallexample
5636
5637 @noindent
5638 Suppose you wish to step into the functions @code{foo} and @code{bar}, but you
5639 are not interested in stepping through @code{boring}. If you run @code{step}
5640 at line 103, you'll enter @code{boring()}, but if you run @code{next}, you'll
5641 step over both @code{foo} and @code{boring}!
5642
5643 One solution is to @code{step} into @code{boring} and use the @code{finish}
5644 command to immediately exit it. But this can become tedious if @code{boring}
5645 is called from many places.
5646
5647 A more flexible solution is to execute @kbd{skip boring}. This instructs
5648 @value{GDBN} never to step into @code{boring}. Now when you execute
5649 @code{step} at line 103, you'll step over @code{boring} and directly into
5650 @code{foo}.
5651
5652 Functions may be skipped by providing either a function name, linespec
5653 (@pxref{Specify Location}), regular expression that matches the function's
5654 name, file name or a @code{glob}-style pattern that matches the file name.
5655
5656 On Posix systems the form of the regular expression is
5657 ``Extended Regular Expressions''. See for example @samp{man 7 regex}
5658 on @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. On non-Posix systems the form of the regular
5659 expression is whatever is provided by the @code{regcomp} function of
5660 the underlying system.
5661 See for example @samp{man 7 glob} on @sc{gnu}/Linux systems for a
5662 description of @code{glob}-style patterns.
5663
5664 @table @code
5665 @kindex skip
5666 @item skip @r{[}@var{options}@r{]}
5667 The basic form of the @code{skip} command takes zero or more options
5668 that specify what to skip.
5669 The @var{options} argument is any useful combination of the following:
5670
5671 @table @code
5672 @item -file @var{file}
5673 @itemx -fi @var{file}
5674 Functions in @var{file} will be skipped over when stepping.
5675
5676 @item -gfile @var{file-glob-pattern}
5677 @itemx -gfi @var{file-glob-pattern}
5678 @cindex skipping over files via glob-style patterns
5679 Functions in files matching @var{file-glob-pattern} will be skipped
5680 over when stepping.
5681
5682 @smallexample
5683 (gdb) skip -gfi utils/*.c
5684 @end smallexample
5685
5686 @item -function @var{linespec}
5687 @itemx -fu @var{linespec}
5688 Functions named by @var{linespec} or the function containing the line
5689 named by @var{linespec} will be skipped over when stepping.
5690 @xref{Specify Location}.
5691
5692 @item -rfunction @var{regexp}
5693 @itemx -rfu @var{regexp}
5694 @cindex skipping over functions via regular expressions
5695 Functions whose name matches @var{regexp} will be skipped over when stepping.
5696
5697 This form is useful for complex function names.
5698 For example, there is generally no need to step into C@t{++} @code{std::string}
5699 constructors or destructors. Plus with C@t{++} templates it can be hard to
5700 write out the full name of the function, and often it doesn't matter what
5701 the template arguments are. Specifying the function to be skipped as a
5702 regular expression makes this easier.
5703
5704 @smallexample
5705 (gdb) skip -rfu ^std::(allocator|basic_string)<.*>::~?\1 *\(
5706 @end smallexample
5707
5708 If you want to skip every templated C@t{++} constructor and destructor
5709 in the @code{std} namespace you can do:
5710
5711 @smallexample
5712 (gdb) skip -rfu ^std::([a-zA-z0-9_]+)<.*>::~?\1 *\(
5713 @end smallexample
5714 @end table
5715
5716 If no options are specified, the function you're currently debugging
5717 will be skipped.
5718
5719 @kindex skip function
5720 @item skip function @r{[}@var{linespec}@r{]}
5721 After running this command, the function named by @var{linespec} or the
5722 function containing the line named by @var{linespec} will be skipped over when
5723 stepping. @xref{Specify Location}.
5724
5725 If you do not specify @var{linespec}, the function you're currently debugging
5726 will be skipped.
5727
5728 (If you have a function called @code{file} that you want to skip, use
5729 @kbd{skip function file}.)
5730
5731 @kindex skip file
5732 @item skip file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
5733 After running this command, any function whose source lives in @var{filename}
5734 will be skipped over when stepping.
5735
5736 @smallexample
5737 (gdb) skip file boring.c
5738 File boring.c will be skipped when stepping.
5739 @end smallexample
5740
5741 If you do not specify @var{filename}, functions whose source lives in the file
5742 you're currently debugging will be skipped.
5743 @end table
5744
5745 Skips can be listed, deleted, disabled, and enabled, much like breakpoints.
5746 These are the commands for managing your list of skips:
5747
5748 @table @code
5749 @kindex info skip
5750 @item info skip @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5751 Print details about the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified,
5752 print a table with details about all functions and files marked for skipping.
5753 @code{info skip} prints the following information about each skip:
5754
5755 @table @emph
5756 @item Identifier
5757 A number identifying this skip.
5758 @item Enabled or Disabled
5759 Enabled skips are marked with @samp{y}.
5760 Disabled skips are marked with @samp{n}.
5761 @item Glob
5762 If the file name is a @samp{glob} pattern this is @samp{y}.
5763 Otherwise it is @samp{n}.
5764 @item File
5765 The name or @samp{glob} pattern of the file to be skipped.
5766 If no file is specified this is @samp{<none>}.
5767 @item RE
5768 If the function name is a @samp{regular expression} this is @samp{y}.
5769 Otherwise it is @samp{n}.
5770 @item Function
5771 The name or regular expression of the function to skip.
5772 If no function is specified this is @samp{<none>}.
5773 @end table
5774
5775 @kindex skip delete
5776 @item skip delete @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5777 Delete the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, delete all
5778 skips.
5779
5780 @kindex skip enable
5781 @item skip enable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5782 Enable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, enable all
5783 skips.
5784
5785 @kindex skip disable
5786 @item skip disable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5787 Disable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, disable all
5788 skips.
5789
5790 @end table
5791
5792 @node Signals
5793 @section Signals
5794 @cindex signals
5795
5796 A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
5797 operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
5798 kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
5799 signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
5800 @code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
5801 memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
5802 the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
5803 requested an alarm).
5804
5805 @cindex fatal signals
5806 Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
5807 functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
5808 errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
5809 program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
5810 @code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
5811 fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
5812
5813 @value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
5814 program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
5815 signal.
5816
5817 @cindex handling signals
5818 Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
5819 @code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
5820 (so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
5821 but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
5822 You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
5823
5824 @table @code
5825 @kindex info signals
5826 @kindex info handle
5827 @item info signals
5828 @itemx info handle
5829 Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
5830 handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
5831 the defined types of signals.
5832
5833 @item info signals @var{sig}
5834 Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
5835
5836 @code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
5837
5838 @item catch signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
5839 Set a catchpoint for the indicated signals. @xref{Set Catchpoints},
5840 for details about this command.
5841
5842 @kindex handle
5843 @item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
5844 Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. The @var{signal}
5845 can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
5846 @samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
5847 @samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
5848 known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
5849 say what change to make.
5850 @end table
5851
5852 @c @group
5853 The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
5854 Their full names are:
5855
5856 @table @code
5857 @item nostop
5858 @value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
5859 still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
5860
5861 @item stop
5862 @value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
5863 the @code{print} keyword as well.
5864
5865 @item print
5866 @value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
5867
5868 @item noprint
5869 @value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
5870 implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
5871
5872 @item pass
5873 @itemx noignore
5874 @value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
5875 can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
5876 and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
5877
5878 @item nopass
5879 @itemx ignore
5880 @value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
5881 @code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
5882 @end table
5883 @c @end group
5884
5885 When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
5886 program until you
5887 continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
5888 effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
5889 after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
5890 command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
5891 program sees that signal when you continue.
5892
5893 The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
5894 non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
5895 @code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
5896 erroneous signals.
5897
5898 You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
5899 seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
5900 or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
5901 due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
5902 values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
5903 execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
5904 a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
5905 you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
5906 Program a Signal}.
5907
5908 @cindex stepping and signal handlers
5909 @anchor{stepping and signal handlers}
5910
5911 @value{GDBN} optimizes for stepping the mainline code. If a signal
5912 that has @code{handle nostop} and @code{handle pass} set arrives while
5913 a stepping command (e.g., @code{stepi}, @code{step}, @code{next}) is
5914 in progress, @value{GDBN} lets the signal handler run and then resumes
5915 stepping the mainline code once the signal handler returns. In other
5916 words, @value{GDBN} steps over the signal handler. This prevents
5917 signals that you've specified as not interesting (with @code{handle
5918 nostop}) from changing the focus of debugging unexpectedly. Note that
5919 the signal handler itself may still hit a breakpoint, stop for another
5920 signal that has @code{handle stop} in effect, or for any other event
5921 that normally results in stopping the stepping command sooner. Also
5922 note that @value{GDBN} still informs you that the program received a
5923 signal if @code{handle print} is set.
5924
5925 @anchor{stepping into signal handlers}
5926
5927 If you set @code{handle pass} for a signal, and your program sets up a
5928 handler for it, then issuing a stepping command, such as @code{step}
5929 or @code{stepi}, when your program is stopped due to the signal will
5930 step @emph{into} the signal handler (if the target supports that).
5931
5932 Likewise, if you use the @code{queue-signal} command to queue a signal
5933 to be delivered to the current thread when execution of the thread
5934 resumes (@pxref{Signaling, ,Giving your Program a Signal}), then a
5935 stepping command will step into the signal handler.
5936
5937 Here's an example, using @code{stepi} to step to the first instruction
5938 of @code{SIGUSR1}'s handler:
5939
5940 @smallexample
5941 (@value{GDBP}) handle SIGUSR1
5942 Signal Stop Print Pass to program Description
5943 SIGUSR1 Yes Yes Yes User defined signal 1
5944 (@value{GDBP}) c
5945 Continuing.
5946
5947 Program received signal SIGUSR1, User defined signal 1.
5948 main () sigusr1.c:28
5949 28 p = 0;
5950 (@value{GDBP}) si
5951 sigusr1_handler () at sigusr1.c:9
5952 9 @{
5953 @end smallexample
5954
5955 The same, but using @code{queue-signal} instead of waiting for the
5956 program to receive the signal first:
5957
5958 @smallexample
5959 (@value{GDBP}) n
5960 28 p = 0;
5961 (@value{GDBP}) queue-signal SIGUSR1
5962 (@value{GDBP}) si
5963 sigusr1_handler () at sigusr1.c:9
5964 9 @{
5965 (@value{GDBP})
5966 @end smallexample
5967
5968 @cindex extra signal information
5969 @anchor{extra signal information}
5970
5971 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can inspect extra signal information
5972 associated with the intercepted signal, before it is actually
5973 delivered to the program being debugged. This information is exported
5974 by the convenience variable @code{$_siginfo}, and consists of data
5975 that is passed by the kernel to the signal handler at the time of the
5976 receipt of a signal. The data type of the information itself is
5977 target dependent. You can see the data type using the @code{ptype
5978 $_siginfo} command. On Unix systems, it typically corresponds to the
5979 standard @code{siginfo_t} type, as defined in the @file{signal.h}
5980 system header.
5981
5982 Here's an example, on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, printing the stray
5983 referenced address that raised a segmentation fault.
5984
5985 @smallexample
5986 @group
5987 (@value{GDBP}) continue
5988 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
5989 0x0000000000400766 in main ()
5990 69 *(int *)p = 0;
5991 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo
5992 type = struct @{
5993 int si_signo;
5994 int si_errno;
5995 int si_code;
5996 union @{
5997 int _pad[28];
5998 struct @{...@} _kill;
5999 struct @{...@} _timer;
6000 struct @{...@} _rt;
6001 struct @{...@} _sigchld;
6002 struct @{...@} _sigfault;
6003 struct @{...@} _sigpoll;
6004 @} _sifields;
6005 @}
6006 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault
6007 type = struct @{
6008 void *si_addr;
6009 @}
6010 (@value{GDBP}) p $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault.si_addr
6011 $1 = (void *) 0x7ffff7ff7000
6012 @end group
6013 @end smallexample
6014
6015 Depending on target support, @code{$_siginfo} may also be writable.
6016
6017 @cindex Intel MPX boundary violations
6018 @cindex boundary violations, Intel MPX
6019 On some targets, a @code{SIGSEGV} can be caused by a boundary
6020 violation, i.e., accessing an address outside of the allowed range.
6021 In those cases @value{GDBN} may displays additional information,
6022 depending on how @value{GDBN} has been told to handle the signal.
6023 With @code{handle stop SIGSEGV}, @value{GDBN} displays the violation
6024 kind: "Upper" or "Lower", the memory address accessed and the
6025 bounds, while with @code{handle nostop SIGSEGV} no additional
6026 information is displayed.
6027
6028 The usual output of a segfault is:
6029 @smallexample
6030 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault
6031 0x0000000000400d7c in upper () at i386-mpx-sigsegv.c:68
6032 68 value = *(p + len);
6033 @end smallexample
6034
6035 While a bound violation is presented as:
6036 @smallexample
6037 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault
6038 Upper bound violation while accessing address 0x7fffffffc3b3
6039 Bounds: [lower = 0x7fffffffc390, upper = 0x7fffffffc3a3]
6040 0x0000000000400d7c in upper () at i386-mpx-sigsegv.c:68
6041 68 value = *(p + len);
6042 @end smallexample
6043
6044 @node Thread Stops
6045 @section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
6046
6047 @cindex stopped threads
6048 @cindex threads, stopped
6049
6050 @cindex continuing threads
6051 @cindex threads, continuing
6052
6053 @value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
6054 (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
6055 are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
6056 debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
6057 when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
6058 or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
6059 @value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
6060 @dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
6061 you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
6062
6063 @menu
6064 * All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
6065 * Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
6066 * Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
6067 * Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
6068 * Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
6069 * Observer Mode:: GDB does not alter program behavior
6070 @end menu
6071
6072 @node All-Stop Mode
6073 @subsection All-Stop Mode
6074
6075 @cindex all-stop mode
6076
6077 In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
6078 @emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
6079 allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
6080 switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
6081 underfoot.
6082
6083 Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
6084 executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
6085 like @code{step} or @code{next}.
6086
6087 In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
6088 Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
6089 system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
6090 execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
6091 single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
6092 statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
6093 stops.
6094
6095 You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
6096 continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
6097 thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
6098 first thread completes whatever you requested.
6099
6100 @cindex automatic thread selection
6101 @cindex switching threads automatically
6102 @cindex threads, automatic switching
6103 Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
6104 signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
6105 signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
6106 message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
6107 thread.
6108
6109 On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
6110 locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
6111
6112 @table @code
6113 @item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
6114 @cindex scheduler locking mode
6115 @cindex lock scheduler
6116 Set the scheduler locking mode. It applies to normal execution,
6117 record mode, and replay mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
6118 locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only
6119 the current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The
6120 @code{step} mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other
6121 threads from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so
6122 that the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly. Other
6123 threads never get a chance to run when you step, and they are
6124 completely free to run when you use commands like @samp{continue},
6125 @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another thread hits a
6126 breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change the
6127 current thread away from the thread that you are debugging. The
6128 @code{replay} mode behaves like @code{off} in record mode and like
6129 @code{on} in replay mode.
6130
6131 @item show scheduler-locking
6132 Display the current scheduler locking mode.
6133 @end table
6134
6135 @cindex resume threads of multiple processes simultaneously
6136 By default, when you issue one of the execution commands such as
6137 @code{continue}, @code{next} or @code{step}, @value{GDBN} allows only
6138 threads of the current inferior to run. For example, if @value{GDBN}
6139 is attached to two inferiors, each with two threads, the
6140 @code{continue} command resumes only the two threads of the current
6141 inferior. This is useful, for example, when you debug a program that
6142 forks and you want to hold the parent stopped (so that, for instance,
6143 it doesn't run to exit), while you debug the child. In other
6144 situations, you may not be interested in inspecting the current state
6145 of any of the processes @value{GDBN} is attached to, and you may want
6146 to resume them all until some breakpoint is hit. In the latter case,
6147 you can instruct @value{GDBN} to allow all threads of all the
6148 inferiors to run with the @w{@code{set schedule-multiple}} command.
6149
6150 @table @code
6151 @kindex set schedule-multiple
6152 @item set schedule-multiple
6153 Set the mode for allowing threads of multiple processes to be resumed
6154 when an execution command is issued. When @code{on}, all threads of
6155 all processes are allowed to run. When @code{off}, only the threads
6156 of the current process are resumed. The default is @code{off}. The
6157 @code{scheduler-locking} mode takes precedence when set to @code{on},
6158 or while you are stepping and set to @code{step}.
6159
6160 @item show schedule-multiple
6161 Display the current mode for resuming the execution of threads of
6162 multiple processes.
6163 @end table
6164
6165 @node Non-Stop Mode
6166 @subsection Non-Stop Mode
6167
6168 @cindex non-stop mode
6169
6170 @c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
6171 @c with more details.
6172
6173 For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
6174 mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
6175 the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
6176 minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
6177 where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
6178 respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
6179
6180 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
6181 @emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
6182 threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
6183 execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
6184 only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
6185 in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
6186 ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
6187 one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
6188 one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
6189 independently and simultaneously.
6190
6191 To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
6192 or attach to your program:
6193
6194 @smallexample
6195 # If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
6196 set pagination off
6197
6198 # Finally, turn it on!
6199 set non-stop on
6200 @end smallexample
6201
6202 You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
6203
6204 @table @code
6205 @kindex set non-stop
6206 @item set non-stop on
6207 Enable selection of non-stop mode.
6208 @item set non-stop off
6209 Disable selection of non-stop mode.
6210 @kindex show non-stop
6211 @item show non-stop
6212 Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
6213 @end table
6214
6215 Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
6216 not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
6217 In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
6218 @value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
6219 not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
6220 since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
6221 non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
6222 default.
6223
6224 In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
6225 by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
6226 To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
6227
6228 You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
6229 (@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
6230 while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
6231 The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
6232 always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
6233
6234 Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
6235 running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
6236 In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
6237 but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
6238 To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
6239
6240 Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
6241
6242 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
6243 that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
6244 thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
6245 command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
6246 changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
6247 previously current thread.
6248
6249 @node Background Execution
6250 @subsection Background Execution
6251
6252 @cindex foreground execution
6253 @cindex background execution
6254 @cindex asynchronous execution
6255 @cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
6256
6257 @value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
6258 foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
6259 (asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
6260 the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
6261 another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
6262 a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
6263
6264 If the target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error
6265 message if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
6266
6267 To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
6268 the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
6269 just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
6270 are:
6271
6272 @table @code
6273 @kindex run&
6274 @item run
6275 @xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
6276
6277 @item attach
6278 @kindex attach&
6279 @xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
6280
6281 @item step
6282 @kindex step&
6283 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
6284
6285 @item stepi
6286 @kindex stepi&
6287 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
6288
6289 @item next
6290 @kindex next&
6291 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
6292
6293 @item nexti
6294 @kindex nexti&
6295 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, nexti}.
6296
6297 @item continue
6298 @kindex continue&
6299 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
6300
6301 @item finish
6302 @kindex finish&
6303 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
6304
6305 @item until
6306 @kindex until&
6307 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
6308
6309 @end table
6310
6311 Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
6312 mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
6313 However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
6314 the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
6315 previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
6316 mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
6317
6318 You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
6319 using the @code{interrupt} command.
6320
6321 @table @code
6322 @kindex interrupt
6323 @item interrupt
6324 @itemx interrupt -a
6325
6326 Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
6327 @code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
6328 only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
6329 use @code{interrupt -a}.
6330 @end table
6331
6332 @node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
6333 @subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
6334
6335 When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
6336 Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
6337 breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
6338
6339 @table @code
6340 @cindex breakpoints and threads
6341 @cindex thread breakpoints
6342 @kindex break @dots{} thread @var{thread-id}
6343 @item break @var{location} thread @var{thread-id}
6344 @itemx break @var{location} thread @var{thread-id} if @dots{}
6345 @var{location} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
6346 writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
6347 specify some source line.
6348
6349 Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{thread-id}} with a breakpoint command
6350 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
6351 particular thread reaches this breakpoint. The @var{thread-id} specifier
6352 is one of the thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown
6353 in the first column of the @samp{info threads} display.
6354
6355 If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{thread-id}} when you set a
6356 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
6357 program.
6358
6359 You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
6360 well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{thread-id}} before or
6361 after the breakpoint condition, like this:
6362
6363 @smallexample
6364 (@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
6365 @end smallexample
6366
6367 @end table
6368
6369 Thread-specific breakpoints are automatically deleted when
6370 @value{GDBN} detects the corresponding thread is no longer in the
6371 thread list. For example:
6372
6373 @smallexample
6374 (@value{GDBP}) c
6375 Thread-specific breakpoint 3 deleted - thread 28 no longer in the thread list.
6376 @end smallexample
6377
6378 There are several ways for a thread to disappear, such as a regular
6379 thread exit, but also when you detach from the process with the
6380 @code{detach} command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running
6381 Process}), or if @value{GDBN} loses the remote connection
6382 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), etc. Note that with some targets,
6383 @value{GDBN} is only able to detect a thread has exited when the user
6384 explictly asks for the thread list with the @code{info threads}
6385 command.
6386
6387 @node Interrupted System Calls
6388 @subsection Interrupted System Calls
6389
6390 @cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
6391 @cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
6392 @cindex premature return from system calls
6393 There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
6394 multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
6395 breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
6396 system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
6397 consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
6398 that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
6399 stop execution.
6400
6401 To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
6402 each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
6403 style anyways.
6404
6405 For example, do not write code like this:
6406
6407 @smallexample
6408 sleep (10);
6409 @end smallexample
6410
6411 The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
6412 at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
6413
6414 Instead, write this:
6415
6416 @smallexample
6417 int unslept = 10;
6418 while (unslept > 0)
6419 unslept = sleep (unslept);
6420 @end smallexample
6421
6422 A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
6423 conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
6424 multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
6425 @value{GDBN}.
6426
6427 Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
6428 monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
6429 When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
6430 prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
6431
6432 @node Observer Mode
6433 @subsection Observer Mode
6434
6435 If you want to build on non-stop mode and observe program behavior
6436 without any chance of disruption by @value{GDBN}, you can set
6437 variables to disable all of the debugger's attempts to modify state,
6438 whether by writing memory, inserting breakpoints, etc. These operate
6439 at a low level, intercepting operations from all commands.
6440
6441 When all of these are set to @code{off}, then @value{GDBN} is said to
6442 be @dfn{observer mode}. As a convenience, the variable
6443 @code{observer} can be set to disable these, plus enable non-stop
6444 mode.
6445
6446 Note that @value{GDBN} will not prevent you from making nonsensical
6447 combinations of these settings. For instance, if you have enabled
6448 @code{may-insert-breakpoints} but disabled @code{may-write-memory},
6449 then breakpoints that work by writing trap instructions into the code
6450 stream will still not be able to be placed.
6451
6452 @table @code
6453
6454 @kindex observer
6455 @item set observer on
6456 @itemx set observer off
6457 When set to @code{on}, this disables all the permission variables
6458 below (except for @code{insert-fast-tracepoints}), plus enables
6459 non-stop debugging. Setting this to @code{off} switches back to
6460 normal debugging, though remaining in non-stop mode.
6461
6462 @item show observer
6463 Show whether observer mode is on or off.
6464
6465 @kindex may-write-registers
6466 @item set may-write-registers on
6467 @itemx set may-write-registers off
6468 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the values of
6469 registers, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}, or the
6470 @code{jump} command. It defaults to @code{on}.
6471
6472 @item show may-write-registers
6473 Show the current permission to write registers.
6474
6475 @kindex may-write-memory
6476 @item set may-write-memory on
6477 @itemx set may-write-memory off
6478 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the contents
6479 of memory, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}. It
6480 defaults to @code{on}.
6481
6482 @item show may-write-memory
6483 Show the current permission to write memory.
6484
6485 @kindex may-insert-breakpoints
6486 @item set may-insert-breakpoints on
6487 @itemx set may-insert-breakpoints off
6488 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert breakpoints.
6489 This affects all breakpoints, including internal breakpoints defined
6490 by @value{GDBN}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6491
6492 @item show may-insert-breakpoints
6493 Show the current permission to insert breakpoints.
6494
6495 @kindex may-insert-tracepoints
6496 @item set may-insert-tracepoints on
6497 @itemx set may-insert-tracepoints off
6498 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert (regular)
6499 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
6500 non-fast tracepoints, fast tracepoints being under the control of
6501 @code{may-insert-fast-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6502
6503 @item show may-insert-tracepoints
6504 Show the current permission to insert tracepoints.
6505
6506 @kindex may-insert-fast-tracepoints
6507 @item set may-insert-fast-tracepoints on
6508 @itemx set may-insert-fast-tracepoints off
6509 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert fast
6510 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
6511 fast tracepoints, regular (non-fast) tracepoints being under the
6512 control of @code{may-insert-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6513
6514 @item show may-insert-fast-tracepoints
6515 Show the current permission to insert fast tracepoints.
6516
6517 @kindex may-interrupt
6518 @item set may-interrupt on
6519 @itemx set may-interrupt off
6520 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to interrupt or stop
6521 program execution. When this variable is @code{off}, the
6522 @code{interrupt} command will have no effect, nor will
6523 @kbd{Ctrl-c}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6524
6525 @item show may-interrupt
6526 Show the current permission to interrupt or stop the program.
6527
6528 @end table
6529
6530 @node Reverse Execution
6531 @chapter Running programs backward
6532 @cindex reverse execution
6533 @cindex running programs backward
6534
6535 When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
6536 you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
6537 If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
6538 ``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
6539
6540 A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
6541 to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
6542 program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
6543 revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
6544 deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
6545 all target environments can support reverse execution.
6546
6547 When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
6548 have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
6549 order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
6550 thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
6551 the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
6552 instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
6553 a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
6554 should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
6555 prior values@footnote{
6556 Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
6557 memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
6558 targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
6559
6560 The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
6561 requires only that the target do something reasonable when
6562 @value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
6563 results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
6564 @value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
6565 assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
6566 consistant state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
6567 }.
6568
6569 If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
6570 reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
6571
6572 @table @code
6573 @kindex reverse-continue
6574 @kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
6575 @item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6576 @itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6577 Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
6578 in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
6579 exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
6580 asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
6581
6582 @kindex reverse-step
6583 @kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
6584 @item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6585 Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
6586 different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
6587
6588 Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
6589 at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
6590 executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
6591 debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
6592 the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
6593 statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
6594
6595 Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
6596 called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
6597
6598 @kindex reverse-stepi
6599 @kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
6600 @item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6601 Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
6602 to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
6603 counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
6604 if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
6605 back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
6606
6607 @kindex reverse-next
6608 @kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
6609 @item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6610 Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
6611 the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
6612 calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
6613 the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
6614 to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
6615 just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
6616 line of a function back to its return to its caller
6617 @footnote{Unless the code is too heavily optimized.}.
6618
6619 @kindex reverse-nexti
6620 @kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
6621 @item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6622 Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
6623 in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
6624 That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
6625 another function, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
6626 in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
6627 frame) is reached.
6628
6629 @kindex reverse-finish
6630 @item reverse-finish
6631 Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
6632 current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
6633 where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
6634 function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
6635
6636 @kindex set exec-direction
6637 @item set exec-direction
6638 Set the direction of target execution.
6639 @item set exec-direction reverse
6640 @cindex execute forward or backward in time
6641 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
6642 exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
6643 @code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
6644 command cannot be used in reverse mode.
6645 @item set exec-direction forward
6646 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
6647 This is the default.
6648 @end table
6649
6650
6651 @node Process Record and Replay
6652 @chapter Recording Inferior's Execution and Replaying It
6653 @cindex process record and replay
6654 @cindex recording inferior's execution and replaying it
6655
6656 On some platforms, @value{GDBN} provides a special @dfn{process record
6657 and replay} target that can record a log of the process execution, and
6658 replay it later with both forward and reverse execution commands.
6659
6660 @cindex replay mode
6661 When this target is in use, if the execution log includes the record
6662 for the next instruction, @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{replay
6663 mode}. In the replay mode, the inferior does not really execute code
6664 instructions. Instead, all the events that normally happen during
6665 code execution are taken from the execution log. While code is not
6666 really executed in replay mode, the values of registers (including the
6667 program counter register) and the memory of the inferior are still
6668 changed as they normally would. Their contents are taken from the
6669 execution log.
6670
6671 @cindex record mode
6672 If the record for the next instruction is not in the execution log,
6673 @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{record mode}. In this mode, the
6674 inferior executes normally, and @value{GDBN} records the execution log
6675 for future replay.
6676
6677 The process record and replay target supports reverse execution
6678 (@pxref{Reverse Execution}), even if the platform on which the
6679 inferior runs does not. However, the reverse execution is limited in
6680 this case by the range of the instructions recorded in the execution
6681 log. In other words, reverse execution on platforms that don't
6682 support it directly can only be done in the replay mode.
6683
6684 When debugging in the reverse direction, @value{GDBN} will work in
6685 replay mode as long as the execution log includes the record for the
6686 previous instruction; otherwise, it will work in record mode, if the
6687 platform supports reverse execution, or stop if not.
6688
6689 For architecture environments that support process record and replay,
6690 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands:
6691
6692 @table @code
6693 @kindex target record
6694 @kindex target record-full
6695 @kindex target record-btrace
6696 @kindex record
6697 @kindex record full
6698 @kindex record btrace
6699 @kindex record btrace bts
6700 @kindex record btrace pt
6701 @kindex record bts
6702 @kindex record pt
6703 @kindex rec
6704 @kindex rec full
6705 @kindex rec btrace
6706 @kindex rec btrace bts
6707 @kindex rec btrace pt
6708 @kindex rec bts
6709 @kindex rec pt
6710 @item record @var{method}
6711 This command starts the process record and replay target. The
6712 recording method can be specified as parameter. Without a parameter
6713 the command uses the @code{full} recording method. The following
6714 recording methods are available:
6715
6716 @table @code
6717 @item full
6718 Full record/replay recording using @value{GDBN}'s software record and
6719 replay implementation. This method allows replaying and reverse
6720 execution.
6721
6722 @item btrace @var{format}
6723 Hardware-supported instruction recording. This method does not record
6724 data. Further, the data is collected in a ring buffer so old data will
6725 be overwritten when the buffer is full. It allows limited reverse
6726 execution. Variables and registers are not available during reverse
6727 execution. In remote debugging, recording continues on disconnect.
6728 Recorded data can be inspected after reconnecting. The recording may
6729 be stopped using @code{record stop}.
6730
6731 The recording format can be specified as parameter. Without a parameter
6732 the command chooses the recording format. The following recording
6733 formats are available:
6734
6735 @table @code
6736 @item bts
6737 @cindex branch trace store
6738 Use the @dfn{Branch Trace Store} (@acronym{BTS}) recording format. In
6739 this format, the processor stores a from/to record for each executed
6740 branch in the btrace ring buffer.
6741
6742 @item pt
6743 @cindex Intel Processor Trace
6744 Use the @dfn{Intel Processor Trace} recording format. In this
6745 format, the processor stores the execution trace in a compressed form
6746 that is afterwards decoded by @value{GDBN}.
6747
6748 The trace can be recorded with very low overhead. The compressed
6749 trace format also allows small trace buffers to already contain a big
6750 number of instructions compared to @acronym{BTS}.
6751
6752 Decoding the recorded execution trace, on the other hand, is more
6753 expensive than decoding @acronym{BTS} trace. This is mostly due to the
6754 increased number of instructions to process. You should increase the
6755 buffer-size with care.
6756 @end table
6757
6758 Not all recording formats may be available on all processors.
6759 @end table
6760
6761 The process record and replay target can only debug a process that is
6762 already running. Therefore, you need first to start the process with
6763 the @kbd{run} or @kbd{start} commands, and then start the recording
6764 with the @kbd{record @var{method}} command.
6765
6766 @cindex displaced stepping, and process record and replay
6767 Displaced stepping (@pxref{Maintenance Commands,, displaced stepping})
6768 will be automatically disabled when process record and replay target
6769 is started. That's because the process record and replay target
6770 doesn't support displaced stepping.
6771
6772 @cindex non-stop mode, and process record and replay
6773 @cindex asynchronous execution, and process record and replay
6774 If the inferior is in the non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) or in
6775 the asynchronous execution mode (@pxref{Background Execution}), not
6776 all recording methods are available. The @code{full} recording method
6777 does not support these two modes.
6778
6779 @kindex record stop
6780 @kindex rec s
6781 @item record stop
6782 Stop the process record and replay target. When process record and
6783 replay target stops, the entire execution log will be deleted and the
6784 inferior will either be terminated, or will remain in its final state.
6785
6786 When you stop the process record and replay target in record mode (at
6787 the end of the execution log), the inferior will be stopped at the
6788 next instruction that would have been recorded. In other words, if
6789 you record for a while and then stop recording, the inferior process
6790 will be left in the same state as if the recording never happened.
6791
6792 On the other hand, if the process record and replay target is stopped
6793 while in replay mode (that is, not at the end of the execution log,
6794 but at some earlier point), the inferior process will become ``live''
6795 at that earlier state, and it will then be possible to continue the
6796 usual ``live'' debugging of the process from that state.
6797
6798 When the inferior process exits, or @value{GDBN} detaches from it,
6799 process record and replay target will automatically stop itself.
6800
6801 @kindex record goto
6802 @item record goto
6803 Go to a specific location in the execution log. There are several
6804 ways to specify the location to go to:
6805
6806 @table @code
6807 @item record goto begin
6808 @itemx record goto start
6809 Go to the beginning of the execution log.
6810
6811 @item record goto end
6812 Go to the end of the execution log.
6813
6814 @item record goto @var{n}
6815 Go to instruction number @var{n} in the execution log.
6816 @end table
6817
6818 @kindex record save
6819 @item record save @var{filename}
6820 Save the execution log to a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6821 Default filename is @file{gdb_record.@var{process_id}}, where
6822 @var{process_id} is the process ID of the inferior.
6823
6824 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
6825
6826 @kindex record restore
6827 @item record restore @var{filename}
6828 Restore the execution log from a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6829 File must have been created with @code{record save}.
6830
6831 @kindex set record full
6832 @item set record full insn-number-max @var{limit}
6833 @itemx set record full insn-number-max unlimited
6834 Set the limit of instructions to be recorded for the @code{full}
6835 recording method. Default value is 200000.
6836
6837 If @var{limit} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will start
6838 deleting instructions from the log once the number of the record
6839 instructions becomes greater than @var{limit}. For every new recorded
6840 instruction, @value{GDBN} will delete the earliest recorded
6841 instruction to keep the number of recorded instructions at the limit.
6842 (Since deleting recorded instructions loses information, @value{GDBN}
6843 lets you control what happens when the limit is reached, by means of
6844 the @code{stop-at-limit} option, described below.)
6845
6846 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will never
6847 delete recorded instructions from the execution log. The number of
6848 recorded instructions is limited only by the available memory.
6849
6850 @kindex show record full
6851 @item show record full insn-number-max
6852 Show the limit of instructions to be recorded with the @code{full}
6853 recording method.
6854
6855 @item set record full stop-at-limit
6856 Control the behavior of the @code{full} recording method when the
6857 number of recorded instructions reaches the limit. If ON (the
6858 default), @value{GDBN} will stop when the limit is reached for the
6859 first time and ask you whether you want to stop the inferior or
6860 continue running it and recording the execution log. If you decide
6861 to continue recording, each new recorded instruction will cause the
6862 oldest one to be deleted.
6863
6864 If this option is OFF, @value{GDBN} will automatically delete the
6865 oldest record to make room for each new one, without asking.
6866
6867 @item show record full stop-at-limit
6868 Show the current setting of @code{stop-at-limit}.
6869
6870 @item set record full memory-query
6871 Control the behavior when @value{GDBN} is unable to record memory
6872 changes caused by an instruction for the @code{full} recording method.
6873 If ON, @value{GDBN} will query whether to stop the inferior in that
6874 case.
6875
6876 If this option is OFF (the default), @value{GDBN} will automatically
6877 ignore the effect of such instructions on memory. Later, when
6878 @value{GDBN} replays this execution log, it will mark the log of this
6879 instruction as not accessible, and it will not affect the replay
6880 results.
6881
6882 @item show record full memory-query
6883 Show the current setting of @code{memory-query}.
6884
6885 @kindex set record btrace
6886 The @code{btrace} record target does not trace data. As a
6887 convenience, when replaying, @value{GDBN} reads read-only memory off
6888 the live program directly, assuming that the addresses of the
6889 read-only areas don't change. This for example makes it possible to
6890 disassemble code while replaying, but not to print variables.
6891 In some cases, being able to inspect variables might be useful.
6892 You can use the following command for that:
6893
6894 @item set record btrace replay-memory-access
6895 Control the behavior of the @code{btrace} recording method when
6896 accessing memory during replay. If @code{read-only} (the default),
6897 @value{GDBN} will only allow accesses to read-only memory.
6898 If @code{read-write}, @value{GDBN} will allow accesses to read-only
6899 and to read-write memory. Beware that the accessed memory corresponds
6900 to the live target and not necessarily to the current replay
6901 position.
6902
6903 @kindex show record btrace
6904 @item show record btrace replay-memory-access
6905 Show the current setting of @code{replay-memory-access}.
6906
6907 @kindex set record btrace bts
6908 @item set record btrace bts buffer-size @var{size}
6909 @itemx set record btrace bts buffer-size unlimited
6910 Set the requested ring buffer size for branch tracing in @acronym{BTS}
6911 format. Default is 64KB.
6912
6913 If @var{size} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will try to
6914 allocate a buffer of at least @var{size} bytes for each new thread
6915 that uses the btrace recording method and the @acronym{BTS} format.
6916 The actually obtained buffer size may differ from the requested
6917 @var{size}. Use the @code{info record} command to see the actual
6918 buffer size for each thread that uses the btrace recording method and
6919 the @acronym{BTS} format.
6920
6921 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will try to
6922 allocate a buffer of 4MB.
6923
6924 Bigger buffers mean longer traces. On the other hand, @value{GDBN} will
6925 also need longer to process the branch trace data before it can be used.
6926
6927 @item show record btrace bts buffer-size @var{size}
6928 Show the current setting of the requested ring buffer size for branch
6929 tracing in @acronym{BTS} format.
6930
6931 @kindex set record btrace pt
6932 @item set record btrace pt buffer-size @var{size}
6933 @itemx set record btrace pt buffer-size unlimited
6934 Set the requested ring buffer size for branch tracing in Intel
6935 Processor Trace format. Default is 16KB.
6936
6937 If @var{size} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will try to
6938 allocate a buffer of at least @var{size} bytes for each new thread
6939 that uses the btrace recording method and the Intel Processor Trace
6940 format. The actually obtained buffer size may differ from the
6941 requested @var{size}. Use the @code{info record} command to see the
6942 actual buffer size for each thread.
6943
6944 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will try to
6945 allocate a buffer of 4MB.
6946
6947 Bigger buffers mean longer traces. On the other hand, @value{GDBN} will
6948 also need longer to process the branch trace data before it can be used.
6949
6950 @item show record btrace pt buffer-size @var{size}
6951 Show the current setting of the requested ring buffer size for branch
6952 tracing in Intel Processor Trace format.
6953
6954 @kindex info record
6955 @item info record
6956 Show various statistics about the recording depending on the recording
6957 method:
6958
6959 @table @code
6960 @item full
6961 For the @code{full} recording method, it shows the state of process
6962 record and its in-memory execution log buffer, including:
6963
6964 @itemize @bullet
6965 @item
6966 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
6967 @item
6968 Lowest recorded instruction number (counting from when the current execution log started recording instructions).
6969 @item
6970 Highest recorded instruction number.
6971 @item
6972 Current instruction about to be replayed (if in replay mode).
6973 @item
6974 Number of instructions contained in the execution log.
6975 @item
6976 Maximum number of instructions that may be contained in the execution log.
6977 @end itemize
6978
6979 @item btrace
6980 For the @code{btrace} recording method, it shows:
6981
6982 @itemize @bullet
6983 @item
6984 Recording format.
6985 @item
6986 Number of instructions that have been recorded.
6987 @item
6988 Number of blocks of sequential control-flow formed by the recorded
6989 instructions.
6990 @item
6991 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
6992 @end itemize
6993
6994 For the @code{bts} recording format, it also shows:
6995 @itemize @bullet
6996 @item
6997 Size of the perf ring buffer.
6998 @end itemize
6999
7000 For the @code{pt} recording format, it also shows:
7001 @itemize @bullet
7002 @item
7003 Size of the perf ring buffer.
7004 @end itemize
7005 @end table
7006
7007 @kindex record delete
7008 @kindex rec del
7009 @item record delete
7010 When record target runs in replay mode (``in the past''), delete the
7011 subsequent execution log and begin to record a new execution log starting
7012 from the current address. This means you will abandon the previously
7013 recorded ``future'' and begin recording a new ``future''.
7014
7015 @kindex record instruction-history
7016 @kindex rec instruction-history
7017 @item record instruction-history
7018 Disassembles instructions from the recorded execution log. By
7019 default, ten instructions are disassembled. This can be changed using
7020 the @code{set record instruction-history-size} command. Instructions
7021 are printed in execution order.
7022
7023 It can also print mixed source+disassembly if you specify the the
7024 @code{/m} or @code{/s} modifier, and print the raw instructions in hex
7025 as well as in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r} modifier.
7026
7027 The current position marker is printed for the instruction at the
7028 current program counter value. This instruction can appear multiple
7029 times in the trace and the current position marker will be printed
7030 every time. To omit the current position marker, specify the
7031 @code{/p} modifier.
7032
7033 To better align the printed instructions when the trace contains
7034 instructions from more than one function, the function name may be
7035 omitted by specifying the @code{/f} modifier.
7036
7037 Speculatively executed instructions are prefixed with @samp{?}. This
7038 feature is not available for all recording formats.
7039
7040 There are several ways to specify what part of the execution log to
7041 disassemble:
7042
7043 @table @code
7044 @item record instruction-history @var{insn}
7045 Disassembles ten instructions starting from instruction number
7046 @var{insn}.
7047
7048 @item record instruction-history @var{insn}, +/-@var{n}
7049 Disassembles @var{n} instructions around instruction number
7050 @var{insn}. If @var{n} is preceded with @code{+}, disassembles
7051 @var{n} instructions after instruction number @var{insn}. If
7052 @var{n} is preceded with @code{-}, disassembles @var{n}
7053 instructions before instruction number @var{insn}.
7054
7055 @item record instruction-history
7056 Disassembles ten more instructions after the last disassembly.
7057
7058 @item record instruction-history -
7059 Disassembles ten more instructions before the last disassembly.
7060
7061 @item record instruction-history @var{begin}, @var{end}
7062 Disassembles instructions beginning with instruction number
7063 @var{begin} until instruction number @var{end}. The instruction
7064 number @var{end} is included.
7065 @end table
7066
7067 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
7068
7069 @kindex set record
7070 @item set record instruction-history-size @var{size}
7071 @itemx set record instruction-history-size unlimited
7072 Define how many instructions to disassemble in the @code{record
7073 instruction-history} command. The default value is 10.
7074 A @var{size} of @code{unlimited} means unlimited instructions.
7075
7076 @kindex show record
7077 @item show record instruction-history-size
7078 Show how many instructions to disassemble in the @code{record
7079 instruction-history} command.
7080
7081 @kindex record function-call-history
7082 @kindex rec function-call-history
7083 @item record function-call-history
7084 Prints the execution history at function granularity. It prints one
7085 line for each sequence of instructions that belong to the same
7086 function giving the name of that function, the source lines
7087 for this instruction sequence (if the @code{/l} modifier is
7088 specified), and the instructions numbers that form the sequence (if
7089 the @code{/i} modifier is specified). The function names are indented
7090 to reflect the call stack depth if the @code{/c} modifier is
7091 specified. The @code{/l}, @code{/i}, and @code{/c} modifiers can be
7092 given together.
7093
7094 @smallexample
7095 (@value{GDBP}) @b{list 1, 10}
7096 1 void foo (void)
7097 2 @{
7098 3 @}
7099 4
7100 5 void bar (void)
7101 6 @{
7102 7 ...
7103 8 foo ();
7104 9 ...
7105 10 @}
7106 (@value{GDBP}) @b{record function-call-history /ilc}
7107 1 bar inst 1,4 at foo.c:6,8
7108 2 foo inst 5,10 at foo.c:2,3
7109 3 bar inst 11,13 at foo.c:9,10
7110 @end smallexample
7111
7112 By default, ten lines are printed. This can be changed using the
7113 @code{set record function-call-history-size} command. Functions are
7114 printed in execution order. There are several ways to specify what
7115 to print:
7116
7117 @table @code
7118 @item record function-call-history @var{func}
7119 Prints ten functions starting from function number @var{func}.
7120
7121 @item record function-call-history @var{func}, +/-@var{n}
7122 Prints @var{n} functions around function number @var{func}. If
7123 @var{n} is preceded with @code{+}, prints @var{n} functions after
7124 function number @var{func}. If @var{n} is preceded with @code{-},
7125 prints @var{n} functions before function number @var{func}.
7126
7127 @item record function-call-history
7128 Prints ten more functions after the last ten-line print.
7129
7130 @item record function-call-history -
7131 Prints ten more functions before the last ten-line print.
7132
7133 @item record function-call-history @var{begin}, @var{end}
7134 Prints functions beginning with function number @var{begin} until
7135 function number @var{end}. The function number @var{end} is included.
7136 @end table
7137
7138 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
7139
7140 @item set record function-call-history-size @var{size}
7141 @itemx set record function-call-history-size unlimited
7142 Define how many lines to print in the
7143 @code{record function-call-history} command. The default value is 10.
7144 A size of @code{unlimited} means unlimited lines.
7145
7146 @item show record function-call-history-size
7147 Show how many lines to print in the
7148 @code{record function-call-history} command.
7149 @end table
7150
7151
7152 @node Stack
7153 @chapter Examining the Stack
7154
7155 When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
7156 stopped and how it got there.
7157
7158 @cindex call stack
7159 Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
7160 is generated.
7161 That information includes the location of the call in your program,
7162 the arguments of the call,
7163 and the local variables of the function being called.
7164 The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
7165 The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
7166 stack}.
7167
7168 When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
7169 stack allow you to see all of this information.
7170
7171 @cindex selected frame
7172 One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
7173 @value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
7174 particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
7175 your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
7176 special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
7177 interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7178
7179 When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
7180 currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
7181 @code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
7182
7183 @menu
7184 * Frames:: Stack frames
7185 * Backtrace:: Backtraces
7186 * Selection:: Selecting a frame
7187 * Frame Info:: Information on a frame
7188 * Frame Filter Management:: Managing frame filters
7189
7190 @end menu
7191
7192 @node Frames
7193 @section Stack Frames
7194
7195 @cindex frame, definition
7196 @cindex stack frame
7197 The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
7198 frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
7199 with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
7200 to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
7201 which the function is executing.
7202
7203 @cindex initial frame
7204 @cindex outermost frame
7205 @cindex innermost frame
7206 When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
7207 function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
7208 @dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
7209 made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
7210 is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
7211 the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
7212 actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
7213 recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
7214
7215 @cindex frame pointer
7216 Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
7217 stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
7218 kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
7219 address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
7220 in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
7221 (@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
7222
7223 @cindex frame number
7224 @value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
7225 zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
7226 and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
7227 they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
7228 frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
7229
7230 @c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
7231 @c underflow problems.
7232 @cindex frameless execution
7233 Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
7234 without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
7235 @smallexample
7236 @samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
7237 @end smallexample
7238 generates functions without a frame.)
7239 This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
7240 the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
7241 with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
7242 has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
7243 it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
7244 correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
7245 no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
7246
7247 @node Backtrace
7248 @section Backtraces
7249
7250 @cindex traceback
7251 @cindex call stack traces
7252 A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
7253 line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
7254 frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
7255 stack.
7256
7257 @anchor{backtrace-command}
7258 @table @code
7259 @kindex backtrace
7260 @kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
7261 @item backtrace
7262 @itemx bt
7263 Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
7264 frames in the stack.
7265
7266 You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
7267 character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
7268
7269 @item backtrace @var{n}
7270 @itemx bt @var{n}
7271 Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
7272
7273 @item backtrace -@var{n}
7274 @itemx bt -@var{n}
7275 Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
7276
7277 @item backtrace full
7278 @itemx bt full
7279 @itemx bt full @var{n}
7280 @itemx bt full -@var{n}
7281 Print the values of the local variables also. As described above,
7282 @var{n} specifies the number of frames to print.
7283
7284 @item backtrace no-filters
7285 @itemx bt no-filters
7286 @itemx bt no-filters @var{n}
7287 @itemx bt no-filters -@var{n}
7288 @itemx bt no-filters full
7289 @itemx bt no-filters full @var{n}
7290 @itemx bt no-filters full -@var{n}
7291 Do not run Python frame filters on this backtrace. @xref{Frame
7292 Filter API}, for more information. Additionally use @ref{disable
7293 frame-filter all} to turn off all frame filters. This is only
7294 relevant when @value{GDBN} has been configured with @code{Python}
7295 support.
7296 @end table
7297
7298 @kindex where
7299 @kindex info stack
7300 The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
7301 are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
7302
7303 @cindex multiple threads, backtrace
7304 In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
7305 backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
7306 several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
7307 (@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
7308 apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
7309 the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
7310 multi-threaded program.
7311
7312 Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
7313 The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
7314 print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
7315 line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
7316 counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
7317 line number.
7318
7319 Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
7320 @samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
7321
7322 @smallexample
7323 @group
7324 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
7325 at builtin.c:993
7326 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600, data=...) at macro.c:242
7327 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
7328 at macro.c:71
7329 (More stack frames follow...)
7330 @end group
7331 @end smallexample
7332
7333 @noindent
7334 The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
7335 value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
7336 code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
7337
7338 @noindent
7339 The value of parameter @code{data} in frame 1 has been replaced by
7340 @code{@dots{}}. By default, @value{GDBN} prints the value of a parameter
7341 only if it is a scalar (integer, pointer, enumeration, etc). See command
7342 @kbd{set print frame-arguments} in @ref{Print Settings} for more details
7343 on how to configure the way function parameter values are printed.
7344
7345 @cindex optimized out, in backtrace
7346 @cindex function call arguments, optimized out
7347 If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
7348 optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
7349 never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
7350 passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
7351 in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
7352 arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
7353 such a backtrace might look like:
7354
7355 @smallexample
7356 @group
7357 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
7358 at builtin.c:993
7359 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<optimized out>) at macro.c:242
7360 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
7361 at macro.c:71
7362 (More stack frames follow...)
7363 @end group
7364 @end smallexample
7365
7366 @noindent
7367 The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
7368 shown as @samp{<optimized out>}.
7369
7370 If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
7371 either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
7372 you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
7373
7374 @cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
7375 @cindex program entry point
7376 @cindex startup code, and backtrace
7377 Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
7378 libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
7379 @code{main}@footnote{
7380 Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
7381 environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
7382 entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
7383 When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
7384 it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
7385 system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
7386
7387 If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
7388 in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
7389
7390 @table @code
7391 @item set backtrace past-main
7392 @itemx set backtrace past-main on
7393 @kindex set backtrace
7394 Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
7395
7396 @item set backtrace past-main off
7397 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
7398 default.
7399
7400 @item show backtrace past-main
7401 @kindex show backtrace
7402 Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
7403
7404 @item set backtrace past-entry
7405 @itemx set backtrace past-entry on
7406 Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
7407 This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
7408 and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
7409
7410 @item set backtrace past-entry off
7411 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
7412 application. This is the default.
7413
7414 @item show backtrace past-entry
7415 Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
7416
7417 @item set backtrace limit @var{n}
7418 @itemx set backtrace limit 0
7419 @itemx set backtrace limit unlimited
7420 @cindex backtrace limit
7421 Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of @code{unlimited}
7422 or zero means unlimited levels.
7423
7424 @item show backtrace limit
7425 Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
7426 @end table
7427
7428 You can control how file names are displayed.
7429
7430 @table @code
7431 @item set filename-display
7432 @itemx set filename-display relative
7433 @cindex filename-display
7434 Display file names relative to the compilation directory. This is the default.
7435
7436 @item set filename-display basename
7437 Display only basename of a filename.
7438
7439 @item set filename-display absolute
7440 Display an absolute filename.
7441
7442 @item show filename-display
7443 Show the current way to display filenames.
7444 @end table
7445
7446 @node Selection
7447 @section Selecting a Frame
7448
7449 Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
7450 whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
7451 selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
7452 of the stack frame just selected.
7453
7454 @table @code
7455 @kindex frame@r{, selecting}
7456 @kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
7457 @item frame @var{n}
7458 @itemx f @var{n}
7459 Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
7460 (currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
7461 innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
7462 @code{main}.
7463
7464 @item frame @var{stack-addr} [ @var{pc-addr} ]
7465 @itemx f @var{stack-addr} [ @var{pc-addr} ]
7466 Select the frame at address @var{stack-addr}. This is useful mainly if the
7467 chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
7468 impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
7469 addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
7470 switches between them. The optional @var{pc-addr} can also be given to
7471 specify the value of PC for the stack frame.
7472
7473 @kindex up
7474 @item up @var{n}
7475 Move @var{n} frames up the stack; @var{n} defaults to 1. For positive
7476 numbers @var{n}, this advances toward the outermost frame, to higher
7477 frame numbers, to frames that have existed longer.
7478
7479 @kindex down
7480 @kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
7481 @item down @var{n}
7482 Move @var{n} frames down the stack; @var{n} defaults to 1. For
7483 positive numbers @var{n}, this advances toward the innermost frame, to
7484 lower frame numbers, to frames that were created more recently.
7485 You may abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
7486 @end table
7487
7488 All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
7489 frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
7490 arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
7491 frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
7492
7493 @need 1000
7494 For example:
7495
7496 @smallexample
7497 @group
7498 (@value{GDBP}) up
7499 #1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
7500 at env.c:10
7501 10 read_input_file (argv[i]);
7502 @end group
7503 @end smallexample
7504
7505 After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
7506 prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
7507 You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
7508 editing program by typing @code{edit}.
7509 @xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
7510 for details.
7511
7512 @table @code
7513 @kindex select-frame
7514 @item select-frame
7515 The @code{select-frame} command is a variant of @code{frame} that does
7516 not display the new frame after selecting it. This command is
7517 intended primarily for use in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the
7518 output might be unnecessary and distracting.
7519
7520 @kindex down-silently
7521 @kindex up-silently
7522 @item up-silently @var{n}
7523 @itemx down-silently @var{n}
7524 These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
7525 respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
7526 causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
7527 in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
7528 distracting.
7529 @end table
7530
7531 @node Frame Info
7532 @section Information About a Frame
7533
7534 There are several other commands to print information about the selected
7535 stack frame.
7536
7537 @table @code
7538 @item frame
7539 @itemx f
7540 When used without any argument, this command does not change which
7541 frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
7542 selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
7543 argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
7544 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7545
7546 @kindex info frame
7547 @kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
7548 @item info frame
7549 @itemx info f
7550 This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
7551 including:
7552
7553 @itemize @bullet
7554 @item
7555 the address of the frame
7556 @item
7557 the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
7558 @item
7559 the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
7560 @item
7561 the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
7562 @item
7563 the address of the frame's arguments
7564 @item
7565 the address of the frame's local variables
7566 @item
7567 the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
7568 @item
7569 which registers were saved in the frame
7570 @end itemize
7571
7572 @noindent The verbose description is useful when
7573 something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
7574 the usual conventions.
7575
7576 @item info frame @var{addr}
7577 @itemx info f @var{addr}
7578 Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr}, without
7579 selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by this
7580 command. This requires the same kind of address (more than one for some
7581 architectures) that you specify in the @code{frame} command.
7582 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7583
7584 @kindex info args
7585 @item info args
7586 Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
7587
7588 @item info locals
7589 @kindex info locals
7590 Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
7591 line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
7592 accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
7593
7594 @end table
7595
7596 @node Frame Filter Management
7597 @section Management of Frame Filters.
7598 @cindex managing frame filters
7599
7600 Frame filters are Python based utilities to manage and decorate the
7601 output of frames. @xref{Frame Filter API}, for further information.
7602
7603 Managing frame filters is performed by several commands available
7604 within @value{GDBN}, detailed here.
7605
7606 @table @code
7607 @kindex info frame-filter
7608 @item info frame-filter
7609 Print a list of installed frame filters from all dictionaries, showing
7610 their name, priority and enabled status.
7611
7612 @kindex disable frame-filter
7613 @anchor{disable frame-filter all}
7614 @item disable frame-filter @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
7615 Disable a frame filter in the dictionary matching
7616 @var{filter-dictionary} and @var{filter-name}. The
7617 @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{all}, @code{global},
7618 @code{progspace}, or the name of the object file where the frame filter
7619 dictionary resides. When @code{all} is specified, all frame filters
7620 across all dictionaries are disabled. The @var{filter-name} is the name
7621 of the frame filter and is used when @code{all} is not the option for
7622 @var{filter-dictionary}. A disabled frame-filter is not deleted, it
7623 may be enabled again later.
7624
7625 @kindex enable frame-filter
7626 @item enable frame-filter @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
7627 Enable a frame filter in the dictionary matching
7628 @var{filter-dictionary} and @var{filter-name}. The
7629 @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{all}, @code{global},
7630 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
7631 dictionary resides. When @code{all} is specified, all frame filters across
7632 all dictionaries are enabled. The @var{filter-name} is the name of the frame
7633 filter and is used when @code{all} is not the option for
7634 @var{filter-dictionary}.
7635
7636 Example:
7637
7638 @smallexample
7639 (gdb) info frame-filter
7640
7641 global frame-filters:
7642 Priority Enabled Name
7643 1000 No PrimaryFunctionFilter
7644 100 Yes Reverse
7645
7646 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
7647 Priority Enabled Name
7648 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
7649
7650 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
7651 Priority Enabled Name
7652 999 Yes BuildProgra Filter
7653
7654 (gdb) disable frame-filter /build/test BuildProgramFilter
7655 (gdb) info frame-filter
7656
7657 global frame-filters:
7658 Priority Enabled Name
7659 1000 No PrimaryFunctionFilter
7660 100 Yes Reverse
7661
7662 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
7663 Priority Enabled Name
7664 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
7665
7666 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
7667 Priority Enabled Name
7668 999 No BuildProgramFilter
7669
7670 (gdb) enable frame-filter global PrimaryFunctionFilter
7671 (gdb) info frame-filter
7672
7673 global frame-filters:
7674 Priority Enabled Name
7675 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
7676 100 Yes Reverse
7677
7678 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
7679 Priority Enabled Name
7680 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
7681
7682 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
7683 Priority Enabled Name
7684 999 No BuildProgramFilter
7685 @end smallexample
7686
7687 @kindex set frame-filter priority
7688 @item set frame-filter priority @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name} @var{priority}
7689 Set the @var{priority} of a frame filter in the dictionary matching
7690 @var{filter-dictionary}, and the frame filter name matching
7691 @var{filter-name}. The @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{global},
7692 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
7693 dictionary resides. The @var{priority} is an integer.
7694
7695 @kindex show frame-filter priority
7696 @item show frame-filter priority @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
7697 Show the @var{priority} of a frame filter in the dictionary matching
7698 @var{filter-dictionary}, and the frame filter name matching
7699 @var{filter-name}. The @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{global},
7700 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
7701 dictionary resides.
7702
7703 Example:
7704
7705 @smallexample
7706 (gdb) info frame-filter
7707
7708 global frame-filters:
7709 Priority Enabled Name
7710 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
7711 100 Yes Reverse
7712
7713 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
7714 Priority Enabled Name
7715 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
7716
7717 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
7718 Priority Enabled Name
7719 999 No BuildProgramFilter
7720
7721 (gdb) set frame-filter priority global Reverse 50
7722 (gdb) info frame-filter
7723
7724 global frame-filters:
7725 Priority Enabled Name
7726 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
7727 50 Yes Reverse
7728
7729 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
7730 Priority Enabled Name
7731 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
7732
7733 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
7734 Priority Enabled Name
7735 999 No BuildProgramFilter
7736 @end smallexample
7737 @end table
7738
7739 @node Source
7740 @chapter Examining Source Files
7741
7742 @value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
7743 information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
7744 used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
7745 the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
7746 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
7747 execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
7748 source files by explicit command.
7749
7750 If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
7751 prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
7752 @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
7753
7754 @menu
7755 * List:: Printing source lines
7756 * Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
7757 * Edit:: Editing source files
7758 * Search:: Searching source files
7759 * Source Path:: Specifying source directories
7760 * Machine Code:: Source and machine code
7761 @end menu
7762
7763 @node List
7764 @section Printing Source Lines
7765
7766 @kindex list
7767 @kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
7768 To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
7769 (abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
7770 There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
7771 print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
7772
7773 Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
7774
7775 @table @code
7776 @item list @var{linenum}
7777 Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
7778 current source file.
7779
7780 @item list @var{function}
7781 Print lines centered around the beginning of function
7782 @var{function}.
7783
7784 @item list
7785 Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
7786 @code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
7787 printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
7788 as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
7789 Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
7790
7791 @item list -
7792 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
7793 @end table
7794
7795 @cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
7796 By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
7797 the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
7798
7799 @table @code
7800 @kindex set listsize
7801 @item set listsize @var{count}
7802 @itemx set listsize unlimited
7803 Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
7804 the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
7805 Setting @var{count} to @code{unlimited} or 0 means there's no limit.
7806
7807 @kindex show listsize
7808 @item show listsize
7809 Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
7810 @end table
7811
7812 Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
7813 so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
7814 than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
7815 argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
7816 each repetition moves up in the source file.
7817
7818 In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
7819 @dfn{locations}. Locations specify source lines; there are several ways
7820 of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
7821 to specify some source line.
7822
7823 Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
7824
7825 @table @code
7826 @item list @var{location}
7827 Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{location}.
7828
7829 @item list @var{first},@var{last}
7830 Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
7831 locations. When a @code{list} command has two locations, and the
7832 source file of the second location is omitted, this refers to
7833 the same source file as the first location.
7834
7835 @item list ,@var{last}
7836 Print lines ending with @var{last}.
7837
7838 @item list @var{first},
7839 Print lines starting with @var{first}.
7840
7841 @item list +
7842 Print lines just after the lines last printed.
7843
7844 @item list -
7845 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
7846
7847 @item list
7848 As described in the preceding table.
7849 @end table
7850
7851 @node Specify Location
7852 @section Specifying a Location
7853 @cindex specifying location
7854 @cindex location
7855 @cindex source location
7856
7857 @menu
7858 * Linespec Locations:: Linespec locations
7859 * Explicit Locations:: Explicit locations
7860 * Address Locations:: Address locations
7861 @end menu
7862
7863 Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
7864 of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
7865 debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code.
7866 Locations may be specified using three different formats:
7867 linespec locations, explicit locations, or address locations.
7868
7869 @node Linespec Locations
7870 @subsection Linespec Locations
7871 @cindex linespec locations
7872
7873 A @dfn{linespec} is a colon-separated list of source location parameters such
7874 as file name, function name, etc. Here are all the different ways of
7875 specifying a linespec:
7876
7877 @table @code
7878 @item @var{linenum}
7879 Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
7880
7881 @item -@var{offset}
7882 @itemx +@var{offset}
7883 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
7884 line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
7885 printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
7886 execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
7887 (@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
7888 used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
7889 this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
7890 linespec.
7891
7892 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
7893 Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
7894 If @var{filename} is a relative file name, then it will match any
7895 source file name with the same trailing components. For example, if
7896 @var{filename} is @samp{gcc/expr.c}, then it will match source file
7897 name of @file{/build/trunk/gcc/expr.c}, but not
7898 @file{/build/trunk/libcpp/expr.c} or @file{/build/trunk/gcc/x-expr.c}.
7899
7900 @item @var{function}
7901 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
7902 For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
7903
7904 @item @var{function}:@var{label}
7905 Specifies the line where @var{label} appears in @var{function}.
7906
7907 @item @var{filename}:@var{function}
7908 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
7909 in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
7910 function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
7911 functions in different source files.
7912
7913 @item @var{label}
7914 Specifies the line at which the label named @var{label} appears
7915 in the function corresponding to the currently selected stack frame.
7916 If there is no current selected stack frame (for instance, if the inferior
7917 is not running), then @value{GDBN} will not search for a label.
7918
7919 @cindex breakpoint at static probe point
7920 @item -pstap|-probe-stap @r{[}@var{objfile}:@r{[}@var{provider}:@r{]}@r{]}@var{name}
7921 The @sc{gnu}/Linux tool @code{SystemTap} provides a way for
7922 applications to embed static probes. @xref{Static Probe Points}, for more
7923 information on finding and using static probes. This form of linespec
7924 specifies the location of such a static probe.
7925
7926 If @var{objfile} is given, only probes coming from that shared library
7927 or executable matching @var{objfile} as a regular expression are considered.
7928 If @var{provider} is given, then only probes from that provider are considered.
7929 If several probes match the spec, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at
7930 each one of those probes.
7931 @end table
7932
7933 @node Explicit Locations
7934 @subsection Explicit Locations
7935 @cindex explicit locations
7936
7937 @dfn{Explicit locations} allow the user to directly specify the source
7938 location's parameters using option-value pairs.
7939
7940 Explicit locations are useful when several functions, labels, or
7941 file names have the same name (base name for files) in the program's
7942 sources. In these cases, explicit locations point to the source
7943 line you meant more accurately and unambiguously. Also, using
7944 explicit locations might be faster in large programs.
7945
7946 For example, the linespec @samp{foo:bar} may refer to a function @code{bar}
7947 defined in the file named @file{foo} or the label @code{bar} in a function
7948 named @code{foo}. @value{GDBN} must search either the file system or
7949 the symbol table to know.
7950
7951 The list of valid explicit location options is summarized in the
7952 following table:
7953
7954 @table @code
7955 @item -source @var{filename}
7956 The value specifies the source file name. To differentiate between
7957 files with the same base name, prepend as many directories as is necessary
7958 to uniquely identify the desired file, e.g., @file{foo/bar/baz.c}. Otherwise
7959 @value{GDBN} will use the first file it finds with the given base
7960 name. This option requires the use of either @code{-function} or @code{-line}.
7961
7962 @item -function @var{function}
7963 The value specifies the name of a function. Operations
7964 on function locations unmodified by other options (such as @code{-label}
7965 or @code{-line}) refer to the line that begins the body of the function.
7966 In C, for example, this is the line with the open brace.
7967
7968 @item -label @var{label}
7969 The value specifies the name of a label. When the function
7970 name is not specified, the label is searched in the function of the currently
7971 selected stack frame.
7972
7973 @item -line @var{number}
7974 The value specifies a line offset for the location. The offset may either
7975 be absolute (@code{-line 3}) or relative (@code{-line +3}), depending on
7976 the command. When specified without any other options, the line offset is
7977 relative to the current line.
7978 @end table
7979
7980 Explicit location options may be abbreviated by omitting any non-unique
7981 trailing characters from the option name, e.g., @code{break -s main.c -li 3}.
7982
7983 @node Address Locations
7984 @subsection Address Locations
7985 @cindex address locations
7986
7987 @dfn{Address locations} indicate a specific program address. They have
7988 the generalized form *@var{address}.
7989
7990 For line-oriented commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this
7991 specifies a source line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and
7992 other breakpoint-oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
7993 parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
7994 source files.
7995
7996 Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
7997 language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
7998 address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
7999 semantics of expressions used in locations to cover several situations
8000 that frequently occur during debugging. Here are the various forms
8001 of @var{address}:
8002
8003 @table @code
8004 @item @var{expression}
8005 Any expression valid in the current working language.
8006
8007 @item @var{funcaddr}
8008 An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
8009 C@t{++}, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
8010 simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
8011 of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
8012 @code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
8013 (although the Pascal form also works).
8014
8015 This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
8016 before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
8017
8018 @item '@var{filename}':@var{funcaddr}
8019 Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
8020 file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
8021 specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
8022 functions with identical names in different source files.
8023 @end table
8024
8025 @node Edit
8026 @section Editing Source Files
8027 @cindex editing source files
8028
8029 @kindex edit
8030 @kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
8031 To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
8032 The editing program of your choice
8033 is invoked with the current line set to
8034 the active line in the program.
8035 Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
8036 want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
8037
8038 @table @code
8039 @item edit @var{location}
8040 Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
8041 that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
8042 specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
8043 of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
8044 command most commonly used:
8045
8046 @table @code
8047 @item edit @var{number}
8048 Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
8049
8050 @item edit @var{function}
8051 Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
8052 @end table
8053
8054 @end table
8055
8056 @subsection Choosing your Editor
8057 You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
8058 @footnote{
8059 The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
8060 following command-line syntax:
8061 @smallexample
8062 ex +@var{number} file
8063 @end smallexample
8064 The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
8065 the file where to start editing.}.
8066 By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
8067 by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
8068 @value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
8069 @code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
8070 @smallexample
8071 EDITOR=/usr/bin/vi
8072 export EDITOR
8073 gdb @dots{}
8074 @end smallexample
8075 or in the @code{csh} shell,
8076 @smallexample
8077 setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
8078 gdb @dots{}
8079 @end smallexample
8080
8081 @node Search
8082 @section Searching Source Files
8083 @cindex searching source files
8084
8085 There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
8086 regular expression.
8087
8088 @table @code
8089 @kindex search
8090 @kindex forward-search
8091 @kindex fo @r{(@code{forward-search})}
8092 @item forward-search @var{regexp}
8093 @itemx search @var{regexp}
8094 The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
8095 starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
8096 @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
8097 synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
8098 @code{fo}.
8099
8100 @kindex reverse-search
8101 @item reverse-search @var{regexp}
8102 The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
8103 with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
8104 for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
8105 this command as @code{rev}.
8106 @end table
8107
8108 @node Source Path
8109 @section Specifying Source Directories
8110
8111 @cindex source path
8112 @cindex directories for source files
8113 Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
8114 files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
8115 the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
8116 session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
8117 this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
8118 it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
8119 in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
8120
8121 For example, suppose an executable references the file
8122 @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
8123 @file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
8124 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
8125 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
8126 message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
8127 source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
8128 Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
8129 the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
8130 @file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
8131 @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
8132
8133 Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
8134 names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
8135 instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
8136 is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
8137 @file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
8138 that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
8139
8140 Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
8141 source files.
8142
8143 Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
8144 any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
8145 each line is in the file.
8146
8147 @kindex directory
8148 @kindex dir
8149 When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
8150 and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
8151 To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
8152
8153 The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
8154 script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
8155
8156 In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
8157 that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
8158 rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
8159 debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
8160 directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
8161 two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
8162 the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
8163 In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
8164 @var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
8165 of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
8166 source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
8167 name to look up the sources.
8168
8169 Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
8170 moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
8171 @value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
8172 @file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
8173 @file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
8174 of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
8175 substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
8176 (@pxref{set substitute-path}).
8177
8178 To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
8179 @var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
8180 For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
8181 @file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
8182 not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
8183 is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
8184 not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
8185
8186 In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
8187 command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
8188 the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
8189 subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
8190 subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
8191 preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
8192 allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
8193 command.
8194
8195 @code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
8196 The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
8197 longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
8198 the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
8199 for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
8200 located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
8201 method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
8202
8203 @cindex @samp{--with-relocated-sources}
8204 @cindex default source path substitution
8205 You can configure a default source path substitution rule by
8206 configuring @value{GDBN} with the
8207 @samp{--with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}} option. The @var{dir}
8208 should be the name of a directory under @value{GDBN}'s configured
8209 prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or @samp{--exec-prefix}), and
8210 directory names in debug information under @var{dir} will be adjusted
8211 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
8212 location. This is useful if @value{GDBN}, libraries or executables
8213 with debug information and corresponding source code are being moved
8214 together.
8215
8216 @table @code
8217 @item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
8218 @item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
8219 Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
8220 directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
8221 (@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
8222 part of absolute file names) or
8223 whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
8224 path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
8225
8226 @kindex cdir
8227 @kindex cwd
8228 @vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
8229 @vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
8230 @cindex compilation directory
8231 @cindex current directory
8232 @cindex working directory
8233 @cindex directory, current
8234 @cindex directory, compilation
8235 You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
8236 directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
8237 working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
8238 tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
8239 session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
8240 directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
8241
8242 @item directory
8243 Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
8244
8245 @c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
8246 @c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
8247
8248 @item set directories @var{path-list}
8249 @kindex set directories
8250 Set the source path to @var{path-list}.
8251 @samp{$cdir:$cwd} are added if missing.
8252
8253 @item show directories
8254 @kindex show directories
8255 Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
8256
8257 @anchor{set substitute-path}
8258 @item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
8259 @kindex set substitute-path
8260 Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
8261 current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
8262 @var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
8263
8264 For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
8265 @file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
8266
8267 @smallexample
8268 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /foo/bar /mnt/cross
8269 @end smallexample
8270
8271 @noindent
8272 will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/foo/bar} with
8273 @samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
8274 @file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
8275
8276 In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
8277 the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
8278 defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
8279 the substitution.
8280
8281 For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
8282
8283 @smallexample
8284 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
8285 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
8286 @end smallexample
8287
8288 @noindent
8289 @value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
8290 @file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
8291 use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
8292 @file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
8293
8294
8295 @item unset substitute-path [path]
8296 @kindex unset substitute-path
8297 If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
8298 for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
8299 A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
8300
8301 If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
8302
8303 @item show substitute-path [path]
8304 @kindex show substitute-path
8305 If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
8306 which would rewrite that path, if any.
8307
8308 If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
8309 rules.
8310
8311 @end table
8312
8313 If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
8314 interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
8315 versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
8316
8317 @enumerate
8318 @item
8319 Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
8320
8321 @item
8322 Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
8323 directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
8324 directories in one command.
8325 @end enumerate
8326
8327 @node Machine Code
8328 @section Source and Machine Code
8329 @cindex source line and its code address
8330
8331 You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
8332 addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
8333 a range of addresses as machine instructions. You can use the command
8334 @code{set disassemble-next-line} to set whether to disassemble next
8335 source line when execution stops. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
8336 mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
8337 line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
8338 well as hex.
8339
8340 @table @code
8341 @kindex info line
8342 @item info line @var{location}
8343 Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
8344 source line @var{location}. You can specify source lines in any of
8345 the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}.
8346 @end table
8347
8348 For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
8349 the object code for the first line of function
8350 @code{m4_changequote}:
8351
8352 @c FIXME: I think this example should also show the addresses in
8353 @c symbolic form, as they usually would be displayed.
8354 @smallexample
8355 (@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
8356 Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
8357 @end smallexample
8358
8359 @noindent
8360 @cindex code address and its source line
8361 We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
8362 @var{location}) what source line covers a particular address:
8363 @smallexample
8364 (@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
8365 Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
8366 @end smallexample
8367
8368 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
8369 @cindex @code{x} command, default address
8370 @kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
8371 After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
8372 is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
8373 sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
8374 ,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
8375 convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
8376 Variables}).
8377
8378 @table @code
8379 @kindex disassemble
8380 @cindex assembly instructions
8381 @cindex instructions, assembly
8382 @cindex machine instructions
8383 @cindex listing machine instructions
8384 @item disassemble
8385 @itemx disassemble /m
8386 @itemx disassemble /s
8387 @itemx disassemble /r
8388 This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
8389 instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
8390 the @code{/m} or @code{/s} modifier and print the raw instructions in hex
8391 as well as in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r} modifier.
8392 The default memory range is the function surrounding the
8393 program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
8394 command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
8395 surrounding this value. When two arguments are given, they should
8396 be separated by a comma, possibly surrounded by whitespace. The
8397 arguments specify a range of addresses to dump, in one of two forms:
8398
8399 @table @code
8400 @item @var{start},@var{end}
8401 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to @var{end} (exclusive)
8402 @item @var{start},+@var{length}
8403 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to
8404 @code{@var{start}+@var{length}} (exclusive).
8405 @end table
8406
8407 @noindent
8408 When 2 arguments are specified, the name of the function is also
8409 printed (since there could be several functions in the given range).
8410
8411 The argument(s) can be any expression yielding a numeric value, such as
8412 @samp{0x32c4}, @samp{&main+10} or @samp{$pc - 8}.
8413
8414 If the range of memory being disassembled contains current program counter,
8415 the instruction at that location is shown with a @code{=>} marker.
8416 @end table
8417
8418 The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
8419 HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
8420
8421 @smallexample
8422 (@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4, 0x32e4
8423 Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
8424 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
8425 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
8426 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
8427 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
8428 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
8429 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
8430 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
8431 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
8432 End of assembler dump.
8433 @end smallexample
8434
8435 Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86
8436 with @code{/m} or @code{/s}, when the program is stopped just after
8437 function prologue in a non-optimized function with no inline code.
8438
8439 @smallexample
8440 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
8441 Dump of assembler code for function main:
8442 5 @{
8443 0x08048330 <+0>: push %ebp
8444 0x08048331 <+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
8445 0x08048333 <+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
8446 0x08048336 <+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
8447 0x08048339 <+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
8448
8449 6 printf ("Hello.\n");
8450 => 0x0804833c <+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
8451 0x08048343 <+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
8452
8453 7 return 0;
8454 8 @}
8455 0x08048348 <+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
8456 0x0804834d <+29>: leave
8457 0x0804834e <+30>: ret
8458
8459 End of assembler dump.
8460 @end smallexample
8461
8462 The @code{/m} option is deprecated as its output is not useful when
8463 there is either inlined code or re-ordered code.
8464 The @code{/s} option is the preferred choice.
8465 Here is an example for AMD x86-64 showing the difference between
8466 @code{/m} output and @code{/s} output.
8467 This example has one inline function defined in a header file,
8468 and the code is compiled with @samp{-O2} optimization.
8469 Note how the @code{/m} output is missing the disassembly of
8470 several instructions that are present in the @code{/s} output.
8471
8472 @file{foo.h}:
8473
8474 @smallexample
8475 int
8476 foo (int a)
8477 @{
8478 if (a < 0)
8479 return a * 2;
8480 if (a == 0)
8481 return 1;
8482 return a + 10;
8483 @}
8484 @end smallexample
8485
8486 @file{foo.c}:
8487
8488 @smallexample
8489 #include "foo.h"
8490 volatile int x, y;
8491 int
8492 main ()
8493 @{
8494 x = foo (y);
8495 return 0;
8496 @}
8497 @end smallexample
8498
8499 @smallexample
8500 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
8501 Dump of assembler code for function main:
8502 5 @{
8503
8504 6 x = foo (y);
8505 0x0000000000400400 <+0>: mov 0x200c2e(%rip),%eax # 0x601034 <y>
8506 0x0000000000400417 <+23>: mov %eax,0x200c13(%rip) # 0x601030 <x>
8507
8508 7 return 0;
8509 8 @}
8510 0x000000000040041d <+29>: xor %eax,%eax
8511 0x000000000040041f <+31>: retq
8512 0x0000000000400420 <+32>: add %eax,%eax
8513 0x0000000000400422 <+34>: jmp 0x400417 <main+23>
8514
8515 End of assembler dump.
8516 (@value{GDBP}) disas /s main
8517 Dump of assembler code for function main:
8518 foo.c:
8519 5 @{
8520 6 x = foo (y);
8521 0x0000000000400400 <+0>: mov 0x200c2e(%rip),%eax # 0x601034 <y>
8522
8523 foo.h:
8524 4 if (a < 0)
8525 0x0000000000400406 <+6>: test %eax,%eax
8526 0x0000000000400408 <+8>: js 0x400420 <main+32>
8527
8528 6 if (a == 0)
8529 7 return 1;
8530 8 return a + 10;
8531 0x000000000040040a <+10>: lea 0xa(%rax),%edx
8532 0x000000000040040d <+13>: test %eax,%eax
8533 0x000000000040040f <+15>: mov $0x1,%eax
8534 0x0000000000400414 <+20>: cmovne %edx,%eax
8535
8536 foo.c:
8537 6 x = foo (y);
8538 0x0000000000400417 <+23>: mov %eax,0x200c13(%rip) # 0x601030 <x>
8539
8540 7 return 0;
8541 8 @}
8542 0x000000000040041d <+29>: xor %eax,%eax
8543 0x000000000040041f <+31>: retq
8544
8545 foo.h:
8546 5 return a * 2;
8547 0x0000000000400420 <+32>: add %eax,%eax
8548 0x0000000000400422 <+34>: jmp 0x400417 <main+23>
8549 End of assembler dump.
8550 @end smallexample
8551
8552 Here is another example showing raw instructions in hex for AMD x86-64,
8553
8554 @smallexample
8555 (gdb) disas /r 0x400281,+10
8556 Dump of assembler code from 0x400281 to 0x40028b:
8557 0x0000000000400281: 38 36 cmp %dh,(%rsi)
8558 0x0000000000400283: 2d 36 34 2e 73 sub $0x732e3436,%eax
8559 0x0000000000400288: 6f outsl %ds:(%rsi),(%dx)
8560 0x0000000000400289: 2e 32 00 xor %cs:(%rax),%al
8561 End of assembler dump.
8562 @end smallexample
8563
8564 Addresses cannot be specified as a location (@pxref{Specify Location}).
8565 So, for example, if you want to disassemble function @code{bar}
8566 in file @file{foo.c}, you must type @samp{disassemble 'foo.c'::bar}
8567 and not @samp{disassemble foo.c:bar}.
8568
8569 Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
8570 mnemonics or other syntax.
8571
8572 For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
8573 instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
8574 libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
8575 location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
8576 might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
8577
8578 @table @code
8579 @kindex set disassembler-options
8580 @cindex disassembler options
8581 @item set disassembler-options @var{option1}[,@var{option2}@dots{}]
8582 This command controls the passing of target specific information to
8583 the disassembler. For a list of valid options, please refer to the
8584 @code{-M}/@code{--disassembler-options} section of the @samp{objdump}
8585 manual and/or the output of @kbd{objdump --help}
8586 (@pxref{objdump,,objdump,binutils.info,The GNU Binary Utilities}).
8587 The default value is the empty string.
8588
8589 If it is necessary to specify more than one disassembler option, then
8590 multiple options can be placed together into a comma separated list.
8591 Currently this command is only supported on targets ARM, PowerPC
8592 and S/390.
8593
8594 @kindex show disassembler-options
8595 @item show disassembler-options
8596 Show the current setting of the disassembler options.
8597 @end table
8598
8599 @table @code
8600 @kindex set disassembly-flavor
8601 @cindex Intel disassembly flavor
8602 @cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
8603 @item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
8604 Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
8605 program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
8606
8607 Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
8608 can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
8609 The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
8610 assemblers for x86-based targets.
8611
8612 @kindex show disassembly-flavor
8613 @item show disassembly-flavor
8614 Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
8615 @end table
8616
8617 @table @code
8618 @kindex set disassemble-next-line
8619 @kindex show disassemble-next-line
8620 @item set disassemble-next-line
8621 @itemx show disassemble-next-line
8622 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will disassemble the next source
8623 line or instruction when execution stops. If ON, @value{GDBN} will
8624 display disassembly of the next source line when execution of the
8625 program being debugged stops. This is @emph{in addition} to
8626 displaying the source line itself, which @value{GDBN} always does if
8627 possible. If the next source line cannot be displayed for some reason
8628 (e.g., if @value{GDBN} cannot find the source file, or there's no line
8629 info in the debug info), @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of the
8630 next @emph{instruction} instead of showing the next source line. If
8631 AUTO, @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of next instruction only
8632 if the source line cannot be displayed. This setting causes
8633 @value{GDBN} to display some feedback when you step through a function
8634 with no line info or whose source file is unavailable. The default is
8635 OFF, which means never display the disassembly of the next line or
8636 instruction.
8637 @end table
8638
8639
8640 @node Data
8641 @chapter Examining Data
8642
8643 @cindex printing data
8644 @cindex examining data
8645 @kindex print
8646 @kindex inspect
8647 The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
8648 command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
8649 evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
8650 program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
8651 Different Languages}). It may also print the expression using a
8652 Python-based pretty-printer (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
8653
8654 @table @code
8655 @item print @var{expr}
8656 @itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
8657 @var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
8658 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
8659 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
8660 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
8661 Formats}.
8662
8663 @item print
8664 @itemx print /@var{f}
8665 @cindex reprint the last value
8666 If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
8667 @dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
8668 conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
8669 @end table
8670
8671 A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
8672 It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
8673 specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
8674
8675 If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
8676 fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
8677 command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
8678 Table}.
8679
8680 @cindex exploring hierarchical data structures
8681 @kindex explore
8682 Another way of examining values of expressions and type information is
8683 through the Python extension command @code{explore} (available only if
8684 the @value{GDBN} build is configured with @code{--with-python}). It
8685 offers an interactive way to start at the highest level (or, the most
8686 abstract level) of the data type of an expression (or, the data type
8687 itself) and explore all the way down to leaf scalar values/fields
8688 embedded in the higher level data types.
8689
8690 @table @code
8691 @item explore @var{arg}
8692 @var{arg} is either an expression (in the source language), or a type
8693 visible in the current context of the program being debugged.
8694 @end table
8695
8696 The working of the @code{explore} command can be illustrated with an
8697 example. If a data type @code{struct ComplexStruct} is defined in your
8698 C program as
8699
8700 @smallexample
8701 struct SimpleStruct
8702 @{
8703 int i;
8704 double d;
8705 @};
8706
8707 struct ComplexStruct
8708 @{
8709 struct SimpleStruct *ss_p;
8710 int arr[10];
8711 @};
8712 @end smallexample
8713
8714 @noindent
8715 followed by variable declarations as
8716
8717 @smallexample
8718 struct SimpleStruct ss = @{ 10, 1.11 @};
8719 struct ComplexStruct cs = @{ &ss, @{ 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 @} @};
8720 @end smallexample
8721
8722 @noindent
8723 then, the value of the variable @code{cs} can be explored using the
8724 @code{explore} command as follows.
8725
8726 @smallexample
8727 (gdb) explore cs
8728 The value of `cs' is a struct/class of type `struct ComplexStruct' with
8729 the following fields:
8730
8731 ss_p = <Enter 0 to explore this field of type `struct SimpleStruct *'>
8732 arr = <Enter 1 to explore this field of type `int [10]'>
8733
8734 Enter the field number of choice:
8735 @end smallexample
8736
8737 @noindent
8738 Since the fields of @code{cs} are not scalar values, you are being
8739 prompted to chose the field you want to explore. Let's say you choose
8740 the field @code{ss_p} by entering @code{0}. Then, since this field is a
8741 pointer, you will be asked if it is pointing to a single value. From
8742 the declaration of @code{cs} above, it is indeed pointing to a single
8743 value, hence you enter @code{y}. If you enter @code{n}, then you will
8744 be asked if it were pointing to an array of values, in which case this
8745 field will be explored as if it were an array.
8746
8747 @smallexample
8748 `cs.ss_p' is a pointer to a value of type `struct SimpleStruct'
8749 Continue exploring it as a pointer to a single value [y/n]: y
8750 The value of `*(cs.ss_p)' is a struct/class of type `struct
8751 SimpleStruct' with the following fields:
8752
8753 i = 10 .. (Value of type `int')
8754 d = 1.1100000000000001 .. (Value of type `double')
8755
8756 Press enter to return to parent value:
8757 @end smallexample
8758
8759 @noindent
8760 If the field @code{arr} of @code{cs} was chosen for exploration by
8761 entering @code{1} earlier, then since it is as array, you will be
8762 prompted to enter the index of the element in the array that you want
8763 to explore.
8764
8765 @smallexample
8766 `cs.arr' is an array of `int'.
8767 Enter the index of the element you want to explore in `cs.arr': 5
8768
8769 `(cs.arr)[5]' is a scalar value of type `int'.
8770
8771 (cs.arr)[5] = 4
8772
8773 Press enter to return to parent value:
8774 @end smallexample
8775
8776 In general, at any stage of exploration, you can go deeper towards the
8777 leaf values by responding to the prompts appropriately, or hit the
8778 return key to return to the enclosing data structure (the @i{higher}
8779 level data structure).
8780
8781 Similar to exploring values, you can use the @code{explore} command to
8782 explore types. Instead of specifying a value (which is typically a
8783 variable name or an expression valid in the current context of the
8784 program being debugged), you specify a type name. If you consider the
8785 same example as above, your can explore the type
8786 @code{struct ComplexStruct} by passing the argument
8787 @code{struct ComplexStruct} to the @code{explore} command.
8788
8789 @smallexample
8790 (gdb) explore struct ComplexStruct
8791 @end smallexample
8792
8793 @noindent
8794 By responding to the prompts appropriately in the subsequent interactive
8795 session, you can explore the type @code{struct ComplexStruct} in a
8796 manner similar to how the value @code{cs} was explored in the above
8797 example.
8798
8799 The @code{explore} command also has two sub-commands,
8800 @code{explore value} and @code{explore type}. The former sub-command is
8801 a way to explicitly specify that value exploration of the argument is
8802 being invoked, while the latter is a way to explicitly specify that type
8803 exploration of the argument is being invoked.
8804
8805 @table @code
8806 @item explore value @var{expr}
8807 @cindex explore value
8808 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the value of the
8809 expression @var{expr} (if @var{expr} is an expression valid in the
8810 current context of the program being debugged). The behavior of this
8811 command is identical to that of the behavior of the @code{explore}
8812 command being passed the argument @var{expr}.
8813
8814 @item explore type @var{arg}
8815 @cindex explore type
8816 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the type of @var{arg} (if
8817 @var{arg} is a type visible in the current context of program being
8818 debugged), or the type of the value/expression @var{arg} (if @var{arg}
8819 is an expression valid in the current context of the program being
8820 debugged). If @var{arg} is a type, then the behavior of this command is
8821 identical to that of the @code{explore} command being passed the
8822 argument @var{arg}. If @var{arg} is an expression, then the behavior of
8823 this command will be identical to that of the @code{explore} command
8824 being passed the type of @var{arg} as the argument.
8825 @end table
8826
8827 @menu
8828 * Expressions:: Expressions
8829 * Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
8830 * Variables:: Program variables
8831 * Arrays:: Artificial arrays
8832 * Output Formats:: Output formats
8833 * Memory:: Examining memory
8834 * Auto Display:: Automatic display
8835 * Print Settings:: Print settings
8836 * Pretty Printing:: Python pretty printing
8837 * Value History:: Value history
8838 * Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
8839 * Convenience Funs:: Convenience functions
8840 * Registers:: Registers
8841 * Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
8842 * Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
8843 * OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
8844 * Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
8845 * Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
8846 * Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
8847 * Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
8848 character set than GDB does
8849 * Caching Target Data:: Data caching for targets
8850 * Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
8851 * Value Sizes:: Managing memory allocated for values
8852 @end menu
8853
8854 @node Expressions
8855 @section Expressions
8856
8857 @cindex expressions
8858 @code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
8859 compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
8860 by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
8861 @value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
8862 casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
8863 you compiled your program to include this information; see
8864 @ref{Compilation}.
8865
8866 @cindex arrays in expressions
8867 @value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
8868 the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
8869 you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
8870 of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
8871 to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
8872 is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
8873
8874 Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
8875 this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
8876 Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
8877 languages.
8878
8879 In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
8880 expressions regardless of your programming language.
8881
8882 @cindex casts, in expressions
8883 Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
8884 useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
8885 at that address in memory.
8886 @c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
8887
8888 @value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
8889 to programming languages:
8890
8891 @table @code
8892 @item @@
8893 @samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
8894 @xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
8895
8896 @item ::
8897 @samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
8898 function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
8899
8900 @cindex @{@var{type}@}
8901 @cindex type casting memory
8902 @cindex memory, viewing as typed object
8903 @cindex casts, to view memory
8904 @item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
8905 Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
8906 memory. The address @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is
8907 an integer or pointer (but parentheses are required around binary
8908 operators, just as in a cast). This construct is allowed regardless
8909 of what kind of data is normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
8910 @end table
8911
8912 @node Ambiguous Expressions
8913 @section Ambiguous Expressions
8914 @cindex ambiguous expressions
8915
8916 Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
8917 some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
8918 a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
8919 different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
8920 involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
8921 templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
8922 the same function name being defined in different contexts.
8923
8924 In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
8925 the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
8926 can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
8927 @kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
8928 qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
8929 as well.
8930
8931 When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
8932 has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
8933 possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
8934 The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
8935 aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
8936 used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
8937 menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
8938 choices.
8939
8940 For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
8941 breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
8942 We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
8943
8944 @c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
8945 @smallexample
8946 @group
8947 (@value{GDBP}) b String::after
8948 [0] cancel
8949 [1] all
8950 [2] file:String.cc; line number:867
8951 [3] file:String.cc; line number:860
8952 [4] file:String.cc; line number:875
8953 [5] file:String.cc; line number:853
8954 [6] file:String.cc; line number:846
8955 [7] file:String.cc; line number:735
8956 > 2 4 6
8957 Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
8958 Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
8959 Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
8960 Multiple breakpoints were set.
8961 Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
8962 breakpoints.
8963 (@value{GDBP})
8964 @end group
8965 @end smallexample
8966
8967 @table @code
8968 @kindex set multiple-symbols
8969 @item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
8970 @cindex multiple-symbols menu
8971
8972 This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
8973 is ambiguous.
8974
8975 By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
8976 the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
8977 automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
8978 a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
8979 inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
8980 then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
8981 For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
8982 in the use of the menu.
8983
8984 When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
8985 when an ambiguity is detected.
8986
8987 Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
8988 an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
8989
8990 @kindex show multiple-symbols
8991 @item show multiple-symbols
8992 Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
8993 @end table
8994
8995 @node Variables
8996 @section Program Variables
8997
8998 The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
8999 in your program.
9000
9001 Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
9002 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
9003
9004 @itemize @bullet
9005 @item
9006 global (or file-static)
9007 @end itemize
9008
9009 @noindent or
9010
9011 @itemize @bullet
9012 @item
9013 visible according to the scope rules of the
9014 programming language from the point of execution in that frame
9015 @end itemize
9016
9017 @noindent This means that in the function
9018
9019 @smallexample
9020 foo (a)
9021 int a;
9022 @{
9023 bar (a);
9024 @{
9025 int b = test ();
9026 bar (b);
9027 @}
9028 @}
9029 @end smallexample
9030
9031 @noindent
9032 you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
9033 executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
9034 examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
9035 the block where @code{b} is declared.
9036
9037 @cindex variable name conflict
9038 There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
9039 scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
9040 in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
9041 function with the same name (in different source files). If that
9042 happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
9043 you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file by
9044 using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
9045
9046 @cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
9047 @ifnotinfo
9048 @c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
9049 @cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
9050 @end ifnotinfo
9051 @smallexample
9052 @var{file}::@var{variable}
9053 @var{function}::@var{variable}
9054 @end smallexample
9055
9056 @noindent
9057 Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
9058 static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
9059 make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
9060 to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
9061
9062 @smallexample
9063 (@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
9064 @end smallexample
9065
9066 The @code{::} notation is normally used for referring to
9067 static variables, since you typically disambiguate uses of local variables
9068 in functions by selecting the appropriate frame and using the
9069 simple name of the variable. However, you may also use this notation
9070 to refer to local variables in frames enclosing the selected frame:
9071
9072 @smallexample
9073 void
9074 foo (int a)
9075 @{
9076 if (a < 10)
9077 bar (a);
9078 else
9079 process (a); /* Stop here */
9080 @}
9081
9082 int
9083 bar (int a)
9084 @{
9085 foo (a + 5);
9086 @}
9087 @end smallexample
9088
9089 @noindent
9090 For example, if there is a breakpoint at the commented line,
9091 here is what you might see
9092 when the program stops after executing the call @code{bar(0)}:
9093
9094 @smallexample
9095 (@value{GDBP}) p a
9096 $1 = 10
9097 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
9098 $2 = 5
9099 (@value{GDBP}) up 2
9100 #2 0x080483d0 in foo (a=5) at foobar.c:12
9101 (@value{GDBP}) p a
9102 $3 = 5
9103 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
9104 $4 = 0
9105 @end smallexample
9106
9107 @cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
9108 These uses of @samp{::} are very rarely in conflict with the very
9109 similar use of the same notation in C@t{++}. When they are in
9110 conflict, the C@t{++} meaning takes precedence; however, this can be
9111 overridden by quoting the file or function name with single quotes.
9112
9113 For example, suppose the program is stopped in a method of a class
9114 that has a field named @code{includefile}, and there is also an
9115 include file named @file{includefile} that defines a variable,
9116 @code{some_global}.
9117
9118 @smallexample
9119 (@value{GDBP}) p includefile
9120 $1 = 23
9121 (@value{GDBP}) p includefile::some_global
9122 A syntax error in expression, near `'.
9123 (@value{GDBP}) p 'includefile'::some_global
9124 $2 = 27
9125 @end smallexample
9126
9127 @cindex wrong values
9128 @cindex variable values, wrong
9129 @cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
9130 @cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
9131 @quotation
9132 @emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
9133 wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
9134 scope, and just before exit.
9135 @end quotation
9136 You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
9137 This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
9138 set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
9139 stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
9140 values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
9141 also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
9142 after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
9143 variable definitions may be gone.
9144
9145 This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
9146 To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
9147 when compiling.
9148
9149 @cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
9150 Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
9151 unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
9152 opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
9153 offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
9154 might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
9155 happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
9156
9157 @smallexample
9158 No symbol "foo" in current context.
9159 @end smallexample
9160
9161 To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
9162 different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
9163 formats. @xref{Compilation}, for more information on choosing compiler
9164 options. @xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug
9165 info formats that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
9166
9167 If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
9168 @value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
9169 by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
9170 type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
9171
9172 @cindex no debug info variables
9173 If you try to examine or use the value of a (global) variable for
9174 which @value{GDBN} has no type information, e.g., because the program
9175 includes no debug information, @value{GDBN} displays an error message.
9176 @xref{Symbols, unknown type}, for more about unknown types. If you
9177 cast the variable to its declared type, @value{GDBN} gets the
9178 variable's value using the cast-to type as the variable's type. For
9179 example, in a C program:
9180
9181 @smallexample
9182 (@value{GDBP}) p var
9183 'var' has unknown type; cast it to its declared type
9184 (@value{GDBP}) p (float) var
9185 $1 = 3.14
9186 @end smallexample
9187
9188 If you append @kbd{@@entry} string to a function parameter name you get its
9189 value at the time the function got called. If the value is not available an
9190 error message is printed. Entry values are available only with some compilers.
9191 Entry values are normally also printed at the function parameter list according
9192 to @ref{set print entry-values}.
9193
9194 @smallexample
9195 Breakpoint 1, d (i=30) at gdb.base/entry-value.c:29
9196 29 i++;
9197 (gdb) next
9198 30 e (i);
9199 (gdb) print i
9200 $1 = 31
9201 (gdb) print i@@entry
9202 $2 = 30
9203 @end smallexample
9204
9205 Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
9206 signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
9207 printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
9208 @code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
9209 defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
9210 For program code
9211
9212 @smallexample
9213 char var0[] = "A";
9214 signed char var1[] = "A";
9215 @end smallexample
9216
9217 You get during debugging
9218 @smallexample
9219 (gdb) print var0
9220 $1 = "A"
9221 (gdb) print var1
9222 $2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
9223 @end smallexample
9224
9225 @node Arrays
9226 @section Artificial Arrays
9227
9228 @cindex artificial array
9229 @cindex arrays
9230 @kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
9231 It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
9232 same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
9233 dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
9234 program.
9235
9236 You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
9237 @dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
9238 operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
9239 and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
9240 of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
9241 the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
9242 argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
9243 following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
9244 example. If a program says
9245
9246 @smallexample
9247 int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
9248 @end smallexample
9249
9250 @noindent
9251 you can print the contents of @code{array} with
9252
9253 @smallexample
9254 p *array@@len
9255 @end smallexample
9256
9257 The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
9258 with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
9259 subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
9260 Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
9261 (@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
9262
9263 Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
9264 This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
9265 The value need not be in memory:
9266 @smallexample
9267 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
9268 $1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
9269 @end smallexample
9270
9271 As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
9272 @samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
9273 the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
9274 @smallexample
9275 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
9276 $2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
9277 @end smallexample
9278
9279 Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
9280 moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
9281 actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
9282 of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
9283 to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
9284 Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
9285 interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
9286 instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
9287 structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
9288 in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
9289
9290 @smallexample
9291 set $i = 0
9292 p dtab[$i++]->fv
9293 @key{RET}
9294 @key{RET}
9295 @dots{}
9296 @end smallexample
9297
9298 @node Output Formats
9299 @section Output Formats
9300
9301 @cindex formatted output
9302 @cindex output formats
9303 By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
9304 this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
9305 in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
9306 at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
9307 these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
9308
9309 The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
9310 already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
9311 @code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
9312 letters supported are:
9313
9314 @table @code
9315 @item x
9316 Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
9317 hexadecimal.
9318
9319 @item d
9320 Print as integer in signed decimal.
9321
9322 @item u
9323 Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
9324
9325 @item o
9326 Print as integer in octal.
9327
9328 @item t
9329 Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
9330 @footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
9331 used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
9332 see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
9333
9334 @item a
9335 @cindex unknown address, locating
9336 @cindex locate address
9337 Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
9338 the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
9339 where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
9340
9341 @smallexample
9342 (@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
9343 $3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
9344 @end smallexample
9345
9346 @noindent
9347 The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
9348 @xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
9349
9350 @item c
9351 Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
9352 prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
9353 character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
9354 for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
9355
9356 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
9357 @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
9358 constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
9359 data.
9360
9361 @item f
9362 Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
9363 using typical floating point syntax.
9364
9365 @item s
9366 @cindex printing strings
9367 @cindex printing byte arrays
9368 Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
9369 data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
9370 are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
9371 natural types.
9372
9373 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
9374 @code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
9375 strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
9376 array.
9377
9378 @item z
9379 Like @samp{x} formatting, the value is treated as an integer and
9380 printed as hexadecimal, but leading zeros are printed to pad the value
9381 to the size of the integer type.
9382
9383 @item r
9384 @cindex raw printing
9385 Print using the @samp{raw} formatting. By default, @value{GDBN} will
9386 use a Python-based pretty-printer, if one is available (@pxref{Pretty
9387 Printing}). This typically results in a higher-level display of the
9388 value's contents. The @samp{r} format bypasses any Python
9389 pretty-printer which might exist.
9390 @end table
9391
9392 For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
9393
9394 @smallexample
9395 p/x $pc
9396 @end smallexample
9397
9398 @noindent
9399 Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
9400 names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
9401
9402 To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
9403 you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
9404 expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
9405
9406 @node Memory
9407 @section Examining Memory
9408
9409 You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
9410 any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
9411
9412 @cindex examining memory
9413 @table @code
9414 @kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
9415 @item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
9416 @itemx x @var{addr}
9417 @itemx x
9418 Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
9419 @end table
9420
9421 @var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
9422 much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
9423 expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
9424 If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
9425 Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
9426
9427 @table @r
9428 @item @var{n}, the repeat count
9429 The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
9430 how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display. If a negative
9431 number is specified, memory is examined backward from @var{addr}.
9432 @c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
9433 @c 4.1.2.
9434
9435 @item @var{f}, the display format
9436 The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
9437 (@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
9438 @samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
9439 The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
9440 each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
9441
9442 @item @var{u}, the unit size
9443 The unit size is any of
9444
9445 @table @code
9446 @item b
9447 Bytes.
9448 @item h
9449 Halfwords (two bytes).
9450 @item w
9451 Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
9452 @item g
9453 Giant words (eight bytes).
9454 @end table
9455
9456 Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
9457 default unit the next time you use @code{x}. For the @samp{i} format,
9458 the unit size is ignored and is normally not written. For the @samp{s} format,
9459 the unit size defaults to @samp{b}, unless it is explicitly given.
9460 Use @kbd{x /hs} to display 16-bit char strings and @kbd{x /ws} to display
9461 32-bit strings. The next use of @kbd{x /s} will again display 8-bit strings.
9462 Note that the results depend on the programming language of the
9463 current compilation unit. If the language is C, the @samp{s}
9464 modifier will use the UTF-16 encoding while @samp{w} will use
9465 UTF-32. The encoding is set by the programming language and cannot
9466 be altered.
9467
9468 @item @var{addr}, starting display address
9469 @var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
9470 memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
9471 it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
9472 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
9473 @var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
9474 other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
9475 the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
9476 starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
9477 a value from memory).
9478 @end table
9479
9480 For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
9481 (@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
9482 starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
9483 words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
9484 @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
9485
9486 You can also specify a negative repeat count to examine memory backward
9487 from the given address. For example, @samp{x/-3uh 0x54320} prints three
9488 halfwords (@code{h}) at @code{0x54314}, @code{0x54328}, and @code{0x5431c}.
9489
9490 Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
9491 letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
9492 unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
9493 specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
9494 (However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
9495
9496 Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
9497 and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
9498 @samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
9499 including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
9500 the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
9501 slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
9502 follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
9503 @code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
9504 instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
9505
9506 If a negative repeat count is specified for the formats @samp{s} or @samp{i},
9507 the command displays null-terminated strings or instructions before the given
9508 address as many as the absolute value of the given number. For the @samp{i}
9509 format, we use line number information in the debug info to accurately locate
9510 instruction boundaries while disassembling backward. If line info is not
9511 available, the command stops examining memory with an error message.
9512
9513 All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
9514 easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
9515 you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
9516 instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
9517 with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
9518 the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
9519 for successive uses of @code{x}.
9520
9521 When examining machine instructions, the instruction at current program
9522 counter is shown with a @code{=>} marker. For example:
9523
9524 @smallexample
9525 (@value{GDBP}) x/5i $pc-6
9526 0x804837f <main+11>: mov %esp,%ebp
9527 0x8048381 <main+13>: push %ecx
9528 0x8048382 <main+14>: sub $0x4,%esp
9529 => 0x8048385 <main+17>: movl $0x8048460,(%esp)
9530 0x804838c <main+24>: call 0x80482d4 <puts@@plt>
9531 @end smallexample
9532
9533 @cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
9534 The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
9535 in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
9536 would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
9537 subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
9538 @code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
9539 examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
9540 @code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
9541 the convenience variable @code{$__}.
9542
9543 If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
9544 are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
9545 address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
9546
9547 @anchor{addressable memory unit}
9548 @cindex addressable memory unit
9549 Most targets have an addressable memory unit size of 8 bits. This means
9550 that to each memory address are associated 8 bits of data. Some
9551 targets, however, have other addressable memory unit sizes.
9552 Within @value{GDBN} and this document, the term
9553 @dfn{addressable memory unit} (or @dfn{memory unit} for short) is used
9554 when explicitly referring to a chunk of data of that size. The word
9555 @dfn{byte} is used to refer to a chunk of data of 8 bits, regardless of
9556 the addressable memory unit size of the target. For most systems,
9557 addressable memory unit is a synonym of byte.
9558
9559 @cindex remote memory comparison
9560 @cindex target memory comparison
9561 @cindex verify remote memory image
9562 @cindex verify target memory image
9563 When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
9564 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image
9565 in the remote machine's memory against the executable file you
9566 downloaded to the target. Or, on any target, you may want to check
9567 whether the program has corrupted its own read-only sections. The
9568 @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such situations.
9569
9570 @table @code
9571 @kindex compare-sections
9572 @item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{|}@code{-r}@r{]}
9573 Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
9574 executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
9575 the target machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
9576 arguments, compares all loadable sections. With an argument of
9577 @code{-r}, compares all loadable read-only sections.
9578
9579 Note: for remote targets, this command can be accelerated if the
9580 target supports computing the CRC checksum of a block of memory
9581 (@pxref{qCRC packet}).
9582 @end table
9583
9584 @node Auto Display
9585 @section Automatic Display
9586 @cindex automatic display
9587 @cindex display of expressions
9588
9589 If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
9590 (to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
9591 display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
9592 Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
9593 to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
9594 The automatic display looks like this:
9595
9596 @smallexample
9597 2: foo = 38
9598 3: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
9599 @end smallexample
9600
9601 @noindent
9602 This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
9603 displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
9604 specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
9605 whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
9606 specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
9607 or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
9608
9609 @table @code
9610 @kindex display
9611 @item display @var{expr}
9612 Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
9613 each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
9614
9615 @code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
9616
9617 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
9618 For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
9619 count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
9620 arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
9621 @xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
9622
9623 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
9624 For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
9625 number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
9626 be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
9627 doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
9628 @end table
9629
9630 For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
9631 instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
9632 is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
9633
9634 @table @code
9635 @kindex delete display
9636 @kindex undisplay
9637 @item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
9638 @itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
9639 Remove items from the list of expressions to display. Specify the
9640 numbers of the displays that you want affected with the command
9641 argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one of the
9642 numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display} display;
9643 or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
9644
9645 @code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
9646 (Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
9647
9648 @kindex disable display
9649 @item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
9650 Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
9651 item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
9652 enabled again later. Specify the numbers of the displays that you
9653 want affected with the command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a
9654 single display number, one of the numbers shown in the first field of
9655 the @samp{info display} display; or it could be a range of display
9656 numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
9657
9658 @kindex enable display
9659 @item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
9660 Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
9661 again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
9662 Specify the numbers of the displays that you want affected with the
9663 command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one
9664 of the numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display}
9665 display; or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
9666
9667 @item display
9668 Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
9669 done when your program stops.
9670
9671 @kindex info display
9672 @item info display
9673 Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
9674 automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
9675 values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
9676 It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
9677 because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
9678 @end table
9679
9680 @cindex display disabled out of scope
9681 If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
9682 sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
9683 expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
9684 variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
9685 @code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
9686 @code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
9687 continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
9688 there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
9689 automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
9690 is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
9691
9692 @node Print Settings
9693 @section Print Settings
9694
9695 @cindex format options
9696 @cindex print settings
9697 @value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
9698 and symbols are printed.
9699
9700 @noindent
9701 These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
9702
9703 @table @code
9704 @kindex set print
9705 @item set print address
9706 @itemx set print address on
9707 @cindex print/don't print memory addresses
9708 @value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
9709 traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
9710 even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
9711 is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
9712 @code{set print address on}:
9713
9714 @smallexample
9715 @group
9716 (@value{GDBP}) f
9717 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
9718 at input.c:530
9719 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
9720 @end group
9721 @end smallexample
9722
9723 @item set print address off
9724 Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
9725 this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
9726
9727 @smallexample
9728 @group
9729 (@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
9730 (@value{GDBP}) f
9731 #0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
9732 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
9733 @end group
9734 @end smallexample
9735
9736 You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
9737 dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
9738 @code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
9739 all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
9740
9741 @kindex show print
9742 @item show print address
9743 Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
9744 @end table
9745
9746 When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
9747 closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
9748 identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
9749 source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
9750 @code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
9751 you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
9752 it prints a symbolic address:
9753
9754 @table @code
9755 @item set print symbol-filename on
9756 @cindex source file and line of a symbol
9757 @cindex symbol, source file and line
9758 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
9759 symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
9760
9761 @item set print symbol-filename off
9762 Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
9763 default.
9764
9765 @item show print symbol-filename
9766 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
9767 line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
9768 @end table
9769
9770 Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
9771 numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
9772 number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
9773
9774 Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
9775 printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
9776
9777 @table @code
9778 @item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
9779 @itemx set print max-symbolic-offset unlimited
9780 @cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
9781 Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
9782 offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
9783 @var{max-offset}. The default is @code{unlimited}, which tells @value{GDBN}
9784 to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes
9785 it. Zero is equivalent to @code{unlimited}.
9786
9787 @item show print max-symbolic-offset
9788 Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
9789 symbolic address.
9790 @end table
9791
9792 @cindex wild pointer, interpreting
9793 @cindex pointer, finding referent
9794 If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
9795 @samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
9796 and source file location of the variable where it points, using
9797 @samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
9798 For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
9799 at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
9800
9801 @smallexample
9802 (@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
9803 (@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
9804 $4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
9805 @end smallexample
9806
9807 @quotation
9808 @emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
9809 does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
9810 the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
9811 @end quotation
9812
9813 You can also enable @samp{/a}-like formatting all the time using
9814 @samp{set print symbol on}:
9815
9816 @table @code
9817 @item set print symbol on
9818 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the symbol corresponding to an address, if
9819 one exists.
9820
9821 @item set print symbol off
9822 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print the symbol corresponding to an
9823 address. In this mode, @value{GDBN} will still print the symbol
9824 corresponding to pointers to functions. This is the default.
9825
9826 @item show print symbol
9827 Show whether @value{GDBN} will display the symbol corresponding to an
9828 address.
9829 @end table
9830
9831 Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
9832
9833 @table @code
9834 @item set print array
9835 @itemx set print array on
9836 @cindex pretty print arrays
9837 Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
9838 but uses more space. The default is off.
9839
9840 @item set print array off
9841 Return to compressed format for arrays.
9842
9843 @item show print array
9844 Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
9845 arrays.
9846
9847 @cindex print array indexes
9848 @item set print array-indexes
9849 @itemx set print array-indexes on
9850 Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
9851 convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
9852 index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
9853
9854 @item set print array-indexes off
9855 Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
9856
9857 @item show print array-indexes
9858 Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
9859 arrays.
9860
9861 @item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
9862 @itemx set print elements unlimited
9863 @cindex number of array elements to print
9864 @cindex limit on number of printed array elements
9865 Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
9866 If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
9867 printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
9868 This limit also applies to the display of strings.
9869 When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
9870 Setting @var{number-of-elements} to @code{unlimited} or zero means
9871 that the number of elements to print is unlimited.
9872
9873 @item show print elements
9874 Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
9875 If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
9876
9877 @item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
9878 @kindex set print frame-arguments
9879 @cindex printing frame argument values
9880 @cindex print all frame argument values
9881 @cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
9882 @cindex do not print frame argument values
9883 This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
9884 when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
9885 values are:
9886
9887 @table @code
9888 @item all
9889 The values of all arguments are printed.
9890
9891 @item scalars
9892 Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
9893 complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
9894 by @code{@dots{}}. This is the default. Here is an example where
9895 only scalar arguments are shown:
9896
9897 @smallexample
9898 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
9899 at frame-args.c:23
9900 @end smallexample
9901
9902 @item none
9903 None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
9904 is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
9905
9906 @smallexample
9907 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
9908 at frame-args.c:23
9909 @end smallexample
9910 @end table
9911
9912 By default, only scalar arguments are printed. This command can be used
9913 to configure the debugger to print the value of all arguments, regardless
9914 of their type. However, it is often advantageous to not print the value
9915 of more complex parameters. For instance, it reduces the amount of
9916 information printed in each frame, making the backtrace more readable.
9917 Also, it improves performance when displaying Ada frames, because
9918 the computation of large arguments can sometimes be CPU-intensive,
9919 especially in large applications. Setting @code{print frame-arguments}
9920 to @code{scalars} (the default) or @code{none} avoids this computation,
9921 thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
9922
9923 @item show print frame-arguments
9924 Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
9925
9926 @item set print raw frame-arguments on
9927 Print frame arguments in raw, non pretty-printed, form.
9928
9929 @item set print raw frame-arguments off
9930 Print frame arguments in pretty-printed form, if there is a pretty-printer
9931 for the value (@pxref{Pretty Printing}),
9932 otherwise print the value in raw form.
9933 This is the default.
9934
9935 @item show print raw frame-arguments
9936 Show whether to print frame arguments in raw form.
9937
9938 @anchor{set print entry-values}
9939 @item set print entry-values @var{value}
9940 @kindex set print entry-values
9941 Set printing of frame argument values at function entry. In some cases
9942 @value{GDBN} can determine the value of function argument which was passed by
9943 the function caller, even if the value was modified inside the called function
9944 and therefore is different. With optimized code, the current value could be
9945 unavailable, but the entry value may still be known.
9946
9947 The default value is @code{default} (see below for its description). Older
9948 @value{GDBN} behaved as with the setting @code{no}. Compilers not supporting
9949 this feature will behave in the @code{default} setting the same way as with the
9950 @code{no} setting.
9951
9952 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
9953 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_call_site} tags. With
9954 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
9955 this information.
9956
9957 The @var{value} parameter can be one of the following:
9958
9959 @table @code
9960 @item no
9961 Print only actual parameter values, never print values from function entry
9962 point.
9963 @smallexample
9964 #0 equal (val=5)
9965 #0 different (val=6)
9966 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>)
9967 #0 born (val=10)
9968 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
9969 @end smallexample
9970
9971 @item only
9972 Print only parameter values from function entry point. The actual parameter
9973 values are never printed.
9974 @smallexample
9975 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
9976 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
9977 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9978 #0 born (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9979 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9980 @end smallexample
9981
9982 @item preferred
9983 Print only parameter values from function entry point. If value from function
9984 entry point is not known while the actual value is known, print the actual
9985 value for such parameter.
9986 @smallexample
9987 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
9988 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
9989 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9990 #0 born (val=10)
9991 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9992 @end smallexample
9993
9994 @item if-needed
9995 Print actual parameter values. If actual parameter value is not known while
9996 value from function entry point is known, print the entry point value for such
9997 parameter.
9998 @smallexample
9999 #0 equal (val=5)
10000 #0 different (val=6)
10001 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
10002 #0 born (val=10)
10003 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
10004 @end smallexample
10005
10006 @item both
10007 Always print both the actual parameter value and its value from function entry
10008 point, even if values of one or both are not available due to compiler
10009 optimizations.
10010 @smallexample
10011 #0 equal (val=5, val@@entry=5)
10012 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
10013 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
10014 #0 born (val=10, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
10015 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
10016 @end smallexample
10017
10018 @item compact
10019 Print the actual parameter value if it is known and also its value from
10020 function entry point if it is known. If neither is known, print for the actual
10021 value @code{<optimized out>}. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and if both
10022 values are known and identical, print the shortened
10023 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
10024 @smallexample
10025 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
10026 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
10027 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
10028 #0 born (val=10)
10029 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
10030 @end smallexample
10031
10032 @item default
10033 Always print the actual parameter value. Print also its value from function
10034 entry point, but only if it is known. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and
10035 if both values are known and identical, print the shortened
10036 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
10037 @smallexample
10038 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
10039 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
10040 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
10041 #0 born (val=10)
10042 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
10043 @end smallexample
10044 @end table
10045
10046 For analysis messages on possible failures of frame argument values at function
10047 entry resolution see @ref{set debug entry-values}.
10048
10049 @item show print entry-values
10050 Show the method being used for printing of frame argument values at function
10051 entry.
10052
10053 @item set print repeats @var{number-of-repeats}
10054 @itemx set print repeats unlimited
10055 @cindex repeated array elements
10056 Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
10057 elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
10058 array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
10059 @code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
10060 identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
10061 themselves. Setting the threshold to @code{unlimited} or zero will
10062 cause all elements to be individually printed. The default threshold
10063 is 10.
10064
10065 @item show print repeats
10066 Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
10067 elements.
10068
10069 @item set print null-stop
10070 @cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
10071 Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
10072 @sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
10073 contain only short strings.
10074 The default is off.
10075
10076 @item show print null-stop
10077 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
10078 @sc{null} character.
10079
10080 @item set print pretty on
10081 @cindex print structures in indented form
10082 @cindex indentation in structure display
10083 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
10084 per line, like this:
10085
10086 @smallexample
10087 @group
10088 $1 = @{
10089 next = 0x0,
10090 flags = @{
10091 sweet = 1,
10092 sour = 1
10093 @},
10094 meat = 0x54 "Pork"
10095 @}
10096 @end group
10097 @end smallexample
10098
10099 @item set print pretty off
10100 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
10101
10102 @smallexample
10103 @group
10104 $1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
10105 meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
10106 @end group
10107 @end smallexample
10108
10109 @noindent
10110 This is the default format.
10111
10112 @item show print pretty
10113 Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
10114
10115 @item set print sevenbit-strings on
10116 @cindex eight-bit characters in strings
10117 @cindex octal escapes in strings
10118 Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
10119 @value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
10120 character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
10121 best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
10122 high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
10123
10124 @item set print sevenbit-strings off
10125 Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
10126 international character sets, and is the default.
10127
10128 @item show print sevenbit-strings
10129 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
10130
10131 @item set print union on
10132 @cindex unions in structures, printing
10133 Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
10134 and other unions. This is the default setting.
10135
10136 @item set print union off
10137 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
10138 structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
10139 instead.
10140
10141 @item show print union
10142 Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
10143 structures and other unions.
10144
10145 For example, given the declarations
10146
10147 @smallexample
10148 typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
10149 typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
10150 typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
10151 Bug_forms;
10152
10153 struct thing @{
10154 Species it;
10155 union @{
10156 Tree_forms tree;
10157 Bug_forms bug;
10158 @} form;
10159 @};
10160
10161 struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
10162 @end smallexample
10163
10164 @noindent
10165 with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
10166
10167 @smallexample
10168 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
10169 @end smallexample
10170
10171 @noindent
10172 and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
10173
10174 @smallexample
10175 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
10176 @end smallexample
10177
10178 @noindent
10179 @code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
10180 and in Pascal.
10181 @end table
10182
10183 @need 1000
10184 @noindent
10185 These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
10186
10187 @table @code
10188 @cindex demangling C@t{++} names
10189 @item set print demangle
10190 @itemx set print demangle on
10191 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
10192 (``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
10193 linkage. The default is on.
10194
10195 @item show print demangle
10196 Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
10197
10198 @item set print asm-demangle
10199 @itemx set print asm-demangle on
10200 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
10201 in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
10202 The default is off.
10203
10204 @item show print asm-demangle
10205 Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
10206 or demangled form.
10207
10208 @cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
10209 @cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
10210 @kindex set demangle-style
10211 @item set demangle-style @var{style}
10212 Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
10213 represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
10214
10215 @table @code
10216 @item auto
10217 Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
10218 This is the default.
10219
10220 @item gnu
10221 Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
10222
10223 @item hp
10224 Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
10225
10226 @item lucid
10227 Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
10228
10229 @item arm
10230 Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
10231 @strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
10232 debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
10233 require further enhancement to permit that.
10234
10235 @end table
10236 If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
10237
10238 @item show demangle-style
10239 Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
10240
10241 @item set print object
10242 @itemx set print object on
10243 @cindex derived type of an object, printing
10244 @cindex display derived types
10245 When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
10246 (derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
10247 the virtual function table. Note that the virtual function table is
10248 required---this feature can only work for objects that have run-time
10249 type identification; a single virtual method in the object's declared
10250 type is sufficient. Note that this setting is also taken into account when
10251 working with variable objects via MI (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
10252
10253 @item set print object off
10254 Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
10255 virtual function table. This is the default setting.
10256
10257 @item show print object
10258 Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
10259
10260 @item set print static-members
10261 @itemx set print static-members on
10262 @cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
10263 Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
10264
10265 @item set print static-members off
10266 Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
10267
10268 @item show print static-members
10269 Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
10270
10271 @item set print pascal_static-members
10272 @itemx set print pascal_static-members on
10273 @cindex static members of Pascal objects
10274 @cindex Pascal objects, static members display
10275 Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
10276
10277 @item set print pascal_static-members off
10278 Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
10279
10280 @item show print pascal_static-members
10281 Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
10282
10283 @c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
10284 @item set print vtbl
10285 @itemx set print vtbl on
10286 @cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
10287 @cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
10288 @cindex VTBL display
10289 Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
10290 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
10291 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
10292
10293 @item set print vtbl off
10294 Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
10295
10296 @item show print vtbl
10297 Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
10298 @end table
10299
10300 @node Pretty Printing
10301 @section Pretty Printing
10302
10303 @value{GDBN} provides a mechanism to allow pretty-printing of values using
10304 Python code. It greatly simplifies the display of complex objects. This
10305 mechanism works for both MI and the CLI.
10306
10307 @menu
10308 * Pretty-Printer Introduction:: Introduction to pretty-printers
10309 * Pretty-Printer Example:: An example pretty-printer
10310 * Pretty-Printer Commands:: Pretty-printer commands
10311 @end menu
10312
10313 @node Pretty-Printer Introduction
10314 @subsection Pretty-Printer Introduction
10315
10316 When @value{GDBN} prints a value, it first sees if there is a pretty-printer
10317 registered for the value. If there is then @value{GDBN} invokes the
10318 pretty-printer to print the value. Otherwise the value is printed normally.
10319
10320 Pretty-printers are normally named. This makes them easy to manage.
10321 The @samp{info pretty-printer} command will list all the installed
10322 pretty-printers with their names.
10323 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
10324 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
10325 Each such subprinter has its own name.
10326 The format of the name is @var{printer-name};@var{subprinter-name}.
10327
10328 Pretty-printers are installed by @dfn{registering} them with @value{GDBN}.
10329 Typically they are automatically loaded and registered when the corresponding
10330 debug information is loaded, thus making them available without having to
10331 do anything special.
10332
10333 There are three places where a pretty-printer can be registered.
10334
10335 @itemize @bullet
10336 @item
10337 Pretty-printers registered globally are available when debugging
10338 all inferiors.
10339
10340 @item
10341 Pretty-printers registered with a program space are available only
10342 when debugging that program.
10343 @xref{Progspaces In Python}, for more details on program spaces in Python.
10344
10345 @item
10346 Pretty-printers registered with an objfile are loaded and unloaded
10347 with the corresponding objfile (e.g., shared library).
10348 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for more details on objfiles in Python.
10349 @end itemize
10350
10351 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for further information on how
10352 pretty-printers are selected,
10353
10354 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for implementing pretty printers
10355 for new types.
10356
10357 @node Pretty-Printer Example
10358 @subsection Pretty-Printer Example
10359
10360 Here is how a C@t{++} @code{std::string} looks without a pretty-printer:
10361
10362 @smallexample
10363 (@value{GDBP}) print s
10364 $1 = @{
10365 static npos = 4294967295,
10366 _M_dataplus = @{
10367 <std::allocator<char>> = @{
10368 <__gnu_cxx::new_allocator<char>> = @{
10369 <No data fields>@}, <No data fields>
10370 @},
10371 members of std::basic_string<char, std::char_traits<char>,
10372 std::allocator<char> >::_Alloc_hider:
10373 _M_p = 0x804a014 "abcd"
10374 @}
10375 @}
10376 @end smallexample
10377
10378 With a pretty-printer for @code{std::string} only the contents are printed:
10379
10380 @smallexample
10381 (@value{GDBP}) print s
10382 $2 = "abcd"
10383 @end smallexample
10384
10385 @node Pretty-Printer Commands
10386 @subsection Pretty-Printer Commands
10387 @cindex pretty-printer commands
10388
10389 @table @code
10390 @kindex info pretty-printer
10391 @item info pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
10392 Print the list of installed pretty-printers.
10393 This includes disabled pretty-printers, which are marked as such.
10394
10395 @var{object-regexp} is a regular expression matching the objects
10396 whose pretty-printers to list.
10397 Objects can be @code{global}, the program space's file
10398 (@pxref{Progspaces In Python}),
10399 and the object files within that program space (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}).
10400 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for details on how @value{GDBN}
10401 looks up a printer from these three objects.
10402
10403 @var{name-regexp} is a regular expression matching the name of the printers
10404 to list.
10405
10406 @kindex disable pretty-printer
10407 @item disable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
10408 Disable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
10409 A disabled pretty-printer is not forgotten, it may be enabled again later.
10410
10411 @kindex enable pretty-printer
10412 @item enable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
10413 Enable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
10414 @end table
10415
10416 Example:
10417
10418 Suppose we have three pretty-printers installed: one from library1.so
10419 named @code{foo} that prints objects of type @code{foo}, and
10420 another from library2.so named @code{bar} that prints two types of objects,
10421 @code{bar1} and @code{bar2}.
10422
10423 @smallexample
10424 (gdb) info pretty-printer
10425 library1.so:
10426 foo
10427 library2.so:
10428 bar
10429 bar1
10430 bar2
10431 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
10432 library2.so:
10433 bar
10434 bar1
10435 bar2
10436 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library1
10437 1 printer disabled
10438 2 of 3 printers enabled
10439 (gdb) info pretty-printer
10440 library1.so:
10441 foo [disabled]
10442 library2.so:
10443 bar
10444 bar1
10445 bar2
10446 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar:bar1
10447 1 printer disabled
10448 1 of 3 printers enabled
10449 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
10450 library1.so:
10451 foo [disabled]
10452 library2.so:
10453 bar
10454 bar1 [disabled]
10455 bar2
10456 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar
10457 1 printer disabled
10458 0 of 3 printers enabled
10459 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
10460 library1.so:
10461 foo [disabled]
10462 library2.so:
10463 bar [disabled]
10464 bar1 [disabled]
10465 bar2
10466 @end smallexample
10467
10468 Note that for @code{bar} the entire printer can be disabled,
10469 as can each individual subprinter.
10470
10471 @node Value History
10472 @section Value History
10473
10474 @cindex value history
10475 @cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
10476 Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
10477 @dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
10478 Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
10479 (for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
10480 When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
10481 since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
10482 symbol table.
10483
10484 @cindex @code{$}
10485 @cindex @code{$$}
10486 @cindex history number
10487 The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
10488 refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
10489 @code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
10490 printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
10491 history number.
10492
10493 To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
10494 history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
10495 remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
10496 the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
10497 @code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
10498 is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
10499 @code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
10500
10501 For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
10502 want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
10503
10504 @smallexample
10505 p *$
10506 @end smallexample
10507
10508 If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
10509 to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
10510
10511 @smallexample
10512 p *$.next
10513 @end smallexample
10514
10515 @noindent
10516 You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
10517 command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
10518
10519 Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
10520 @code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
10521
10522 @smallexample
10523 print x
10524 set x=5
10525 @end smallexample
10526
10527 @noindent
10528 then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
10529 remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
10530
10531 @table @code
10532 @kindex show values
10533 @item show values
10534 Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
10535 This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
10536 values} does not change the history.
10537
10538 @item show values @var{n}
10539 Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
10540
10541 @item show values +
10542 Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
10543 values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
10544 @end table
10545
10546 Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
10547 same effect as @samp{show values +}.
10548
10549 @node Convenience Vars
10550 @section Convenience Variables
10551
10552 @cindex convenience variables
10553 @cindex user-defined variables
10554 @value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
10555 @value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
10556 exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
10557 setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
10558 of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
10559
10560 Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
10561 @samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
10562 the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
10563 (Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
10564 by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
10565
10566 You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
10567 expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
10568 For example:
10569
10570 @smallexample
10571 set $foo = *object_ptr
10572 @end smallexample
10573
10574 @noindent
10575 would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
10576 @code{object_ptr}.
10577
10578 Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
10579 value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
10580 value with another assignment at any time.
10581
10582 Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
10583 variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
10584 that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
10585 variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
10586
10587 @table @code
10588 @kindex show convenience
10589 @cindex show all user variables and functions
10590 @item show convenience
10591 Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values,
10592 as well as a list of the convenience functions.
10593 Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
10594
10595 @kindex init-if-undefined
10596 @cindex convenience variables, initializing
10597 @item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
10598 Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
10599 for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
10600 to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
10601 convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
10602 override default values used in a command script.
10603
10604 If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
10605 any side-effects do not occur.
10606 @end table
10607
10608 One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
10609 incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
10610 a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
10611
10612 @smallexample
10613 set $i = 0
10614 print bar[$i++]->contents
10615 @end smallexample
10616
10617 @noindent
10618 Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
10619
10620 Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
10621 values likely to be useful.
10622
10623 @table @code
10624 @vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
10625 @item $_
10626 The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
10627 the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
10628 commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
10629 set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
10630 and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
10631 except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
10632 to the type of @code{$__}.
10633
10634 @vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
10635 @item $__
10636 The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
10637 to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
10638 to match the format in which the data was printed.
10639
10640 @item $_exitcode
10641 @vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
10642 When the program being debugged terminates normally, @value{GDBN}
10643 automatically sets this variable to the exit code of the program, and
10644 resets @code{$_exitsignal} to @code{void}.
10645
10646 @item $_exitsignal
10647 @vindex $_exitsignal@r{, convenience variable}
10648 When the program being debugged dies due to an uncaught signal,
10649 @value{GDBN} automatically sets this variable to that signal's number,
10650 and resets @code{$_exitcode} to @code{void}.
10651
10652 To distinguish between whether the program being debugged has exited
10653 (i.e., @code{$_exitcode} is not @code{void}) or signalled (i.e.,
10654 @code{$_exitsignal} is not @code{void}), the convenience function
10655 @code{$_isvoid} can be used (@pxref{Convenience Funs,, Convenience
10656 Functions}). For example, considering the following source code:
10657
10658 @smallexample
10659 #include <signal.h>
10660
10661 int
10662 main (int argc, char *argv[])
10663 @{
10664 raise (SIGALRM);
10665 return 0;
10666 @}
10667 @end smallexample
10668
10669 A valid way of telling whether the program being debugged has exited
10670 or signalled would be:
10671
10672 @smallexample
10673 (@value{GDBP}) define has_exited_or_signalled
10674 Type commands for definition of ``has_exited_or_signalled''.
10675 End with a line saying just ``end''.
10676 >if $_isvoid ($_exitsignal)
10677 >echo The program has exited\n
10678 >else
10679 >echo The program has signalled\n
10680 >end
10681 >end
10682 (@value{GDBP}) run
10683 Starting program:
10684
10685 Program terminated with signal SIGALRM, Alarm clock.
10686 The program no longer exists.
10687 (@value{GDBP}) has_exited_or_signalled
10688 The program has signalled
10689 @end smallexample
10690
10691 As can be seen, @value{GDBN} correctly informs that the program being
10692 debugged has signalled, since it calls @code{raise} and raises a
10693 @code{SIGALRM} signal. If the program being debugged had not called
10694 @code{raise}, then @value{GDBN} would report a normal exit:
10695
10696 @smallexample
10697 (@value{GDBP}) has_exited_or_signalled
10698 The program has exited
10699 @end smallexample
10700
10701 @item $_exception
10702 The variable @code{$_exception} is set to the exception object being
10703 thrown at an exception-related catchpoint. @xref{Set Catchpoints}.
10704
10705 @item $_probe_argc
10706 @itemx $_probe_arg0@dots{}$_probe_arg11
10707 Arguments to a static probe. @xref{Static Probe Points}.
10708
10709 @item $_sdata
10710 @vindex $_sdata@r{, inspect, convenience variable}
10711 The variable @code{$_sdata} contains extra collected static tracepoint
10712 data. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}. Note that
10713 @code{$_sdata} could be empty, if not inspecting a trace buffer, or
10714 if extra static tracepoint data has not been collected.
10715
10716 @item $_siginfo
10717 @vindex $_siginfo@r{, convenience variable}
10718 The variable @code{$_siginfo} contains extra signal information
10719 (@pxref{extra signal information}). Note that @code{$_siginfo}
10720 could be empty, if the application has not yet received any signals.
10721 For example, it will be empty before you execute the @code{run} command.
10722
10723 @item $_tlb
10724 @vindex $_tlb@r{, convenience variable}
10725 The variable @code{$_tlb} is automatically set when debugging
10726 applications running on MS-Windows in native mode or connected to
10727 gdbserver that supports the @code{qGetTIBAddr} request.
10728 @xref{General Query Packets}.
10729 This variable contains the address of the thread information block.
10730
10731 @item $_inferior
10732 The number of the current inferior. @xref{Inferiors and
10733 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}.
10734
10735 @item $_thread
10736 The thread number of the current thread. @xref{thread numbers}.
10737
10738 @item $_gthread
10739 The global number of the current thread. @xref{global thread numbers}.
10740
10741 @end table
10742
10743 @node Convenience Funs
10744 @section Convenience Functions
10745
10746 @cindex convenience functions
10747 @value{GDBN} also supplies some @dfn{convenience functions}. These
10748 have a syntax similar to convenience variables. A convenience
10749 function can be used in an expression just like an ordinary function;
10750 however, a convenience function is implemented internally to
10751 @value{GDBN}.
10752
10753 These functions do not require @value{GDBN} to be configured with
10754 @code{Python} support, which means that they are always available.
10755
10756 @table @code
10757
10758 @item $_isvoid (@var{expr})
10759 @findex $_isvoid@r{, convenience function}
10760 Return one if the expression @var{expr} is @code{void}. Otherwise it
10761 returns zero.
10762
10763 A @code{void} expression is an expression where the type of the result
10764 is @code{void}. For example, you can examine a convenience variable
10765 (see @ref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}) to check whether
10766 it is @code{void}:
10767
10768 @smallexample
10769 (@value{GDBP}) print $_exitcode
10770 $1 = void
10771 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($_exitcode)
10772 $2 = 1
10773 (@value{GDBP}) run
10774 Starting program: ./a.out
10775 [Inferior 1 (process 29572) exited normally]
10776 (@value{GDBP}) print $_exitcode
10777 $3 = 0
10778 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($_exitcode)
10779 $4 = 0
10780 @end smallexample
10781
10782 In the example above, we used @code{$_isvoid} to check whether
10783 @code{$_exitcode} is @code{void} before and after the execution of the
10784 program being debugged. Before the execution there is no exit code to
10785 be examined, therefore @code{$_exitcode} is @code{void}. After the
10786 execution the program being debugged returned zero, therefore
10787 @code{$_exitcode} is zero, which means that it is not @code{void}
10788 anymore.
10789
10790 The @code{void} expression can also be a call of a function from the
10791 program being debugged. For example, given the following function:
10792
10793 @smallexample
10794 void
10795 foo (void)
10796 @{
10797 @}
10798 @end smallexample
10799
10800 The result of calling it inside @value{GDBN} is @code{void}:
10801
10802 @smallexample
10803 (@value{GDBP}) print foo ()
10804 $1 = void
10805 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid (foo ())
10806 $2 = 1
10807 (@value{GDBP}) set $v = foo ()
10808 (@value{GDBP}) print $v
10809 $3 = void
10810 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($v)
10811 $4 = 1
10812 @end smallexample
10813
10814 @end table
10815
10816 These functions require @value{GDBN} to be configured with
10817 @code{Python} support.
10818
10819 @table @code
10820
10821 @item $_memeq(@var{buf1}, @var{buf2}, @var{length})
10822 @findex $_memeq@r{, convenience function}
10823 Returns one if the @var{length} bytes at the addresses given by
10824 @var{buf1} and @var{buf2} are equal.
10825 Otherwise it returns zero.
10826
10827 @item $_regex(@var{str}, @var{regex})
10828 @findex $_regex@r{, convenience function}
10829 Returns one if the string @var{str} matches the regular expression
10830 @var{regex}. Otherwise it returns zero.
10831 The syntax of the regular expression is that specified by @code{Python}'s
10832 regular expression support.
10833
10834 @item $_streq(@var{str1}, @var{str2})
10835 @findex $_streq@r{, convenience function}
10836 Returns one if the strings @var{str1} and @var{str2} are equal.
10837 Otherwise it returns zero.
10838
10839 @item $_strlen(@var{str})
10840 @findex $_strlen@r{, convenience function}
10841 Returns the length of string @var{str}.
10842
10843 @item $_caller_is(@var{name}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
10844 @findex $_caller_is@r{, convenience function}
10845 Returns one if the calling function's name is equal to @var{name}.
10846 Otherwise it returns zero.
10847
10848 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
10849 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
10850 The default is 1.
10851
10852 Example:
10853
10854 @smallexample
10855 (gdb) backtrace
10856 #0 bottom_func ()
10857 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:21
10858 #1 0x00000000004005a0 in middle_func ()
10859 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:27
10860 #2 0x00000000004005ab in top_func ()
10861 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:33
10862 #3 0x00000000004005b6 in main ()
10863 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:39
10864 (gdb) print $_caller_is ("middle_func")
10865 $1 = 1
10866 (gdb) print $_caller_is ("top_func", 2)
10867 $1 = 1
10868 @end smallexample
10869
10870 @item $_caller_matches(@var{regexp}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
10871 @findex $_caller_matches@r{, convenience function}
10872 Returns one if the calling function's name matches the regular expression
10873 @var{regexp}. Otherwise it returns zero.
10874
10875 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
10876 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
10877 The default is 1.
10878
10879 @item $_any_caller_is(@var{name}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
10880 @findex $_any_caller_is@r{, convenience function}
10881 Returns one if any calling function's name is equal to @var{name}.
10882 Otherwise it returns zero.
10883
10884 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
10885 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
10886 The default is 1.
10887
10888 This function differs from @code{$_caller_is} in that this function
10889 checks all stack frames from the immediate caller to the frame specified
10890 by @var{number_of_frames}, whereas @code{$_caller_is} only checks the
10891 frame specified by @var{number_of_frames}.
10892
10893 @item $_any_caller_matches(@var{regexp}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
10894 @findex $_any_caller_matches@r{, convenience function}
10895 Returns one if any calling function's name matches the regular expression
10896 @var{regexp}. Otherwise it returns zero.
10897
10898 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
10899 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
10900 The default is 1.
10901
10902 This function differs from @code{$_caller_matches} in that this function
10903 checks all stack frames from the immediate caller to the frame specified
10904 by @var{number_of_frames}, whereas @code{$_caller_matches} only checks the
10905 frame specified by @var{number_of_frames}.
10906
10907 @item $_as_string(@var{value})
10908 @findex $_as_string@r{, convenience function}
10909 Return the string representation of @var{value}.
10910
10911 This function is useful to obtain the textual label (enumerator) of an
10912 enumeration value. For example, assuming the variable @var{node} is of
10913 an enumerated type:
10914
10915 @smallexample
10916 (gdb) printf "Visiting node of type %s\n", $_as_string(node)
10917 Visiting node of type NODE_INTEGER
10918 @end smallexample
10919
10920 @end table
10921
10922 @value{GDBN} provides the ability to list and get help on
10923 convenience functions.
10924
10925 @table @code
10926 @item help function
10927 @kindex help function
10928 @cindex show all convenience functions
10929 Print a list of all convenience functions.
10930 @end table
10931
10932 @node Registers
10933 @section Registers
10934
10935 @cindex registers
10936 You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
10937 with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
10938 for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
10939 your machine.
10940
10941 @table @code
10942 @kindex info registers
10943 @item info registers
10944 Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
10945 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
10946
10947 @kindex info all-registers
10948 @cindex floating point registers
10949 @item info all-registers
10950 Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
10951 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
10952
10953 @item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
10954 Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
10955 As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
10956 the selected stack frame. The @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
10957 the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
10958 @end table
10959
10960 @anchor{standard registers}
10961 @cindex stack pointer register
10962 @cindex program counter register
10963 @cindex process status register
10964 @cindex frame pointer register
10965 @cindex standard registers
10966 @value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
10967 expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
10968 architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
10969 @code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
10970 the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
10971 pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
10972 register that contains the processor status. For example,
10973 you could print the program counter in hex with
10974
10975 @smallexample
10976 p/x $pc
10977 @end smallexample
10978
10979 @noindent
10980 or print the instruction to be executed next with
10981
10982 @smallexample
10983 x/i $pc
10984 @end smallexample
10985
10986 @noindent
10987 or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
10988 one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
10989 memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
10990 stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
10991 stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
10992 regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
10993 see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
10994
10995 @smallexample
10996 set $sp += 4
10997 @end smallexample
10998
10999 Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
11000 your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
11001 so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
11002 shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
11003 registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
11004 can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
11005 is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
11006
11007 @value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
11008 integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
11009 special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
11010 registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
11011 to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
11012 (although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
11013 @samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
11014
11015 Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
11016 means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
11017 the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
11018 sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
11019 coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
11020 programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
11021 cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
11022 that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
11023 prints the data in both formats.
11024
11025 @cindex SSE registers (x86)
11026 @cindex MMX registers (x86)
11027 Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
11028 in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
11029 have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
11030 together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
11031 registers in @code{struct} notation:
11032
11033 @smallexample
11034 (@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
11035 $1 = @{
11036 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
11037 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
11038 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
11039 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
11040 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
11041 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
11042 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
11043 @}
11044 @end smallexample
11045
11046 @noindent
11047 To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
11048 view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
11049 value to a @code{struct} member:
11050
11051 @smallexample
11052 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
11053 @end smallexample
11054
11055 Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
11056 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
11057 value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
11058 were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
11059 true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
11060 frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
11061
11062 @cindex caller-saved registers
11063 @cindex call-clobbered registers
11064 @cindex volatile registers
11065 @cindex <not saved> values
11066 Usually ABIs reserve some registers as not needed to be saved by the
11067 callee (a.k.a.: ``caller-saved'', ``call-clobbered'' or ``volatile''
11068 registers). It may therefore not be possible for @value{GDBN} to know
11069 the value a register had before the call (in other words, in the outer
11070 frame), if the register value has since been changed by the callee.
11071 @value{GDBN} tries to deduce where the inner frame saved
11072 (``callee-saved'') registers, from the debug info, unwind info, or the
11073 machine code generated by your compiler. If some register is not
11074 saved, and @value{GDBN} knows the register is ``caller-saved'' (via
11075 its own knowledge of the ABI, or because the debug/unwind info
11076 explicitly says the register's value is undefined), @value{GDBN}
11077 displays @w{@samp{<not saved>}} as the register's value. With targets
11078 that @value{GDBN} has no knowledge of the register saving convention,
11079 if a register was not saved by the callee, then its value and location
11080 in the outer frame are assumed to be the same of the inner frame.
11081 This is usually harmless, because if the register is call-clobbered,
11082 the caller either does not care what is in the register after the
11083 call, or has code to restore the value that it does care about. Note,
11084 however, that if you change such a register in the outer frame, you
11085 may also be affecting the inner frame. Also, the more ``outer'' the
11086 frame is you're looking at, the more likely a call-clobbered
11087 register's value is to be wrong, in the sense that it doesn't actually
11088 represent the value the register had just before the call.
11089
11090 @node Floating Point Hardware
11091 @section Floating Point Hardware
11092 @cindex floating point
11093
11094 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
11095 you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
11096
11097 @table @code
11098 @kindex info float
11099 @item info float
11100 Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
11101 point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
11102 floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
11103 the ARM and x86 machines.
11104 @end table
11105
11106 @node Vector Unit
11107 @section Vector Unit
11108 @cindex vector unit
11109
11110 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
11111 more information about the status of the vector unit.
11112
11113 @table @code
11114 @kindex info vector
11115 @item info vector
11116 Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
11117 layout vary depending on the hardware.
11118 @end table
11119
11120 @node OS Information
11121 @section Operating System Auxiliary Information
11122 @cindex OS information
11123
11124 @value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
11125 you debug your program.
11126
11127 @cindex auxiliary vector
11128 @cindex vector, auxiliary
11129 Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
11130 startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
11131 specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
11132 binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
11133 hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
11134 identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
11135 Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
11136 @value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
11137 targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
11138 support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
11139 @ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
11140
11141 @table @code
11142 @kindex info auxv
11143 @item info auxv
11144 Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
11145 live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
11146 numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
11147 tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
11148 pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
11149 most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
11150 an unrecognized tag.
11151 @end table
11152
11153 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating system-specific
11154 information and show it to you. The types of information available
11155 will differ depending on the type of operating system running on the
11156 target. The mechanism used to fetch the data is described in
11157 @ref{Operating System Information}. For remote targets, this
11158 functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
11159 @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
11160
11161 @table @code
11162 @kindex info os
11163 @item info os @var{infotype}
11164
11165 Display OS information of the requested type.
11166
11167 On @sc{gnu}/Linux, the following values of @var{infotype} are valid:
11168
11169 @anchor{linux info os infotypes}
11170 @table @code
11171 @kindex info os cpus
11172 @item cpus
11173 Display the list of all CPUs/cores. For each CPU/core, @value{GDBN} prints
11174 the available fields from /proc/cpuinfo. For each supported architecture
11175 different fields are available. Two common entries are processor which gives
11176 CPU number and bogomips; a system constant that is calculated during
11177 kernel initialization.
11178
11179 @kindex info os files
11180 @item files
11181 Display the list of open file descriptors on the target. For each
11182 file descriptor, @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process
11183 owning the descriptor, the command of the owning process, the value
11184 of the descriptor, and the target of the descriptor.
11185
11186 @kindex info os modules
11187 @item modules
11188 Display the list of all loaded kernel modules on the target. For each
11189 module, @value{GDBN} prints the module name, the size of the module in
11190 bytes, the number of times the module is used, the dependencies of the
11191 module, the status of the module, and the address of the loaded module
11192 in memory.
11193
11194 @kindex info os msg
11195 @item msg
11196 Display the list of all System V message queues on the target. For each
11197 message queue, @value{GDBN} prints the message queue key, the message
11198 queue identifier, the access permissions, the current number of bytes
11199 on the queue, the current number of messages on the queue, the processes
11200 that last sent and received a message on the queue, the user and group
11201 of the owner and creator of the message queue, the times at which a
11202 message was last sent and received on the queue, and the time at which
11203 the message queue was last changed.
11204
11205 @kindex info os processes
11206 @item processes
11207 Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
11208 @value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, the
11209 command corresponding to the process, and the list of processor cores
11210 that the process is currently running on. (To understand what these
11211 properties mean, for this and the following info types, please consult
11212 the general @sc{gnu}/Linux documentation.)
11213
11214 @kindex info os procgroups
11215 @item procgroups
11216 Display the list of process groups on the target. For each process,
11217 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process group that it belongs
11218 to, the command corresponding to the process group leader, the process
11219 identifier, and the command line of the process. The list is sorted
11220 first by the process group identifier, then by the process identifier,
11221 so that processes belonging to the same process group are grouped together
11222 and the process group leader is listed first.
11223
11224 @kindex info os semaphores
11225 @item semaphores
11226 Display the list of all System V semaphore sets on the target. For each
11227 semaphore set, @value{GDBN} prints the semaphore set key, the semaphore
11228 set identifier, the access permissions, the number of semaphores in the
11229 set, the user and group of the owner and creator of the semaphore set,
11230 and the times at which the semaphore set was operated upon and changed.
11231
11232 @kindex info os shm
11233 @item shm
11234 Display the list of all System V shared-memory regions on the target.
11235 For each shared-memory region, @value{GDBN} prints the region key,
11236 the shared-memory identifier, the access permissions, the size of the
11237 region, the process that created the region, the process that last
11238 attached to or detached from the region, the current number of live
11239 attaches to the region, and the times at which the region was last
11240 attached to, detach from, and changed.
11241
11242 @kindex info os sockets
11243 @item sockets
11244 Display the list of Internet-domain sockets on the target. For each
11245 socket, @value{GDBN} prints the address and port of the local and
11246 remote endpoints, the current state of the connection, the creator of
11247 the socket, the IP address family of the socket, and the type of the
11248 connection.
11249
11250 @kindex info os threads
11251 @item threads
11252 Display the list of threads running on the target. For each thread,
11253 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process that the thread
11254 belongs to, the command of the process, the thread identifier, and the
11255 processor core that it is currently running on. The main thread of a
11256 process is not listed.
11257 @end table
11258
11259 @item info os
11260 If @var{infotype} is omitted, then list the possible values for
11261 @var{infotype} and the kind of OS information available for each
11262 @var{infotype}. If the target does not return a list of possible
11263 types, this command will report an error.
11264 @end table
11265
11266 @node Memory Region Attributes
11267 @section Memory Region Attributes
11268 @cindex memory region attributes
11269
11270 @dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
11271 required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
11272 attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
11273 accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
11274 target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
11275 fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
11276 user can override the fetched regions.
11277
11278 Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
11279 memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
11280 accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
11281 been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
11282 all memory.
11283
11284 When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
11285 to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
11286
11287 @table @code
11288 @kindex mem
11289 @item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
11290 Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
11291 attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
11292 monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
11293 case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
11294 (0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
11295
11296 @item mem auto
11297 Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
11298 regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
11299
11300 @kindex delete mem
11301 @item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
11302 Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
11303 monitored by @value{GDBN}.
11304
11305 @kindex disable mem
11306 @item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
11307 Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
11308 A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
11309 It may be enabled again later.
11310
11311 @kindex enable mem
11312 @item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
11313 Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
11314
11315 @kindex info mem
11316 @item info mem
11317 Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
11318 for each region:
11319
11320 @table @emph
11321 @item Memory Region Number
11322 @item Enabled or Disabled.
11323 Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
11324 Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
11325
11326 @item Lo Address
11327 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
11328
11329 @item Hi Address
11330 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
11331
11332 @item Attributes
11333 The list of attributes set for this memory region.
11334 @end table
11335 @end table
11336
11337
11338 @subsection Attributes
11339
11340 @subsubsection Memory Access Mode
11341 The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
11342 write accesses to a memory region.
11343
11344 While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
11345 memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
11346 etc.@: from accessing memory.
11347
11348 @table @code
11349 @item ro
11350 Memory is read only.
11351 @item wo
11352 Memory is write only.
11353 @item rw
11354 Memory is read/write. This is the default.
11355 @end table
11356
11357 @subsubsection Memory Access Size
11358 The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
11359 accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
11360 require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
11361 specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
11362
11363 @table @code
11364 @item 8
11365 Use 8 bit memory accesses.
11366 @item 16
11367 Use 16 bit memory accesses.
11368 @item 32
11369 Use 32 bit memory accesses.
11370 @item 64
11371 Use 64 bit memory accesses.
11372 @end table
11373
11374 @c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
11375 @c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
11376 @c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
11377 @c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
11378 @c
11379 @c @table @code
11380 @c @item hwbreak
11381 @c Always use hardware breakpoints
11382 @c @item swbreak (default)
11383 @c @end table
11384
11385 @subsubsection Data Cache
11386 The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
11387 memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
11388 protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
11389 does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
11390 registers.
11391
11392 @table @code
11393 @item cache
11394 Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
11395 @item nocache
11396 Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
11397 @end table
11398
11399 @subsection Memory Access Checking
11400 @value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
11401 not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
11402 regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
11403 better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
11404
11405 @table @code
11406 @kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
11407 @item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
11408 If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
11409 explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
11410 to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
11411 memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
11412 treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
11413 The default value is @code{on}.
11414 @kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
11415 @item show mem inaccessible-by-default
11416 Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
11417 @end table
11418
11419
11420 @c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
11421 @c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
11422 @c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
11423 @c
11424 @c @table @code
11425 @c @item verify
11426 @c @item noverify (default)
11427 @c @end table
11428
11429 @node Dump/Restore Files
11430 @section Copy Between Memory and a File
11431 @cindex dump/restore files
11432 @cindex append data to a file
11433 @cindex dump data to a file
11434 @cindex restore data from a file
11435
11436 You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
11437 @code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
11438 @code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
11439 @code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
11440 memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex,
11441 Tektronix Hex, or Verilog Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only
11442 append to binary files, and cannot read from Verilog Hex files.
11443
11444 @table @code
11445
11446 @kindex dump
11447 @item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
11448 @itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
11449 Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
11450 or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
11451
11452 The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
11453 @table @code
11454 @item binary
11455 Raw binary form.
11456 @item ihex
11457 Intel hex format.
11458 @item srec
11459 Motorola S-record format.
11460 @item tekhex
11461 Tektronix Hex format.
11462 @item verilog
11463 Verilog Hex format.
11464 @end table
11465
11466 @value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
11467 @sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
11468 @var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
11469 form.
11470
11471 @kindex append
11472 @item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
11473 @itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
11474 Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
11475 or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
11476 (@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
11477
11478 @kindex restore
11479 @item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
11480 Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
11481 @code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
11482 file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
11483 must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
11484
11485 If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
11486 contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
11487 they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
11488 a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
11489 from that location.
11490
11491 If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
11492 file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
11493 These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
11494 the @var{bias} argument is applied.
11495
11496 @end table
11497
11498 @node Core File Generation
11499 @section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
11500 @cindex dump core from inferior
11501
11502 A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
11503 image of a running process and its process status (register values
11504 etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
11505 crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
11506 automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
11507 the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
11508 the post-mortem debugging mode.
11509
11510 Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
11511 are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
11512 @value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
11513
11514 @table @code
11515 @kindex gcore
11516 @kindex generate-core-file
11517 @item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
11518 @itemx gcore [@var{file}]
11519 Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
11520 @var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
11521 specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
11522 @var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
11523
11524 Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
11525 this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, and S390).
11526
11527 On @sc{gnu}/Linux, this command can take into account the value of the
11528 file @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} when generating the core
11529 dump (@pxref{set use-coredump-filter}).
11530
11531 @kindex set use-coredump-filter
11532 @anchor{set use-coredump-filter}
11533 @item set use-coredump-filter on
11534 @itemx set use-coredump-filter off
11535 Enable or disable the use of the file
11536 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} when generating core dump
11537 files. This file is used by the Linux kernel to decide what types of
11538 memory mappings will be dumped or ignored when generating a core dump
11539 file. @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process.
11540
11541 To make use of this feature, you have to write in the
11542 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} file a value, in hexadecimal,
11543 which is a bit mask representing the memory mapping types. If a bit
11544 is set in the bit mask, then the memory mappings of the corresponding
11545 types will be dumped; otherwise, they will be ignored. This
11546 configuration is inherited by child processes. For more information
11547 about the bits that can be set in the
11548 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} file, please refer to the
11549 manpage of @code{core(5)}.
11550
11551 By default, this option is @code{on}. If this option is turned
11552 @code{off}, @value{GDBN} does not read the @file{coredump_filter} file
11553 and instead uses the same default value as the Linux kernel in order
11554 to decide which pages will be dumped in the core dump file. This
11555 value is currently @code{0x33}, which means that bits @code{0}
11556 (anonymous private mappings), @code{1} (anonymous shared mappings),
11557 @code{4} (ELF headers) and @code{5} (private huge pages) are active.
11558 This will cause these memory mappings to be dumped automatically.
11559 @end table
11560
11561 @node Character Sets
11562 @section Character Sets
11563 @cindex character sets
11564 @cindex charset
11565 @cindex translating between character sets
11566 @cindex host character set
11567 @cindex target character set
11568
11569 If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
11570 represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
11571 @value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
11572 you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
11573 character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
11574 @dfn{target character set}.
11575
11576 For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
11577 uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
11578 remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
11579 running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
11580 then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
11581 @sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
11582 target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
11583 @sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
11584 character and string literals in expressions.
11585
11586 @value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
11587 the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
11588 target-charset} command, described below.
11589
11590 Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
11591 support:
11592
11593 @table @code
11594 @item set target-charset @var{charset}
11595 @kindex set target-charset
11596 Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. To display the
11597 list of supported target character sets, type
11598 @kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
11599
11600 @item set host-charset @var{charset}
11601 @kindex set host-charset
11602 Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
11603
11604 By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
11605 system it is running on; you can override that default using the
11606 @code{set host-charset} command. On some systems, @value{GDBN} cannot
11607 automatically determine the appropriate host character set. In this
11608 case, @value{GDBN} uses @samp{UTF-8}.
11609
11610 @value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
11611 set. If you type @kbd{@w{set host-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
11612 @value{GDBN} will list the host character sets it supports.
11613
11614 @item set charset @var{charset}
11615 @kindex set charset
11616 Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
11617 above, if you type @kbd{@w{set charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
11618 @value{GDBN} will list the names of the character sets that can be used
11619 for both host and target.
11620
11621 @item show charset
11622 @kindex show charset
11623 Show the names of the current host and target character sets.
11624
11625 @item show host-charset
11626 @kindex show host-charset
11627 Show the name of the current host character set.
11628
11629 @item show target-charset
11630 @kindex show target-charset
11631 Show the name of the current target character set.
11632
11633 @item set target-wide-charset @var{charset}
11634 @kindex set target-wide-charset
11635 Set the current target's wide character set to @var{charset}. This is
11636 the character set used by the target's @code{wchar_t} type. To
11637 display the list of supported wide character sets, type
11638 @kbd{@w{set target-wide-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
11639
11640 @item show target-wide-charset
11641 @kindex show target-wide-charset
11642 Show the name of the current target's wide character set.
11643 @end table
11644
11645 Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
11646 Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
11647 @file{charset-test.c}:
11648
11649 @smallexample
11650 #include <stdio.h>
11651
11652 char ascii_hello[]
11653 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
11654 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
11655 char ibm1047_hello[]
11656 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
11657 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
11658
11659 main ()
11660 @{
11661 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
11662 @}
11663 @end smallexample
11664
11665 In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
11666 containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
11667 encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
11668
11669 We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
11670
11671 @smallexample
11672 $ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
11673 $ gdb -nw charset-test
11674 GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
11675 Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
11676 @dots{}
11677 (@value{GDBP})
11678 @end smallexample
11679
11680 We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
11681 @value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
11682 strings:
11683
11684 @smallexample
11685 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
11686 The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
11687 (@value{GDBP})
11688 @end smallexample
11689
11690 For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
11691 initial character set:
11692 @smallexample
11693 (@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
11694 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
11695 The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
11696 (@value{GDBP})
11697 @end smallexample
11698
11699 Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
11700 host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
11701 characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
11702 them properly. Since our current target character set is also
11703 @sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
11704
11705 @smallexample
11706 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
11707 $1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
11708 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
11709 $2 = 72 'H'
11710 (@value{GDBP})
11711 @end smallexample
11712
11713 @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
11714 literals you use in expressions:
11715
11716 @smallexample
11717 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
11718 $3 = 43 '+'
11719 (@value{GDBP})
11720 @end smallexample
11721
11722 The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
11723 character.
11724
11725 @value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
11726 target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
11727 character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
11728
11729 @smallexample
11730 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
11731 $4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
11732 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
11733 $5 = 200 '\310'
11734 (@value{GDBP})
11735 @end smallexample
11736
11737 If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
11738 @value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
11739
11740 @smallexample
11741 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
11742 ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
11743 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
11744 @end smallexample
11745
11746 We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
11747 program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
11748 @value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
11749 target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
11750 @sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
11751
11752 @smallexample
11753 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
11754 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
11755 The current host character set is `ASCII'.
11756 The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
11757 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
11758 $6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
11759 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
11760 $7 = 72 '\110'
11761 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
11762 $8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
11763 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
11764 $9 = 200 'H'
11765 (@value{GDBP})
11766 @end smallexample
11767
11768 As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
11769 string literals you use in expressions:
11770
11771 @smallexample
11772 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
11773 $10 = 78 '+'
11774 (@value{GDBP})
11775 @end smallexample
11776
11777 The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
11778 character.
11779
11780 @node Caching Target Data
11781 @section Caching Data of Targets
11782 @cindex caching data of targets
11783
11784 @value{GDBN} caches data exchanged between the debugger and a target.
11785 Each cache is associated with the address space of the inferior.
11786 @xref{Inferiors and Programs}, about inferior and address space.
11787 Such caching generally improves performance in remote debugging
11788 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), because it reduces the overhead of the
11789 remote protocol by bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks.
11790 Unfortunately, simply caching everything would lead to incorrect results,
11791 since @value{GDBN} does not necessarily know anything about volatile
11792 values, memory-mapped I/O addresses, etc. Furthermore, in non-stop mode
11793 (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) memory can be changed @emph{while} a gdb command
11794 is executing.
11795 Therefore, by default, @value{GDBN} only caches data
11796 known to be on the stack@footnote{In non-stop mode, it is moderately
11797 rare for a running thread to modify the stack of a stopped thread
11798 in a way that would interfere with a backtrace, and caching of
11799 stack reads provides a significant speed up of remote backtraces.} or
11800 in the code segment.
11801 Other regions of memory can be explicitly marked as
11802 cacheable; @pxref{Memory Region Attributes}.
11803
11804 @table @code
11805 @kindex set remotecache
11806 @item set remotecache on
11807 @itemx set remotecache off
11808 This option no longer does anything; it exists for compatibility
11809 with old scripts.
11810
11811 @kindex show remotecache
11812 @item show remotecache
11813 Show the current state of the obsolete remotecache flag.
11814
11815 @kindex set stack-cache
11816 @item set stack-cache on
11817 @itemx set stack-cache off
11818 Enable or disable caching of stack accesses. When @code{on}, use
11819 caching. By default, this option is @code{on}.
11820
11821 @kindex show stack-cache
11822 @item show stack-cache
11823 Show the current state of data caching for memory accesses.
11824
11825 @kindex set code-cache
11826 @item set code-cache on
11827 @itemx set code-cache off
11828 Enable or disable caching of code segment accesses. When @code{on},
11829 use caching. By default, this option is @code{on}. This improves
11830 performance of disassembly in remote debugging.
11831
11832 @kindex show code-cache
11833 @item show code-cache
11834 Show the current state of target memory cache for code segment
11835 accesses.
11836
11837 @kindex info dcache
11838 @item info dcache @r{[}line@r{]}
11839 Print the information about the performance of data cache of the
11840 current inferior's address space. The information displayed
11841 includes the dcache width and depth, and for each cache line, its
11842 number, address, and how many times it was referenced. This
11843 command is useful for debugging the data cache operation.
11844
11845 If a line number is specified, the contents of that line will be
11846 printed in hex.
11847
11848 @item set dcache size @var{size}
11849 @cindex dcache size
11850 @kindex set dcache size
11851 Set maximum number of entries in dcache (dcache depth above).
11852
11853 @item set dcache line-size @var{line-size}
11854 @cindex dcache line-size
11855 @kindex set dcache line-size
11856 Set number of bytes each dcache entry caches (dcache width above).
11857 Must be a power of 2.
11858
11859 @item show dcache size
11860 @kindex show dcache size
11861 Show maximum number of dcache entries. @xref{Caching Target Data, info dcache}.
11862
11863 @item show dcache line-size
11864 @kindex show dcache line-size
11865 Show default size of dcache lines.
11866
11867 @end table
11868
11869 @node Searching Memory
11870 @section Search Memory
11871 @cindex searching memory
11872
11873 Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
11874 @code{find} command.
11875
11876 @table @code
11877 @kindex find
11878 @item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
11879 @itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
11880 Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
11881 etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
11882 @var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
11883 @end table
11884
11885 @var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
11886 They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
11887
11888 @table @r
11889 @item @var{s}, search query size
11890 The size of each search query value.
11891
11892 @table @code
11893 @item b
11894 bytes
11895 @item h
11896 halfwords (two bytes)
11897 @item w
11898 words (four bytes)
11899 @item g
11900 giant words (eight bytes)
11901 @end table
11902
11903 All values are interpreted in the current language.
11904 This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
11905 then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
11906
11907 If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
11908 value's type in the current language.
11909 This is useful when one wants to specify the search
11910 pattern as a mixture of types.
11911 Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
11912 a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
11913 which is typically four bytes.
11914
11915 @item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
11916 The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
11917 @end table
11918
11919 You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
11920 (@code{"}).
11921 The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
11922 regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
11923
11924 The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
11925 number of matches found.
11926
11927 The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
11928 @samp{$_}.
11929 A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
11930
11931 For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
11932
11933 @smallexample
11934 void
11935 hello ()
11936 @{
11937 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
11938 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
11939 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
11940 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
11941 printf ("%s\n", hello);
11942 @}
11943 @end smallexample
11944
11945 @noindent
11946 you get during debugging:
11947
11948 @smallexample
11949 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
11950 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
11951 1 pattern found
11952 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
11953 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
11954 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
11955 2 patterns found
11956 (gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
11957 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
11958 1 pattern found
11959 (gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
11960 0x8049560 <mixed.1625>
11961 1 pattern found
11962 (gdb) print $numfound
11963 $1 = 1
11964 (gdb) print $_
11965 $2 = (void *) 0x8049560
11966 @end smallexample
11967
11968 @node Value Sizes
11969 @section Value Sizes
11970
11971 Whenever @value{GDBN} prints a value memory will be allocated within
11972 @value{GDBN} to hold the contents of the value. It is possible in
11973 some languages with dynamic typing systems, that an invalid program
11974 may indicate a value that is incorrectly large, this in turn may cause
11975 @value{GDBN} to try and allocate an overly large ammount of memory.
11976
11977 @table @code
11978 @kindex set max-value-size
11979 @item set max-value-size @var{bytes}
11980 @itemx set max-value-size unlimited
11981 Set the maximum size of memory that @value{GDBN} will allocate for the
11982 contents of a value to @var{bytes}, trying to display a value that
11983 requires more memory than that will result in an error.
11984
11985 Setting this variable does not effect values that have already been
11986 allocated within @value{GDBN}, only future allocations.
11987
11988 There's a minimum size that @code{max-value-size} can be set to in
11989 order that @value{GDBN} can still operate correctly, this minimum is
11990 currently 16 bytes.
11991
11992 The limit applies to the results of some subexpressions as well as to
11993 complete expressions. For example, an expression denoting a simple
11994 integer component, such as @code{x.y.z}, may fail if the size of
11995 @var{x.y} is dynamic and exceeds @var{bytes}. On the other hand,
11996 @value{GDBN} is sometimes clever; the expression @code{A[i]}, where
11997 @var{A} is an array variable with non-constant size, will generally
11998 succeed regardless of the bounds on @var{A}, as long as the component
11999 size is less than @var{bytes}.
12000
12001 The default value of @code{max-value-size} is currently 64k.
12002
12003 @kindex show max-value-size
12004 @item show max-value-size
12005 Show the maximum size of memory, in bytes, that @value{GDBN} will
12006 allocate for the contents of a value.
12007 @end table
12008
12009 @node Optimized Code
12010 @chapter Debugging Optimized Code
12011 @cindex optimized code, debugging
12012 @cindex debugging optimized code
12013
12014 Almost all compilers support optimization. With optimization
12015 disabled, the compiler generates assembly code that corresponds
12016 directly to your source code, in a simplistic way. As the compiler
12017 applies more powerful optimizations, the generated assembly code
12018 diverges from your original source code. With help from debugging
12019 information generated by the compiler, @value{GDBN} can map from
12020 the running program back to constructs from your original source.
12021
12022 @value{GDBN} is more accurate with optimization disabled. If you
12023 can recompile without optimization, it is easier to follow the
12024 progress of your program during debugging. But, there are many cases
12025 where you may need to debug an optimized version.
12026
12027 When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
12028 optimizer has rearranged your code; the debugger shows you what is
12029 really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
12030 exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
12031 variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
12032 variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
12033
12034 Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
12035 @samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
12036 doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
12037 please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
12038 @xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
12039
12040 @menu
12041 * Inline Functions:: How @value{GDBN} presents inlining
12042 * Tail Call Frames:: @value{GDBN} analysis of jumps to functions
12043 @end menu
12044
12045 @node Inline Functions
12046 @section Inline Functions
12047 @cindex inline functions, debugging
12048
12049 @dfn{Inlining} is an optimization that inserts a copy of the function
12050 body directly at each call site, instead of jumping to a shared
12051 routine. @value{GDBN} displays inlined functions just like
12052 non-inlined functions. They appear in backtraces. You can view their
12053 arguments and local variables, step into them with @code{step}, skip
12054 them with @code{next}, and escape from them with @code{finish}.
12055 You can check whether a function was inlined by using the
12056 @code{info frame} command.
12057
12058 For @value{GDBN} to support inlined functions, the compiler must
12059 record information about inlining in the debug information ---
12060 @value{NGCC} using the @sc{dwarf 2} format does this, and several
12061 other compilers do also. @value{GDBN} only supports inlined functions
12062 when using @sc{dwarf 2}. Versions of @value{NGCC} before 4.1
12063 do not emit two required attributes (@samp{DW_AT_call_file} and
12064 @samp{DW_AT_call_line}); @value{GDBN} does not display inlined
12065 function calls with earlier versions of @value{NGCC}. It instead
12066 displays the arguments and local variables of inlined functions as
12067 local variables in the caller.
12068
12069 The body of an inlined function is directly included at its call site;
12070 unlike a non-inlined function, there are no instructions devoted to
12071 the call. @value{GDBN} still pretends that the call site and the
12072 start of the inlined function are different instructions. Stepping to
12073 the call site shows the call site, and then stepping again shows
12074 the first line of the inlined function, even though no additional
12075 instructions are executed.
12076
12077 This makes source-level debugging much clearer; you can see both the
12078 context of the call and then the effect of the call. Only stepping by
12079 a single instruction using @code{stepi} or @code{nexti} does not do
12080 this; single instruction steps always show the inlined body.
12081
12082 There are some ways that @value{GDBN} does not pretend that inlined
12083 function calls are the same as normal calls:
12084
12085 @itemize @bullet
12086 @item
12087 Setting breakpoints at the call site of an inlined function may not
12088 work, because the call site does not contain any code. @value{GDBN}
12089 may incorrectly move the breakpoint to the next line of the enclosing
12090 function, after the call. This limitation will be removed in a future
12091 version of @value{GDBN}; until then, set a breakpoint on an earlier line
12092 or inside the inlined function instead.
12093
12094 @item
12095 @value{GDBN} cannot locate the return value of inlined calls after
12096 using the @code{finish} command. This is a limitation of compiler-generated
12097 debugging information; after @code{finish}, you can step to the next line
12098 and print a variable where your program stored the return value.
12099
12100 @end itemize
12101
12102 @node Tail Call Frames
12103 @section Tail Call Frames
12104 @cindex tail call frames, debugging
12105
12106 Function @code{B} can call function @code{C} in its very last statement. In
12107 unoptimized compilation the call of @code{C} is immediately followed by return
12108 instruction at the end of @code{B} code. Optimizing compiler may replace the
12109 call and return in function @code{B} into one jump to function @code{C}
12110 instead. Such use of a jump instruction is called @dfn{tail call}.
12111
12112 During execution of function @code{C}, there will be no indication in the
12113 function call stack frames that it was tail-called from @code{B}. If function
12114 @code{A} regularly calls function @code{B} which tail-calls function @code{C},
12115 then @value{GDBN} will see @code{A} as the caller of @code{C}. However, in
12116 some cases @value{GDBN} can determine that @code{C} was tail-called from
12117 @code{B}, and it will then create fictitious call frame for that, with the
12118 return address set up as if @code{B} called @code{C} normally.
12119
12120 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
12121 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_call_site} tags. With
12122 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
12123 this information.
12124
12125 @kbd{info frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info}) will indicate the tail call frame
12126 kind by text @code{tail call frame} such as in this sample @value{GDBN} output:
12127
12128 @smallexample
12129 (gdb) x/i $pc - 2
12130 0x40066b <b(int, double)+11>: jmp 0x400640 <c(int, double)>
12131 (gdb) info frame
12132 Stack level 1, frame at 0x7fffffffda30:
12133 rip = 0x40066d in b (amd64-entry-value.cc:59); saved rip 0x4004c5
12134 tail call frame, caller of frame at 0x7fffffffda30
12135 source language c++.
12136 Arglist at unknown address.
12137 Locals at unknown address, Previous frame's sp is 0x7fffffffda30
12138 @end smallexample
12139
12140 The detection of all the possible code path executions can find them ambiguous.
12141 There is no execution history stored (possible @ref{Reverse Execution} is never
12142 used for this purpose) and the last known caller could have reached the known
12143 callee by multiple different jump sequences. In such case @value{GDBN} still
12144 tries to show at least all the unambiguous top tail callers and all the
12145 unambiguous bottom tail calees, if any.
12146
12147 @table @code
12148 @anchor{set debug entry-values}
12149 @item set debug entry-values
12150 @kindex set debug entry-values
12151 When set to on, enables printing of analysis messages for both frame argument
12152 values at function entry and tail calls. It will show all the possible valid
12153 tail calls code paths it has considered. It will also print the intersection
12154 of them with the final unambiguous (possibly partial or even empty) code path
12155 result.
12156
12157 @item show debug entry-values
12158 @kindex show debug entry-values
12159 Show the current state of analysis messages printing for both frame argument
12160 values at function entry and tail calls.
12161 @end table
12162
12163 The analysis messages for tail calls can for example show why the virtual tail
12164 call frame for function @code{c} has not been recognized (due to the indirect
12165 reference by variable @code{x}):
12166
12167 @smallexample
12168 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void);
12169 void (*x) (void) = c;
12170 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
12171 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ a (); @}
12172 int main (void) @{ x (); return 0; @}
12173
12174 Breakpoint 1, DW_OP_entry_value resolving cannot find
12175 DW_TAG_call_site 0x40039a in main
12176 a () at t.c:3
12177 3 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
12178 (gdb) bt
12179 #0 a () at t.c:3
12180 #1 0x000000000040039a in main () at t.c:5
12181 @end smallexample
12182
12183 Another possibility is an ambiguous virtual tail call frames resolution:
12184
12185 @smallexample
12186 int i;
12187 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) f (void) @{ i++; @}
12188 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) e (void) @{ f (); @}
12189 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) d (void) @{ f (); @}
12190 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ d (); @}
12191 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (void)
12192 @{ if (i) c (); else e (); @}
12193 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ b (); @}
12194 int main (void) @{ a (); return 0; @}
12195
12196 tailcall: initial: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004ce(b) 0x4004b2(c) 0x4004a2(d)
12197 tailcall: compare: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004cc(b) 0x400492(e)
12198 tailcall: reduced: 0x4004d2(a) |
12199 (gdb) bt
12200 #0 f () at t.c:2
12201 #1 0x00000000004004d2 in a () at t.c:8
12202 #2 0x0000000000400395 in main () at t.c:9
12203 @end smallexample
12204
12205 @set CALLSEQ1A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}c@value{ARROW}d@value{ARROW}f}
12206 @set CALLSEQ2A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}e@value{ARROW}f}
12207
12208 @c Convert CALLSEQ#A to CALLSEQ#B depending on HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK.
12209 @ifset HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
12210 @set ARROW @click{}
12211 @set CALLSEQ1B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ1A}}
12212 @set CALLSEQ2B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ2A}}
12213 @end ifset
12214 @ifclear HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
12215 @set ARROW ->
12216 @set CALLSEQ1B @value{CALLSEQ1A}
12217 @set CALLSEQ2B @value{CALLSEQ2A}
12218 @end ifclear
12219
12220 Frames #0 and #2 are real, #1 is a virtual tail call frame.
12221 The code can have possible execution paths @value{CALLSEQ1B} or
12222 @value{CALLSEQ2B}, @value{GDBN} cannot find which one from the inferior state.
12223
12224 @code{initial:} state shows some random possible calling sequence @value{GDBN}
12225 has found. It then finds another possible calling sequcen - that one is
12226 prefixed by @code{compare:}. The non-ambiguous intersection of these two is
12227 printed as the @code{reduced:} calling sequence. That one could have many
12228 futher @code{compare:} and @code{reduced:} statements as long as there remain
12229 any non-ambiguous sequence entries.
12230
12231 For the frame of function @code{b} in both cases there are different possible
12232 @code{$pc} values (@code{0x4004cc} or @code{0x4004ce}), therefore this frame is
12233 also ambigous. The only non-ambiguous frame is the one for function @code{a},
12234 therefore this one is displayed to the user while the ambiguous frames are
12235 omitted.
12236
12237 There can be also reasons why printing of frame argument values at function
12238 entry may fail:
12239
12240 @smallexample
12241 int v;
12242 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (int i) @{ v++; @}
12243 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i);
12244 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (int i) @{ a (i); @}
12245 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i)
12246 @{ if (i) b (i - 1); else c (0); @}
12247 int main (void) @{ a (5); return 0; @}
12248
12249 (gdb) bt
12250 #0 c (i=i@@entry=0) at t.c:2
12251 #1 0x0000000000400428 in a (DW_OP_entry_value resolving has found
12252 function "a" at 0x400420 can call itself via tail calls
12253 i=<optimized out>) at t.c:6
12254 #2 0x000000000040036e in main () at t.c:7
12255 @end smallexample
12256
12257 @value{GDBN} cannot find out from the inferior state if and how many times did
12258 function @code{a} call itself (via function @code{b}) as these calls would be
12259 tail calls. Such tail calls would modify thue @code{i} variable, therefore
12260 @value{GDBN} cannot be sure the value it knows would be right - @value{GDBN}
12261 prints @code{<optimized out>} instead.
12262
12263 @node Macros
12264 @chapter C Preprocessor Macros
12265
12266 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
12267 ``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
12268 @value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
12269 the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
12270 where it was defined.
12271
12272 You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
12273 with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
12274 include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
12275 with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
12276
12277 A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
12278 and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
12279 points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
12280 no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
12281 uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
12282 @value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
12283 see @ref{List}.
12284
12285 Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
12286 macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
12287 the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
12288
12289 @table @code
12290
12291 @kindex macro expand
12292 @cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
12293 @cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
12294 @cindex expanding preprocessor macros
12295 @item macro expand @var{expression}
12296 @itemx macro exp @var{expression}
12297 Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
12298 @var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
12299 not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
12300 it can be any string of tokens.
12301
12302 @kindex macro exp1
12303 @item macro expand-once @var{expression}
12304 @itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
12305 @cindex expand macro once
12306 @i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
12307 expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
12308 @var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
12309 left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
12310 particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
12311 expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
12312 parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
12313 can be any string of tokens.
12314
12315 @kindex info macro
12316 @cindex macro definition, showing
12317 @cindex definition of a macro, showing
12318 @cindex macros, from debug info
12319 @item info macro [-a|-all] [--] @var{macro}
12320 Show the current definition or all definitions of the named @var{macro},
12321 and describe the source location or compiler command-line where that
12322 definition was established. The optional double dash is to signify the end of
12323 argument processing and the beginning of @var{macro} for non C-like macros where
12324 the macro may begin with a hyphen.
12325
12326 @kindex info macros
12327 @item info macros @var{location}
12328 Show all macro definitions that are in effect at the location specified
12329 by @var{location}, and describe the source location or compiler
12330 command-line where those definitions were established.
12331
12332 @kindex macro define
12333 @cindex user-defined macros
12334 @cindex defining macros interactively
12335 @cindex macros, user-defined
12336 @item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
12337 @itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
12338 Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
12339 invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
12340 @var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
12341 ``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
12342 defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
12343 @var{arglist}.
12344
12345 A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
12346 expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
12347 @code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
12348 all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
12349 as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
12350
12351 @kindex macro undef
12352 @item macro undef @var{macro}
12353 Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
12354 This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
12355 define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
12356 in the program being debugged.
12357
12358 @kindex macro list
12359 @item macro list
12360 List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
12361 @end table
12362
12363 @cindex macros, example of debugging with
12364 Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
12365 show our source files:
12366
12367 @smallexample
12368 $ cat sample.c
12369 #include <stdio.h>
12370 #include "sample.h"
12371
12372 #define M 42
12373 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
12374
12375 main ()
12376 @{
12377 #define N 28
12378 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
12379 #undef N
12380 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
12381 #define N 1729
12382 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
12383 @}
12384 $ cat sample.h
12385 #define Q <
12386 $
12387 @end smallexample
12388
12389 Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
12390 @value{NGCC}. We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2}@footnote{This is the
12391 minimum. Recent versions of @value{NGCC} support @option{-gdwarf-3}
12392 and @option{-gdwarf-4}; we recommend always choosing the most recent
12393 version of DWARF.} @emph{and} @option{-g3} flags to ensure the compiler
12394 includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
12395 information.
12396
12397 @smallexample
12398 $ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
12399 $
12400 @end smallexample
12401
12402 Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
12403
12404 @smallexample
12405 $ gdb -nw sample
12406 GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
12407 Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
12408 GDB is free software, @dots{}
12409 (@value{GDBP})
12410 @end smallexample
12411
12412 We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
12413 program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
12414 to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
12415
12416 @smallexample
12417 (@value{GDBP}) list main
12418 3
12419 4 #define M 42
12420 5 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
12421 6
12422 7 main ()
12423 8 @{
12424 9 #define N 28
12425 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
12426 11 #undef N
12427 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
12428 (@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
12429 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
12430 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
12431 (@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
12432 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
12433 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
12434 #define Q <
12435 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
12436 expands to: (42 + 1)
12437 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
12438 expands to: once (M + 1)
12439 (@value{GDBP})
12440 @end smallexample
12441
12442 In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
12443 the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
12444 @code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
12445 which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
12446
12447 Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
12448 force at the source line of the current stack frame:
12449
12450 @smallexample
12451 (@value{GDBP}) break main
12452 Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
12453 (@value{GDBP}) run
12454 Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
12455
12456 Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
12457 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
12458 (@value{GDBP})
12459 @end smallexample
12460
12461 At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
12462
12463 @smallexample
12464 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
12465 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
12466 #define N 28
12467 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
12468 expands to: 28 < 42
12469 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
12470 $1 = 1
12471 (@value{GDBP})
12472 @end smallexample
12473
12474 As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
12475 give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
12476 thereof) in force at each point:
12477
12478 @smallexample
12479 (@value{GDBP}) next
12480 Hello, world!
12481 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
12482 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
12483 The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
12484 at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
12485 (@value{GDBP}) next
12486 We're so creative.
12487 14 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
12488 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
12489 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
12490 #define N 1729
12491 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
12492 expands to: 1729 < 42
12493 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
12494 $2 = 0
12495 (@value{GDBP})
12496 @end smallexample
12497
12498 In addition to source files, macros can be defined on the compilation command
12499 line using the @option{-D@var{name}=@var{value}} syntax. For macros defined in
12500 such a way, @value{GDBN} displays the location of their definition as line zero
12501 of the source file submitted to the compiler.
12502
12503 @smallexample
12504 (@value{GDBP}) info macro __STDC__
12505 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:0
12506 -D__STDC__=1
12507 (@value{GDBP})
12508 @end smallexample
12509
12510
12511 @node Tracepoints
12512 @chapter Tracepoints
12513 @c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
12514 @c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
12515
12516 @cindex tracepoints
12517 In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
12518 the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
12519 anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
12520 depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
12521 might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
12522 fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
12523 to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
12524
12525 Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
12526 specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
12527 arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
12528 Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
12529 those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
12530 expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
12531 for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
12532 a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
12533 in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
12534 values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
12535 unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
12536
12537 The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
12538 targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
12539 how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
12540 remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
12541 support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
12542 packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
12543 Packets}.
12544
12545 It is also possible to get trace data from a file, in a manner reminiscent
12546 of corefiles; you specify the filename, and use @code{tfind} to search
12547 through the file. @xref{Trace Files}, for more details.
12548
12549 This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
12550
12551 @menu
12552 * Set Tracepoints::
12553 * Analyze Collected Data::
12554 * Tracepoint Variables::
12555 * Trace Files::
12556 @end menu
12557
12558 @node Set Tracepoints
12559 @section Commands to Set Tracepoints
12560
12561 Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
12562 tracepoints can be set. A tracepoint is actually a special type of
12563 breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), so you can manipulate it using
12564 standard breakpoint commands. For instance, as with breakpoints,
12565 tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from one, and many
12566 of the commands associated with tracepoints take the tracepoint number
12567 as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to work on.
12568
12569 For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
12570 of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
12571 it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
12572 local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
12573 commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
12574 tracepoint was hit.
12575
12576 Tracepoints do not support every breakpoint feature. Ignore counts on
12577 tracepoints have no effect, and tracepoints cannot run @value{GDBN}
12578 commands when they are hit. Tracepoints may not be thread-specific
12579 either.
12580
12581 @cindex fast tracepoints
12582 Some targets may support @dfn{fast tracepoints}, which are inserted in
12583 a different way (such as with a jump instead of a trap), that is
12584 faster but possibly restricted in where they may be installed.
12585
12586 @cindex static tracepoints
12587 @cindex markers, static tracepoints
12588 @cindex probing markers, static tracepoints
12589 Regular and fast tracepoints are dynamic tracing facilities, meaning
12590 that they can be used to insert tracepoints at (almost) any location
12591 in the target. Some targets may also support controlling @dfn{static
12592 tracepoints} from @value{GDBN}. With static tracing, a set of
12593 instrumentation points, also known as @dfn{markers}, are embedded in
12594 the target program, and can be activated or deactivated by name or
12595 address. These are usually placed at locations which facilitate
12596 investigating what the target is actually doing. @value{GDBN}'s
12597 support for static tracing includes being able to list instrumentation
12598 points, and attach them with @value{GDBN} defined high level
12599 tracepoints that expose the whole range of convenience of
12600 @value{GDBN}'s tracepoints support. Namely, support for collecting
12601 registers values and values of global or local (to the instrumentation
12602 point) variables; tracepoint conditions and trace state variables.
12603 The act of installing a @value{GDBN} static tracepoint on an
12604 instrumentation point, or marker, is referred to as @dfn{probing} a
12605 static tracepoint marker.
12606
12607 @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints on some target systems.
12608 @xref{Server,,Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}}.
12609
12610 This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
12611 conditions and actions.
12612
12613 @menu
12614 * Create and Delete Tracepoints::
12615 * Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
12616 * Tracepoint Passcounts::
12617 * Tracepoint Conditions::
12618 * Trace State Variables::
12619 * Tracepoint Actions::
12620 * Listing Tracepoints::
12621 * Listing Static Tracepoint Markers::
12622 * Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
12623 * Tracepoint Restrictions::
12624 @end menu
12625
12626 @node Create and Delete Tracepoints
12627 @subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
12628
12629 @table @code
12630 @cindex set tracepoint
12631 @kindex trace
12632 @item trace @var{location}
12633 The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
12634 Its argument @var{location} can be any valid location.
12635 @xref{Specify Location}. The @code{trace} command defines a tracepoint,
12636 which is a point in the target program where the debugger will briefly stop,
12637 collect some data, and then allow the program to continue. Setting a tracepoint
12638 or changing its actions takes effect immediately if the remote stub
12639 supports the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature (@pxref{install tracepoint
12640 in tracing}).
12641 If remote stub doesn't support the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature, all
12642 these changes don't take effect until the next @code{tstart}
12643 command, and once a trace experiment is running, further changes will
12644 not have any effect until the next trace experiment starts. In addition,
12645 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{pending tracepoints}---tracepoints whose
12646 address is not yet resolved. (This is similar to pending breakpoints.)
12647 Pending tracepoints are not downloaded to the target and not installed
12648 until they are resolved. The resolution of pending tracepoints requires
12649 @value{GDBN} support---when debugging with the remote target, and
12650 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the remote stub (@pxref{disconnected
12651 tracing}), pending tracepoints can not be resolved (and downloaded to
12652 the remote stub) while @value{GDBN} is disconnected.
12653
12654 Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
12655
12656 @smallexample
12657 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
12658
12659 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
12660
12661 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
12662
12663 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
12664
12665 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
12666 @end smallexample
12667
12668 @noindent
12669 You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
12670
12671 @item trace @var{location} if @var{cond}
12672 Set a tracepoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
12673 @var{cond} each time the tracepoint is reached, and collect data only
12674 if the value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
12675 @xref{Tracepoint Conditions, ,Tracepoint Conditions}, for more
12676 information on tracepoint conditions.
12677
12678 @item ftrace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
12679 @cindex set fast tracepoint
12680 @cindex fast tracepoints, setting
12681 @kindex ftrace
12682 The @code{ftrace} command sets a fast tracepoint. For targets that
12683 support them, fast tracepoints will use a more efficient but possibly
12684 less general technique to trigger data collection, such as a jump
12685 instruction instead of a trap, or some sort of hardware support. It
12686 may not be possible to create a fast tracepoint at the desired
12687 location, in which case the command will exit with an explanatory
12688 message.
12689
12690 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{ftrace} exactly as for
12691 @code{trace}.
12692
12693 On 32-bit x86-architecture systems, fast tracepoints normally need to
12694 be placed at an instruction that is 5 bytes or longer, but can be
12695 placed at 4-byte instructions if the low 64K of memory of the target
12696 program is available to install trampolines. Some Unix-type systems,
12697 such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, exclude low addresses from the program's
12698 address space; but for instance with the Linux kernel it is possible
12699 to let @value{GDBN} use this area by doing a @command{sysctl} command
12700 to set the @code{mmap_min_addr} kernel parameter, as in
12701
12702 @example
12703 sudo sysctl -w vm.mmap_min_addr=32768
12704 @end example
12705
12706 @noindent
12707 which sets the low address to 32K, which leaves plenty of room for
12708 trampolines. The minimum address should be set to a page boundary.
12709
12710 @item strace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
12711 @cindex set static tracepoint
12712 @cindex static tracepoints, setting
12713 @cindex probe static tracepoint marker
12714 @kindex strace
12715 The @code{strace} command sets a static tracepoint. For targets that
12716 support it, setting a static tracepoint probes a static
12717 instrumentation point, or marker, found at @var{location}. It may not
12718 be possible to set a static tracepoint at the desired location, in
12719 which case the command will exit with an explanatory message.
12720
12721 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{strace} exactly as for
12722 @code{trace}, with the addition that the user can also specify
12723 @code{-m @var{marker}} as @var{location}. This probes the marker
12724 identified by the @var{marker} string identifier. This identifier
12725 depends on the static tracepoint backend library your program is
12726 using. You can find all the marker identifiers in the @samp{ID} field
12727 of the @code{info static-tracepoint-markers} command output.
12728 @xref{Listing Static Tracepoint Markers,,Listing Static Tracepoint
12729 Markers}. For example, in the following small program using the UST
12730 tracing engine:
12731
12732 @smallexample
12733 main ()
12734 @{
12735 trace_mark(ust, bar33, "str %s", "FOOBAZ");
12736 @}
12737 @end smallexample
12738
12739 @noindent
12740 the marker id is composed of joining the first two arguments to the
12741 @code{trace_mark} call with a slash, which translates to:
12742
12743 @smallexample
12744 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
12745 Cnt Enb ID Address What
12746 1 n ust/bar33 0x0000000000400ddc in main at stexample.c:22
12747 Data: "str %s"
12748 [etc...]
12749 @end smallexample
12750
12751 @noindent
12752 so you may probe the marker above with:
12753
12754 @smallexample
12755 (@value{GDBP}) strace -m ust/bar33
12756 @end smallexample
12757
12758 Static tracepoints accept an extra collect action --- @code{collect
12759 $_sdata}. This collects arbitrary user data passed in the probe point
12760 call to the tracing library. In the UST example above, you'll see
12761 that the third argument to @code{trace_mark} is a printf-like format
12762 string. The user data is then the result of running that formating
12763 string against the following arguments. Note that @code{info
12764 static-tracepoint-markers} command output lists that format string in
12765 the @samp{Data:} field.
12766
12767 You can inspect this data when analyzing the trace buffer, by printing
12768 the $_sdata variable like any other variable available to
12769 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}.
12770
12771 @vindex $tpnum
12772 @cindex last tracepoint number
12773 @cindex recent tracepoint number
12774 @cindex tracepoint number
12775 The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
12776 of the most recently set tracepoint.
12777
12778 @kindex delete tracepoint
12779 @cindex tracepoint deletion
12780 @item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
12781 Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
12782 default is to delete all tracepoints. Note that the regular
12783 @code{delete} command can remove tracepoints also.
12784
12785 Examples:
12786
12787 @smallexample
12788 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
12789
12790 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
12791 @end smallexample
12792
12793 @noindent
12794 You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
12795 @end table
12796
12797 @node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
12798 @subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
12799
12800 These commands are deprecated; they are equivalent to plain @code{disable} and @code{enable}.
12801
12802 @table @code
12803 @kindex disable tracepoint
12804 @item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
12805 Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
12806 @var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
12807 a trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
12808 a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
12809 If the command is issued during a trace experiment and the debug target
12810 has support for disabling tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the
12811 change will be effective immediately. Otherwise, it will be applied to the
12812 next trace experiment.
12813
12814 @kindex enable tracepoint
12815 @item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
12816 Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. If this command is
12817 issued during a trace experiment and the debug target supports enabling
12818 tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the enabled tracepoints will
12819 become effective immediately. Otherwise, they will become effective the
12820 next time a trace experiment is run.
12821 @end table
12822
12823 @node Tracepoint Passcounts
12824 @subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
12825
12826 @table @code
12827 @kindex passcount
12828 @cindex tracepoint pass count
12829 @item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
12830 Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
12831 automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
12832 @var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
12833 the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
12834 @var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
12835 passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
12836 given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
12837 user.
12838
12839 Examples:
12840
12841 @smallexample
12842 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
12843 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
12844
12845 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
12846 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
12847 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
12848 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
12849 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
12850 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
12851 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
12852 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
12853 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
12854 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
12855 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
12856 @end smallexample
12857 @end table
12858
12859 @node Tracepoint Conditions
12860 @subsection Tracepoint Conditions
12861 @cindex conditional tracepoints
12862 @cindex tracepoint conditions
12863
12864 The simplest sort of tracepoint collects data every time your program
12865 reaches a specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for
12866 a tracepoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
12867 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A
12868 tracepoint with a condition evaluates the expression each time your
12869 program reaches it, and data collection happens only if the condition
12870 is true.
12871
12872 Tracepoint conditions can be specified when a tracepoint is set, by
12873 using @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{trace} command.
12874 @xref{Create and Delete Tracepoints, ,Setting Tracepoints}. They can
12875 also be set or changed at any time with the @code{condition} command,
12876 just as with breakpoints.
12877
12878 Unlike breakpoint conditions, @value{GDBN} does not actually evaluate
12879 the conditional expression itself. Instead, @value{GDBN} encodes the
12880 expression into an agent expression (@pxref{Agent Expressions})
12881 suitable for execution on the target, independently of @value{GDBN}.
12882 Global variables become raw memory locations, locals become stack
12883 accesses, and so forth.
12884
12885 For instance, suppose you have a function that is usually called
12886 frequently, but should not be called after an error has occurred. You
12887 could use the following tracepoint command to collect data about calls
12888 of that function that happen while the error code is propagating
12889 through the program; an unconditional tracepoint could end up
12890 collecting thousands of useless trace frames that you would have to
12891 search through.
12892
12893 @smallexample
12894 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{trace normal_operation if errcode > 0}
12895 @end smallexample
12896
12897 @node Trace State Variables
12898 @subsection Trace State Variables
12899 @cindex trace state variables
12900
12901 A @dfn{trace state variable} is a special type of variable that is
12902 created and managed by target-side code. The syntax is the same as
12903 that for GDB's convenience variables (a string prefixed with ``$''),
12904 but they are stored on the target. They must be created explicitly,
12905 using a @code{tvariable} command. They are always 64-bit signed
12906 integers.
12907
12908 Trace state variables are remembered by @value{GDBN}, and downloaded
12909 to the target along with tracepoint information when the trace
12910 experiment starts. There are no intrinsic limits on the number of
12911 trace state variables, beyond memory limitations of the target.
12912
12913 @cindex convenience variables, and trace state variables
12914 Although trace state variables are managed by the target, you can use
12915 them in print commands and expressions as if they were convenience
12916 variables; @value{GDBN} will get the current value from the target
12917 while the trace experiment is running. Trace state variables share
12918 the same namespace as other ``$'' variables, which means that you
12919 cannot have trace state variables with names like @code{$23} or
12920 @code{$pc}, nor can you have a trace state variable and a convenience
12921 variable with the same name.
12922
12923 @table @code
12924
12925 @item tvariable $@var{name} [ = @var{expression} ]
12926 @kindex tvariable
12927 The @code{tvariable} command creates a new trace state variable named
12928 @code{$@var{name}}, and optionally gives it an initial value of
12929 @var{expression}. The @var{expression} is evaluated when this command is
12930 entered; the result will be converted to an integer if possible,
12931 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error. A subsequent
12932 @code{tvariable} command specifying the same name does not create a
12933 variable, but instead assigns the supplied initial value to the
12934 existing variable of that name, overwriting any previous initial
12935 value. The default initial value is 0.
12936
12937 @item info tvariables
12938 @kindex info tvariables
12939 List all the trace state variables along with their initial values.
12940 Their current values may also be displayed, if the trace experiment is
12941 currently running.
12942
12943 @item delete tvariable @r{[} $@var{name} @dots{} @r{]}
12944 @kindex delete tvariable
12945 Delete the given trace state variables, or all of them if no arguments
12946 are specified.
12947
12948 @end table
12949
12950 @node Tracepoint Actions
12951 @subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
12952
12953 @table @code
12954 @kindex actions
12955 @cindex tracepoint actions
12956 @item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
12957 This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
12958 tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
12959 specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
12960 recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
12961 @code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
12962 actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
12963 terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
12964 far, the only defined actions are @code{collect}, @code{teval}, and
12965 @code{while-stepping}.
12966
12967 @code{actions} is actually equivalent to @code{commands} (@pxref{Break
12968 Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}), except that only the defined
12969 actions are allowed; any other @value{GDBN} command is rejected.
12970
12971 @cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
12972 To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
12973 and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
12974
12975 @smallexample
12976 (@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
12977
12978 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
12979
12980 (@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
12981 @end smallexample
12982
12983 In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
12984 commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
12985 hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
12986 following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
12987 followed by the list of things to be collected after each step in a
12988 sequence of single steps. The @code{while-stepping} command is
12989 terminated by its own separate @code{end} command. Lastly, the action
12990 list is terminated by an @code{end} command.
12991
12992 @smallexample
12993 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
12994 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
12995 Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
12996 > collect bar,baz
12997 > collect $regs
12998 > while-stepping 12
12999 > collect $pc, arr[i]
13000 > end
13001 end
13002 @end smallexample
13003
13004 @kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
13005 @item collect@r{[}/@var{mods}@r{]} @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
13006 Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
13007 This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
13008 In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
13009 special arguments are supported:
13010
13011 @table @code
13012 @item $regs
13013 Collect all registers.
13014
13015 @item $args
13016 Collect all function arguments.
13017
13018 @item $locals
13019 Collect all local variables.
13020
13021 @item $_ret
13022 Collect the return address. This is helpful if you want to see more
13023 of a backtrace.
13024
13025 @emph{Note:} The return address location can not always be reliably
13026 determined up front, and the wrong address / registers may end up
13027 collected instead. On some architectures the reliability is higher
13028 for tracepoints at function entry, while on others it's the opposite.
13029 When this happens, backtracing will stop because the return address is
13030 found unavailable (unless another collect rule happened to match it).
13031
13032 @item $_probe_argc
13033 Collects the number of arguments from the static probe at which the
13034 tracepoint is located.
13035 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
13036
13037 @item $_probe_arg@var{n}
13038 @var{n} is an integer between 0 and 11. Collects the @var{n}th argument
13039 from the static probe at which the tracepoint is located.
13040 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
13041
13042 @item $_sdata
13043 @vindex $_sdata@r{, collect}
13044 Collect static tracepoint marker specific data. Only available for
13045 static tracepoints. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action
13046 Lists}. On the UST static tracepoints library backend, an
13047 instrumentation point resembles a @code{printf} function call. The
13048 tracing library is able to collect user specified data formatted to a
13049 character string using the format provided by the programmer that
13050 instrumented the program. Other backends have similar mechanisms.
13051 Here's an example of a UST marker call:
13052
13053 @smallexample
13054 const char master_name[] = "$your_name";
13055 trace_mark(channel1, marker1, "hello %s", master_name)
13056 @end smallexample
13057
13058 In this case, collecting @code{$_sdata} collects the string
13059 @samp{hello $yourname}. When analyzing the trace buffer, you can
13060 inspect @samp{$_sdata} like any other variable available to
13061 @value{GDBN}.
13062 @end table
13063
13064 You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
13065 with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
13066 arguments separated by commas; the effect is the same.
13067
13068 The optional @var{mods} changes the usual handling of the arguments.
13069 @code{s} requests that pointers to chars be handled as strings, in
13070 particular collecting the contents of the memory being pointed at, up
13071 to the first zero. The upper bound is by default the value of the
13072 @code{print elements} variable; if @code{s} is followed by a decimal
13073 number, that is the upper bound instead. So for instance
13074 @samp{collect/s25 mystr} collects as many as 25 characters at
13075 @samp{mystr}.
13076
13077 The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
13078 particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
13079
13080 @kindex teval @r{(tracepoints)}
13081 @item teval @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
13082 Evaluate the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit. This
13083 command accepts a comma-separated list of expressions. The results
13084 are discarded, so this is mainly useful for assigning values to trace
13085 state variables (@pxref{Trace State Variables}) without adding those
13086 values to the trace buffer, as would be the case if the @code{collect}
13087 action were used.
13088
13089 @kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
13090 @item while-stepping @var{n}
13091 Perform @var{n} single-step instruction traces after the tracepoint,
13092 collecting new data after each step. The @code{while-stepping}
13093 command is followed by the list of what to collect while stepping
13094 (followed by its own @code{end} command):
13095
13096 @smallexample
13097 > while-stepping 12
13098 > collect $regs, myglobal
13099 > end
13100 >
13101 @end smallexample
13102
13103 @noindent
13104 Note that @code{$pc} is not automatically collected by
13105 @code{while-stepping}; you need to explicitly collect that register if
13106 you need it. You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
13107 @code{stepping}.
13108
13109 @item set default-collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
13110 @kindex set default-collect
13111 @cindex default collection action
13112 This variable is a list of expressions to collect at each tracepoint
13113 hit. It is effectively an additional @code{collect} action prepended
13114 to every tracepoint action list. The expressions are parsed
13115 individually for each tracepoint, so for instance a variable named
13116 @code{xyz} may be interpreted as a global for one tracepoint, and a
13117 local for another, as appropriate to the tracepoint's location.
13118
13119 @item show default-collect
13120 @kindex show default-collect
13121 Show the list of expressions that are collected by default at each
13122 tracepoint hit.
13123
13124 @end table
13125
13126 @node Listing Tracepoints
13127 @subsection Listing Tracepoints
13128
13129 @table @code
13130 @kindex info tracepoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
13131 @kindex info tp @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
13132 @cindex information about tracepoints
13133 @item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@dots{}@r{]}
13134 Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't
13135 specify a tracepoint number, displays information about all the
13136 tracepoints defined so far. The format is similar to that used for
13137 @code{info breakpoints}; in fact, @code{info tracepoints} is the same
13138 command, simply restricting itself to tracepoints.
13139
13140 A tracepoint's listing may include additional information specific to
13141 tracing:
13142
13143 @itemize @bullet
13144 @item
13145 its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
13146
13147 @item
13148 the state about installed on target of each location
13149 @end itemize
13150
13151 @smallexample
13152 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
13153 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
13154 1 tracepoint keep y 0x0804ab57 in foo() at main.cxx:7
13155 while-stepping 20
13156 collect globfoo, $regs
13157 end
13158 collect globfoo2
13159 end
13160 pass count 1200
13161 2 tracepoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
13162 collect $eip
13163 2.1 y 0x0804859c in func4 at change-loc.h:35
13164 installed on target
13165 2.2 y 0xb7ffc480 in func4 at change-loc.h:35
13166 installed on target
13167 2.3 y <PENDING> set_tracepoint
13168 3 tracepoint keep y 0x080485b1 in foo at change-loc.c:29
13169 not installed on target
13170 (@value{GDBP})
13171 @end smallexample
13172
13173 @noindent
13174 This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
13175 @end table
13176
13177 @node Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
13178 @subsection Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
13179
13180 @table @code
13181 @kindex info static-tracepoint-markers
13182 @cindex information about static tracepoint markers
13183 @item info static-tracepoint-markers
13184 Display information about all static tracepoint markers defined in the
13185 program.
13186
13187 For each marker, the following columns are printed:
13188
13189 @table @emph
13190 @item Count
13191 An incrementing counter, output to help readability. This is not a
13192 stable identifier.
13193 @item ID
13194 The marker ID, as reported by the target.
13195 @item Enabled or Disabled
13196 Probed markers are tagged with @samp{y}. @samp{n} identifies marks
13197 that are not enabled.
13198 @item Address
13199 Where the marker is in your program, as a memory address.
13200 @item What
13201 Where the marker is in the source for your program, as a file and line
13202 number. If the debug information included in the program does not
13203 allow @value{GDBN} to locate the source of the marker, this column
13204 will be left blank.
13205 @end table
13206
13207 @noindent
13208 In addition, the following information may be printed for each marker:
13209
13210 @table @emph
13211 @item Data
13212 User data passed to the tracing library by the marker call. In the
13213 UST backend, this is the format string passed as argument to the
13214 marker call.
13215 @item Static tracepoints probing the marker
13216 The list of static tracepoints attached to the marker.
13217 @end table
13218
13219 @smallexample
13220 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
13221 Cnt ID Enb Address What
13222 1 ust/bar2 y 0x0000000000400e1a in main at stexample.c:25
13223 Data: number1 %d number2 %d
13224 Probed by static tracepoints: #2
13225 2 ust/bar33 n 0x0000000000400c87 in main at stexample.c:24
13226 Data: str %s
13227 (@value{GDBP})
13228 @end smallexample
13229 @end table
13230
13231 @node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
13232 @subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
13233
13234 @table @code
13235 @kindex tstart [ @var{notes} ]
13236 @cindex start a new trace experiment
13237 @cindex collected data discarded
13238 @item tstart
13239 This command starts the trace experiment, and begins collecting data.
13240 It has the side effect of discarding all the data collected in the
13241 trace buffer during the previous trace experiment. If any arguments
13242 are supplied, they are taken as a note and stored with the trace
13243 experiment's state. The notes may be arbitrary text, and are
13244 especially useful with disconnected tracing in a multi-user context;
13245 the notes can explain what the trace is doing, supply user contact
13246 information, and so forth.
13247
13248 @kindex tstop [ @var{notes} ]
13249 @cindex stop a running trace experiment
13250 @item tstop
13251 This command stops the trace experiment. If any arguments are
13252 supplied, they are recorded with the experiment as a note. This is
13253 useful if you are stopping a trace started by someone else, for
13254 instance if the trace is interfering with the system's behavior and
13255 needs to be stopped quickly.
13256
13257 @strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
13258 automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
13259 (@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
13260
13261 @kindex tstatus
13262 @cindex status of trace data collection
13263 @cindex trace experiment, status of
13264 @item tstatus
13265 This command displays the status of the current trace data
13266 collection.
13267 @end table
13268
13269 Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
13270
13271 @smallexample
13272 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
13273 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
13274 Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
13275 > collect $regs,$locals,$args
13276 > while-stepping 11
13277 > collect $regs
13278 > end
13279 > end
13280 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
13281 [time passes @dots{}]
13282 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
13283 @end smallexample
13284
13285 @anchor{disconnected tracing}
13286 @cindex disconnected tracing
13287 You can choose to continue running the trace experiment even if
13288 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target, voluntarily or
13289 involuntarily. For commands such as @code{detach}, the debugger will
13290 ask what you want to do with the trace. But for unexpected
13291 terminations (@value{GDBN} crash, network outage), it would be
13292 unfortunate to lose hard-won trace data, so the variable
13293 @code{disconnected-tracing} lets you decide whether the trace should
13294 continue running without @value{GDBN}.
13295
13296 @table @code
13297 @item set disconnected-tracing on
13298 @itemx set disconnected-tracing off
13299 @kindex set disconnected-tracing
13300 Choose whether a tracing run should continue to run if @value{GDBN}
13301 has disconnected from the target. Note that @code{detach} or
13302 @code{quit} will ask you directly what to do about a running trace no
13303 matter what this variable's setting, so the variable is mainly useful
13304 for handling unexpected situations, such as loss of the network.
13305
13306 @item show disconnected-tracing
13307 @kindex show disconnected-tracing
13308 Show the current choice for disconnected tracing.
13309
13310 @end table
13311
13312 When you reconnect to the target, the trace experiment may or may not
13313 still be running; it might have filled the trace buffer in the
13314 meantime, or stopped for one of the other reasons. If it is running,
13315 it will continue after reconnection.
13316
13317 Upon reconnection, the target will upload information about the
13318 tracepoints in effect. @value{GDBN} will then compare that
13319 information to the set of tracepoints currently defined, and attempt
13320 to match them up, allowing for the possibility that the numbers may
13321 have changed due to creation and deletion in the meantime. If one of
13322 the target's tracepoints does not match any in @value{GDBN}, the
13323 debugger will create a new tracepoint, so that you have a number with
13324 which to specify that tracepoint. This matching-up process is
13325 necessarily heuristic, and it may result in useless tracepoints being
13326 created; you may simply delete them if they are of no use.
13327
13328 @cindex circular trace buffer
13329 If your target agent supports a @dfn{circular trace buffer}, then you
13330 can run a trace experiment indefinitely without filling the trace
13331 buffer; when space runs out, the agent deletes already-collected trace
13332 frames, oldest first, until there is enough room to continue
13333 collecting. This is especially useful if your tracepoints are being
13334 hit too often, and your trace gets terminated prematurely because the
13335 buffer is full. To ask for a circular trace buffer, simply set
13336 @samp{circular-trace-buffer} to on. You can set this at any time,
13337 including during tracing; if the agent can do it, it will change
13338 buffer handling on the fly, otherwise it will not take effect until
13339 the next run.
13340
13341 @table @code
13342 @item set circular-trace-buffer on
13343 @itemx set circular-trace-buffer off
13344 @kindex set circular-trace-buffer
13345 Choose whether a tracing run should use a linear or circular buffer
13346 for trace data. A linear buffer will not lose any trace data, but may
13347 fill up prematurely, while a circular buffer will discard old trace
13348 data, but it will have always room for the latest tracepoint hits.
13349
13350 @item show circular-trace-buffer
13351 @kindex show circular-trace-buffer
13352 Show the current choice for the trace buffer. Note that this may not
13353 match the agent's current buffer handling, nor is it guaranteed to
13354 match the setting that might have been in effect during a past run,
13355 for instance if you are looking at frames from a trace file.
13356
13357 @end table
13358
13359 @table @code
13360 @item set trace-buffer-size @var{n}
13361 @itemx set trace-buffer-size unlimited
13362 @kindex set trace-buffer-size
13363 Request that the target use a trace buffer of @var{n} bytes. Not all
13364 targets will honor the request; they may have a compiled-in size for
13365 the trace buffer, or some other limitation. Set to a value of
13366 @code{unlimited} or @code{-1} to let the target use whatever size it
13367 likes. This is also the default.
13368
13369 @item show trace-buffer-size
13370 @kindex show trace-buffer-size
13371 Show the current requested size for the trace buffer. Note that this
13372 will only match the actual size if the target supports size-setting,
13373 and was able to handle the requested size. For instance, if the
13374 target can only change buffer size between runs, this variable will
13375 not reflect the change until the next run starts. Use @code{tstatus}
13376 to get a report of the actual buffer size.
13377 @end table
13378
13379 @table @code
13380 @item set trace-user @var{text}
13381 @kindex set trace-user
13382
13383 @item show trace-user
13384 @kindex show trace-user
13385
13386 @item set trace-notes @var{text}
13387 @kindex set trace-notes
13388 Set the trace run's notes.
13389
13390 @item show trace-notes
13391 @kindex show trace-notes
13392 Show the trace run's notes.
13393
13394 @item set trace-stop-notes @var{text}
13395 @kindex set trace-stop-notes
13396 Set the trace run's stop notes. The handling of the note is as for
13397 @code{tstop} arguments; the set command is convenient way to fix a
13398 stop note that is mistaken or incomplete.
13399
13400 @item show trace-stop-notes
13401 @kindex show trace-stop-notes
13402 Show the trace run's stop notes.
13403
13404 @end table
13405
13406 @node Tracepoint Restrictions
13407 @subsection Tracepoint Restrictions
13408
13409 @cindex tracepoint restrictions
13410 There are a number of restrictions on the use of tracepoints. As
13411 described above, tracepoint data gathering occurs on the target
13412 without interaction from @value{GDBN}. Thus the full capabilities of
13413 the debugger are not available during data gathering, and then at data
13414 examination time, you will be limited by only having what was
13415 collected. The following items describe some common problems, but it
13416 is not exhaustive, and you may run into additional difficulties not
13417 mentioned here.
13418
13419 @itemize @bullet
13420
13421 @item
13422 Tracepoint expressions are intended to gather objects (lvalues). Thus
13423 the full flexibility of GDB's expression evaluator is not available.
13424 You cannot call functions, cast objects to aggregate types, access
13425 convenience variables or modify values (except by assignment to trace
13426 state variables). Some language features may implicitly call
13427 functions (for instance Objective-C fields with accessors), and therefore
13428 cannot be collected either.
13429
13430 @item
13431 Collection of local variables, either individually or in bulk with
13432 @code{$locals} or @code{$args}, during @code{while-stepping} may
13433 behave erratically. The stepping action may enter a new scope (for
13434 instance by stepping into a function), or the location of the variable
13435 may change (for instance it is loaded into a register). The
13436 tracepoint data recorded uses the location information for the
13437 variables that is correct for the tracepoint location. When the
13438 tracepoint is created, it is not possible, in general, to determine
13439 where the steps of a @code{while-stepping} sequence will advance the
13440 program---particularly if a conditional branch is stepped.
13441
13442 @item
13443 Collection of an incompletely-initialized or partially-destroyed object
13444 may result in something that @value{GDBN} cannot display, or displays
13445 in a misleading way.
13446
13447 @item
13448 When @value{GDBN} displays a pointer to character it automatically
13449 dereferences the pointer to also display characters of the string
13450 being pointed to. However, collecting the pointer during tracing does
13451 not automatically collect the string. You need to explicitly
13452 dereference the pointer and provide size information if you want to
13453 collect not only the pointer, but the memory pointed to. For example,
13454 @code{*ptr@@50} can be used to collect the 50 element array pointed to
13455 by @code{ptr}.
13456
13457 @item
13458 It is not possible to collect a complete stack backtrace at a
13459 tracepoint. Instead, you may collect the registers and a few hundred
13460 bytes from the stack pointer with something like @code{*(unsigned char *)$esp@@300}
13461 (adjust to use the name of the actual stack pointer register on your
13462 target architecture, and the amount of stack you wish to capture).
13463 Then the @code{backtrace} command will show a partial backtrace when
13464 using a trace frame. The number of stack frames that can be examined
13465 depends on the sizes of the frames in the collected stack. Note that
13466 if you ask for a block so large that it goes past the bottom of the
13467 stack, the target agent may report an error trying to read from an
13468 invalid address.
13469
13470 @item
13471 If you do not collect registers at a tracepoint, @value{GDBN} can
13472 infer that the value of @code{$pc} must be the same as the address of
13473 the tracepoint and use that when you are looking at a trace frame
13474 for that tracepoint. However, this cannot work if the tracepoint has
13475 multiple locations (for instance if it was set in a function that was
13476 inlined), or if it has a @code{while-stepping} loop. In those cases
13477 @value{GDBN} will warn you that it can't infer @code{$pc}, and default
13478 it to zero.
13479
13480 @end itemize
13481
13482 @node Analyze Collected Data
13483 @section Using the Collected Data
13484
13485 After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
13486 for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
13487 collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
13488 snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
13489 consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
13490 examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
13491 specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
13492 snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
13493 registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
13494 rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
13495 debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
13496 (@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
13497 behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
13498 when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
13499 the buffer will fail.
13500
13501 @menu
13502 * tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
13503 * tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
13504 * save tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
13505 @end menu
13506
13507 @node tfind
13508 @subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
13509
13510 @kindex tfind
13511 @cindex select trace snapshot
13512 @cindex find trace snapshot
13513 The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
13514 @code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
13515 counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
13516 snapshot is selected.
13517
13518 Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
13519
13520 @table @code
13521 @item tfind start
13522 Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
13523 @code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
13524
13525 @item tfind none
13526 Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
13527
13528 @item tfind end
13529 Same as @samp{tfind none}.
13530
13531 @item tfind
13532 No argument means find the next trace snapshot or find the first
13533 one if no trace snapshot is selected.
13534
13535 @item tfind -
13536 Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
13537 retracing earlier steps.
13538
13539 @item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
13540 Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
13541 proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
13542 argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
13543 for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
13544
13545 @item tfind pc @var{addr}
13546 Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
13547 program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
13548 snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
13549 snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
13550
13551 @item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
13552 Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
13553 addresses (exclusive).
13554
13555 @item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
13556 Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
13557 @var{addr2} (inclusive).
13558
13559 @item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
13560 Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
13561 the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
13562 that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
13563 trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
13564 next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
13565 @code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
13566 stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
13567 @end table
13568
13569 The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
13570 designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
13571 instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
13572 snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
13573 trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
13574 simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
13575 snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
13576 @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
13577 The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
13578 for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
13579 no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
13580 (PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
13581 no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
13582 tracepoint as the current one.
13583
13584 In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
13585 these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
13586 scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
13587 you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
13588 registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
13589
13590 @smallexample
13591 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
13592 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
13593 > printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
13594 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
13595 > tfind
13596 > end
13597
13598 Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
13599 Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
13600 Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
13601 Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
13602 Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
13603 Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
13604 Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
13605 Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
13606 Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
13607 Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
13608 Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
13609 @end smallexample
13610
13611 Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
13612 the buffer:
13613
13614 @smallexample
13615 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
13616 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
13617 > printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
13618 > tfind line
13619 > end
13620
13621 Frame 0, X = 1
13622 Frame 7, X = 2
13623 Frame 13, X = 255
13624 @end smallexample
13625
13626 @node tdump
13627 @subsection @code{tdump}
13628 @kindex tdump
13629 @cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
13630 @cindex tracepoint data, display
13631
13632 This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
13633 the current trace snapshot.
13634
13635 @smallexample
13636 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
13637 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
13638 Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
13639 > collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
13640 > end
13641
13642 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
13643
13644 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
13645 #0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
13646 at gdb_test.c:444
13647 444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
13648
13649 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
13650 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
13651 d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
13652 d1 0x18 24
13653 d2 0x80 128
13654 d3 0x33 51
13655 d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
13656 d5 0x22 34
13657 d6 0xe0 224
13658 d7 0x380035 3670069
13659 a0 0x19e24a 1696330
13660 a1 0x3000668 50333288
13661 a2 0x100 256
13662 a3 0x322000 3284992
13663 a4 0x3000698 50333336
13664 a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
13665 fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
13666 sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
13667 ps 0x0 0
13668 pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
13669 fpcontrol 0x0 0
13670 fpstatus 0x0 0
13671 fpiaddr 0x0 0
13672 p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
13673 p1 = (void *) 0x11
13674 p2 = (void *) 0x22
13675 p3 = (void *) 0x33
13676 p4 = (void *) 0x44
13677 p5 = (void *) 0x55
13678 p6 = (void *) 0x66
13679 gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
13680
13681 (@value{GDBP})
13682 @end smallexample
13683
13684 @code{tdump} works by scanning the tracepoint's current collection
13685 actions and printing the value of each expression listed. So
13686 @code{tdump} can fail, if after a run, you change the tracepoint's
13687 actions to mention variables that were not collected during the run.
13688
13689 Also, for tracepoints with @code{while-stepping} loops, @code{tdump}
13690 uses the collected value of @code{$pc} to distinguish between trace
13691 frames that were collected at the tracepoint hit, and frames that were
13692 collected while stepping. This allows it to correctly choose whether
13693 to display the basic list of collections, or the collections from the
13694 body of the while-stepping loop. However, if @code{$pc} was not collected,
13695 then @code{tdump} will always attempt to dump using the basic collection
13696 list, and may fail if a while-stepping frame does not include all the
13697 same data that is collected at the tracepoint hit.
13698 @c This is getting pretty arcane, example would be good.
13699
13700 @node save tracepoints
13701 @subsection @code{save tracepoints @var{filename}}
13702 @kindex save tracepoints
13703 @kindex save-tracepoints
13704 @cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
13705
13706 This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
13707 their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
13708 suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
13709 tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
13710 Files}). The @w{@code{save-tracepoints}} command is a deprecated
13711 alias for @w{@code{save tracepoints}}
13712
13713 @node Tracepoint Variables
13714 @section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
13715 @cindex tracepoint variables
13716 @cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
13717
13718 @table @code
13719 @vindex $trace_frame
13720 @item (int) $trace_frame
13721 The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
13722 snapshot is selected.
13723
13724 @vindex $tracepoint
13725 @item (int) $tracepoint
13726 The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
13727
13728 @vindex $trace_line
13729 @item (int) $trace_line
13730 The line number for the current trace snapshot.
13731
13732 @vindex $trace_file
13733 @item (char []) $trace_file
13734 The source file for the current trace snapshot.
13735
13736 @vindex $trace_func
13737 @item (char []) $trace_func
13738 The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
13739 @end table
13740
13741 Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
13742 use @code{output} instead.
13743
13744 Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
13745 stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
13746 data. Note that these are not the same as trace state variables,
13747 which are managed by the target.
13748
13749 @smallexample
13750 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
13751
13752 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
13753 > output $trace_file
13754 > printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
13755 > tfind
13756 > end
13757 @end smallexample
13758
13759 @node Trace Files
13760 @section Using Trace Files
13761 @cindex trace files
13762
13763 In some situations, the target running a trace experiment may no
13764 longer be available; perhaps it crashed, or the hardware was needed
13765 for a different activity. To handle these cases, you can arrange to
13766 dump the trace data into a file, and later use that file as a source
13767 of trace data, via the @code{target tfile} command.
13768
13769 @table @code
13770
13771 @kindex tsave
13772 @item tsave [ -r ] @var{filename}
13773 @itemx tsave [-ctf] @var{dirname}
13774 Save the trace data to @var{filename}. By default, this command
13775 assumes that @var{filename} refers to the host filesystem, so if
13776 necessary @value{GDBN} will copy raw trace data up from the target and
13777 then save it. If the target supports it, you can also supply the
13778 optional argument @code{-r} (``remote'') to direct the target to save
13779 the data directly into @var{filename} in its own filesystem, which may be
13780 more efficient if the trace buffer is very large. (Note, however, that
13781 @code{target tfile} can only read from files accessible to the host.)
13782 By default, this command will save trace frame in tfile format.
13783 You can supply the optional argument @code{-ctf} to save data in CTF
13784 format. The @dfn{Common Trace Format} (CTF) is proposed as a trace format
13785 that can be shared by multiple debugging and tracing tools. Please go to
13786 @indicateurl{http://www.efficios.com/ctf} to get more information.
13787
13788 @kindex target tfile
13789 @kindex tfile
13790 @kindex target ctf
13791 @kindex ctf
13792 @item target tfile @var{filename}
13793 @itemx target ctf @var{dirname}
13794 Use the file named @var{filename} or directory named @var{dirname} as
13795 a source of trace data. Commands that examine data work as they do with
13796 a live target, but it is not possible to run any new trace experiments.
13797 @code{tstatus} will report the state of the trace run at the moment
13798 the data was saved, as well as the current trace frame you are examining.
13799 Both @var{filename} and @var{dirname} must be on a filesystem accessible to
13800 the host.
13801
13802 @smallexample
13803 (@value{GDBP}) target ctf ctf.ctf
13804 (@value{GDBP}) tfind
13805 Found trace frame 0, tracepoint 2
13806 39 ++a; /* set tracepoint 1 here */
13807 (@value{GDBP}) tdump
13808 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 0:
13809 i = 0
13810 a = 0
13811 b = 1 '\001'
13812 c = @{"123", "456", "789", "123", "456", "789"@}
13813 d = @{@{@{a = 1, b = 2@}, @{a = 3, b = 4@}@}, @{@{a = 5, b = 6@}, @{a = 7, b = 8@}@}@}
13814 (@value{GDBP}) p b
13815 $1 = 1
13816 @end smallexample
13817
13818 @end table
13819
13820 @node Overlays
13821 @chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
13822 @cindex overlays
13823
13824 If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
13825 memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
13826 problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
13827 use overlays.
13828
13829 @menu
13830 * How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
13831 * Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
13832 * Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
13833 mapped by asking the inferior.
13834 * Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
13835 @end menu
13836
13837 @node How Overlays Work
13838 @section How Overlays Work
13839 @cindex mapped overlays
13840 @cindex unmapped overlays
13841 @cindex load address, overlay's
13842 @cindex mapped address
13843 @cindex overlay area
13844
13845 Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
13846 kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
13847 other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
13848 management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
13849 adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
13850
13851 One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
13852 independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
13853 @dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
13854 their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
13855 instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
13856 largest overlay as well.
13857
13858 Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
13859 overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
13860 for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
13861 there.
13862
13863 @c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
13864 @c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
13865 @c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
13866
13867 @smallexample
13868 @group
13869 Data Instruction Larger
13870 Address Space Address Space Address Space
13871 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
13872 | | | | | |
13873 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
13874 | program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
13875 | variables | | program | | +-----------+
13876 | and heap | | | | | |
13877 +-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
13878 | | +-----------+ | | | load address
13879 +-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
13880 | | | | | |
13881 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
13882 address | | | | | |
13883 | overlay | <-' | | |
13884 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
13885 | | <---. | | load address
13886 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
13887 | | | |
13888 +-----------+ | |
13889 +-----------+
13890 | |
13891 +-----------+
13892
13893 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
13894 @end group
13895 @end smallexample
13896
13897 The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
13898 and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
13899 its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
13900 Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
13901 may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
13902 data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
13903 program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
13904 program and the overlay area.
13905
13906 An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
13907 @dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
13908 instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
13909 in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
13910 is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
13911 the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
13912 called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
13913
13914 Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
13915 program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
13916 global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
13917
13918 @itemize @bullet
13919
13920 @item
13921 Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
13922 must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
13923 return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
13924 overlay, and your program will probably crash.
13925
13926 @item
13927 If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
13928 will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
13929 your program's performance.
13930
13931 @item
13932 The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
13933 overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
13934 mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
13935 and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
13936 You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
13937 addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
13938 ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
13939
13940 @item
13941 The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
13942 to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
13943 instruction and data spaces.
13944
13945 @end itemize
13946
13947 The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
13948 improved in many ways:
13949
13950 @itemize @bullet
13951
13952 @item
13953 If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
13954 hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
13955 contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
13956 This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
13957 area in the usual way.
13958
13959 @item
13960 If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
13961 overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
13962
13963 @item
13964 You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
13965 general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
13966 code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
13967 return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
13968 the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
13969 must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
13970 different data overlay into the same mapped area.
13971
13972 @end itemize
13973
13974
13975 @node Overlay Commands
13976 @section Overlay Commands
13977
13978 To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
13979 correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
13980 virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
13981 mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
13982 @value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
13983 variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
13984
13985 @value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
13986 you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
13987
13988 @table @code
13989 @item overlay off
13990 @kindex overlay
13991 Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
13992 disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
13993 always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
13994 overlay support is disabled.
13995
13996 @item overlay manual
13997 @cindex manual overlay debugging
13998 Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
13999 relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
14000 using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
14001 commands described below.
14002
14003 @item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
14004 @itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
14005 @cindex map an overlay
14006 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
14007 be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
14008 overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
14009 functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
14010 that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
14011 @var{overlay} are now unmapped.
14012
14013 @item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
14014 @itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
14015 @cindex unmap an overlay
14016 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
14017 must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
14018 When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
14019 overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
14020
14021 @item overlay auto
14022 Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
14023 consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
14024 to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
14025 Overlay Debugging}.
14026
14027 @item overlay load-target
14028 @itemx overlay load
14029 @cindex reloading the overlay table
14030 Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
14031 re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
14032 stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
14033 overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
14034 useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
14035
14036 @item overlay list-overlays
14037 @itemx overlay list
14038 @cindex listing mapped overlays
14039 Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
14040 addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
14041
14042 @end table
14043
14044 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
14045 of the function the address falls in:
14046
14047 @smallexample
14048 (@value{GDBP}) print main
14049 $3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
14050 @end smallexample
14051 @noindent
14052 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
14053 unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
14054 asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
14055 unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
14056
14057 @smallexample
14058 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
14059 No sections are mapped.
14060 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
14061 $5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
14062 @end smallexample
14063 @noindent
14064 When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
14065 name normally:
14066
14067 @smallexample
14068 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
14069 Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
14070 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
14071 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
14072 $6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
14073 @end smallexample
14074
14075 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
14076 address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
14077 overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
14078 @code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
14079 code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
14080
14081 @itemize @bullet
14082 @item
14083 @cindex breakpoints in overlays
14084 @cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
14085 You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
14086 @value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
14087 @item
14088 @value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
14089 unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
14090 overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
14091 you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
14092 breakpoints properly.
14093 @end itemize
14094
14095
14096 @node Automatic Overlay Debugging
14097 @section Automatic Overlay Debugging
14098 @cindex automatic overlay debugging
14099
14100 @value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
14101 are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
14102 inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
14103 @code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
14104 looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
14105 current state of the overlays.
14106
14107 Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
14108 @value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
14109
14110 @table @asis
14111
14112 @item @code{_ovly_table}:
14113 This variable must be an array of the following structures:
14114
14115 @smallexample
14116 struct
14117 @{
14118 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
14119 unsigned long vma;
14120
14121 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
14122 unsigned long size;
14123
14124 /* The overlay's load address. */
14125 unsigned long lma;
14126
14127 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
14128 zero otherwise. */
14129 unsigned long mapped;
14130 @}
14131 @end smallexample
14132
14133 @item @code{_novlys}:
14134 This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
14135 number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
14136
14137 @end table
14138
14139 To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
14140 looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
14141 @code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
14142 executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
14143 the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
14144 currently mapped.
14145
14146 In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
14147 @code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
14148 will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
14149 calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
14150 will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
14151 are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
14152 in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
14153 overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
14154 are not being executed.
14155
14156 @node Overlay Sample Program
14157 @section Overlay Sample Program
14158 @cindex overlay example program
14159
14160 When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
14161 at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
14162 addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
14163 Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
14164 since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
14165 architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
14166 portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
14167
14168 However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
14169 program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
14170 suite. The program consists of the following files from
14171 @file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
14172
14173 @table @file
14174 @item overlays.c
14175 The main program file.
14176 @item ovlymgr.c
14177 A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
14178 @item foo.c
14179 @itemx bar.c
14180 @itemx baz.c
14181 @itemx grbx.c
14182 Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
14183 @item d10v.ld
14184 @itemx m32r.ld
14185 Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
14186 and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
14187 @end table
14188
14189 You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
14190 cross-compiler like this:
14191
14192 @smallexample
14193 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
14194 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
14195 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
14196 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
14197 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
14198 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
14199 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
14200 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
14201 @end smallexample
14202
14203 The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
14204 you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
14205 target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
14206
14207
14208 @node Languages
14209 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
14210 @cindex languages
14211
14212 Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
14213 rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
14214 dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
14215 Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
14216 represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
14217 @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
14218
14219 @cindex working language
14220 Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
14221 allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
14222 native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
14223 consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
14224 language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
14225 language}.
14226
14227 @menu
14228 * Setting:: Switching between source languages
14229 * Show:: Displaying the language
14230 * Checks:: Type and range checks
14231 * Supported Languages:: Supported languages
14232 * Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
14233 @end menu
14234
14235 @node Setting
14236 @section Switching Between Source Languages
14237
14238 There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
14239 set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
14240 @code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
14241 defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
14242 used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
14243 are printed, etc.
14244
14245 In addition to the working language, every source file that
14246 @value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
14247 file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
14248 source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
14249 language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
14250 controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
14251 show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
14252 set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
14253 set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
14254 Displaying the Language}.
14255
14256 This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
14257 as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
14258 another language. In that case, make the
14259 program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
14260 @value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
14261 program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
14262
14263 @menu
14264 * Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
14265 * Manually:: Setting the working language manually
14266 * Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
14267 @end menu
14268
14269 @node Filenames
14270 @subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
14271
14272 If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
14273 @value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
14274
14275 @table @file
14276 @item .ada
14277 @itemx .ads
14278 @itemx .adb
14279 @itemx .a
14280 Ada source file.
14281
14282 @item .c
14283 C source file
14284
14285 @item .C
14286 @itemx .cc
14287 @itemx .cp
14288 @itemx .cpp
14289 @itemx .cxx
14290 @itemx .c++
14291 C@t{++} source file
14292
14293 @item .d
14294 D source file
14295
14296 @item .m
14297 Objective-C source file
14298
14299 @item .f
14300 @itemx .F
14301 Fortran source file
14302
14303 @item .mod
14304 Modula-2 source file
14305
14306 @item .s
14307 @itemx .S
14308 Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
14309 @value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
14310 @end table
14311
14312 In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
14313 extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
14314
14315 @node Manually
14316 @subsection Setting the Working Language
14317
14318 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
14319 expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
14320 your program.
14321
14322 @kindex set language
14323 If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
14324 command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
14325 a language, such as
14326 @code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
14327 For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
14328
14329 Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
14330 language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
14331 to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
14332 source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
14333 languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
14334 source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
14335 command such as:
14336
14337 @smallexample
14338 print a = b + c
14339 @end smallexample
14340
14341 @noindent
14342 might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
14343 @code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
14344 printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
14345 @code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
14346
14347 @node Automatically
14348 @subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
14349
14350 To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
14351 @samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
14352 then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
14353 frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
14354 working language to the language recorded for the function in that
14355 frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
14356 or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
14357 does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
14358 not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
14359
14360 This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
14361 entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
14362 written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
14363 a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
14364 case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
14365
14366 @node Show
14367 @section Displaying the Language
14368
14369 The following commands help you find out which language is the
14370 working language, and also what language source files were written in.
14371
14372 @table @code
14373 @item show language
14374 @anchor{show language}
14375 @kindex show language
14376 Display the current working language. This is the
14377 language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
14378 build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
14379
14380 @item info frame
14381 @kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
14382 Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
14383 working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
14384 @xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
14385 information listed here.
14386
14387 @item info source
14388 @kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
14389 Display the source language of this source file.
14390 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
14391 information listed here.
14392 @end table
14393
14394 In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
14395 not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
14396 with a language explicitly:
14397
14398 @table @code
14399 @item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
14400 @kindex set extension-language
14401 Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
14402 assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
14403
14404 @item info extensions
14405 @kindex info extensions
14406 List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
14407 @end table
14408
14409 @node Checks
14410 @section Type and Range Checking
14411
14412 Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
14413 errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
14414 checking the type of arguments to functions and operators and making
14415 sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
14416 these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
14417 by eliminating type mismatches and providing active checks for range
14418 errors when your program is running.
14419
14420 By default @value{GDBN} checks for these errors according to the
14421 rules of the current source language. Although @value{GDBN} does not check
14422 the statements in your program, it can check expressions entered directly
14423 into @value{GDBN} for evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example.
14424
14425 @menu
14426 * Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
14427 * Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
14428 @end menu
14429
14430 @cindex type checking
14431 @cindex checks, type
14432 @node Type Checking
14433 @subsection An Overview of Type Checking
14434
14435 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, are strongly typed, meaning that the
14436 arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
14437 otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
14438 errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
14439
14440 @smallexample
14441 int klass::my_method(char *b) @{ return b ? 1 : 2; @}
14442
14443 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0)
14444 $1 = 2
14445 @exdent but
14446 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0x1234)
14447 Cannot resolve method klass::my_method to any overloaded instance
14448 @end smallexample
14449
14450 The second example fails because in C@t{++} the integer constant
14451 @samp{0x1234} is not type-compatible with the pointer parameter type.
14452
14453 For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
14454 @value{GDBN} to not enforce strict type checking or
14455 to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
14456 When type checking is disabled, @value{GDBN} successfully evaluates
14457 expressions like the second example above.
14458
14459 Even if type checking is off, there may be other reasons
14460 related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
14461 For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
14462 a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
14463 with the language in use and usually arise from expressions which make
14464 little sense to evaluate anyway.
14465
14466 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling type checking:
14467
14468 @kindex set check type
14469 @kindex show check type
14470 @table @code
14471 @item set check type on
14472 @itemx set check type off
14473 Set strict type checking on or off. If any type mismatches occur in
14474 evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
14475 message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
14476
14477 @item show check type
14478 Show the current setting of type checking and whether @value{GDBN}
14479 is enforcing strict type checking rules.
14480 @end table
14481
14482 @cindex range checking
14483 @cindex checks, range
14484 @node Range Checking
14485 @subsection An Overview of Range Checking
14486
14487 In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
14488 bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
14489 checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
14490 computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
14491 not exceed the bounds of the array.
14492
14493 For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
14494 @value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
14495 always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
14496 warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
14497
14498 A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
14499 array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
14500 of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
14501 error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
14502 result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
14503 the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
14504
14505 @smallexample
14506 @var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
14507 @end smallexample
14508
14509 This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
14510 specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
14511 Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
14512
14513 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
14514
14515 @kindex set check range
14516 @kindex show check range
14517 @table @code
14518 @item set check range auto
14519 Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
14520 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
14521 each language.
14522
14523 @item set check range on
14524 @itemx set check range off
14525 Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
14526 current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
14527 match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
14528 then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
14529
14530 @item set check range warn
14531 Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
14532 but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
14533 expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
14534 memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
14535 systems).
14536
14537 @item show range
14538 Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
14539 being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
14540 @end table
14541
14542 @node Supported Languages
14543 @section Supported Languages
14544
14545 @value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, D, Go, Objective-C, Fortran,
14546 OpenCL C, Pascal, Rust, assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
14547 @c This is false ...
14548 Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
14549 language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
14550 and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
14551 ,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
14552 language.
14553
14554 The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
14555 supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
14556 tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
14557 @value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
14558 formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
14559 books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
14560 language reference or tutorial.
14561
14562 @menu
14563 * C:: C and C@t{++}
14564 * D:: D
14565 * Go:: Go
14566 * Objective-C:: Objective-C
14567 * OpenCL C:: OpenCL C
14568 * Fortran:: Fortran
14569 * Pascal:: Pascal
14570 * Rust:: Rust
14571 * Modula-2:: Modula-2
14572 * Ada:: Ada
14573 @end menu
14574
14575 @node C
14576 @subsection C and C@t{++}
14577
14578 @cindex C and C@t{++}
14579 @cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
14580
14581 Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
14582 to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
14583 together.
14584
14585 @cindex C@t{++}
14586 @cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
14587 @cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
14588 The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
14589 compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
14590 effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
14591 C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
14592 compiler (@code{aCC}).
14593
14594 @menu
14595 * C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
14596 * C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
14597 * C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
14598 * C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
14599 * C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
14600 * Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
14601 * Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
14602 * Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
14603 @end menu
14604
14605 @node C Operators
14606 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
14607
14608 @cindex C and C@t{++} operators
14609
14610 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
14611 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
14612 often defined on groups of types.
14613
14614 For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
14615
14616 @itemize @bullet
14617
14618 @item
14619 @emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
14620 specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
14621
14622 @item
14623 @emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
14624 @code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
14625
14626 @item
14627 @emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
14628
14629 @item
14630 @emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
14631
14632 @end itemize
14633
14634 @noindent
14635 The following operators are supported. They are listed here
14636 in order of increasing precedence:
14637
14638 @table @code
14639 @item ,
14640 The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
14641 are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
14642 expression being the last expression evaluated.
14643
14644 @item =
14645 Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
14646 assigned. Defined on scalar types.
14647
14648 @item @var{op}=
14649 Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
14650 and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
14651 @w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence. The operator
14652 @var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
14653 @code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
14654
14655 @item ?:
14656 The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
14657 of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. The argument @var{a}
14658 should be of an integral type.
14659
14660 @item ||
14661 Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
14662
14663 @item &&
14664 Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
14665
14666 @item |
14667 Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
14668
14669 @item ^
14670 Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
14671
14672 @item &
14673 Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
14674
14675 @item ==@r{, }!=
14676 Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
14677 expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
14678
14679 @item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
14680 Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
14681 Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
14682 and non-zero for true.
14683
14684 @item <<@r{, }>>
14685 left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
14686
14687 @item @@
14688 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
14689
14690 @item +@r{, }-
14691 Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
14692 pointer types.
14693
14694 @item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
14695 Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
14696 defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
14697 integral types.
14698
14699 @item ++@r{, }--
14700 Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
14701 operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
14702 when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
14703 operation takes place.
14704
14705 @item *
14706 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
14707 @code{++}.
14708
14709 @item &
14710 Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
14711
14712 For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
14713 allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
14714 to examine the address
14715 where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
14716 stored.
14717
14718 @item -
14719 Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
14720 precedence as @code{++}.
14721
14722 @item !
14723 Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
14724 @code{++}.
14725
14726 @item ~
14727 Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
14728 @code{++}.
14729
14730
14731 @item .@r{, }->
14732 Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
14733 @value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
14734 pointer based on the stored type information.
14735 Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
14736
14737 @item .*@r{, }->*
14738 Dereferences of pointers to members.
14739
14740 @item []
14741 Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
14742 @code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
14743
14744 @item ()
14745 Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
14746
14747 @item ::
14748 C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
14749 and @code{class} types.
14750
14751 @item ::
14752 Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
14753 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
14754 above.
14755 @end table
14756
14757 If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
14758 attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
14759 predefined meaning.
14760
14761 @node C Constants
14762 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
14763
14764 @cindex C and C@t{++} constants
14765
14766 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
14767 following ways:
14768
14769 @itemize @bullet
14770 @item
14771 Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
14772 specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
14773 by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
14774 @samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
14775 @code{long} value.
14776
14777 @item
14778 Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
14779 point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
14780 exponent. An exponent is of the form:
14781 @samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
14782 sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
14783 A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
14784 @samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
14785 the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
14786 a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
14787 constant.
14788
14789 @item
14790 Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
14791 integral equivalents.
14792
14793 @item
14794 Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
14795 (@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
14796 (usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
14797 be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
14798 the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
14799 of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
14800 @samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
14801 @samp{\n} for newline.
14802
14803 Wide character constants can be written by prefixing a character
14804 constant with @samp{L}, as in C. For example, @samp{L'x'} is the wide
14805 form of @samp{x}. The target wide character set is used when
14806 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
14807
14808 @item
14809 String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
14810 double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
14811 above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
14812 a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
14813 characters.
14814
14815 Wide string constants can be written by prefixing a string constant
14816 with @samp{L}, as in C. The target wide character set is used when
14817 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
14818
14819 @item
14820 Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
14821 to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
14822
14823 @item
14824 Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
14825 and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
14826 integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
14827 and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
14828 @end itemize
14829
14830 @node C Plus Plus Expressions
14831 @subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
14832
14833 @cindex expressions in C@t{++}
14834 @value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
14835
14836 @cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
14837 @cindex C@t{++} compilers
14838 @cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
14839 @cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
14840 @quotation
14841 @emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use
14842 the proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently,
14843 @value{GDBN} works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled
14844 with the most recent version of @value{NGCC} possible. The DWARF
14845 debugging format is preferred; @value{NGCC} defaults to this on most
14846 popular platforms. Other compilers and/or debug formats are likely to
14847 work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug C@t{++}
14848 code. @xref{Compilation}.
14849 @end quotation
14850
14851 @enumerate
14852
14853 @cindex member functions
14854 @item
14855 Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
14856
14857 @smallexample
14858 count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
14859 @end smallexample
14860
14861 @vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
14862 @cindex namespace in C@t{++}
14863 @item
14864 While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
14865 expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
14866 that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
14867 pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}. @code{using}
14868 declarations in the current scope are also respected by @value{GDBN}.
14869
14870 @cindex call overloaded functions
14871 @cindex overloaded functions, calling
14872 @cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
14873 @item
14874 You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
14875 call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
14876 perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
14877 calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
14878 in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
14879 default arguments.
14880
14881 It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
14882 promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
14883 class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
14884 functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
14885 number of function arguments.
14886
14887 Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
14888 @code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
14889 ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
14890
14891 You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
14892 explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
14893 @smallexample
14894 p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
14895 @end smallexample
14896
14897 The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
14898 see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
14899
14900 @cindex reference declarations
14901 @item
14902 @value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} lvalue or rvalue
14903 references; you can use them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++}
14904 source---they are automatically dereferenced.
14905
14906 In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
14907 reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
14908 avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
14909 The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
14910 you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
14911
14912 @item
14913 @value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
14914 expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
14915 one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
14916 necessary, for example in an expression like
14917 @samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
14918 resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
14919 debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
14920
14921 @item
14922 @value{GDBN} performs argument-dependent lookup, following the C@t{++}
14923 specification.
14924 @end enumerate
14925
14926 @node C Defaults
14927 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
14928
14929 @cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
14930
14931 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set range checking automatically, it
14932 defaults to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
14933 C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
14934 selects the working language.
14935
14936 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
14937 recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
14938 @file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
14939 these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
14940 @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
14941 for further details.
14942
14943 @node C Checks
14944 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
14945
14946 @cindex C and C@t{++} checks
14947
14948 By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, strict type
14949 checking is used. However, if you turn type checking off, @value{GDBN}
14950 will allow certain non-standard conversions, such as promoting integer
14951 constants to pointers.
14952
14953 Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
14954 indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
14955 that is not itself an array.
14956
14957 @node Debugging C
14958 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
14959
14960 The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
14961 the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
14962 inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
14963 appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
14964
14965 The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
14966 with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
14967 ,Expressions}.
14968
14969 @node Debugging C Plus Plus
14970 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
14971
14972 @cindex commands for C@t{++}
14973
14974 Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
14975 designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
14976
14977 @table @code
14978 @cindex break in overloaded functions
14979 @item @r{breakpoint menus}
14980 When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
14981 @value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
14982 locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
14983 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
14984
14985 @cindex overloading in C@t{++}
14986 @item rbreak @var{regex}
14987 Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
14988 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
14989 classes.
14990 @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
14991
14992 @cindex C@t{++} exception handling
14993 @item catch throw
14994 @itemx catch rethrow
14995 @itemx catch catch
14996 Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
14997 Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
14998
14999 @cindex inheritance
15000 @item ptype @var{typename}
15001 Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
15002 @var{typename}.
15003 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
15004
15005 @item info vtbl @var{expression}.
15006 The @code{info vtbl} command can be used to display the virtual
15007 method tables of the object computed by @var{expression}. This shows
15008 one entry per virtual table; there may be multiple virtual tables when
15009 multiple inheritance is in use.
15010
15011 @cindex C@t{++} demangling
15012 @item demangle @var{name}
15013 Demangle @var{name}.
15014 @xref{Symbols}, for a more complete description of the @code{demangle} command.
15015
15016 @cindex C@t{++} symbol display
15017 @item set print demangle
15018 @itemx show print demangle
15019 @itemx set print asm-demangle
15020 @itemx show print asm-demangle
15021 Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
15022 displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
15023 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
15024
15025 @item set print object
15026 @itemx show print object
15027 Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
15028 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
15029
15030 @item set print vtbl
15031 @itemx show print vtbl
15032 Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
15033 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
15034 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
15035 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
15036
15037 @kindex set overload-resolution
15038 @cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
15039 @item set overload-resolution on
15040 Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
15041 is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
15042 and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
15043 using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
15044 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
15045 If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
15046
15047 @item set overload-resolution off
15048 Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
15049 overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
15050 chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
15051 symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
15052 overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
15053 searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
15054 argument types.
15055
15056 @kindex show overload-resolution
15057 @item show overload-resolution
15058 Show the current setting of overload resolution.
15059
15060 @item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
15061 You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
15062 the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
15063 @code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
15064 also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
15065 available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
15066 @xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
15067 @end table
15068
15069 @node Decimal Floating Point
15070 @subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
15071 @cindex decimal floating point format
15072
15073 @value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
15074 decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
15075 @code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
15076 specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
15077
15078 There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
15079 Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
15080 PowerPC and S/390. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the
15081 configured target.
15082
15083 Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
15084 to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
15085 (using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
15086
15087 In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
15088 point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
15089 underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
15090
15091 In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
15092 to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers.
15093 See @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
15094
15095 @node D
15096 @subsection D
15097
15098 @cindex D
15099 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in D and compiled with
15100 GDC, LDC or DMD compilers. Currently @value{GDBN} supports only one D
15101 specific feature --- dynamic arrays.
15102
15103 @node Go
15104 @subsection Go
15105
15106 @cindex Go (programming language)
15107 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Go and compiled with
15108 @file{gccgo} or @file{6g} compilers.
15109
15110 Here is a summary of the Go-specific features and restrictions:
15111
15112 @table @code
15113 @cindex current Go package
15114 @item The current Go package
15115 The name of the current package does not need to be specified when
15116 specifying global variables and functions.
15117
15118 For example, given the program:
15119
15120 @example
15121 package main
15122 var myglob = "Shall we?"
15123 func main () @{
15124 // ...
15125 @}
15126 @end example
15127
15128 When stopped inside @code{main} either of these work:
15129
15130 @example
15131 (gdb) p myglob
15132 (gdb) p main.myglob
15133 @end example
15134
15135 @cindex builtin Go types
15136 @item Builtin Go types
15137 The @code{string} type is recognized by @value{GDBN} and is printed
15138 as a string.
15139
15140 @cindex builtin Go functions
15141 @item Builtin Go functions
15142 The @value{GDBN} expression parser recognizes the @code{unsafe.Sizeof}
15143 function and handles it internally.
15144
15145 @cindex restrictions on Go expressions
15146 @item Restrictions on Go expressions
15147 All Go operators are supported except @code{&^}.
15148 The Go @code{_} ``blank identifier'' is not supported.
15149 Automatic dereferencing of pointers is not supported.
15150 @end table
15151
15152 @node Objective-C
15153 @subsection Objective-C
15154
15155 @cindex Objective-C
15156 This section provides information about some commands and command
15157 options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
15158 @ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
15159 few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
15160
15161 @menu
15162 * Method Names in Commands::
15163 * The Print Command with Objective-C::
15164 @end menu
15165
15166 @node Method Names in Commands
15167 @subsubsection Method Names in Commands
15168
15169 The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
15170 names as line specifications:
15171
15172 @kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
15173 @kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
15174 @kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
15175 @kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
15176 @kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
15177 @itemize
15178 @item @code{clear}
15179 @item @code{break}
15180 @item @code{info line}
15181 @item @code{jump}
15182 @item @code{list}
15183 @end itemize
15184
15185 A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
15186
15187 @smallexample
15188 -[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
15189 @end smallexample
15190
15191 where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
15192 plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
15193 name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
15194 brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
15195 source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
15196 instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
15197 debugged, enter:
15198
15199 @smallexample
15200 break -[Fruit create]
15201 @end smallexample
15202
15203 To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
15204 enter:
15205
15206 @smallexample
15207 list +[NSText initialize]
15208 @end smallexample
15209
15210 In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
15211 required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
15212 sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
15213 is also possible to specify just a method name:
15214
15215 @smallexample
15216 break create
15217 @end smallexample
15218
15219 You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
15220 your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
15221 you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
15222 method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
15223 none apply.
15224
15225 As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
15226 @code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
15227
15228 @smallexample
15229 clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
15230 @end smallexample
15231
15232 @node The Print Command with Objective-C
15233 @subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
15234 @cindex Objective-C, print objects
15235 @kindex print-object
15236 @kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
15237
15238 The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
15239
15240 @smallexample
15241 print -[@var{object} hash]
15242 @end smallexample
15243
15244 @cindex print an Objective-C object description
15245 @cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
15246 @noindent
15247 will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
15248 and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
15249 @code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
15250 the description of an object. However, this command may only work
15251 with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
15252 function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
15253
15254 @node OpenCL C
15255 @subsection OpenCL C
15256
15257 @cindex OpenCL C
15258 This section provides information about @value{GDBN}s OpenCL C support.
15259
15260 @menu
15261 * OpenCL C Datatypes::
15262 * OpenCL C Expressions::
15263 * OpenCL C Operators::
15264 @end menu
15265
15266 @node OpenCL C Datatypes
15267 @subsubsection OpenCL C Datatypes
15268
15269 @cindex OpenCL C Datatypes
15270 @value{GDBN} supports the builtin scalar and vector datatypes specified
15271 by OpenCL 1.1. In addition the half- and double-precision floating point
15272 data types of the @code{cl_khr_fp16} and @code{cl_khr_fp64} OpenCL
15273 extensions are also known to @value{GDBN}.
15274
15275 @node OpenCL C Expressions
15276 @subsubsection OpenCL C Expressions
15277
15278 @cindex OpenCL C Expressions
15279 @value{GDBN} supports accesses to vector components including the access as
15280 lvalue where possible. Since OpenCL C is based on C99 most C expressions
15281 supported by @value{GDBN} can be used as well.
15282
15283 @node OpenCL C Operators
15284 @subsubsection OpenCL C Operators
15285
15286 @cindex OpenCL C Operators
15287 @value{GDBN} supports the operators specified by OpenCL 1.1 for scalar and
15288 vector data types.
15289
15290 @node Fortran
15291 @subsection Fortran
15292 @cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
15293
15294 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
15295 currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
15296
15297 @cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
15298 Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
15299 among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
15300 functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
15301 will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
15302 underscore.
15303
15304 @menu
15305 * Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
15306 * Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
15307 * Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
15308 @end menu
15309
15310 @node Fortran Operators
15311 @subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
15312
15313 @cindex Fortran operators and expressions
15314
15315 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
15316 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
15317 arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
15318
15319 @table @code
15320 @item **
15321 The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
15322 of the second one.
15323
15324 @item :
15325 The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
15326 represent a section of array.
15327
15328 @item %
15329 The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
15330 types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
15331 this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
15332 union type.
15333 @end table
15334
15335 @node Fortran Defaults
15336 @subsubsection Fortran Defaults
15337
15338 @cindex Fortran Defaults
15339
15340 Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
15341 default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
15342 change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
15343 @ref{Symbols}, for the details.
15344
15345 @node Special Fortran Commands
15346 @subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
15347
15348 @cindex Special Fortran commands
15349
15350 @value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
15351 such as displaying common blocks.
15352
15353 @table @code
15354 @cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
15355 @kindex info common
15356 @item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
15357 This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
15358 block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
15359 all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
15360 printed.
15361 @end table
15362
15363 @node Pascal
15364 @subsection Pascal
15365
15366 @cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
15367 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
15368 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
15369 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
15370 syntax.
15371
15372 The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
15373 controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
15374 @xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
15375
15376 @node Rust
15377 @subsection Rust
15378
15379 @value{GDBN} supports the @url{https://www.rust-lang.org/, Rust
15380 Programming Language}. Type- and value-printing, and expression
15381 parsing, are reasonably complete. However, there are a few
15382 peculiarities and holes to be aware of.
15383
15384 @itemize @bullet
15385 @item
15386 Linespecs (@pxref{Specify Location}) are never relative to the current
15387 crate. Instead, they act as if there were a global namespace of
15388 crates, somewhat similar to the way @code{extern crate} behaves.
15389
15390 That is, if @value{GDBN} is stopped at a breakpoint in a function in
15391 crate @samp{A}, module @samp{B}, then @code{break B::f} will attempt
15392 to set a breakpoint in a function named @samp{f} in a crate named
15393 @samp{B}.
15394
15395 As a consequence of this approach, linespecs also cannot refer to
15396 items using @samp{self::} or @samp{super::}.
15397
15398 @item
15399 Because @value{GDBN} implements Rust name-lookup semantics in
15400 expressions, it will sometimes prepend the current crate to a name.
15401 For example, if @value{GDBN} is stopped at a breakpoint in the crate
15402 @samp{K}, then @code{print ::x::y} will try to find the symbol
15403 @samp{K::x::y}.
15404
15405 However, since it is useful to be able to refer to other crates when
15406 debugging, @value{GDBN} provides the @code{extern} extension to
15407 circumvent this. To use the extension, just put @code{extern} before
15408 a path expression to refer to the otherwise unavailable ``global''
15409 scope.
15410
15411 In the above example, if you wanted to refer to the symbol @samp{y} in
15412 the crate @samp{x}, you would use @code{print extern x::y}.
15413
15414 @item
15415 The Rust expression evaluator does not support ``statement-like''
15416 expressions such as @code{if} or @code{match}, or lambda expressions.
15417
15418 @item
15419 Tuple expressions are not implemented.
15420
15421 @item
15422 The Rust expression evaluator does not currently implement the
15423 @code{Drop} trait. Objects that may be created by the evaluator will
15424 never be destroyed.
15425
15426 @item
15427 @value{GDBN} does not implement type inference for generics. In order
15428 to call generic functions or otherwise refer to generic items, you
15429 will have to specify the type parameters manually.
15430
15431 @item
15432 @value{GDBN} currently uses the C@t{++} demangler for Rust. In most
15433 cases this does not cause any problems. However, in an expression
15434 context, completing a generic function name will give syntactically
15435 invalid results. This happens because Rust requires the @samp{::}
15436 operator between the function name and its generic arguments. For
15437 example, @value{GDBN} might provide a completion like
15438 @code{crate::f<u32>}, where the parser would require
15439 @code{crate::f::<u32>}.
15440
15441 @item
15442 As of this writing, the Rust compiler (version 1.8) has a few holes in
15443 the debugging information it generates. These holes prevent certain
15444 features from being implemented by @value{GDBN}:
15445 @itemize @bullet
15446
15447 @item
15448 Method calls cannot be made via traits.
15449
15450 @item
15451 Trait objects cannot be created or inspected.
15452
15453 @item
15454 Operator overloading is not implemented.
15455
15456 @item
15457 When debugging in a monomorphized function, you cannot use the generic
15458 type names.
15459
15460 @item
15461 The type @code{Self} is not available.
15462
15463 @item
15464 @code{use} statements are not available, so some names may not be
15465 available in the crate.
15466 @end itemize
15467 @end itemize
15468
15469 @node Modula-2
15470 @subsection Modula-2
15471
15472 @cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
15473
15474 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
15475 output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
15476 developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
15477 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
15478 to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
15479 table.
15480
15481 @cindex expressions in Modula-2
15482 @menu
15483 * M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
15484 * Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
15485 * M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
15486 * M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
15487 * M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
15488 * Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
15489 * M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
15490 * M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
15491 * GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
15492 @end menu
15493
15494 @node M2 Operators
15495 @subsubsection Operators
15496 @cindex Modula-2 operators
15497
15498 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
15499 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
15500 often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
15501 following definitions hold:
15502
15503 @itemize @bullet
15504
15505 @item
15506 @emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
15507 their subranges.
15508
15509 @item
15510 @emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
15511
15512 @item
15513 @emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
15514
15515 @item
15516 @emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
15517 @var{type}}.
15518
15519 @item
15520 @emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
15521
15522 @item
15523 @emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
15524
15525 @item
15526 @emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
15527 @end itemize
15528
15529 @noindent
15530 The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
15531 increasing precedence:
15532
15533 @table @code
15534 @item ,
15535 Function argument or array index separator.
15536
15537 @item :=
15538 Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
15539 @var{value}.
15540
15541 @item <@r{, }>
15542 Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
15543 types.
15544
15545 @item <=@r{, }>=
15546 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
15547 on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
15548 set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
15549
15550 @item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
15551 Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
15552 Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
15553 available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
15554 comment character.
15555
15556 @item IN
15557 Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
15558 Same precedence as @code{<}.
15559
15560 @item OR
15561 Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
15562
15563 @item AND@r{, }&
15564 Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
15565
15566 @item @@
15567 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
15568
15569 @item +@r{, }-
15570 Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
15571 and difference on set types.
15572
15573 @item *
15574 Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
15575 on set types.
15576
15577 @item /
15578 Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
15579 types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
15580
15581 @item DIV@r{, }MOD
15582 Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
15583 precedence as @code{*}.
15584
15585 @item -
15586 Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
15587
15588 @item ^
15589 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
15590
15591 @item NOT
15592 Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
15593 @code{^}.
15594
15595 @item .
15596 @code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
15597 precedence as @code{^}.
15598
15599 @item []
15600 Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
15601
15602 @item ()
15603 Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
15604 as @code{^}.
15605
15606 @item ::@r{, }.
15607 @value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
15608 @end table
15609
15610 @quotation
15611 @emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
15612 treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
15613 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
15614 @code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
15615 @end quotation
15616
15617
15618 @node Built-In Func/Proc
15619 @subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
15620 @cindex Modula-2 built-ins
15621
15622 Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
15623 In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
15624
15625 @table @var
15626
15627 @item a
15628 represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
15629
15630 @item c
15631 represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
15632
15633 @item i
15634 represents a variable or constant of integral type.
15635
15636 @item m
15637 represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
15638 same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
15639 be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
15640
15641 @item n
15642 represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
15643
15644 @item r
15645 represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
15646
15647 @item t
15648 represents a type.
15649
15650 @item v
15651 represents a variable.
15652
15653 @item x
15654 represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
15655 explanation of the function for details.
15656 @end table
15657
15658 All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
15659
15660 @table @code
15661 @item ABS(@var{n})
15662 Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
15663
15664 @item CAP(@var{c})
15665 If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
15666 equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
15667
15668 @item CHR(@var{i})
15669 Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
15670
15671 @item DEC(@var{v})
15672 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
15673
15674 @item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
15675 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
15676 new value.
15677
15678 @item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
15679 Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
15680 set.
15681
15682 @item FLOAT(@var{i})
15683 Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
15684
15685 @item HIGH(@var{a})
15686 Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
15687
15688 @item INC(@var{v})
15689 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
15690
15691 @item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
15692 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
15693 new value.
15694
15695 @item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
15696 Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
15697 there. Returns the new set.
15698
15699 @item MAX(@var{t})
15700 Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
15701
15702 @item MIN(@var{t})
15703 Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
15704
15705 @item ODD(@var{i})
15706 Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
15707
15708 @item ORD(@var{x})
15709 Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
15710 value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting
15711 the @sc{ascii} character set). The argument @var{x} must be of an
15712 ordered type, which include integral, character and enumerated types.
15713
15714 @item SIZE(@var{x})
15715 Returns the size of its argument. The argument @var{x} can be a
15716 variable or a type.
15717
15718 @item TRUNC(@var{r})
15719 Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
15720
15721 @item TSIZE(@var{x})
15722 Returns the size of its argument. The argument @var{x} can be a
15723 variable or a type.
15724
15725 @item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
15726 Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
15727 @end table
15728
15729 @quotation
15730 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
15731 @value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
15732 an error.
15733 @end quotation
15734
15735 @cindex Modula-2 constants
15736 @node M2 Constants
15737 @subsubsection Constants
15738
15739 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
15740 ways:
15741
15742 @itemize @bullet
15743
15744 @item
15745 Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
15746 expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
15747 rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
15748 trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
15749
15750 @item
15751 Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
15752 decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
15753 then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
15754 @samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
15755 digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
15756 digits.
15757
15758 @item
15759 Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
15760 like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
15761 also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
15762 followed by a @samp{C}.
15763
15764 @item
15765 String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
15766 pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
15767 Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
15768 Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
15769 sequences.
15770
15771 @item
15772 Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
15773
15774 @item
15775 Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
15776 @code{FALSE}.
15777
15778 @item
15779 Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
15780
15781 @item
15782 Set constants are not yet supported.
15783 @end itemize
15784
15785 @node M2 Types
15786 @subsubsection Modula-2 Types
15787 @cindex Modula-2 types
15788
15789 Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
15790 syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
15791 types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
15792 print the contents of variables declared using these type.
15793 This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
15794 sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
15795
15796 The first example contains the following section of code:
15797
15798 @smallexample
15799 VAR
15800 s: SET OF CHAR ;
15801 r: [20..40] ;
15802 @end smallexample
15803
15804 @noindent
15805 and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
15806 @code{r} and @code{s}.
15807
15808 @smallexample
15809 (@value{GDBP}) print s
15810 @{'A'..'C', 'Z'@}
15811 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15812 SET OF CHAR
15813 (@value{GDBP}) print r
15814 21
15815 (@value{GDBP}) ptype r
15816 [20..40]
15817 @end smallexample
15818
15819 @noindent
15820 Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
15821
15822 @smallexample
15823 VAR
15824 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
15825 @end smallexample
15826
15827 @noindent
15828 then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
15829
15830 @smallexample
15831 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15832 type = SET ['A'..'Z']
15833 @end smallexample
15834
15835 @noindent
15836 Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
15837 expressions using the debugger.
15838
15839 The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
15840 and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
15841
15842 @smallexample
15843 VAR
15844 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
15845 @end smallexample
15846
15847 @smallexample
15848 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15849 ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
15850 @end smallexample
15851
15852 Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
15853 is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
15854 arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
15855 above.
15856
15857 Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
15858
15859 @smallexample
15860 TYPE
15861 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
15862 t = [blue..yellow] ;
15863 VAR
15864 s: t ;
15865 BEGIN
15866 s := blue ;
15867 @end smallexample
15868
15869 @noindent
15870 The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
15871 and value of a variable.
15872
15873 @smallexample
15874 (@value{GDBP}) print s
15875 $1 = blue
15876 (@value{GDBP}) ptype t
15877 type = [blue..yellow]
15878 @end smallexample
15879
15880 @noindent
15881 In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
15882 displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
15883 their @code{C} counterparts.
15884
15885 @smallexample
15886 VAR
15887 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
15888 BEGIN
15889 s[1] := 1 ;
15890 @end smallexample
15891
15892 @smallexample
15893 (@value{GDBP}) print s
15894 $1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
15895 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15896 type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
15897 @end smallexample
15898
15899 The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
15900 pointer types as shown in this example:
15901
15902 @smallexample
15903 VAR
15904 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
15905 BEGIN
15906 NEW(s) ;
15907 s^[1] := 1 ;
15908 @end smallexample
15909
15910 @noindent
15911 and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
15912
15913 @smallexample
15914 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15915 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
15916 @end smallexample
15917
15918 @value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
15919 Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
15920 types:
15921
15922 @smallexample
15923 TYPE
15924 foo = RECORD
15925 f1: CARDINAL ;
15926 f2: CHAR ;
15927 f3: myarray ;
15928 END ;
15929
15930 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
15931 myrange = [-2..2] ;
15932 VAR
15933 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
15934 @end smallexample
15935
15936 @noindent
15937 and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
15938 below.
15939
15940 @smallexample
15941 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15942 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
15943 f1 : CARDINAL;
15944 f2 : CHAR;
15945 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
15946 END
15947 @end smallexample
15948
15949 @node M2 Defaults
15950 @subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
15951 @cindex Modula-2 defaults
15952
15953 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
15954 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
15955 Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
15956 selected the working language.
15957
15958 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
15959 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
15960 working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
15961 Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
15962
15963 @node Deviations
15964 @subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
15965 @cindex Modula-2, deviations from
15966
15967 A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
15968 This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
15969
15970 @itemize @bullet
15971 @item
15972 Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
15973 integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
15974 debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
15975 pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
15976 through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
15977 returned a pointer.)
15978
15979 @item
15980 C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
15981 non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
15982 escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
15983 printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
15984
15985 @item
15986 The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
15987 argument.
15988
15989 @item
15990 All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
15991 @end itemize
15992
15993 @node M2 Checks
15994 @subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
15995 @cindex Modula-2 checks
15996
15997 @quotation
15998 @emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
15999 range checking.
16000 @end quotation
16001 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
16002
16003 @value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
16004
16005 @itemize @bullet
16006 @item
16007 They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
16008 @var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
16009
16010 @item
16011 They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
16012 @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
16013 @end itemize
16014
16015 As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
16016 whose types are not equivalent is an error.
16017
16018 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
16019 index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
16020
16021 @node M2 Scope
16022 @subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
16023 @cindex scope
16024 @cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
16025 @cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
16026 @ifinfo
16027 @vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
16028 @c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
16029 @end ifinfo
16030 @ifnotinfo
16031 @vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
16032 @end ifnotinfo
16033
16034 There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
16035 (@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
16036 similar syntax:
16037
16038 @smallexample
16039
16040 @var{module} . @var{id}
16041 @var{scope} :: @var{id}
16042 @end smallexample
16043
16044 @noindent
16045 where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
16046 @var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
16047 identifier within your program, except another module.
16048
16049 Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
16050 specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
16051 found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
16052 enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
16053
16054 Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
16055 the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
16056 definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
16057 an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
16058 module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
16059 @var{module}.
16060
16061 @node GDB/M2
16062 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
16063
16064 Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
16065 Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
16066 specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
16067 @samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
16068 apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
16069 analogue in Modula-2.
16070
16071 The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
16072 with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
16073 intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
16074 created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
16075 address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
16076 @samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
16077
16078 @cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
16079 In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
16080 interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
16081
16082 @node Ada
16083 @subsection Ada
16084 @cindex Ada
16085
16086 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
16087 output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
16088 Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
16089 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
16090 to be difficult.
16091
16092
16093 @cindex expressions in Ada
16094 @menu
16095 * Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
16096 and semantics supported by Ada mode
16097 in @value{GDBN}.
16098 * Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
16099 * Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
16100 * Overloading support for Ada:: Support for expressions involving overloaded
16101 subprograms.
16102 * Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
16103 * Ada Exceptions:: Ada Exceptions
16104 * Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
16105 * Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
16106 * Ravenscar Profile:: Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar
16107 Profile
16108 * Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
16109 @end menu
16110
16111 @node Ada Mode Intro
16112 @subsubsection Introduction
16113 @cindex Ada mode, general
16114
16115 The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
16116 syntax, with some extensions.
16117 The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
16118
16119 @itemize @bullet
16120 @item
16121 That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
16122 arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
16123 leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
16124 program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
16125
16126 @item
16127 That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
16128 are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
16129
16130 @item
16131 That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
16132 @end itemize
16133
16134 Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
16135 user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
16136 according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
16137 names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
16138 ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
16139
16140 The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
16141 As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
16142 was translated from an Ada source file.
16143
16144 While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
16145 mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
16146 (@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
16147 middle (to allow based literals).
16148
16149 @node Omissions from Ada
16150 @subsubsection Omissions from Ada
16151 @cindex Ada, omissions from
16152
16153 Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
16154
16155 @itemize @bullet
16156 @item
16157 Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
16158
16159 @itemize @minus
16160 @item
16161 @t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
16162 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
16163
16164 @item
16165 @t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
16166
16167 @item
16168 @t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
16169
16170 @item
16171 @t{'Tag}.
16172
16173 @item
16174 @t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
16175 operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
16176
16177 @item
16178 @t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
16179 @t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
16180
16181 @item
16182 @t{'Address}.
16183 @end itemize
16184
16185 @item
16186 The names in
16187 @code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
16188 concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
16189 not currently available.
16190
16191 @item
16192 Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
16193 equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
16194 for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
16195 They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
16196 types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
16197 (in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
16198 zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
16199 indeterminate values.
16200
16201 @item
16202 The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
16203 @code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
16204 are not implemented.
16205
16206 @item
16207 @cindex array aggregates (Ada)
16208 @cindex record aggregates (Ada)
16209 @cindex aggregates (Ada)
16210 There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
16211 permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
16212
16213 @smallexample
16214 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
16215 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
16216 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
16217 (@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
16218 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
16219 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
16220 @end smallexample
16221
16222 Changing a
16223 discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
16224 undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
16225 However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
16226 them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
16227 aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
16228 declared to have a type such as:
16229
16230 @smallexample
16231 type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
16232 Id : Integer;
16233 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
16234 end record;
16235 @end smallexample
16236
16237 you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
16238 assignments:
16239
16240 @smallexample
16241 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
16242 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
16243 @end smallexample
16244
16245 As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
16246 rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
16247 components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
16248 component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
16249 original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
16250 indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
16251 redundant component associations, although which component values are
16252 assigned in such cases is not defined.
16253
16254 @item
16255 Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
16256
16257 @item
16258 The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
16259 than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
16260 which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
16261 looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
16262 function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
16263 the proper resolution.
16264
16265 @item
16266 The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
16267
16268 @item
16269 Entry calls are not implemented.
16270
16271 @item
16272 Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
16273 formats are not supported.
16274
16275 @item
16276 It is not possible to slice a packed array.
16277
16278 @item
16279 The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
16280 are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
16281 context.
16282 Should your program
16283 redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
16284 you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
16285 @end itemize
16286
16287 @node Additions to Ada
16288 @subsubsection Additions to Ada
16289 @cindex Ada, deviations from
16290
16291 As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
16292 extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
16293
16294 @itemize @bullet
16295 @item
16296 If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
16297 a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
16298 then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
16299 @var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
16300 Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
16301 in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
16302 Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
16303 which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
16304
16305 @item
16306 @code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
16307 appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
16308 you must typically surround it in single quotes.
16309
16310 @item
16311 The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
16312 @var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
16313
16314 @item
16315 A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
16316 (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
16317 @end itemize
16318
16319 In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
16320 additions specific to Ada:
16321
16322 @itemize @bullet
16323 @item
16324 The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
16325 its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
16326
16327 @smallexample
16328 (@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
16329 (@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
16330 @end smallexample
16331
16332 @item
16333 The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
16334 the value of its right-hand operand.
16335 This allows, for example,
16336 complex conditional breaks:
16337
16338 @smallexample
16339 (@value{GDBP}) break f
16340 (@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
16341 @end smallexample
16342
16343 @item
16344 Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
16345 characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
16346 which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
16347 @samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
16348 (single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
16349 sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
16350 in strings. For example,
16351 @smallexample
16352 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
16353 @end smallexample
16354 @noindent
16355 contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
16356 after each period.
16357
16358 @item
16359 The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
16360 @t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
16361 to write
16362
16363 @smallexample
16364 (@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
16365 @end smallexample
16366
16367 @item
16368 When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
16369 array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
16370 For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
16371 of 3 might print as
16372
16373 @smallexample
16374 (3 => 10, 17, 1)
16375 @end smallexample
16376
16377 @noindent
16378 That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
16379 clause.
16380
16381 @item
16382 You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
16383 multi-character subsequence of
16384 their names (an exact match gets preference).
16385 For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
16386 in place of @t{a'length}.
16387
16388 @item
16389 @cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
16390 Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
16391 to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
16392 some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
16393 For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
16394 enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
16395 For example,
16396 @smallexample
16397 (@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
16398 @end smallexample
16399
16400 @item
16401 Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
16402 access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
16403 specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
16404 selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
16405 object.
16406
16407 @end itemize
16408
16409 @node Overloading support for Ada
16410 @subsubsection Overloading support for Ada
16411 @cindex overloading, Ada
16412
16413 The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
16414 the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
16415 actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
16416 the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
16417 procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
16418 functions to procedures elsewhere.
16419
16420 If, after narrowing, the set of matching definitions still contains more than
16421 one definition, @value{GDBN} will display a menu to query which one it should
16422 use, for instance:
16423
16424 @smallexample
16425 (@value{GDBP}) print f(1)
16426 Multiple matches for f
16427 [0] cancel
16428 [1] foo.f (integer) return boolean at foo.adb:23
16429 [2] foo.f (foo.new_integer) return boolean at foo.adb:28
16430 >
16431 @end smallexample
16432
16433 In this case, just select one menu entry either to cancel expression evaluation
16434 (type @kbd{0} and press @key{RET}) or to continue evaluation with a specific
16435 instance (type the corresponding number and press @key{RET}).
16436
16437 Here are a couple of commands to customize @value{GDBN}'s behavior in this
16438 case:
16439
16440 @table @code
16441
16442 @kindex set ada print-signatures
16443 @item set ada print-signatures
16444 Control whether parameter types and return types are displayed in overloads
16445 selection menus. It is @code{on} by default.
16446 @xref{Overloading support for Ada}.
16447
16448 @kindex show ada print-signatures
16449 @item show ada print-signatures
16450 Show the current setting for displaying parameter types and return types in
16451 overloads selection menu.
16452 @xref{Overloading support for Ada}.
16453
16454 @end table
16455
16456 @node Stopping Before Main Program
16457 @subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
16458
16459 @cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
16460 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
16461 before reaching the main procedure.
16462 As defined in the Ada Reference
16463 Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
16464 @code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
16465 elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
16466 @code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
16467
16468 @node Ada Exceptions
16469 @subsubsection Ada Exceptions
16470
16471 A command is provided to list all Ada exceptions:
16472
16473 @table @code
16474 @kindex info exceptions
16475 @item info exceptions
16476 @itemx info exceptions @var{regexp}
16477 The @code{info exceptions} command allows you to list all Ada exceptions
16478 defined within the program being debugged, as well as their addresses.
16479 With a regular expression, @var{regexp}, as argument, only those exceptions
16480 whose names match @var{regexp} are listed.
16481 @end table
16482
16483 Below is a small example, showing how the command can be used, first
16484 without argument, and next with a regular expression passed as an
16485 argument.
16486
16487 @smallexample
16488 (@value{GDBP}) info exceptions
16489 All defined Ada exceptions:
16490 constraint_error: 0x613da0
16491 program_error: 0x613d20
16492 storage_error: 0x613ce0
16493 tasking_error: 0x613ca0
16494 const.aint_global_e: 0x613b00
16495 (@value{GDBP}) info exceptions const.aint
16496 All Ada exceptions matching regular expression "const.aint":
16497 constraint_error: 0x613da0
16498 const.aint_global_e: 0x613b00
16499 @end smallexample
16500
16501 It is also possible to ask @value{GDBN} to stop your program's execution
16502 when an exception is raised. For more details, see @ref{Set Catchpoints}.
16503
16504 @node Ada Tasks
16505 @subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
16506 @cindex Ada, tasking
16507
16508 Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
16509 @value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
16510
16511 @table @code
16512 @kindex info tasks
16513 @item info tasks
16514 This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
16515
16516
16517 @smallexample
16518 @iftex
16519 @leftskip=0.5cm
16520 @end iftex
16521 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16522 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16523 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16524 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
16525 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
16526 * 4 80ae800 3 15 Runnable c
16527
16528 @end smallexample
16529
16530 @noindent
16531 In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
16532 task currently being inspected.
16533
16534 @table @asis
16535 @item ID
16536 Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
16537
16538 @item TID
16539 The Ada task ID.
16540
16541 @item P-ID
16542 The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
16543
16544 @item Pri
16545 The base priority of the task.
16546
16547 @item State
16548 Current state of the task.
16549
16550 @table @code
16551 @item Unactivated
16552 The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
16553 executing.
16554
16555 @item Runnable
16556 The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
16557 for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
16558
16559 @item Terminated
16560 The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
16561 that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
16562 terminated themselves.
16563
16564 @item Child Activation Wait
16565 The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
16566
16567 @item Accept Statement
16568 The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
16569
16570 @item Waiting on entry call
16571 The task is waiting on an entry call.
16572
16573 @item Async Select Wait
16574 The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
16575 select statement.
16576
16577 @item Delay Sleep
16578 The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
16579 alternative open.
16580
16581 @item Child Termination Wait
16582 The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
16583 waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
16584 waiting on a terminate Phase.
16585
16586 @item Wait Child in Term Alt
16587 The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
16588 finish terminating.
16589
16590 @item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
16591 The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
16592 @end table
16593
16594 @item Name
16595 Name of the task in the program.
16596
16597 @end table
16598
16599 @kindex info task @var{taskno}
16600 @item info task @var{taskno}
16601 This command shows detailled informations on the specified task, as in
16602 the following example:
16603 @smallexample
16604 @iftex
16605 @leftskip=0.5cm
16606 @end iftex
16607 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16608 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16609 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16610 * 2 807c468 1 15 Runnable task_1
16611 (@value{GDBP}) info task 2
16612 Ada Task: 0x807c468
16613 Name: task_1
16614 Thread: 0x807f378
16615 Parent: 1 (main_task)
16616 Base Priority: 15
16617 State: Runnable
16618 @end smallexample
16619
16620 @item task
16621 @kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
16622 @cindex current Ada task ID
16623 This command prints the ID of the current task.
16624
16625 @smallexample
16626 @iftex
16627 @leftskip=0.5cm
16628 @end iftex
16629 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16630 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16631 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16632 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
16633 (@value{GDBP}) task
16634 [Current task is 2]
16635 @end smallexample
16636
16637 @item task @var{taskno}
16638 @cindex Ada task switching
16639 This command is like the @code{thread @var{thread-id}}
16640 command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
16641 from the current task to the given task.
16642
16643 @smallexample
16644 @iftex
16645 @leftskip=0.5cm
16646 @end iftex
16647 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16648 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16649 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16650 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
16651 (@value{GDBP}) task 1
16652 [Switching to task 1]
16653 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
16654 (@value{GDBP}) bt
16655 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
16656 #1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
16657 #2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
16658 #3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
16659 #4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
16660 @end smallexample
16661
16662 @item break @var{location} task @var{taskno}
16663 @itemx break @var{location} task @var{taskno} if @dots{}
16664 @cindex breakpoints and tasks, in Ada
16665 @cindex task breakpoints, in Ada
16666 @kindex break @dots{} task @var{taskno}@r{ (Ada)}
16667 These commands are like the @code{break @dots{} thread @dots{}}
16668 command (@pxref{Thread Stops}). The
16669 @var{location} argument specifies source lines, as described
16670 in @ref{Specify Location}.
16671
16672 Use the qualifier @samp{task @var{taskno}} with a breakpoint command
16673 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
16674 particular Ada task reaches this breakpoint. The @var{taskno} is one of the
16675 numeric task identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
16676 column of the @samp{info tasks} display.
16677
16678 If you do not specify @samp{task @var{taskno}} when you set a
16679 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} tasks of your
16680 program.
16681
16682 You can use the @code{task} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
16683 well; in this case, place @samp{task @var{taskno}} before the
16684 breakpoint condition (before the @code{if}).
16685
16686 For example,
16687
16688 @smallexample
16689 @iftex
16690 @leftskip=0.5cm
16691 @end iftex
16692 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16693 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16694 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16695 2 140045060 1 15 Accept/Select Wait t2
16696 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
16697 * 4 140056040 1 15 Runnable t3
16698 (@value{GDBP}) b 15 task 2
16699 Breakpoint 5 at 0x120044cb0: file test_task_debug.adb, line 15.
16700 (@value{GDBP}) cont
16701 Continuing.
16702 task # 1 running
16703 task # 2 running
16704
16705 Breakpoint 5, test_task_debug () at test_task_debug.adb:15
16706 15 flush;
16707 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16708 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16709 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16710 * 2 140045060 1 15 Runnable t2
16711 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
16712 4 140056040 1 15 Delay Sleep t3
16713 @end smallexample
16714 @end table
16715
16716 @node Ada Tasks and Core Files
16717 @subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
16718 @cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
16719
16720 When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
16721 tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
16722 the platform being used.
16723 For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
16724 switching is not supported.
16725
16726 On certain platforms, the debugger needs to perform some
16727 memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
16728 a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
16729 privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
16730 Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
16731 file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
16732
16733 @node Ravenscar Profile
16734 @subsubsection Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar Profile
16735 @cindex Ravenscar Profile
16736
16737 The @dfn{Ravenscar Profile} is a subset of the Ada tasking features,
16738 specifically designed for systems with safety-critical real-time
16739 requirements.
16740
16741 @table @code
16742 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching on
16743 @cindex task switching with program using Ravenscar Profile
16744 @item set ravenscar task-switching on
16745 Allows task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
16746 Profile. This is the default.
16747
16748 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching off
16749 @item set ravenscar task-switching off
16750 Turn off task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
16751 Profile. This is mostly intended to disable the code that adds support
16752 for the Ravenscar Profile, in case a bug in either @value{GDBN} or in
16753 the Ravenscar runtime is preventing @value{GDBN} from working properly.
16754 To be effective, this command should be run before the program is started.
16755
16756 @kindex show ravenscar task-switching
16757 @item show ravenscar task-switching
16758 Show whether it is possible to switch from task to task in a program
16759 using the Ravenscar Profile.
16760
16761 @end table
16762
16763 @node Ada Glitches
16764 @subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
16765 @cindex Ada, problems
16766
16767 Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
16768 we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
16769 @value{GDBN},
16770 some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
16771 and the GNU Ada compiler.
16772
16773 @itemize @bullet
16774 @item
16775 Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
16776 storage are invisible to the debugger.
16777
16778 @item
16779 Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
16780 argument lists are treated as positional).
16781
16782 @item
16783 Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
16784
16785 @item
16786 Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
16787 floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
16788 the host machine.
16789
16790 @item
16791 The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
16792 the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
16793 this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
16794 look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
16795 symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
16796 defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
16797 local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
16798 GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
16799 you can usually resolve the confusion
16800 by qualifying the problematic names with package
16801 @code{Standard} explicitly.
16802 @end itemize
16803
16804 Older versions of the compiler sometimes generate erroneous debugging
16805 information, resulting in the debugger incorrectly printing the value
16806 of affected entities. In some cases, the debugger is able to work
16807 around an issue automatically. In other cases, the debugger is able
16808 to work around the issue, but the work-around has to be specifically
16809 enabled.
16810
16811 @kindex set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
16812 @kindex show ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
16813 @table @code
16814
16815 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS on
16816 Configure GDB to strictly follow the GNAT encoding when computing the
16817 value of Ada entities, particularly when @code{PAD} and @code{PAD___XVS}
16818 types are involved (see @code{ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources for
16819 a complete description of the encoding used by the GNAT compiler).
16820 This is the default.
16821
16822 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS off
16823 This is related to the encoding using by the GNAT compiler. If @value{GDBN}
16824 sometimes prints the wrong value for certain entities, changing @code{ada
16825 trust-PAD-over-XVS} to @code{off} activates a work-around which may fix
16826 the issue. It is always safe to set @code{ada trust-PAD-over-XVS} to
16827 @code{off}, but this incurs a slight performance penalty, so it is
16828 recommended to leave this setting to @code{on} unless necessary.
16829
16830 @end table
16831
16832 @cindex GNAT descriptive types
16833 @cindex GNAT encoding
16834 Internally, the debugger also relies on the compiler following a number
16835 of conventions known as the @samp{GNAT Encoding}, all documented in
16836 @file{gcc/ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources. This encoding describes
16837 how the debugging information should be generated for certain types.
16838 In particular, this convention makes use of @dfn{descriptive types},
16839 which are artificial types generated purely to help the debugger.
16840
16841 These encodings were defined at a time when the debugging information
16842 format used was not powerful enough to describe some of the more complex
16843 types available in Ada. Since DWARF allows us to express nearly all
16844 Ada features, the long-term goal is to slowly replace these descriptive
16845 types by their pure DWARF equivalent. To facilitate that transition,
16846 a new maintenance option is available to force the debugger to ignore
16847 those descriptive types. It allows the user to quickly evaluate how
16848 well @value{GDBN} works without them.
16849
16850 @table @code
16851
16852 @kindex maint ada set ignore-descriptive-types
16853 @item maintenance ada set ignore-descriptive-types [on|off]
16854 Control whether the debugger should ignore descriptive types.
16855 The default is not to ignore descriptives types (@code{off}).
16856
16857 @kindex maint ada show ignore-descriptive-types
16858 @item maintenance ada show ignore-descriptive-types
16859 Show if descriptive types are ignored by @value{GDBN}.
16860
16861 @end table
16862
16863 @node Unsupported Languages
16864 @section Unsupported Languages
16865
16866 @cindex unsupported languages
16867 @cindex minimal language
16868 In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
16869 @value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
16870 It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
16871 of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
16872 This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
16873 an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
16874
16875 If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
16876 select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
16877 language.
16878
16879 @node Symbols
16880 @chapter Examining the Symbol Table
16881
16882 The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
16883 symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
16884 program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
16885 does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
16886 program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
16887 (@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
16888 file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
16889
16890 @cindex symbol names
16891 @cindex names of symbols
16892 @cindex quoting names
16893 Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
16894 characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
16895 most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
16896 source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
16897 are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
16898 ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
16899 @samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
16900 @samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
16901
16902 @smallexample
16903 p 'foo.c'::x
16904 @end smallexample
16905
16906 @noindent
16907 looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
16908
16909 @table @code
16910 @cindex case-insensitive symbol names
16911 @cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
16912 @kindex set case-sensitive
16913 @item set case-sensitive on
16914 @itemx set case-sensitive off
16915 @itemx set case-sensitive auto
16916 Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
16917 with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
16918 Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
16919 case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
16920 case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
16921 you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
16922 suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
16923 matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
16924 case-insensitive matches.
16925
16926 @kindex show case-sensitive
16927 @item show case-sensitive
16928 This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
16929 lookups.
16930
16931 @kindex set print type methods
16932 @item set print type methods
16933 @itemx set print type methods on
16934 @itemx set print type methods off
16935 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any methods
16936 declared in that class. You can control this behavior either by
16937 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
16938 print type methods}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
16939 display the methods; this is the default. Specifying @code{off} will
16940 cause @value{GDBN} to omit the methods.
16941
16942 @kindex show print type methods
16943 @item show print type methods
16944 This command shows the current setting of method display when printing
16945 classes.
16946
16947 @kindex set print type typedefs
16948 @item set print type typedefs
16949 @itemx set print type typedefs on
16950 @itemx set print type typedefs off
16951
16952 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any typedefs
16953 defined in that class. You can control this behavior either by
16954 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
16955 print type typedefs}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
16956 display the typedef definitions; this is the default. Specifying
16957 @code{off} will cause @value{GDBN} to omit the typedef definitions.
16958 Note that this controls whether the typedef definition itself is
16959 printed, not whether typedef names are substituted when printing other
16960 types.
16961
16962 @kindex show print type typedefs
16963 @item show print type typedefs
16964 This command shows the current setting of typedef display when
16965 printing classes.
16966
16967 @kindex info address
16968 @cindex address of a symbol
16969 @item info address @var{symbol}
16970 Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
16971 variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
16972 local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
16973 is always stored.
16974
16975 Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
16976 at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
16977 the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
16978
16979 @kindex info symbol
16980 @cindex symbol from address
16981 @cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
16982 @item info symbol @var{addr}
16983 Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
16984 If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
16985 nearest symbol and an offset from it:
16986
16987 @smallexample
16988 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
16989 _initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
16990 @end smallexample
16991
16992 @noindent
16993 This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
16994 it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
16995
16996 For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
16997 library containing the symbol is also printed:
16998
16999 @smallexample
17000 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
17001 _start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
17002 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
17003 __read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
17004 @end smallexample
17005
17006 @kindex demangle
17007 @cindex demangle
17008 @item demangle @r{[}-l @var{language}@r{]} @r{[}@var{--}@r{]} @var{name}
17009 Demangle @var{name}.
17010 If @var{language} is provided it is the name of the language to demangle
17011 @var{name} in. Otherwise @var{name} is demangled in the current language.
17012
17013 The @samp{--} option specifies the end of options,
17014 and is useful when @var{name} begins with a dash.
17015
17016 The parameter @code{demangle-style} specifies how to interpret the kind
17017 of mangling used. @xref{Print Settings}.
17018
17019 @kindex whatis
17020 @item whatis[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
17021 Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression
17022 or a name of a data type. With no argument, print the data type of
17023 @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
17024
17025 If @var{arg} is an expression (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), it
17026 is not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
17027 assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place.
17028
17029 If @var{arg} is a variable or an expression, @code{whatis} prints its
17030 literal type as it is used in the source code. If the type was
17031 defined using a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will @emph{not} print
17032 the data type underlying the @code{typedef}. If the type of the
17033 variable or the expression is a compound data type, such as
17034 @code{struct} or @code{class}, @code{whatis} never prints their
17035 fields or methods. It just prints the @code{struct}/@code{class}
17036 name (a.k.a.@: its @dfn{tag}). If you want to see the members of
17037 such a compound data type, use @code{ptype}.
17038
17039 If @var{arg} is a type name that was defined using @code{typedef},
17040 @code{whatis} @dfn{unrolls} only one level of that @code{typedef}.
17041 Unrolling means that @code{whatis} will show the underlying type used
17042 in the @code{typedef} declaration of @var{arg}. However, if that
17043 underlying type is also a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will not
17044 unroll it.
17045
17046 For C code, the type names may also have the form @samp{class
17047 @var{class-name}}, @samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union
17048 @var{union-tag}} or @samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
17049
17050 @var{flags} can be used to modify how the type is displayed.
17051 Available flags are:
17052
17053 @table @code
17054 @item r
17055 Display in ``raw'' form. Normally, @value{GDBN} substitutes template
17056 parameters and typedefs defined in a class when printing the class'
17057 members. The @code{/r} flag disables this.
17058
17059 @item m
17060 Do not print methods defined in the class.
17061
17062 @item M
17063 Print methods defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
17064 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type methods}.
17065
17066 @item t
17067 Do not print typedefs defined in the class. Note that this controls
17068 whether the typedef definition itself is printed, not whether typedef
17069 names are substituted when printing other types.
17070
17071 @item T
17072 Print typedefs defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
17073 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type typedefs}.
17074 @end table
17075
17076 @kindex ptype
17077 @item ptype[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
17078 @code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
17079 detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
17080 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
17081
17082 Contrary to @code{whatis}, @code{ptype} always unrolls any
17083 @code{typedef}s in its argument declaration, whether the argument is
17084 a variable, expression, or a data type. This means that @code{ptype}
17085 of a variable or an expression will not print literally its type as
17086 present in the source code---use @code{whatis} for that. @code{typedef}s at
17087 the pointer or reference targets are also unrolled. Only @code{typedef}s of
17088 fields, methods and inner @code{class typedef}s of @code{struct}s,
17089 @code{class}es and @code{union}s are not unrolled even with @code{ptype}.
17090
17091 For example, for this variable declaration:
17092
17093 @smallexample
17094 typedef double real_t;
17095 struct complex @{ real_t real; double imag; @};
17096 typedef struct complex complex_t;
17097 complex_t var;
17098 real_t *real_pointer_var;
17099 @end smallexample
17100
17101 @noindent
17102 the two commands give this output:
17103
17104 @smallexample
17105 @group
17106 (@value{GDBP}) whatis var
17107 type = complex_t
17108 (@value{GDBP}) ptype var
17109 type = struct complex @{
17110 real_t real;
17111 double imag;
17112 @}
17113 (@value{GDBP}) whatis complex_t
17114 type = struct complex
17115 (@value{GDBP}) whatis struct complex
17116 type = struct complex
17117 (@value{GDBP}) ptype struct complex
17118 type = struct complex @{
17119 real_t real;
17120 double imag;
17121 @}
17122 (@value{GDBP}) whatis real_pointer_var
17123 type = real_t *
17124 (@value{GDBP}) ptype real_pointer_var
17125 type = double *
17126 @end group
17127 @end smallexample
17128
17129 @noindent
17130 As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
17131 the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
17132
17133 @cindex incomplete type
17134 Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
17135 of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
17136 program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
17137 the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
17138 given these declarations:
17139
17140 @smallexample
17141 struct foo;
17142 struct foo *fooptr;
17143 @end smallexample
17144
17145 @noindent
17146 but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
17147
17148 @smallexample
17149 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
17150 $1 = <incomplete type>
17151 @end smallexample
17152
17153 @noindent
17154 ``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
17155 completely specified.
17156
17157 @cindex unknown type
17158 Othertimes, information about a variable's type is completely absent
17159 from the debug information included in the program. This most often
17160 happens when the program or library where the variable is defined
17161 includes no debug information at all. @value{GDBN} knows the variable
17162 exists from inspecting the linker/loader symbol table (e.g., the ELF
17163 dynamic symbol table), but such symbols do not contain type
17164 information. Inspecting the type of a (global) variable for which
17165 @value{GDBN} has no type information shows:
17166
17167 @smallexample
17168 (@value{GDBP}) ptype var
17169 type = <data variable, no debug info>
17170 @end smallexample
17171
17172 @xref{Variables, no debug info variables}, for how to print the values
17173 of such variables.
17174
17175 @kindex info types
17176 @item info types @var{regexp}
17177 @itemx info types
17178 Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
17179 expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
17180 no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
17181 complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
17182 types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
17183 @samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
17184 name is @code{value}.
17185
17186 This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
17187 @code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
17188 lists all source files where a type is defined.
17189
17190 @kindex info type-printers
17191 @item info type-printers
17192 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled may
17193 have ``type printers'' available. When using @command{ptype} or
17194 @command{whatis}, these printers are consulted when the name of a type
17195 is needed. @xref{Type Printing API}, for more information on writing
17196 type printers.
17197
17198 @code{info type-printers} displays all the available type printers.
17199
17200 @kindex enable type-printer
17201 @kindex disable type-printer
17202 @item enable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
17203 @item disable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
17204 These commands can be used to enable or disable type printers.
17205
17206 @kindex info scope
17207 @cindex local variables
17208 @item info scope @var{location}
17209 List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
17210 accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
17211 an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
17212 to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
17213 details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
17214
17215 @smallexample
17216 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
17217 Scope for command_line_handler:
17218 Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
17219 Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
17220 Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
17221 Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
17222 Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
17223 Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
17224 Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
17225 @end smallexample
17226
17227 @noindent
17228 This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
17229 during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
17230 collect}.
17231
17232 @kindex info source
17233 @item info source
17234 Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
17235 the function containing the current point of execution:
17236 @itemize @bullet
17237 @item
17238 the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
17239 @item
17240 the directory it was compiled in,
17241 @item
17242 its length, in lines,
17243 @item
17244 which programming language it is written in,
17245 @item
17246 if the debug information provides it, the program that compiled the file
17247 (which may include, e.g., the compiler version and command line arguments),
17248 @item
17249 whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
17250 if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
17251 @item
17252 whether the debugging information includes information about
17253 preprocessor macros.
17254 @end itemize
17255
17256
17257 @kindex info sources
17258 @item info sources
17259 Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
17260 debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
17261 have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
17262
17263 @kindex info functions
17264 @item info functions
17265 Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
17266
17267 @item info functions @var{regexp}
17268 Print the names and data types of all defined functions
17269 whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
17270 Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
17271 include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
17272 start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters
17273 that conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
17274 @samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
17275
17276 @kindex info variables
17277 @item info variables
17278 Print the names and data types of all variables that are defined
17279 outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
17280
17281 @item info variables @var{regexp}
17282 Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
17283 variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
17284 @var{regexp}.
17285
17286 @kindex info classes
17287 @cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
17288 @item info classes
17289 @itemx info classes @var{regexp}
17290 Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
17291 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
17292 expression.
17293
17294 @kindex info selectors
17295 @item info selectors
17296 @itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
17297 Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
17298 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
17299 expression.
17300
17301 @ignore
17302 This was never implemented.
17303 @kindex info methods
17304 @item info methods
17305 @itemx info methods @var{regexp}
17306 The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
17307 methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
17308 specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
17309 C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
17310 from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
17311 @code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
17312 which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
17313 @end ignore
17314
17315 @cindex opaque data types
17316 @kindex set opaque-type-resolution
17317 @item set opaque-type-resolution on
17318 Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
17319 declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
17320 @code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
17321 source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
17322 another source file. The default is on.
17323
17324 A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
17325 the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
17326
17327 @item set opaque-type-resolution off
17328 Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
17329 is printed as follows:
17330 @smallexample
17331 @{<no data fields>@}
17332 @end smallexample
17333
17334 @kindex show opaque-type-resolution
17335 @item show opaque-type-resolution
17336 Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
17337
17338 @kindex set print symbol-loading
17339 @cindex print messages when symbols are loaded
17340 @item set print symbol-loading
17341 @itemx set print symbol-loading full
17342 @itemx set print symbol-loading brief
17343 @itemx set print symbol-loading off
17344 The @code{set print symbol-loading} command allows you to control the
17345 printing of messages when @value{GDBN} loads symbol information.
17346 By default a message is printed for the executable and one for each
17347 shared library, and normally this is what you want. However, when
17348 debugging apps with large numbers of shared libraries these messages
17349 can be annoying.
17350 When set to @code{brief} a message is printed for each executable,
17351 and when @value{GDBN} loads a collection of shared libraries at once
17352 it will only print one message regardless of the number of shared
17353 libraries. When set to @code{off} no messages are printed.
17354
17355 @kindex show print symbol-loading
17356 @item show print symbol-loading
17357 Show whether messages will be printed when a @value{GDBN} command
17358 entered from the keyboard causes symbol information to be loaded.
17359
17360 @kindex maint print symbols
17361 @cindex symbol dump
17362 @kindex maint print psymbols
17363 @cindex partial symbol dump
17364 @kindex maint print msymbols
17365 @cindex minimal symbol dump
17366 @item maint print symbols @r{[}-pc @var{address}@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
17367 @itemx maint print symbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}-source @var{source}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
17368 @itemx maint print psymbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}-pc @var{address}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
17369 @itemx maint print psymbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}-source @var{source}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
17370 @itemx maint print msymbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
17371 Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename} or
17372 the terminal if @var{filename} is unspecified.
17373 If @code{-objfile @var{objfile}} is specified, only dump symbols for
17374 that objfile.
17375 If @code{-pc @var{address}} is specified, only dump symbols for the file
17376 with code at that address. Note that @var{address} may be a symbol like
17377 @code{main}.
17378 If @code{-source @var{source}} is specified, only dump symbols for that
17379 source file.
17380
17381 These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code.
17382 These commands do not modify internal @value{GDBN} state, therefore
17383 @samp{maint print symbols} will only print symbols for already expanded symbol
17384 tables.
17385 You can use the command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are.
17386 If you use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information
17387 about symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols
17388 defined in files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely.
17389 Finally, @samp{maint print msymbols} just dumps ``minimal symbols'', e.g.,
17390 ``ELF symbols''.
17391
17392 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
17393 @value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
17394
17395 @kindex maint info symtabs
17396 @kindex maint info psymtabs
17397 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
17398 @cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
17399 @cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
17400 @cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
17401 @item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
17402 @itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
17403
17404 List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
17405 structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
17406 given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
17407 copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
17408 structure in more detail. For example:
17409
17410 @smallexample
17411 (@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
17412 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
17413 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
17414 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
17415 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
17416 readin no
17417 fullname (null)
17418 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
17419 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
17420 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
17421 dependencies (none)
17422 @}
17423 @}
17424 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
17425 (@value{GDBP})
17426 @end smallexample
17427 @noindent
17428 We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
17429 the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
17430 and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
17431 If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
17432 read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
17433
17434 @smallexample
17435 (@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
17436 Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
17437 line 1574.
17438 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
17439 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
17440 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
17441 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
17442 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
17443 dirname (null)
17444 fullname (null)
17445 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
17446 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
17447 debugformat DWARF 2
17448 @}
17449 @}
17450 (@value{GDBP})
17451 @end smallexample
17452
17453 @kindex maint info line-table
17454 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal line tables
17455 @cindex line tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
17456 @item maint info line-table @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
17457
17458 List the @code{struct linetable} from all @code{struct symtab}
17459 instances whose name matches @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
17460 given, list the @code{struct linetable} from all @code{struct symtab}.
17461
17462 @kindex maint set symbol-cache-size
17463 @cindex symbol cache size
17464 @item maint set symbol-cache-size @var{size}
17465 Set the size of the symbol cache to @var{size}.
17466 The default size is intended to be good enough for debugging
17467 most applications. This option exists to allow for experimenting
17468 with different sizes.
17469
17470 @kindex maint show symbol-cache-size
17471 @item maint show symbol-cache-size
17472 Show the size of the symbol cache.
17473
17474 @kindex maint print symbol-cache
17475 @cindex symbol cache, printing its contents
17476 @item maint print symbol-cache
17477 Print the contents of the symbol cache.
17478 This is useful when debugging symbol cache issues.
17479
17480 @kindex maint print symbol-cache-statistics
17481 @cindex symbol cache, printing usage statistics
17482 @item maint print symbol-cache-statistics
17483 Print symbol cache usage statistics.
17484 This helps determine how well the cache is being utilized.
17485
17486 @kindex maint flush-symbol-cache
17487 @cindex symbol cache, flushing
17488 @item maint flush-symbol-cache
17489 Flush the contents of the symbol cache, all entries are removed.
17490 This command is useful when debugging the symbol cache.
17491 It is also useful when collecting performance data.
17492
17493 @end table
17494
17495 @node Altering
17496 @chapter Altering Execution
17497
17498 Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
17499 find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
17500 correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
17501 experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
17502 program.
17503
17504 For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
17505 locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
17506 address, or even return prematurely from a function.
17507
17508 @menu
17509 * Assignment:: Assignment to variables
17510 * Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
17511 * Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
17512 * Returning:: Returning from a function
17513 * Calling:: Calling your program's functions
17514 * Patching:: Patching your program
17515 * Compiling and Injecting Code:: Compiling and injecting code in @value{GDBN}
17516 @end menu
17517
17518 @node Assignment
17519 @section Assignment to Variables
17520
17521 @cindex assignment
17522 @cindex setting variables
17523 To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
17524 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
17525
17526 @smallexample
17527 print x=4
17528 @end smallexample
17529
17530 @noindent
17531 stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
17532 value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
17533 @xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
17534 information on operators in supported languages.
17535
17536 @kindex set variable
17537 @cindex variables, setting
17538 If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
17539 @code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
17540 really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
17541 not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
17542 ,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
17543
17544 If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
17545 appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
17546 variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
17547 to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
17548 program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
17549 a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
17550 command @code{set width}:
17551
17552 @smallexample
17553 (@value{GDBP}) whatis width
17554 type = double
17555 (@value{GDBP}) p width
17556 $4 = 13
17557 (@value{GDBP}) set width=47
17558 Invalid syntax in expression.
17559 @end smallexample
17560
17561 @noindent
17562 The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
17563 order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
17564
17565 @smallexample
17566 (@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
17567 @end smallexample
17568
17569 Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
17570 with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
17571 @code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
17572 your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
17573 to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
17574 the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
17575
17576 @smallexample
17577 @group
17578 (@value{GDBP}) whatis g
17579 type = double
17580 (@value{GDBP}) p g
17581 $1 = 1
17582 (@value{GDBP}) set g=4
17583 (@value{GDBP}) p g
17584 $2 = 1
17585 (@value{GDBP}) r
17586 The program being debugged has been started already.
17587 Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
17588 Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
17589 "/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
17590 Invalid bfd target.
17591 (@value{GDBP}) show g
17592 The current BFD target is "=4".
17593 @end group
17594 @end smallexample
17595
17596 @noindent
17597 The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
17598 @code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
17599 @code{g}, use
17600
17601 @smallexample
17602 (@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
17603 @end smallexample
17604
17605 @value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
17606 freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
17607 and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
17608 same length or shorter.
17609 @comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
17610 @comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
17611
17612 To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
17613 construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
17614 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
17615 to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
17616 and representation in memory), and
17617
17618 @smallexample
17619 set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
17620 @end smallexample
17621
17622 @noindent
17623 stores the value 4 into that memory location.
17624
17625 @node Jumping
17626 @section Continuing at a Different Address
17627
17628 Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
17629 it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
17630 an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
17631
17632 @table @code
17633 @kindex jump
17634 @kindex j @r{(@code{jump})}
17635 @item jump @var{location}
17636 @itemx j @var{location}
17637 Resume execution at @var{location}. Execution stops again immediately
17638 if there is a breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description
17639 of the different forms of @var{location}. It is common
17640 practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
17641 @code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
17642
17643 The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
17644 the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
17645 register other than the program counter. If @var{location} is in
17646 a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
17647 be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
17648 of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
17649 confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
17650 executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
17651 well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
17652 @end table
17653
17654 On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
17655 command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
17656 difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
17657 changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
17658 example,
17659
17660 @smallexample
17661 set $pc = 0x485
17662 @end smallexample
17663
17664 @noindent
17665 makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
17666 address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
17667 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
17668
17669 The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
17670 up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
17671 that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
17672 detail.
17673
17674 @c @group
17675 @node Signaling
17676 @section Giving your Program a Signal
17677 @cindex deliver a signal to a program
17678
17679 @table @code
17680 @kindex signal
17681 @item signal @var{signal}
17682 Resume execution where your program is stopped, but immediately give it the
17683 signal @var{signal}. The @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
17684 signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
17685 SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
17686
17687 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
17688 giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
17689 a signal and would ordinarily see the signal when resumed with the
17690 @code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
17691 signal.
17692
17693 @emph{Note:} When resuming a multi-threaded program, @var{signal} is
17694 delivered to the currently selected thread, not the thread that last
17695 reported a stop. This includes the situation where a thread was
17696 stopped due to a signal. So if you want to continue execution
17697 suppressing the signal that stopped a thread, you should select that
17698 same thread before issuing the @samp{signal 0} command. If you issue
17699 the @samp{signal 0} command with another thread as the selected one,
17700 @value{GDBN} detects that and asks for confirmation.
17701
17702 Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
17703 @code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
17704 causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
17705 the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
17706 passes the signal directly to your program.
17707
17708 @code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
17709 after executing the command.
17710
17711 @kindex queue-signal
17712 @item queue-signal @var{signal}
17713 Queue @var{signal} to be delivered immediately to the current thread
17714 when execution of the thread resumes. The @var{signal} can be the name or
17715 the number of a signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and
17716 @code{signal SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
17717 The handling of the signal must be set to pass the signal to the program,
17718 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error.
17719 You can control the handling of signals from @value{GDBN} with the
17720 @code{handle} command (@pxref{Signals}).
17721
17722 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, any currently queued signal
17723 for the current thread is discarded and when execution resumes no signal
17724 will be delivered. This is useful when your program stopped on account
17725 of a signal and would ordinarily see the signal when resumed with the
17726 @code{continue} command.
17727
17728 This command differs from the @code{signal} command in that the signal
17729 is just queued, execution is not resumed. And @code{queue-signal} cannot
17730 be used to pass a signal whose handling state has been set to @code{nopass}
17731 (@pxref{Signals}).
17732 @end table
17733 @c @end group
17734
17735 @xref{stepping into signal handlers}, for information on how stepping
17736 commands behave when the thread has a signal queued.
17737
17738 @node Returning
17739 @section Returning from a Function
17740
17741 @table @code
17742 @cindex returning from a function
17743 @kindex return
17744 @item return
17745 @itemx return @var{expression}
17746 You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
17747 command. If you give an
17748 @var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
17749 value.
17750 @end table
17751
17752 When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
17753 (and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
17754 discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
17755 be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
17756
17757 This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
17758 Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
17759 innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
17760 specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
17761 of functions.
17762
17763 The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
17764 program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
17765 returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
17766 and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
17767 selected stack frame returns naturally.
17768
17769 @value{GDBN} needs to know how the @var{expression} argument should be set for
17770 the inferior. The concrete registers assignment depends on the OS ABI and the
17771 type being returned by the selected stack frame. For example it is common for
17772 OS ABI to return floating point values in FPU registers while integer values in
17773 CPU registers. Still some ABIs return even floating point values in CPU
17774 registers. Larger integer widths (such as @code{long long int}) also have
17775 specific placement rules. @value{GDBN} already knows the OS ABI from its
17776 current target so it needs to find out also the type being returned to make the
17777 assignment into the right register(s).
17778
17779 Normally, the selected stack frame has debug info. @value{GDBN} will always
17780 use the debug info instead of the implicit type of @var{expression} when the
17781 debug info is available. For example, if you type @kbd{return -1}, and the
17782 function in the current stack frame is declared to return a @code{long long
17783 int}, @value{GDBN} transparently converts the implicit @code{int} value of -1
17784 into a @code{long long int}:
17785
17786 @smallexample
17787 Breakpoint 1, func () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:29
17788 29 return 31;
17789 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
17790 Make func return now? (y or n) y
17791 #0 0x004004f6 in main () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:43
17792 43 printf ("result=%lld\n", func ());
17793 (@value{GDBP})
17794 @end smallexample
17795
17796 However, if the selected stack frame does not have a debug info, e.g., if the
17797 function was compiled without debug info, @value{GDBN} has to find out the type
17798 to return from user. Specifying a different type by mistake may set the value
17799 in different inferior registers than the caller code expects. For example,
17800 typing @kbd{return -1} with its implicit type @code{int} would set only a part
17801 of a @code{long long int} result for a debug info less function (on 32-bit
17802 architectures). Therefore the user is required to specify the return type by
17803 an appropriate cast explicitly:
17804
17805 @smallexample
17806 Breakpoint 2, 0x0040050b in func ()
17807 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
17808 Return value type not available for selected stack frame.
17809 Please use an explicit cast of the value to return.
17810 (@value{GDBP}) return (long long int) -1
17811 Make selected stack frame return now? (y or n) y
17812 #0 0x00400526 in main ()
17813 (@value{GDBP})
17814 @end smallexample
17815
17816 @node Calling
17817 @section Calling Program Functions
17818
17819 @table @code
17820 @cindex calling functions
17821 @cindex inferior functions, calling
17822 @item print @var{expr}
17823 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
17824 The expression may include calls to functions in the program being
17825 debugged.
17826
17827 @kindex call
17828 @item call @var{expr}
17829 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
17830 returned values.
17831
17832 You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
17833 execute a function from your program that does not return anything
17834 (a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
17835 with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
17836 print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
17837 value history.
17838 @end table
17839
17840 It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
17841 @code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
17842 the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
17843 in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
17844
17845 Similarly, with a C@t{++} program it is possible for the function you
17846 call via the @code{print} or @code{call} command to generate an
17847 exception that is not handled due to the constraints of the dummy
17848 frame. In this case, any exception that is raised in the frame, but has
17849 an out-of-frame exception handler will not be found. GDB builds a
17850 dummy-frame for the inferior function call, and the unwinder cannot
17851 seek for exception handlers outside of this dummy-frame. What happens
17852 in that case is controlled by the
17853 @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception} command.
17854
17855 @table @code
17856 @item set unwindonsignal
17857 @kindex set unwindonsignal
17858 @cindex unwind stack in called functions
17859 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding
17860 Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
17861 that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
17862 @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
17863 the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
17864 default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
17865 received.
17866
17867 @item show unwindonsignal
17868 @kindex show unwindonsignal
17869 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
17870 @value{GDBN}.
17871
17872 @item set unwind-on-terminating-exception
17873 @kindex set unwind-on-terminating-exception
17874 @cindex unwind stack in called functions with unhandled exceptions
17875 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding on unhandled exception.
17876 Set unwinding of the stack if a C@t{++} exception is raised, but left
17877 unhandled while in a function that @value{GDBN} called in the program being
17878 debugged. If set to on (the default), @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack
17879 it created for the call and restores the context to what it was before
17880 the call. If set to off, @value{GDBN} the exception is delivered to
17881 the default C@t{++} exception handler and the inferior terminated.
17882
17883 @item show unwind-on-terminating-exception
17884 @kindex show unwind-on-terminating-exception
17885 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
17886 @value{GDBN}.
17887
17888 @end table
17889
17890 @subsection Calling functions with no debug info
17891
17892 @cindex no debug info functions
17893 Sometimes, a function you wish to call is missing debug information.
17894 In such case, @value{GDBN} does not know the type of the function,
17895 including the types of the function's parameters. To avoid calling
17896 the inferior function incorrectly, which could result in the called
17897 function functioning erroneously and even crash, @value{GDBN} refuses
17898 to call the function unless you tell it the type of the function.
17899
17900 For prototyped (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) functions, there are two ways
17901 to do that. The simplest is to cast the call to the function's
17902 declared return type. For example:
17903
17904 @smallexample
17905 (@value{GDBP}) p getenv ("PATH")
17906 'getenv' has unknown return type; cast the call to its declared return type
17907 (@value{GDBP}) p (char *) getenv ("PATH")
17908 $1 = 0x7fffffffe7ba "/usr/local/bin:/"...
17909 @end smallexample
17910
17911 Casting the return type of a no-debug function is equivalent to
17912 casting the function to a pointer to a prototyped function that has a
17913 prototype that matches the types of the passed-in arguments, and
17914 calling that. I.e., the call above is equivalent to:
17915
17916 @smallexample
17917 (@value{GDBP}) p ((char * (*) (const char *)) getenv) ("PATH")
17918 @end smallexample
17919
17920 @noindent
17921 and given this prototyped C or C++ function with float parameters:
17922
17923 @smallexample
17924 float multiply (float v1, float v2) @{ return v1 * v2; @}
17925 @end smallexample
17926
17927 @noindent
17928 these calls are equivalent:
17929
17930 @smallexample
17931 (@value{GDBP}) p (float) multiply (2.0f, 3.0f)
17932 (@value{GDBP}) p ((float (*) (float, float)) multiply) (2.0f, 3.0f)
17933 @end smallexample
17934
17935 If the function you wish to call is declared as unprototyped (i.e.@:
17936 old K&R style), you must use the cast-to-function-pointer syntax, so
17937 that @value{GDBN} knows that it needs to apply default argument
17938 promotions (promote float arguments to double). @xref{ABI, float
17939 promotion}. For example, given this unprototyped C function with
17940 float parameters, and no debug info:
17941
17942 @smallexample
17943 float
17944 multiply_noproto (v1, v2)
17945 float v1, v2;
17946 @{
17947 return v1 * v2;
17948 @}
17949 @end smallexample
17950
17951 @noindent
17952 you call it like this:
17953
17954 @smallexample
17955 (@value{GDBP}) p ((float (*) ()) multiply_noproto) (2.0f, 3.0f)
17956 @end smallexample
17957
17958 @node Patching
17959 @section Patching Programs
17960
17961 @cindex patching binaries
17962 @cindex writing into executables
17963 @cindex writing into corefiles
17964
17965 By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
17966 executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
17967 alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
17968 patching your program's binary.
17969
17970 If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
17971 explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
17972 want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
17973 repairs.
17974
17975 @table @code
17976 @kindex set write
17977 @item set write on
17978 @itemx set write off
17979 If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
17980 core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
17981 off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
17982
17983 If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
17984 @code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
17985 write}, for your new setting to take effect.
17986
17987 @item show write
17988 @kindex show write
17989 Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
17990 as well as reading.
17991 @end table
17992
17993 @node Compiling and Injecting Code
17994 @section Compiling and injecting code in @value{GDBN}
17995 @cindex injecting code
17996 @cindex writing into executables
17997 @cindex compiling code
17998
17999 @value{GDBN} supports on-demand compilation and code injection into
18000 programs running under @value{GDBN}. GCC 5.0 or higher built with
18001 @file{libcc1.so} must be installed for this functionality to be enabled.
18002 This functionality is implemented with the following commands.
18003
18004 @table @code
18005 @kindex compile code
18006 @item compile code @var{source-code}
18007 @itemx compile code -raw @var{--} @var{source-code}
18008 Compile @var{source-code} with the compiler language found as the current
18009 language in @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Languages}). If compilation and
18010 injection is not supported with the current language specified in
18011 @value{GDBN}, or the compiler does not support this feature, an error
18012 message will be printed. If @var{source-code} compiles and links
18013 successfully, @value{GDBN} will load the object-code emitted,
18014 and execute it within the context of the currently selected inferior.
18015 It is important to note that the compiled code is executed immediately.
18016 After execution, the compiled code is removed from @value{GDBN} and any
18017 new types or variables you have defined will be deleted.
18018
18019 The command allows you to specify @var{source-code} in two ways.
18020 The simplest method is to provide a single line of code to the command.
18021 E.g.:
18022
18023 @smallexample
18024 compile code printf ("hello world\n");
18025 @end smallexample
18026
18027 If you specify options on the command line as well as source code, they
18028 may conflict. The @samp{--} delimiter can be used to separate options
18029 from actual source code. E.g.:
18030
18031 @smallexample
18032 compile code -r -- printf ("hello world\n");
18033 @end smallexample
18034
18035 Alternatively you can enter source code as multiple lines of text. To
18036 enter this mode, invoke the @samp{compile code} command without any text
18037 following the command. This will start the multiple-line editor and
18038 allow you to type as many lines of source code as required. When you
18039 have completed typing, enter @samp{end} on its own line to exit the
18040 editor.
18041
18042 @smallexample
18043 compile code
18044 >printf ("hello\n");
18045 >printf ("world\n");
18046 >end
18047 @end smallexample
18048
18049 Specifying @samp{-raw}, prohibits @value{GDBN} from wrapping the
18050 provided @var{source-code} in a callable scope. In this case, you must
18051 specify the entry point of the code by defining a function named
18052 @code{_gdb_expr_}. The @samp{-raw} code cannot access variables of the
18053 inferior. Using @samp{-raw} option may be needed for example when
18054 @var{source-code} requires @samp{#include} lines which may conflict with
18055 inferior symbols otherwise.
18056
18057 @kindex compile file
18058 @item compile file @var{filename}
18059 @itemx compile file -raw @var{filename}
18060 Like @code{compile code}, but take the source code from @var{filename}.
18061
18062 @smallexample
18063 compile file /home/user/example.c
18064 @end smallexample
18065 @end table
18066
18067 @table @code
18068 @item compile print @var{expr}
18069 @itemx compile print /@var{f} @var{expr}
18070 Compile and execute @var{expr} with the compiler language found as the
18071 current language in @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Languages}). By default the
18072 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
18073 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
18074 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
18075 Formats}.
18076
18077 @item compile print
18078 @itemx compile print /@var{f}
18079 @cindex reprint the last value
18080 Alternatively you can enter the expression (source code producing it) as
18081 multiple lines of text. To enter this mode, invoke the @samp{compile print}
18082 command without any text following the command. This will start the
18083 multiple-line editor.
18084 @end table
18085
18086 @noindent
18087 The process of compiling and injecting the code can be inspected using:
18088
18089 @table @code
18090 @anchor{set debug compile}
18091 @item set debug compile
18092 @cindex compile command debugging info
18093 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} process of compiling and
18094 injecting the code. The default is off.
18095
18096 @item show debug compile
18097 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} process of
18098 compiling and injecting the code.
18099 @end table
18100
18101 @subsection Compilation options for the @code{compile} command
18102
18103 @value{GDBN} needs to specify the right compilation options for the code
18104 to be injected, in part to make its ABI compatible with the inferior
18105 and in part to make the injected code compatible with @value{GDBN}'s
18106 injecting process.
18107
18108 @noindent
18109 The options used, in increasing precedence:
18110
18111 @table @asis
18112 @item target architecture and OS options (@code{gdbarch})
18113 These options depend on target processor type and target operating
18114 system, usually they specify at least 32-bit (@code{-m32}) or 64-bit
18115 (@code{-m64}) compilation option.
18116
18117 @item compilation options recorded in the target
18118 @value{NGCC} (since version 4.7) stores the options used for compilation
18119 into @code{DW_AT_producer} part of DWARF debugging information according
18120 to the @value{NGCC} option @code{-grecord-gcc-switches}. One has to
18121 explicitly specify @code{-g} during inferior compilation otherwise
18122 @value{NGCC} produces no DWARF. This feature is only relevant for
18123 platforms where @code{-g} produces DWARF by default, otherwise one may
18124 try to enforce DWARF by using @code{-gdwarf-4}.
18125
18126 @item compilation options set by @code{set compile-args}
18127 @end table
18128
18129 @noindent
18130 You can override compilation options using the following command:
18131
18132 @table @code
18133 @item set compile-args
18134 @cindex compile command options override
18135 Set compilation options used for compiling and injecting code with the
18136 @code{compile} commands. These options override any conflicting ones
18137 from the target architecture and/or options stored during inferior
18138 compilation.
18139
18140 @item show compile-args
18141 Displays the current state of compilation options override.
18142 This does not show all the options actually used during compilation,
18143 use @ref{set debug compile} for that.
18144 @end table
18145
18146 @subsection Caveats when using the @code{compile} command
18147
18148 There are a few caveats to keep in mind when using the @code{compile}
18149 command. As the caveats are different per language, the table below
18150 highlights specific issues on a per language basis.
18151
18152 @table @asis
18153 @item C code examples and caveats
18154 When the language in @value{GDBN} is set to @samp{C}, the compiler will
18155 attempt to compile the source code with a @samp{C} compiler. The source
18156 code provided to the @code{compile} command will have much the same
18157 access to variables and types as it normally would if it were part of
18158 the program currently being debugged in @value{GDBN}.
18159
18160 Below is a sample program that forms the basis of the examples that
18161 follow. This program has been compiled and loaded into @value{GDBN},
18162 much like any other normal debugging session.
18163
18164 @smallexample
18165 void function1 (void)
18166 @{
18167 int i = 42;
18168 printf ("function 1\n");
18169 @}
18170
18171 void function2 (void)
18172 @{
18173 int j = 12;
18174 function1 ();
18175 @}
18176
18177 int main(void)
18178 @{
18179 int k = 6;
18180 int *p;
18181 function2 ();
18182 return 0;
18183 @}
18184 @end smallexample
18185
18186 For the purposes of the examples in this section, the program above has
18187 been compiled, loaded into @value{GDBN}, stopped at the function
18188 @code{main}, and @value{GDBN} is awaiting input from the user.
18189
18190 To access variables and types for any program in @value{GDBN}, the
18191 program must be compiled and packaged with debug information. The
18192 @code{compile} command is not an exception to this rule. Without debug
18193 information, you can still use the @code{compile} command, but you will
18194 be very limited in what variables and types you can access.
18195
18196 So with that in mind, the example above has been compiled with debug
18197 information enabled. The @code{compile} command will have access to
18198 all variables and types (except those that may have been optimized
18199 out). Currently, as @value{GDBN} has stopped the program in the
18200 @code{main} function, the @code{compile} command would have access to
18201 the variable @code{k}. You could invoke the @code{compile} command
18202 and type some source code to set the value of @code{k}. You can also
18203 read it, or do anything with that variable you would normally do in
18204 @code{C}. Be aware that changes to inferior variables in the
18205 @code{compile} command are persistent. In the following example:
18206
18207 @smallexample
18208 compile code k = 3;
18209 @end smallexample
18210
18211 @noindent
18212 the variable @code{k} is now 3. It will retain that value until
18213 something else in the example program changes it, or another
18214 @code{compile} command changes it.
18215
18216 Normal scope and access rules apply to source code compiled and
18217 injected by the @code{compile} command. In the example, the variables
18218 @code{j} and @code{k} are not accessible yet, because the program is
18219 currently stopped in the @code{main} function, where these variables
18220 are not in scope. Therefore, the following command
18221
18222 @smallexample
18223 compile code j = 3;
18224 @end smallexample
18225
18226 @noindent
18227 will result in a compilation error message.
18228
18229 Once the program is continued, execution will bring these variables in
18230 scope, and they will become accessible; then the code you specify via
18231 the @code{compile} command will be able to access them.
18232
18233 You can create variables and types with the @code{compile} command as
18234 part of your source code. Variables and types that are created as part
18235 of the @code{compile} command are not visible to the rest of the program for
18236 the duration of its run. This example is valid:
18237
18238 @smallexample
18239 compile code int ff = 5; printf ("ff is %d\n", ff);
18240 @end smallexample
18241
18242 However, if you were to type the following into @value{GDBN} after that
18243 command has completed:
18244
18245 @smallexample
18246 compile code printf ("ff is %d\n'', ff);
18247 @end smallexample
18248
18249 @noindent
18250 a compiler error would be raised as the variable @code{ff} no longer
18251 exists. Object code generated and injected by the @code{compile}
18252 command is removed when its execution ends. Caution is advised
18253 when assigning to program variables values of variables created by the
18254 code submitted to the @code{compile} command. This example is valid:
18255
18256 @smallexample
18257 compile code int ff = 5; k = ff;
18258 @end smallexample
18259
18260 The value of the variable @code{ff} is assigned to @code{k}. The variable
18261 @code{k} does not require the existence of @code{ff} to maintain the value
18262 it has been assigned. However, pointers require particular care in
18263 assignment. If the source code compiled with the @code{compile} command
18264 changed the address of a pointer in the example program, perhaps to a
18265 variable created in the @code{compile} command, that pointer would point
18266 to an invalid location when the command exits. The following example
18267 would likely cause issues with your debugged program:
18268
18269 @smallexample
18270 compile code int ff = 5; p = &ff;
18271 @end smallexample
18272
18273 In this example, @code{p} would point to @code{ff} when the
18274 @code{compile} command is executing the source code provided to it.
18275 However, as variables in the (example) program persist with their
18276 assigned values, the variable @code{p} would point to an invalid
18277 location when the command exists. A general rule should be followed
18278 in that you should either assign @code{NULL} to any assigned pointers,
18279 or restore a valid location to the pointer before the command exits.
18280
18281 Similar caution must be exercised with any structs, unions, and typedefs
18282 defined in @code{compile} command. Types defined in the @code{compile}
18283 command will no longer be available in the next @code{compile} command.
18284 Therefore, if you cast a variable to a type defined in the
18285 @code{compile} command, care must be taken to ensure that any future
18286 need to resolve the type can be achieved.
18287
18288 @smallexample
18289 (gdb) compile code static struct a @{ int a; @} v = @{ 42 @}; argv = &v;
18290 (gdb) compile code printf ("%d\n", ((struct a *) argv)->a);
18291 gdb command line:1:36: error: dereferencing pointer to incomplete type ‘struct a’
18292 Compilation failed.
18293 (gdb) compile code struct a @{ int a; @}; printf ("%d\n", ((struct a *) argv)->a);
18294 42
18295 @end smallexample
18296
18297 Variables that have been optimized away by the compiler are not
18298 accessible to the code submitted to the @code{compile} command.
18299 Access to those variables will generate a compiler error which @value{GDBN}
18300 will print to the console.
18301 @end table
18302
18303 @subsection Compiler search for the @code{compile} command
18304
18305 @value{GDBN} needs to find @value{NGCC} for the inferior being debugged
18306 which may not be obvious for remote targets of different architecture
18307 than where @value{GDBN} is running. Environment variable @code{PATH} on
18308 @value{GDBN} host is searched for @value{NGCC} binary matching the
18309 target architecture and operating system. This search can be overriden
18310 by @code{set compile-gcc} @value{GDBN} command below. @code{PATH} is
18311 taken from shell that executed @value{GDBN}, it is not the value set by
18312 @value{GDBN} command @code{set environment}). @xref{Environment}.
18313
18314
18315 Specifically @code{PATH} is searched for binaries matching regular expression
18316 @code{@var{arch}(-[^-]*)?-@var{os}-gcc} according to the inferior target being
18317 debugged. @var{arch} is processor name --- multiarch is supported, so for
18318 example both @code{i386} and @code{x86_64} targets look for pattern
18319 @code{(x86_64|i.86)} and both @code{s390} and @code{s390x} targets look
18320 for pattern @code{s390x?}. @var{os} is currently supported only for
18321 pattern @code{linux(-gnu)?}.
18322
18323 On Posix hosts the compiler driver @value{GDBN} needs to find also
18324 shared library @file{libcc1.so} from the compiler. It is searched in
18325 default shared library search path (overridable with usual environment
18326 variable @code{LD_LIBRARY_PATH}), unrelated to @code{PATH} or @code{set
18327 compile-gcc} settings. Contrary to it @file{libcc1plugin.so} is found
18328 according to the installation of the found compiler --- as possibly
18329 specified by the @code{set compile-gcc} command.
18330
18331 @table @code
18332 @item set compile-gcc
18333 @cindex compile command driver filename override
18334 Set compilation command used for compiling and injecting code with the
18335 @code{compile} commands. If this option is not set (it is set to
18336 an empty string), the search described above will occur --- that is the
18337 default.
18338
18339 @item show compile-gcc
18340 Displays the current compile command @value{NGCC} driver filename.
18341 If set, it is the main command @command{gcc}, found usually for example
18342 under name @file{x86_64-linux-gnu-gcc}.
18343 @end table
18344
18345 @node GDB Files
18346 @chapter @value{GDBN} Files
18347
18348 @value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
18349 both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
18350 program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
18351 @value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
18352
18353 @menu
18354 * Files:: Commands to specify files
18355 * File Caching:: Information about @value{GDBN}'s file caching
18356 * Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
18357 * MiniDebugInfo:: Debugging information in a special section
18358 * Index Files:: Index files speed up GDB
18359 * Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
18360 * Data Files:: GDB data files
18361 @end menu
18362
18363 @node Files
18364 @section Commands to Specify Files
18365
18366 @cindex symbol table
18367 @cindex core dump file
18368
18369 You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
18370 way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
18371 @value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
18372 Out of @value{GDBN}}).
18373
18374 Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
18375 @value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
18376 specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
18377 via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
18378 Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
18379 new files are useful.
18380
18381 @table @code
18382 @cindex executable file
18383 @kindex file
18384 @item file @var{filename}
18385 Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
18386 symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
18387 executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
18388 directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
18389 @value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
18390 directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
18391 to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
18392 and your program, using the @code{path} command.
18393
18394 @cindex unlinked object files
18395 @cindex patching object files
18396 You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
18397 the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
18398 file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
18399 if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
18400 @kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
18401 that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
18402 case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
18403 the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
18404
18405 @item file
18406 @code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
18407 has on both executable file and the symbol table.
18408
18409 @kindex exec-file
18410 @item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
18411 Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
18412 in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
18413 if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
18414 discard information on the executable file.
18415
18416 @kindex symbol-file
18417 @item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
18418 Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
18419 searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
18420 table and program to run from the same file.
18421
18422 @code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
18423 program's symbol table.
18424
18425 The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
18426 some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
18427 contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
18428 which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
18429 @value{GDBN}.
18430
18431 @code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
18432 executing it once.
18433
18434 When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
18435 understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
18436 generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
18437 other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
18438 Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
18439 using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
18440 optimized code.
18441
18442 For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
18443 using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
18444 symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
18445 quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
18446 details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
18447
18448 The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
18449 start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
18450 occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
18451 file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
18452 pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
18453 Warnings and Messages}.)
18454
18455 We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
18456 symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
18457 symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
18458 still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
18459 in stabs format.
18460
18461 @kindex readnow
18462 @cindex reading symbols immediately
18463 @cindex symbols, reading immediately
18464 @item symbol-file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
18465 @itemx file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
18466 You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
18467 tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
18468 load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
18469 entire symbol table available.
18470
18471 @c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
18472 @c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
18473 @c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
18474 @c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
18475 @c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
18476 @c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
18477 @c files.
18478
18479 @kindex core-file
18480 @item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
18481 @itemx core
18482 Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
18483 of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
18484 address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
18485 executable file itself for other parts.
18486
18487 @code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
18488 to be used.
18489
18490 Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
18491 under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
18492 wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
18493 the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
18494 (@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
18495
18496 @kindex add-symbol-file
18497 @cindex dynamic linking
18498 @item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
18499 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
18500 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} -s @var{section} @var{address} @dots{}
18501 The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
18502 information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
18503 when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
18504 into the program that is running. The @var{address} should give the memory
18505 address at which the file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure
18506 this out for itself. You can additionally specify an arbitrary number
18507 of @samp{-s @var{section} @var{address}} pairs, to give an explicit
18508 section name and base address for that section. You can specify any
18509 @var{address} as an expression.
18510
18511 The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
18512 originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
18513 @code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
18514 thus read is kept in addition to the old.
18515
18516 Changes can be reverted using the command @code{remove-symbol-file}.
18517
18518 @cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
18519 @cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
18520 @cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
18521 @cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
18522 @cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
18523 Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
18524 executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
18525 relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
18526 information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
18527
18528 @itemize @bullet
18529 @item
18530 the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
18531 that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
18532 @item
18533 every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
18534 been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
18535 @item
18536 you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
18537 provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
18538 @end itemize
18539
18540 @noindent
18541 Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
18542 relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
18543 typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
18544 important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
18545 procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
18546 assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
18547 general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
18548 relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
18549 as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
18550 way.
18551
18552 @code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
18553
18554 @kindex remove-symbol-file
18555 @item remove-symbol-file @var{filename}
18556 @item remove-symbol-file -a @var{address}
18557 Remove a symbol file added via the @code{add-symbol-file} command. The
18558 file to remove can be identified by its @var{filename} or by an @var{address}
18559 that lies within the boundaries of this symbol file in memory. Example:
18560
18561 @smallexample
18562 (gdb) add-symbol-file /home/user/gdb/mylib.so 0x7ffff7ff9480
18563 add symbol table from file "/home/user/gdb/mylib.so" at
18564 .text_addr = 0x7ffff7ff9480
18565 (y or n) y
18566 Reading symbols from /home/user/gdb/mylib.so...done.
18567 (gdb) remove-symbol-file -a 0x7ffff7ff9480
18568 Remove symbol table from file "/home/user/gdb/mylib.so"? (y or n) y
18569 (gdb)
18570 @end smallexample
18571
18572
18573 @code{remove-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
18574
18575 @kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
18576 @cindex @code{syscall DSO}
18577 @cindex load symbols from memory
18578 @item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
18579 Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
18580 object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
18581 For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
18582 process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
18583 some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
18584 evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
18585 For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
18586 @code{exec-file} commands in advance.
18587
18588 @kindex section
18589 @item section @var{section} @var{addr}
18590 The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
18591 @var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
18592 exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
18593 @code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
18594 itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
18595 @code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
18596 their addresses.
18597
18598 @kindex info files
18599 @kindex info target
18600 @item info files
18601 @itemx info target
18602 @code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
18603 current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
18604 including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
18605 use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
18606 command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
18607 current ones.
18608
18609 @kindex maint info sections
18610 @item maint info sections
18611 Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
18612 is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
18613 displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
18614 offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
18615 @code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
18616 may be arbitrarily combined):
18617
18618 @table @code
18619 @item ALLOBJ
18620 Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
18621 @item @var{sections}
18622 Display info only for named @var{sections}.
18623 @item @var{section-flags}
18624 Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
18625 The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
18626 @table @code
18627 @item ALLOC
18628 Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
18629 Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
18630 @item LOAD
18631 Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
18632 Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
18633 @item RELOC
18634 Section needs to be relocated before loading.
18635 @item READONLY
18636 Section cannot be modified by the child process.
18637 @item CODE
18638 Section contains executable code only.
18639 @item DATA
18640 Section contains data only (no executable code).
18641 @item ROM
18642 Section will reside in ROM.
18643 @item CONSTRUCTOR
18644 Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
18645 @item HAS_CONTENTS
18646 Section is not empty.
18647 @item NEVER_LOAD
18648 An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
18649 @item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
18650 A notification to the linker that the section contains
18651 COFF shared library information.
18652 @item IS_COMMON
18653 Section contains common symbols.
18654 @end table
18655 @end table
18656 @kindex set trust-readonly-sections
18657 @cindex read-only sections
18658 @item set trust-readonly-sections on
18659 Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
18660 really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
18661 In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
18662 out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
18663 For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
18664 enhancement to debugging performance.
18665
18666 The default is off.
18667
18668 @item set trust-readonly-sections off
18669 Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
18670 the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
18671 and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
18672
18673 @item show trust-readonly-sections
18674 Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
18675 @end table
18676
18677 All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
18678 as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
18679 name and remembers it that way.
18680
18681 @cindex shared libraries
18682 @anchor{Shared Libraries}
18683 @value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, SunOS,
18684 Darwin/Mach-O, SVr4, IBM RS/6000 AIX, QNX Neutrino, FDPIC (FR-V), and
18685 DSBT (TIC6X) shared libraries.
18686
18687 On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
18688 shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
18689
18690 @value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
18691 when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
18692 (Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
18693 references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
18694 debugging a core file).
18695
18696 @c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
18697 @c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
18698 @c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
18699
18700 There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
18701 symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
18702 particularly large or there are many of them.
18703
18704 To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
18705 commands:
18706
18707 @table @code
18708 @kindex set auto-solib-add
18709 @item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
18710 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
18711 will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
18712 attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
18713 informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
18714 is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
18715 @code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
18716
18717 @cindex memory used for symbol tables
18718 If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
18719 takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
18720 memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
18721 symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
18722 auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
18723 library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
18724 @var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
18725 the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
18726
18727 @kindex show auto-solib-add
18728 @item show auto-solib-add
18729 Display the current autoloading mode.
18730 @end table
18731
18732 @cindex load shared library
18733 To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
18734 command:
18735
18736 @table @code
18737 @kindex info sharedlibrary
18738 @kindex info share
18739 @item info share @var{regex}
18740 @itemx info sharedlibrary @var{regex}
18741 Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded
18742 that match @var{regex}. If @var{regex} is omitted then print
18743 all shared libraries that are loaded.
18744
18745 @kindex info dll
18746 @item info dll @var{regex}
18747 This is an alias of @code{info sharedlibrary}.
18748
18749 @kindex sharedlibrary
18750 @kindex share
18751 @item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
18752 @itemx share @var{regex}
18753 Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
18754 Unix regular expression.
18755 As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
18756 required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
18757 @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
18758 loaded.
18759
18760 @item nosharedlibrary
18761 @kindex nosharedlibrary
18762 @cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
18763 Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
18764 that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
18765 libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
18766 discarded.
18767 @end table
18768
18769 Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
18770 when any of shared library events happen. The best way to do this is
18771 to use @code{catch load} and @code{catch unload} (@pxref{Set
18772 Catchpoints}).
18773
18774 @value{GDBN} also supports the the @code{set stop-on-solib-events}
18775 command for this. This command exists for historical reasons. It is
18776 less useful than setting a catchpoint, because it does not allow for
18777 conditions or commands as a catchpoint does.
18778
18779 @table @code
18780 @item set stop-on-solib-events
18781 @kindex set stop-on-solib-events
18782 This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
18783 when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
18784 The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
18785 shared library.
18786
18787 @item show stop-on-solib-events
18788 @kindex show stop-on-solib-events
18789 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
18790 library events happen.
18791 @end table
18792
18793 Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
18794 configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
18795 this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
18796 on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
18797 libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
18798 provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
18799 copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
18800 not.
18801
18802 @cindex where to look for shared libraries
18803 For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
18804 libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
18805 may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
18806 to specify the search directories for target libraries.
18807
18808 @table @code
18809 @cindex prefix for executable and shared library file names
18810 @cindex system root, alternate
18811 @kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
18812 @kindex set sysroot
18813 @item set sysroot @var{path}
18814 Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
18815 absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
18816 runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
18817 target program's memory. When starting processes remotely, and when
18818 attaching to already-running processes (local or remote), their
18819 executable filenames will be prefixed with @var{path} if reported to
18820 @value{GDBN} as absolute by the operating system. If you use
18821 @code{set sysroot} to find executables and shared libraries, they need
18822 to be laid out in the same way that they are on the target, with
18823 e.g.@: a @file{/bin}, @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy under
18824 @var{path}.
18825
18826 If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{target:} and the target
18827 system is remote then @value{GDBN} will retrieve the target binaries
18828 from the remote system. This is only supported when using a remote
18829 target that supports the @code{remote get} command (@pxref{File
18830 Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}). The part of @var{path}
18831 following the initial @file{target:} (if present) is used as system
18832 root prefix on the remote file system. If @var{path} starts with the
18833 sequence @file{remote:} this is converted to the sequence
18834 @file{target:} by @code{set sysroot}@footnote{Historically the
18835 functionality to retrieve binaries from the remote system was
18836 provided by prefixing @var{path} with @file{remote:}}. If you want
18837 to specify a local system root using a directory that happens to be
18838 named @file{target:} or @file{remote:}, you need to use some
18839 equivalent variant of the name like @file{./target:}.
18840
18841 For targets with an MS-DOS based filesystem, such as MS-Windows and
18842 SymbianOS, @value{GDBN} tries prefixing a few variants of the target
18843 absolute file name with @var{path}. But first, on Unix hosts,
18844 @value{GDBN} converts all backslash directory separators into forward
18845 slashes, because the backslash is not a directory separator on Unix:
18846
18847 @smallexample
18848 c:\foo\bar.dll @result{} c:/foo/bar.dll
18849 @end smallexample
18850
18851 Then, @value{GDBN} attempts prefixing the target file name with
18852 @var{path}, and looks for the resulting file name in the host file
18853 system:
18854
18855 @smallexample
18856 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c:/foo/bar.dll
18857 @end smallexample
18858
18859 If that does not find the binary, @value{GDBN} tries removing
18860 the @samp{:} character from the drive spec, both for convenience, and,
18861 for the case of the host file system not supporting file names with
18862 colons:
18863
18864 @smallexample
18865 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c/foo/bar.dll
18866 @end smallexample
18867
18868 This makes it possible to have a system root that mirrors a target
18869 with more than one drive. E.g., you may want to setup your local
18870 copies of the target system shared libraries like so (note @samp{c} vs
18871 @samp{z}):
18872
18873 @smallexample
18874 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/foo.dll}
18875 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/bar.dll}
18876 @file{/path/to/sysroot/z/sys/bin/bar.dll}
18877 @end smallexample
18878
18879 @noindent
18880 and point the system root at @file{/path/to/sysroot}, so that
18881 @value{GDBN} can find the correct copies of both
18882 @file{c:\sys\bin\foo.dll}, and @file{z:\sys\bin\bar.dll}.
18883
18884 If that still does not find the binary, @value{GDBN} tries
18885 removing the whole drive spec from the target file name:
18886
18887 @smallexample
18888 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/foo/bar.dll
18889 @end smallexample
18890
18891 This last lookup makes it possible to not care about the drive name,
18892 if you don't want or need to.
18893
18894 The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
18895 sysroot}.
18896
18897 @cindex default system root
18898 @cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
18899 You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
18900 @samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
18901 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
18902 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
18903 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
18904 location.
18905
18906 @kindex show sysroot
18907 @item show sysroot
18908 Display the current executable and shared library prefix.
18909
18910 @kindex set solib-search-path
18911 @item set solib-search-path @var{path}
18912 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
18913 directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
18914 is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
18915 path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
18916 use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
18917 @samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
18918 finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
18919 it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
18920 of shared library symbols.
18921
18922 @kindex show solib-search-path
18923 @item show solib-search-path
18924 Display the current shared library search path.
18925
18926 @cindex DOS file-name semantics of file names.
18927 @kindex set target-file-system-kind (unix|dos-based|auto)
18928 @kindex show target-file-system-kind
18929 @item set target-file-system-kind @var{kind}
18930 Set assumed file system kind for target reported file names.
18931
18932 Shared library file names as reported by the target system may not
18933 make sense as is on the system @value{GDBN} is running on. For
18934 example, when remote debugging a target that has MS-DOS based file
18935 system semantics, from a Unix host, the target may be reporting to
18936 @value{GDBN} a list of loaded shared libraries with file names such as
18937 @file{c:\Windows\kernel32.dll}. On Unix hosts, there's no concept of
18938 drive letters, so the @samp{c:\} prefix is not normally understood as
18939 indicating an absolute file name, and neither is the backslash
18940 normally considered a directory separator character. In that case,
18941 the native file system would interpret this whole absolute file name
18942 as a relative file name with no directory components. This would make
18943 it impossible to point @value{GDBN} at a copy of the remote target's
18944 shared libraries on the host using @code{set sysroot}, and impractical
18945 with @code{set solib-search-path}. Setting
18946 @code{target-file-system-kind} to @code{dos-based} tells @value{GDBN}
18947 to interpret such file names similarly to how the target would, and to
18948 map them to file names valid on @value{GDBN}'s native file system
18949 semantics. The value of @var{kind} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition
18950 to one of the supported file system kinds. In that case, @value{GDBN}
18951 tries to determine the appropriate file system variant based on the
18952 current target's operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the
18953 Current ABI}). The supported file system settings are:
18954
18955 @table @code
18956 @item unix
18957 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is of Unix
18958 kind. Only file names starting the forward slash (@samp{/}) character
18959 are considered absolute, and the directory separator character is also
18960 the forward slash.
18961
18962 @item dos-based
18963 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is DOS based.
18964 File names starting with either a forward slash, or a drive letter
18965 followed by a colon (e.g., @samp{c:}), are considered absolute, and
18966 both the slash (@samp{/}) and the backslash (@samp{\\}) characters are
18967 considered directory separators.
18968
18969 @item auto
18970 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the file system kind associated with the
18971 target operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
18972 This is the default.
18973 @end table
18974 @end table
18975
18976 @cindex file name canonicalization
18977 @cindex base name differences
18978 When processing file names provided by the user, @value{GDBN}
18979 frequently needs to compare them to the file names recorded in the
18980 program's debug info. Normally, @value{GDBN} compares just the
18981 @dfn{base names} of the files as strings, which is reasonably fast
18982 even for very large programs. (The base name of a file is the last
18983 portion of its name, after stripping all the leading directories.)
18984 This shortcut in comparison is based upon the assumption that files
18985 cannot have more than one base name. This is usually true, but
18986 references to files that use symlinks or similar filesystem
18987 facilities violate that assumption. If your program records files
18988 using such facilities, or if you provide file names to @value{GDBN}
18989 using symlinks etc., you can set @code{basenames-may-differ} to
18990 @code{true} to instruct @value{GDBN} to completely canonicalize each
18991 pair of file names it needs to compare. This will make file-name
18992 comparisons accurate, but at a price of a significant slowdown.
18993
18994 @table @code
18995 @item set basenames-may-differ
18996 @kindex set basenames-may-differ
18997 Set whether a source file may have multiple base names.
18998
18999 @item show basenames-may-differ
19000 @kindex show basenames-may-differ
19001 Show whether a source file may have multiple base names.
19002 @end table
19003
19004 @node File Caching
19005 @section File Caching
19006 @cindex caching of opened files
19007 @cindex caching of bfd objects
19008
19009 To speed up file loading, and reduce memory usage, @value{GDBN} will
19010 reuse the @code{bfd} objects used to track open files. @xref{Top, ,
19011 BFD, bfd, The Binary File Descriptor Library}. The following commands
19012 allow visibility and control of the caching behavior.
19013
19014 @table @code
19015 @kindex maint info bfds
19016 @item maint info bfds
19017 This prints information about each @code{bfd} object that is known to
19018 @value{GDBN}.
19019
19020 @kindex maint set bfd-sharing
19021 @kindex maint show bfd-sharing
19022 @kindex bfd caching
19023 @item maint set bfd-sharing
19024 @item maint show bfd-sharing
19025 Control whether @code{bfd} objects can be shared. When sharing is
19026 enabled @value{GDBN} reuses already open @code{bfd} objects rather
19027 than reopening the same file. Turning sharing off does not cause
19028 already shared @code{bfd} objects to be unshared, but all future files
19029 that are opened will create a new @code{bfd} object. Similarly,
19030 re-enabling sharing does not cause multiple existing @code{bfd}
19031 objects to be collapsed into a single shared @code{bfd} object.
19032
19033 @kindex set debug bfd-cache @var{level}
19034 @kindex bfd caching
19035 @item set debug bfd-cache @var{level}
19036 Turns on debugging of the bfd cache, setting the level to @var{level}.
19037
19038 @kindex show debug bfd-cache
19039 @kindex bfd caching
19040 @item show debug bfd-cache
19041 Show the current debugging level of the bfd cache.
19042 @end table
19043
19044 @node Separate Debug Files
19045 @section Debugging Information in Separate Files
19046 @cindex separate debugging information files
19047 @cindex debugging information in separate files
19048 @cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
19049 @cindex debugging information directory, global
19050 @cindex global debugging information directories
19051 @cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
19052 @cindex @file{.build-id} directory
19053
19054 @value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
19055 file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
19056 @value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
19057 Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
19058 than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
19059 information for their executables in separate files, which users can
19060 install only when they need to debug a problem.
19061
19062 @value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
19063 file:
19064
19065 @itemize @bullet
19066 @item
19067 The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
19068 the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
19069 usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
19070 name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
19071 (e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
19072 debug link specifies a 32-bit @dfn{Cyclic Redundancy Check} (CRC)
19073 checksum for the debug file, which @value{GDBN} uses to validate that
19074 the executable and the debug file came from the same build.
19075
19076 @item
19077 The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
19078 also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
19079 only on some operating systems, when using the ELF or PE file formats
19080 for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
19081 this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
19082 command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld.info,
19083 The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
19084 explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
19085 below.
19086 @end itemize
19087
19088 Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
19089 uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
19090
19091 @itemize @bullet
19092 @item
19093 For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
19094 the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
19095 directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under each one of the global debug
19096 directories, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
19097 directories of the executable's absolute file name.
19098
19099 @item
19100 For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
19101 @file{.build-id} subdirectory of each one of the global debug directories for
19102 a file named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
19103 first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
19104 are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
19105 hex characters, not 10.)
19106 @end itemize
19107
19108 So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
19109 @file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
19110 file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
19111 @code{abcdef1234}. If the list of the global debug directories includes
19112 @file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
19113 debug information files, in the indicated order:
19114
19115 @itemize @minus
19116 @item
19117 @file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
19118 @item
19119 @file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
19120 @item
19121 @file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
19122 @item
19123 @file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
19124 @end itemize
19125
19126 @anchor{debug-file-directory}
19127 Global debugging info directories default to what is set by @value{GDBN}
19128 configure option @option{--with-separate-debug-dir}. During @value{GDBN} run
19129 you can also set the global debugging info directories, and view the list
19130 @value{GDBN} is currently using.
19131
19132 @table @code
19133
19134 @kindex set debug-file-directory
19135 @item set debug-file-directory @var{directories}
19136 Set the directories which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
19137 information files to @var{directory}. Multiple path components can be set
19138 concatenating them by a path separator.
19139
19140 @kindex show debug-file-directory
19141 @item show debug-file-directory
19142 Show the directories @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
19143 information files.
19144
19145 @end table
19146
19147 @cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
19148 @cindex debug link sections
19149 A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
19150 @code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
19151
19152 @itemize
19153 @item
19154 A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
19155 a zero byte,
19156 @item
19157 zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
19158 boundary within the section, and
19159 @item
19160 a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
19161 executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
19162 information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
19163 zero as the @var{crc} argument.
19164 @end itemize
19165
19166 Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
19167 contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
19168 described above.
19169
19170 @cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
19171 @cindex build ID sections
19172 The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
19173 ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
19174 often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
19175 It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
19176 the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
19177 algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
19178 content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
19179 value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
19180 stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
19181
19182 The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
19183 executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
19184 debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
19185 should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
19186 but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
19187 in an ordinary executable.
19188
19189 The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
19190 @samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
19191 the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
19192 following commands:
19193
19194 @smallexample
19195 @kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
19196 @kbd{strip -g foo}
19197 @end smallexample
19198
19199 @noindent
19200 These commands remove the debugging
19201 information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
19202 @file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
19203 two files:
19204
19205 @itemize @bullet
19206 @item
19207 The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
19208 behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
19209
19210 @smallexample
19211 @kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
19212 @end smallexample
19213
19214 Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
19215 a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
19216 foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
19217 the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
19218
19219 @item
19220 Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
19221 the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
19222 compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
19223 utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
19224 @end itemize
19225
19226 @noindent
19227
19228 @cindex CRC algorithm definition
19229 The CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink} is the CRC-32 defined in
19230 IEEE 802.3 using the polynomial:
19231
19232 @c TexInfo requires naked braces for multi-digit exponents for Tex
19233 @c output, but this causes HTML output to barf. HTML has to be set using
19234 @c raw commands. So we end up having to specify this equation in 2
19235 @c different ways!
19236 @ifhtml
19237 @display
19238 @html
19239 <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>
19240 + <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
19241 @end html
19242 @end display
19243 @end ifhtml
19244 @ifnothtml
19245 @display
19246 @math{x^{32} + x^{26} + x^{23} + x^{22} + x^{16} + x^{12} + x^{11}}
19247 @math{+ x^{10} + x^8 + x^7 + x^5 + x^4 + x^2 + x + 1}
19248 @end display
19249 @end ifnothtml
19250
19251 The function is computed byte at a time, taking the least
19252 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern
19253 @code{0xffffffff} is used, to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC and
19254 the final result is inverted to ensure trailing zeros also affect the
19255 CRC.
19256
19257 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC polynomial as used in handling the
19258 @dfn{Remote Serial Protocol} @code{qCRC} packet (@pxref{qCRC packet}).
19259 However in the case of the Remote Serial Protocol, the CRC is computed
19260 @emph{most} significant bit first, and the result is not inverted, so
19261 trailing zeros have no effect on the CRC value.
19262
19263 To complete the description, we show below the code of the function
19264 which produces the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}. Inverting the
19265 initially supplied @code{crc} argument means that an initial call to
19266 this function passing in zero will start computing the CRC using
19267 @code{0xffffffff}.
19268
19269 @kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
19270 @smallexample
19271 unsigned long
19272 gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
19273 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
19274 @{
19275 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
19276 @{
19277 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
19278 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
19279 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
19280 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
19281 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
19282 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
19283 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
19284 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
19285 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
19286 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
19287 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
19288 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
19289 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
19290 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
19291 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
19292 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
19293 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
19294 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
19295 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
19296 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
19297 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
19298 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
19299 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
19300 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
19301 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
19302 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
19303 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
19304 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
19305 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
19306 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
19307 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
19308 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
19309 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
19310 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
19311 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
19312 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
19313 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
19314 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
19315 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
19316 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
19317 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
19318 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
19319 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
19320 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
19321 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
19322 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
19323 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
19324 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
19325 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
19326 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
19327 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
19328 0x2d02ef8d
19329 @};
19330 unsigned char *end;
19331
19332 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
19333 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
19334 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
19335 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
19336 @}
19337 @end smallexample
19338
19339 @noindent
19340 This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
19341
19342 @node MiniDebugInfo
19343 @section Debugging information in a special section
19344 @cindex separate debug sections
19345 @cindex @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section
19346
19347 Some systems ship pre-built executables and libraries that have a
19348 special @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section. This feature is called
19349 @dfn{MiniDebugInfo}. This section holds an LZMA-compressed object and
19350 is used to supply extra symbols for backtraces.
19351
19352 The intent of this section is to provide extra minimal debugging
19353 information for use in simple backtraces. It is not intended to be a
19354 replacement for full separate debugging information (@pxref{Separate
19355 Debug Files}). The example below shows the intended use; however,
19356 @value{GDBN} does not currently put restrictions on what sort of
19357 debugging information might be included in the section.
19358
19359 @value{GDBN} has support for this extension. If the section exists,
19360 then it is used provided that no other source of debugging information
19361 can be found, and that @value{GDBN} was configured with LZMA support.
19362
19363 This section can be easily created using @command{objcopy} and other
19364 standard utilities:
19365
19366 @smallexample
19367 # Extract the dynamic symbols from the main binary, there is no need
19368 # to also have these in the normal symbol table.
19369 nm -D @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
19370 | awk '@{ print $1 @}' | sort > dynsyms
19371
19372 # Extract all the text (i.e. function) symbols from the debuginfo.
19373 # (Note that we actually also accept "D" symbols, for the benefit
19374 # of platforms like PowerPC64 that use function descriptors.)
19375 nm @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
19376 | awk '@{ if ($2 == "T" || $2 == "t" || $2 == "D") print $1 @}' \
19377 | sort > funcsyms
19378
19379 # Keep all the function symbols not already in the dynamic symbol
19380 # table.
19381 comm -13 dynsyms funcsyms > keep_symbols
19382
19383 # Separate full debug info into debug binary.
19384 objcopy --only-keep-debug @var{binary} debug
19385
19386 # Copy the full debuginfo, keeping only a minimal set of symbols and
19387 # removing some unnecessary sections.
19388 objcopy -S --remove-section .gdb_index --remove-section .comment \
19389 --keep-symbols=keep_symbols debug mini_debuginfo
19390
19391 # Drop the full debug info from the original binary.
19392 strip --strip-all -R .comment @var{binary}
19393
19394 # Inject the compressed data into the .gnu_debugdata section of the
19395 # original binary.
19396 xz mini_debuginfo
19397 objcopy --add-section .gnu_debugdata=mini_debuginfo.xz @var{binary}
19398 @end smallexample
19399
19400 @node Index Files
19401 @section Index Files Speed Up @value{GDBN}
19402 @cindex index files
19403 @cindex @samp{.gdb_index} section
19404
19405 When @value{GDBN} finds a symbol file, it scans the symbols in the
19406 file in order to construct an internal symbol table. This lets most
19407 @value{GDBN} operations work quickly---at the cost of a delay early
19408 on. For large programs, this delay can be quite lengthy, so
19409 @value{GDBN} provides a way to build an index, which speeds up
19410 startup.
19411
19412 The index is stored as a section in the symbol file. @value{GDBN} can
19413 write the index to a file, then you can put it into the symbol file
19414 using @command{objcopy}.
19415
19416 To create an index file, use the @code{save gdb-index} command:
19417
19418 @table @code
19419 @item save gdb-index @var{directory}
19420 @kindex save gdb-index
19421 Create an index file for each symbol file currently known by
19422 @value{GDBN}. Each file is named after its corresponding symbol file,
19423 with @samp{.gdb-index} appended, and is written into the given
19424 @var{directory}.
19425 @end table
19426
19427 Once you have created an index file you can merge it into your symbol
19428 file, here named @file{symfile}, using @command{objcopy}:
19429
19430 @smallexample
19431 $ objcopy --add-section .gdb_index=symfile.gdb-index \
19432 --set-section-flags .gdb_index=readonly symfile symfile
19433 @end smallexample
19434
19435 @value{GDBN} will normally ignore older versions of @file{.gdb_index}
19436 sections that have been deprecated. Usually they are deprecated because
19437 they are missing a new feature or have performance issues.
19438 To tell @value{GDBN} to use a deprecated index section anyway
19439 specify @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
19440 The default is @code{off}.
19441 This can speed up startup, but may result in some functionality being lost.
19442 @xref{Index Section Format}.
19443
19444 @emph{Warning:} Setting @code{use-deprecated-index-sections} to @code{on}
19445 must be done before gdb reads the file. The following will not work:
19446
19447 @smallexample
19448 $ gdb -ex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
19449 @end smallexample
19450
19451 Instead you must do, for example,
19452
19453 @smallexample
19454 $ gdb -iex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
19455 @end smallexample
19456
19457 There are currently some limitation on indices. They only work when
19458 for DWARF debugging information, not stabs. And, they do not
19459 currently work for programs using Ada.
19460
19461 @node Symbol Errors
19462 @section Errors Reading Symbol Files
19463
19464 While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
19465 such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
19466 output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
19467 they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
19468 debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
19469 about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
19470 only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
19471 times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
19472 to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
19473 complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
19474 Messages}).
19475
19476 The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
19477
19478 @table @code
19479 @item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
19480
19481 The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
19482 (such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
19483 error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
19484 in its outer scope blocks.
19485
19486 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
19487 the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
19488 may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
19489 function.
19490
19491 @item block at @var{address} out of order
19492
19493 The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
19494 order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
19495 do so.
19496
19497 @value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
19498 locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
19499 can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
19500 @code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
19501 Messages}.)
19502
19503 @item bad block start address patched
19504
19505 The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
19506 smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
19507 to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
19508
19509 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
19510 starting on the previous source line.
19511
19512 @item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
19513
19514 @cindex foo
19515 Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
19516 larger than the size of the string table.
19517
19518 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
19519 name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
19520 with this name.
19521
19522 @item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
19523
19524 The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
19525 not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
19526 uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
19527
19528 @value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
19529 This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
19530 are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
19531 debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
19532 on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
19533 and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
19534
19535 @item stub type has NULL name
19536
19537 @value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
19538
19539 @item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
19540 The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
19541 information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
19542 it.
19543
19544 @item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
19545
19546 @value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
19547
19548 @end table
19549
19550 @node Data Files
19551 @section GDB Data Files
19552
19553 @cindex prefix for data files
19554 @value{GDBN} will sometimes read an auxiliary data file. These files
19555 are kept in a directory known as the @dfn{data directory}.
19556
19557 You can set the data directory's name, and view the name @value{GDBN}
19558 is currently using.
19559
19560 @table @code
19561 @kindex set data-directory
19562 @item set data-directory @var{directory}
19563 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files
19564 to @var{directory}.
19565
19566 @kindex show data-directory
19567 @item show data-directory
19568 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files.
19569 @end table
19570
19571 @cindex default data directory
19572 @cindex @samp{--with-gdb-datadir}
19573 You can set the default data directory by using the configure-time
19574 @samp{--with-gdb-datadir} option. If the data directory is inside
19575 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
19576 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default data directory will be updated
19577 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
19578 location.
19579
19580 The data directory may also be specified with the
19581 @code{--data-directory} command line option.
19582 @xref{Mode Options}.
19583
19584 @node Targets
19585 @chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
19586
19587 @cindex debugging target
19588 A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
19589
19590 Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
19591 in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
19592 you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
19593 flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
19594 host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
19595 realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
19596 command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
19597 (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
19598
19599 @cindex target architecture
19600 It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
19601 architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
19602 one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
19603 command.
19604
19605 @table @code
19606 @kindex set architecture
19607 @kindex show architecture
19608 @item set architecture @var{arch}
19609 This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
19610 value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
19611 supported architectures.
19612
19613 @item show architecture
19614 Show the current target architecture.
19615
19616 @item set processor
19617 @itemx processor
19618 @kindex set processor
19619 @kindex show processor
19620 These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
19621 and @code{show architecture}.
19622 @end table
19623
19624 @menu
19625 * Active Targets:: Active targets
19626 * Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
19627 * Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
19628 @end menu
19629
19630 @node Active Targets
19631 @section Active Targets
19632
19633 @cindex stacking targets
19634 @cindex active targets
19635 @cindex multiple targets
19636
19637 There are multiple classes of targets such as: processes, executable files or
19638 recording sessions. Core files belong to the process class, making core file
19639 and process mutually exclusive. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} can work concurrently
19640 on multiple active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for
19641 example) start a process and inspect its activity, while still having access to
19642 the executable file after the process finishes. Or if you start process
19643 recording (@pxref{Reverse Execution}) and @code{reverse-step} there, you are
19644 presented a virtual layer of the recording target, while the process target
19645 remains stopped at the chronologically last point of the process execution.
19646
19647 Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new core
19648 file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}). To
19649 specify as a target a process that is already running, use the @code{attach}
19650 command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
19651
19652 @node Target Commands
19653 @section Commands for Managing Targets
19654
19655 @table @code
19656 @item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
19657 Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
19658 process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
19659 facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
19660 protocol of the target machine.
19661
19662 Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
19663 typically include things like device names or host names to connect
19664 with, process numbers, and baud rates.
19665
19666 The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
19667 after executing the command.
19668
19669 @kindex help target
19670 @item help target
19671 Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
19672 currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
19673 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
19674
19675 @item help target @var{name}
19676 Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
19677 select it.
19678
19679 @kindex set gnutarget
19680 @item set gnutarget @var{args}
19681 @value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
19682 knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
19683 a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
19684 with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
19685 with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
19686
19687 @quotation
19688 @emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
19689 you must know the actual BFD name.
19690 @end quotation
19691
19692 @noindent
19693 @xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
19694
19695 @kindex show gnutarget
19696 @item show gnutarget
19697 Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
19698 @code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
19699 @value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
19700 and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BFD target is "auto"}.
19701 @end table
19702
19703 @cindex common targets
19704 Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
19705 configuration):
19706
19707 @table @code
19708 @kindex target
19709 @item target exec @var{program}
19710 @cindex executable file target
19711 An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
19712 @samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
19713
19714 @item target core @var{filename}
19715 @cindex core dump file target
19716 A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
19717 @samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
19718
19719 @item target remote @var{medium}
19720 @cindex remote target
19721 A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
19722 connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
19723 protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
19724
19725 For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
19726 machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
19727
19728 @smallexample
19729 target remote /dev/ttya
19730 @end smallexample
19731
19732 @code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
19733 useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
19734 system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
19735 clobbered by the download.
19736
19737 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
19738 @cindex built-in simulator target
19739 Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
19740 In general,
19741 @smallexample
19742 target sim
19743 load
19744 run
19745 @end smallexample
19746 @noindent
19747 works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
19748 drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
19749 provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
19750 see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
19751 Processors}.
19752
19753 @item target native
19754 @cindex native target
19755 Setup for local/native process debugging. Useful to make the
19756 @code{run} command spawn native processes (likewise @code{attach},
19757 etc.@:) even when @code{set auto-connect-native-target} is @code{off}
19758 (@pxref{set auto-connect-native-target}).
19759
19760 @end table
19761
19762 Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
19763 your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
19764
19765 Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
19766 you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
19767 various aspects of this process.
19768
19769 @table @code
19770
19771 @item set hash
19772 @kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
19773 @cindex hash mark while downloading
19774 This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
19775 downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
19776 displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
19777 monitor.
19778
19779 @item show hash
19780 @kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
19781 Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
19782
19783 @item set debug monitor
19784 @kindex set debug monitor
19785 @cindex display remote monitor communications
19786 Enable or disable display of communications messages between
19787 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
19788
19789 @item show debug monitor
19790 @kindex show debug monitor
19791 Show the current status of displaying communications between
19792 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
19793 @end table
19794
19795 @table @code
19796
19797 @kindex load @var{filename} @var{offset}
19798 @item load @var{filename} @var{offset}
19799 @anchor{load}
19800 Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
19801 @value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
19802 is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
19803 on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
19804 @code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
19805 the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
19806
19807 If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
19808 execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
19809 target is @dots{}}''
19810
19811 The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
19812 For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
19813 link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
19814 specifies a fixed address.
19815 @c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
19816
19817 It is also possible to tell @value{GDBN} to load the executable file at a
19818 specific offset described by the optional argument @var{offset}. When
19819 @var{offset} is provided, @var{filename} must also be provided.
19820
19821 Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
19822 load programs into flash memory.
19823
19824 @code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
19825 @end table
19826
19827 @table @code
19828
19829 @kindex flash-erase
19830 @item flash-erase
19831 @anchor{flash-erase}
19832
19833 Erases all known flash memory regions on the target.
19834
19835 @end table
19836
19837 @node Byte Order
19838 @section Choosing Target Byte Order
19839
19840 @cindex choosing target byte order
19841 @cindex target byte order
19842
19843 Some types of processors, such as the @acronym{MIPS}, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
19844 offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
19845 orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
19846 designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
19847 which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
19848 @value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
19849
19850 @table @code
19851 @kindex set endian
19852 @item set endian big
19853 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
19854
19855 @item set endian little
19856 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
19857
19858 @item set endian auto
19859 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
19860 executable.
19861
19862 @item show endian
19863 Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
19864
19865 @end table
19866
19867 Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
19868 data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
19869 target system.
19870
19871
19872 @node Remote Debugging
19873 @chapter Debugging Remote Programs
19874 @cindex remote debugging
19875
19876 If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
19877 @value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
19878 For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
19879 or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
19880 powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
19881
19882 Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
19883 to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
19884 @value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
19885 but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
19886 write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
19887 communicate with @value{GDBN}.
19888
19889 Other remote targets may be available in your
19890 configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
19891
19892 @menu
19893 * Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
19894 * File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
19895 * Server:: Using the gdbserver program
19896 * Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
19897 * Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
19898 @end menu
19899
19900 @node Connecting
19901 @section Connecting to a Remote Target
19902 @cindex remote debugging, connecting
19903 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, connecting
19904 @cindex remote debugging, types of connections
19905 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, types of connections
19906 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, @code{target remote} mode
19907 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, @code{target extended-remote} mode
19908
19909 This section describes how to connect to a remote target, including the
19910 types of connections and their differences, how to set up executable and
19911 symbol files on the host and target, and the commands used for
19912 connecting to and disconnecting from the remote target.
19913
19914 @subsection Types of Remote Connections
19915
19916 @value{GDBN} supports two types of remote connections, @code{target remote}
19917 mode and @code{target extended-remote} mode. Note that many remote targets
19918 support only @code{target remote} mode. There are several major
19919 differences between the two types of connections, enumerated here:
19920
19921 @table @asis
19922
19923 @cindex remote debugging, detach and program exit
19924 @item Result of detach or program exit
19925 @strong{With target remote mode:} When the debugged program exits or you
19926 detach from it, @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target. When using
19927 @code{gdbserver}, @code{gdbserver} will exit.
19928
19929 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} When the debugged program exits or
19930 you detach from it, @value{GDBN} remains connected to the target, even
19931 though no program is running. You can rerun the program, attach to a
19932 running program, or use @code{monitor} commands specific to the target.
19933
19934 When using @code{gdbserver} in this case, it does not exit unless it was
19935 invoked using the @option{--once} option. If the @option{--once} option
19936 was not used, you can ask @code{gdbserver} to exit using the
19937 @code{monitor exit} command (@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}).
19938
19939 @item Specifying the program to debug
19940 For both connection types you use the @code{file} command to specify the
19941 program on the host system. If you are using @code{gdbserver} there are
19942 some differences in how to specify the location of the program on the
19943 target.
19944
19945 @strong{With target remote mode:} You must either specify the program to debug
19946 on the @code{gdbserver} command line or use the @option{--attach} option
19947 (@pxref{Attaching to a program,,Attaching to a Running Program}).
19948
19949 @cindex @option{--multi}, @code{gdbserver} option
19950 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} You may specify the program to debug
19951 on the @code{gdbserver} command line, or you can load the program or attach
19952 to it using @value{GDBN} commands after connecting to @code{gdbserver}.
19953
19954 @anchor{--multi Option in Types of Remote Connnections}
19955 You can start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
19956 or process ID to attach. To do this, use the @option{--multi} command line
19957 option. Then you can connect using @code{target extended-remote} and start
19958 the program you want to debug (see below for details on using the
19959 @code{run} command in this scenario). Note that the conditions under which
19960 @code{gdbserver} terminates depend on how @value{GDBN} connects to it
19961 (@code{target remote} or @code{target extended-remote}). The
19962 @option{--multi} option to @code{gdbserver} has no influence on that.
19963
19964 @item The @code{run} command
19965 @strong{With target remote mode:} The @code{run} command is not
19966 supported. Once a connection has been established, you can use all
19967 the usual @value{GDBN} commands to examine and change data. The
19968 remote program is already running, so you can use commands like
19969 @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}.
19970
19971 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} The @code{run} command is
19972 supported. The @code{run} command uses the value set by
19973 @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set remote exec-file}) to select
19974 the program to run. Command line arguments are supported, except for
19975 wildcard expansion and I/O redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
19976
19977 If you specify the program to debug on the command line, then the
19978 @code{run} command is not required to start execution, and you can
19979 resume using commands like @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue} as with
19980 @code{target remote} mode.
19981
19982 @anchor{Attaching in Types of Remote Connections}
19983 @item Attaching
19984 @strong{With target remote mode:} The @value{GDBN} command @code{attach} is
19985 not supported. To attach to a running program using @code{gdbserver}, you
19986 must use the @option{--attach} option (@pxref{Running gdbserver}).
19987
19988 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} To attach to a running program,
19989 you may use the @code{attach} command after the connection has been
19990 established. If you are using @code{gdbserver}, you may also invoke
19991 @code{gdbserver} using the @option{--attach} option
19992 (@pxref{Running gdbserver}).
19993
19994 @end table
19995
19996 @anchor{Host and target files}
19997 @subsection Host and Target Files
19998 @cindex remote debugging, symbol files
19999 @cindex symbol files, remote debugging
20000
20001 @value{GDBN}, running on the host, needs access to symbol and debugging
20002 information for your program running on the target. This requires
20003 access to an unstripped copy of your program, and possibly any associated
20004 symbol files. Note that this section applies equally to both @code{target
20005 remote} mode and @code{target extended-remote} mode.
20006
20007 Some remote targets (@pxref{qXfer executable filename read}, and
20008 @pxref{Host I/O Packets}) allow @value{GDBN} to access program files over
20009 the same connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. With such a
20010 target, if the remote program is unstripped, the only command you need is
20011 @code{target remote} (or @code{target extended-remote}).
20012
20013 If the remote program is stripped, or the target does not support remote
20014 program file access, start up @value{GDBN} using the name of the local
20015 unstripped copy of your program as the first argument, or use the
20016 @code{file} command. Use @code{set sysroot} to specify the location (on
20017 the host) of target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN} was compiled with
20018 the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}). Alternatively, you
20019 may use @code{set solib-search-path} to specify how @value{GDBN} locates
20020 target libraries.
20021
20022 The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
20023 and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
20024 system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
20025 are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
20026 during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
20027 files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
20028 programs.
20029
20030 @subsection Remote Connection Commands
20031 @cindex remote connection commands
20032 @value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, or
20033 over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
20034 each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
20035 program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
20036 @code{target remote} and @code{target extended-remote} commands
20037 establish a connection to the target. Both commands accept the same
20038 arguments, which indicate the medium to use:
20039
20040 @table @code
20041
20042 @item target remote @var{serial-device}
20043 @itemx target extended-remote @var{serial-device}
20044 @cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
20045 Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
20046 to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
20047
20048 @smallexample
20049 target remote /dev/ttyb
20050 @end smallexample
20051
20052 If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
20053 @samp{--baud} option, or use the @code{set serial baud} command
20054 (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set serial baud}) before the
20055 @code{target} command.
20056
20057 @item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
20058 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20059 @itemx target extended-remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
20060 @itemx target extended-remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20061 @cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
20062 Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
20063 The @var{host} may be either a host name or a numeric @acronym{IP}
20064 address; @var{port} must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be
20065 the target machine itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or
20066 it might be a terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the
20067 target.
20068
20069 For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
20070 @code{manyfarms}:
20071
20072 @smallexample
20073 target remote manyfarms:2828
20074 @end smallexample
20075
20076 If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
20077 debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
20078 same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
20079 port 1234 on your local machine:
20080
20081 @smallexample
20082 target remote :1234
20083 @end smallexample
20084 @noindent
20085
20086 Note that the colon is still required here.
20087
20088 @item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20089 @itemx target extended-remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20090 @cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
20091 Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
20092 connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
20093
20094 @smallexample
20095 target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
20096 @end smallexample
20097
20098 When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
20099 keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
20100 can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
20101 cause havoc with your debugging session.
20102
20103 @item target remote | @var{command}
20104 @itemx target extended-remote | @var{command}
20105 @cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
20106 Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
20107 pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
20108 by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
20109 protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
20110 standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
20111 that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
20112 using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
20113
20114 If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
20115 @value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
20116 program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
20117
20118 @end table
20119
20120 @cindex interrupting remote programs
20121 @cindex remote programs, interrupting
20122 Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
20123 interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
20124 program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
20125 and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
20126 interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
20127
20128 @smallexample
20129 Interrupted while waiting for the program.
20130 Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
20131 @end smallexample
20132
20133 In @code{target remote} mode, if you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons
20134 the remote debugging session. (If you decide you want to try again later,
20135 you can use @kbd{target remote} again to connect once more.) If you type
20136 @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN} goes back to waiting.
20137
20138 In @code{target extended-remote} mode, typing @kbd{n} will leave
20139 @value{GDBN} connected to the target.
20140
20141 @table @code
20142 @kindex detach (remote)
20143 @item detach
20144 When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
20145 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
20146 Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
20147 will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
20148 command in @code{target remote} mode, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to
20149 another target. In @code{target extended-remote} mode, @value{GDBN} is
20150 still connected to the target.
20151
20152 @kindex disconnect
20153 @item disconnect
20154 The @code{disconnect} command closes the connection to the target, and
20155 the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
20156 (this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
20157 the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
20158 another target.
20159
20160 @cindex send command to remote monitor
20161 @cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
20162 @cindex add new commands for external monitor
20163 @kindex monitor
20164 @item monitor @var{cmd}
20165 This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
20166 remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
20167 sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
20168 can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
20169 and implement.
20170 @end table
20171
20172 @node File Transfer
20173 @section Sending files to a remote system
20174 @cindex remote target, file transfer
20175 @cindex file transfer
20176 @cindex sending files to remote systems
20177
20178 Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
20179 connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
20180 for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
20181 running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
20182 e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
20183 the only way to upload or download files.
20184
20185 Not all remote targets support these commands.
20186
20187 @table @code
20188 @kindex remote put
20189 @item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
20190 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
20191 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
20192
20193 @kindex remote get
20194 @item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
20195 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
20196 on the host system.
20197
20198 @kindex remote delete
20199 @item remote delete @var{targetfile}
20200 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
20201
20202 @end table
20203
20204 @node Server
20205 @section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
20206
20207 @kindex gdbserver
20208 @cindex remote connection without stubs
20209 @code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
20210 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
20211 @code{target remote} or @code{target extended-remote}---but without
20212 linking in the usual debugging stub.
20213
20214 @code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
20215 because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
20216 that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
20217 @code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
20218 @value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
20219 because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
20220 also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
20221 started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
20222 Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
20223 the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
20224 do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
20225 by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
20226 choice for debugging.
20227
20228 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
20229 or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
20230 protocol.
20231
20232 @quotation
20233 @emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
20234 Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
20235 @value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
20236 target system with the same privileges as the user running
20237 @code{gdbserver}.
20238 @end quotation
20239
20240 @anchor{Running gdbserver}
20241 @subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
20242 @cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
20243 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, command-line arguments
20244
20245 Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
20246 program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
20247 @code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
20248 strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
20249 system does all the symbol handling.
20250
20251 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
20252 the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
20253 syntax is:
20254
20255 @smallexample
20256 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
20257 @end smallexample
20258
20259 @var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line), or a TCP
20260 hostname and portnumber, or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
20261 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}.
20262 For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
20263 @samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
20264 @file{/dev/com1}:
20265
20266 @smallexample
20267 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
20268 @end smallexample
20269
20270 @code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
20271 with it.
20272
20273 To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
20274
20275 @smallexample
20276 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
20277 @end smallexample
20278
20279 The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
20280 specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
20281 TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
20282 expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
20283 (Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
20284 you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
20285 TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
20286 reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
20287 conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
20288 and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
20289 @code{target remote} command.
20290
20291 The @code{stdio} connection is useful when starting @code{gdbserver}
20292 with ssh:
20293
20294 @smallexample
20295 (gdb) target remote | ssh -T hostname gdbserver - hello
20296 @end smallexample
20297
20298 The @samp{-T} option to ssh is provided because we don't need a remote pty,
20299 and we don't want escape-character handling. Ssh does this by default when
20300 a command is provided, the flag is provided to make it explicit.
20301 You could elide it if you want to.
20302
20303 Programs started with stdio-connected gdbserver have @file{/dev/null} for
20304 @code{stdin}, and @code{stdout},@code{stderr} are sent back to gdb for
20305 display through a pipe connected to gdbserver.
20306 Both @code{stdout} and @code{stderr} use the same pipe.
20307
20308 @anchor{Attaching to a program}
20309 @subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
20310 @cindex attach to a program, @code{gdbserver}
20311 @cindex @option{--attach}, @code{gdbserver} option
20312
20313 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
20314 This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
20315
20316 @smallexample
20317 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
20318 @end smallexample
20319
20320 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
20321 necessary to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
20322
20323 In @code{target extended-remote} mode, you can also attach using the
20324 @value{GDBN} attach command
20325 (@pxref{Attaching in Types of Remote Connections}).
20326
20327 @pindex pidof
20328 You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
20329 @code{pidof} utility:
20330
20331 @smallexample
20332 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
20333 @end smallexample
20334
20335 In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
20336 has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
20337 @code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
20338
20339 @subsubsection TCP port allocation lifecycle of @code{gdbserver}
20340
20341 This section applies only when @code{gdbserver} is run to listen on a TCP
20342 port.
20343
20344 @code{gdbserver} normally terminates after all of its debugged processes have
20345 terminated in @kbd{target remote} mode. On the other hand, for @kbd{target
20346 extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver} stays running even with no processes left.
20347 @value{GDBN} normally terminates the spawned debugged process on its exit,
20348 which normally also terminates @code{gdbserver} in the @kbd{target remote}
20349 mode. Therefore, when the connection drops unexpectedly, and @value{GDBN}
20350 cannot ask @code{gdbserver} to kill its debugged processes, @code{gdbserver}
20351 stays running even in the @kbd{target remote} mode.
20352
20353 When @code{gdbserver} stays running, @value{GDBN} can connect to it again later.
20354 Such reconnecting is useful for features like @ref{disconnected tracing}. For
20355 completeness, at most one @value{GDBN} can be connected at a time.
20356
20357 @cindex @option{--once}, @code{gdbserver} option
20358 By default, @code{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
20359 subsequent connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
20360 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
20361 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session. This
20362 means no further connections to @code{gdbserver} will be possible after the
20363 first one. It also means @code{gdbserver} will terminate after the first
20364 connection with remote @value{GDBN} has closed, even for unexpectedly closed
20365 connections and even in the @kbd{target extended-remote} mode. The
20366 @option{--once} option allows reusing the same port number for connecting to
20367 multiple instances of @code{gdbserver} running on the same host, since each
20368 instance closes its port after the first connection.
20369
20370 @anchor{Other Command-Line Arguments for gdbserver}
20371 @subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
20372
20373 You can use the @option{--multi} option to start @code{gdbserver} without
20374 specifying a program to debug or a process to attach to. Then you can
20375 attach in @code{target extended-remote} mode and run or attach to a
20376 program. For more information,
20377 @pxref{--multi Option in Types of Remote Connnections}.
20378
20379 @cindex @option{--debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
20380 The @option{--debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display extra
20381 status information about the debugging process.
20382 @cindex @option{--remote-debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
20383 The @option{--remote-debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display
20384 remote protocol debug output. These options are intended for
20385 @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to the developers.
20386
20387 @cindex @option{--debug-format}, @code{gdbserver} option
20388 The @option{--debug-format=option1[,option2,...]} option tells
20389 @code{gdbserver} to include additional information in each output.
20390 Possible options are:
20391
20392 @table @code
20393 @item none
20394 Turn off all extra information in debugging output.
20395 @item all
20396 Turn on all extra information in debugging output.
20397 @item timestamps
20398 Include a timestamp in each line of debugging output.
20399 @end table
20400
20401 Options are processed in order. Thus, for example, if @option{none}
20402 appears last then no additional information is added to debugging output.
20403
20404 @cindex @option{--wrapper}, @code{gdbserver} option
20405 The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
20406 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
20407 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
20408 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
20409
20410 @code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
20411 command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
20412 program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
20413 runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
20414
20415 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
20416 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
20417 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
20418 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
20419
20420 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
20421 the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
20422 environment:
20423
20424 @smallexample
20425 $ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
20426 @end smallexample
20427
20428 @cindex @option{--selftest}
20429 The @option{--selftest} option runs the self tests in @code{gdbserver}:
20430
20431 @smallexample
20432 $ gdbserver --selftest
20433 Ran 2 unit tests, 0 failed
20434 @end smallexample
20435
20436 These tests are disabled in release.
20437 @subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
20438
20439 The basic procedure for connecting to the remote target is:
20440 @itemize
20441
20442 @item
20443 Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
20444
20445 @item
20446 Make sure you have the necessary symbol files
20447 (@pxref{Host and target files}).
20448 Load symbols for your application using the @code{file} command before you
20449 connect. Use @code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your
20450 @value{GDBN} was compiled with the correct sysroot using
20451 @code{--with-sysroot}).
20452
20453 @item
20454 Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
20455 For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
20456 the @code{target} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
20457 text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
20458 @samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
20459 command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{target remote} mode, since the
20460 program is already on the target.
20461
20462 @end itemize
20463
20464 @anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
20465 @subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
20466 @cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
20467
20468 During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
20469 @code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
20470 Here are the available commands.
20471
20472 @table @code
20473 @item monitor help
20474 List the available monitor commands.
20475
20476 @item monitor set debug 0
20477 @itemx monitor set debug 1
20478 Disable or enable general debugging messages.
20479
20480 @item monitor set remote-debug 0
20481 @itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
20482 Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
20483 protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
20484
20485 @item monitor set debug-format option1@r{[},option2,...@r{]}
20486 Specify additional text to add to debugging messages.
20487 Possible options are:
20488
20489 @table @code
20490 @item none
20491 Turn off all extra information in debugging output.
20492 @item all
20493 Turn on all extra information in debugging output.
20494 @item timestamps
20495 Include a timestamp in each line of debugging output.
20496 @end table
20497
20498 Options are processed in order. Thus, for example, if @option{none}
20499 appears last then no additional information is added to debugging output.
20500
20501 @item monitor set libthread-db-search-path [PATH]
20502 @cindex gdbserver, search path for @code{libthread_db}
20503 When this command is issued, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
20504 directories to search for @code{libthread_db} (@pxref{Threads,,set
20505 libthread-db-search-path}). If you omit @var{path},
20506 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to its default value.
20507
20508 The special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path} is
20509 not supported in @code{gdbserver}.
20510
20511 @item monitor exit
20512 Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
20513 @code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
20514 detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
20515 Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
20516 of a multi-process mode debug session.
20517
20518 @end table
20519
20520 @subsection Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
20521 @cindex tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
20522
20523 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints, fast
20524 tracepoints and static tracepoints.
20525
20526 For fast or static tracepoints to work, a special library called the
20527 @dfn{in-process agent} (IPA), must be loaded in the inferior process.
20528 This library is built and distributed as an integral part of
20529 @code{gdbserver}. In addition, support for static tracepoints
20530 requires building the in-process agent library with static tracepoints
20531 support. At present, the UST (LTTng Userspace Tracer,
20532 @url{http://lttng.org/ust}) tracing engine is supported. This support
20533 is automatically available if UST development headers are found in the
20534 standard include path when @code{gdbserver} is built, or if
20535 @code{gdbserver} was explicitly configured using @option{--with-ust}
20536 to point at such headers. You can explicitly disable the support
20537 using @option{--with-ust=no}.
20538
20539 There are several ways to load the in-process agent in your program:
20540
20541 @table @code
20542 @item Specifying it as dependency at link time
20543
20544 You can link your program dynamically with the in-process agent
20545 library. On most systems, this is accomplished by adding
20546 @code{-linproctrace} to the link command.
20547
20548 @item Using the system's preloading mechanisms
20549
20550 You can force loading the in-process agent at startup time by using
20551 your system's support for preloading shared libraries. Many Unixes
20552 support the concept of preloading user defined libraries. In most
20553 cases, you do that by specifying @code{LD_PRELOAD=libinproctrace.so}
20554 in the environment. See also the description of @code{gdbserver}'s
20555 @option{--wrapper} command line option.
20556
20557 @item Using @value{GDBN} to force loading the agent at run time
20558
20559 On some systems, you can force the inferior to load a shared library,
20560 by calling a dynamic loader function in the inferior that takes care
20561 of dynamically looking up and loading a shared library. On most Unix
20562 systems, the function is @code{dlopen}. You'll use the @code{call}
20563 command for that. For example:
20564
20565 @smallexample
20566 (@value{GDBP}) call dlopen ("libinproctrace.so", ...)
20567 @end smallexample
20568
20569 Note that on most Unix systems, for the @code{dlopen} function to be
20570 available, the program needs to be linked with @code{-ldl}.
20571 @end table
20572
20573 On systems that have a userspace dynamic loader, like most Unix
20574 systems, when you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target
20575 remote}, you'll find that the program is stopped at the dynamic
20576 loader's entry point, and no shared library has been loaded in the
20577 program's address space yet, including the in-process agent. In that
20578 case, before being able to use any of the fast or static tracepoints
20579 features, you need to let the loader run and load the shared
20580 libraries. The simplest way to do that is to run the program to the
20581 main procedure. E.g., if debugging a C or C@t{++} program, start
20582 @code{gdbserver} like so:
20583
20584 @smallexample
20585 $ gdbserver :9999 myprogram
20586 @end smallexample
20587
20588 Start GDB and connect to @code{gdbserver} like so, and run to main:
20589
20590 @smallexample
20591 $ gdb myprogram
20592 (@value{GDBP}) target remote myhost:9999
20593 0x00007f215893ba60 in ?? () from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
20594 (@value{GDBP}) b main
20595 (@value{GDBP}) continue
20596 @end smallexample
20597
20598 The in-process tracing agent library should now be loaded into the
20599 process; you can confirm it with the @code{info sharedlibrary}
20600 command, which will list @file{libinproctrace.so} as loaded in the
20601 process. You are now ready to install fast tracepoints, list static
20602 tracepoint markers, probe static tracepoints markers, and start
20603 tracing.
20604
20605 @node Remote Configuration
20606 @section Remote Configuration
20607
20608 @kindex set remote
20609 @kindex show remote
20610 This section documents the configuration options available when
20611 debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
20612 extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
20613 system-call-allowed}.
20614
20615 @table @code
20616 @item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
20617 @cindex address size for remote targets
20618 @cindex bits in remote address
20619 Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
20620 number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
20621 that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
20622 default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
20623
20624 @item show remoteaddresssize
20625 Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
20626
20627 @item set serial baud @var{n}
20628 @cindex baud rate for remote targets
20629 Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
20630 value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
20631 remote targets.
20632
20633 @item show serial baud
20634 Show the current speed of the remote connection.
20635
20636 @item set serial parity @var{parity}
20637 Set the parity for the remote serial I/O. Supported values of @var{parity} are:
20638 @code{even}, @code{none}, and @code{odd}. The default is @code{none}.
20639
20640 @item show serial parity
20641 Show the current parity of the serial port.
20642
20643 @item set remotebreak
20644 @cindex interrupt remote programs
20645 @cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
20646 @anchor{set remotebreak}
20647 If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
20648 when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
20649 on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
20650 character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
20651 expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
20652
20653 @item show remotebreak
20654 Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
20655 interrupt the remote program.
20656
20657 @item set remoteflow on
20658 @itemx set remoteflow off
20659 @kindex set remoteflow
20660 Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
20661 on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
20662
20663 @item show remoteflow
20664 @kindex show remoteflow
20665 Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
20666
20667 @item set remotelogbase @var{base}
20668 Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
20669 communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
20670 @code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
20671 @code{ascii}.
20672
20673 @item show remotelogbase
20674 Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
20675 protocol.
20676
20677 @item set remotelogfile @var{file}
20678 @cindex record serial communications on file
20679 Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
20680 default is not to record at all.
20681
20682 @item show remotelogfile.
20683 Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
20684 serial communications.
20685
20686 @item set remotetimeout @var{num}
20687 @cindex timeout for serial communications
20688 @cindex remote timeout
20689 Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
20690 @var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
20691
20692 @item show remotetimeout
20693 Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
20694 responses.
20695
20696 @cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
20697 @cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
20698 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
20699 @anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
20700 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
20701 @itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
20702 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware breakpoint or
20703 watchpoints. A limit of -1, the default, is treated as unlimited.
20704
20705 @cindex limit hardware watchpoints length
20706 @cindex remote target, limit watchpoints length
20707 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit}
20708 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit @var{limit}
20709 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} bytes for the maximum length of
20710 a remote hardware watchpoint. A limit of -1, the default, is treated
20711 as unlimited.
20712
20713 @item show remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit
20714 Show the current limit (in bytes) of the maximum length of
20715 a remote hardware watchpoint.
20716
20717 @item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
20718 @itemx show remote exec-file
20719 @anchor{set remote exec-file}
20720 @cindex executable file, for remote target
20721 Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
20722 extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
20723 target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
20724 filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
20725
20726 @item set remote interrupt-sequence
20727 @cindex interrupt remote programs
20728 @cindex select Ctrl-C, BREAK or BREAK-g
20729 Allow the user to select one of @samp{Ctrl-C}, a @code{BREAK} or
20730 @samp{BREAK-g} as the
20731 sequence to the remote target in order to interrupt the execution.
20732 @samp{Ctrl-C} is a default. Some system prefers @code{BREAK} which
20733 is high level of serial line for some certain time.
20734 Linux kernel prefers @samp{BREAK-g}, a.k.a Magic SysRq g.
20735 It is @code{BREAK} signal followed by character @code{g}.
20736
20737 @item show interrupt-sequence
20738 Show which of @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or @code{BREAK-g}
20739 is sent by @value{GDBN} to interrupt the remote program.
20740 @code{BREAK-g} is BREAK signal followed by @code{g} and
20741 also known as Magic SysRq g.
20742
20743 @item set remote interrupt-on-connect
20744 @cindex send interrupt-sequence on start
20745 Specify whether interrupt-sequence is sent to remote target when
20746 @value{GDBN} connects to it. This is mostly needed when you debug
20747 Linux kernel. Linux kernel expects @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}
20748 which is known as Magic SysRq g in order to connect @value{GDBN}.
20749
20750 @item show interrupt-on-connect
20751 Show whether interrupt-sequence is sent
20752 to remote target when @value{GDBN} connects to it.
20753
20754 @kindex set tcp
20755 @kindex show tcp
20756 @item set tcp auto-retry on
20757 @cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
20758 Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
20759 debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
20760 condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
20761 before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
20762 enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
20763 to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
20764 @code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
20765
20766 @item set tcp auto-retry off
20767 Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
20768
20769 @item show tcp auto-retry
20770 Show the current auto-retry setting.
20771
20772 @item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
20773 @itemx set tcp connect-timeout unlimited
20774 @cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
20775 @cindex timeout, for remote target connection
20776 Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
20777 @var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
20778 (enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
20779 that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
20780 value. If @var{seconds} is @code{unlimited}, there is no timeout and
20781 @value{GDBN} will keep attempting to establish a connection forever,
20782 unless interrupted with @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The default is 15 seconds.
20783
20784 @item show tcp connect-timeout
20785 Show the current connection timeout setting.
20786 @end table
20787
20788 @cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
20789 The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
20790 your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
20791 can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
20792 packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
20793 packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
20794 or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
20795 all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
20796 see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
20797
20798 During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
20799 If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
20800 in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
20801 @value{GDBN} developers.
20802
20803 For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
20804 packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
20805 are:
20806
20807 @multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
20808 @item Command Name
20809 @tab Remote Packet
20810 @tab Related Features
20811
20812 @item @code{fetch-register}
20813 @tab @code{p}
20814 @tab @code{info registers}
20815
20816 @item @code{set-register}
20817 @tab @code{P}
20818 @tab @code{set}
20819
20820 @item @code{binary-download}
20821 @tab @code{X}
20822 @tab @code{load}, @code{set}
20823
20824 @item @code{read-aux-vector}
20825 @tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
20826 @tab @code{info auxv}
20827
20828 @item @code{symbol-lookup}
20829 @tab @code{qSymbol}
20830 @tab Detecting multiple threads
20831
20832 @item @code{attach}
20833 @tab @code{vAttach}
20834 @tab @code{attach}
20835
20836 @item @code{verbose-resume}
20837 @tab @code{vCont}
20838 @tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
20839
20840 @item @code{run}
20841 @tab @code{vRun}
20842 @tab @code{run}
20843
20844 @item @code{software-breakpoint}
20845 @tab @code{Z0}
20846 @tab @code{break}
20847
20848 @item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
20849 @tab @code{Z1}
20850 @tab @code{hbreak}
20851
20852 @item @code{write-watchpoint}
20853 @tab @code{Z2}
20854 @tab @code{watch}
20855
20856 @item @code{read-watchpoint}
20857 @tab @code{Z3}
20858 @tab @code{rwatch}
20859
20860 @item @code{access-watchpoint}
20861 @tab @code{Z4}
20862 @tab @code{awatch}
20863
20864 @item @code{pid-to-exec-file}
20865 @tab @code{qXfer:exec-file:read}
20866 @tab @code{attach}, @code{run}
20867
20868 @item @code{target-features}
20869 @tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
20870 @tab @code{set architecture}
20871
20872 @item @code{library-info}
20873 @tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
20874 @tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
20875
20876 @item @code{memory-map}
20877 @tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
20878 @tab @code{info mem}
20879
20880 @item @code{read-sdata-object}
20881 @tab @code{qXfer:sdata:read}
20882 @tab @code{print $_sdata}
20883
20884 @item @code{read-spu-object}
20885 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
20886 @tab @code{info spu}
20887
20888 @item @code{write-spu-object}
20889 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
20890 @tab @code{info spu}
20891
20892 @item @code{read-siginfo-object}
20893 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:read}
20894 @tab @code{print $_siginfo}
20895
20896 @item @code{write-siginfo-object}
20897 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:write}
20898 @tab @code{set $_siginfo}
20899
20900 @item @code{threads}
20901 @tab @code{qXfer:threads:read}
20902 @tab @code{info threads}
20903
20904 @item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
20905 @tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
20906 @tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
20907
20908 @item @code{get-thread-information-block-address}
20909 @tab @code{qGetTIBAddr}
20910 @tab Display MS-Windows Thread Information Block.
20911
20912 @item @code{search-memory}
20913 @tab @code{qSearch:memory}
20914 @tab @code{find}
20915
20916 @item @code{supported-packets}
20917 @tab @code{qSupported}
20918 @tab Remote communications parameters
20919
20920 @item @code{catch-syscalls}
20921 @tab @code{QCatchSyscalls}
20922 @tab @code{catch syscall}
20923
20924 @item @code{pass-signals}
20925 @tab @code{QPassSignals}
20926 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
20927
20928 @item @code{program-signals}
20929 @tab @code{QProgramSignals}
20930 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
20931
20932 @item @code{hostio-close-packet}
20933 @tab @code{vFile:close}
20934 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
20935
20936 @item @code{hostio-open-packet}
20937 @tab @code{vFile:open}
20938 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
20939
20940 @item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
20941 @tab @code{vFile:pread}
20942 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
20943
20944 @item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
20945 @tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
20946 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
20947
20948 @item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
20949 @tab @code{vFile:unlink}
20950 @tab @code{remote delete}
20951
20952 @item @code{hostio-readlink-packet}
20953 @tab @code{vFile:readlink}
20954 @tab Host I/O
20955
20956 @item @code{hostio-fstat-packet}
20957 @tab @code{vFile:fstat}
20958 @tab Host I/O
20959
20960 @item @code{hostio-setfs-packet}
20961 @tab @code{vFile:setfs}
20962 @tab Host I/O
20963
20964 @item @code{noack-packet}
20965 @tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
20966 @tab Packet acknowledgment
20967
20968 @item @code{osdata}
20969 @tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
20970 @tab @code{info os}
20971
20972 @item @code{query-attached}
20973 @tab @code{qAttached}
20974 @tab Querying remote process attach state.
20975
20976 @item @code{trace-buffer-size}
20977 @tab @code{QTBuffer:size}
20978 @tab @code{set trace-buffer-size}
20979
20980 @item @code{trace-status}
20981 @tab @code{qTStatus}
20982 @tab @code{tstatus}
20983
20984 @item @code{traceframe-info}
20985 @tab @code{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
20986 @tab Traceframe info
20987
20988 @item @code{install-in-trace}
20989 @tab @code{InstallInTrace}
20990 @tab Install tracepoint in tracing
20991
20992 @item @code{disable-randomization}
20993 @tab @code{QDisableRandomization}
20994 @tab @code{set disable-randomization}
20995
20996 @item @code{startup-with-shell}
20997 @tab @code{QStartupWithShell}
20998 @tab @code{set startup-with-shell}
20999
21000 @item @code{environment-hex-encoded}
21001 @tab @code{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}
21002 @tab @code{set environment}
21003
21004 @item @code{environment-unset}
21005 @tab @code{QEnvironmentUnset}
21006 @tab @code{unset environment}
21007
21008 @item @code{environment-reset}
21009 @tab @code{QEnvironmentReset}
21010 @tab @code{Reset the inferior environment (i.e., unset user-set variables)}
21011
21012 @item @code{set-working-dir}
21013 @tab @code{QSetWorkingDir}
21014 @tab @code{set cwd}
21015
21016 @item @code{conditional-breakpoints-packet}
21017 @tab @code{Z0 and Z1}
21018 @tab @code{Support for target-side breakpoint condition evaluation}
21019
21020 @item @code{multiprocess-extensions}
21021 @tab @code{multiprocess extensions}
21022 @tab Debug multiple processes and remote process PID awareness
21023
21024 @item @code{swbreak-feature}
21025 @tab @code{swbreak stop reason}
21026 @tab @code{break}
21027
21028 @item @code{hwbreak-feature}
21029 @tab @code{hwbreak stop reason}
21030 @tab @code{hbreak}
21031
21032 @item @code{fork-event-feature}
21033 @tab @code{fork stop reason}
21034 @tab @code{fork}
21035
21036 @item @code{vfork-event-feature}
21037 @tab @code{vfork stop reason}
21038 @tab @code{vfork}
21039
21040 @item @code{exec-event-feature}
21041 @tab @code{exec stop reason}
21042 @tab @code{exec}
21043
21044 @item @code{thread-events}
21045 @tab @code{QThreadEvents}
21046 @tab Tracking thread lifetime.
21047
21048 @item @code{no-resumed-stop-reply}
21049 @tab @code{no resumed thread left stop reply}
21050 @tab Tracking thread lifetime.
21051
21052 @end multitable
21053
21054 @node Remote Stub
21055 @section Implementing a Remote Stub
21056
21057 @cindex debugging stub, example
21058 @cindex remote stub, example
21059 @cindex stub example, remote debugging
21060 The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
21061 communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
21062 @value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
21063 these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
21064 implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
21065 with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
21066 organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
21067
21068 @cindex remote serial debugging, overview
21069 To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
21070 @dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
21071 prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
21072 program, you need:
21073
21074 @enumerate
21075 @item
21076 A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
21077 have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
21078 your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
21079
21080 @item
21081 A C subroutine library to support your program's
21082 subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
21083
21084 @item
21085 A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
21086 download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
21087 manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
21088 documentation.
21089 @end enumerate
21090
21091 The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
21092 communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
21093 machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
21094
21095 @table @emph
21096 @item On the host,
21097 @value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
21098 else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
21099 (@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
21100
21101 @item On the target,
21102 you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
21103 implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
21104 subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
21105
21106 On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
21107 @code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
21108 @xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
21109 @end table
21110
21111 The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
21112 machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
21113 @sc{sparc} boards.
21114
21115 @cindex remote serial stub list
21116 These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
21117
21118 @table @code
21119
21120 @item i386-stub.c
21121 @cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
21122 @cindex Intel
21123 @cindex i386
21124 For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
21125
21126 @item m68k-stub.c
21127 @cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
21128 @cindex Motorola 680x0
21129 @cindex m680x0
21130 For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
21131
21132 @item sh-stub.c
21133 @cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
21134 @cindex Renesas
21135 @cindex SH
21136 For Renesas SH architectures.
21137
21138 @item sparc-stub.c
21139 @cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
21140 @cindex Sparc
21141 For @sc{sparc} architectures.
21142
21143 @item sparcl-stub.c
21144 @cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
21145 @cindex Fujitsu
21146 @cindex SparcLite
21147 For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
21148
21149 @end table
21150
21151 The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
21152 recently added stubs.
21153
21154 @menu
21155 * Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
21156 * Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
21157 * Debug Session:: Putting it all together
21158 @end menu
21159
21160 @node Stub Contents
21161 @subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
21162
21163 @cindex remote serial stub
21164 The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
21165 subroutines:
21166
21167 @table @code
21168 @item set_debug_traps
21169 @findex set_debug_traps
21170 @cindex remote serial stub, initialization
21171 This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
21172 program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly in your
21173 program's startup code.
21174
21175 @item handle_exception
21176 @findex handle_exception
21177 @cindex remote serial stub, main routine
21178 This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
21179 explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
21180 run when a trap is triggered.
21181
21182 @code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
21183 execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
21184 with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
21185 protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
21186 representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
21187 information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
21188 retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
21189 execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
21190 @code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
21191 machine.
21192
21193 @item breakpoint
21194 @cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
21195 Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
21196 breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
21197 way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
21198 machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
21199 pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
21200 @code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
21201 simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
21202 again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
21203 your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
21204 @value{GDBN} session gets control.
21205
21206 Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
21207 to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
21208 start of your debugging session.
21209 @end table
21210
21211 @node Bootstrapping
21212 @subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
21213
21214 @cindex remote stub, support routines
21215 The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
21216 chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
21217 debugging target machine.
21218
21219 First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
21220 serial port.
21221
21222 @table @code
21223 @item int getDebugChar()
21224 @findex getDebugChar
21225 Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
21226 It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
21227 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
21228
21229 @item void putDebugChar(int)
21230 @findex putDebugChar
21231 Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
21232 It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
21233 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
21234 @end table
21235
21236 @cindex control C, and remote debugging
21237 @cindex interrupting remote targets
21238 If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
21239 running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
21240 for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
21241 character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
21242 remote system to stop.
21243
21244 Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
21245 probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
21246 is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
21247 @value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
21248
21249 Other routines you need to supply are:
21250
21251 @table @code
21252 @item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
21253 @findex exceptionHandler
21254 Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
21255 handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
21256 way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
21257 are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
21258 containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
21259 The @var{exception_number} specifies the exception which should be changed;
21260 its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
21261 might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
21262 exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
21263 @var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
21264 and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
21265 you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
21266 should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
21267
21268 For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
21269 gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
21270 should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
21271 @sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
21272 help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
21273
21274 @item void flush_i_cache()
21275 @findex flush_i_cache
21276 On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
21277 instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
21278 instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
21279
21280 On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
21281 function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
21282 @end table
21283
21284 @noindent
21285 You must also make sure this library routine is available:
21286
21287 @table @code
21288 @item void *memset(void *, int, int)
21289 @findex memset
21290 This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
21291 memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
21292 @code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
21293 either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
21294 @end table
21295
21296 If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
21297 library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
21298 but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
21299 subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
21300
21301
21302 @node Debug Session
21303 @subsection Putting it All Together
21304
21305 @cindex remote serial debugging summary
21306 In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
21307 steps.
21308
21309 @enumerate
21310 @item
21311 Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
21312 (@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
21313 @display
21314 @code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
21315 @code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
21316 @end display
21317
21318 @item
21319 Insert these lines in your program's startup code, before the main
21320 procedure is called:
21321
21322 @smallexample
21323 set_debug_traps();
21324 breakpoint();
21325 @end smallexample
21326
21327 On some machines, when a breakpoint trap is raised, the hardware
21328 automatically makes the PC point to the instruction after the
21329 breakpoint. If your machine doesn't do that, you may need to adjust
21330 @code{handle_exception} to arrange for it to return to the instruction
21331 after the breakpoint on this first invocation, so that your program
21332 doesn't keep hitting the initial breakpoint instead of making
21333 progress.
21334
21335 @item
21336 For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
21337 @code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
21338
21339 @smallexample
21340 void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
21341 @end smallexample
21342
21343 @noindent
21344 but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
21345 function in your program, that function is called when
21346 @code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
21347 error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
21348 one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
21349
21350 @item
21351 Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
21352 your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
21353
21354 @item
21355 Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
21356 the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
21357
21358 @item
21359 @c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
21360 @c document that. FIXME.
21361 Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
21362 whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
21363
21364 @item
21365 Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
21366 (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
21367
21368 @end enumerate
21369
21370 @node Configurations
21371 @chapter Configuration-Specific Information
21372
21373 While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
21374 cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
21375 describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
21376
21377 There are three major categories of configurations: native
21378 configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
21379 operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
21380 different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
21381 are quite different from each other.
21382
21383 @menu
21384 * Native::
21385 * Embedded OS::
21386 * Embedded Processors::
21387 * Architectures::
21388 @end menu
21389
21390 @node Native
21391 @section Native
21392
21393 This section describes details specific to particular native
21394 configurations.
21395
21396 @menu
21397 * BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
21398 * SVR4 Process Information:: SVR4 process information
21399 * DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
21400 * Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
21401 * Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
21402 * Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
21403 @end menu
21404
21405 @node BSD libkvm Interface
21406 @subsection BSD libkvm Interface
21407
21408 @cindex libkvm
21409 @cindex kernel memory image
21410 @cindex kernel crash dump
21411
21412 BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
21413 interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
21414 memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
21415 uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
21416 dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
21417 special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
21418 the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
21419 @code{kvm} target:
21420
21421 @smallexample
21422 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
21423 @end smallexample
21424
21425 For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
21426 argument:
21427
21428 @smallexample
21429 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
21430 @end smallexample
21431
21432 Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
21433 available:
21434
21435 @table @code
21436 @kindex kvm
21437 @item kvm pcb
21438 Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
21439
21440 @item kvm proc
21441 Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
21442 modern FreeBSD systems.
21443 @end table
21444
21445 @node SVR4 Process Information
21446 @subsection SVR4 Process Information
21447 @cindex /proc
21448 @cindex examine process image
21449 @cindex process info via @file{/proc}
21450
21451 Many versions of SVR4 and compatible systems provide a facility called
21452 @samp{/proc} that can be used to examine the image of a running
21453 process using file-system subroutines.
21454
21455 If @value{GDBN} is configured for an operating system with this
21456 facility, the command @code{info proc} is available to report
21457 information about the process running your program, or about any
21458 process running on your system. This includes, as of this writing,
21459 @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris, for example.
21460
21461 This command may also work on core files that were created on a system
21462 that has the @samp{/proc} facility.
21463
21464 @table @code
21465 @kindex info proc
21466 @cindex process ID
21467 @item info proc
21468 @itemx info proc @var{process-id}
21469 Summarize available information about any running process. If a
21470 process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
21471 that process; otherwise display information about the program being
21472 debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
21473 line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
21474 executable file's absolute file name.
21475
21476 On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
21477 @samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
21478 within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
21479 a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
21480 needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
21481 a process ID rather than a thread ID).
21482
21483 @item info proc cmdline
21484 @cindex info proc cmdline
21485 Show the original command line of the process. This command is
21486 specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
21487
21488 @item info proc cwd
21489 @cindex info proc cwd
21490 Show the current working directory of the process. This command is
21491 specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
21492
21493 @item info proc exe
21494 @cindex info proc exe
21495 Show the name of executable of the process. This command is specific
21496 to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
21497
21498 @item info proc mappings
21499 @cindex memory address space mappings
21500 Report the memory address space ranges accessible in the program, with
21501 information on whether the process has read, write, or execute access
21502 rights to each range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, each memory range
21503 includes the object file which is mapped to that range, instead of the
21504 memory access rights to that range.
21505
21506 @item info proc stat
21507 @itemx info proc status
21508 @cindex process detailed status information
21509 These subcommands are specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. They show
21510 the process-related information, including the user ID and group ID;
21511 how many threads are there in the process; its virtual memory usage;
21512 the signals that are pending, blocked, and ignored; its TTY; its
21513 consumption of system and user time; its stack size; its @samp{nice}
21514 value; etc. For more information, see the @samp{proc} man page
21515 (type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
21516
21517 @item info proc all
21518 Show all the information about the process described under all of the
21519 above @code{info proc} subcommands.
21520
21521 @ignore
21522 @comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
21523 @comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
21524 @comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
21525 @kindex info proc times
21526 @item info proc times
21527 Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
21528 its children.
21529
21530 @kindex info proc id
21531 @item info proc id
21532 Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
21533 the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
21534 @end ignore
21535
21536 @item set procfs-trace
21537 @kindex set procfs-trace
21538 @cindex @code{procfs} API calls
21539 This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
21540
21541 @item show procfs-trace
21542 @kindex show procfs-trace
21543 Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
21544
21545 @item set procfs-file @var{file}
21546 @kindex set procfs-file
21547 Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
21548 @var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
21549 contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
21550 standard output.
21551
21552 @item show procfs-file
21553 @kindex show procfs-file
21554 Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
21555
21556 @item proc-trace-entry
21557 @itemx proc-trace-exit
21558 @itemx proc-untrace-entry
21559 @itemx proc-untrace-exit
21560 @kindex proc-trace-entry
21561 @kindex proc-trace-exit
21562 @kindex proc-untrace-entry
21563 @kindex proc-untrace-exit
21564 These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
21565 from the @code{syscall} interface.
21566
21567 @item info pidlist
21568 @kindex info pidlist
21569 @cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
21570 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
21571 processes and all the threads within each process.
21572
21573 @item info meminfo
21574 @kindex info meminfo
21575 @cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
21576 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
21577 @end table
21578
21579 @node DJGPP Native
21580 @subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
21581 @cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
21582 @cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
21583 @cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
21584
21585 @cindex DPMI
21586 @sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
21587 MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
21588 that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
21589 top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
21590
21591 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
21592 defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
21593 subsection describes those commands.
21594
21595 @table @code
21596 @kindex info dos
21597 @item info dos
21598 This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
21599 information about the target system and important OS structures.
21600
21601 @kindex sysinfo
21602 @cindex MS-DOS system info
21603 @cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
21604 @item info dos sysinfo
21605 This command displays assorted information about the underlying
21606 platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
21607 DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
21608
21609 @cindex GDT
21610 @cindex LDT
21611 @cindex IDT
21612 @cindex segment descriptor tables
21613 @cindex descriptor tables display
21614 @item info dos gdt
21615 @itemx info dos ldt
21616 @itemx info dos idt
21617 These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
21618 and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
21619 tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
21620 that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
21621 descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
21622 descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
21623 rights.
21624
21625 A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
21626 segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
21627 allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
21628 conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
21629 additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
21630
21631 @cindex garbled pointers
21632 These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
21633 Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
21634 displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
21635 display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
21636 example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
21637 debugged program's data segment:
21638
21639 @smallexample
21640 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
21641 @exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
21642 @end smallexample
21643
21644 @noindent
21645 This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
21646 the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
21647
21648 @cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
21649 @item info dos pde
21650 @itemx info dos pte
21651 These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
21652 Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
21653 data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
21654 into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
21655 page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
21656 may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
21657 Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
21658 that is currently in use.
21659
21660 Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
21661 Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
21662 the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
21663 @kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
21664 Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
21665 means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
21666 the specified entry in the Page Directory.
21667
21668 @cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
21669 These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
21670 Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
21671 controller.
21672
21673 These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
21674
21675 @cindex physical address from linear address
21676 @item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
21677 This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
21678 address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
21679 already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
21680 because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
21681 segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
21682 the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
21683
21684 @smallexample
21685 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
21686 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
21687 @exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
21688 @end smallexample
21689
21690 @noindent
21691 This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
21692 whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
21693 attributes of that page.
21694
21695 Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
21696 since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
21697 address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
21698 be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
21699 declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
21700 @code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
21701
21702 Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
21703 transfer buffer:
21704
21705 @smallexample
21706 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
21707 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
21708 @exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
21709 @end smallexample
21710
21711 @noindent
21712 (The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
21713 3rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
21714 clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
21715 memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
21716 linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
21717
21718 This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
21719 @end table
21720
21721 @cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
21722 In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
21723 debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
21724 to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
21725
21726 @table @code
21727 @kindex set com1base
21728 @kindex set com1irq
21729 @kindex set com2base
21730 @kindex set com2irq
21731 @kindex set com3base
21732 @kindex set com3irq
21733 @kindex set com4base
21734 @kindex set com4irq
21735 @item set com1base @var{addr}
21736 This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
21737 port.
21738
21739 @item set com1irq @var{irq}
21740 This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
21741 for the @file{COM1} serial port.
21742
21743 There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
21744 etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
21745 other 3 COM ports.
21746
21747 @kindex show com1base
21748 @kindex show com1irq
21749 @kindex show com2base
21750 @kindex show com2irq
21751 @kindex show com3base
21752 @kindex show com3irq
21753 @kindex show com4base
21754 @kindex show com4irq
21755 The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
21756 display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
21757 lines used by the COM ports.
21758
21759 @item info serial
21760 @kindex info serial
21761 @cindex DOS serial port status
21762 This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
21763 port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
21764 IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
21765 counts of various errors encountered so far.
21766 @end table
21767
21768
21769 @node Cygwin Native
21770 @subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
21771 @cindex MS Windows debugging
21772 @cindex native Cygwin debugging
21773 @cindex Cygwin-specific commands
21774
21775 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
21776 DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information.
21777
21778 @cindex Ctrl-BREAK, MS-Windows
21779 @cindex interrupt debuggee on MS-Windows
21780 MS-Windows programs that call @code{SetConsoleMode} to switch off the
21781 special meaning of the @samp{Ctrl-C} keystroke cannot be interrupted
21782 by typing @kbd{C-c}. For this reason, @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows
21783 supports @kbd{C-@key{BREAK}} as an alternative interrupt key
21784 sequence, which can be used to interrupt the debuggee even if it
21785 ignores @kbd{C-c}.
21786
21787 There are various additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in
21788 this section. Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is
21789 described in @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
21790
21791 @table @code
21792 @kindex info w32
21793 @item info w32
21794 This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
21795 information about the target system and important OS structures.
21796
21797 @item info w32 selector
21798 This command displays information returned by
21799 the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
21800 It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
21801 a long value to give the information about this given selector.
21802 Without argument, this command displays information
21803 about the six segment registers.
21804
21805 @item info w32 thread-information-block
21806 This command displays thread specific information stored in the
21807 Thread Information Block (readable on the X86 CPU family using @code{$fs}
21808 selector for 32-bit programs and @code{$gs} for 64-bit programs).
21809
21810 @kindex signal-event
21811 @item signal-event @var{id}
21812 This command signals an event with user-provided @var{id}. Used to resume
21813 crashing process when attached to it using MS-Windows JIT debugging (AeDebug).
21814
21815 To use it, create or edit the following keys in
21816 @code{HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AeDebug} and/or
21817 @code{HKLM\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AeDebug}
21818 (for x86_64 versions):
21819
21820 @itemize @minus
21821 @item
21822 @code{Debugger} (REG_SZ) --- a command to launch the debugger.
21823 Suggested command is: @code{@var{fully-qualified-path-to-gdb.exe} -ex
21824 "attach %ld" -ex "signal-event %ld" -ex "continue"}.
21825
21826 The first @code{%ld} will be replaced by the process ID of the
21827 crashing process, the second @code{%ld} will be replaced by the ID of
21828 the event that blocks the crashing process, waiting for @value{GDBN}
21829 to attach.
21830
21831 @item
21832 @code{Auto} (REG_SZ) --- either @code{1} or @code{0}. @code{1} will
21833 make the system run debugger specified by the Debugger key
21834 automatically, @code{0} will cause a dialog box with ``OK'' and
21835 ``Cancel'' buttons to appear, which allows the user to either
21836 terminate the crashing process (OK) or debug it (Cancel).
21837 @end itemize
21838
21839 @kindex set cygwin-exceptions
21840 @cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
21841 @cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
21842 @item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
21843 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
21844 happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
21845 @value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
21846 exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
21847 ``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
21848 Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
21849 @value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
21850
21851 @kindex show cygwin-exceptions
21852 @item show cygwin-exceptions
21853 Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
21854 inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
21855
21856 @kindex set new-console
21857 @item set new-console @var{mode}
21858 If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
21859 be started in a new console on next start.
21860 If @var{mode} is @code{off}, the debuggee will
21861 be started in the same console as the debugger.
21862
21863 @kindex show new-console
21864 @item show new-console
21865 Displays whether a new console is used
21866 when the debuggee is started.
21867
21868 @kindex set new-group
21869 @item set new-group @var{mode}
21870 This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
21871 start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
21872 This affects the way the Windows OS handles
21873 @samp{Ctrl-C}.
21874
21875 @kindex show new-group
21876 @item show new-group
21877 Displays current value of new-group boolean.
21878
21879 @kindex set debugevents
21880 @item set debugevents
21881 This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
21882 to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
21883 signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
21884 unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
21885 Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
21886
21887 @kindex set debugexec
21888 @item set debugexec
21889 This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
21890 (such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
21891
21892 @kindex set debugexceptions
21893 @item set debugexceptions
21894 This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
21895 debuggee seen by the debugger.
21896
21897 @kindex set debugmemory
21898 @item set debugmemory
21899 This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
21900 and writes by the debugger.
21901
21902 @kindex set shell
21903 @item set shell
21904 This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
21905 via a shell or directly (default value is on).
21906
21907 @kindex show shell
21908 @item show shell
21909 Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
21910
21911 @end table
21912
21913 @menu
21914 * Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
21915 @end menu
21916
21917 @node Non-debug DLL Symbols
21918 @subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
21919 @cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
21920 @cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
21921
21922 Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
21923 not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
21924 @file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
21925 symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
21926 information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
21927 describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
21928 ``minimal symbols''.
21929
21930 Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
21931 will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
21932 start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
21933 program run once to completion.
21934
21935 @subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
21936
21937 In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
21938 tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
21939 DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
21940 also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
21941 sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
21942 (particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
21943 necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
21944 contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
21945 exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
21946
21947 Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
21948 though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
21949 symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
21950 some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
21951 @code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
21952 (@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
21953
21954 @smallexample
21955 (@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
21956 All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
21957
21958 Non-debugging symbols:
21959 0x77e885f4 CreateFileA
21960 0x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
21961 @end smallexample
21962
21963 @smallexample
21964 (@value{GDBP}) info function !
21965 All functions matching regular expression "!":
21966
21967 Non-debugging symbols:
21968 0x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
21969 0x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
21970 0x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
21971 [etc...]
21972 @end smallexample
21973
21974 @subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
21975
21976 Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
21977 type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
21978 refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
21979 contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
21980 contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
21981 means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
21982 a function within a DLL without a running program.
21983
21984 Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
21985 automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
21986 variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
21987 type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
21988 problem:
21989
21990 @smallexample
21991 (@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
21992 'cygwin1!__argv' has unknown type; cast it to its declared type
21993 @end smallexample
21994
21995 @smallexample
21996 (@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
21997 'cygwin1!__argv' has unknown type; cast it to its declared type
21998 @end smallexample
21999
22000 And two possible solutions:
22001
22002 @smallexample
22003 (@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
22004 $2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
22005 @end smallexample
22006
22007 @smallexample
22008 (@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
22009 0x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
22010 (@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
22011 0x10021608: 0x0022fd98
22012 (@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
22013 0x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
22014 @end smallexample
22015
22016 Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
22017 starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
22018 examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
22019 function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
22020 to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
22021
22022 @smallexample
22023 (@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
22024 Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
22025 @end smallexample
22026
22027 The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
22028 break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
22029 safe.
22030
22031 @node Hurd Native
22032 @subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
22033 @cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
22034
22035 This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
22036 @sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
22037
22038 @table @code
22039 @item set signals
22040 @itemx set sigs
22041 @kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
22042 @kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
22043 This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
22044 @value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
22045 affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
22046 @code{signals}.
22047
22048 @item show signals
22049 @itemx show sigs
22050 @kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
22051 @kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
22052 Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
22053
22054 @item set signal-thread
22055 @itemx set sigthread
22056 @kindex set signal-thread
22057 @kindex set sigthread
22058 This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
22059 thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
22060 process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
22061 signal-thread}.
22062
22063 @item show signal-thread
22064 @itemx show sigthread
22065 @kindex show signal-thread
22066 @kindex show sigthread
22067 These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
22068 delivered a signal.
22069
22070 @item set stopped
22071 @kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
22072 This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
22073 as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
22074 continued by delivering a signal to it.
22075
22076 @item show stopped
22077 @kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
22078 This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
22079 stopped.
22080
22081 @item set exceptions
22082 @kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
22083 Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
22084 When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
22085 single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
22086 trapping on.
22087
22088 @item show exceptions
22089 @kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
22090 Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
22091
22092 @item set task pause
22093 @kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
22094 @cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
22095 @cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
22096 This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
22097 Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
22098 whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
22099 effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
22100 to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
22101 thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
22102
22103 @item show task pause
22104 @kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
22105 Show the current state of task suspension.
22106
22107 @item set task detach-suspend-count
22108 @cindex task suspend count
22109 @cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22110 This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
22111 @value{GDBN} detaches from it.
22112
22113 @item show task detach-suspend-count
22114 Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
22115
22116 @item set task exception-port
22117 @itemx set task excp
22118 @cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22119 This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
22120 forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
22121 rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
22122
22123 @item set noninvasive
22124 @cindex noninvasive task options
22125 This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
22126 invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
22127 is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
22128 @code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
22129
22130 @item info send-rights
22131 @itemx info receive-rights
22132 @itemx info port-rights
22133 @itemx info port-sets
22134 @itemx info dead-names
22135 @itemx info ports
22136 @itemx info psets
22137 @cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22138 @cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22139 @cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22140 @cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22141 @cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22142 These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
22143 receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
22144 There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
22145 port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
22146
22147 @item set thread pause
22148 @kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
22149 @cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22150 @cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
22151 This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
22152 control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
22153 thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
22154 off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
22155 Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
22156 control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
22157 task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
22158 only the current thread.
22159
22160 @item show thread pause
22161 @kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
22162 This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
22163
22164 @item set thread run
22165 This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
22166
22167 @item show thread run
22168 Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
22169
22170 @item set thread detach-suspend-count
22171 @cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22172 @cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22173 This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
22174 thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
22175 found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
22176 takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
22177
22178 @item show thread detach-suspend-count
22179 Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
22180 detaching.
22181
22182 @item set thread exception-port
22183 @itemx set thread excp
22184 Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
22185 overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
22186 @code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
22187
22188 @item set thread takeover-suspend-count
22189 Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
22190 value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
22191 changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
22192
22193 @item set thread default
22194 @itemx show thread default
22195 @cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22196 Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
22197 default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
22198 thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
22199 variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
22200 threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
22201 the non-default commands.
22202 @end table
22203
22204 @node Darwin
22205 @subsection Darwin
22206 @cindex Darwin
22207
22208 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
22209
22210 @table @code
22211 @item set debug darwin @var{num}
22212 @kindex set debug darwin
22213 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
22214 the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
22215
22216 @item show debug darwin
22217 @kindex show debug darwin
22218 Show the current state of Darwin messages.
22219
22220 @item set debug mach-o @var{num}
22221 @kindex set debug mach-o
22222 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
22223 @value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
22224 file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
22225 values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
22226 problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
22227 usage.
22228
22229 @item show debug mach-o
22230 @kindex show debug mach-o
22231 Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
22232
22233 @item set mach-exceptions on
22234 @itemx set mach-exceptions off
22235 @kindex set mach-exceptions
22236 On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
22237 mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
22238 Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
22239 better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
22240
22241 @item show mach-exceptions
22242 @kindex show mach-exceptions
22243 Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
22244 @end table
22245
22246
22247 @node Embedded OS
22248 @section Embedded Operating Systems
22249
22250 This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
22251 embedded operating systems that are available for several different
22252 architectures.
22253
22254 @value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
22255 various real-time operating systems.
22256
22257 @node Embedded Processors
22258 @section Embedded Processors
22259
22260 This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
22261 configurations.
22262
22263 @cindex send command to simulator
22264 Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
22265 allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
22266
22267 @table @code
22268 @item sim @var{command}
22269 @kindex sim@r{, a command}
22270 Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
22271 documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
22272 acceptable commands.
22273 @end table
22274
22275
22276 @menu
22277 * ARC:: Synopsys ARC
22278 * ARM:: ARM
22279 * M68K:: Motorola M68K
22280 * MicroBlaze:: Xilinx MicroBlaze
22281 * MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
22282 * PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
22283 * AVR:: Atmel AVR
22284 * CRIS:: CRIS
22285 * Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
22286 @end menu
22287
22288 @node ARC
22289 @subsection Synopsys ARC
22290 @cindex Synopsys ARC
22291 @cindex ARC specific commands
22292 @cindex ARC600
22293 @cindex ARC700
22294 @cindex ARC EM
22295 @cindex ARC HS
22296
22297 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARC-specific commands:
22298
22299 @table @code
22300 @item set debug arc
22301 @kindex set debug arc
22302 Control the level of ARC specific debug messages. Use 0 for no messages (the
22303 default), 1 for debug messages, and 2 for even more debug messages.
22304
22305 @item show debug arc
22306 @kindex show debug arc
22307 Show the level of ARC specific debugging in operation.
22308
22309 @item maint print arc arc-instruction @var{address}
22310 @kindex maint print arc arc-instruction
22311 Print internal disassembler information about instruction at a given address.
22312
22313 @end table
22314
22315 @node ARM
22316 @subsection ARM
22317
22318 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
22319
22320 @table @code
22321 @item set arm disassembler
22322 @kindex set arm
22323 This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
22324 @code{"std"} style is the standard style.
22325
22326 @item show arm disassembler
22327 @kindex show arm
22328 Show the current disassembly style.
22329
22330 @item set arm apcs32
22331 @cindex ARM 32-bit mode
22332 This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
22333
22334 @item show arm apcs32
22335 Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
22336
22337 @item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
22338 This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
22339 argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
22340
22341 @table @code
22342 @item auto
22343 Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
22344 @item softfpa
22345 Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
22346 processors.
22347 @item fpa
22348 GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
22349 @item softvfp
22350 Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
22351 @item vfp
22352 VFP co-processor.
22353 @end table
22354
22355 @item show arm fpu
22356 Show the current type of the FPU.
22357
22358 @item set arm abi
22359 This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
22360
22361 @item show arm abi
22362 Show the currently used ABI.
22363
22364 @item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
22365 @value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
22366 whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
22367 @value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
22368 available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
22369 use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
22370 register).
22371
22372 @item show arm fallback-mode
22373 Show the current fallback instruction mode.
22374
22375 @item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
22376 This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
22377 instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
22378 causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
22379 of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
22380
22381 @item show arm force-mode
22382 Show the current forced instruction mode.
22383
22384 @item set debug arm
22385 Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
22386 target support subsystem.
22387
22388 @item show debug arm
22389 Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
22390 @end table
22391
22392 @table @code
22393 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
22394 The @value{GDBN} ARM simulator accepts the following optional arguments.
22395
22396 @table @code
22397 @item --swi-support=@var{type}
22398 Tell the simulator which SWI interfaces to support. The argument
22399 @var{type} may be a comma separated list of the following values.
22400 The default value is @code{all}.
22401
22402 @table @code
22403 @item none
22404 @item demon
22405 @item angel
22406 @item redboot
22407 @item all
22408 @end table
22409 @end table
22410 @end table
22411
22412 @node M68K
22413 @subsection M68k
22414
22415 The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support.
22416
22417 @node MicroBlaze
22418 @subsection MicroBlaze
22419 @cindex Xilinx MicroBlaze
22420 @cindex XMD, Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger
22421
22422 The MicroBlaze is a soft-core processor supported on various Xilinx
22423 FPGAs, such as Spartan or Virtex series. Boards with these processors
22424 usually have JTAG ports which connect to a host system running the Xilinx
22425 Embedded Development Kit (EDK) or Software Development Kit (SDK).
22426 This host system is used to download the configuration bitstream to
22427 the target FPGA. The Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger (XMD) program
22428 communicates with the target board using the JTAG interface and
22429 presents a @code{gdbserver} interface to the board. By default
22430 @code{xmd} uses port @code{1234}. (While it is possible to change
22431 this default port, it requires the use of undocumented @code{xmd}
22432 commands. Contact Xilinx support if you need to do this.)
22433
22434 Use these GDB commands to connect to the MicroBlaze target processor.
22435
22436 @table @code
22437 @item target remote :1234
22438 Use this command to connect to the target if you are running @value{GDBN}
22439 on the same system as @code{xmd}.
22440
22441 @item target remote @var{xmd-host}:1234
22442 Use this command to connect to the target if it is connected to @code{xmd}
22443 running on a different system named @var{xmd-host}.
22444
22445 @item load
22446 Use this command to download a program to the MicroBlaze target.
22447
22448 @item set debug microblaze @var{n}
22449 Enable MicroBlaze-specific debugging messages if non-zero.
22450
22451 @item show debug microblaze @var{n}
22452 Show MicroBlaze-specific debugging level.
22453 @end table
22454
22455 @node MIPS Embedded
22456 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Embedded
22457
22458 @noindent
22459 @value{GDBN} supports these special commands for @acronym{MIPS} targets:
22460
22461 @table @code
22462 @item set mipsfpu double
22463 @itemx set mipsfpu single
22464 @itemx set mipsfpu none
22465 @itemx set mipsfpu auto
22466 @itemx show mipsfpu
22467 @kindex set mipsfpu
22468 @kindex show mipsfpu
22469 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} remote floating point
22470 @cindex floating point, @acronym{MIPS} remote
22471 If your target board does not support the @acronym{MIPS} floating point
22472 coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
22473 need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
22474 file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
22475 functions which return floating point values. It also allows
22476 @value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
22477 functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
22478 with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
22479 processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
22480 double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
22481 @samp{set mipsfpu double}.
22482
22483 In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
22484 floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
22485 and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
22486
22487 As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
22488 @samp{show mipsfpu}.
22489 @end table
22490
22491 @node PowerPC Embedded
22492 @subsection PowerPC Embedded
22493
22494 @cindex DVC register
22495 @value{GDBN} supports using the DVC (Data Value Compare) register to
22496 implement in hardware simple hardware watchpoint conditions of the form:
22497
22498 @smallexample
22499 (@value{GDBP}) watch @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} \
22500 if @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} == @var{CONSTANT EXPRESSION}
22501 @end smallexample
22502
22503 The DVC register will be automatically used when @value{GDBN} detects
22504 such pattern in a condition expression, and the created watchpoint uses one
22505 debug register (either the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on and the
22506 variable is scalar, or the variable has a length of one byte). This feature
22507 is available in native @value{GDBN} running on a Linux kernel version 2.6.34
22508 or newer.
22509
22510 When running on PowerPC embedded processors, @value{GDBN} automatically uses
22511 ranged hardware watchpoints, unless the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on,
22512 in which case watchpoints using only one debug register are created when
22513 watching variables of scalar types.
22514
22515 You can create an artificial array to watch an arbitrary memory
22516 region using one of the following commands (@pxref{Expressions}):
22517
22518 @smallexample
22519 (@value{GDBP}) watch *((char *) @var{address})@@@var{length}
22520 (@value{GDBP}) watch @{char[@var{length}]@} @var{address}
22521 @end smallexample
22522
22523 PowerPC embedded processors support masked watchpoints. See the discussion
22524 about the @code{mask} argument in @ref{Set Watchpoints}.
22525
22526 @cindex ranged breakpoint
22527 PowerPC embedded processors support hardware accelerated
22528 @dfn{ranged breakpoints}. A ranged breakpoint stops execution of
22529 the inferior whenever it executes an instruction at any address within
22530 the range it specifies. To set a ranged breakpoint in @value{GDBN},
22531 use the @code{break-range} command.
22532
22533 @value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
22534
22535 @table @code
22536 @kindex break-range
22537 @item break-range @var{start-location}, @var{end-location}
22538 Set a breakpoint for an address range given by
22539 @var{start-location} and @var{end-location}, which can specify a function name,
22540 a line number, an offset of lines from the current line or from the start
22541 location, or an address of an instruction (see @ref{Specify Location},
22542 for a list of all the possible ways to specify a @var{location}.)
22543 The breakpoint will stop execution of the inferior whenever it
22544 executes an instruction at any address within the specified range,
22545 (including @var{start-location} and @var{end-location}.)
22546
22547 @kindex set powerpc
22548 @item set powerpc soft-float
22549 @itemx show powerpc soft-float
22550 Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
22551 convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
22552 on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
22553
22554 @item set powerpc vector-abi
22555 @itemx show powerpc vector-abi
22556 Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
22557 arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
22558 @samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
22559 @samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
22560 registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
22561 based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
22562
22563 @item set powerpc exact-watchpoints
22564 @itemx show powerpc exact-watchpoints
22565 Allow @value{GDBN} to use only one debug register when watching a variable
22566 of scalar type, thus assuming that the variable is accessed through the
22567 address of its first byte.
22568
22569 @end table
22570
22571 @node AVR
22572 @subsection Atmel AVR
22573 @cindex AVR
22574
22575 When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
22576 following AVR-specific commands:
22577
22578 @table @code
22579 @item info io_registers
22580 @kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
22581 @cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
22582 This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
22583 each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
22584 @end table
22585
22586 @node CRIS
22587 @subsection CRIS
22588 @cindex CRIS
22589
22590 When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
22591 following CRIS-specific commands:
22592
22593 @table @code
22594 @item set cris-version @var{ver}
22595 @cindex CRIS version
22596 Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
22597 The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
22598 case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
22599
22600 @item show cris-version
22601 Show the current CRIS version.
22602
22603 @item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
22604 @cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
22605 Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
22606 Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
22607 @code{R59}.
22608
22609 @item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
22610 Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
22611
22612 @item set cris-mode @var{mode}
22613 @cindex CRIS mode
22614 Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
22615 debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
22616 @samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
22617
22618 @item show cris-mode
22619 Show the current CRIS mode.
22620 @end table
22621
22622 @node Super-H
22623 @subsection Renesas Super-H
22624 @cindex Super-H
22625
22626 For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
22627 commands:
22628
22629 @table @code
22630 @item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
22631 @kindex set sh calling-convention
22632 Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
22633 Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
22634 With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
22635 convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
22636 that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
22637 is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
22638 is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
22639 regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
22640 default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
22641 does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
22642
22643 @item show sh calling-convention
22644 @kindex show sh calling-convention
22645 Show the current calling convention setting.
22646
22647 @end table
22648
22649
22650 @node Architectures
22651 @section Architectures
22652
22653 This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
22654 all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
22655
22656 @menu
22657 * AArch64::
22658 * i386::
22659 * Alpha::
22660 * MIPS::
22661 * HPPA:: HP PA architecture
22662 * SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
22663 * PowerPC::
22664 * Nios II::
22665 * Sparc64::
22666 @end menu
22667
22668 @node AArch64
22669 @subsection AArch64
22670 @cindex AArch64 support
22671
22672 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides the
22673 following special commands:
22674
22675 @table @code
22676 @item set debug aarch64
22677 @kindex set debug aarch64
22678 This command determines whether AArch64 architecture-specific debugging
22679 messages are to be displayed.
22680
22681 @item show debug aarch64
22682 Show whether AArch64 debugging messages are displayed.
22683
22684 @end table
22685
22686 @node i386
22687 @subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
22688
22689 @table @code
22690 @item set struct-convention @var{mode}
22691 @kindex set struct-convention
22692 @cindex struct return convention
22693 @cindex struct/union returned in registers
22694 Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
22695 @code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
22696 @var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
22697 default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
22698 are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
22699 @code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
22700 be returned in a register.
22701
22702 @item show struct-convention
22703 @kindex show struct-convention
22704 Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
22705 from functions.
22706 @end table
22707
22708
22709 @subsubsection Intel @dfn{Memory Protection Extensions} (MPX).
22710 @cindex Intel Memory Protection Extensions (MPX).
22711
22712 Memory Protection Extension (MPX) adds the bound registers @samp{BND0}
22713 @footnote{The register named with capital letters represent the architecture
22714 registers.} through @samp{BND3}. Bound registers store a pair of 64-bit values
22715 which are the lower bound and upper bound. Bounds are effective addresses or
22716 memory locations. The upper bounds are architecturally represented in 1's
22717 complement form. A bound having lower bound = 0, and upper bound = 0
22718 (1's complement of all bits set) will allow access to the entire address space.
22719
22720 @samp{BND0} through @samp{BND3} are represented in @value{GDBN} as @samp{bnd0raw}
22721 through @samp{bnd3raw}. Pseudo registers @samp{bnd0} through @samp{bnd3}
22722 display the upper bound performing the complement of one operation on the
22723 upper bound value, i.e.@ when upper bound in @samp{bnd0raw} is 0 in the
22724 @value{GDBN} @samp{bnd0} it will be @code{0xfff@dots{}}. In this sense it
22725 can also be noted that the upper bounds are inclusive.
22726
22727 As an example, assume that the register BND0 holds bounds for a pointer having
22728 access allowed for the range between 0x32 and 0x71. The values present on
22729 bnd0raw and bnd registers are presented as follows:
22730
22731 @smallexample
22732 bnd0raw = @{0x32, 0xffffffff8e@}
22733 bnd0 = @{lbound = 0x32, ubound = 0x71@} : size 64
22734 @end smallexample
22735
22736 This way the raw value can be accessed via bnd0raw@dots{}bnd3raw. Any
22737 change on bnd0@dots{}bnd3 or bnd0raw@dots{}bnd3raw is reflect on its
22738 counterpart. When the bnd0@dots{}bnd3 registers are displayed via
22739 Python, the display includes the memory size, in bits, accessible to
22740 the pointer.
22741
22742 Bounds can also be stored in bounds tables, which are stored in
22743 application memory. These tables store bounds for pointers by specifying
22744 the bounds pointer's value along with its bounds. Evaluating and changing
22745 bounds located in bound tables is therefore interesting while investigating
22746 bugs on MPX context. @value{GDBN} provides commands for this purpose:
22747
22748 @table @code
22749 @item show mpx bound @var{pointer}
22750 @kindex show mpx bound
22751 Display bounds of the given @var{pointer}.
22752
22753 @item set mpx bound @var{pointer}, @var{lbound}, @var{ubound}
22754 @kindex set mpx bound
22755 Set the bounds of a pointer in the bound table.
22756 This command takes three parameters: @var{pointer} is the pointers
22757 whose bounds are to be changed, @var{lbound} and @var{ubound} are new values
22758 for lower and upper bounds respectively.
22759 @end table
22760
22761 When you call an inferior function on an Intel MPX enabled program,
22762 GDB sets the inferior's bound registers to the init (disabled) state
22763 before calling the function. As a consequence, bounds checks for the
22764 pointer arguments passed to the function will always pass.
22765
22766 This is necessary because when you call an inferior function, the
22767 program is usually in the middle of the execution of other function.
22768 Since at that point bound registers are in an arbitrary state, not
22769 clearing them would lead to random bound violations in the called
22770 function.
22771
22772 You can still examine the influence of the bound registers on the
22773 execution of the called function by stopping the execution of the
22774 called function at its prologue, setting bound registers, and
22775 continuing the execution. For example:
22776
22777 @smallexample
22778 $ break *upper
22779 Breakpoint 2 at 0x4009de: file i386-mpx-call.c, line 47.
22780 $ print upper (a, b, c, d, 1)
22781 Breakpoint 2, upper (a=0x0, b=0x6e0000005b, c=0x0, d=0x0, len=48)....
22782 $ print $bnd0
22783 @{lbound = 0x0, ubound = ffffffff@} : size -1
22784 @end smallexample
22785
22786 At this last step the value of bnd0 can be changed for investigation of bound
22787 violations caused along the execution of the call. In order to know how to
22788 set the bound registers or bound table for the call consult the ABI.
22789
22790 @node Alpha
22791 @subsection Alpha
22792
22793 See the following section.
22794
22795 @node MIPS
22796 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}
22797
22798 @cindex stack on Alpha
22799 @cindex stack on @acronym{MIPS}
22800 @cindex Alpha stack
22801 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} stack
22802 Alpha- and @acronym{MIPS}-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
22803 sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
22804 find the beginning of a function.
22805
22806 @cindex response time, @acronym{MIPS} debugging
22807 To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
22808 @value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
22809 you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
22810 commands:
22811
22812 @table @code
22813 @cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, @acronym{MIPS})
22814 @item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
22815 Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
22816 search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
22817 default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
22818 larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
22819 and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
22820 this command when debugging a stripped executable.
22821
22822 @item show heuristic-fence-post
22823 Display the current limit.
22824 @end table
22825
22826 @noindent
22827 These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
22828 for debugging programs on Alpha or @acronym{MIPS} processors.
22829
22830 Several @acronym{MIPS}-specific commands are available when debugging @acronym{MIPS}
22831 programs:
22832
22833 @table @code
22834 @item set mips abi @var{arg}
22835 @kindex set mips abi
22836 @cindex set ABI for @acronym{MIPS}
22837 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
22838 values of @var{arg} are:
22839
22840 @table @samp
22841 @item auto
22842 The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
22843 default).
22844 @item o32
22845 @item o64
22846 @item n32
22847 @item n64
22848 @item eabi32
22849 @item eabi64
22850 @end table
22851
22852 @item show mips abi
22853 @kindex show mips abi
22854 Show the @acronym{MIPS} ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
22855
22856 @item set mips compression @var{arg}
22857 @kindex set mips compression
22858 @cindex code compression, @acronym{MIPS}
22859 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} compressed
22860 @acronym{ISA, Instruction Set Architecture} encoding is used by the
22861 inferior. @value{GDBN} uses this for code disassembly and other
22862 internal interpretation purposes. This setting is only referred to
22863 when no executable has been associated with the debugging session or
22864 the executable does not provide information about the encoding it uses.
22865 Otherwise this setting is automatically updated from information
22866 provided by the executable.
22867
22868 Possible values of @var{arg} are @samp{mips16} and @samp{micromips}.
22869 The default compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding is @samp{mips16}, as
22870 executables containing @acronym{MIPS16} code frequently are not
22871 identified as such.
22872
22873 This setting is ``sticky''; that is, it retains its value across
22874 debugging sessions until reset either explicitly with this command or
22875 implicitly from an executable.
22876
22877 The compiler and/or assembler typically add symbol table annotations to
22878 identify functions compiled for the @acronym{MIPS16} or
22879 @acronym{microMIPS} @acronym{ISA}s. If these function-scope annotations
22880 are present, @value{GDBN} uses them in preference to the global
22881 compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding setting.
22882
22883 @item show mips compression
22884 @kindex show mips compression
22885 Show the @acronym{MIPS} compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding used by
22886 @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
22887
22888 @item set mipsfpu
22889 @itemx show mipsfpu
22890 @xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
22891
22892 @item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
22893 @kindex set mips mask-address
22894 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} addresses, masking
22895 This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
22896 @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
22897 @samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
22898 setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
22899
22900 @item show mips mask-address
22901 @kindex show mips mask-address
22902 Show whether the upper 32 bits of @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off or
22903 not.
22904
22905 @item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
22906 @kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
22907 This command controls compatibility with 64-bit @acronym{MIPS} targets that
22908 transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old @acronym{MIPS} 64 target
22909 that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
22910 and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
22911
22912 @item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
22913 @kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
22914 Show the current setting of compatibility with older @acronym{MIPS} 64 targets.
22915
22916 @item set debug mips
22917 @kindex set debug mips
22918 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the @acronym{MIPS}-specific
22919 target code in @value{GDBN}.
22920
22921 @item show debug mips
22922 @kindex show debug mips
22923 Show the current setting of @acronym{MIPS} debugging messages.
22924 @end table
22925
22926
22927 @node HPPA
22928 @subsection HPPA
22929 @cindex HPPA support
22930
22931 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
22932 following special commands:
22933
22934 @table @code
22935 @item set debug hppa
22936 @kindex set debug hppa
22937 This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
22938 messages are to be displayed.
22939
22940 @item show debug hppa
22941 Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
22942
22943 @item maint print unwind @var{address}
22944 @kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
22945 This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
22946 given @var{address}.
22947
22948 @end table
22949
22950
22951 @node SPU
22952 @subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
22953 @cindex Cell Broadband Engine
22954 @cindex SPU
22955
22956 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
22957 it provides the following special commands:
22958
22959 @table @code
22960 @item info spu event
22961 @kindex info spu
22962 Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
22963 and pending event status.
22964
22965 @item info spu signal
22966 Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
22967 signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
22968 notification channels.
22969
22970 @item info spu mailbox
22971 Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
22972 in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
22973 SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
22974
22975 @item info spu dma
22976 Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
22977 DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
22978 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
22979
22980 @item info spu proxydma
22981 Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
22982 Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
22983 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
22984
22985 @end table
22986
22987 When @value{GDBN} is debugging a combined PowerPC/SPU application
22988 on the Cell Broadband Engine, it provides in addition the following
22989 special commands:
22990
22991 @table @code
22992 @item set spu stop-on-load @var{arg}
22993 @kindex set spu
22994 Set whether to stop for new SPE threads. When set to @code{on}, @value{GDBN}
22995 will give control to the user when a new SPE thread enters its @code{main}
22996 function. The default is @code{off}.
22997
22998 @item show spu stop-on-load
22999 @kindex show spu
23000 Show whether to stop for new SPE threads.
23001
23002 @item set spu auto-flush-cache @var{arg}
23003 Set whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache. When set to
23004 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will automatically cause the SPE software-managed
23005 cache to be flushed whenever SPE execution stops. This provides a consistent
23006 view of PowerPC memory that is accessed via the cache. If an application
23007 does not use the software-managed cache, this option has no effect.
23008
23009 @item show spu auto-flush-cache
23010 Show whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache.
23011
23012 @end table
23013
23014 @node PowerPC
23015 @subsection PowerPC
23016 @cindex PowerPC architecture
23017
23018 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
23019 pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
23020 numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
23021 in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
23022 @code{f0} or @code{f2}.
23023
23024 The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
23025 by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
23026 @code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
23027
23028 For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
23029 wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
23030
23031 @node Nios II
23032 @subsection Nios II
23033 @cindex Nios II architecture
23034
23035 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Nios II architecture,
23036 it provides the following special commands:
23037
23038 @table @code
23039
23040 @item set debug nios2
23041 @kindex set debug nios2
23042 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the Nios II
23043 target code in @value{GDBN}.
23044
23045 @item show debug nios2
23046 @kindex show debug nios2
23047 Show the current setting of Nios II debugging messages.
23048 @end table
23049
23050 @node Sparc64
23051 @subsection Sparc64
23052 @cindex Sparc64 support
23053 @cindex Application Data Integrity
23054 @subsubsection ADI Support
23055
23056 The M7 processor supports an Application Data Integrity (ADI) feature that
23057 detects invalid data accesses. When software allocates memory and enables
23058 ADI on the allocated memory, it chooses a 4-bit version number, sets the
23059 version in the upper 4 bits of the 64-bit pointer to that data, and stores
23060 the 4-bit version in every cacheline of that data. Hardware saves the latter
23061 in spare bits in the cache and memory hierarchy. On each load and store,
23062 the processor compares the upper 4 VA (virtual address) bits to the
23063 cacheline's version. If there is a mismatch, the processor generates a
23064 version mismatch trap which can be either precise or disrupting. The trap
23065 is an error condition which the kernel delivers to the process as a SIGSEGV
23066 signal.
23067
23068 Note that only 64-bit applications can use ADI and need to be built with
23069 ADI-enabled.
23070
23071 Values of the ADI version tags, which are in granularity of a
23072 cacheline (64 bytes), can be viewed or modified.
23073
23074
23075 @table @code
23076 @kindex adi examine
23077 @item adi (examine | x) [ / @var{n} ] @var{addr}
23078
23079 The @code{adi examine} command displays the value of one ADI version tag per
23080 cacheline.
23081
23082 @var{n} is a decimal integer specifying the number in bytes; the default
23083 is 1. It specifies how much ADI version information, at the ratio of 1:ADI
23084 block size, to display.
23085
23086 @var{addr} is the address in user address space where you want @value{GDBN}
23087 to begin displaying the ADI version tags.
23088
23089 Below is an example of displaying ADI versions of variable "shmaddr".
23090
23091 @smallexample
23092 (@value{GDBP}) adi x/100 shmaddr
23093 0xfff800010002c000: 0 0
23094 @end smallexample
23095
23096 @kindex adi assign
23097 @item adi (assign | a) [ / @var{n} ] @var{addr} = @var{tag}
23098
23099 The @code{adi assign} command is used to assign new ADI version tag
23100 to an address.
23101
23102 @var{n} is a decimal integer specifying the number in bytes;
23103 the default is 1. It specifies how much ADI version information, at the
23104 ratio of 1:ADI block size, to modify.
23105
23106 @var{addr} is the address in user address space where you want @value{GDBN}
23107 to begin modifying the ADI version tags.
23108
23109 @var{tag} is the new ADI version tag.
23110
23111 For example, do the following to modify then verify ADI versions of
23112 variable "shmaddr":
23113
23114 @smallexample
23115 (@value{GDBP}) adi a/100 shmaddr = 7
23116 (@value{GDBP}) adi x/100 shmaddr
23117 0xfff800010002c000: 7 7
23118 @end smallexample
23119
23120 @end table
23121
23122 @node Controlling GDB
23123 @chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
23124
23125 You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
23126 @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
23127 data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
23128 described here.
23129
23130 @menu
23131 * Prompt:: Prompt
23132 * Editing:: Command editing
23133 * Command History:: Command history
23134 * Screen Size:: Screen size
23135 * Numbers:: Numbers
23136 * ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
23137 * Auto-loading:: Automatically loading associated files
23138 * Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
23139 * Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
23140 * Other Misc Settings:: Other Miscellaneous Settings
23141 @end menu
23142
23143 @node Prompt
23144 @section Prompt
23145
23146 @cindex prompt
23147
23148 @value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
23149 called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
23150 can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
23151 instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
23152 the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
23153 which one you are talking to.
23154
23155 @emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
23156 prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
23157 or a prompt that does not.
23158
23159 @table @code
23160 @kindex set prompt
23161 @item set prompt @var{newprompt}
23162 Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
23163
23164 @kindex show prompt
23165 @item show prompt
23166 Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
23167 @end table
23168
23169 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled have
23170 prompt extensions. The commands for interacting with these extensions
23171 are:
23172
23173 @table @code
23174 @kindex set extended-prompt
23175 @item set extended-prompt @var{prompt}
23176 Set an extended prompt that allows for substitutions.
23177 @xref{gdb.prompt}, for a list of escape sequences that can be used for
23178 substitution. Any escape sequences specified as part of the prompt
23179 string are replaced with the corresponding strings each time the prompt
23180 is displayed.
23181
23182 For example:
23183
23184 @smallexample
23185 set extended-prompt Current working directory: \w (gdb)
23186 @end smallexample
23187
23188 Note that when an extended-prompt is set, it takes control of the
23189 @var{prompt_hook} hook. @xref{prompt_hook}, for further information.
23190
23191 @kindex show extended-prompt
23192 @item show extended-prompt
23193 Prints the extended prompt. Any escape sequences specified as part of
23194 the prompt string with @code{set extended-prompt}, are replaced with the
23195 corresponding strings each time the prompt is displayed.
23196 @end table
23197
23198 @node Editing
23199 @section Command Editing
23200 @cindex readline
23201 @cindex command line editing
23202
23203 @value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
23204 @sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
23205 command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
23206 or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
23207 substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
23208 debugging sessions.
23209
23210 You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
23211 command @code{set}.
23212
23213 @table @code
23214 @kindex set editing
23215 @cindex editing
23216 @item set editing
23217 @itemx set editing on
23218 Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
23219
23220 @item set editing off
23221 Disable command line editing.
23222
23223 @kindex show editing
23224 @item show editing
23225 Show whether command line editing is enabled.
23226 @end table
23227
23228 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
23229 @xref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library},
23230 @end ifset
23231 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
23232 @xref{Command Line Editing},
23233 @end ifclear
23234 for more details about the Readline
23235 interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
23236 encouraged to read that chapter.
23237
23238 @node Command History
23239 @section Command History
23240 @cindex command history
23241
23242 @value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
23243 debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
23244 happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
23245 history facility.
23246
23247 @value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
23248 package, to provide the history facility.
23249 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
23250 @xref{Using History Interactively, , , history, GNU History Library},
23251 @end ifset
23252 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
23253 @xref{Using History Interactively},
23254 @end ifclear
23255 for the detailed description of the History library.
23256
23257 To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
23258 the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
23259 (@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
23260 means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
23261 affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
23262 pressed on a line by itself.
23263
23264 @cindex @code{server}, command prefix
23265 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
23266 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
23267 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
23268
23269 Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
23270 history.
23271
23272 @table @code
23273 @cindex history substitution
23274 @cindex history file
23275 @kindex set history filename
23276 @cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
23277 @item set history filename @var{fname}
23278 Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
23279 This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
23280 list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
23281 exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
23282 the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
23283 to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
23284 @file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
23285 is not set.
23286
23287 @cindex save command history
23288 @kindex set history save
23289 @item set history save
23290 @itemx set history save on
23291 Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
23292 @code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
23293
23294 @item set history save off
23295 Stop recording command history in a file.
23296
23297 @cindex history size
23298 @kindex set history size
23299 @cindex @env{GDBHISTSIZE}, environment variable
23300 @item set history size @var{size}
23301 @itemx set history size unlimited
23302 Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
23303 This defaults to the value of the environment variable @env{GDBHISTSIZE}, or
23304 to 256 if this variable is not set. Non-numeric values of @env{GDBHISTSIZE}
23305 are ignored. If @var{size} is @code{unlimited} or if @env{GDBHISTSIZE} is
23306 either a negative number or the empty string, then the number of commands
23307 @value{GDBN} keeps in the history list is unlimited.
23308
23309 @cindex remove duplicate history
23310 @kindex set history remove-duplicates
23311 @item set history remove-duplicates @var{count}
23312 @itemx set history remove-duplicates unlimited
23313 Control the removal of duplicate history entries in the command history list.
23314 If @var{count} is non-zero, @value{GDBN} will look back at the last @var{count}
23315 history entries and remove the first entry that is a duplicate of the current
23316 entry being added to the command history list. If @var{count} is
23317 @code{unlimited} then this lookbehind is unbounded. If @var{count} is 0, then
23318 removal of duplicate history entries is disabled.
23319
23320 Only history entries added during the current session are considered for
23321 removal. This option is set to 0 by default.
23322
23323 @end table
23324
23325 History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
23326 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
23327 @xref{Event Designators, , , history, GNU History Library},
23328 @end ifset
23329 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
23330 @xref{Event Designators},
23331 @end ifclear
23332 for more details.
23333
23334 @cindex history expansion, turn on/off
23335 Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
23336 is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
23337 @code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
23338 follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
23339 a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
23340 history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
23341 @kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
23342
23343 The commands to control history expansion are:
23344
23345 @table @code
23346 @item set history expansion on
23347 @itemx set history expansion
23348 @kindex set history expansion
23349 Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
23350
23351 @item set history expansion off
23352 Disable history expansion.
23353
23354 @c @group
23355 @kindex show history
23356 @item show history
23357 @itemx show history filename
23358 @itemx show history save
23359 @itemx show history size
23360 @itemx show history expansion
23361 These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
23362 @code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
23363 @c @end group
23364 @end table
23365
23366 @table @code
23367 @kindex show commands
23368 @cindex show last commands
23369 @cindex display command history
23370 @item show commands
23371 Display the last ten commands in the command history.
23372
23373 @item show commands @var{n}
23374 Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
23375
23376 @item show commands +
23377 Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
23378 @end table
23379
23380 @node Screen Size
23381 @section Screen Size
23382 @cindex size of screen
23383 @cindex screen size
23384 @cindex pagination
23385 @cindex page size
23386 @cindex pauses in output
23387
23388 Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
23389 information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
23390 @value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
23391 output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
23392 to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
23393 determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
23394 printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
23395 rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
23396
23397 Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
23398 driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
23399 together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
23400 @code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
23401 you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
23402 width} commands:
23403
23404 @table @code
23405 @kindex set height
23406 @kindex set width
23407 @kindex show width
23408 @kindex show height
23409 @item set height @var{lpp}
23410 @itemx set height unlimited
23411 @itemx show height
23412 @itemx set width @var{cpl}
23413 @itemx set width unlimited
23414 @itemx show width
23415 These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
23416 a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
23417 commands display the current settings.
23418
23419 If you specify a height of either @code{unlimited} or zero lines,
23420 @value{GDBN} does not pause during output no matter how long the
23421 output is. This is useful if output is to a file or to an editor
23422 buffer.
23423
23424 Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width unlimited} or @samp{set
23425 width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN} from wrapping its output.
23426
23427 @item set pagination on
23428 @itemx set pagination off
23429 @kindex set pagination
23430 Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
23431 pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height unlimited}. Note that
23432 running @value{GDBN} with the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode
23433 Options, -batch}) also automatically disables pagination.
23434
23435 @item show pagination
23436 @kindex show pagination
23437 Show the current pagination mode.
23438 @end table
23439
23440 @node Numbers
23441 @section Numbers
23442 @cindex number representation
23443 @cindex entering numbers
23444
23445 You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
23446 @value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
23447 @samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
23448 begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
23449 @samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
23450 10; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
23451 format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
23452 both input and output with the commands described below.
23453
23454 @table @code
23455 @kindex set input-radix
23456 @item set input-radix @var{base}
23457 Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
23458 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. The base must itself be
23459 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
23460 example, any of
23461
23462 @smallexample
23463 set input-radix 012
23464 set input-radix 10.
23465 set input-radix 0xa
23466 @end smallexample
23467
23468 @noindent
23469 sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
23470 leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
23471 @samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
23472 interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
23473 @samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
23474 change the radix.
23475
23476 @kindex set output-radix
23477 @item set output-radix @var{base}
23478 Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
23479 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. The base must itself be
23480 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
23481
23482 @kindex show input-radix
23483 @item show input-radix
23484 Display the current default base for numeric input.
23485
23486 @kindex show output-radix
23487 @item show output-radix
23488 Display the current default base for numeric display.
23489
23490 @item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
23491 @itemx show radix
23492 @kindex set radix
23493 @kindex show radix
23494 These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
23495 of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
23496 the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
23497 default value of 10.
23498
23499 @end table
23500
23501 @node ABI
23502 @section Configuring the Current ABI
23503
23504 @value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
23505 application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
23506 conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
23507 current ABI.
23508
23509 @cindex OS ABI
23510 @kindex set osabi
23511 @kindex show osabi
23512 @cindex Newlib OS ABI and its influence on the longjmp handling
23513
23514 One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
23515 system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
23516 @value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
23517 but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
23518 One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
23519 an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
23520 not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
23521 platform provides.
23522
23523 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides a
23524 ``Newlib'' OS ABI. This is useful for handling @code{setjmp} and
23525 @code{longjmp} when debugging binaries that use the @sc{newlib} C library.
23526 The ``Newlib'' OS ABI can be selected by @code{set osabi Newlib}.
23527
23528 @table @code
23529 @item show osabi
23530 Show the OS ABI currently in use.
23531
23532 @item set osabi
23533 With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
23534
23535 @item set osabi @var{abi}
23536 Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
23537 @end table
23538
23539 @cindex float promotion
23540
23541 Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
23542 function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
23543 (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
23544 according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
23545 (i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
23546 @code{double} and then passed.
23547
23548 Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
23549 a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
23550 as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
23551
23552 @table @code
23553 @kindex set coerce-float-to-double
23554 @item set coerce-float-to-double
23555 @itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
23556 Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
23557 to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
23558
23559 @item set coerce-float-to-double off
23560 Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
23561 functions.
23562
23563 @kindex show coerce-float-to-double
23564 @item show coerce-float-to-double
23565 Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
23566 @end table
23567
23568 @kindex set cp-abi
23569 @kindex show cp-abi
23570 @value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
23571 objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
23572 used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
23573 programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
23574 multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
23575 program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
23576 Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
23577 before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
23578 ``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
23579 use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
23580 ``auto''.
23581
23582 @table @code
23583 @item show cp-abi
23584 Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
23585
23586 @item set cp-abi
23587 With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
23588
23589 @item set cp-abi @var{abi}
23590 @itemx set cp-abi auto
23591 Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
23592 @end table
23593
23594 @node Auto-loading
23595 @section Automatically loading associated files
23596 @cindex auto-loading
23597
23598 @value{GDBN} sometimes reads files with commands and settings automatically,
23599 without being explicitly told so by the user. We call this feature
23600 @dfn{auto-loading}. While auto-loading is useful for automatically adapting
23601 @value{GDBN} to the needs of your project, it can sometimes produce unexpected
23602 results or introduce security risks (e.g., if the file comes from untrusted
23603 sources).
23604
23605 @menu
23606 * Init File in the Current Directory:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load local-gdbinit}
23607 * libthread_db.so.1 file:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load libthread-db}
23608
23609 * Auto-loading safe path:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load safe-path}
23610 * Auto-loading verbose mode:: @samp{set/show debug auto-load}
23611 @end menu
23612
23613 There are various kinds of files @value{GDBN} can automatically load.
23614 In addition to these files, @value{GDBN} supports auto-loading code written
23615 in various extension languages. @xref{Auto-loading extensions}.
23616
23617 Note that loading of these associated files (including the local @file{.gdbinit}
23618 file) requires accordingly configured @code{auto-load safe-path}
23619 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
23620
23621 For these reasons, @value{GDBN} includes commands and options to let you
23622 control when to auto-load files and which files should be auto-loaded.
23623
23624 @table @code
23625 @anchor{set auto-load off}
23626 @kindex set auto-load off
23627 @item set auto-load off
23628 Globally disable loading of all auto-loaded files.
23629 You may want to use this command with the @samp{-iex} option
23630 (@pxref{Option -init-eval-command}) such as:
23631 @smallexample
23632 $ @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load off" untrusted-executable corefile}
23633 @end smallexample
23634
23635 Be aware that system init file (@pxref{System-wide configuration})
23636 and init files from your home directory (@pxref{Home Directory Init File})
23637 still get read (as they come from generally trusted directories).
23638 To prevent @value{GDBN} from auto-loading even those init files, use the
23639 @option{-nx} option (@pxref{Mode Options}), in addition to
23640 @code{set auto-load no}.
23641
23642 @anchor{show auto-load}
23643 @kindex show auto-load
23644 @item show auto-load
23645 Show whether auto-loading of each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) is enabled
23646 or disabled.
23647
23648 @smallexample
23649 (gdb) show auto-load
23650 gdb-scripts: Auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is on.
23651 libthread-db: Auto-loading of inferior specific libthread_db is on.
23652 local-gdbinit: Auto-loading of .gdbinit script from current directory
23653 is on.
23654 python-scripts: Auto-loading of Python scripts is on.
23655 safe-path: List of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
23656 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
23657 scripts-directory: List of directories from which to load auto-loaded scripts
23658 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
23659 @end smallexample
23660
23661 @anchor{info auto-load}
23662 @kindex info auto-load
23663 @item info auto-load
23664 Print whether each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) have been auto-loaded or
23665 not.
23666
23667 @smallexample
23668 (gdb) info auto-load
23669 gdb-scripts:
23670 Loaded Script
23671 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb
23672 libthread-db: No auto-loaded libthread-db.
23673 local-gdbinit: Local .gdbinit file "/home/user/gdb/.gdbinit" has been
23674 loaded.
23675 python-scripts:
23676 Loaded Script
23677 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py
23678 @end smallexample
23679 @end table
23680
23681 These are @value{GDBN} control commands for the auto-loading:
23682
23683 @multitable @columnfractions .5 .5
23684 @item @xref{set auto-load off}.
23685 @tab Disable auto-loading globally.
23686 @item @xref{show auto-load}.
23687 @tab Show setting of all kinds of files.
23688 @item @xref{info auto-load}.
23689 @tab Show state of all kinds of files.
23690 @item @xref{set auto-load gdb-scripts}.
23691 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} command scripts.
23692 @item @xref{show auto-load gdb-scripts}.
23693 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
23694 @item @xref{info auto-load gdb-scripts}.
23695 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
23696 @item @xref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
23697 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
23698 @item @xref{show auto-load python-scripts}.
23699 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
23700 @item @xref{info auto-load python-scripts}.
23701 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
23702 @item @xref{set auto-load guile-scripts}.
23703 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} Guile scripts.
23704 @item @xref{show auto-load guile-scripts}.
23705 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} Guile scripts.
23706 @item @xref{info auto-load guile-scripts}.
23707 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} Guile scripts.
23708 @item @xref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
23709 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
23710 @item @xref{show auto-load scripts-directory}.
23711 @tab Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
23712 @item @xref{add-auto-load-scripts-directory}.
23713 @tab Add directory for auto-loaded scripts location list.
23714 @item @xref{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
23715 @tab Control for init file in the current directory.
23716 @item @xref{show auto-load local-gdbinit}.
23717 @tab Show setting of init file in the current directory.
23718 @item @xref{info auto-load local-gdbinit}.
23719 @tab Show state of init file in the current directory.
23720 @item @xref{set auto-load libthread-db}.
23721 @tab Control for thread debugging library.
23722 @item @xref{show auto-load libthread-db}.
23723 @tab Show setting of thread debugging library.
23724 @item @xref{info auto-load libthread-db}.
23725 @tab Show state of thread debugging library.
23726 @item @xref{set auto-load safe-path}.
23727 @tab Control directories trusted for automatic loading.
23728 @item @xref{show auto-load safe-path}.
23729 @tab Show directories trusted for automatic loading.
23730 @item @xref{add-auto-load-safe-path}.
23731 @tab Add directory trusted for automatic loading.
23732 @end multitable
23733
23734 @node Init File in the Current Directory
23735 @subsection Automatically loading init file in the current directory
23736 @cindex auto-loading init file in the current directory
23737
23738 By default, @value{GDBN} reads and executes the canned sequences of commands
23739 from init file (if any) in the current working directory,
23740 see @ref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}.
23741
23742 Note that loading of this local @file{.gdbinit} file also requires accordingly
23743 configured @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
23744
23745 @table @code
23746 @anchor{set auto-load local-gdbinit}
23747 @kindex set auto-load local-gdbinit
23748 @item set auto-load local-gdbinit [on|off]
23749 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands
23750 (@pxref{Sequences}) found in init file in the current directory.
23751
23752 @anchor{show auto-load local-gdbinit}
23753 @kindex show auto-load local-gdbinit
23754 @item show auto-load local-gdbinit
23755 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands from init file in the
23756 current directory is enabled or disabled.
23757
23758 @anchor{info auto-load local-gdbinit}
23759 @kindex info auto-load local-gdbinit
23760 @item info auto-load local-gdbinit
23761 Print whether canned sequences of commands from init file in the
23762 current directory have been auto-loaded.
23763 @end table
23764
23765 @node libthread_db.so.1 file
23766 @subsection Automatically loading thread debugging library
23767 @cindex auto-loading libthread_db.so.1
23768
23769 This feature is currently present only on @sc{gnu}/Linux native hosts.
23770
23771 @value{GDBN} reads in some cases thread debugging library from places specific
23772 to the inferior (@pxref{set libthread-db-search-path}).
23773
23774 The special @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entry @samp{$sdir} is processed
23775 without checking this @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} switch as system
23776 libraries have to be trusted in general. In all other cases of
23777 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entries @value{GDBN} checks first if @samp{set
23778 auto-load libthread-db} is enabled before trying to open such thread debugging
23779 library.
23780
23781 Note that loading of this debugging library also requires accordingly configured
23782 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
23783
23784 @table @code
23785 @anchor{set auto-load libthread-db}
23786 @kindex set auto-load libthread-db
23787 @item set auto-load libthread-db [on|off]
23788 Enable or disable the auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library.
23789
23790 @anchor{show auto-load libthread-db}
23791 @kindex show auto-load libthread-db
23792 @item show auto-load libthread-db
23793 Show whether auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library is
23794 enabled or disabled.
23795
23796 @anchor{info auto-load libthread-db}
23797 @kindex info auto-load libthread-db
23798 @item info auto-load libthread-db
23799 Print the list of all loaded inferior specific thread debugging libraries and
23800 for each such library print list of inferior @var{pid}s using it.
23801 @end table
23802
23803 @node Auto-loading safe path
23804 @subsection Security restriction for auto-loading
23805 @cindex auto-loading safe-path
23806
23807 As the files of inferior can come from untrusted source (such as submitted by
23808 an application user) @value{GDBN} does not always load any files automatically.
23809 @value{GDBN} provides the @samp{set auto-load safe-path} setting to list
23810 directories trusted for loading files not explicitly requested by user.
23811 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern.
23812
23813 If the path is not set properly you will see a warning and the file will not
23814 get loaded:
23815
23816 @smallexample
23817 $ ./gdb -q ./gdb
23818 Reading symbols from /home/user/gdb/gdb...done.
23819 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been
23820 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
23821 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
23822 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py" auto-loading has been
23823 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
23824 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
23825 @end smallexample
23826
23827 @noindent
23828 To instruct @value{GDBN} to go ahead and use the init files anyway,
23829 invoke @value{GDBN} like this:
23830
23831 @smallexample
23832 $ gdb -q -iex "set auto-load safe-path /home/user/gdb" ./gdb
23833 @end smallexample
23834
23835 The list of trusted directories is controlled by the following commands:
23836
23837 @table @code
23838 @anchor{set auto-load safe-path}
23839 @kindex set auto-load safe-path
23840 @item set auto-load safe-path @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
23841 Set the list of directories (and their subdirectories) trusted for automatic
23842 loading and execution of scripts. You can also enter a specific trusted file.
23843 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern; wildcards do not match
23844 directory separator - see @code{FNM_PATHNAME} for system function @code{fnmatch}
23845 (@pxref{Wildcard Matching, fnmatch, , libc, GNU C Library Reference Manual}).
23846 If you omit @var{directories}, @samp{auto-load safe-path} will be reset to
23847 its default value as specified during @value{GDBN} compilation.
23848
23849 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
23850 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
23851 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
23852
23853 @anchor{show auto-load safe-path}
23854 @kindex show auto-load safe-path
23855 @item show auto-load safe-path
23856 Show the list of directories trusted for automatic loading and execution of
23857 scripts.
23858
23859 @anchor{add-auto-load-safe-path}
23860 @kindex add-auto-load-safe-path
23861 @item add-auto-load-safe-path
23862 Add an entry (or list of entries) to the list of directories trusted for
23863 automatic loading and execution of scripts. Multiple entries may be delimited
23864 by the host platform path separator in use.
23865 @end table
23866
23867 This variable defaults to what @code{--with-auto-load-dir} has been configured
23868 to (@pxref{with-auto-load-dir}). @file{$debugdir} and @file{$datadir}
23869 substitution applies the same as for @ref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
23870 The default @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by
23871 @value{GDBN} configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-safe-path}.
23872
23873 Setting this variable to @file{/} disables this security protection,
23874 corresponding @value{GDBN} configuration option is
23875 @option{--without-auto-load-safe-path}.
23876 This variable is supposed to be set to the system directories writable by the
23877 system superuser only. Users can add their source directories in init files in
23878 their home directories (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). See also deprecated
23879 init file in the current directory
23880 (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}).
23881
23882 To force @value{GDBN} to load the files it declined to load in the previous
23883 example, you could use one of the following ways:
23884
23885 @table @asis
23886 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{add-auto-load-safe-path ~/src/gdb}
23887 Specify this trusted directory (or a file) as additional component of the list.
23888 You have to specify also any existing directories displayed by
23889 by @samp{show auto-load safe-path} (such as @samp{/usr:/bin} in this example).
23890
23891 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /usr:/bin:~/src/gdb" @dots{}}
23892 Specify this directory as in the previous case but just for a single
23893 @value{GDBN} session.
23894
23895 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /" @dots{}}
23896 Disable auto-loading safety for a single @value{GDBN} session.
23897 This assumes all the files you debug during this @value{GDBN} session will come
23898 from trusted sources.
23899
23900 @item @kbd{./configure --without-auto-load-safe-path}
23901 During compilation of @value{GDBN} you may disable any auto-loading safety.
23902 This assumes all the files you will ever debug with this @value{GDBN} come from
23903 trusted sources.
23904 @end table
23905
23906 On the other hand you can also explicitly forbid automatic files loading which
23907 also suppresses any such warning messages:
23908
23909 @table @asis
23910 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load no" @dots{}}
23911 You can use @value{GDBN} command-line option for a single @value{GDBN} session.
23912
23913 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{set auto-load no}
23914 Disable auto-loading globally for the user
23915 (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). While it is improbable, you could also
23916 use system init file instead (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
23917 @end table
23918
23919 This setting applies to the file names as entered by user. If no entry matches
23920 @value{GDBN} tries as a last resort to also resolve all the file names into
23921 their canonical form (typically resolving symbolic links) and compare the
23922 entries again. @value{GDBN} already canonicalizes most of the filenames on its
23923 own before starting the comparison so a canonical form of directories is
23924 recommended to be entered.
23925
23926 @node Auto-loading verbose mode
23927 @subsection Displaying files tried for auto-load
23928 @cindex auto-loading verbose mode
23929
23930 For better visibility of all the file locations where you can place scripts to
23931 be auto-loaded with inferior --- or to protect yourself against accidental
23932 execution of untrusted scripts --- @value{GDBN} provides a feature for printing
23933 all the files attempted to be loaded. Both existing and non-existing files may
23934 be printed.
23935
23936 For example the list of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
23937 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}) applies also to canonicalized filenames which
23938 may not be too obvious while setting it up.
23939
23940 @smallexample
23941 (gdb) set debug auto-load on
23942 (gdb) file ~/src/t/true
23943 auto-load: Loading canned sequences of commands script "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb"
23944 for objfile "/tmp/true".
23945 auto-load: Updating directories of "/usr:/opt".
23946 auto-load: Using directory "/usr".
23947 auto-load: Using directory "/opt".
23948 warning: File "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been declined
23949 by your `auto-load safe-path' set to "/usr:/opt".
23950 @end smallexample
23951
23952 @table @code
23953 @anchor{set debug auto-load}
23954 @kindex set debug auto-load
23955 @item set debug auto-load [on|off]
23956 Set whether to print the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded.
23957
23958 @anchor{show debug auto-load}
23959 @kindex show debug auto-load
23960 @item show debug auto-load
23961 Show whether printing of the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded is turned
23962 on or off.
23963 @end table
23964
23965 @node Messages/Warnings
23966 @section Optional Warnings and Messages
23967
23968 @cindex verbose operation
23969 @cindex optional warnings
23970 By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
23971 running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
23972 command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
23973 internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
23974
23975 Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
23976 which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
23977 see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
23978
23979 @table @code
23980 @kindex set verbose
23981 @item set verbose on
23982 Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
23983
23984 @item set verbose off
23985 Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
23986
23987 @kindex show verbose
23988 @item show verbose
23989 Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
23990 @end table
23991
23992 By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
23993 object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
23994 find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
23995 Symbol Files}).
23996
23997 @table @code
23998
23999 @kindex set complaints
24000 @item set complaints @var{limit}
24001 Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
24002 unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
24003 @var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
24004 to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
24005
24006 @kindex show complaints
24007 @item show complaints
24008 Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
24009
24010 @end table
24011
24012 @anchor{confirmation requests}
24013 By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
24014 lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
24015 you try to run a program which is already running:
24016
24017 @smallexample
24018 (@value{GDBP}) run
24019 The program being debugged has been started already.
24020 Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
24021 @end smallexample
24022
24023 If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
24024 commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
24025
24026 @table @code
24027
24028 @kindex set confirm
24029 @cindex flinching
24030 @cindex confirmation
24031 @cindex stupid questions
24032 @item set confirm off
24033 Disables confirmation requests. Note that running @value{GDBN} with
24034 the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode Options, -batch}) also
24035 automatically disables confirmation requests.
24036
24037 @item set confirm on
24038 Enables confirmation requests (the default).
24039
24040 @kindex show confirm
24041 @item show confirm
24042 Displays state of confirmation requests.
24043
24044 @end table
24045
24046 @cindex command tracing
24047 If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
24048 useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
24049 printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
24050 quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
24051
24052 @table @code
24053 @kindex set trace-commands
24054 @cindex command scripts, debugging
24055 @item set trace-commands on
24056 Enable command tracing.
24057 @item set trace-commands off
24058 Disable command tracing.
24059 @item show trace-commands
24060 Display the current state of command tracing.
24061 @end table
24062
24063 @node Debugging Output
24064 @section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
24065 @cindex optional debugging messages
24066
24067 @value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
24068 various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
24069 interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
24070 section documents those commands.
24071
24072 @table @code
24073 @kindex set exec-done-display
24074 @item set exec-done-display
24075 Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
24076 completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
24077 asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
24078 @kindex show exec-done-display
24079 @item show exec-done-display
24080 Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
24081 notification.
24082 @kindex set debug
24083 @cindex ARM AArch64
24084 @item set debug aarch64
24085 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to ARM AArch64.
24086 The default is off.
24087 @kindex show debug
24088 @item show debug aarch64
24089 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
24090 ARM AArch64.
24091 @cindex gdbarch debugging info
24092 @cindex architecture debugging info
24093 @item set debug arch
24094 Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
24095 @item show debug arch
24096 Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
24097 @item set debug aix-solib
24098 @cindex AIX shared library debugging
24099 Control display of debugging messages from the AIX shared library
24100 support module. The default is off.
24101 @item show debug aix-thread
24102 Show the current state of displaying AIX shared library debugging messages.
24103 @item set debug aix-thread
24104 @cindex AIX threads
24105 Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
24106 module.
24107 @item show debug aix-thread
24108 Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
24109 @item set debug check-physname
24110 @cindex physname
24111 Check the results of the ``physname'' computation. When reading DWARF
24112 debugging information for C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} attempts to compute
24113 each entity's name. @value{GDBN} can do this computation in two
24114 different ways, depending on exactly what information is present.
24115 When enabled, this setting causes @value{GDBN} to compute the names
24116 both ways and display any discrepancies.
24117 @item show debug check-physname
24118 Show the current state of ``physname'' checking.
24119 @item set debug coff-pe-read
24120 @cindex COFF/PE exported symbols
24121 Control display of debugging messages related to reading of COFF/PE
24122 exported symbols. The default is off.
24123 @item show debug coff-pe-read
24124 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
24125 reading of COFF/PE exported symbols.
24126 @item set debug dwarf-die
24127 @cindex DWARF DIEs
24128 Dump DWARF DIEs after they are read in.
24129 The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
24130 A value of zero turns off the display.
24131 @item show debug dwarf-die
24132 Show the current state of DWARF DIE debugging.
24133 @item set debug dwarf-line
24134 @cindex DWARF Line Tables
24135 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to reading
24136 DWARF line tables. The default is 0 (off).
24137 A value of 1 provides basic information.
24138 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
24139 @item show debug dwarf-line
24140 Show the current state of DWARF line table debugging.
24141 @item set debug dwarf-read
24142 @cindex DWARF Reading
24143 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to reading
24144 DWARF debug info. The default is 0 (off).
24145 A value of 1 provides basic information.
24146 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
24147 @item show debug dwarf-read
24148 Show the current state of DWARF reader debugging.
24149 @item set debug displaced
24150 @cindex displaced stepping debugging info
24151 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
24152 displaced stepping support. The default is off.
24153 @item show debug displaced
24154 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
24155 related to displaced stepping.
24156 @item set debug event
24157 @cindex event debugging info
24158 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
24159 default is off.
24160 @item show debug event
24161 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
24162 info.
24163 @item set debug expression
24164 @cindex expression debugging info
24165 Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
24166 expression parsing. The default is off.
24167 @item show debug expression
24168 Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
24169 @value{GDBN} expression parsing.
24170 @item set debug fbsd-lwp
24171 @cindex FreeBSD LWP debug messages
24172 Turns on or off debugging messages from the FreeBSD LWP debug support.
24173 @item show debug fbsd-lwp
24174 Show the current state of FreeBSD LWP debugging messages.
24175 @item set debug frame
24176 @cindex frame debugging info
24177 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
24178 default is off.
24179 @item show debug frame
24180 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
24181 info.
24182 @item set debug gnu-nat
24183 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug messages
24184 Turn on or off debugging messages from the @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug support.
24185 @item show debug gnu-nat
24186 Show the current state of @sc{gnu}/Hurd debugging messages.
24187 @item set debug infrun
24188 @cindex inferior debugging info
24189 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
24190 The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
24191 for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
24192 @item show debug infrun
24193 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
24194 @item set debug jit
24195 @cindex just-in-time compilation, debugging messages
24196 Turn on or off debugging messages from JIT debug support.
24197 @item show debug jit
24198 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} JIT debugging.
24199 @item set debug lin-lwp
24200 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
24201 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
24202 Turn on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
24203 @item show debug lin-lwp
24204 Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
24205 @item set debug linux-namespaces
24206 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux namespaces debug messages
24207 Turn on or off debugging messages from the Linux namespaces debug support.
24208 @item show debug linux-namespaces
24209 Show the current state of Linux namespaces debugging messages.
24210 @item set debug mach-o
24211 @cindex Mach-O symbols processing
24212 Control display of debugging messages related to Mach-O symbols
24213 processing. The default is off.
24214 @item show debug mach-o
24215 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
24216 reading of COFF/PE exported symbols.
24217 @item set debug notification
24218 @cindex remote async notification debugging info
24219 Turn on or off debugging messages about remote async notification.
24220 The default is off.
24221 @item show debug notification
24222 Displays the current state of remote async notification debugging messages.
24223 @item set debug observer
24224 @cindex observer debugging info
24225 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
24226 includes info such as the notification of observable events.
24227 @item show debug observer
24228 Displays the current state of observer debugging.
24229 @item set debug overload
24230 @cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
24231 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
24232 info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
24233 is off.
24234 @item show debug overload
24235 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
24236 debugging info.
24237 @cindex expression parser, debugging info
24238 @cindex debug expression parser
24239 @item set debug parser
24240 Turns on or off the display of expression parser debugging output.
24241 Internally, this sets the @code{yydebug} variable in the expression
24242 parser. @xref{Tracing, , Tracing Your Parser, bison, Bison}, for
24243 details. The default is off.
24244 @item show debug parser
24245 Show the current state of expression parser debugging.
24246 @cindex packets, reporting on stdout
24247 @cindex serial connections, debugging
24248 @cindex debug remote protocol
24249 @cindex remote protocol debugging
24250 @cindex display remote packets
24251 @item set debug remote
24252 Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
24253 the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
24254 @value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
24255 @item show debug remote
24256 Displays the state of display of remote packets.
24257
24258 @item set debug separate-debug-file
24259 Turns on or off display of debug output about separate debug file search.
24260 @item show debug separate-debug-file
24261 Displays the state of separate debug file search debug output.
24262
24263 @item set debug serial
24264 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
24265 default is off.
24266 @item show debug serial
24267 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
24268 info.
24269 @item set debug solib-frv
24270 @cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
24271 Turn on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
24272 @item show debug solib-frv
24273 Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
24274 messages.
24275 @item set debug symbol-lookup
24276 @cindex symbol lookup
24277 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol lookup.
24278 The default is 0 (off).
24279 A value of 1 provides basic information.
24280 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
24281 @item show debug symbol-lookup
24282 Show the current state of symbol lookup debugging messages.
24283 @item set debug symfile
24284 @cindex symbol file functions
24285 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol file functions.
24286 The default is off. @xref{Files}.
24287 @item show debug symfile
24288 Show the current state of symbol file debugging messages.
24289 @item set debug symtab-create
24290 @cindex symbol table creation
24291 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol table creation.
24292 The default is 0 (off).
24293 A value of 1 provides basic information.
24294 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
24295 @item show debug symtab-create
24296 Show the current state of symbol table creation debugging.
24297 @item set debug target
24298 @cindex target debugging info
24299 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
24300 includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
24301 default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
24302 value of large memory transfers.
24303 @item show debug target
24304 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
24305 info.
24306 @item set debug timestamp
24307 @cindex timestampping debugging info
24308 Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
24309 When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
24310 message.
24311 @item show debug timestamp
24312 Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
24313 debugging info.
24314 @item set debug varobj
24315 @cindex variable object debugging info
24316 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
24317 info. The default is off.
24318 @item show debug varobj
24319 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
24320 debugging info.
24321 @item set debug xml
24322 @cindex XML parser debugging
24323 Turn on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
24324 @item show debug xml
24325 Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
24326 @end table
24327
24328 @node Other Misc Settings
24329 @section Other Miscellaneous Settings
24330 @cindex miscellaneous settings
24331
24332 @table @code
24333 @kindex set interactive-mode
24334 @item set interactive-mode
24335 If @code{on}, forces @value{GDBN} to assume that GDB was started
24336 in a terminal. In practice, this means that @value{GDBN} should wait
24337 for the user to answer queries generated by commands entered at
24338 the command prompt. If @code{off}, forces @value{GDBN} to operate
24339 in the opposite mode, and it uses the default answers to all queries.
24340 If @code{auto} (the default), @value{GDBN} tries to determine whether
24341 its standard input is a terminal, and works in interactive-mode if it
24342 is, non-interactively otherwise.
24343
24344 In the vast majority of cases, the debugger should be able to guess
24345 correctly which mode should be used. But this setting can be useful
24346 in certain specific cases, such as running a MinGW @value{GDBN}
24347 inside a cygwin window.
24348
24349 @kindex show interactive-mode
24350 @item show interactive-mode
24351 Displays whether the debugger is operating in interactive mode or not.
24352 @end table
24353
24354 @node Extending GDB
24355 @chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
24356 @cindex extending GDB
24357
24358 @value{GDBN} provides several mechanisms for extension.
24359 @value{GDBN} also provides the ability to automatically load
24360 extensions when it reads a file for debugging. This allows the
24361 user to automatically customize @value{GDBN} for the program
24362 being debugged.
24363
24364 @menu
24365 * Sequences:: Canned Sequences of @value{GDBN} Commands
24366 * Python:: Extending @value{GDBN} using Python
24367 * Guile:: Extending @value{GDBN} using Guile
24368 * Auto-loading extensions:: Automatically loading extensions
24369 * Multiple Extension Languages:: Working with multiple extension languages
24370 * Aliases:: Creating new spellings of existing commands
24371 @end menu
24372
24373 To facilitate the use of extension languages, @value{GDBN} is capable
24374 of evaluating the contents of a file. When doing so, @value{GDBN}
24375 can recognize which extension language is being used by looking at
24376 the filename extension. Files with an unrecognized filename extension
24377 are always treated as a @value{GDBN} Command Files.
24378 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
24379
24380 You can control how @value{GDBN} evaluates these files with the following
24381 setting:
24382
24383 @table @code
24384 @kindex set script-extension
24385 @kindex show script-extension
24386 @item set script-extension off
24387 All scripts are always evaluated as @value{GDBN} Command Files.
24388
24389 @item set script-extension soft
24390 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
24391 extension. If this scripting language is supported, @value{GDBN}
24392 evaluates the script using that language. Otherwise, it evaluates
24393 the file as a @value{GDBN} Command File.
24394
24395 @item set script-extension strict
24396 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
24397 extension, and evaluates the script using that language. If the
24398 language is not supported, then the evaluation fails.
24399
24400 @item show script-extension
24401 Display the current value of the @code{script-extension} option.
24402
24403 @end table
24404
24405 @node Sequences
24406 @section Canned Sequences of Commands
24407
24408 Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
24409 Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
24410 commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
24411 files.
24412
24413 @menu
24414 * Define:: How to define your own commands
24415 * Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
24416 * Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
24417 * Output:: Commands for controlled output
24418 * Auto-loading sequences:: Controlling auto-loaded command files
24419 @end menu
24420
24421 @node Define
24422 @subsection User-defined Commands
24423
24424 @cindex user-defined command
24425 @cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
24426 A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
24427 which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
24428 @code{define} command. User commands may accept an unlimited number of arguments
24429 separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
24430 via @code{$arg0@dots{}$argN}. A trivial example:
24431
24432 @smallexample
24433 define adder
24434 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
24435 end
24436 @end smallexample
24437
24438 @noindent
24439 To execute the command use:
24440
24441 @smallexample
24442 adder 1 2 3
24443 @end smallexample
24444
24445 @noindent
24446 This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
24447 its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
24448 reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
24449 functions calls.
24450
24451 @cindex argument count in user-defined commands
24452 @cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
24453 In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
24454 been passed.
24455
24456 @smallexample
24457 define adder
24458 if $argc == 2
24459 print $arg0 + $arg1
24460 end
24461 if $argc == 3
24462 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
24463 end
24464 end
24465 @end smallexample
24466
24467 Combining with the @code{eval} command (@pxref{eval}) makes it easier
24468 to process a variable number of arguments:
24469
24470 @smallexample
24471 define adder
24472 set $i = 0
24473 set $sum = 0
24474 while $i < $argc
24475 eval "set $sum = $sum + $arg%d", $i
24476 set $i = $i + 1
24477 end
24478 print $sum
24479 end
24480 @end smallexample
24481
24482 @table @code
24483
24484 @kindex define
24485 @item define @var{commandname}
24486 Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
24487 by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
24488 The argument @var{commandname} may be a bare command name consisting of letters,
24489 numbers, dashes, and underscores. It may also start with any predefined
24490 prefix command. For example, @samp{define target my-target} creates
24491 a user-defined @samp{target my-target} command.
24492
24493 The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
24494 which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
24495 commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
24496
24497 @kindex document
24498 @kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
24499 @item document @var{commandname}
24500 Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
24501 accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
24502 defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
24503 reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
24504 After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
24505 @var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
24506
24507 You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
24508 documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
24509 does not change the documentation.
24510
24511 @kindex dont-repeat
24512 @cindex don't repeat command
24513 @item dont-repeat
24514 Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
24515 command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
24516 (@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
24517
24518 @kindex help user-defined
24519 @item help user-defined
24520 List all user-defined commands and all python commands defined in class
24521 COMAND_USER. The first line of the documentation or docstring is
24522 included (if any).
24523
24524 @kindex show user
24525 @item show user
24526 @itemx show user @var{commandname}
24527 Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
24528 not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
24529 definitions for all user-defined commands.
24530 This does not work for user-defined python commands.
24531
24532 @cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
24533 @kindex show max-user-call-depth
24534 @kindex set max-user-call-depth
24535 @item show max-user-call-depth
24536 @itemx set max-user-call-depth
24537 The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
24538 levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
24539 infinite recursion and aborts the command.
24540 This does not apply to user-defined python commands.
24541 @end table
24542
24543 In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
24544 use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
24545
24546 When user-defined commands are executed, the
24547 commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
24548 stops execution of the user-defined command.
24549
24550 If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
24551 without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
24552 commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
24553 messages when used in a user-defined command.
24554
24555 @node Hooks
24556 @subsection User-defined Command Hooks
24557 @cindex command hooks
24558 @cindex hooks, for commands
24559 @cindex hooks, pre-command
24560
24561 @kindex hook
24562 You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
24563 command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
24564 command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
24565 before that command.
24566
24567 @cindex hooks, post-command
24568 @kindex hookpost
24569 A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
24570 Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
24571 @samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
24572 that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
24573 pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
24574
24575 It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
24576 occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
24577
24578 @c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
24579 @c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
24580
24581 @kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
24582 In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
24583 (@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
24584 execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
24585 displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
24586
24587 For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
24588 single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
24589 you could define:
24590
24591 @smallexample
24592 define hook-stop
24593 handle SIGALRM nopass
24594 end
24595
24596 define hook-run
24597 handle SIGALRM pass
24598 end
24599
24600 define hook-continue
24601 handle SIGALRM pass
24602 end
24603 @end smallexample
24604
24605 As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
24606 command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
24607 you could define:
24608
24609 @smallexample
24610 define hook-echo
24611 echo <<<---
24612 end
24613
24614 define hookpost-echo
24615 echo --->>>\n
24616 end
24617
24618 (@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
24619 <<<---Hello World--->>>
24620 (@value{GDBP})
24621
24622 @end smallexample
24623
24624 You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
24625 not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
24626 name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
24627 @c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
24628 @c or not?
24629 You can hook a multi-word command by adding @code{hook-} or
24630 @code{hookpost-} to the last word of the command, e.g.@:
24631 @samp{define target hook-remote} to add a hook to @samp{target remote}.
24632
24633 If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
24634 @value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
24635 (before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
24636
24637 If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
24638 get a warning from the @code{define} command.
24639
24640 @node Command Files
24641 @subsection Command Files
24642
24643 @cindex command files
24644 @cindex scripting commands
24645 A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
24646 @value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
24647 also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
24648 does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
24649 terminal.
24650
24651 You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
24652 command. Note that the @code{source} command is also used to evaluate
24653 scripts that are not Command Files. The exact behavior can be configured
24654 using the @code{script-extension} setting.
24655 @xref{Extending GDB,, Extending GDB}.
24656
24657 @table @code
24658 @kindex source
24659 @cindex execute commands from a file
24660 @item source [-s] [-v] @var{filename}
24661 Execute the command file @var{filename}.
24662 @end table
24663
24664 The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
24665 unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
24666 @emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
24667 printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
24668 execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
24669
24670 @value{GDBN} first searches for @var{filename} in the current directory.
24671 If the file is not found there, and @var{filename} does not specify a
24672 directory, then @value{GDBN} also looks for the file on the source search path
24673 (specified with the @samp{directory} command);
24674 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched because the compilation directory
24675 is not relevant to scripts.
24676
24677 If @code{-s} is specified, then @value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename}
24678 on the search path even if @var{filename} specifies a directory.
24679 The search is done by appending @var{filename} to each element of the
24680 search path. So, for example, if @var{filename} is @file{mylib/myscript}
24681 and the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
24682 look for the script @file{/home/user/mylib/myscript}.
24683 The search is also done if @var{filename} is an absolute path.
24684 For example, if @var{filename} is @file{/tmp/myscript} and
24685 the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
24686 look for the script @file{/home/user/tmp/myscript}.
24687 For DOS-like systems, if @var{filename} contains a drive specification,
24688 it is stripped before concatenation. For example, if @var{filename} is
24689 @file{d:myscript} and the search path contains @file{c:/tmp} then @value{GDBN}
24690 will look for the script @file{c:/tmp/myscript}.
24691
24692 If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
24693 each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
24694 @var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
24695
24696 Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
24697 without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
24698 normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
24699 when called from command files.
24700
24701 @value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
24702 mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
24703 standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
24704 not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
24705 the next command.
24706
24707 @smallexample
24708 gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
24709 @end smallexample
24710
24711 (The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
24712 will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
24713 would be directed to @file{log}.
24714
24715 Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
24716 commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
24717 complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
24718 variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
24719 built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
24720 deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
24721 complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
24722 conditionally, etc.
24723
24724 @table @code
24725 @kindex if
24726 @kindex else
24727 @item if
24728 @itemx else
24729 This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
24730 commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
24731 expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
24732 are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
24733 There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
24734 of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
24735 end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
24736
24737 @kindex while
24738 @item while
24739 This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
24740 @code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
24741 to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
24742 line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
24743 @dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
24744 executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
24745
24746 @kindex loop_break
24747 @item loop_break
24748 This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
24749 Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
24750 line.
24751
24752 @kindex loop_continue
24753 @item loop_continue
24754 This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
24755 in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
24756 branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
24757 the controlling expression.
24758
24759 @kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
24760 @item end
24761 Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
24762 @code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
24763 @end table
24764
24765
24766 @node Output
24767 @subsection Commands for Controlled Output
24768
24769 During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
24770 @value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
24771 explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
24772 describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
24773 want.
24774
24775 @table @code
24776 @kindex echo
24777 @item echo @var{text}
24778 @c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
24779 @c because it is not in ANSI.
24780 Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
24781 @var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
24782 newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
24783 In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
24784 by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
24785 string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
24786 trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
24787 To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
24788 @samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
24789
24790 A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
24791 the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
24792
24793 @smallexample
24794 echo This is some text\n\
24795 which is continued\n\
24796 onto several lines.\n
24797 @end smallexample
24798
24799 produces the same output as
24800
24801 @smallexample
24802 echo This is some text\n
24803 echo which is continued\n
24804 echo onto several lines.\n
24805 @end smallexample
24806
24807 @kindex output
24808 @item output @var{expression}
24809 Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
24810 newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
24811 value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
24812 on expressions.
24813
24814 @item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
24815 Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
24816 the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
24817 Formats}, for more information.
24818
24819 @kindex printf
24820 @item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
24821 Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
24822 the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
24823 @var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
24824 which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
24825 specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
24826 executing the code below:
24827
24828 @smallexample
24829 printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
24830 @end smallexample
24831
24832 As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
24833 are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
24834 by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
24835 evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
24836 style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
24837 printed.
24838
24839 For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
24840
24841 @smallexample
24842 printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
24843 @end smallexample
24844
24845 @code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
24846 specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
24847 character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
24848
24849 @itemize @bullet
24850 @item
24851 The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
24852
24853 @item
24854 The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
24855 width.
24856
24857 @item
24858 The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
24859 @code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
24860
24861 @item
24862 The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
24863 supported.
24864
24865 @item
24866 The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
24867
24868 @item
24869 The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
24870 @end itemize
24871
24872 @noindent
24873 Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
24874 underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
24875 the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
24876 supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
24877
24878 As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
24879 sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
24880 @samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
24881 single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
24882 supported.
24883
24884 Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
24885 (@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
24886 together with a floating point specifier.
24887 letters:
24888
24889 @itemize @bullet
24890 @item
24891 @samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
24892
24893 @item
24894 @samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
24895
24896 @item
24897 @samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
24898 @end itemize
24899
24900 If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
24901 support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
24902 such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
24903
24904 In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
24905 available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
24906
24907 Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
24908 @smallexample
24909 printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
24910 @end smallexample
24911
24912 @anchor{eval}
24913 @kindex eval
24914 @item eval @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
24915 Convert the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
24916 the string @var{template} to a command line, and call it.
24917
24918 @end table
24919
24920 @node Auto-loading sequences
24921 @subsection Controlling auto-loading native @value{GDBN} scripts
24922 @cindex native script auto-loading
24923
24924 When a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
24925 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library),
24926 @value{GDBN} will look for the command file @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}.
24927 @xref{Auto-loading extensions}.
24928
24929 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
24930 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
24931
24932 @table @code
24933 @anchor{set auto-load gdb-scripts}
24934 @kindex set auto-load gdb-scripts
24935 @item set auto-load gdb-scripts [on|off]
24936 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts.
24937
24938 @anchor{show auto-load gdb-scripts}
24939 @kindex show auto-load gdb-scripts
24940 @item show auto-load gdb-scripts
24941 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is enabled or
24942 disabled.
24943
24944 @anchor{info auto-load gdb-scripts}
24945 @kindex info auto-load gdb-scripts
24946 @cindex print list of auto-loaded canned sequences of commands scripts
24947 @item info auto-load gdb-scripts [@var{regexp}]
24948 Print the list of all canned sequences of commands scripts that @value{GDBN}
24949 auto-loaded.
24950 @end table
24951
24952 If @var{regexp} is supplied only canned sequences of commands scripts with
24953 matching names are printed.
24954
24955 @c Python docs live in a separate file.
24956 @include python.texi
24957
24958 @c Guile docs live in a separate file.
24959 @include guile.texi
24960
24961 @node Auto-loading extensions
24962 @section Auto-loading extensions
24963 @cindex auto-loading extensions
24964
24965 @value{GDBN} provides two mechanisms for automatically loading extensions
24966 when a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
24967 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library):
24968 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} and the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts}
24969 section of modern file formats like ELF.
24970
24971 @menu
24972 * objfile-gdb.ext file: objfile-gdbdotext file. The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} file
24973 * .debug_gdb_scripts section: dotdebug_gdb_scripts section. The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
24974 * Which flavor to choose?::
24975 @end menu
24976
24977 The auto-loading feature is useful for supplying application-specific
24978 debugging commands and features.
24979
24980 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
24981 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
24982 See the @samp{auto-loading} section of each extension language
24983 for more information.
24984 For @value{GDBN} command files see @ref{Auto-loading sequences}.
24985 For Python files see @ref{Python Auto-loading}.
24986
24987 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
24988 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
24989
24990 @node objfile-gdbdotext file
24991 @subsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} file
24992 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}
24993 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
24994 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.scm}
24995
24996 When a new object file is read, @value{GDBN} looks for a file named
24997 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} (we call it @var{script-name} below),
24998 where @var{objfile} is the object file's name and
24999 where @var{ext} is the file extension for the extension language:
25000
25001 @table @code
25002 @item @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}
25003 GDB's own command language
25004 @item @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
25005 Python
25006 @item @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.scm}
25007 Guile
25008 @end table
25009
25010 @var{script-name} is formed by ensuring that the file name of @var{objfile}
25011 is absolute, following all symlinks, and resolving @code{.} and @code{..}
25012 components, and appending the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} suffix.
25013 If this file exists and is readable, @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as a
25014 script in the specified extension language.
25015
25016 If this file does not exist, then @value{GDBN} will look for
25017 @var{script-name} file in all of the directories as specified below.
25018
25019 Note that loading of these files requires an accordingly configured
25020 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
25021
25022 For object files using @file{.exe} suffix @value{GDBN} tries to load first the
25023 scripts normally according to its @file{.exe} filename. But if no scripts are
25024 found @value{GDBN} also tries script filenames matching the object file without
25025 its @file{.exe} suffix. This @file{.exe} stripping is case insensitive and it
25026 is attempted on any platform. This makes the script filenames compatible
25027 between Unix and MS-Windows hosts.
25028
25029 @table @code
25030 @anchor{set auto-load scripts-directory}
25031 @kindex set auto-load scripts-directory
25032 @item set auto-load scripts-directory @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
25033 Control @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location. Multiple directory entries
25034 may be delimited by the host platform path separator in use
25035 (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS).
25036
25037 Each entry here needs to be covered also by the security setting
25038 @code{set auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{set auto-load safe-path}).
25039
25040 @anchor{with-auto-load-dir}
25041 This variable defaults to @file{$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load}. The default
25042 @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by @value{GDBN}
25043 configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-dir}.
25044
25045 Any reference to @file{$debugdir} will get replaced by
25046 @var{debug-file-directory} value (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}) and any
25047 reference to @file{$datadir} will get replaced by @var{data-directory} which is
25048 determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}). @file{$debugdir} and
25049 @file{$datadir} must be placed as a directory component --- either alone or
25050 delimited by @file{/} or @file{\} directory separators, depending on the host
25051 platform.
25052
25053 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
25054 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
25055 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
25056
25057 @anchor{show auto-load scripts-directory}
25058 @kindex show auto-load scripts-directory
25059 @item show auto-load scripts-directory
25060 Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
25061
25062 @anchor{add-auto-load-scripts-directory}
25063 @kindex add-auto-load-scripts-directory
25064 @item add-auto-load-scripts-directory @r{[}@var{directories}@dots{}@r{]}
25065 Add an entry (or list of entries) to the list of auto-loaded scripts locations.
25066 Multiple entries may be delimited by the host platform path separator in use.
25067 @end table
25068
25069 @value{GDBN} does not track which files it has already auto-loaded this way.
25070 @value{GDBN} will load the associated script every time the corresponding
25071 @var{objfile} is opened.
25072 So your @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} file should be careful to avoid errors if it
25073 is evaluated more than once.
25074
25075 @node dotdebug_gdb_scripts section
25076 @subsection The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
25077 @cindex @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
25078
25079 For systems using file formats like ELF and COFF,
25080 when @value{GDBN} loads a new object file
25081 it will look for a special section named @code{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
25082 If this section exists, its contents is a list of null-terminated entries
25083 specifying scripts to load. Each entry begins with a non-null prefix byte that
25084 specifies the kind of entry, typically the extension language and whether the
25085 script is in a file or inlined in @code{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
25086
25087 The following entries are supported:
25088
25089 @table @code
25090 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_PYTHON_FILE = 1
25091 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_SCHEME_FILE = 3
25092 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_PYTHON_TEXT = 4
25093 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_SCHEME_TEXT = 6
25094 @end table
25095
25096 @subsubsection Script File Entries
25097
25098 If the entry specifies a file, @value{GDBN} will look for the file first
25099 in the current directory and then along the source search path
25100 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}),
25101 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched, since the compilation
25102 directory is not relevant to scripts.
25103
25104 File entries can be placed in section @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} with,
25105 for example, this GCC macro for Python scripts.
25106
25107 @example
25108 /* Note: The "MS" section flags are to remove duplicates. */
25109 #define DEFINE_GDB_PY_SCRIPT(script_name) \
25110 asm("\
25111 .pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n\
25112 .byte 1 /* Python */\n\
25113 .asciz \"" script_name "\"\n\
25114 .popsection \n\
25115 ");
25116 @end example
25117
25118 @noindent
25119 For Guile scripts, replace @code{.byte 1} with @code{.byte 3}.
25120 Then one can reference the macro in a header or source file like this:
25121
25122 @example
25123 DEFINE_GDB_PY_SCRIPT ("my-app-scripts.py")
25124 @end example
25125
25126 The script name may include directories if desired.
25127
25128 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
25129 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
25130
25131 If the macro invocation is put in a header, any application or library
25132 using this header will get a reference to the specified script,
25133 and with the use of @code{"MS"} attributes on the section, the linker
25134 will remove duplicates.
25135
25136 @subsubsection Script Text Entries
25137
25138 Script text entries allow to put the executable script in the entry
25139 itself instead of loading it from a file.
25140 The first line of the entry, everything after the prefix byte and up to
25141 the first newline (@code{0xa}) character, is the script name, and must not
25142 contain any kind of space character, e.g., spaces or tabs.
25143 The rest of the entry, up to the trailing null byte, is the script to
25144 execute in the specified language. The name needs to be unique among
25145 all script names, as @value{GDBN} executes each script only once based
25146 on its name.
25147
25148 Here is an example from file @file{py-section-script.c} in the @value{GDBN}
25149 testsuite.
25150
25151 @example
25152 #include "symcat.h"
25153 #include "gdb/section-scripts.h"
25154 asm(
25155 ".pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n"
25156 ".byte " XSTRING (SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_PYTHON_TEXT) "\n"
25157 ".ascii \"gdb.inlined-script\\n\"\n"
25158 ".ascii \"class test_cmd (gdb.Command):\\n\"\n"
25159 ".ascii \" def __init__ (self):\\n\"\n"
25160 ".ascii \" super (test_cmd, self).__init__ ("
25161 "\\\"test-cmd\\\", gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE)\\n\"\n"
25162 ".ascii \" def invoke (self, arg, from_tty):\\n\"\n"
25163 ".ascii \" print (\\\"test-cmd output, arg = %s\\\" % arg)\\n\"\n"
25164 ".ascii \"test_cmd ()\\n\"\n"
25165 ".byte 0\n"
25166 ".popsection\n"
25167 );
25168 @end example
25169
25170 Loading of inlined scripts requires a properly configured
25171 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
25172 The path to specify in @code{auto-load safe-path} is the path of the file
25173 containing the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section.
25174
25175 @node Which flavor to choose?
25176 @subsection Which flavor to choose?
25177
25178 Given the multiple ways of auto-loading extensions, it might not always
25179 be clear which one to choose. This section provides some guidance.
25180
25181 @noindent
25182 Benefits of the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} way:
25183
25184 @itemize @bullet
25185 @item
25186 Can be used with file formats that don't support multiple sections.
25187
25188 @item
25189 Ease of finding scripts for public libraries.
25190
25191 Scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section are searched for
25192 in the source search path.
25193 For publicly installed libraries, e.g., @file{libstdc++}, there typically
25194 isn't a source directory in which to find the script.
25195
25196 @item
25197 Doesn't require source code additions.
25198 @end itemize
25199
25200 @noindent
25201 Benefits of the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} way:
25202
25203 @itemize @bullet
25204 @item
25205 Works with static linking.
25206
25207 Scripts for libraries done the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} way require an objfile to
25208 trigger their loading. When an application is statically linked the only
25209 objfile available is the executable, and it is cumbersome to attach all the
25210 scripts from all the input libraries to the executable's
25211 @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} script.
25212
25213 @item
25214 Works with classes that are entirely inlined.
25215
25216 Some classes can be entirely inlined, and thus there may not be an associated
25217 shared library to attach a @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} script to.
25218
25219 @item
25220 Scripts needn't be copied out of the source tree.
25221
25222 In some circumstances, apps can be built out of large collections of internal
25223 libraries, and the build infrastructure necessary to install the
25224 @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} scripts in a place where @value{GDBN} can find them is
25225 cumbersome. It may be easier to specify the scripts in the
25226 @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section as relative paths, and add a path to the
25227 top of the source tree to the source search path.
25228 @end itemize
25229
25230 @node Multiple Extension Languages
25231 @section Multiple Extension Languages
25232
25233 The Guile and Python extension languages do not share any state,
25234 and generally do not interfere with each other.
25235 There are some things to be aware of, however.
25236
25237 @subsection Python comes first
25238
25239 Python was @value{GDBN}'s first extension language, and to avoid breaking
25240 existing behaviour Python comes first. This is generally solved by the
25241 ``first one wins'' principle. @value{GDBN} maintains a list of enabled
25242 extension languages, and when it makes a call to an extension language,
25243 (say to pretty-print a value), it tries each in turn until an extension
25244 language indicates it has performed the request (e.g., has returned the
25245 pretty-printed form of a value).
25246 This extends to errors while performing such requests: If an error happens
25247 while, for example, trying to pretty-print an object then the error is
25248 reported and any following extension languages are not tried.
25249
25250 @node Aliases
25251 @section Creating new spellings of existing commands
25252 @cindex aliases for commands
25253
25254 It is often useful to define alternate spellings of existing commands.
25255 For example, if a new @value{GDBN} command defined in Python has
25256 a long name to type, it is handy to have an abbreviated version of it
25257 that involves less typing.
25258
25259 @value{GDBN} itself uses aliases. For example @samp{s} is an alias
25260 of the @samp{step} command even though it is otherwise an ambiguous
25261 abbreviation of other commands like @samp{set} and @samp{show}.
25262
25263 Aliases are also used to provide shortened or more common versions
25264 of multi-word commands. For example, @value{GDBN} provides the
25265 @samp{tty} alias of the @samp{set inferior-tty} command.
25266
25267 You can define a new alias with the @samp{alias} command.
25268
25269 @table @code
25270
25271 @kindex alias
25272 @item alias [-a] [--] @var{ALIAS} = @var{COMMAND}
25273
25274 @end table
25275
25276 @var{ALIAS} specifies the name of the new alias.
25277 Each word of @var{ALIAS} must consist of letters, numbers, dashes and
25278 underscores.
25279
25280 @var{COMMAND} specifies the name of an existing command
25281 that is being aliased.
25282
25283 The @samp{-a} option specifies that the new alias is an abbreviation
25284 of the command. Abbreviations are not shown in command
25285 lists displayed by the @samp{help} command.
25286
25287 The @samp{--} option specifies the end of options,
25288 and is useful when @var{ALIAS} begins with a dash.
25289
25290 Here is a simple example showing how to make an abbreviation
25291 of a command so that there is less to type.
25292 Suppose you were tired of typing @samp{disas}, the current
25293 shortest unambiguous abbreviation of the @samp{disassemble} command
25294 and you wanted an even shorter version named @samp{di}.
25295 The following will accomplish this.
25296
25297 @smallexample
25298 (gdb) alias -a di = disas
25299 @end smallexample
25300
25301 Note that aliases are different from user-defined commands.
25302 With a user-defined command, you also need to write documentation
25303 for it with the @samp{document} command.
25304 An alias automatically picks up the documentation of the existing command.
25305
25306 Here is an example where we make @samp{elms} an abbreviation of
25307 @samp{elements} in the @samp{set print elements} command.
25308 This is to show that you can make an abbreviation of any part
25309 of a command.
25310
25311 @smallexample
25312 (gdb) alias -a set print elms = set print elements
25313 (gdb) alias -a show print elms = show print elements
25314 (gdb) set p elms 20
25315 (gdb) show p elms
25316 Limit on string chars or array elements to print is 200.
25317 @end smallexample
25318
25319 Note that if you are defining an alias of a @samp{set} command,
25320 and you want to have an alias for the corresponding @samp{show}
25321 command, then you need to define the latter separately.
25322
25323 Unambiguously abbreviated commands are allowed in @var{COMMAND} and
25324 @var{ALIAS}, just as they are normally.
25325
25326 @smallexample
25327 (gdb) alias -a set pr elms = set p ele
25328 @end smallexample
25329
25330 Finally, here is an example showing the creation of a one word
25331 alias for a more complex command.
25332 This creates alias @samp{spe} of the command @samp{set print elements}.
25333
25334 @smallexample
25335 (gdb) alias spe = set print elements
25336 (gdb) spe 20
25337 @end smallexample
25338
25339 @node Interpreters
25340 @chapter Command Interpreters
25341 @cindex command interpreters
25342
25343 @value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
25344 infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
25345 between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
25346
25347 @value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
25348 interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
25349 and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
25350 describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
25351
25352 By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
25353 However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
25354 interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
25355 startup options. Defined interpreters include:
25356
25357 @table @code
25358 @item console
25359 @cindex console interpreter
25360 The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
25361 used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
25362 @value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
25363
25364 @item mi
25365 @cindex mi interpreter
25366 The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
25367 by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
25368 or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
25369 Interface}.
25370
25371 @item mi2
25372 @cindex mi2 interpreter
25373 The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
25374
25375 @item mi1
25376 @cindex mi1 interpreter
25377 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
25378
25379 @end table
25380
25381 @cindex invoke another interpreter
25382
25383 @kindex interpreter-exec
25384 You may execute commands in any interpreter from the current
25385 interpreter using the appropriate command. If you are running the
25386 console interpreter, simply use the @code{interpreter-exec} command:
25387
25388 @smallexample
25389 interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
25390 @end smallexample
25391
25392 @sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
25393 @value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
25394
25395 Note that @code{interpreter-exec} only changes the interpreter for the
25396 duration of the specified command. It does not change the interpreter
25397 permanently.
25398
25399 @cindex start a new independent interpreter
25400
25401 Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, it is
25402 possible to run an independent interpreter on a specified input/output
25403 device (usually a tty).
25404
25405 For example, consider a debugger GUI or IDE that wants to provide a
25406 @value{GDBN} console view. It may do so by embedding a terminal
25407 emulator widget in its GUI, starting @value{GDBN} in the traditional
25408 command-line mode with stdin/stdout/stderr redirected to that
25409 terminal, and then creating an MI interpreter running on a specified
25410 input/output device. The console interpreter created by @value{GDBN}
25411 at startup handles commands the user types in the terminal widget,
25412 while the GUI controls and synchronizes state with @value{GDBN} using
25413 the separate MI interpreter.
25414
25415 To start a new secondary @dfn{user interface} running MI, use the
25416 @code{new-ui} command:
25417
25418 @kindex new-ui
25419 @cindex new user interface
25420 @smallexample
25421 new-ui @var{interpreter} @var{tty}
25422 @end smallexample
25423
25424 The @var{interpreter} parameter specifies the interpreter to run.
25425 This accepts the same values as the @code{interpreter-exec} command.
25426 For example, @samp{console}, @samp{mi}, @samp{mi2}, etc. The
25427 @var{tty} parameter specifies the name of the bidirectional file the
25428 interpreter uses for input/output, usually the name of a
25429 pseudoterminal slave on Unix systems. For example:
25430
25431 @smallexample
25432 (@value{GDBP}) new-ui mi /dev/pts/9
25433 @end smallexample
25434
25435 @noindent
25436 runs an MI interpreter on @file{/dev/pts/9}.
25437
25438 @node TUI
25439 @chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
25440 @cindex TUI
25441 @cindex Text User Interface
25442
25443 @menu
25444 * TUI Overview:: TUI overview
25445 * TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
25446 * TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
25447 * TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
25448 * TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
25449 @end menu
25450
25451 The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
25452 interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
25453 file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
25454 commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
25455 on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
25456 is available.
25457
25458 The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
25459 @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
25460 You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
25461 using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @command{tui
25462 enable} or @kbd{C-x C-a}. @xref{TUI Commands, ,TUI Commands}, and
25463 @ref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
25464
25465 @node TUI Overview
25466 @section TUI Overview
25467
25468 In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
25469
25470 @table @emph
25471 @item command
25472 This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
25473 prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
25474 managed using readline.
25475
25476 @item source
25477 The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
25478 line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
25479
25480 @item assembly
25481 The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
25482
25483 @item register
25484 This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
25485 when their values change.
25486 @end table
25487
25488 The source and assembly windows show the current program position
25489 by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
25490 Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
25491 indicates the breakpoint type:
25492
25493 @table @code
25494 @item B
25495 Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
25496
25497 @item b
25498 Breakpoint which was never hit.
25499
25500 @item H
25501 Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
25502
25503 @item h
25504 Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
25505 @end table
25506
25507 The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
25508
25509 @table @code
25510 @item +
25511 Breakpoint is enabled.
25512
25513 @item -
25514 Breakpoint is disabled.
25515 @end table
25516
25517 The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
25518 thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
25519 changes.
25520
25521 These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
25522 window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
25523 layouts:
25524
25525 @itemize @bullet
25526 @item
25527 source only,
25528
25529 @item
25530 assembly only,
25531
25532 @item
25533 source and assembly,
25534
25535 @item
25536 source and registers, or
25537
25538 @item
25539 assembly and registers.
25540 @end itemize
25541
25542 A status line above the command window shows the following information:
25543
25544 @table @emph
25545 @item target
25546 Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
25547 (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
25548
25549 @item process
25550 Gives the current process or thread number.
25551 When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
25552
25553 @item function
25554 Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
25555 The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
25556 When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
25557 the string @code{??} is displayed.
25558
25559 @item line
25560 Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
25561 When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
25562
25563 @item pc
25564 Indicates the current program counter address.
25565 @end table
25566
25567 @node TUI Keys
25568 @section TUI Key Bindings
25569 @cindex TUI key bindings
25570
25571 The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
25572 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
25573 (@pxref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library}).
25574 @end ifset
25575 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
25576 (@pxref{Command Line Editing}).
25577 @end ifclear
25578 The following key bindings are installed for both TUI mode and the
25579 @value{GDBN} standard mode.
25580
25581 @table @kbd
25582 @kindex C-x C-a
25583 @item C-x C-a
25584 @kindex C-x a
25585 @itemx C-x a
25586 @kindex C-x A
25587 @itemx C-x A
25588 Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
25589 the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
25590 its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
25591 the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
25592 The screen is then refreshed.
25593
25594 @kindex C-x 1
25595 @item C-x 1
25596 Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
25597 either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
25598 is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
25599
25600 Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
25601
25602 @kindex C-x 2
25603 @item C-x 2
25604 Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
25605 layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
25606 When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
25607 previous layout and the new one.
25608
25609 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
25610
25611 @kindex C-x o
25612 @item C-x o
25613 Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
25614 (like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
25615 gives the focus to the next TUI window.
25616
25617 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
25618
25619 @kindex C-x s
25620 @item C-x s
25621 Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
25622 keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
25623 @end table
25624
25625 The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
25626
25627 @table @asis
25628 @kindex PgUp
25629 @item @key{PgUp}
25630 Scroll the active window one page up.
25631
25632 @kindex PgDn
25633 @item @key{PgDn}
25634 Scroll the active window one page down.
25635
25636 @kindex Up
25637 @item @key{Up}
25638 Scroll the active window one line up.
25639
25640 @kindex Down
25641 @item @key{Down}
25642 Scroll the active window one line down.
25643
25644 @kindex Left
25645 @item @key{Left}
25646 Scroll the active window one column left.
25647
25648 @kindex Right
25649 @item @key{Right}
25650 Scroll the active window one column right.
25651
25652 @kindex C-L
25653 @item @kbd{C-L}
25654 Refresh the screen.
25655 @end table
25656
25657 Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
25658 are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
25659 window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
25660 other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
25661 and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
25662
25663 @node TUI Single Key Mode
25664 @section TUI Single Key Mode
25665 @cindex TUI single key mode
25666
25667 The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
25668 frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
25669 switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
25670
25671 @table @kbd
25672 @kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25673 @item c
25674 continue
25675
25676 @kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25677 @item d
25678 down
25679
25680 @kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25681 @item f
25682 finish
25683
25684 @kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25685 @item n
25686 next
25687
25688 @kindex o @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25689 @item o
25690 nexti. The shortcut letter @samp{o} stands for ``step Over''.
25691
25692 @kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25693 @item q
25694 exit the SingleKey mode.
25695
25696 @kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25697 @item r
25698 run
25699
25700 @kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25701 @item s
25702 step
25703
25704 @kindex i @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25705 @item i
25706 stepi. The shortcut letter @samp{i} stands for ``step Into''.
25707
25708 @kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25709 @item u
25710 up
25711
25712 @kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25713 @item v
25714 info locals
25715
25716 @kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25717 @item w
25718 where
25719 @end table
25720
25721 Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
25722 The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
25723 it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
25724 with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
25725 SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
25726 this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
25727
25728
25729 @node TUI Commands
25730 @section TUI-specific Commands
25731 @cindex TUI commands
25732
25733 The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
25734 These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
25735 the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
25736 of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
25737
25738 Note that if @value{GDBN}'s @code{stdout} is not connected to a
25739 terminal, or @value{GDBN} has been started with the machine interface
25740 interpreter (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}), most of
25741 these commands will fail with an error, because it would not be
25742 possible or desirable to enable curses window management.
25743
25744 @table @code
25745 @item tui enable
25746 @kindex tui enable
25747 Activate TUI mode. The last active TUI window layout will be used if
25748 TUI mode has prevsiouly been used in the current debugging session,
25749 otherwise a default layout is used.
25750
25751 @item tui disable
25752 @kindex tui disable
25753 Disable TUI mode, returning to the console interpreter.
25754
25755 @item info win
25756 @kindex info win
25757 List and give the size of all displayed windows.
25758
25759 @item layout @var{name}
25760 @kindex layout
25761 Changes which TUI windows are displayed. In each layout the command
25762 window is always displayed, the @var{name} parameter controls which
25763 additional windows are displayed, and can be any of the following:
25764
25765 @table @code
25766 @item next
25767 Display the next layout.
25768
25769 @item prev
25770 Display the previous layout.
25771
25772 @item src
25773 Display the source and command windows.
25774
25775 @item asm
25776 Display the assembly and command windows.
25777
25778 @item split
25779 Display the source, assembly, and command windows.
25780
25781 @item regs
25782 When in @code{src} layout display the register, source, and command
25783 windows. When in @code{asm} or @code{split} layout display the
25784 register, assembler, and command windows.
25785 @end table
25786
25787 @item focus @var{name}
25788 @kindex focus
25789 Changes which TUI window is currently active for scrolling. The
25790 @var{name} parameter can be any of the following:
25791
25792 @table @code
25793 @item next
25794 Make the next window active for scrolling.
25795
25796 @item prev
25797 Make the previous window active for scrolling.
25798
25799 @item src
25800 Make the source window active for scrolling.
25801
25802 @item asm
25803 Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
25804
25805 @item regs
25806 Make the register window active for scrolling.
25807
25808 @item cmd
25809 Make the command window active for scrolling.
25810 @end table
25811
25812 @item refresh
25813 @kindex refresh
25814 Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
25815
25816 @item tui reg @var{group}
25817 @kindex tui reg
25818 Changes the register group displayed in the tui register window to
25819 @var{group}. If the register window is not currently displayed this
25820 command will cause the register window to be displayed. The list of
25821 register groups, as well as their order is target specific. The
25822 following groups are available on most targets:
25823 @table @code
25824 @item next
25825 Repeatedly selecting this group will cause the display to cycle
25826 through all of the available register groups.
25827
25828 @item prev
25829 Repeatedly selecting this group will cause the display to cycle
25830 through all of the available register groups in the reverse order to
25831 @var{next}.
25832
25833 @item general
25834 Display the general registers.
25835 @item float
25836 Display the floating point registers.
25837 @item system
25838 Display the system registers.
25839 @item vector
25840 Display the vector registers.
25841 @item all
25842 Display all registers.
25843 @end table
25844
25845 @item update
25846 @kindex update
25847 Update the source window and the current execution point.
25848
25849 @item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
25850 @itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
25851 @kindex winheight
25852 Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
25853 lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
25854 decrease it. The @var{name} parameter can be one of @code{src} (the
25855 source window), @code{cmd} (the command window), @code{asm} (the
25856 disassembly window), or @code{regs} (the register display window).
25857
25858 @item tabset @var{nchars}
25859 @kindex tabset
25860 Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters. This
25861 setting affects the display of TAB characters in the source and
25862 assembly windows.
25863 @end table
25864
25865 @node TUI Configuration
25866 @section TUI Configuration Variables
25867 @cindex TUI configuration variables
25868
25869 Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
25870
25871 @table @code
25872 @item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
25873 @kindex set tui border-kind
25874 Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
25875 The possible values are the following:
25876 @table @code
25877 @item space
25878 Use a space character to draw the border.
25879
25880 @item ascii
25881 Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
25882
25883 @item acs
25884 Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
25885 drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
25886 @end table
25887
25888 @item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
25889 @kindex set tui border-mode
25890 @itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
25891 @kindex set tui active-border-mode
25892 Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
25893 or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
25894 @table @code
25895 @item normal
25896 Use normal attributes to display the border.
25897
25898 @item standout
25899 Use standout mode.
25900
25901 @item reverse
25902 Use reverse video mode.
25903
25904 @item half
25905 Use half bright mode.
25906
25907 @item half-standout
25908 Use half bright and standout mode.
25909
25910 @item bold
25911 Use extra bright or bold mode.
25912
25913 @item bold-standout
25914 Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
25915 @end table
25916 @end table
25917
25918 @node Emacs
25919 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
25920
25921 @cindex Emacs
25922 @cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
25923 A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
25924 edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
25925 @value{GDBN}.
25926
25927 To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
25928 executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
25929 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
25930 created Emacs buffer.
25931 @c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
25932
25933 Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
25934 things:
25935
25936 @itemize @bullet
25937 @item
25938 All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
25939 the GUD buffer.
25940
25941 This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
25942 and output done by the program you are debugging.
25943
25944 This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
25945 commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
25946 in this way.
25947
25948 All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
25949 with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
25950 way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
25951 stop.
25952
25953 @item
25954 @value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
25955
25956 Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
25957 source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
25958 left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
25959 source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
25960 and the source.
25961
25962 Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
25963 usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
25964 @end itemize
25965
25966 We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
25967 a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
25968 that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
25969 @xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
25970
25971 If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
25972 gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
25973 your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
25974 sets your current working directory to the directory associated
25975 with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
25976 program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
25977 some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
25978 @value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
25979 buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
25980
25981 The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
25982 line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
25983 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
25984 ,Commands to Specify Files}.
25985
25986 By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
25987 need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
25988 keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
25989 customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
25990 one you want.
25991
25992 In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
25993 addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
25994
25995 @table @kbd
25996 @item C-h m
25997 Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
25998
25999 @item C-c C-s
26000 Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
26001 update the display window to show the current file and location.
26002
26003 @item C-c C-n
26004 Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
26005 calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
26006 to show the current file and location.
26007
26008 @item C-c C-i
26009 Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
26010 display window accordingly.
26011
26012 @item C-c C-f
26013 Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
26014 @code{finish} command.
26015
26016 @item C-c C-r
26017 Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
26018 command.
26019
26020 @item C-c <
26021 Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
26022 (@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
26023 like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
26024
26025 @item C-c >
26026 Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
26027 @value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
26028 @end table
26029
26030 In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
26031 tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
26032
26033 In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
26034 separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
26035 Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
26036 become the current frame and display the associated source in the
26037 source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
26038 selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
26039 speedbar displays watch expressions.
26040
26041 If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
26042 it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
26043 request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
26044 the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
26045 frame.
26046
26047 The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
26048 which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
26049 the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
26050 communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
26051 delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
26052 to correspond properly with the code.
26053
26054 A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
26055 given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
26056 Emacs Manual}).
26057
26058 @node GDB/MI
26059 @chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
26060
26061 @unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
26062
26063 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
26064 @sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
26065 @value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
26066 @option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
26067 is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
26068 use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
26069
26070 This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
26071 in the form of a reference manual.
26072
26073 Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
26074 features described below are incomplete and subject to change
26075 (@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
26076
26077 @unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
26078
26079 @cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
26080 This chapter uses the following notation:
26081
26082 @itemize @bullet
26083 @item
26084 @code{|} separates two alternatives.
26085
26086 @item
26087 @code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
26088 it may or may not be given.
26089
26090 @item
26091 @code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
26092 may repeat zero or more times.
26093
26094 @item
26095 @code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
26096 may repeat one or more times.
26097
26098 @item
26099 @code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
26100 @end itemize
26101
26102 @ignore
26103 @heading Dependencies
26104 @end ignore
26105
26106 @menu
26107 * GDB/MI General Design::
26108 * GDB/MI Command Syntax::
26109 * GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
26110 * GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
26111 * GDB/MI Output Records::
26112 * GDB/MI Simple Examples::
26113 * GDB/MI Command Description Format::
26114 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
26115 * GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
26116 * GDB/MI Program Context::
26117 * GDB/MI Thread Commands::
26118 * GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands::
26119 * GDB/MI Program Execution::
26120 * GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
26121 * GDB/MI Variable Objects::
26122 * GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
26123 * GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
26124 * GDB/MI Symbol Query::
26125 * GDB/MI File Commands::
26126 @ignore
26127 * GDB/MI Kod Commands::
26128 * GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
26129 * GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
26130 @end ignore
26131 * GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
26132 * GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
26133 * GDB/MI Ada Exceptions Commands::
26134 * GDB/MI Support Commands::
26135 * GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
26136 @end menu
26137
26138 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26139 @node GDB/MI General Design
26140 @section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
26141 @cindex GDB/MI General Design
26142
26143 Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
26144 parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
26145 and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
26146 indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
26147 For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
26148 requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
26149 response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
26150 Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
26151 target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
26152 a command and reported as part of that command response.
26153
26154 The important examples of notifications are:
26155 @itemize @bullet
26156
26157 @item
26158 Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
26159 target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
26160 be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
26161 commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
26162 different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
26163 happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
26164 command itself was successfully executed.
26165
26166 @item
26167 Console output, and status notifications. Console output
26168 notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
26169 diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
26170 report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
26171 this information in command response would mean no output is produced
26172 until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
26173
26174 @item
26175 General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
26176 the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
26177 a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
26178 be included in command response, using notification allows for more
26179 orthogonal frontend design.
26180
26181 @end itemize
26182
26183 There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
26184 @value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
26185 the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
26186 processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
26187 we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
26188 the user interface.
26189
26190
26191 @menu
26192 * Context management::
26193 * Asynchronous and non-stop modes::
26194 * Thread groups::
26195 @end menu
26196
26197 @node Context management
26198 @subsection Context management
26199
26200 @subsubsection Threads and Frames
26201
26202 In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
26203 done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
26204 Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
26205 be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
26206 and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
26207 because a command line user would not want to specify that information
26208 explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
26209 @value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
26210 to what thread and frame are the current ones.
26211
26212 In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
26213 useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
26214 itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
26215 each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
26216 want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
26217 increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
26218 frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
26219 should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
26220 make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
26221 @samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} global
26222 identifier for thread and frame to operate on.
26223
26224 Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
26225 a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
26226 operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
26227 current thread or frame be changed. For example, when stopping on a
26228 breakpoint it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is
26229 hit. For another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} or
26230 @samp{frame} commands via the frontend, it is desirable to change the
26231 frontend's selection to the one specified by user. @value{GDBN}
26232 communicates the suggestion to change current thread and frame using the
26233 @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
26234
26235 Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
26236 frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
26237 right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
26238 simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
26239 before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
26240 to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
26241 if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
26242 thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
26243 optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
26244 sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
26245 selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
26246 change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
26247 problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
26248 all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
26249 right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
26250 @samp{--frame} options.
26251
26252 @subsubsection Language
26253
26254 The execution of several commands depends on which language is selected.
26255 By default, the current language (@pxref{show language}) is used.
26256 But for commands known to be language-sensitive, it is recommended
26257 to use the @samp{--language} option. This option takes one argument,
26258 which is the name of the language to use while executing the command.
26259 For instance:
26260
26261 @smallexample
26262 -data-evaluate-expression --language c "sizeof (void*)"
26263 ^done,value="4"
26264 (gdb)
26265 @end smallexample
26266
26267 The valid language names are the same names accepted by the
26268 @samp{set language} command (@pxref{Manually}), excluding @samp{auto},
26269 @samp{local} or @samp{unknown}.
26270
26271 @node Asynchronous and non-stop modes
26272 @subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
26273
26274 On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
26275 even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
26276 command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
26277 specify a preferrence for asynchronous execution using the
26278 @code{-gdb-set mi-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
26279 either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
26280 frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
26281 find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
26282 @code{-list-target-features} command.
26283
26284 @table @code
26285 @item -gdb-set mi-async on
26286 @item -gdb-set mi-async off
26287 Set whether MI is in asynchronous mode.
26288
26289 When @code{off}, which is the default, MI execution commands (e.g.,
26290 @code{-exec-continue}) are foreground commands, and @value{GDBN} waits
26291 for the program to stop before processing further commands.
26292
26293 When @code{on}, MI execution commands are background execution
26294 commands (e.g., @code{-exec-continue} becomes the equivalent of the
26295 @code{c&} CLI command), and so @value{GDBN} is capable of processing
26296 MI commands even while the target is running.
26297
26298 @item -gdb-show mi-async
26299 Show whether MI asynchronous mode is enabled.
26300 @end table
26301
26302 Note: In @value{GDBN} version 7.7 and earlier, this option was called
26303 @code{target-async} instead of @code{mi-async}, and it had the effect
26304 of both putting MI in asynchronous mode and making CLI background
26305 commands possible. CLI background commands are now always possible
26306 ``out of the box'' if the target supports them. The old spelling is
26307 kept as a deprecated alias for backwards compatibility.
26308
26309 Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
26310 many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
26311 running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
26312 when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
26313 it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
26314 are running.
26315
26316 When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
26317 target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
26318 some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
26319 stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
26320 modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
26321 that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
26322 @code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
26323 context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
26324 stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
26325 @samp{--thread} option).
26326
26327 Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
26328 highly target dependent. However, the two commands
26329 @code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
26330 to find the state of a thread, will always work.
26331
26332 @node Thread groups
26333 @subsection Thread groups
26334 @value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
26335 On some platfroms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
26336 hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
26337 processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
26338 mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
26339
26340 The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
26341 target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
26342 accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
26343 thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
26344 neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
26345 current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
26346 that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
26347 into processes.
26348
26349 To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
26350 hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
26351 @dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
26352 thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
26353 and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
26354 command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
26355 thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
26356 debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
26357 to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
26358 the members of specific thread group.
26359
26360 To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
26361 wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
26362 introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
26363 @value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
26364 @code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
26365 groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
26366 In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
26367 after attaching to that thread group.
26368
26369 Thread groups are related to inferiors (@pxref{Inferiors and
26370 Programs}). Each inferior corresponds to a thread group of a special
26371 type @samp{process}, and some additional operations are permitted on
26372 such thread groups.
26373
26374 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26375 @node GDB/MI Command Syntax
26376 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
26377
26378 @menu
26379 * GDB/MI Input Syntax::
26380 * GDB/MI Output Syntax::
26381 @end menu
26382
26383 @node GDB/MI Input Syntax
26384 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
26385
26386 @cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
26387 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
26388 @table @code
26389 @item @var{command} @expansion{}
26390 @code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
26391
26392 @item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
26393 @code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
26394 @var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
26395
26396 @item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
26397 @code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
26398 @code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
26399
26400 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
26401 "any sequence of digits"
26402
26403 @item @var{option} @expansion{}
26404 @code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
26405
26406 @item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
26407 @code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
26408
26409 @item @var{operation} @expansion{}
26410 @emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
26411
26412 @item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
26413 @emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
26414 "-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
26415
26416 @item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
26417 @code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
26418
26419 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
26420 @code{CR | CR-LF}
26421 @end table
26422
26423 @noindent
26424 Notes:
26425
26426 @itemize @bullet
26427 @item
26428 The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
26429 output is described below.
26430
26431 @item
26432 The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
26433 finishes.
26434
26435 @item
26436 Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
26437 list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
26438 followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
26439 parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
26440 @samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
26441 @end itemize
26442
26443 Pragmatics:
26444
26445 @itemize @bullet
26446 @item
26447 We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
26448
26449 @item
26450 We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
26451 @end itemize
26452
26453 @node GDB/MI Output Syntax
26454 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
26455
26456 @cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
26457 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
26458 The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
26459 followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
26460 is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
26461 terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
26462
26463 If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
26464 corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
26465 @var{token}.
26466
26467 @table @code
26468 @item @var{output} @expansion{}
26469 @code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
26470
26471 @item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
26472 @code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
26473
26474 @item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
26475 @code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
26476
26477 @item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
26478 @code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
26479
26480 @item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
26481 @code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output nl}}
26482
26483 @item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
26484 @code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output nl}}
26485
26486 @item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
26487 @code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output nl}}
26488
26489 @item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
26490 @code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )*}
26491
26492 @item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
26493 @code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
26494
26495 @item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
26496 @code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
26497 depending on the needs---this is still in development).
26498
26499 @item @var{result} @expansion{}
26500 @code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
26501
26502 @item @var{variable} @expansion{}
26503 @code{ @var{string} }
26504
26505 @item @var{value} @expansion{}
26506 @code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
26507
26508 @item @var{const} @expansion{}
26509 @code{@var{c-string}}
26510
26511 @item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
26512 @code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
26513
26514 @item @var{list} @expansion{}
26515 @code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
26516 @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
26517
26518 @item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
26519 @code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
26520
26521 @item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
26522 @code{"~" @var{c-string nl}}
26523
26524 @item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
26525 @code{"@@" @var{c-string nl}}
26526
26527 @item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
26528 @code{"&" @var{c-string nl}}
26529
26530 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
26531 @code{CR | CR-LF}
26532
26533 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
26534 @emph{any sequence of digits}.
26535 @end table
26536
26537 @noindent
26538 Notes:
26539
26540 @itemize @bullet
26541 @item
26542 All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
26543
26544 @item
26545 The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
26546 for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
26547 may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
26548 output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
26549 all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
26550 target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
26551 prior command.
26552
26553 @item
26554 @cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26555 @var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
26556 progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
26557 prefixed by @samp{+}.
26558
26559 @item
26560 @cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26561 @var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
26562 (stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
26563 @samp{*}.
26564
26565 @item
26566 @cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26567 @var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
26568 client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
26569 output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
26570
26571 @item
26572 @cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26573 @var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
26574 console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
26575 output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
26576
26577 @item
26578 @cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26579 @var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
26580 All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
26581
26582 @item
26583 @cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26584 @var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
26585 instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
26586 the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
26587
26588 @item
26589 @cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26590 New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
26591 @var{values}.
26592
26593
26594 @end itemize
26595
26596 @xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
26597 details about the various output records.
26598
26599 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26600 @node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
26601 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
26602
26603 @cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
26604 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
26605
26606 For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
26607 but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
26608 that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
26609 command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
26610 @code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
26611 @samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
26612
26613 This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
26614 recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
26615 (@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
26616
26617 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26618 @node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
26619 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
26620 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
26621
26622 The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
26623 program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
26624
26625 Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
26626 by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
26627 to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
26628 section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
26629 might change.
26630
26631 Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
26632 for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
26633 list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
26634 parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
26635
26636 @itemize @bullet
26637 @item
26638 New MI commands may be added.
26639
26640 @item
26641 New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
26642
26643 @item
26644 The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
26645 @code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
26646
26647 @c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
26648 @c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
26649
26650 @c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
26651 @c resolve inconsistencies.
26652 @end itemize
26653
26654 If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
26655 will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
26656 output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
26657 @value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
26658 responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
26659
26660 @c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
26661 @c version?
26662
26663 The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
26664 end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
26665 follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
26666 @email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
26667 @cindex mailing lists
26668
26669 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26670 @node GDB/MI Output Records
26671 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
26672
26673 @menu
26674 * GDB/MI Result Records::
26675 * GDB/MI Stream Records::
26676 * GDB/MI Async Records::
26677 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Information::
26678 * GDB/MI Frame Information::
26679 * GDB/MI Thread Information::
26680 * GDB/MI Ada Exception Information::
26681 @end menu
26682
26683 @node GDB/MI Result Records
26684 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
26685
26686 @cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
26687 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
26688 In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
26689 @sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
26690
26691 @table @code
26692 @findex ^done
26693 @item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
26694 The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
26695 values.
26696
26697 @item "^running"
26698 @findex ^running
26699 This result record is equivalent to @samp{^done}. Historically, it
26700 was output instead of @samp{^done} if the command has resumed the
26701 target. This behaviour is maintained for backward compatibility, but
26702 all frontends should treat @samp{^done} and @samp{^running}
26703 identically and rely on the @samp{*running} output record to determine
26704 which threads are resumed.
26705
26706 @item "^connected"
26707 @findex ^connected
26708 @value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
26709
26710 @item "^error" "," "msg=" @var{c-string} [ "," "code=" @var{c-string} ]
26711 @findex ^error
26712 The operation failed. The @code{msg=@var{c-string}} variable contains
26713 the corresponding error message.
26714
26715 If present, the @code{code=@var{c-string}} variable provides an error
26716 code on which consumers can rely on to detect the corresponding
26717 error condition. At present, only one error code is defined:
26718
26719 @table @samp
26720 @item "undefined-command"
26721 Indicates that the command causing the error does not exist.
26722 @end table
26723
26724 @item "^exit"
26725 @findex ^exit
26726 @value{GDBN} has terminated.
26727
26728 @end table
26729
26730 @node GDB/MI Stream Records
26731 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
26732
26733 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
26734 @cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
26735 @value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
26736 target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
26737 funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
26738
26739 Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
26740 identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
26741 Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
26742 @code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
26743 line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
26744
26745 @table @code
26746 @item "~" @var{string-output}
26747 The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
26748 CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
26749
26750 @item "@@" @var{string-output}
26751 The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
26752 target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
26753 asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
26754
26755 @item "&" @var{string-output}
26756 The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
26757 internals.
26758 @end table
26759
26760 @node GDB/MI Async Records
26761 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
26762
26763 @cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
26764 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
26765 @dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
26766 additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
26767 consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
26768 target activity (e.g., target stopped).
26769
26770 The following is the list of possible async records:
26771
26772 @table @code
26773
26774 @item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
26775 The target is now running. The @var{thread} field can be the global
26776 thread ID of the the thread that is now running, and it can be
26777 @samp{all} if all threads are running. The frontend should assume
26778 that no interaction with a running thread is possible after this
26779 notification is produced. The frontend should not assume that this
26780 notification is output only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may
26781 emit this notification several times, either for different threads,
26782 because it cannot resume all threads together, or even for a single
26783 thread, if the thread must be stepped though some code before letting
26784 it run freely.
26785
26786 @item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}",core="@var{core}"
26787 The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
26788 following values:
26789
26790 @table @code
26791 @item breakpoint-hit
26792 A breakpoint was reached.
26793 @item watchpoint-trigger
26794 A watchpoint was triggered.
26795 @item read-watchpoint-trigger
26796 A read watchpoint was triggered.
26797 @item access-watchpoint-trigger
26798 An access watchpoint was triggered.
26799 @item function-finished
26800 An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
26801 @item location-reached
26802 An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
26803 @item watchpoint-scope
26804 A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
26805 @item end-stepping-range
26806 An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
26807 similar CLI command was accomplished.
26808 @item exited-signalled
26809 The inferior exited because of a signal.
26810 @item exited
26811 The inferior exited.
26812 @item exited-normally
26813 The inferior exited normally.
26814 @item signal-received
26815 A signal was received by the inferior.
26816 @item solib-event
26817 The inferior has stopped due to a library being loaded or unloaded.
26818 This can happen when @code{stop-on-solib-events} (@pxref{Files}) is
26819 set or when a @code{catch load} or @code{catch unload} catchpoint is
26820 in use (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}).
26821 @item fork
26822 The inferior has forked. This is reported when @code{catch fork}
26823 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
26824 @item vfork
26825 The inferior has vforked. This is reported in when @code{catch vfork}
26826 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
26827 @item syscall-entry
26828 The inferior entered a system call. This is reported when @code{catch
26829 syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
26830 @item syscall-return
26831 The inferior returned from a system call. This is reported when
26832 @code{catch syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
26833 @item exec
26834 The inferior called @code{exec}. This is reported when @code{catch exec}
26835 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
26836 @end table
26837
26838 The @var{id} field identifies the global thread ID of the thread
26839 that directly caused the stop -- for example by hitting a breakpoint.
26840 Depending on whether all-stop
26841 mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
26842 stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
26843 If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
26844 value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
26845 field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
26846 always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
26847 several threads in the list. The @var{core} field reports the
26848 processor core on which the stop event has happened. This field may be absent
26849 if such information is not available.
26850
26851 @item =thread-group-added,id="@var{id}"
26852 @itemx =thread-group-removed,id="@var{id}"
26853 A thread group was either added or removed. The @var{id} field
26854 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. When a thread
26855 group is added, it generally might not be associated with a running
26856 process. When a thread group is removed, its id becomes invalid and
26857 cannot be used in any way.
26858
26859 @item =thread-group-started,id="@var{id}",pid="@var{pid}"
26860 A thread group became associated with a running program,
26861 either because the program was just started or the thread group
26862 was attached to a program. The @var{id} field contains the
26863 @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. The @var{pid} field
26864 contains process identifier, specific to the operating system.
26865
26866 @item =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"[,exit-code="@var{code}"]
26867 A thread group is no longer associated with a running program,
26868 either because the program has exited, or because it was detached
26869 from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
26870 thread group. The @var{code} field is the exit code of the inferior; it exists
26871 only when the inferior exited with some code.
26872
26873 @item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
26874 @itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
26875 A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
26876 contains the global @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
26877 field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
26878
26879 @item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"[,frame="@var{frame}"]
26880 Informs that the selected thread or frame were changed. This notification
26881 is not emitted as result of the @code{-thread-select} or
26882 @code{-stack-select-frame} commands, but is emitted whenever an MI command
26883 that is not documented to change the selected thread and frame actually
26884 changes them. In particular, invoking, directly or indirectly
26885 (via user-defined command), the CLI @code{thread} or @code{frame} commands,
26886 will generate this notification. Changing the thread or frame from another
26887 user interface (see @ref{Interpreters}) will also generate this notification.
26888
26889 The @var{frame} field is only present if the newly selected thread is
26890 stopped. See @ref{GDB/MI Frame Information} for the format of its value.
26891
26892 We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
26893 highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
26894 that thread.
26895
26896 @item =library-loaded,...
26897 Reports that a new library file was loaded by the program. This
26898 notification has 5 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name},
26899 @var{host-name}, @var{symbols-loaded} and @var{ranges}. The @var{id} field is an
26900 opaque identifier of the library. For remote debugging case,
26901 @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} fields give the name of the
26902 library file on the target, and on the host respectively. For native
26903 debugging, both those fields have the same value. The
26904 @var{symbols-loaded} field is emitted only for backward compatibility
26905 and should not be relied on to convey any useful information. The
26906 @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the thread
26907 group in whose context the library was loaded. If the field is
26908 absent, it means the library was loaded in the context of all present
26909 thread groups. The @var{ranges} field specifies the ranges of addresses belonging
26910 to this library.
26911
26912 @item =library-unloaded,...
26913 Reports that a library was unloaded by the program. This notification
26914 has 3 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} with
26915 the same meaning as for the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
26916 The @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the
26917 thread group in whose context the library was unloaded. If the field is
26918 absent, it means the library was unloaded in the context of all present
26919 thread groups.
26920
26921 @item =traceframe-changed,num=@var{tfnum},tracepoint=@var{tpnum}
26922 @itemx =traceframe-changed,end
26923 Reports that the trace frame was changed and its new number is
26924 @var{tfnum}. The number of the tracepoint associated with this trace
26925 frame is @var{tpnum}.
26926
26927 @item =tsv-created,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}
26928 Reports that the new trace state variable @var{name} is created with
26929 initial value @var{initial}.
26930
26931 @item =tsv-deleted,name=@var{name}
26932 @itemx =tsv-deleted
26933 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is deleted or all
26934 trace state variables are deleted.
26935
26936 @item =tsv-modified,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}[,current=@var{current}]
26937 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is modified with
26938 the initial value @var{initial}. The current value @var{current} of
26939 trace state variable is optional and is reported if the current
26940 value of trace state variable is known.
26941
26942 @item =breakpoint-created,bkpt=@{...@}
26943 @itemx =breakpoint-modified,bkpt=@{...@}
26944 @itemx =breakpoint-deleted,id=@var{number}
26945 Reports that a breakpoint was created, modified, or deleted,
26946 respectively. Only user-visible breakpoints are reported to the MI
26947 user.
26948
26949 The @var{bkpt} argument is of the same form as returned by the various
26950 breakpoint commands; @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}. The
26951 @var{number} is the ordinal number of the breakpoint.
26952
26953 Note that if a breakpoint is emitted in the result record of a
26954 command, then it will not also be emitted in an async record.
26955
26956 @item =record-started,thread-group="@var{id}",method="@var{method}"[,format="@var{format}"]
26957 @itemx =record-stopped,thread-group="@var{id}"
26958 Execution log recording was either started or stopped on an
26959 inferior. The @var{id} is the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread
26960 group corresponding to the affected inferior.
26961
26962 The @var{method} field indicates the method used to record execution. If the
26963 method in use supports multiple recording formats, @var{format} will be present
26964 and contain the currently used format. @xref{Process Record and Replay},
26965 for existing method and format values.
26966
26967 @item =cmd-param-changed,param=@var{param},value=@var{value}
26968 Reports that a parameter of the command @code{set @var{param}} is
26969 changed to @var{value}. In the multi-word @code{set} command,
26970 the @var{param} is the whole parameter list to @code{set} command.
26971 For example, In command @code{set check type on}, @var{param}
26972 is @code{check type} and @var{value} is @code{on}.
26973
26974 @item =memory-changed,thread-group=@var{id},addr=@var{addr},len=@var{len}[,type="code"]
26975 Reports that bytes from @var{addr} to @var{data} + @var{len} were
26976 written in an inferior. The @var{id} is the identifier of the
26977 thread group corresponding to the affected inferior. The optional
26978 @code{type="code"} part is reported if the memory written to holds
26979 executable code.
26980 @end table
26981
26982 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Information
26983 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Information
26984
26985 When @value{GDBN} reports information about a breakpoint, a
26986 tracepoint, a watchpoint, or a catchpoint, it uses a tuple with the
26987 following fields:
26988
26989 @table @code
26990 @item number
26991 The breakpoint number. For a breakpoint that represents one location
26992 of a multi-location breakpoint, this will be a dotted pair, like
26993 @samp{1.2}.
26994
26995 @item type
26996 The type of the breakpoint. For ordinary breakpoints this will be
26997 @samp{breakpoint}, but many values are possible.
26998
26999 @item catch-type
27000 If the type of the breakpoint is @samp{catchpoint}, then this
27001 indicates the exact type of catchpoint.
27002
27003 @item disp
27004 This is the breakpoint disposition---either @samp{del}, meaning that
27005 the breakpoint will be deleted at the next stop, or @samp{keep},
27006 meaning that the breakpoint will not be deleted.
27007
27008 @item enabled
27009 This indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled, in which case the
27010 value is @samp{y}, or disabled, in which case the value is @samp{n}.
27011 Note that this is not the same as the field @code{enable}.
27012
27013 @item addr
27014 The address of the breakpoint. This may be a hexidecimal number,
27015 giving the address; or the string @samp{<PENDING>}, for a pending
27016 breakpoint; or the string @samp{<MULTIPLE>}, for a breakpoint with
27017 multiple locations. This field will not be present if no address can
27018 be determined. For example, a watchpoint does not have an address.
27019
27020 @item func
27021 If known, the function in which the breakpoint appears.
27022 If not known, this field is not present.
27023
27024 @item filename
27025 The name of the source file which contains this function, if known.
27026 If not known, this field is not present.
27027
27028 @item fullname
27029 The full file name of the source file which contains this function, if
27030 known. If not known, this field is not present.
27031
27032 @item line
27033 The line number at which this breakpoint appears, if known.
27034 If not known, this field is not present.
27035
27036 @item at
27037 If the source file is not known, this field may be provided. If
27038 provided, this holds the address of the breakpoint, possibly followed
27039 by a symbol name.
27040
27041 @item pending
27042 If this breakpoint is pending, this field is present and holds the
27043 text used to set the breakpoint, as entered by the user.
27044
27045 @item evaluated-by
27046 Where this breakpoint's condition is evaluated, either @samp{host} or
27047 @samp{target}.
27048
27049 @item thread
27050 If this is a thread-specific breakpoint, then this identifies the
27051 thread in which the breakpoint can trigger.
27052
27053 @item task
27054 If this breakpoint is restricted to a particular Ada task, then this
27055 field will hold the task identifier.
27056
27057 @item cond
27058 If the breakpoint is conditional, this is the condition expression.
27059
27060 @item ignore
27061 The ignore count of the breakpoint.
27062
27063 @item enable
27064 The enable count of the breakpoint.
27065
27066 @item traceframe-usage
27067 FIXME.
27068
27069 @item static-tracepoint-marker-string-id
27070 For a static tracepoint, the name of the static tracepoint marker.
27071
27072 @item mask
27073 For a masked watchpoint, this is the mask.
27074
27075 @item pass
27076 A tracepoint's pass count.
27077
27078 @item original-location
27079 The location of the breakpoint as originally specified by the user.
27080 This field is optional.
27081
27082 @item times
27083 The number of times the breakpoint has been hit.
27084
27085 @item installed
27086 This field is only given for tracepoints. This is either @samp{y},
27087 meaning that the tracepoint is installed, or @samp{n}, meaning that it
27088 is not.
27089
27090 @item what
27091 Some extra data, the exact contents of which are type-dependent.
27092
27093 @end table
27094
27095 For example, here is what the output of @code{-break-insert}
27096 (@pxref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}) might be:
27097
27098 @smallexample
27099 -> -break-insert main
27100 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
27101 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
27102 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
27103 times="0"@}
27104 <- (gdb)
27105 @end smallexample
27106
27107 @node GDB/MI Frame Information
27108 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
27109
27110 Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
27111 frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
27112 fields:
27113
27114 @table @code
27115 @item level
27116 The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
27117 zero. This field is always present.
27118
27119 @item func
27120 The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
27121 be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
27122
27123 @item addr
27124 The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
27125
27126 @item file
27127 The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
27128 address. This field may be absent.
27129
27130 @item line
27131 The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
27132 may be absent.
27133
27134 @item from
27135 The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
27136 corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
27137
27138 @end table
27139
27140 @node GDB/MI Thread Information
27141 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Information
27142
27143 Whenever @value{GDBN} has to report an information about a thread, it
27144 uses a tuple with the following fields. The fields are always present unless
27145 stated otherwise.
27146
27147 @table @code
27148 @item id
27149 The global numeric id assigned to the thread by @value{GDBN}.
27150
27151 @item target-id
27152 The target-specific string identifying the thread.
27153
27154 @item details
27155 Additional information about the thread provided by the target.
27156 It is supposed to be human-readable and not interpreted by the
27157 frontend. This field is optional.
27158
27159 @item name
27160 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using the
27161 @code{thread name} command, then this name is given. Otherwise, if
27162 @value{GDBN} can extract the thread name from the target, then that
27163 name is given. If @value{GDBN} cannot find the thread name, then this
27164 field is omitted.
27165
27166 @item state
27167 The execution state of the thread, either @samp{stopped} or @samp{running},
27168 depending on whether the thread is presently running.
27169
27170 @item frame
27171 The stack frame currently executing in the thread. This field is only present
27172 if the thread is stopped. Its format is documented in
27173 @ref{GDB/MI Frame Information}.
27174
27175 @item core
27176 The value of this field is an integer number of the processor core the
27177 thread was last seen on. This field is optional.
27178 @end table
27179
27180 @node GDB/MI Ada Exception Information
27181 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Exception Information
27182
27183 Whenever a @code{*stopped} record is emitted because the program
27184 stopped after hitting an exception catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}),
27185 @value{GDBN} provides the name of the exception that was raised via
27186 the @code{exception-name} field.
27187
27188 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27189 @node GDB/MI Simple Examples
27190 @section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
27191 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
27192
27193 This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
27194 the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
27195 following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
27196 the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
27197
27198 Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
27199 readability, they don't appear in the real output.
27200
27201 @subheading Setting a Breakpoint
27202
27203 Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
27204 information of the breakpoint.
27205
27206 @smallexample
27207 -> -break-insert main
27208 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
27209 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
27210 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
27211 times="0"@}
27212 <- (gdb)
27213 @end smallexample
27214
27215 @subheading Program Execution
27216
27217 Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
27218 reason that execution stopped.
27219
27220 @smallexample
27221 -> -exec-run
27222 <- ^running
27223 <- (gdb)
27224 <- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
27225 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
27226 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
27227 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68"@}
27228 <- (gdb)
27229 -> -exec-continue
27230 <- ^running
27231 <- (gdb)
27232 <- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
27233 <- (gdb)
27234 @end smallexample
27235
27236 @subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
27237
27238 Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
27239
27240 @smallexample
27241 -> (gdb)
27242 <- -gdb-exit
27243 <- ^exit
27244 @end smallexample
27245
27246 Please note that @samp{^exit} is printed immediately, but it might
27247 take some time for @value{GDBN} to actually exit. During that time, @value{GDBN}
27248 performs necessary cleanups, including killing programs being debugged
27249 or disconnecting from debug hardware, so the frontend should wait till
27250 @value{GDBN} exits and should only forcibly kill @value{GDBN} if it
27251 fails to exit in reasonable time.
27252
27253 @subheading A Bad Command
27254
27255 Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
27256
27257 @smallexample
27258 -> -rubbish
27259 <- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
27260 <- (gdb)
27261 @end smallexample
27262
27263
27264 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27265 @node GDB/MI Command Description Format
27266 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
27267
27268 The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
27269 commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
27270
27271 @subheading Motivation
27272
27273 The motivation for this collection of commands.
27274
27275 @subheading Introduction
27276
27277 A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
27278
27279 @subheading Commands
27280
27281 For each command in the block, the following is described:
27282
27283 @subsubheading Synopsis
27284
27285 @smallexample
27286 -command @var{args}@dots{}
27287 @end smallexample
27288
27289 @subsubheading Result
27290
27291 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27292
27293 The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
27294
27295 @subsubheading Example
27296
27297 Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
27298 not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
27299
27300
27301 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27302 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
27303 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
27304
27305 @cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
27306 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
27307 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
27308 breakpoints.
27309
27310 @subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
27311 @findex -break-after
27312
27313 @subsubheading Synopsis
27314
27315 @smallexample
27316 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
27317 @end smallexample
27318
27319 The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
27320 hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
27321 the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
27322 @samp{-break-list} command below.
27323
27324 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27325
27326 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
27327
27328 @subsubheading Example
27329
27330 @smallexample
27331 (gdb)
27332 -break-insert main
27333 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
27334 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
27335 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
27336 times="0"@}
27337 (gdb)
27338 -break-after 1 3
27339 ~
27340 ^done
27341 (gdb)
27342 -break-list
27343 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
27344 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27345 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27346 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27347 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27348 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27349 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27350 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27351 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
27352 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
27353 (gdb)
27354 @end smallexample
27355
27356 @ignore
27357 @subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
27358 @findex -break-catch
27359 @end ignore
27360
27361 @subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
27362 @findex -break-commands
27363
27364 @subsubheading Synopsis
27365
27366 @smallexample
27367 -break-commands @var{number} [ @var{command1} ... @var{commandN} ]
27368 @end smallexample
27369
27370 Specifies the CLI commands that should be executed when breakpoint
27371 @var{number} is hit. The parameters @var{command1} to @var{commandN}
27372 are the commands. If no command is specified, any previously-set
27373 commands are cleared. @xref{Break Commands}. Typical use of this
27374 functionality is tracing a program, that is, printing of values of
27375 some variables whenever breakpoint is hit and then continuing.
27376
27377 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27378
27379 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{commands}.
27380
27381 @subsubheading Example
27382
27383 @smallexample
27384 (gdb)
27385 -break-insert main
27386 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
27387 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
27388 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
27389 times="0"@}
27390 (gdb)
27391 -break-commands 1 "print v" "continue"
27392 ^done
27393 (gdb)
27394 @end smallexample
27395
27396 @subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
27397 @findex -break-condition
27398
27399 @subsubheading Synopsis
27400
27401 @smallexample
27402 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
27403 @end smallexample
27404
27405 Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
27406 @var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
27407 @samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
27408 command below).
27409
27410 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27411
27412 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
27413
27414 @subsubheading Example
27415
27416 @smallexample
27417 (gdb)
27418 -break-condition 1 1
27419 ^done
27420 (gdb)
27421 -break-list
27422 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
27423 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27424 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27425 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27426 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27427 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27428 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27429 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27430 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
27431 line="5",cond="1",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
27432 (gdb)
27433 @end smallexample
27434
27435 @subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
27436 @findex -break-delete
27437
27438 @subsubheading Synopsis
27439
27440 @smallexample
27441 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
27442 @end smallexample
27443
27444 Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
27445 list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
27446
27447 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27448
27449 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
27450
27451 @subsubheading Example
27452
27453 @smallexample
27454 (gdb)
27455 -break-delete 1
27456 ^done
27457 (gdb)
27458 -break-list
27459 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
27460 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27461 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27462 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27463 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27464 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27465 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27466 body=[]@}
27467 (gdb)
27468 @end smallexample
27469
27470 @subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
27471 @findex -break-disable
27472
27473 @subsubheading Synopsis
27474
27475 @smallexample
27476 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
27477 @end smallexample
27478
27479 Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
27480 break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
27481
27482 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27483
27484 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
27485
27486 @subsubheading Example
27487
27488 @smallexample
27489 (gdb)
27490 -break-disable 2
27491 ^done
27492 (gdb)
27493 -break-list
27494 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
27495 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27496 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27497 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27498 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27499 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27500 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27501 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
27502 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
27503 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
27504 (gdb)
27505 @end smallexample
27506
27507 @subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
27508 @findex -break-enable
27509
27510 @subsubheading Synopsis
27511
27512 @smallexample
27513 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
27514 @end smallexample
27515
27516 Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
27517
27518 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27519
27520 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
27521
27522 @subsubheading Example
27523
27524 @smallexample
27525 (gdb)
27526 -break-enable 2
27527 ^done
27528 (gdb)
27529 -break-list
27530 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
27531 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27532 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27533 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27534 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27535 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27536 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27537 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27538 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
27539 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
27540 (gdb)
27541 @end smallexample
27542
27543 @subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
27544 @findex -break-info
27545
27546 @subsubheading Synopsis
27547
27548 @smallexample
27549 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
27550 @end smallexample
27551
27552 @c REDUNDANT???
27553 Get information about a single breakpoint.
27554
27555 The result is a table of breakpoints. @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint
27556 Information}, for details on the format of each breakpoint in the
27557 table.
27558
27559 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27560
27561 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
27562
27563 @subsubheading Example
27564 N.A.
27565
27566 @subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
27567 @findex -break-insert
27568 @anchor{-break-insert}
27569
27570 @subsubheading Synopsis
27571
27572 @smallexample
27573 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ] [ -d ] [ -a ]
27574 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
27575 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{location} ]
27576 @end smallexample
27577
27578 @noindent
27579 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
27580
27581 @table @var
27582 @item linespec location
27583 A linespec location. @xref{Linespec Locations}.
27584
27585 @item explicit location
27586 An explicit location. @sc{gdb/mi} explicit locations are
27587 analogous to the CLI's explicit locations using the option names
27588 listed below. @xref{Explicit Locations}.
27589
27590 @table @samp
27591 @item --source @var{filename}
27592 The source file name of the location. This option requires the use
27593 of either @samp{--function} or @samp{--line}.
27594
27595 @item --function @var{function}
27596 The name of a function or method.
27597
27598 @item --label @var{label}
27599 The name of a label.
27600
27601 @item --line @var{lineoffset}
27602 An absolute or relative line offset from the start of the location.
27603 @end table
27604
27605 @item address location
27606 An address location, *@var{address}. @xref{Address Locations}.
27607 @end table
27608
27609 @noindent
27610 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
27611
27612 @table @samp
27613 @item -t
27614 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
27615 @item -h
27616 Insert a hardware breakpoint.
27617 @item -f
27618 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
27619 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
27620 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
27621 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
27622 cannot be parsed.
27623 @item -d
27624 Create a disabled breakpoint.
27625 @item -a
27626 Create a tracepoint. @xref{Tracepoints}. When this parameter
27627 is used together with @samp{-h}, a fast tracepoint is created.
27628 @item -c @var{condition}
27629 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
27630 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
27631 Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
27632 @item -p @var{thread-id}
27633 Restrict the breakpoint to the thread with the specified global
27634 @var{thread-id}.
27635 @end table
27636
27637 @subsubheading Result
27638
27639 @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Information}, for details on the format of the
27640 resulting breakpoint.
27641
27642 Note: this format is open to change.
27643 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
27644
27645 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27646
27647 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
27648 @samp{hbreak}, and @samp{thbreak}. @c and @samp{rbreak}.
27649
27650 @subsubheading Example
27651
27652 @smallexample
27653 (gdb)
27654 -break-insert main
27655 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
27656 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
27657 times="0"@}
27658 (gdb)
27659 -break-insert -t foo
27660 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
27661 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
27662 times="0"@}
27663 (gdb)
27664 -break-list
27665 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
27666 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27667 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27668 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27669 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27670 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27671 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27672 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27673 addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
27674 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
27675 times="0"@},
27676 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
27677 addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
27678 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
27679 times="0"@}]@}
27680 (gdb)
27681 @c -break-insert -r foo.*
27682 @c ~int foo(int, int);
27683 @c ^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
27684 @c "fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
27685 @c times="0"@}
27686 @c (gdb)
27687 @end smallexample
27688
27689 @subheading The @code{-dprintf-insert} Command
27690 @findex -dprintf-insert
27691
27692 @subsubheading Synopsis
27693
27694 @smallexample
27695 -dprintf-insert [ -t ] [ -f ] [ -d ]
27696 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
27697 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{location} ] [ @var{format} ]
27698 [ @var{argument} ]
27699 @end smallexample
27700
27701 @noindent
27702 If supplied, @var{location} may be specified the same way as for
27703 the @code{-break-insert} command. @xref{-break-insert}.
27704
27705 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
27706
27707 @table @samp
27708 @item -t
27709 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
27710 @item -f
27711 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example, if it
27712 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
27713 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
27714 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
27715 cannot be parsed.
27716 @item -d
27717 Create a disabled breakpoint.
27718 @item -c @var{condition}
27719 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
27720 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
27721 Set the ignore count of the breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ignore count})
27722 to @var{ignore-count}.
27723 @item -p @var{thread-id}
27724 Restrict the breakpoint to the thread with the specified global
27725 @var{thread-id}.
27726 @end table
27727
27728 @subsubheading Result
27729
27730 @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Information}, for details on the format of the
27731 resulting breakpoint.
27732
27733 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
27734
27735 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27736
27737 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dprintf}.
27738
27739 @subsubheading Example
27740
27741 @smallexample
27742 (gdb)
27743 4-dprintf-insert foo "At foo entry\n"
27744 4^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="dprintf",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27745 addr="0x000000000040061b",func="foo",file="mi-dprintf.c",
27746 fullname="mi-dprintf.c",line="25",thread-groups=["i1"],
27747 times="0",script=@{"printf \"At foo entry\\n\"","continue"@},
27748 original-location="foo"@}
27749 (gdb)
27750 5-dprintf-insert 26 "arg=%d, g=%d\n" arg g
27751 5^done,bkpt=@{number="2",type="dprintf",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27752 addr="0x000000000040062a",func="foo",file="mi-dprintf.c",
27753 fullname="mi-dprintf.c",line="26",thread-groups=["i1"],
27754 times="0",script=@{"printf \"arg=%d, g=%d\\n\", arg, g","continue"@},
27755 original-location="mi-dprintf.c:26"@}
27756 (gdb)
27757 @end smallexample
27758
27759 @subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
27760 @findex -break-list
27761
27762 @subsubheading Synopsis
27763
27764 @smallexample
27765 -break-list
27766 @end smallexample
27767
27768 Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
27769
27770 @table @samp
27771 @item Number
27772 number of the breakpoint
27773 @item Type
27774 type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
27775 @item Disposition
27776 should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
27777 or @samp{nokeep}
27778 @item Enabled
27779 is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
27780 @item Address
27781 memory location at which the breakpoint is set
27782 @item What
27783 logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
27784 name, line number
27785 @item Thread-groups
27786 list of thread groups to which this breakpoint applies
27787 @item Times
27788 number of times the breakpoint has been hit
27789 @end table
27790
27791 If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
27792 @code{body} field is an empty list.
27793
27794 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27795
27796 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
27797
27798 @subsubheading Example
27799
27800 @smallexample
27801 (gdb)
27802 -break-list
27803 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
27804 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27805 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27806 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27807 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27808 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27809 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27810 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27811 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
27812 times="0"@},
27813 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27814 addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
27815 line="13",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
27816 (gdb)
27817 @end smallexample
27818
27819 Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
27820
27821 @smallexample
27822 (gdb)
27823 -break-list
27824 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
27825 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27826 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27827 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27828 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27829 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27830 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27831 body=[]@}
27832 (gdb)
27833 @end smallexample
27834
27835 @subheading The @code{-break-passcount} Command
27836 @findex -break-passcount
27837
27838 @subsubheading Synopsis
27839
27840 @smallexample
27841 -break-passcount @var{tracepoint-number} @var{passcount}
27842 @end smallexample
27843
27844 Set the passcount for tracepoint @var{tracepoint-number} to
27845 @var{passcount}. If the breakpoint referred to by @var{tracepoint-number}
27846 is not a tracepoint, error is emitted. This corresponds to CLI
27847 command @samp{passcount}.
27848
27849 @subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
27850 @findex -break-watch
27851
27852 @subsubheading Synopsis
27853
27854 @smallexample
27855 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
27856 @end smallexample
27857
27858 Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
27859 @dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
27860 read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
27861 option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
27862 trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
27863 either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
27864 i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
27865 @xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
27866
27867 Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
27868 breakpoints inserted.
27869
27870 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27871
27872 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
27873 @samp{rwatch}.
27874
27875 @subsubheading Example
27876
27877 Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
27878
27879 @smallexample
27880 (gdb)
27881 -break-watch x
27882 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
27883 (gdb)
27884 -exec-continue
27885 ^running
27886 (gdb)
27887 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
27888 value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
27889 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
27890 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5"@}
27891 (gdb)
27892 @end smallexample
27893
27894 Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
27895 the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
27896 for the watchpoint going out of scope.
27897
27898 @smallexample
27899 (gdb)
27900 -break-watch C
27901 ^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
27902 (gdb)
27903 -exec-continue
27904 ^running
27905 (gdb)
27906 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
27907 wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
27908 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
27909 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27910 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
27911 (gdb)
27912 -exec-continue
27913 ^running
27914 (gdb)
27915 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
27916 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
27917 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
27918 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27919 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
27920 (gdb)
27921 @end smallexample
27922
27923 Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
27924 execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
27925 deleted.
27926
27927 @smallexample
27928 (gdb)
27929 -break-watch C
27930 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
27931 (gdb)
27932 -break-list
27933 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
27934 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27935 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27936 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27937 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27938 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27939 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27940 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27941 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
27942 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27943 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
27944 times="1"@},
27945 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
27946 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
27947 (gdb)
27948 -exec-continue
27949 ^running
27950 (gdb)
27951 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
27952 value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
27953 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
27954 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27955 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
27956 (gdb)
27957 -break-list
27958 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
27959 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27960 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27961 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27962 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27963 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27964 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27965 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27966 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
27967 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27968 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
27969 times="1"@},
27970 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
27971 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="-5"@}]@}
27972 (gdb)
27973 -exec-continue
27974 ^running
27975 ^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
27976 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
27977 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
27978 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27979 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
27980 (gdb)
27981 -break-list
27982 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
27983 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27984 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27985 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27986 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27987 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27988 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27989 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27990 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
27991 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27992 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
27993 thread-groups=["i1"],times="1"@}]@}
27994 (gdb)
27995 @end smallexample
27996
27997
27998 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27999 @node GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
28000 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoint Commands
28001
28002 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
28003 catchpoints.
28004
28005 @menu
28006 * Shared Library GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
28007 * Ada Exception GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
28008 @end menu
28009
28010 @node Shared Library GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
28011 @subsection Shared Library @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoints
28012
28013 @subheading The @code{-catch-load} Command
28014 @findex -catch-load
28015
28016 @subsubheading Synopsis
28017
28018 @smallexample
28019 -catch-load [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
28020 @end smallexample
28021
28022 Add a catchpoint for library load events. If the @samp{-t} option is used,
28023 the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
28024 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is created
28025 in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
28026 expression used to match the name of the loaded library.
28027
28028
28029 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28030
28031 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch load}.
28032
28033 @subsubheading Example
28034
28035 @smallexample
28036 -catch-load -t foo.so
28037 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="catchpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
28038 what="load of library matching foo.so",catch-type="load",times="0"@}
28039 (gdb)
28040 @end smallexample
28041
28042
28043 @subheading The @code{-catch-unload} Command
28044 @findex -catch-unload
28045
28046 @subsubheading Synopsis
28047
28048 @smallexample
28049 -catch-unload [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
28050 @end smallexample
28051
28052 Add a catchpoint for library unload events. If the @samp{-t} option is
28053 used, the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
28054 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is
28055 created in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
28056 expression used to match the name of the unloaded library.
28057
28058 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28059
28060 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch unload}.
28061
28062 @subsubheading Example
28063
28064 @smallexample
28065 -catch-unload -d bar.so
28066 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",type="catchpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
28067 what="load of library matching bar.so",catch-type="unload",times="0"@}
28068 (gdb)
28069 @end smallexample
28070
28071 @node Ada Exception GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
28072 @subsection Ada Exception @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoints
28073
28074 The following @sc{gdb/mi} commands can be used to create catchpoints
28075 that stop the execution when Ada exceptions are being raised.
28076
28077 @subheading The @code{-catch-assert} Command
28078 @findex -catch-assert
28079
28080 @subsubheading Synopsis
28081
28082 @smallexample
28083 -catch-assert [ -c @var{condition}] [ -d ] [ -t ]
28084 @end smallexample
28085
28086 Add a catchpoint for failed Ada assertions.
28087
28088 The possible optional parameters for this command are:
28089
28090 @table @samp
28091 @item -c @var{condition}
28092 Make the catchpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
28093 @item -d
28094 Create a disabled catchpoint.
28095 @item -t
28096 Create a temporary catchpoint.
28097 @end table
28098
28099 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28100
28101 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch assert}.
28102
28103 @subsubheading Example
28104
28105 @smallexample
28106 -catch-assert
28107 ^done,bkptno="5",bkpt=@{number="5",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
28108 enabled="y",addr="0x0000000000404888",what="failed Ada assertions",
28109 thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",
28110 original-location="__gnat_debug_raise_assert_failure"@}
28111 (gdb)
28112 @end smallexample
28113
28114 @subheading The @code{-catch-exception} Command
28115 @findex -catch-exception
28116
28117 @subsubheading Synopsis
28118
28119 @smallexample
28120 -catch-exception [ -c @var{condition}] [ -d ] [ -e @var{exception-name} ]
28121 [ -t ] [ -u ]
28122 @end smallexample
28123
28124 Add a catchpoint stopping when Ada exceptions are raised.
28125 By default, the command stops the program when any Ada exception
28126 gets raised. But it is also possible, by using some of the
28127 optional parameters described below, to create more selective
28128 catchpoints.
28129
28130 The possible optional parameters for this command are:
28131
28132 @table @samp
28133 @item -c @var{condition}
28134 Make the catchpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
28135 @item -d
28136 Create a disabled catchpoint.
28137 @item -e @var{exception-name}
28138 Only stop when @var{exception-name} is raised. This option cannot
28139 be used combined with @samp{-u}.
28140 @item -t
28141 Create a temporary catchpoint.
28142 @item -u
28143 Stop only when an unhandled exception gets raised. This option
28144 cannot be used combined with @samp{-e}.
28145 @end table
28146
28147 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28148
28149 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{catch exception}
28150 and @samp{catch exception unhandled}.
28151
28152 @subsubheading Example
28153
28154 @smallexample
28155 -catch-exception -e Program_Error
28156 ^done,bkptno="4",bkpt=@{number="4",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
28157 enabled="y",addr="0x0000000000404874",
28158 what="`Program_Error' Ada exception", thread-groups=["i1"],
28159 times="0",original-location="__gnat_debug_raise_exception"@}
28160 (gdb)
28161 @end smallexample
28162
28163 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28164 @node GDB/MI Program Context
28165 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
28166
28167 @subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
28168 @findex -exec-arguments
28169
28170
28171 @subsubheading Synopsis
28172
28173 @smallexample
28174 -exec-arguments @var{args}
28175 @end smallexample
28176
28177 Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
28178 @samp{-exec-run}.
28179
28180 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28181
28182 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
28183
28184 @subsubheading Example
28185
28186 @smallexample
28187 (gdb)
28188 -exec-arguments -v word
28189 ^done
28190 (gdb)
28191 @end smallexample
28192
28193
28194 @ignore
28195 @subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
28196 @findex -exec-show-arguments
28197
28198 @subsubheading Synopsis
28199
28200 @smallexample
28201 -exec-show-arguments
28202 @end smallexample
28203
28204 Print the arguments of the program.
28205
28206 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28207
28208 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
28209
28210 @subsubheading Example
28211 N.A.
28212 @end ignore
28213
28214
28215 @subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
28216 @findex -environment-cd
28217
28218 @subsubheading Synopsis
28219
28220 @smallexample
28221 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
28222 @end smallexample
28223
28224 Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
28225
28226 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28227
28228 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
28229
28230 @subsubheading Example
28231
28232 @smallexample
28233 (gdb)
28234 -environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
28235 ^done
28236 (gdb)
28237 @end smallexample
28238
28239
28240 @subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
28241 @findex -environment-directory
28242
28243 @subsubheading Synopsis
28244
28245 @smallexample
28246 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
28247 @end smallexample
28248
28249 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
28250 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
28251 search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
28252 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
28253 occurs as normal.
28254 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
28255 multiple directories in a single command
28256 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
28257 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
28258 If blanks are needed as
28259 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
28260 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
28261 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
28262 character must not be used
28263 in any directory name.
28264 If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
28265
28266 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28267
28268 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
28269
28270 @subsubheading Example
28271
28272 @smallexample
28273 (gdb)
28274 -environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
28275 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
28276 (gdb)
28277 -environment-directory ""
28278 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
28279 (gdb)
28280 -environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
28281 ^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
28282 (gdb)
28283 -environment-directory -r
28284 ^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
28285 (gdb)
28286 @end smallexample
28287
28288
28289 @subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
28290 @findex -environment-path
28291
28292 @subsubheading Synopsis
28293
28294 @smallexample
28295 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
28296 @end smallexample
28297
28298 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
28299 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
28300 search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
28301 supplied in addition to the
28302 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
28303 occurs as normal.
28304 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
28305 multiple directories in a single command
28306 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
28307 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
28308 If blanks are needed as
28309 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
28310 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
28311 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
28312 character must not be used
28313 in any directory name.
28314 If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
28315
28316
28317 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28318
28319 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
28320
28321 @subsubheading Example
28322
28323 @smallexample
28324 (gdb)
28325 -environment-path
28326 ^done,path="/usr/bin"
28327 (gdb)
28328 -environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
28329 ^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
28330 (gdb)
28331 -environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
28332 ^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
28333 (gdb)
28334 @end smallexample
28335
28336
28337 @subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
28338 @findex -environment-pwd
28339
28340 @subsubheading Synopsis
28341
28342 @smallexample
28343 -environment-pwd
28344 @end smallexample
28345
28346 Show the current working directory.
28347
28348 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28349
28350 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
28351
28352 @subsubheading Example
28353
28354 @smallexample
28355 (gdb)
28356 -environment-pwd
28357 ^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
28358 (gdb)
28359 @end smallexample
28360
28361 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28362 @node GDB/MI Thread Commands
28363 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
28364
28365
28366 @subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
28367 @findex -thread-info
28368
28369 @subsubheading Synopsis
28370
28371 @smallexample
28372 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
28373 @end smallexample
28374
28375 Reports information about either a specific thread, if the
28376 @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all threads.
28377 @var{thread-id} is the thread's global thread ID. When printing
28378 information about all threads, also reports the global ID of the
28379 current thread.
28380
28381 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28382
28383 The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
28384 about all threads.
28385
28386 @subsubheading Result
28387
28388 The result contains the following attributes:
28389
28390 @table @samp
28391 @item threads
28392 A list of threads. The format of the elements of the list is described in
28393 @ref{GDB/MI Thread Information}.
28394
28395 @item current-thread-id
28396 The global id of the currently selected thread. This field is omitted if there
28397 is no selected thread (for example, when the selected inferior is not running,
28398 and therefore has no threads) or if a @var{thread-id} argument was passed to
28399 the command.
28400
28401 @end table
28402
28403 @subsubheading Example
28404
28405 @smallexample
28406 -thread-info
28407 ^done,threads=[
28408 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
28409 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",
28410 args=[]@},state="running"@},
28411 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
28412 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",
28413 args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
28414 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},
28415 state="running"@}],
28416 current-thread-id="1"
28417 (gdb)
28418 @end smallexample
28419
28420 @subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
28421 @findex -thread-list-ids
28422
28423 @subsubheading Synopsis
28424
28425 @smallexample
28426 -thread-list-ids
28427 @end smallexample
28428
28429 Produces a list of the currently known global @value{GDBN} thread ids.
28430 At the end of the list it also prints the total number of such
28431 threads.
28432
28433 This command is retained for historical reasons, the
28434 @code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
28435
28436 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28437
28438 Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
28439
28440 @subsubheading Example
28441
28442 @smallexample
28443 (gdb)
28444 -thread-list-ids
28445 ^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
28446 current-thread-id="1",number-of-threads="3"
28447 (gdb)
28448 @end smallexample
28449
28450
28451 @subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
28452 @findex -thread-select
28453
28454 @subsubheading Synopsis
28455
28456 @smallexample
28457 -thread-select @var{thread-id}
28458 @end smallexample
28459
28460 Make thread with global thread number @var{thread-id} the current
28461 thread. It prints the number of the new current thread, and the
28462 topmost frame for that thread.
28463
28464 This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
28465 @samp{--thread} option to each command.
28466
28467 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28468
28469 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
28470
28471 @subsubheading Example
28472
28473 @smallexample
28474 (gdb)
28475 -exec-next
28476 ^running
28477 (gdb)
28478 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
28479 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
28480 (gdb)
28481 -thread-list-ids
28482 ^done,
28483 thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
28484 number-of-threads="3"
28485 (gdb)
28486 -thread-select 3
28487 ^done,new-thread-id="3",
28488 frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
28489 args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
28490 @{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31"@}
28491 (gdb)
28492 @end smallexample
28493
28494 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28495 @node GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands
28496 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Tasking Commands
28497
28498 @subheading The @code{-ada-task-info} Command
28499 @findex -ada-task-info
28500
28501 @subsubheading Synopsis
28502
28503 @smallexample
28504 -ada-task-info [ @var{task-id} ]
28505 @end smallexample
28506
28507 Reports information about either a specific Ada task, if the
28508 @var{task-id} parameter is present, or about all Ada tasks.
28509
28510 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28511
28512 The @samp{info tasks} command prints the same information
28513 about all Ada tasks (@pxref{Ada Tasks}).
28514
28515 @subsubheading Result
28516
28517 The result is a table of Ada tasks. The following columns are
28518 defined for each Ada task:
28519
28520 @table @samp
28521 @item current
28522 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
28523
28524 @item id
28525 The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the Ada task.
28526
28527 @item task-id
28528 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the Ada task.
28529
28530 @item thread-id
28531 The global thread identifier of the thread corresponding to the Ada
28532 task.
28533
28534 This field should always exist, as Ada tasks are always implemented
28535 on top of a thread. But if @value{GDBN} cannot find this corresponding
28536 thread for any reason, the field is omitted.
28537
28538 @item parent-id
28539 This field exists only when the task was created by another task.
28540 In this case, it provides the ID of the parent task.
28541
28542 @item priority
28543 The base priority of the task.
28544
28545 @item state
28546 The current state of the task. For a detailed description of the
28547 possible states, see @ref{Ada Tasks}.
28548
28549 @item name
28550 The name of the task.
28551
28552 @end table
28553
28554 @subsubheading Example
28555
28556 @smallexample
28557 -ada-task-info
28558 ^done,tasks=@{nr_rows="3",nr_cols="8",
28559 hdr=[@{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr=""@},
28560 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="id",colhdr="ID"@},
28561 @{width="9",alignment="1",col_name="task-id",colhdr="TID"@},
28562 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="thread-id",colhdr=""@},
28563 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="parent-id",colhdr="P-ID"@},
28564 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="priority",colhdr="Pri"@},
28565 @{width="22",alignment="-1",col_name="state",colhdr="State"@},
28566 @{width="1",alignment="2",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@}],
28567 body=[@{current="*",id="1",task-id=" 644010",thread-id="1",priority="48",
28568 state="Child Termination Wait",name="main_task"@}]@}
28569 (gdb)
28570 @end smallexample
28571
28572 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28573 @node GDB/MI Program Execution
28574 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
28575
28576 These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
28577 record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
28578 asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
28579 other cases.
28580
28581 @subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
28582 @findex -exec-continue
28583
28584 @subsubheading Synopsis
28585
28586 @smallexample
28587 -exec-continue [--reverse] [--all|--thread-group N]
28588 @end smallexample
28589
28590 Resumes the execution of the inferior program, which will continue
28591 to execute until it reaches a debugger stop event. If the
28592 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, execution resumes in reverse until
28593 it reaches a stop event. Stop events may include
28594 @itemize @bullet
28595 @item
28596 breakpoints or watchpoints
28597 @item
28598 signals or exceptions
28599 @item
28600 the end of the process (or its beginning under @samp{--reverse})
28601 @item
28602 the end or beginning of a replay log if one is being used.
28603 @end itemize
28604 In all-stop mode (@pxref{All-Stop
28605 Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads, depending on the
28606 value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. If @samp{--all} is
28607 specified, all threads (in all inferiors) will be resumed. The @samp{--all} option is
28608 ignored in all-stop mode. If the @samp{--thread-group} options is
28609 specified, then all threads in that thread group are resumed.
28610
28611 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28612
28613 The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
28614
28615 @subsubheading Example
28616
28617 @smallexample
28618 -exec-continue
28619 ^running
28620 (gdb)
28621 @@Hello world
28622 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
28623 func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
28624 line="13"@}
28625 (gdb)
28626 @end smallexample
28627
28628
28629 @subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
28630 @findex -exec-finish
28631
28632 @subsubheading Synopsis
28633
28634 @smallexample
28635 -exec-finish [--reverse]
28636 @end smallexample
28637
28638 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
28639 function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
28640 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes the reverse
28641 execution of the inferior program until the point where current
28642 function was called.
28643
28644 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28645
28646 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
28647
28648 @subsubheading Example
28649
28650 Function returning @code{void}.
28651
28652 @smallexample
28653 -exec-finish
28654 ^running
28655 (gdb)
28656 @@hello from foo
28657 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
28658 file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7"@}
28659 (gdb)
28660 @end smallexample
28661
28662 Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
28663 @value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
28664 value itself.
28665
28666 @smallexample
28667 -exec-finish
28668 ^running
28669 (gdb)
28670 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
28671 args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
28672 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
28673 gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
28674 (gdb)
28675 @end smallexample
28676
28677
28678 @subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
28679 @findex -exec-interrupt
28680
28681 @subsubheading Synopsis
28682
28683 @smallexample
28684 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
28685 @end smallexample
28686
28687 Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
28688 associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
28689 that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
28690 appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
28691 interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
28692
28693 Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
28694 asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
28695 @samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
28696 reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
28697
28698 In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
28699 All threads (in all inferiors) will be interrupted if the
28700 @samp{--all} option is specified. If the @samp{--thread-group}
28701 option is specified, all threads in that group will be interrupted.
28702
28703 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28704
28705 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
28706
28707 @subsubheading Example
28708
28709 @smallexample
28710 (gdb)
28711 111-exec-continue
28712 111^running
28713
28714 (gdb)
28715 222-exec-interrupt
28716 222^done
28717 (gdb)
28718 111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
28719 frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
28720 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13"@}
28721 (gdb)
28722
28723 (gdb)
28724 -exec-interrupt
28725 ^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
28726 (gdb)
28727 @end smallexample
28728
28729 @subheading The @code{-exec-jump} Command
28730 @findex -exec-jump
28731
28732 @subsubheading Synopsis
28733
28734 @smallexample
28735 -exec-jump @var{location}
28736 @end smallexample
28737
28738 Resumes execution of the inferior program at the location specified by
28739 parameter. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
28740 different forms of @var{location}.
28741
28742 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28743
28744 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{jump}.
28745
28746 @subsubheading Example
28747
28748 @smallexample
28749 -exec-jump foo.c:10
28750 *running,thread-id="all"
28751 ^running
28752 @end smallexample
28753
28754
28755 @subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
28756 @findex -exec-next
28757
28758 @subsubheading Synopsis
28759
28760 @smallexample
28761 -exec-next [--reverse]
28762 @end smallexample
28763
28764 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
28765 of the next source line is reached.
28766
28767 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
28768 of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the previous
28769 source line. If you issue this command on the first line of a
28770 function, it will take you back to the caller of that function, to the
28771 source line where the function was called.
28772
28773
28774 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28775
28776 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
28777
28778 @subsubheading Example
28779
28780 @smallexample
28781 -exec-next
28782 ^running
28783 (gdb)
28784 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
28785 (gdb)
28786 @end smallexample
28787
28788
28789 @subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
28790 @findex -exec-next-instruction
28791
28792 @subsubheading Synopsis
28793
28794 @smallexample
28795 -exec-next-instruction [--reverse]
28796 @end smallexample
28797
28798 Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
28799 call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
28800 instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
28801 printed as well.
28802
28803 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
28804 of the inferior program, stopping at the previous instruction. If the
28805 previously executed instruction was a return from another function,
28806 it will continue to execute in reverse until the call to that function
28807 (from the current stack frame) is reached.
28808
28809 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28810
28811 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
28812
28813 @subsubheading Example
28814
28815 @smallexample
28816 (gdb)
28817 -exec-next-instruction
28818 ^running
28819
28820 (gdb)
28821 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
28822 addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
28823 (gdb)
28824 @end smallexample
28825
28826
28827 @subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
28828 @findex -exec-return
28829
28830 @subsubheading Synopsis
28831
28832 @smallexample
28833 -exec-return
28834 @end smallexample
28835
28836 Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
28837 Displays the new current frame.
28838
28839 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28840
28841 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
28842
28843 @subsubheading Example
28844
28845 @smallexample
28846 (gdb)
28847 200-break-insert callee4
28848 200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
28849 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
28850 (gdb)
28851 000-exec-run
28852 000^running
28853 (gdb)
28854 000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
28855 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
28856 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28857 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
28858 (gdb)
28859 205-break-delete
28860 205^done
28861 (gdb)
28862 111-exec-return
28863 111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
28864 args=[@{name="strarg",
28865 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
28866 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28867 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
28868 (gdb)
28869 @end smallexample
28870
28871
28872 @subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
28873 @findex -exec-run
28874
28875 @subsubheading Synopsis
28876
28877 @smallexample
28878 -exec-run [ --all | --thread-group N ] [ --start ]
28879 @end smallexample
28880
28881 Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
28882 executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
28883 exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
28884 the program has exited exceptionally.
28885
28886 When neither the @samp{--all} nor the @samp{--thread-group} option
28887 is specified, the current inferior is started. If the
28888 @samp{--thread-group} option is specified, it should refer to a thread
28889 group of type @samp{process}, and that thread group will be started.
28890 If the @samp{--all} option is specified, then all inferiors will be started.
28891
28892 Using the @samp{--start} option instructs the debugger to stop
28893 the execution at the start of the inferior's main subprogram,
28894 following the same behavior as the @code{start} command
28895 (@pxref{Starting}).
28896
28897 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28898
28899 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
28900
28901 @subsubheading Examples
28902
28903 @smallexample
28904 (gdb)
28905 -break-insert main
28906 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
28907 (gdb)
28908 -exec-run
28909 ^running
28910 (gdb)
28911 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
28912 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
28913 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}
28914 (gdb)
28915 @end smallexample
28916
28917 @noindent
28918 Program exited normally:
28919
28920 @smallexample
28921 (gdb)
28922 -exec-run
28923 ^running
28924 (gdb)
28925 x = 55
28926 *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
28927 (gdb)
28928 @end smallexample
28929
28930 @noindent
28931 Program exited exceptionally:
28932
28933 @smallexample
28934 (gdb)
28935 -exec-run
28936 ^running
28937 (gdb)
28938 x = 55
28939 *stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
28940 (gdb)
28941 @end smallexample
28942
28943 Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
28944 @code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
28945
28946 @smallexample
28947 (gdb)
28948 *stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
28949 signal-meaning="Interrupt"
28950 @end smallexample
28951
28952
28953 @c @subheading -exec-signal
28954
28955
28956 @subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
28957 @findex -exec-step
28958
28959 @subsubheading Synopsis
28960
28961 @smallexample
28962 -exec-step [--reverse]
28963 @end smallexample
28964
28965 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
28966 of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
28967 function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
28968 function. If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse
28969 execution of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the
28970 previously executed source line.
28971
28972 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28973
28974 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
28975
28976 @subsubheading Example
28977
28978 Stepping into a function:
28979
28980 @smallexample
28981 -exec-step
28982 ^running
28983 (gdb)
28984 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
28985 frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
28986 @{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
28987 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@}
28988 (gdb)
28989 @end smallexample
28990
28991 Regular stepping:
28992
28993 @smallexample
28994 -exec-step
28995 ^running
28996 (gdb)
28997 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
28998 (gdb)
28999 @end smallexample
29000
29001
29002 @subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
29003 @findex -exec-step-instruction
29004
29005 @subsubheading Synopsis
29006
29007 @smallexample
29008 -exec-step-instruction [--reverse]
29009 @end smallexample
29010
29011 Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. If the
29012 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution of the
29013 inferior program, stopping at the previously executed instruction.
29014 The output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on
29015 whether we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the
29016 former case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed
29017 as well.
29018
29019 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29020
29021 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
29022
29023 @subsubheading Example
29024
29025 @smallexample
29026 (gdb)
29027 -exec-step-instruction
29028 ^running
29029
29030 (gdb)
29031 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
29032 frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
29033 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
29034 (gdb)
29035 -exec-step-instruction
29036 ^running
29037
29038 (gdb)
29039 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
29040 frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
29041 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
29042 (gdb)
29043 @end smallexample
29044
29045
29046 @subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
29047 @findex -exec-until
29048
29049 @subsubheading Synopsis
29050
29051 @smallexample
29052 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
29053 @end smallexample
29054
29055 Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
29056 argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
29057 until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
29058 reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
29059
29060 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29061
29062 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
29063
29064 @subsubheading Example
29065
29066 @smallexample
29067 (gdb)
29068 -exec-until recursive2.c:6
29069 ^running
29070 (gdb)
29071 x = 55
29072 *stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
29073 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6"@}
29074 (gdb)
29075 @end smallexample
29076
29077 @ignore
29078 @subheading -file-clear
29079 Is this going away????
29080 @end ignore
29081
29082 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29083 @node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
29084 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
29085
29086 @subheading The @code{-enable-frame-filters} Command
29087 @findex -enable-frame-filters
29088
29089 @smallexample
29090 -enable-frame-filters
29091 @end smallexample
29092
29093 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based frame filters to affect the output of
29094 the MI commands relating to stack traces. As there is no way to
29095 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
29096 request that this functionality be enabled.
29097
29098 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
29099
29100 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
29101 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
29102
29103 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
29104 @findex -stack-info-frame
29105
29106 @subsubheading Synopsis
29107
29108 @smallexample
29109 -stack-info-frame
29110 @end smallexample
29111
29112 Get info on the selected frame.
29113
29114 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29115
29116 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
29117 (without arguments).
29118
29119 @subsubheading Example
29120
29121 @smallexample
29122 (gdb)
29123 -stack-info-frame
29124 ^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
29125 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29126 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@}
29127 (gdb)
29128 @end smallexample
29129
29130 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
29131 @findex -stack-info-depth
29132
29133 @subsubheading Synopsis
29134
29135 @smallexample
29136 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
29137 @end smallexample
29138
29139 Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
29140 is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
29141
29142 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29143
29144 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
29145
29146 @subsubheading Example
29147
29148 For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
29149
29150 @smallexample
29151 (gdb)
29152 -stack-info-depth
29153 ^done,depth="12"
29154 (gdb)
29155 -stack-info-depth 4
29156 ^done,depth="4"
29157 (gdb)
29158 -stack-info-depth 12
29159 ^done,depth="12"
29160 (gdb)
29161 -stack-info-depth 11
29162 ^done,depth="11"
29163 (gdb)
29164 -stack-info-depth 13
29165 ^done,depth="12"
29166 (gdb)
29167 @end smallexample
29168
29169 @anchor{-stack-list-arguments}
29170 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
29171 @findex -stack-list-arguments
29172
29173 @subsubheading Synopsis
29174
29175 @smallexample
29176 -stack-list-arguments [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
29177 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
29178 @end smallexample
29179
29180 Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
29181 and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
29182 @var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
29183 call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
29184 at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
29185 larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
29186 @var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
29187 which case only existing frames will be returned.
29188
29189 If @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
29190 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
29191 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
29192 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
29193 structures and unions. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is
29194 supplied, then Python frame filters will not be executed.
29195
29196 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, arguments that
29197 are not available are not listed. Partially available arguments
29198 are still displayed, however.
29199
29200 Use of this command to obtain arguments in a single frame is
29201 deprecated in favor of the @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
29202
29203 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29204
29205 @value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
29206 @samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
29207 functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
29208
29209 @subsubheading Example
29210
29211 @smallexample
29212 (gdb)
29213 -stack-list-frames
29214 ^done,
29215 stack=[
29216 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
29217 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29218 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@},
29219 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
29220 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29221 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@},
29222 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
29223 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29224 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22"@},
29225 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
29226 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29227 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27"@},
29228 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
29229 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29230 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32"@}]
29231 (gdb)
29232 -stack-list-arguments 0
29233 ^done,
29234 stack-args=[
29235 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
29236 frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
29237 frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
29238 frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
29239 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
29240 (gdb)
29241 -stack-list-arguments 1
29242 ^done,
29243 stack-args=[
29244 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
29245 frame=@{level="1",
29246 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
29247 frame=@{level="2",args=[
29248 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
29249 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
29250 @{frame=@{level="3",args=[
29251 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
29252 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
29253 @{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
29254 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
29255 (gdb)
29256 -stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
29257 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
29258 (gdb)
29259 -stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
29260 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
29261 args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
29262 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
29263 (gdb)
29264 @end smallexample
29265
29266 @c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
29267
29268
29269 @anchor{-stack-list-frames}
29270 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
29271 @findex -stack-list-frames
29272
29273 @subsubheading Synopsis
29274
29275 @smallexample
29276 -stack-list-frames [ --no-frame-filters @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
29277 @end smallexample
29278
29279 List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
29280 following info:
29281
29282 @table @samp
29283 @item @var{level}
29284 The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
29285 @item @var{addr}
29286 The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
29287 @item @var{func}
29288 Function name.
29289 @item @var{file}
29290 File name of the source file where the function lives.
29291 @item @var{fullname}
29292 The full file name of the source file where the function lives.
29293 @item @var{line}
29294 Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
29295 @item @var{from}
29296 The shared library where this function is defined. This is only given
29297 if the frame's function is not known.
29298 @end table
29299
29300 If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
29301 whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
29302 levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
29303 are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
29304 an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
29305 frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
29306 actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be
29307 returned. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is supplied, then
29308 Python frame filters will not be executed.
29309
29310 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29311
29312 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
29313
29314 @subsubheading Example
29315
29316 Full stack backtrace:
29317
29318 @smallexample
29319 (gdb)
29320 -stack-list-frames
29321 ^done,stack=
29322 [frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
29323 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@},
29324 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29325 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29326 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29327 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29328 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29329 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29330 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29331 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29332 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29333 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29334 frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29335 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29336 frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29337 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29338 frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29339 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29340 frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29341 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29342 frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29343 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29344 frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
29345 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}]
29346 (gdb)
29347 @end smallexample
29348
29349 Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
29350
29351 @smallexample
29352 (gdb)
29353 -stack-list-frames 3 5
29354 ^done,stack=
29355 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29356 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29357 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29358 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29359 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29360 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
29361 (gdb)
29362 @end smallexample
29363
29364 Show a single frame:
29365
29366 @smallexample
29367 (gdb)
29368 -stack-list-frames 3 3
29369 ^done,stack=
29370 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29371 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
29372 (gdb)
29373 @end smallexample
29374
29375
29376 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
29377 @findex -stack-list-locals
29378 @anchor{-stack-list-locals}
29379
29380 @subsubheading Synopsis
29381
29382 @smallexample
29383 -stack-list-locals [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
29384 @end smallexample
29385
29386 Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
29387 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
29388 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
29389 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
29390 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
29391 structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
29392 display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
29393 other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
29394 more detail. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is supplied, then
29395 Python frame filters will not be executed.
29396
29397 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, local variables
29398 that are not available are not listed. Partially available local
29399 variables are still displayed, however.
29400
29401 This command is deprecated in favor of the
29402 @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
29403
29404 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29405
29406 @samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
29407
29408 @subsubheading Example
29409
29410 @smallexample
29411 (gdb)
29412 -stack-list-locals 0
29413 ^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
29414 (gdb)
29415 -stack-list-locals --all-values
29416 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
29417 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
29418 -stack-list-locals --simple-values
29419 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
29420 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
29421 (gdb)
29422 @end smallexample
29423
29424 @anchor{-stack-list-variables}
29425 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-variables} Command
29426 @findex -stack-list-variables
29427
29428 @subsubheading Synopsis
29429
29430 @smallexample
29431 -stack-list-variables [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
29432 @end smallexample
29433
29434 Display the names of local variables and function arguments for the selected frame. If
29435 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
29436 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
29437 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
29438 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
29439 structures and unions. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is
29440 supplied, then Python frame filters will not be executed.
29441
29442 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, local variables
29443 and arguments that are not available are not listed. Partially
29444 available arguments and local variables are still displayed, however.
29445
29446 @subsubheading Example
29447
29448 @smallexample
29449 (gdb)
29450 -stack-list-variables --thread 1 --frame 0 --all-values
29451 ^done,variables=[@{name="x",value="11"@},@{name="s",value="@{a = 1, b = 2@}"@}]
29452 (gdb)
29453 @end smallexample
29454
29455
29456 @subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
29457 @findex -stack-select-frame
29458
29459 @subsubheading Synopsis
29460
29461 @smallexample
29462 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
29463 @end smallexample
29464
29465 Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
29466 the stack.
29467
29468 This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
29469 option to every command.
29470
29471 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29472
29473 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
29474 @samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
29475
29476 @subsubheading Example
29477
29478 @smallexample
29479 (gdb)
29480 -stack-select-frame 2
29481 ^done
29482 (gdb)
29483 @end smallexample
29484
29485 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29486 @node GDB/MI Variable Objects
29487 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
29488
29489 @ignore
29490
29491 @subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
29492
29493 For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
29494 expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
29495 used by @code{Insight}.
29496
29497 The two main reasons for that are:
29498
29499 @enumerate 1
29500 @item
29501 It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
29502
29503 @item
29504 It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
29505 now).
29506 @end enumerate
29507
29508 The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
29509 slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
29510 describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
29511 hints about their use.
29512
29513 @emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
29514 expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
29515 least, the following operations:
29516
29517 @itemize @bullet
29518 @item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
29519 @item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
29520 @item @code{-stack-list-locals}
29521 @item @code{-stack-select-frame}
29522 @end itemize
29523
29524 @end ignore
29525
29526 @subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
29527
29528 @cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
29529
29530 Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
29531 changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
29532 work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
29533 simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
29534 is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
29535 frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
29536 expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
29537 expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
29538 variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
29539 operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
29540 object, or to change display format.
29541
29542 Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
29543 that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
29544 a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
29545 element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
29546 children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
29547 leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
29548 objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
29549 is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
29550 child will be created.
29551
29552 For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
29553 string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
29554 obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
29555 that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
29556 contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
29557
29558 A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
29559 the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
29560 variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
29561 operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
29562 be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
29563 objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
29564 real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
29565 variables that frontend has created.
29566
29567 The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
29568 might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
29569 and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
29570 relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
29571 to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
29572 visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
29573 called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
29574 implicitly updated.
29575
29576 Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
29577 fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
29578 object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
29579 variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
29580 variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
29581 expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
29582 frame. Consider this example:
29583
29584 @smallexample
29585 void do_work(...)
29586 @{
29587 struct work_state state;
29588
29589 if (...)
29590 do_work(...);
29591 @}
29592 @end smallexample
29593
29594 If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
29595 this function, and we enter the recursive call, the variable
29596 object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
29597 @code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
29598 object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
29599
29600 If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
29601 refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
29602 thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
29603 variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
29604 thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
29605 and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
29606
29607 The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
29608 access this functionality:
29609
29610 @multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
29611 @item @strong{Operation}
29612 @tab @strong{Description}
29613
29614 @item @code{-enable-pretty-printing}
29615 @tab enable Python-based pretty-printing
29616 @item @code{-var-create}
29617 @tab create a variable object
29618 @item @code{-var-delete}
29619 @tab delete the variable object and/or its children
29620 @item @code{-var-set-format}
29621 @tab set the display format of this variable
29622 @item @code{-var-show-format}
29623 @tab show the display format of this variable
29624 @item @code{-var-info-num-children}
29625 @tab tells how many children this object has
29626 @item @code{-var-list-children}
29627 @tab return a list of the object's children
29628 @item @code{-var-info-type}
29629 @tab show the type of this variable object
29630 @item @code{-var-info-expression}
29631 @tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
29632 @item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
29633 @tab print full expression that this variable object represents
29634 @item @code{-var-show-attributes}
29635 @tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
29636 @item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
29637 @tab get the value of this variable
29638 @item @code{-var-assign}
29639 @tab set the value of this variable
29640 @item @code{-var-update}
29641 @tab update the variable and its children
29642 @item @code{-var-set-frozen}
29643 @tab set frozeness attribute
29644 @item @code{-var-set-update-range}
29645 @tab set range of children to display on update
29646 @end multitable
29647
29648 In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
29649 how it can be used.
29650
29651 @subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
29652
29653 @subheading The @code{-enable-pretty-printing} Command
29654 @findex -enable-pretty-printing
29655
29656 @smallexample
29657 -enable-pretty-printing
29658 @end smallexample
29659
29660 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based visualizers to affect the output of the
29661 MI variable object commands. However, because there was no way to
29662 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
29663 request that this functionality be enabled.
29664
29665 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
29666
29667 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
29668 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
29669
29670 This feature is currently (as of @value{GDBN} 7.0) experimental, and
29671 may work differently in future versions of @value{GDBN}.
29672
29673 @subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
29674 @findex -var-create
29675
29676 @subsubheading Synopsis
29677
29678 @smallexample
29679 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
29680 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
29681 @end smallexample
29682
29683 This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
29684 a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
29685 register.
29686
29687 The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
29688 referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
29689 system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
29690 unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
29691 The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
29692
29693 The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
29694 specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
29695 frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
29696 object must be created.
29697
29698 @var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
29699 begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
29700
29701 @itemize @bullet
29702 @item
29703 @samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
29704
29705 @item
29706 @samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
29707
29708 @item
29709 @samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
29710 @end itemize
29711
29712 @cindex dynamic varobj
29713 A varobj's contents may be provided by a Python-based pretty-printer. In this
29714 case the varobj is known as a @dfn{dynamic varobj}. Dynamic varobjs
29715 have slightly different semantics in some cases. If the
29716 @code{-enable-pretty-printing} command is not sent, then @value{GDBN}
29717 will never create a dynamic varobj. This ensures backward
29718 compatibility for existing clients.
29719
29720 @subsubheading Result
29721
29722 This operation returns attributes of the newly-created varobj. These
29723 are:
29724
29725 @table @samp
29726 @item name
29727 The name of the varobj.
29728
29729 @item numchild
29730 The number of children of the varobj. This number is not necessarily
29731 reliable for a dynamic varobj. Instead, you must examine the
29732 @samp{has_more} attribute.
29733
29734 @item value
29735 The varobj's scalar value. For a varobj whose type is some sort of
29736 aggregate (e.g., a @code{struct}), or for a dynamic varobj, this value
29737 will not be interesting.
29738
29739 @item type
29740 The varobj's type. This is a string representation of the type, as
29741 would be printed by the @value{GDBN} CLI. If @samp{print object}
29742 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
29743 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
29744 @emph{declared} one.
29745
29746 @item thread-id
29747 If a variable object is bound to a specific thread, then this is the
29748 thread's global identifier.
29749
29750 @item has_more
29751 For a dynamic varobj, this indicates whether there appear to be any
29752 children available. For a non-dynamic varobj, this will be 0.
29753
29754 @item dynamic
29755 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
29756 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
29757 then this attribute will not be present.
29758
29759 @item displayhint
29760 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
29761 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
29762 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
29763 @end table
29764
29765 Typical output will look like this:
29766
29767 @smallexample
29768 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}",
29769 has_more="@var{has_more}"
29770 @end smallexample
29771
29772
29773 @subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
29774 @findex -var-delete
29775
29776 @subsubheading Synopsis
29777
29778 @smallexample
29779 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
29780 @end smallexample
29781
29782 Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
29783 With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
29784
29785 Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
29786
29787
29788 @subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
29789 @findex -var-set-format
29790
29791 @subsubheading Synopsis
29792
29793 @smallexample
29794 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
29795 @end smallexample
29796
29797 Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
29798 @var{format-spec}.
29799
29800 @anchor{-var-set-format}
29801 The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
29802
29803 @smallexample
29804 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
29805 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural | zero-hexadecimal@}
29806 @end smallexample
29807
29808 The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
29809 based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
29810 for pointers, etc.).
29811
29812 The zero-hexadecimal format has a representation similar to hexadecimal
29813 but with padding zeroes to the left of the value. For example, a 32-bit
29814 hexadecimal value of 0x1234 would be represented as 0x00001234 in the
29815 zero-hexadecimal format.
29816
29817 For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
29818 variable itself, and the children are not affected.
29819
29820 @subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
29821 @findex -var-show-format
29822
29823 @subsubheading Synopsis
29824
29825 @smallexample
29826 -var-show-format @var{name}
29827 @end smallexample
29828
29829 Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
29830
29831 @smallexample
29832 @var{format} @expansion{}
29833 @var{format-spec}
29834 @end smallexample
29835
29836
29837 @subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
29838 @findex -var-info-num-children
29839
29840 @subsubheading Synopsis
29841
29842 @smallexample
29843 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
29844 @end smallexample
29845
29846 Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
29847
29848 @smallexample
29849 numchild=@var{n}
29850 @end smallexample
29851
29852 Note that this number is not completely reliable for a dynamic varobj.
29853 It will return the current number of children, but more children may
29854 be available.
29855
29856
29857 @subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
29858 @findex -var-list-children
29859
29860 @subsubheading Synopsis
29861
29862 @smallexample
29863 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name} [@var{from} @var{to}]
29864 @end smallexample
29865 @anchor{-var-list-children}
29866
29867 Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
29868 create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
29869 a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value of 0 or
29870 @code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
29871 @var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
29872 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
29873 value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
29874 and unions.
29875
29876 @var{from} and @var{to}, if specified, indicate the range of children
29877 to report. If @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is
29878 reset and all children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting
29879 at @var{from} (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be
29880 reported.
29881
29882 If a child range is requested, it will only affect the current call to
29883 @code{-var-list-children}, but not future calls to @code{-var-update}.
29884 For this, you must instead use @code{-var-set-update-range}. The
29885 intent of this approach is to enable a front end to implement any
29886 update approach it likes; for example, scrolling a view may cause the
29887 front end to request more children with @code{-var-list-children}, and
29888 then the front end could call @code{-var-set-update-range} with a
29889 different range to ensure that future updates are restricted to just
29890 the visible items.
29891
29892 For each child the following results are returned:
29893
29894 @table @var
29895
29896 @item name
29897 Name of the variable object created for this child.
29898
29899 @item exp
29900 The expression to be shown to the user by the front end to designate this child.
29901 For example this may be the name of a structure member.
29902
29903 For a dynamic varobj, this value cannot be used to form an
29904 expression. There is no way to do this at all with a dynamic varobj.
29905
29906 For C/C@t{++} structures there are several pseudo children returned to
29907 designate access qualifiers. For these pseudo children @var{exp} is
29908 @samp{public}, @samp{private}, or @samp{protected}. In this case the
29909 type and value are not present.
29910
29911 A dynamic varobj will not report the access qualifying
29912 pseudo-children, regardless of the language. This information is not
29913 available at all with a dynamic varobj.
29914
29915 @item numchild
29916 Number of children this child has. For a dynamic varobj, this will be
29917 0.
29918
29919 @item type
29920 The type of the child. If @samp{print object}
29921 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
29922 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
29923 @emph{declared} one.
29924
29925 @item value
29926 If values were requested, this is the value.
29927
29928 @item thread-id
29929 If this variable object is associated with a thread, this is the
29930 thread's global thread id. Otherwise this result is not present.
29931
29932 @item frozen
29933 If the variable object is frozen, this variable will be present with a value of 1.
29934
29935 @item displayhint
29936 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
29937 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
29938 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
29939
29940 @item dynamic
29941 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
29942 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
29943 then this attribute will not be present.
29944
29945 @end table
29946
29947 The result may have its own attributes:
29948
29949 @table @samp
29950 @item displayhint
29951 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
29952 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
29953 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
29954
29955 @item has_more
29956 This is an integer attribute which is nonzero if there are children
29957 remaining after the end of the selected range.
29958 @end table
29959
29960 @subsubheading Example
29961
29962 @smallexample
29963 (gdb)
29964 -var-list-children n
29965 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
29966 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
29967 (gdb)
29968 -var-list-children --all-values n
29969 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
29970 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
29971 @end smallexample
29972
29973
29974 @subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
29975 @findex -var-info-type
29976
29977 @subsubheading Synopsis
29978
29979 @smallexample
29980 -var-info-type @var{name}
29981 @end smallexample
29982
29983 Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
29984 returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
29985 @value{GDBN} CLI:
29986
29987 @smallexample
29988 type=@var{typename}
29989 @end smallexample
29990
29991
29992 @subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
29993 @findex -var-info-expression
29994
29995 @subsubheading Synopsis
29996
29997 @smallexample
29998 -var-info-expression @var{name}
29999 @end smallexample
30000
30001 Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
30002 variable object in user interface. The string is generally
30003 not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
30004
30005 For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
30006 @code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
30007
30008 @smallexample
30009 (gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
30010 ^done,lang="C",exp="1"
30011 @end smallexample
30012
30013 @noindent
30014 Here, the value of @code{lang} is the language name, which can be
30015 found in @ref{Supported Languages}.
30016
30017 Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
30018 includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
30019 is of limited use.
30020
30021 @subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
30022 @findex -var-info-path-expression
30023
30024 @subsubheading Synopsis
30025
30026 @smallexample
30027 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
30028 @end smallexample
30029
30030 Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
30031 context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
30032 Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
30033 result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
30034 the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
30035 watchpoint from a variable object.
30036
30037 This command is currently not valid for children of a dynamic varobj,
30038 and will give an error when invoked on one.
30039
30040 For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
30041 @code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
30042 @code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
30043 @code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
30044 @code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
30045 @smallexample
30046 (gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
30047 ^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
30048 @end smallexample
30049
30050 @subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
30051 @findex -var-show-attributes
30052
30053 @subsubheading Synopsis
30054
30055 @smallexample
30056 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
30057 @end smallexample
30058
30059 List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
30060
30061 @smallexample
30062 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
30063 @end smallexample
30064
30065 @noindent
30066 where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
30067
30068 @subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
30069 @findex -var-evaluate-expression
30070
30071 @subsubheading Synopsis
30072
30073 @smallexample
30074 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
30075 @end smallexample
30076
30077 Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
30078 object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
30079 can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
30080 this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
30081 (@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
30082 the current display format will be used. The current display format
30083 can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
30084
30085 @smallexample
30086 value=@var{value}
30087 @end smallexample
30088
30089 Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
30090 before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
30091
30092 @subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
30093 @findex -var-assign
30094
30095 @subsubheading Synopsis
30096
30097 @smallexample
30098 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
30099 @end smallexample
30100
30101 Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
30102 by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
30103 value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
30104 subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
30105
30106 @subsubheading Example
30107
30108 @smallexample
30109 (gdb)
30110 -var-assign var1 3
30111 ^done,value="3"
30112 (gdb)
30113 -var-update *
30114 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
30115 (gdb)
30116 @end smallexample
30117
30118 @subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
30119 @findex -var-update
30120
30121 @subsubheading Synopsis
30122
30123 @smallexample
30124 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
30125 @end smallexample
30126
30127 Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
30128 @var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
30129 list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
30130 be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
30131 @code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
30132 @code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
30133 object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
30134 for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
30135 @var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
30136 names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
30137 as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
30138 recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
30139 number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
30140
30141 With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
30142 currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
30143 diagnostic.
30144
30145 If @code{-var-set-update-range} was previously used on a varobj, then
30146 only the selected range of children will be reported.
30147
30148 @code{-var-update} reports all the changed varobjs in a tuple named
30149 @samp{changelist}.
30150
30151 Each item in the change list is itself a tuple holding:
30152
30153 @table @samp
30154 @item name
30155 The name of the varobj.
30156
30157 @item value
30158 If values were requested for this update, then this field will be
30159 present and will hold the value of the varobj.
30160
30161 @item in_scope
30162 @anchor{-var-update}
30163 This field is a string which may take one of three values:
30164
30165 @table @code
30166 @item "true"
30167 The variable object's current value is valid.
30168
30169 @item "false"
30170 The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
30171 hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
30172 scope.
30173
30174 @item "invalid"
30175 The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
30176 This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
30177 either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
30178 command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
30179 objects.
30180 @end table
30181
30182 In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
30183 be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
30184
30185 @item type_changed
30186 This is only present if the varobj is still valid. If the type
30187 changed, then this will be the string @samp{true}; otherwise it will
30188 be @samp{false}.
30189
30190 When a varobj's type changes, its children are also likely to have
30191 become incorrect. Therefore, the varobj's children are automatically
30192 deleted when this attribute is @samp{true}. Also, the varobj's update
30193 range, when set using the @code{-var-set-update-range} command, is
30194 unset.
30195
30196 @item new_type
30197 If the varobj's type changed, then this field will be present and will
30198 hold the new type.
30199
30200 @item new_num_children
30201 For a dynamic varobj, if the number of children changed, or if the
30202 type changed, this will be the new number of children.
30203
30204 The @samp{numchild} field in other varobj responses is generally not
30205 valid for a dynamic varobj -- it will show the number of children that
30206 @value{GDBN} knows about, but because dynamic varobjs lazily
30207 instantiate their children, this will not reflect the number of
30208 children which may be available.
30209
30210 The @samp{new_num_children} attribute only reports changes to the
30211 number of children known by @value{GDBN}. This is the only way to
30212 detect whether an update has removed children (which necessarily can
30213 only happen at the end of the update range).
30214
30215 @item displayhint
30216 The display hint, if any.
30217
30218 @item has_more
30219 This is an integer value, which will be 1 if there are more children
30220 available outside the varobj's update range.
30221
30222 @item dynamic
30223 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
30224 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
30225 then this attribute will not be present.
30226
30227 @item new_children
30228 If new children were added to a dynamic varobj within the selected
30229 update range (as set by @code{-var-set-update-range}), then they will
30230 be listed in this attribute.
30231 @end table
30232
30233 @subsubheading Example
30234
30235 @smallexample
30236 (gdb)
30237 -var-assign var1 3
30238 ^done,value="3"
30239 (gdb)
30240 -var-update --all-values var1
30241 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
30242 type_changed="false"@}]
30243 (gdb)
30244 @end smallexample
30245
30246 @subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
30247 @findex -var-set-frozen
30248 @anchor{-var-set-frozen}
30249
30250 @subsubheading Synopsis
30251
30252 @smallexample
30253 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
30254 @end smallexample
30255
30256 Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
30257 @var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
30258 frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
30259 frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
30260 implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
30261 a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
30262 @code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
30263 values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
30264 implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
30265 Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
30266 @code{-var-update} does.
30267
30268 @subsubheading Example
30269
30270 @smallexample
30271 (gdb)
30272 -var-set-frozen V 1
30273 ^done
30274 (gdb)
30275 @end smallexample
30276
30277 @subheading The @code{-var-set-update-range} command
30278 @findex -var-set-update-range
30279 @anchor{-var-set-update-range}
30280
30281 @subsubheading Synopsis
30282
30283 @smallexample
30284 -var-set-update-range @var{name} @var{from} @var{to}
30285 @end smallexample
30286
30287 Set the range of children to be returned by future invocations of
30288 @code{-var-update}.
30289
30290 @var{from} and @var{to} indicate the range of children to report. If
30291 @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is reset and all
30292 children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting at @var{from}
30293 (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be reported.
30294
30295 @subsubheading Example
30296
30297 @smallexample
30298 (gdb)
30299 -var-set-update-range V 1 2
30300 ^done
30301 @end smallexample
30302
30303 @subheading The @code{-var-set-visualizer} command
30304 @findex -var-set-visualizer
30305 @anchor{-var-set-visualizer}
30306
30307 @subsubheading Synopsis
30308
30309 @smallexample
30310 -var-set-visualizer @var{name} @var{visualizer}
30311 @end smallexample
30312
30313 Set a visualizer for the variable object @var{name}.
30314
30315 @var{visualizer} is the visualizer to use. The special value
30316 @samp{None} means to disable any visualizer in use.
30317
30318 If not @samp{None}, @var{visualizer} must be a Python expression.
30319 This expression must evaluate to a callable object which accepts a
30320 single argument. @value{GDBN} will call this object with the value of
30321 the varobj @var{name} as an argument (this is done so that the same
30322 Python pretty-printing code can be used for both the CLI and MI).
30323 When called, this object must return an object which conforms to the
30324 pretty-printing interface (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}).
30325
30326 The pre-defined function @code{gdb.default_visualizer} may be used to
30327 select a visualizer by following the built-in process
30328 (@pxref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}). This is done automatically when
30329 a varobj is created, and so ordinarily is not needed.
30330
30331 This feature is only available if Python support is enabled. The MI
30332 command @code{-list-features} (@pxref{GDB/MI Support Commands})
30333 can be used to check this.
30334
30335 @subsubheading Example
30336
30337 Resetting the visualizer:
30338
30339 @smallexample
30340 (gdb)
30341 -var-set-visualizer V None
30342 ^done
30343 @end smallexample
30344
30345 Reselecting the default (type-based) visualizer:
30346
30347 @smallexample
30348 (gdb)
30349 -var-set-visualizer V gdb.default_visualizer
30350 ^done
30351 @end smallexample
30352
30353 Suppose @code{SomeClass} is a visualizer class. A lambda expression
30354 can be used to instantiate this class for a varobj:
30355
30356 @smallexample
30357 (gdb)
30358 -var-set-visualizer V "lambda val: SomeClass()"
30359 ^done
30360 @end smallexample
30361
30362 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30363 @node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
30364 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
30365
30366 @cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
30367 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
30368 This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
30369 examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
30370
30371 For details about what an addressable memory unit is,
30372 @pxref{addressable memory unit}.
30373
30374 @c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
30375 @c @subheading -data-assign
30376 @c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
30377 @c @subsubheading GDB Command
30378 @c set variable
30379 @c @subsubheading Example
30380 @c N.A.
30381
30382 @subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
30383 @findex -data-disassemble
30384
30385 @subsubheading Synopsis
30386
30387 @smallexample
30388 -data-disassemble
30389 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
30390 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
30391 -- @var{mode}
30392 @end smallexample
30393
30394 @noindent
30395 Where:
30396
30397 @table @samp
30398 @item @var{start-addr}
30399 is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
30400 @item @var{end-addr}
30401 is the end address
30402 @item @var{filename}
30403 is the name of the file to disassemble
30404 @item @var{linenum}
30405 is the line number to disassemble around
30406 @item @var{lines}
30407 is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
30408 the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
30409 specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
30410 @var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
30411 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
30412 displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
30413 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
30414 are displayed.
30415 @item @var{mode}
30416 is one of:
30417 @itemize @bullet
30418 @item 0 disassembly only
30419 @item 1 mixed source and disassembly (deprecated)
30420 @item 2 disassembly with raw opcodes
30421 @item 3 mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes (deprecated)
30422 @item 4 mixed source and disassembly
30423 @item 5 mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes
30424 @end itemize
30425
30426 Modes 1 and 3 are deprecated. The output is ``source centric''
30427 which hasn't proved useful in practice.
30428 @xref{Machine Code}, for a discussion of the difference between
30429 @code{/m} and @code{/s} output of the @code{disassemble} command.
30430 @end table
30431
30432 @subsubheading Result
30433
30434 The result of the @code{-data-disassemble} command will be a list named
30435 @samp{asm_insns}, the contents of this list depend on the @var{mode}
30436 used with the @code{-data-disassemble} command.
30437
30438 For modes 0 and 2 the @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples with the
30439 following fields:
30440
30441 @table @code
30442 @item address
30443 The address at which this instruction was disassembled.
30444
30445 @item func-name
30446 The name of the function this instruction is within.
30447
30448 @item offset
30449 The decimal offset in bytes from the start of @samp{func-name}.
30450
30451 @item inst
30452 The text disassembly for this @samp{address}.
30453
30454 @item opcodes
30455 This field is only present for modes 2, 3 and 5. This contains the raw opcode
30456 bytes for the @samp{inst} field.
30457
30458 @end table
30459
30460 For modes 1, 3, 4 and 5 the @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples named
30461 @samp{src_and_asm_line}, each of which has the following fields:
30462
30463 @table @code
30464 @item line
30465 The line number within @samp{file}.
30466
30467 @item file
30468 The file name from the compilation unit. This might be an absolute
30469 file name or a relative file name depending on the compile command
30470 used.
30471
30472 @item fullname
30473 Absolute file name of @samp{file}. It is converted to a canonical form
30474 using the source file search path
30475 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories})
30476 and after resolving all the symbolic links.
30477
30478 If the source file is not found this field will contain the path as
30479 present in the debug information.
30480
30481 @item line_asm_insn
30482 This is a list of tuples containing the disassembly for @samp{line} in
30483 @samp{file}. The fields of each tuple are the same as for
30484 @code{-data-disassemble} in @var{mode} 0 and 2, so @samp{address},
30485 @samp{func-name}, @samp{offset}, @samp{inst}, and optionally
30486 @samp{opcodes}.
30487
30488 @end table
30489
30490 Note that whatever included in the @samp{inst} field, is not
30491 manipulated directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to
30492 adjust its format.
30493
30494 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30495
30496 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disassemble}.
30497
30498 @subsubheading Example
30499
30500 Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
30501
30502 @smallexample
30503 (gdb)
30504 -data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
30505 ^done,
30506 asm_insns=[
30507 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
30508 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
30509 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
30510 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
30511 @{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
30512 inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
30513 @{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
30514 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
30515 @{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
30516 inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
30517 (gdb)
30518 @end smallexample
30519
30520 Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
30521 @code{main}.
30522
30523 @smallexample
30524 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
30525 ^done,asm_insns=[
30526 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
30527 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
30528 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
30529 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
30530 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
30531 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
30532 [@dots{}]
30533 @{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
30534 @{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
30535 (gdb)
30536 @end smallexample
30537
30538 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
30539
30540 @smallexample
30541 (gdb)
30542 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
30543 ^done,asm_insns=[
30544 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
30545 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
30546 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
30547 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
30548 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
30549 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
30550 (gdb)
30551 @end smallexample
30552
30553 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
30554
30555 @smallexample
30556 (gdb)
30557 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
30558 ^done,asm_insns=[
30559 src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
30560 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30561 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30562 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107bc",
30563 func-name="main",offset="0",inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
30564 src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
30565 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30566 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30567 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107c0",
30568 func-name="main",offset="4",inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
30569 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
30570 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
30571 (gdb)
30572 @end smallexample
30573
30574
30575 @subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
30576 @findex -data-evaluate-expression
30577
30578 @subsubheading Synopsis
30579
30580 @smallexample
30581 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
30582 @end smallexample
30583
30584 Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
30585 inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
30586 If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
30587
30588 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30589
30590 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
30591 @samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
30592 @samp{gdb_eval} command.
30593
30594 @subsubheading Example
30595
30596 In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
30597 @dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
30598 Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
30599 output.
30600
30601 @smallexample
30602 211-data-evaluate-expression A
30603 211^done,value="1"
30604 (gdb)
30605 311-data-evaluate-expression &A
30606 311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
30607 (gdb)
30608 411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
30609 411^done,value="4"
30610 (gdb)
30611 511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
30612 511^done,value="4"
30613 (gdb)
30614 @end smallexample
30615
30616
30617 @subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
30618 @findex -data-list-changed-registers
30619
30620 @subsubheading Synopsis
30621
30622 @smallexample
30623 -data-list-changed-registers
30624 @end smallexample
30625
30626 Display a list of the registers that have changed.
30627
30628 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30629
30630 @value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
30631 has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
30632
30633 @subsubheading Example
30634
30635 On a PPC MBX board:
30636
30637 @smallexample
30638 (gdb)
30639 -exec-continue
30640 ^running
30641
30642 (gdb)
30643 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
30644 func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
30645 line="5"@}
30646 (gdb)
30647 -data-list-changed-registers
30648 ^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
30649 "10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
30650 "24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
30651 (gdb)
30652 @end smallexample
30653
30654
30655 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
30656 @findex -data-list-register-names
30657
30658 @subsubheading Synopsis
30659
30660 @smallexample
30661 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
30662 @end smallexample
30663
30664 Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
30665 are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
30666 integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
30667 names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
30668 consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
30669 include empty register names.
30670
30671 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30672
30673 @value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
30674 @samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
30675 corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
30676
30677 @subsubheading Example
30678
30679 For the PPC MBX board:
30680 @smallexample
30681 (gdb)
30682 -data-list-register-names
30683 ^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
30684 "r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
30685 "r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
30686 "r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
30687 "f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
30688 "f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
30689 "", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
30690 (gdb)
30691 -data-list-register-names 1 2 3
30692 ^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
30693 (gdb)
30694 @end smallexample
30695
30696 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
30697 @findex -data-list-register-values
30698
30699 @subsubheading Synopsis
30700
30701 @smallexample
30702 -data-list-register-values
30703 [ @code{--skip-unavailable} ] @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
30704 @end smallexample
30705
30706 Display the registers' contents. The format according to which the
30707 registers' contents are to be returned is given by @var{fmt}, followed
30708 by an optional list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A
30709 missing list of numbers indicates that the contents of all the
30710 registers must be returned. The @code{--skip-unavailable} option
30711 indicates that only the available registers are to be returned.
30712
30713 Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
30714
30715 @table @code
30716 @item x
30717 Hexadecimal
30718 @item o
30719 Octal
30720 @item t
30721 Binary
30722 @item d
30723 Decimal
30724 @item r
30725 Raw
30726 @item N
30727 Natural
30728 @end table
30729
30730 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30731
30732 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
30733 all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
30734
30735 @subsubheading Example
30736
30737 For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
30738 don't appear in the actual output):
30739
30740 @smallexample
30741 (gdb)
30742 -data-list-register-values r 64 65
30743 ^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
30744 @{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
30745 (gdb)
30746 -data-list-register-values x
30747 ^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
30748 @{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
30749 @{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
30750 @{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
30751 @{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
30752 @{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
30753 @{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
30754 @{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
30755 @{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
30756 @{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
30757 @{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
30758 @{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
30759 @{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
30760 @{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
30761 @{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
30762 @{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
30763 @{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
30764 @{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
30765 @{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
30766 @{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
30767 @{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
30768 @{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
30769 @{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
30770 @{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
30771 @{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
30772 @{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
30773 @{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
30774 @{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
30775 @{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
30776 @{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
30777 @{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
30778 @{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
30779 @{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
30780 @{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
30781 @{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
30782 @{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
30783 (gdb)
30784 @end smallexample
30785
30786
30787 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
30788 @findex -data-read-memory
30789
30790 This command is deprecated, use @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} instead.
30791
30792 @subsubheading Synopsis
30793
30794 @smallexample
30795 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
30796 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
30797 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
30798 @end smallexample
30799
30800 @noindent
30801 where:
30802
30803 @table @samp
30804 @item @var{address}
30805 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
30806 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
30807 quoted using the C convention.
30808
30809 @item @var{word-format}
30810 The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
30811 same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
30812 ,Output Formats}).
30813
30814 @item @var{word-size}
30815 The size of each memory word in bytes.
30816
30817 @item @var{nr-rows}
30818 The number of rows in the output table.
30819
30820 @item @var{nr-cols}
30821 The number of columns in the output table.
30822
30823 @item @var{aschar}
30824 If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
30825 value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
30826 member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
30827 characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
30828
30829 @item @var{byte-offset}
30830 An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
30831 @end table
30832
30833 This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
30834 @var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
30835 @code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
30836 (returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
30837 of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
30838 using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
30839 in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
30840 @samp{addr}.
30841
30842 The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
30843 @samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
30844 @samp{prev-page}.
30845
30846 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30847
30848 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
30849 @samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
30850
30851 @subsubheading Example
30852
30853 Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
30854 @code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
30855 word. Display each word in hex.
30856
30857 @smallexample
30858 (gdb)
30859 9-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
30860 9^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
30861 next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
30862 prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
30863 @{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
30864 @{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
30865 @{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
30866 (gdb)
30867 @end smallexample
30868
30869 Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
30870 display as a single word formatted in decimal.
30871
30872 @smallexample
30873 (gdb)
30874 5-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
30875 5^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
30876 next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
30877 next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
30878 @{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
30879 (gdb)
30880 @end smallexample
30881
30882 Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
30883 as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
30884 used as the non-printable character.
30885
30886 @smallexample
30887 (gdb)
30888 4-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
30889 4^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
30890 next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
30891 next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
30892 @{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
30893 @{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
30894 @{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
30895 @{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
30896 @{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
30897 @{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
30898 @{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
30899 @{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
30900 (gdb)
30901 @end smallexample
30902
30903 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} Command
30904 @findex -data-read-memory-bytes
30905
30906 @subsubheading Synopsis
30907
30908 @smallexample
30909 -data-read-memory-bytes [ -o @var{offset} ]
30910 @var{address} @var{count}
30911 @end smallexample
30912
30913 @noindent
30914 where:
30915
30916 @table @samp
30917 @item @var{address}
30918 An expression specifying the address of the first addressable memory unit
30919 to be read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
30920 quoted using the C convention.
30921
30922 @item @var{count}
30923 The number of addressable memory units to read. This should be an integer
30924 literal.
30925
30926 @item @var{offset}
30927 The offset relative to @var{address} at which to start reading. This
30928 should be an integer literal. This option is provided so that a frontend
30929 is not required to first evaluate address and then perform address
30930 arithmetics itself.
30931
30932 @end table
30933
30934 This command attempts to read all accessible memory regions in the
30935 specified range. First, all regions marked as unreadable in the memory
30936 map (if one is defined) will be skipped. @xref{Memory Region
30937 Attributes}. Second, @value{GDBN} will attempt to read the remaining
30938 regions. For each one, if reading full region results in an errors,
30939 @value{GDBN} will try to read a subset of the region.
30940
30941 In general, every single memory unit in the region may be readable or not,
30942 and the only way to read every readable unit is to try a read at
30943 every address, which is not practical. Therefore, @value{GDBN} will
30944 attempt to read all accessible memory units at either beginning or the end
30945 of the region, using a binary division scheme. This heuristic works
30946 well for reading accross a memory map boundary. Note that if a region
30947 has a readable range that is neither at the beginning or the end,
30948 @value{GDBN} will not read it.
30949
30950 The result record (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}) that is output of
30951 the command includes a field named @samp{memory} whose content is a
30952 list of tuples. Each tuple represent a successfully read memory block
30953 and has the following fields:
30954
30955 @table @code
30956 @item begin
30957 The start address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
30958
30959 @item end
30960 The end address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
30961
30962 @item offset
30963 The offset of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal, relative to
30964 the start address passed to @code{-data-read-memory-bytes}.
30965
30966 @item contents
30967 The contents of the memory block, in hex.
30968
30969 @end table
30970
30971
30972
30973 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30974
30975 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}.
30976
30977 @subsubheading Example
30978
30979 @smallexample
30980 (gdb)
30981 -data-read-memory-bytes &a 10
30982 ^done,memory=[@{begin="0xbffff154",offset="0x00000000",
30983 end="0xbffff15e",
30984 contents="01000000020000000300"@}]
30985 (gdb)
30986 @end smallexample
30987
30988
30989 @subheading The @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} Command
30990 @findex -data-write-memory-bytes
30991
30992 @subsubheading Synopsis
30993
30994 @smallexample
30995 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents}
30996 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents} @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
30997 @end smallexample
30998
30999 @noindent
31000 where:
31001
31002 @table @samp
31003 @item @var{address}
31004 An expression specifying the address of the first addressable memory unit
31005 to be written. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should
31006 be quoted using the C convention.
31007
31008 @item @var{contents}
31009 The hex-encoded data to write. It is an error if @var{contents} does
31010 not represent an integral number of addressable memory units.
31011
31012 @item @var{count}
31013 Optional argument indicating the number of addressable memory units to be
31014 written. If @var{count} is greater than @var{contents}' length,
31015 @value{GDBN} will repeatedly write @var{contents} until it fills
31016 @var{count} memory units.
31017
31018 @end table
31019
31020 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31021
31022 There's no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
31023
31024 @subsubheading Example
31025
31026 @smallexample
31027 (gdb)
31028 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd"
31029 ^done
31030 (gdb)
31031 @end smallexample
31032
31033 @smallexample
31034 (gdb)
31035 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd" 16e
31036 ^done
31037 (gdb)
31038 @end smallexample
31039
31040 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31041 @node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
31042 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
31043
31044 The commands defined in this section implement MI support for
31045 tracepoints. For detailed introduction, see @ref{Tracepoints}.
31046
31047 @subheading The @code{-trace-find} Command
31048 @findex -trace-find
31049
31050 @subsubheading Synopsis
31051
31052 @smallexample
31053 -trace-find @var{mode} [@var{parameters}@dots{}]
31054 @end smallexample
31055
31056 Find a trace frame using criteria defined by @var{mode} and
31057 @var{parameters}. The following table lists permissible
31058 modes and their parameters. For details of operation, see @ref{tfind}.
31059
31060 @table @samp
31061
31062 @item none
31063 No parameters are required. Stops examining trace frames.
31064
31065 @item frame-number
31066 An integer is required as parameter. Selects tracepoint frame with
31067 that index.
31068
31069 @item tracepoint-number
31070 An integer is required as parameter. Finds next
31071 trace frame that corresponds to tracepoint with the specified number.
31072
31073 @item pc
31074 An address is required as parameter. Finds
31075 next trace frame that corresponds to any tracepoint at the specified
31076 address.
31077
31078 @item pc-inside-range
31079 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds next trace
31080 frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address inside the
31081 specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
31082
31083 @item pc-outside-range
31084 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds
31085 next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address outside
31086 the specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
31087
31088 @item line
31089 Line specification is required as parameter. @xref{Specify Location}.
31090 Finds next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at
31091 the specified location.
31092
31093 @end table
31094
31095 If @samp{none} was passed as @var{mode}, the response does not
31096 have fields. Otherwise, the response may have the following fields:
31097
31098 @table @samp
31099 @item found
31100 This field has either @samp{0} or @samp{1} as the value, depending
31101 on whether a matching tracepoint was found.
31102
31103 @item traceframe
31104 The index of the found traceframe. This field is present iff
31105 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
31106
31107 @item tracepoint
31108 The index of the found tracepoint. This field is present iff
31109 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
31110
31111 @item frame
31112 The information about the frame corresponding to the found trace
31113 frame. This field is present only if a trace frame was found.
31114 @xref{GDB/MI Frame Information}, for description of this field.
31115
31116 @end table
31117
31118 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31119
31120 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tfind}.
31121
31122 @subheading -trace-define-variable
31123 @findex -trace-define-variable
31124
31125 @subsubheading Synopsis
31126
31127 @smallexample
31128 -trace-define-variable @var{name} [ @var{value} ]
31129 @end smallexample
31130
31131 Create trace variable @var{name} if it does not exist. If
31132 @var{value} is specified, sets the initial value of the specified
31133 trace variable to that value. Note that the @var{name} should start
31134 with the @samp{$} character.
31135
31136 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31137
31138 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariable}.
31139
31140 @subheading The @code{-trace-frame-collected} Command
31141 @findex -trace-frame-collected
31142
31143 @subsubheading Synopsis
31144
31145 @smallexample
31146 -trace-frame-collected
31147 [--var-print-values @var{var_pval}]
31148 [--comp-print-values @var{comp_pval}]
31149 [--registers-format @var{regformat}]
31150 [--memory-contents]
31151 @end smallexample
31152
31153 This command returns the set of collected objects, register names,
31154 trace state variable names, memory ranges and computed expressions
31155 that have been collected at a particular trace frame. The optional
31156 parameters to the command affect the output format in different ways.
31157 See the output description table below for more details.
31158
31159 The reported names can be used in the normal manner to create
31160 varobjs and inspect the objects themselves. The items returned by
31161 this command are categorized so that it is clear which is a variable,
31162 which is a register, which is a trace state variable, which is a
31163 memory range and which is a computed expression.
31164
31165 For instance, if the actions were
31166 @smallexample
31167 collect myVar, myArray[myIndex], myObj.field, myPtr->field, myCount + 2
31168 collect *(int*)0xaf02bef0@@40
31169 @end smallexample
31170
31171 @noindent
31172 the object collected in its entirety would be @code{myVar}. The
31173 object @code{myArray} would be partially collected, because only the
31174 element at index @code{myIndex} would be collected. The remaining
31175 objects would be computed expressions.
31176
31177 An example output would be:
31178
31179 @smallexample
31180 (gdb)
31181 -trace-frame-collected
31182 ^done,
31183 explicit-variables=[@{name="myVar",value="1"@}],
31184 computed-expressions=[@{name="myArray[myIndex]",value="0"@},
31185 @{name="myObj.field",value="0"@},
31186 @{name="myPtr->field",value="1"@},
31187 @{name="myCount + 2",value="3"@},
31188 @{name="$tvar1 + 1",value="43970027"@}],
31189 registers=[@{number="0",value="0x7fe2c6e79ec8"@},
31190 @{number="1",value="0x0"@},
31191 @{number="2",value="0x4"@},
31192 ...
31193 @{number="125",value="0x0"@}],
31194 tvars=[@{name="$tvar1",current="43970026"@}],
31195 memory=[@{address="0x0000000000602264",length="4"@},
31196 @{address="0x0000000000615bc0",length="4"@}]
31197 (gdb)
31198 @end smallexample
31199
31200 Where:
31201
31202 @table @code
31203 @item explicit-variables
31204 The set of objects that have been collected in their entirety (as
31205 opposed to collecting just a few elements of an array or a few struct
31206 members). For each object, its name and value are printed.
31207 The @code{--var-print-values} option affects how or whether the value
31208 field is output. If @var{var_pval} is 0, then print only the names;
31209 if it is 1, print also their values; and if it is 2, print the name,
31210 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for
31211 arrays, structures and unions.
31212
31213 @item computed-expressions
31214 The set of computed expressions that have been collected at the
31215 current trace frame. The @code{--comp-print-values} option affects
31216 this set like the @code{--var-print-values} option affects the
31217 @code{explicit-variables} set. See above.
31218
31219 @item registers
31220 The registers that have been collected at the current trace frame.
31221 For each register collected, the name and current value are returned.
31222 The value is formatted according to the @code{--registers-format}
31223 option. See the @command{-data-list-register-values} command for a
31224 list of the allowed formats. The default is @samp{x}.
31225
31226 @item tvars
31227 The trace state variables that have been collected at the current
31228 trace frame. For each trace state variable collected, the name and
31229 current value are returned.
31230
31231 @item memory
31232 The set of memory ranges that have been collected at the current trace
31233 frame. Its content is a list of tuples. Each tuple represents a
31234 collected memory range and has the following fields:
31235
31236 @table @code
31237 @item address
31238 The start address of the memory range, as hexadecimal literal.
31239
31240 @item length
31241 The length of the memory range, as decimal literal.
31242
31243 @item contents
31244 The contents of the memory block, in hex. This field is only present
31245 if the @code{--memory-contents} option is specified.
31246
31247 @end table
31248
31249 @end table
31250
31251 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31252
31253 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
31254
31255 @subsubheading Example
31256
31257 @subheading -trace-list-variables
31258 @findex -trace-list-variables
31259
31260 @subsubheading Synopsis
31261
31262 @smallexample
31263 -trace-list-variables
31264 @end smallexample
31265
31266 Return a table of all defined trace variables. Each element of the
31267 table has the following fields:
31268
31269 @table @samp
31270 @item name
31271 The name of the trace variable. This field is always present.
31272
31273 @item initial
31274 The initial value. This is a 64-bit signed integer. This
31275 field is always present.
31276
31277 @item current
31278 The value the trace variable has at the moment. This is a 64-bit
31279 signed integer. This field is absent iff current value is
31280 not defined, for example if the trace was never run, or is
31281 presently running.
31282
31283 @end table
31284
31285 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31286
31287 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariables}.
31288
31289 @subsubheading Example
31290
31291 @smallexample
31292 (gdb)
31293 -trace-list-variables
31294 ^done,trace-variables=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="3",
31295 hdr=[@{width="15",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
31296 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="initial",colhdr="Initial"@},
31297 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr="Current"@}],
31298 body=[variable=@{name="$trace_timestamp",initial="0"@}
31299 variable=@{name="$foo",initial="10",current="15"@}]@}
31300 (gdb)
31301 @end smallexample
31302
31303 @subheading -trace-save
31304 @findex -trace-save
31305
31306 @subsubheading Synopsis
31307
31308 @smallexample
31309 -trace-save [ -r ] [ -ctf ] @var{filename}
31310 @end smallexample
31311
31312 Saves the collected trace data to @var{filename}. Without the
31313 @samp{-r} option, the data is downloaded from the target and saved
31314 in a local file. With the @samp{-r} option the target is asked
31315 to perform the save.
31316
31317 By default, this command will save the trace in the tfile format. You can
31318 supply the optional @samp{-ctf} argument to save it the CTF format. See
31319 @ref{Trace Files} for more information about CTF.
31320
31321 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31322
31323 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tsave}.
31324
31325
31326 @subheading -trace-start
31327 @findex -trace-start
31328
31329 @subsubheading Synopsis
31330
31331 @smallexample
31332 -trace-start
31333 @end smallexample
31334
31335 Starts a tracing experiment. The result of this command does not
31336 have any fields.
31337
31338 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31339
31340 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstart}.
31341
31342 @subheading -trace-status
31343 @findex -trace-status
31344
31345 @subsubheading Synopsis
31346
31347 @smallexample
31348 -trace-status
31349 @end smallexample
31350
31351 Obtains the status of a tracing experiment. The result may include
31352 the following fields:
31353
31354 @table @samp
31355
31356 @item supported
31357 May have a value of either @samp{0}, when no tracing operations are
31358 supported, @samp{1}, when all tracing operations are supported, or
31359 @samp{file} when examining trace file. In the latter case, examining
31360 of trace frame is possible but new tracing experiement cannot be
31361 started. This field is always present.
31362
31363 @item running
31364 May have a value of either @samp{0} or @samp{1} depending on whether
31365 tracing experiement is in progress on target. This field is present
31366 if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
31367
31368 @item stop-reason
31369 Report the reason why the tracing was stopped last time. This field
31370 may be absent iff tracing was never stopped on target yet. The
31371 value of @samp{request} means the tracing was stopped as result of
31372 the @code{-trace-stop} command. The value of @samp{overflow} means
31373 the tracing buffer is full. The value of @samp{disconnection} means
31374 tracing was automatically stopped when @value{GDBN} has disconnected.
31375 The value of @samp{passcount} means tracing was stopped when a
31376 tracepoint was passed a maximal number of times for that tracepoint.
31377 This field is present if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
31378
31379 @item stopping-tracepoint
31380 The number of tracepoint whose passcount as exceeded. This field is
31381 present iff the @samp{stop-reason} field has the value of
31382 @samp{passcount}.
31383
31384 @item frames
31385 @itemx frames-created
31386 The @samp{frames} field is a count of the total number of trace frames
31387 in the trace buffer, while @samp{frames-created} is the total created
31388 during the run, including ones that were discarded, such as when a
31389 circular trace buffer filled up. Both fields are optional.
31390
31391 @item buffer-size
31392 @itemx buffer-free
31393 These fields tell the current size of the tracing buffer and the
31394 remaining space. These fields are optional.
31395
31396 @item circular
31397 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
31398 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
31399 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
31400 and may fill up.
31401
31402 @item disconnected
31403 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
31404 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
31405 that the trace run will stop.
31406
31407 @item trace-file
31408 The filename of the trace file being examined. This field is
31409 optional, and only present when examining a trace file.
31410
31411 @end table
31412
31413 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31414
31415 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstatus}.
31416
31417 @subheading -trace-stop
31418 @findex -trace-stop
31419
31420 @subsubheading Synopsis
31421
31422 @smallexample
31423 -trace-stop
31424 @end smallexample
31425
31426 Stops a tracing experiment. The result of this command has the same
31427 fields as @code{-trace-status}, except that the @samp{supported} and
31428 @samp{running} fields are not output.
31429
31430 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31431
31432 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstop}.
31433
31434
31435 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31436 @node GDB/MI Symbol Query
31437 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
31438
31439
31440 @ignore
31441 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
31442 @findex -symbol-info-address
31443
31444 @subsubheading Synopsis
31445
31446 @smallexample
31447 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
31448 @end smallexample
31449
31450 Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
31451
31452 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31453
31454 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
31455
31456 @subsubheading Example
31457 N.A.
31458
31459
31460 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
31461 @findex -symbol-info-file
31462
31463 @subsubheading Synopsis
31464
31465 @smallexample
31466 -symbol-info-file
31467 @end smallexample
31468
31469 Show the file for the symbol.
31470
31471 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31472
31473 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
31474 @samp{gdb_find_file}.
31475
31476 @subsubheading Example
31477 N.A.
31478
31479
31480 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
31481 @findex -symbol-info-function
31482
31483 @subsubheading Synopsis
31484
31485 @smallexample
31486 -symbol-info-function
31487 @end smallexample
31488
31489 Show which function the symbol lives in.
31490
31491 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31492
31493 @samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
31494
31495 @subsubheading Example
31496 N.A.
31497
31498
31499 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
31500 @findex -symbol-info-line
31501
31502 @subsubheading Synopsis
31503
31504 @smallexample
31505 -symbol-info-line
31506 @end smallexample
31507
31508 Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
31509
31510 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31511
31512 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
31513 @code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
31514
31515 @subsubheading Example
31516 N.A.
31517
31518
31519 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
31520 @findex -symbol-info-symbol
31521
31522 @subsubheading Synopsis
31523
31524 @smallexample
31525 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
31526 @end smallexample
31527
31528 Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
31529
31530 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31531
31532 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
31533
31534 @subsubheading Example
31535 N.A.
31536
31537
31538 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
31539 @findex -symbol-list-functions
31540
31541 @subsubheading Synopsis
31542
31543 @smallexample
31544 -symbol-list-functions
31545 @end smallexample
31546
31547 List the functions in the executable.
31548
31549 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31550
31551 @samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
31552 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
31553
31554 @subsubheading Example
31555 N.A.
31556 @end ignore
31557
31558
31559 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
31560 @findex -symbol-list-lines
31561
31562 @subsubheading Synopsis
31563
31564 @smallexample
31565 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
31566 @end smallexample
31567
31568 Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
31569 addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
31570 ascending PC order.
31571
31572 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31573
31574 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
31575
31576 @subsubheading Example
31577 @smallexample
31578 (gdb)
31579 -symbol-list-lines basics.c
31580 ^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
31581 (gdb)
31582 @end smallexample
31583
31584
31585 @ignore
31586 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
31587 @findex -symbol-list-types
31588
31589 @subsubheading Synopsis
31590
31591 @smallexample
31592 -symbol-list-types
31593 @end smallexample
31594
31595 List all the type names.
31596
31597 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31598
31599 The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
31600 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
31601
31602 @subsubheading Example
31603 N.A.
31604
31605
31606 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
31607 @findex -symbol-list-variables
31608
31609 @subsubheading Synopsis
31610
31611 @smallexample
31612 -symbol-list-variables
31613 @end smallexample
31614
31615 List all the global and static variable names.
31616
31617 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31618
31619 @samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
31620
31621 @subsubheading Example
31622 N.A.
31623
31624
31625 @subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
31626 @findex -symbol-locate
31627
31628 @subsubheading Synopsis
31629
31630 @smallexample
31631 -symbol-locate
31632 @end smallexample
31633
31634 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31635
31636 @samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
31637
31638 @subsubheading Example
31639 N.A.
31640
31641
31642 @subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
31643 @findex -symbol-type
31644
31645 @subsubheading Synopsis
31646
31647 @smallexample
31648 -symbol-type @var{variable}
31649 @end smallexample
31650
31651 Show type of @var{variable}.
31652
31653 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31654
31655 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
31656 @samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
31657
31658 @subsubheading Example
31659 N.A.
31660 @end ignore
31661
31662
31663 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31664 @node GDB/MI File Commands
31665 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
31666
31667 This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
31668 and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
31669
31670 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
31671 @findex -file-exec-and-symbols
31672
31673 @subsubheading Synopsis
31674
31675 @smallexample
31676 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
31677 @end smallexample
31678
31679 Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
31680 which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
31681 command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
31682 are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
31683 error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
31684 notification.
31685
31686 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31687
31688 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
31689
31690 @subsubheading Example
31691
31692 @smallexample
31693 (gdb)
31694 -file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
31695 ^done
31696 (gdb)
31697 @end smallexample
31698
31699
31700 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
31701 @findex -file-exec-file
31702
31703 @subsubheading Synopsis
31704
31705 @smallexample
31706 -file-exec-file @var{file}
31707 @end smallexample
31708
31709 Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
31710 @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
31711 from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
31712 about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
31713 notification.
31714
31715 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31716
31717 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
31718
31719 @subsubheading Example
31720
31721 @smallexample
31722 (gdb)
31723 -file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
31724 ^done
31725 (gdb)
31726 @end smallexample
31727
31728
31729 @ignore
31730 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
31731 @findex -file-list-exec-sections
31732
31733 @subsubheading Synopsis
31734
31735 @smallexample
31736 -file-list-exec-sections
31737 @end smallexample
31738
31739 List the sections of the current executable file.
31740
31741 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31742
31743 The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
31744 information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
31745 @samp{gdb_load_info}.
31746
31747 @subsubheading Example
31748 N.A.
31749 @end ignore
31750
31751
31752 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
31753 @findex -file-list-exec-source-file
31754
31755 @subsubheading Synopsis
31756
31757 @smallexample
31758 -file-list-exec-source-file
31759 @end smallexample
31760
31761 List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
31762 to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
31763 information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
31764 whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
31765
31766 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31767
31768 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
31769
31770 @subsubheading Example
31771
31772 @smallexample
31773 (gdb)
31774 123-file-list-exec-source-file
31775 123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
31776 (gdb)
31777 @end smallexample
31778
31779
31780 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
31781 @findex -file-list-exec-source-files
31782
31783 @subsubheading Synopsis
31784
31785 @smallexample
31786 -file-list-exec-source-files
31787 @end smallexample
31788
31789 List the source files for the current executable.
31790
31791 It will always output both the filename and fullname (absolute file
31792 name) of a source file.
31793
31794 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31795
31796 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
31797 @code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
31798
31799 @subsubheading Example
31800 @smallexample
31801 (gdb)
31802 -file-list-exec-source-files
31803 ^done,files=[
31804 @{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
31805 @{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
31806 @{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
31807 (gdb)
31808 @end smallexample
31809
31810 @subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
31811 @findex -file-list-shared-libraries
31812
31813 @subsubheading Synopsis
31814
31815 @smallexample
31816 -file-list-shared-libraries [ @var{regexp} ]
31817 @end smallexample
31818
31819 List the shared libraries in the program.
31820 With a regular expression @var{regexp}, only those libraries whose
31821 names match @var{regexp} are listed.
31822
31823 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31824
31825 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}. The fields
31826 have a similar meaning to the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
31827 The @code{ranges} field specifies the multiple segments belonging to this
31828 library. Each range has the following fields:
31829
31830 @table @samp
31831 @item from
31832 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the segment.
31833 @item to
31834 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the segment.
31835 @end table
31836
31837 @subsubheading Example
31838 @smallexample
31839 (gdb)
31840 -file-list-exec-source-files
31841 ^done,shared-libraries=[
31842 @{id="/lib/libfoo.so",target-name="/lib/libfoo.so",host-name="/lib/libfoo.so",symbols-loaded="1",thread-group="i1",ranges=[@{from="0x72815989",to="0x728162c0"@}]@},
31843 @{id="/lib/libbar.so",target-name="/lib/libbar.so",host-name="/lib/libbar.so",symbols-loaded="1",thread-group="i1",ranges=[@{from="0x76ee48c0",to="0x76ee9160"@}]@}]
31844 (gdb)
31845 @end smallexample
31846
31847
31848 @ignore
31849 @subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
31850 @findex -file-list-symbol-files
31851
31852 @subsubheading Synopsis
31853
31854 @smallexample
31855 -file-list-symbol-files
31856 @end smallexample
31857
31858 List symbol files.
31859
31860 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31861
31862 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
31863
31864 @subsubheading Example
31865 N.A.
31866 @end ignore
31867
31868
31869 @subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
31870 @findex -file-symbol-file
31871
31872 @subsubheading Synopsis
31873
31874 @smallexample
31875 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
31876 @end smallexample
31877
31878 Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
31879 used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
31880 produced, except for a completion notification.
31881
31882 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31883
31884 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
31885
31886 @subsubheading Example
31887
31888 @smallexample
31889 (gdb)
31890 -file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
31891 ^done
31892 (gdb)
31893 @end smallexample
31894
31895 @ignore
31896 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31897 @node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
31898 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
31899
31900 The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
31901
31902 @c @subheading -overlay-auto
31903
31904 @c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
31905
31906 @c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
31907
31908 @c @subheading -overlay-map
31909
31910 @c @subheading -overlay-off
31911
31912 @c @subheading -overlay-on
31913
31914 @c @subheading -overlay-unmap
31915
31916 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31917 @node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
31918 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
31919
31920 Signal handling commands are not implemented.
31921
31922 @c @subheading -signal-handle
31923
31924 @c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
31925
31926 @c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
31927 @end ignore
31928
31929
31930 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31931 @node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
31932 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
31933
31934
31935 @subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
31936 @findex -target-attach
31937
31938 @subsubheading Synopsis
31939
31940 @smallexample
31941 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
31942 @end smallexample
31943
31944 Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
31945 @value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
31946 group, the id previously returned by
31947 @samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
31948
31949 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31950
31951 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
31952
31953 @subsubheading Example
31954 @smallexample
31955 (gdb)
31956 -target-attach 34
31957 =thread-created,id="1"
31958 *stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
31959 ^done
31960 (gdb)
31961 @end smallexample
31962
31963 @ignore
31964 @subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
31965 @findex -target-compare-sections
31966
31967 @subsubheading Synopsis
31968
31969 @smallexample
31970 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
31971 @end smallexample
31972
31973 Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
31974 Without the argument, all sections are compared.
31975
31976 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31977
31978 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
31979
31980 @subsubheading Example
31981 N.A.
31982 @end ignore
31983
31984
31985 @subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
31986 @findex -target-detach
31987
31988 @subsubheading Synopsis
31989
31990 @smallexample
31991 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
31992 @end smallexample
31993
31994 Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
31995 If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
31996 the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
31997
31998 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31999
32000 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
32001
32002 @subsubheading Example
32003
32004 @smallexample
32005 (gdb)
32006 -target-detach
32007 ^done
32008 (gdb)
32009 @end smallexample
32010
32011
32012 @subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
32013 @findex -target-disconnect
32014
32015 @subsubheading Synopsis
32016
32017 @smallexample
32018 -target-disconnect
32019 @end smallexample
32020
32021 Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
32022 generally not resumed.
32023
32024 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32025
32026 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
32027
32028 @subsubheading Example
32029
32030 @smallexample
32031 (gdb)
32032 -target-disconnect
32033 ^done
32034 (gdb)
32035 @end smallexample
32036
32037
32038 @subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
32039 @findex -target-download
32040
32041 @subsubheading Synopsis
32042
32043 @smallexample
32044 -target-download
32045 @end smallexample
32046
32047 Loads the executable onto the remote target.
32048 It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
32049
32050 @table @samp
32051 @item section
32052 The name of the section.
32053 @item section-sent
32054 The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
32055 @item section-size
32056 The size of the section.
32057 @item total-sent
32058 The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
32059 @item total-size
32060 The size of the overall executable to download.
32061 @end table
32062
32063 @noindent
32064 Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
32065 @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
32066
32067 In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
32068 downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
32069
32070 @table @samp
32071 @item section
32072 The name of the section.
32073 @item section-size
32074 The size of the section.
32075 @item total-size
32076 The size of the overall executable to download.
32077 @end table
32078
32079 @noindent
32080 At the end, a summary is printed.
32081
32082 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32083
32084 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
32085
32086 @subsubheading Example
32087
32088 Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
32089 have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
32090
32091 @smallexample
32092 (gdb)
32093 -target-download
32094 +download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
32095 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
32096 total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
32097 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
32098 total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
32099 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
32100 total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
32101 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
32102 total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
32103 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
32104 total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
32105 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
32106 total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
32107 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
32108 total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
32109 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
32110 total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
32111 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
32112 total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
32113 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
32114 total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
32115 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
32116 total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
32117 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
32118 total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
32119 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
32120 total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
32121 +download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
32122 +download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
32123 +download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
32124 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
32125 total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
32126 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
32127 total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
32128 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
32129 total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
32130 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
32131 total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
32132 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
32133 total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
32134 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
32135 total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
32136 ^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
32137 write-rate="429"
32138 (gdb)
32139 @end smallexample
32140
32141
32142 @ignore
32143 @subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
32144 @findex -target-exec-status
32145
32146 @subsubheading Synopsis
32147
32148 @smallexample
32149 -target-exec-status
32150 @end smallexample
32151
32152 Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
32153 not, for instance).
32154
32155 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32156
32157 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
32158
32159 @subsubheading Example
32160 N.A.
32161
32162
32163 @subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
32164 @findex -target-list-available-targets
32165
32166 @subsubheading Synopsis
32167
32168 @smallexample
32169 -target-list-available-targets
32170 @end smallexample
32171
32172 List the possible targets to connect to.
32173
32174 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32175
32176 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
32177
32178 @subsubheading Example
32179 N.A.
32180
32181
32182 @subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
32183 @findex -target-list-current-targets
32184
32185 @subsubheading Synopsis
32186
32187 @smallexample
32188 -target-list-current-targets
32189 @end smallexample
32190
32191 Describe the current target.
32192
32193 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32194
32195 The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
32196 other things).
32197
32198 @subsubheading Example
32199 N.A.
32200
32201
32202 @subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
32203 @findex -target-list-parameters
32204
32205 @subsubheading Synopsis
32206
32207 @smallexample
32208 -target-list-parameters
32209 @end smallexample
32210
32211 @c ????
32212 @end ignore
32213
32214 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32215
32216 No equivalent.
32217
32218 @subsubheading Example
32219 N.A.
32220
32221 @subheading The @code{-target-flash-erase} Command
32222 @findex -target-flash-erase
32223
32224 @subsubheading Synopsis
32225
32226 @smallexample
32227 -target-flash-erase
32228 @end smallexample
32229
32230 Erases all known flash memory regions on the target.
32231
32232 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{flash-erase}.
32233
32234 The output is a list of flash regions that have been erased, with starting
32235 addresses and memory region sizes.
32236
32237 @smallexample
32238 (gdb)
32239 -target-flash-erase
32240 ^done,erased-regions=@{address="0x0",size="0x40000"@}
32241 (gdb)
32242 @end smallexample
32243
32244 @subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
32245 @findex -target-select
32246
32247 @subsubheading Synopsis
32248
32249 @smallexample
32250 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
32251 @end smallexample
32252
32253 Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
32254
32255 @table @samp
32256 @item @var{type}
32257 The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
32258 @item @var{parameters}
32259 Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
32260 Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
32261 @end table
32262
32263 The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
32264 which the target program is, in the following form:
32265
32266 @smallexample
32267 ^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
32268 args=[@var{arg list}]
32269 @end smallexample
32270
32271 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32272
32273 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
32274
32275 @subsubheading Example
32276
32277 @smallexample
32278 (gdb)
32279 -target-select remote /dev/ttya
32280 ^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
32281 (gdb)
32282 @end smallexample
32283
32284 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32285 @node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
32286 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
32287
32288
32289 @subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
32290 @findex -target-file-put
32291
32292 @subsubheading Synopsis
32293
32294 @smallexample
32295 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
32296 @end smallexample
32297
32298 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
32299 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
32300
32301 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32302
32303 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
32304
32305 @subsubheading Example
32306
32307 @smallexample
32308 (gdb)
32309 -target-file-put localfile remotefile
32310 ^done
32311 (gdb)
32312 @end smallexample
32313
32314
32315 @subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
32316 @findex -target-file-get
32317
32318 @subsubheading Synopsis
32319
32320 @smallexample
32321 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
32322 @end smallexample
32323
32324 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
32325 on the host system.
32326
32327 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32328
32329 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
32330
32331 @subsubheading Example
32332
32333 @smallexample
32334 (gdb)
32335 -target-file-get remotefile localfile
32336 ^done
32337 (gdb)
32338 @end smallexample
32339
32340
32341 @subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
32342 @findex -target-file-delete
32343
32344 @subsubheading Synopsis
32345
32346 @smallexample
32347 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
32348 @end smallexample
32349
32350 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
32351
32352 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32353
32354 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
32355
32356 @subsubheading Example
32357
32358 @smallexample
32359 (gdb)
32360 -target-file-delete remotefile
32361 ^done
32362 (gdb)
32363 @end smallexample
32364
32365
32366 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32367 @node GDB/MI Ada Exceptions Commands
32368 @section Ada Exceptions @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
32369
32370 @subheading The @code{-info-ada-exceptions} Command
32371 @findex -info-ada-exceptions
32372
32373 @subsubheading Synopsis
32374
32375 @smallexample
32376 -info-ada-exceptions [ @var{regexp}]
32377 @end smallexample
32378
32379 List all Ada exceptions defined within the program being debugged.
32380 With a regular expression @var{regexp}, only those exceptions whose
32381 names match @var{regexp} are listed.
32382
32383 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32384
32385 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info exceptions}.
32386
32387 @subsubheading Result
32388
32389 The result is a table of Ada exceptions. The following columns are
32390 defined for each exception:
32391
32392 @table @samp
32393 @item name
32394 The name of the exception.
32395
32396 @item address
32397 The address of the exception.
32398
32399 @end table
32400
32401 @subsubheading Example
32402
32403 @smallexample
32404 -info-ada-exceptions aint
32405 ^done,ada-exceptions=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="2",
32406 hdr=[@{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
32407 @{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="address",colhdr="Address"@}],
32408 body=[@{name="constraint_error",address="0x0000000000613da0"@},
32409 @{name="const.aint_global_e",address="0x0000000000613b00"@}]@}
32410 @end smallexample
32411
32412 @subheading Catching Ada Exceptions
32413
32414 The commands describing how to ask @value{GDBN} to stop when a program
32415 raises an exception are described at @ref{Ada Exception GDB/MI
32416 Catchpoint Commands}.
32417
32418
32419 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32420 @node GDB/MI Support Commands
32421 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Support Commands
32422
32423 Since new commands and features get regularly added to @sc{gdb/mi},
32424 some commands are available to help front-ends query the debugger
32425 about support for these capabilities. Similarly, it is also possible
32426 to query @value{GDBN} about target support of certain features.
32427
32428 @subheading The @code{-info-gdb-mi-command} Command
32429 @cindex @code{-info-gdb-mi-command}
32430 @findex -info-gdb-mi-command
32431
32432 @subsubheading Synopsis
32433
32434 @smallexample
32435 -info-gdb-mi-command @var{cmd_name}
32436 @end smallexample
32437
32438 Query support for the @sc{gdb/mi} command named @var{cmd_name}.
32439
32440 Note that the dash (@code{-}) starting all @sc{gdb/mi} commands
32441 is technically not part of the command name (@pxref{GDB/MI Input
32442 Syntax}), and thus should be omitted in @var{cmd_name}. However,
32443 for ease of use, this command also accepts the form with the leading
32444 dash.
32445
32446 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32447
32448 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
32449
32450 @subsubheading Result
32451
32452 The result is a tuple. There is currently only one field:
32453
32454 @table @samp
32455 @item exists
32456 This field is equal to @code{"true"} if the @sc{gdb/mi} command exists,
32457 @code{"false"} otherwise.
32458
32459 @end table
32460
32461 @subsubheading Example
32462
32463 Here is an example where the @sc{gdb/mi} command does not exist:
32464
32465 @smallexample
32466 -info-gdb-mi-command unsupported-command
32467 ^done,command=@{exists="false"@}
32468 @end smallexample
32469
32470 @noindent
32471 And here is an example where the @sc{gdb/mi} command is known
32472 to the debugger:
32473
32474 @smallexample
32475 -info-gdb-mi-command symbol-list-lines
32476 ^done,command=@{exists="true"@}
32477 @end smallexample
32478
32479 @subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
32480 @findex -list-features
32481 @cindex supported @sc{gdb/mi} features, list
32482
32483 Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
32484 this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
32485 or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
32486 important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
32487 of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
32488 startup.
32489
32490 The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
32491 available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
32492 have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
32493 is given below.
32494
32495 Example output:
32496
32497 @smallexample
32498 (gdb) -list-features
32499 ^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
32500 @end smallexample
32501
32502 The current list of features is:
32503
32504 @ftable @samp
32505 @item frozen-varobjs
32506 Indicates support for the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
32507 as possible presense of the @code{frozen} field in the output
32508 of @code{-varobj-create}.
32509 @item pending-breakpoints
32510 Indicates support for the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert}
32511 command.
32512 @item python
32513 Indicates Python scripting support, Python-based
32514 pretty-printing commands, and possible presence of the
32515 @samp{display_hint} field in the output of @code{-var-list-children}
32516 @item thread-info
32517 Indicates support for the @code{-thread-info} command.
32518 @item data-read-memory-bytes
32519 Indicates support for the @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} and the
32520 @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} commands.
32521 @item breakpoint-notifications
32522 Indicates that changes to breakpoints and breakpoints created via the
32523 CLI will be announced via async records.
32524 @item ada-task-info
32525 Indicates support for the @code{-ada-task-info} command.
32526 @item language-option
32527 Indicates that all @sc{gdb/mi} commands accept the @option{--language}
32528 option (@pxref{Context management}).
32529 @item info-gdb-mi-command
32530 Indicates support for the @code{-info-gdb-mi-command} command.
32531 @item undefined-command-error-code
32532 Indicates support for the "undefined-command" error code in error result
32533 records, produced when trying to execute an undefined @sc{gdb/mi} command
32534 (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}).
32535 @item exec-run-start-option
32536 Indicates that the @code{-exec-run} command supports the @option{--start}
32537 option (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}).
32538 @end ftable
32539
32540 @subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
32541 @findex -list-target-features
32542
32543 Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
32544 target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
32545 unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
32546 features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
32547 a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
32548 @code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
32549 may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
32550 Example output:
32551
32552 @smallexample
32553 (gdb) -list-target-features
32554 ^done,result=["async"]
32555 @end smallexample
32556
32557 The current list of features is:
32558
32559 @table @samp
32560 @item async
32561 Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
32562 execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
32563 while the target is running.
32564
32565 @item reverse
32566 Indicates that the target is capable of reverse execution.
32567 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
32568
32569 @end table
32570
32571 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32572 @node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
32573 @section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
32574
32575 @c @subheading -gdb-complete
32576
32577 @subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
32578 @findex -gdb-exit
32579
32580 @subsubheading Synopsis
32581
32582 @smallexample
32583 -gdb-exit
32584 @end smallexample
32585
32586 Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
32587
32588 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32589
32590 Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
32591
32592 @subsubheading Example
32593
32594 @smallexample
32595 (gdb)
32596 -gdb-exit
32597 ^exit
32598 @end smallexample
32599
32600
32601 @ignore
32602 @subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
32603 @findex -exec-abort
32604
32605 @subsubheading Synopsis
32606
32607 @smallexample
32608 -exec-abort
32609 @end smallexample
32610
32611 Kill the inferior running program.
32612
32613 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32614
32615 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
32616
32617 @subsubheading Example
32618 N.A.
32619 @end ignore
32620
32621
32622 @subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
32623 @findex -gdb-set
32624
32625 @subsubheading Synopsis
32626
32627 @smallexample
32628 -gdb-set
32629 @end smallexample
32630
32631 Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
32632 @c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
32633
32634 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32635
32636 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
32637
32638 @subsubheading Example
32639
32640 @smallexample
32641 (gdb)
32642 -gdb-set $foo=3
32643 ^done
32644 (gdb)
32645 @end smallexample
32646
32647
32648 @subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
32649 @findex -gdb-show
32650
32651 @subsubheading Synopsis
32652
32653 @smallexample
32654 -gdb-show
32655 @end smallexample
32656
32657 Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
32658
32659 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32660
32661 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
32662
32663 @subsubheading Example
32664
32665 @smallexample
32666 (gdb)
32667 -gdb-show annotate
32668 ^done,value="0"
32669 (gdb)
32670 @end smallexample
32671
32672 @c @subheading -gdb-source
32673
32674
32675 @subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
32676 @findex -gdb-version
32677
32678 @subsubheading Synopsis
32679
32680 @smallexample
32681 -gdb-version
32682 @end smallexample
32683
32684 Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
32685
32686 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32687
32688 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
32689 default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
32690
32691 @subsubheading Example
32692
32693 @c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
32694 @c box in TeX.
32695 @smallexample
32696 (gdb)
32697 -gdb-version
32698 ~GNU gdb 5.2.1
32699 ~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
32700 ~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
32701 ~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
32702 ~ certain conditions.
32703 ~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
32704 ~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
32705 ~ details.
32706 ~This GDB was configured as
32707 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
32708 ^done
32709 (gdb)
32710 @end smallexample
32711
32712 @subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
32713 @findex -list-thread-groups
32714
32715 @subheading Synopsis
32716
32717 @smallexample
32718 -list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ --recurse 1 ] [ @var{group} ... ]
32719 @end smallexample
32720
32721 Lists thread groups (@pxref{Thread groups}). When a single thread
32722 group is passed as the argument, lists the children of that group.
32723 When several thread group are passed, lists information about those
32724 thread groups. Without any parameters, lists information about all
32725 top-level thread groups.
32726
32727 Normally, thread groups that are being debugged are reported.
32728 With the @samp{--available} option, @value{GDBN} reports thread groups
32729 available on the target.
32730
32731 The output of this command may have either a @samp{threads} result or
32732 a @samp{groups} result. The @samp{thread} result has a list of tuples
32733 as value, with each tuple describing a thread (@pxref{GDB/MI Thread
32734 Information}). The @samp{groups} result has a list of tuples as value,
32735 each tuple describing a thread group. If top-level groups are
32736 requested (that is, no parameter is passed), or when several groups
32737 are passed, the output always has a @samp{groups} result. The format
32738 of the @samp{group} result is described below.
32739
32740 To reduce the number of roundtrips it's possible to list thread groups
32741 together with their children, by passing the @samp{--recurse} option
32742 and the recursion depth. Presently, only recursion depth of 1 is
32743 permitted. If this option is present, then every reported thread group
32744 will also include its children, either as @samp{group} or
32745 @samp{threads} field.
32746
32747 In general, any combination of option and parameters is permitted, with
32748 the following caveats:
32749
32750 @itemize @bullet
32751 @item
32752 When a single thread group is passed, the output will typically
32753 be the @samp{threads} result. Because threads may not contain
32754 anything, the @samp{recurse} option will be ignored.
32755
32756 @item
32757 When the @samp{--available} option is passed, limited information may
32758 be available. In particular, the list of threads of a process might
32759 be inaccessible. Further, specifying specific thread groups might
32760 not give any performance advantage over listing all thread groups.
32761 The frontend should assume that @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}
32762 is always an expensive operation and cache the results.
32763
32764 @end itemize
32765
32766 The @samp{groups} result is a list of tuples, where each tuple may
32767 have the following fields:
32768
32769 @table @code
32770 @item id
32771 Identifier of the thread group. This field is always present.
32772 The identifier is an opaque string; frontends should not try to
32773 convert it to an integer, even though it might look like one.
32774
32775 @item type
32776 The type of the thread group. At present, only @samp{process} is a
32777 valid type.
32778
32779 @item pid
32780 The target-specific process identifier. This field is only present
32781 for thread groups of type @samp{process} and only if the process exists.
32782
32783 @item exit-code
32784 The exit code of this group's last exited thread, formatted in octal.
32785 This field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process} and
32786 only if the process is not running.
32787
32788 @item num_children
32789 The number of children this thread group has. This field may be
32790 absent for an available thread group.
32791
32792 @item threads
32793 This field has a list of tuples as value, each tuple describing a
32794 thread. It may be present if the @samp{--recurse} option is
32795 specified, and it's actually possible to obtain the threads.
32796
32797 @item cores
32798 This field is a list of integers, each identifying a core that one
32799 thread of the group is running on. This field may be absent if
32800 such information is not available.
32801
32802 @item executable
32803 The name of the executable file that corresponds to this thread group.
32804 The field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process},
32805 and only if there is a corresponding executable file.
32806
32807 @end table
32808
32809 @subheading Example
32810
32811 @smallexample
32812 @value{GDBP}
32813 -list-thread-groups
32814 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
32815 -list-thread-groups 17
32816 ^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
32817 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
32818 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
32819 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
32820 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}]]
32821 -list-thread-groups --available
32822 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2]@}]
32823 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1
32824 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
32825 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
32826 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},..]
32827 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1 17 18
32828 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
32829 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
32830 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},...]
32831 @end smallexample
32832
32833 @subheading The @code{-info-os} Command
32834 @findex -info-os
32835
32836 @subsubheading Synopsis
32837
32838 @smallexample
32839 -info-os [ @var{type} ]
32840 @end smallexample
32841
32842 If no argument is supplied, the command returns a table of available
32843 operating-system-specific information types. If one of these types is
32844 supplied as an argument @var{type}, then the command returns a table
32845 of data of that type.
32846
32847 The types of information available depend on the target operating
32848 system.
32849
32850 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32851
32852 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info os}.
32853
32854 @subsubheading Example
32855
32856 When run on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, the output will look something
32857 like this:
32858
32859 @smallexample
32860 @value{GDBP}
32861 -info-os
32862 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="10",nr_cols="3",
32863 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="Type"@},
32864 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="Description"@},
32865 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="Title"@}],
32866 body=[item=@{col0="cpus",col1="Listing of all cpus/cores on the system",
32867 col2="CPUs"@},
32868 item=@{col0="files",col1="Listing of all file descriptors",
32869 col2="File descriptors"@},
32870 item=@{col0="modules",col1="Listing of all loaded kernel modules",
32871 col2="Kernel modules"@},
32872 item=@{col0="msg",col1="Listing of all message queues",
32873 col2="Message queues"@},
32874 item=@{col0="processes",col1="Listing of all processes",
32875 col2="Processes"@},
32876 item=@{col0="procgroups",col1="Listing of all process groups",
32877 col2="Process groups"@},
32878 item=@{col0="semaphores",col1="Listing of all semaphores",
32879 col2="Semaphores"@},
32880 item=@{col0="shm",col1="Listing of all shared-memory regions",
32881 col2="Shared-memory regions"@},
32882 item=@{col0="sockets",col1="Listing of all internet-domain sockets",
32883 col2="Sockets"@},
32884 item=@{col0="threads",col1="Listing of all threads",
32885 col2="Threads"@}]
32886 @value{GDBP}
32887 -info-os processes
32888 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="190",nr_cols="4",
32889 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="pid"@},
32890 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="user"@},
32891 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="command"@},
32892 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col3",colhdr="cores"@}],
32893 body=[item=@{col0="1",col1="root",col2="/sbin/init",col3="0"@},
32894 item=@{col0="2",col1="root",col2="[kthreadd]",col3="1"@},
32895 item=@{col0="3",col1="root",col2="[ksoftirqd/0]",col3="0"@},
32896 ...
32897 item=@{col0="26446",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="0"@},
32898 item=@{col0="28152",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="1"@}]@}
32899 (gdb)
32900 @end smallexample
32901
32902 (Note that the MI output here includes a @code{"Title"} column that
32903 does not appear in command-line @code{info os}; this column is useful
32904 for MI clients that want to enumerate the types of data, such as in a
32905 popup menu, but is needless clutter on the command line, and
32906 @code{info os} omits it.)
32907
32908 @subheading The @code{-add-inferior} Command
32909 @findex -add-inferior
32910
32911 @subheading Synopsis
32912
32913 @smallexample
32914 -add-inferior
32915 @end smallexample
32916
32917 Creates a new inferior (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). The created
32918 inferior is not associated with any executable. Such association may
32919 be established with the @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols} command
32920 (@pxref{GDB/MI File Commands}). The command response has a single
32921 field, @samp{inferior}, whose value is the identifier of the
32922 thread group corresponding to the new inferior.
32923
32924 @subheading Example
32925
32926 @smallexample
32927 @value{GDBP}
32928 -add-inferior
32929 ^done,inferior="i3"
32930 @end smallexample
32931
32932 @subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
32933 @findex -interpreter-exec
32934
32935 @subheading Synopsis
32936
32937 @smallexample
32938 -interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
32939 @end smallexample
32940 @anchor{-interpreter-exec}
32941
32942 Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
32943
32944 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
32945
32946 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
32947
32948 @subheading Example
32949
32950 @smallexample
32951 (gdb)
32952 -interpreter-exec console "break main"
32953 &"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
32954 &"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
32955 ~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
32956 ^done
32957 (gdb)
32958 @end smallexample
32959
32960 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
32961 @findex -inferior-tty-set
32962
32963 @subheading Synopsis
32964
32965 @smallexample
32966 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
32967 @end smallexample
32968
32969 Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
32970
32971 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
32972
32973 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
32974
32975 @subheading Example
32976
32977 @smallexample
32978 (gdb)
32979 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
32980 ^done
32981 (gdb)
32982 @end smallexample
32983
32984 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
32985 @findex -inferior-tty-show
32986
32987 @subheading Synopsis
32988
32989 @smallexample
32990 -inferior-tty-show
32991 @end smallexample
32992
32993 Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
32994
32995 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
32996
32997 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
32998
32999 @subheading Example
33000
33001 @smallexample
33002 (gdb)
33003 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
33004 ^done
33005 (gdb)
33006 -inferior-tty-show
33007 ^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
33008 (gdb)
33009 @end smallexample
33010
33011 @subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
33012 @findex -enable-timings
33013
33014 @subheading Synopsis
33015
33016 @smallexample
33017 -enable-timings [yes | no]
33018 @end smallexample
33019
33020 Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
33021 command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
33022 developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
33023 equivalent to @samp{yes}.
33024
33025 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
33026
33027 No equivalent.
33028
33029 @subheading Example
33030
33031 @smallexample
33032 (gdb)
33033 -enable-timings
33034 ^done
33035 (gdb)
33036 -break-insert main
33037 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
33038 addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
33039 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",thread-groups=["i1"],
33040 times="0"@},
33041 time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
33042 (gdb)
33043 -enable-timings no
33044 ^done
33045 (gdb)
33046 -exec-run
33047 ^running
33048 (gdb)
33049 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
33050 frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
33051 @{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
33052 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73"@}
33053 (gdb)
33054 @end smallexample
33055
33056 @node Annotations
33057 @chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
33058
33059 This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
33060 designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
33061 similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
33062 relatively high level.
33063
33064 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
33065 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
33066
33067 @ignore
33068 This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
33069 @end ignore
33070
33071 @menu
33072 * Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
33073 * Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
33074 * Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
33075 * Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
33076 * Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
33077 * Annotations for Running::
33078 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
33079 * Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
33080 @end menu
33081
33082 @node Annotations Overview
33083 @section What is an Annotation?
33084 @cindex annotations
33085
33086 Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
33087 characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
33088 information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
33089 is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
33090 information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
33091 additional information, and a newline. The additional information
33092 cannot contain newline characters.
33093
33094 Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
33095 characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
33096 no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
33097 @samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
33098 annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
33099 means those three characters as output.
33100
33101 The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
33102 @option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
33103 how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
33104 values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
33105 is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
33106 subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
33107 for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
33108 been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
33109 Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
33110
33111 @table @code
33112 @kindex set annotate
33113 @item set annotate @var{level}
33114 The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
33115 annotations to the specified @var{level}.
33116
33117 @item show annotate
33118 @kindex show annotate
33119 Show the current annotation level.
33120 @end table
33121
33122 This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
33123
33124 A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
33125
33126 @smallexample
33127 $ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
33128 GNU gdb 6.0
33129 Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
33130 GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
33131 and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
33132 under certain conditions.
33133 Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
33134 There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
33135 for details.
33136 This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
33137
33138 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
33139 (@value{GDBP})
33140 ^Z^Zprompt
33141 @kbd{quit}
33142
33143 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
33144 $
33145 @end smallexample
33146
33147 Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
33148 @value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
33149 denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
33150 output from @value{GDBN}.
33151
33152 @node Server Prefix
33153 @section The Server Prefix
33154 @cindex server prefix
33155
33156 If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
33157 the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
33158 command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
33159 means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
33160 a transparent manner.
33161
33162 The @code{server } prefix does not affect the recording of values into
33163 the value history; to print a value without recording it into the
33164 value history, use the @code{output} command instead of the
33165 @code{print} command.
33166
33167 Using this prefix also disables confirmation requests
33168 (@pxref{confirmation requests}).
33169
33170 @node Prompting
33171 @section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
33172
33173 @cindex annotations for prompts
33174 When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
33175 to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
33176 over, etc.
33177
33178 Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
33179 input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
33180 denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
33181 annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
33182 annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
33183 associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
33184 features the following annotations:
33185
33186 @smallexample
33187 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
33188 ^Z^Zprompt
33189 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
33190 @end smallexample
33191
33192 The input types are
33193
33194 @table @code
33195 @findex pre-prompt annotation
33196 @findex prompt annotation
33197 @findex post-prompt annotation
33198 @item prompt
33199 When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
33200
33201 @findex pre-commands annotation
33202 @findex commands annotation
33203 @findex post-commands annotation
33204 @item commands
33205 When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
33206 command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
33207
33208 @findex pre-overload-choice annotation
33209 @findex overload-choice annotation
33210 @findex post-overload-choice annotation
33211 @item overload-choice
33212 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
33213
33214 @findex pre-query annotation
33215 @findex query annotation
33216 @findex post-query annotation
33217 @item query
33218 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
33219
33220 @findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
33221 @findex prompt-for-continue annotation
33222 @findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
33223 @item prompt-for-continue
33224 When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
33225 expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
33226 prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
33227 presence of annotations.
33228 @end table
33229
33230 @node Errors
33231 @section Errors
33232 @cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
33233
33234 @findex quit annotation
33235 @smallexample
33236 ^Z^Zquit
33237 @end smallexample
33238
33239 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
33240
33241 @findex error annotation
33242 @smallexample
33243 ^Z^Zerror
33244 @end smallexample
33245
33246 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
33247
33248 Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
33249 in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
33250 @code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
33251 cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
33252 cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
33253 does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
33254 to the top level.
33255
33256 @findex error-begin annotation
33257 A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
33258
33259 @smallexample
33260 ^Z^Zerror-begin
33261 @end smallexample
33262
33263 Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
33264 message.
33265
33266 Warning messages are not yet annotated.
33267 @c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
33268 @c range_error(), and possibly other places.
33269
33270 @node Invalidation
33271 @section Invalidation Notices
33272
33273 @cindex annotations for invalidation messages
33274 The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
33275 changed.
33276
33277 @table @code
33278 @findex frames-invalid annotation
33279 @item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
33280
33281 The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
33282 have changed.
33283
33284 @findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
33285 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
33286
33287 The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
33288 deleted a breakpoint.
33289 @end table
33290
33291 @node Annotations for Running
33292 @section Running the Program
33293 @cindex annotations for running programs
33294
33295 @findex starting annotation
33296 @findex stopping annotation
33297 When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
33298 @code{step} or @code{continue},
33299
33300 @smallexample
33301 ^Z^Zstarting
33302 @end smallexample
33303
33304 is output. When the program stops,
33305
33306 @smallexample
33307 ^Z^Zstopped
33308 @end smallexample
33309
33310 is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
33311 annotations describe how the program stopped.
33312
33313 @table @code
33314 @findex exited annotation
33315 @item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
33316 The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
33317 successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
33318
33319 @findex signalled annotation
33320 @findex signal-name annotation
33321 @findex signal-name-end annotation
33322 @findex signal-string annotation
33323 @findex signal-string-end annotation
33324 @item ^Z^Zsignalled
33325 The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
33326 annotation continues:
33327
33328 @smallexample
33329 @var{intro-text}
33330 ^Z^Zsignal-name
33331 @var{name}
33332 ^Z^Zsignal-name-end
33333 @var{middle-text}
33334 ^Z^Zsignal-string
33335 @var{string}
33336 ^Z^Zsignal-string-end
33337 @var{end-text}
33338 @end smallexample
33339
33340 @noindent
33341 where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
33342 @code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
33343 as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}. The arguments
33344 @var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
33345 user's benefit and have no particular format.
33346
33347 @findex signal annotation
33348 @item ^Z^Zsignal
33349 The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
33350 just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
33351 terminated with it.
33352
33353 @findex breakpoint annotation
33354 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
33355 The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
33356
33357 @findex watchpoint annotation
33358 @item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
33359 The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
33360 @end table
33361
33362 @node Source Annotations
33363 @section Displaying Source
33364 @cindex annotations for source display
33365
33366 @findex source annotation
33367 The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
33368
33369 @smallexample
33370 ^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
33371 @end smallexample
33372
33373 where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
33374 file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
33375 first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
33376 within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
33377 debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
33378 @var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
33379 line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
33380 @var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
33381 source which is being displayed. The @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
33382 followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
33383 depend on the language).
33384
33385 @node JIT Interface
33386 @chapter JIT Compilation Interface
33387 @cindex just-in-time compilation
33388 @cindex JIT compilation interface
33389
33390 This chapter documents @value{GDBN}'s @dfn{just-in-time} (JIT) compilation
33391 interface. A JIT compiler is a program or library that generates native
33392 executable code at runtime and executes it, usually in order to achieve good
33393 performance while maintaining platform independence.
33394
33395 Programs that use JIT compilation are normally difficult to debug because
33396 portions of their code are generated at runtime, instead of being loaded from
33397 object files, which is where @value{GDBN} normally finds the program's symbols
33398 and debug information. In order to debug programs that use JIT compilation,
33399 @value{GDBN} has an interface that allows the program to register in-memory
33400 symbol files with @value{GDBN} at runtime.
33401
33402 If you are using @value{GDBN} to debug a program that uses this interface, then
33403 it should work transparently so long as you have not stripped the binary. If
33404 you are developing a JIT compiler, then the interface is documented in the rest
33405 of this chapter. At this time, the only known client of this interface is the
33406 LLVM JIT.
33407
33408 Broadly speaking, the JIT interface mirrors the dynamic loader interface. The
33409 JIT compiler communicates with @value{GDBN} by writing data into a global
33410 variable and calling a fuction at a well-known symbol. When @value{GDBN}
33411 attaches, it reads a linked list of symbol files from the global variable to
33412 find existing code, and puts a breakpoint in the function so that it can find
33413 out about additional code.
33414
33415 @menu
33416 * Declarations:: Relevant C struct declarations
33417 * Registering Code:: Steps to register code
33418 * Unregistering Code:: Steps to unregister code
33419 * Custom Debug Info:: Emit debug information in a custom format
33420 @end menu
33421
33422 @node Declarations
33423 @section JIT Declarations
33424
33425 These are the relevant struct declarations that a C program should include to
33426 implement the interface:
33427
33428 @smallexample
33429 typedef enum
33430 @{
33431 JIT_NOACTION = 0,
33432 JIT_REGISTER_FN,
33433 JIT_UNREGISTER_FN
33434 @} jit_actions_t;
33435
33436 struct jit_code_entry
33437 @{
33438 struct jit_code_entry *next_entry;
33439 struct jit_code_entry *prev_entry;
33440 const char *symfile_addr;
33441 uint64_t symfile_size;
33442 @};
33443
33444 struct jit_descriptor
33445 @{
33446 uint32_t version;
33447 /* This type should be jit_actions_t, but we use uint32_t
33448 to be explicit about the bitwidth. */
33449 uint32_t action_flag;
33450 struct jit_code_entry *relevant_entry;
33451 struct jit_code_entry *first_entry;
33452 @};
33453
33454 /* GDB puts a breakpoint in this function. */
33455 void __attribute__((noinline)) __jit_debug_register_code() @{ @};
33456
33457 /* Make sure to specify the version statically, because the
33458 debugger may check the version before we can set it. */
33459 struct jit_descriptor __jit_debug_descriptor = @{ 1, 0, 0, 0 @};
33460 @end smallexample
33461
33462 If the JIT is multi-threaded, then it is important that the JIT synchronize any
33463 modifications to this global data properly, which can easily be done by putting
33464 a global mutex around modifications to these structures.
33465
33466 @node Registering Code
33467 @section Registering Code
33468
33469 To register code with @value{GDBN}, the JIT should follow this protocol:
33470
33471 @itemize @bullet
33472 @item
33473 Generate an object file in memory with symbols and other desired debug
33474 information. The file must include the virtual addresses of the sections.
33475
33476 @item
33477 Create a code entry for the file, which gives the start and size of the symbol
33478 file.
33479
33480 @item
33481 Add it to the linked list in the JIT descriptor.
33482
33483 @item
33484 Point the relevant_entry field of the descriptor at the entry.
33485
33486 @item
33487 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_REGISTER} and call
33488 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
33489 @end itemize
33490
33491 When @value{GDBN} is attached and the breakpoint fires, @value{GDBN} uses the
33492 @code{relevant_entry} pointer so it doesn't have to walk the list looking for
33493 new code. However, the linked list must still be maintained in order to allow
33494 @value{GDBN} to attach to a running process and still find the symbol files.
33495
33496 @node Unregistering Code
33497 @section Unregistering Code
33498
33499 If code is freed, then the JIT should use the following protocol:
33500
33501 @itemize @bullet
33502 @item
33503 Remove the code entry corresponding to the code from the linked list.
33504
33505 @item
33506 Point the @code{relevant_entry} field of the descriptor at the code entry.
33507
33508 @item
33509 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_UNREGISTER} and call
33510 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
33511 @end itemize
33512
33513 If the JIT frees or recompiles code without unregistering it, then @value{GDBN}
33514 and the JIT will leak the memory used for the associated symbol files.
33515
33516 @node Custom Debug Info
33517 @section Custom Debug Info
33518 @cindex custom JIT debug info
33519 @cindex JIT debug info reader
33520
33521 Generating debug information in platform-native file formats (like ELF
33522 or COFF) may be an overkill for JIT compilers; especially if all the
33523 debug info is used for is displaying a meaningful backtrace. The
33524 issue can be resolved by having the JIT writers decide on a debug info
33525 format and also provide a reader that parses the debug info generated
33526 by the JIT compiler. This section gives a brief overview on writing
33527 such a parser. More specific details can be found in the source file
33528 @file{gdb/jit-reader.in}, which is also installed as a header at
33529 @file{@var{includedir}/gdb/jit-reader.h} for easy inclusion.
33530
33531 The reader is implemented as a shared object (so this functionality is
33532 not available on platforms which don't allow loading shared objects at
33533 runtime). Two @value{GDBN} commands, @code{jit-reader-load} and
33534 @code{jit-reader-unload} are provided, to be used to load and unload
33535 the readers from a preconfigured directory. Once loaded, the shared
33536 object is used the parse the debug information emitted by the JIT
33537 compiler.
33538
33539 @menu
33540 * Using JIT Debug Info Readers:: How to use supplied readers correctly
33541 * Writing JIT Debug Info Readers:: Creating a debug-info reader
33542 @end menu
33543
33544 @node Using JIT Debug Info Readers
33545 @subsection Using JIT Debug Info Readers
33546 @kindex jit-reader-load
33547 @kindex jit-reader-unload
33548
33549 Readers can be loaded and unloaded using the @code{jit-reader-load}
33550 and @code{jit-reader-unload} commands.
33551
33552 @table @code
33553 @item jit-reader-load @var{reader}
33554 Load the JIT reader named @var{reader}, which is a shared
33555 object specified as either an absolute or a relative file name. In
33556 the latter case, @value{GDBN} will try to load the reader from a
33557 pre-configured directory, usually @file{@var{libdir}/gdb/} on a UNIX
33558 system (here @var{libdir} is the system library directory, often
33559 @file{/usr/local/lib}).
33560
33561 Only one reader can be active at a time; trying to load a second
33562 reader when one is already loaded will result in @value{GDBN}
33563 reporting an error. A new JIT reader can be loaded by first unloading
33564 the current one using @code{jit-reader-unload} and then invoking
33565 @code{jit-reader-load}.
33566
33567 @item jit-reader-unload
33568 Unload the currently loaded JIT reader.
33569
33570 @end table
33571
33572 @node Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
33573 @subsection Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
33574 @cindex writing JIT debug info readers
33575
33576 As mentioned, a reader is essentially a shared object conforming to a
33577 certain ABI. This ABI is described in @file{jit-reader.h}.
33578
33579 @file{jit-reader.h} defines the structures, macros and functions
33580 required to write a reader. It is installed (along with
33581 @value{GDBN}), in @file{@var{includedir}/gdb} where @var{includedir} is
33582 the system include directory.
33583
33584 Readers need to be released under a GPL compatible license. A reader
33585 can be declared as released under such a license by placing the macro
33586 @code{GDB_DECLARE_GPL_COMPATIBLE_READER} in a source file.
33587
33588 The entry point for readers is the symbol @code{gdb_init_reader},
33589 which is expected to be a function with the prototype
33590
33591 @findex gdb_init_reader
33592 @smallexample
33593 extern struct gdb_reader_funcs *gdb_init_reader (void);
33594 @end smallexample
33595
33596 @cindex @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs}
33597
33598 @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs} contains a set of pointers to callback
33599 functions. These functions are executed to read the debug info
33600 generated by the JIT compiler (@code{read}), to unwind stack frames
33601 (@code{unwind}) and to create canonical frame IDs
33602 (@code{get_Frame_id}). It also has a callback that is called when the
33603 reader is being unloaded (@code{destroy}). The struct looks like this
33604
33605 @smallexample
33606 struct gdb_reader_funcs
33607 @{
33608 /* Must be set to GDB_READER_INTERFACE_VERSION. */
33609 int reader_version;
33610
33611 /* For use by the reader. */
33612 void *priv_data;
33613
33614 gdb_read_debug_info *read;
33615 gdb_unwind_frame *unwind;
33616 gdb_get_frame_id *get_frame_id;
33617 gdb_destroy_reader *destroy;
33618 @};
33619 @end smallexample
33620
33621 @cindex @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks}
33622 @cindex @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}
33623
33624 The callbacks are provided with another set of callbacks by
33625 @value{GDBN} to do their job. For @code{read}, these callbacks are
33626 passed in a @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} and for @code{unwind}
33627 and @code{get_frame_id}, in a @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}.
33628 @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} has callbacks to create new object
33629 files and new symbol tables inside those object files. @code{struct
33630 gdb_unwind_callbacks} has callbacks to read registers off the current
33631 frame and to write out the values of the registers in the previous
33632 frame. Both have a callback (@code{target_read}) to read bytes off the
33633 target's address space.
33634
33635 @node In-Process Agent
33636 @chapter In-Process Agent
33637 @cindex debugging agent
33638 The traditional debugging model is conceptually low-speed, but works fine,
33639 because most bugs can be reproduced in debugging-mode execution. However,
33640 as multi-core or many-core processors are becoming mainstream, and
33641 multi-threaded programs become more and more popular, there should be more
33642 and more bugs that only manifest themselves at normal-mode execution, for
33643 example, thread races, because debugger's interference with the program's
33644 timing may conceal the bugs. On the other hand, in some applications,
33645 it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt the program's execution
33646 long enough for the developer to learn anything helpful about its behavior.
33647 If the program's correctness depends on its real-time behavior, delays
33648 introduced by a debugger might cause the program to fail, even when the
33649 code itself is correct. It is useful to be able to observe the program's
33650 behavior without interrupting it.
33651
33652 Therefore, traditional debugging model is too intrusive to reproduce
33653 some bugs. In order to reduce the interference with the program, we can
33654 reduce the number of operations performed by debugger. The
33655 @dfn{In-Process Agent}, a shared library, is running within the same
33656 process with inferior, and is able to perform some debugging operations
33657 itself. As a result, debugger is only involved when necessary, and
33658 performance of debugging can be improved accordingly. Note that
33659 interference with program can be reduced but can't be removed completely,
33660 because the in-process agent will still stop or slow down the program.
33661
33662 The in-process agent can interpret and execute Agent Expressions
33663 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) during performing debugging operations. The
33664 agent expressions can be used for different purposes, such as collecting
33665 data in tracepoints, and condition evaluation in breakpoints.
33666
33667 @anchor{Control Agent}
33668 You can control whether the in-process agent is used as an aid for
33669 debugging with the following commands:
33670
33671 @table @code
33672 @kindex set agent on
33673 @item set agent on
33674 Causes the in-process agent to perform some operations on behalf of the
33675 debugger. Just which operations requested by the user will be done
33676 by the in-process agent depends on the its capabilities. For example,
33677 if you request to evaluate breakpoint conditions in the in-process agent,
33678 and the in-process agent has such capability as well, then breakpoint
33679 conditions will be evaluated in the in-process agent.
33680
33681 @kindex set agent off
33682 @item set agent off
33683 Disables execution of debugging operations by the in-process agent. All
33684 of the operations will be performed by @value{GDBN}.
33685
33686 @kindex show agent
33687 @item show agent
33688 Display the current setting of execution of debugging operations by
33689 the in-process agent.
33690 @end table
33691
33692 @menu
33693 * In-Process Agent Protocol::
33694 @end menu
33695
33696 @node In-Process Agent Protocol
33697 @section In-Process Agent Protocol
33698 @cindex in-process agent protocol
33699
33700 The in-process agent is able to communicate with both @value{GDBN} and
33701 GDBserver (@pxref{In-Process Agent}). This section documents the protocol
33702 used for communications between @value{GDBN} or GDBserver and the IPA.
33703 In general, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver sends commands
33704 (@pxref{IPA Protocol Commands}) and data to in-process agent, and then
33705 in-process agent replies back with the return result of the command, or
33706 some other information. The data sent to in-process agent is composed
33707 of primitive data types, such as 4-byte or 8-byte type, and composite
33708 types, which are called objects (@pxref{IPA Protocol Objects}).
33709
33710 @menu
33711 * IPA Protocol Objects::
33712 * IPA Protocol Commands::
33713 @end menu
33714
33715 @node IPA Protocol Objects
33716 @subsection IPA Protocol Objects
33717 @cindex ipa protocol objects
33718
33719 The commands sent to and results received from agent may contain some
33720 complex data types called @dfn{objects}.
33721
33722 The in-process agent is running on the same machine with @value{GDBN}
33723 or GDBserver, so it doesn't have to handle as much differences between
33724 two ends as remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}) tries to handle.
33725 However, there are still some differences of two ends in two processes:
33726
33727 @enumerate
33728 @item
33729 word size. On some 64-bit machines, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver can be
33730 compiled as a 64-bit executable, while in-process agent is a 32-bit one.
33731 @item
33732 ABI. Some machines may have multiple types of ABI, @value{GDBN} or
33733 GDBserver is compiled with one, and in-process agent is compiled with
33734 the other one.
33735 @end enumerate
33736
33737 Here are the IPA Protocol Objects:
33738
33739 @enumerate
33740 @item
33741 agent expression object. It represents an agent expression
33742 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}).
33743 @anchor{agent expression object}
33744 @item
33745 tracepoint action object. It represents a tracepoint action
33746 (@pxref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}) to collect registers,
33747 memory, static trace data and to evaluate expression.
33748 @anchor{tracepoint action object}
33749 @item
33750 tracepoint object. It represents a tracepoint (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
33751 @anchor{tracepoint object}
33752
33753 @end enumerate
33754
33755 The following table describes important attributes of each IPA protocol
33756 object:
33757
33758 @multitable @columnfractions .30 .20 .50
33759 @headitem Name @tab Size @tab Description
33760 @item @emph{agent expression object} @tab @tab
33761 @item length @tab 4 @tab length of bytes code
33762 @item byte code @tab @var{length} @tab contents of byte code
33763 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting memory} @tab @tab
33764 @item 'M' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33765 @item addr @tab 8 @tab if @var{basereg} is @samp{-1}, @var{addr} is the
33766 address of the lowest byte to collect, otherwise @var{addr} is the offset
33767 of @var{basereg} for memory collecting.
33768 @item len @tab 8 @tab length of memory for collecting
33769 @item basereg @tab 4 @tab the register number containing the starting
33770 memory address for collecting.
33771 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting registers} @tab @tab
33772 @item 'R' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33773 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting static trace data} @tab @tab
33774 @item 'L' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33775 @item @emph{tracepoint action for expression evaluation} @tab @tab
33776 @item 'X' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33777 @item agent expression @tab length of @tab @ref{agent expression object}
33778 @item @emph{tracepoint object} @tab @tab
33779 @item number @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint
33780 @item address @tab 8 @tab address of tracepoint inserted on
33781 @item type @tab 4 @tab type of tracepoint
33782 @item enabled @tab 1 @tab enable or disable of tracepoint
33783 @item step_count @tab 8 @tab step
33784 @item pass_count @tab 8 @tab pass
33785 @item numactions @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint actions
33786 @item hit count @tab 8 @tab hit count
33787 @item trace frame usage @tab 8 @tab trace frame usage
33788 @item compiled_cond @tab 8 @tab compiled condition
33789 @item orig_size @tab 8 @tab orig size
33790 @item condition @tab 4 if condition is NULL otherwise length of
33791 @ref{agent expression object}
33792 @tab zero if condition is NULL, otherwise is
33793 @ref{agent expression object}
33794 @item actions @tab variable
33795 @tab numactions number of @ref{tracepoint action object}
33796 @end multitable
33797
33798 @node IPA Protocol Commands
33799 @subsection IPA Protocol Commands
33800 @cindex ipa protocol commands
33801
33802 The spaces in each command are delimiters to ease reading this commands
33803 specification. They don't exist in real commands.
33804
33805 @table @samp
33806
33807 @item FastTrace:@var{tracepoint_object} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}
33808 Installs a new fast tracepoint described by @var{tracepoint_object}
33809 (@pxref{tracepoint object}). The @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}, 8-byte long, is the
33810 head of @dfn{jumppad}, which is used to jump to data collection routine
33811 in IPA finally.
33812
33813 Replies:
33814 @table @samp
33815 @item OK @var{target_address} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} @var{fjump_size} @var{fjump}
33816 @var{target_address} is address of tracepoint in the inferior.
33817 The @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} is updated head of jumppad. Both of
33818 @var{target_address} and @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} are 8-byte long.
33819 The @var{fjump} contains a sequence of instructions jump to jumppad entry.
33820 The @var{fjump_size}, 4-byte long, is the size of @var{fjump}.
33821 @item E @var{NN}
33822 for an error
33823
33824 @end table
33825
33826 @item close
33827 Closes the in-process agent. This command is sent when @value{GDBN} or GDBserver
33828 is about to kill inferiors.
33829
33830 @item qTfSTM
33831 @xref{qTfSTM}.
33832 @item qTsSTM
33833 @xref{qTsSTM}.
33834 @item qTSTMat
33835 @xref{qTSTMat}.
33836 @item probe_marker_at:@var{address}
33837 Asks in-process agent to probe the marker at @var{address}.
33838
33839 Replies:
33840 @table @samp
33841 @item E @var{NN}
33842 for an error
33843 @end table
33844 @item unprobe_marker_at:@var{address}
33845 Asks in-process agent to unprobe the marker at @var{address}.
33846 @end table
33847
33848 @node GDB Bugs
33849 @chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
33850 @cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
33851 @cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
33852
33853 Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
33854
33855 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
33856 may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
33857 the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
33858 reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
33859
33860 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
33861 information that enables us to fix the bug.
33862
33863 @menu
33864 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
33865 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
33866 @end menu
33867
33868 @node Bug Criteria
33869 @section Have You Found a Bug?
33870 @cindex bug criteria
33871
33872 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
33873
33874 @itemize @bullet
33875 @cindex fatal signal
33876 @cindex debugger crash
33877 @cindex crash of debugger
33878 @item
33879 If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
33880 @value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
33881
33882 @cindex error on valid input
33883 @item
33884 If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
33885 bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
33886 somewhere in the connection to the target.)
33887
33888 @cindex invalid input
33889 @item
33890 If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
33891 that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
33892 ``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
33893 for traditional practice''.
33894
33895 @item
33896 If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
33897 for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
33898 @end itemize
33899
33900 @node Bug Reporting
33901 @section How to Report Bugs
33902 @cindex bug reports
33903 @cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
33904
33905 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
33906 If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
33907 contact that organization first.
33908
33909 You can find contact information for many support companies and
33910 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
33911 distribution.
33912 @c should add a web page ref...
33913
33914 @ifset BUGURL
33915 @ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
33916 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
33917 @value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
33918 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
33919 page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
33920 be used.
33921
33922 @strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
33923 @samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
33924 not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
33925 @samp{bug-gdb}.
33926
33927 The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
33928 serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
33929 the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
33930 newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
33931 problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
33932 path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
33933 we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
33934 bug reports to the mailing list.
33935 @end ifset
33936 @ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
33937 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
33938 @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
33939 @end ifclear
33940 @end ifset
33941
33942 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
33943 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
33944 fact or leave it out, state it!
33945
33946 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
33947 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
33948 assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
33949 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
33950 stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
33951 name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
33952 of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
33953 the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
33954 easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
33955
33956 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
33957 bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
33958 you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
33959 self-contained.
33960
33961 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
33962 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
33963 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
33964 bugs properly.
33965
33966 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
33967
33968 @itemize @bullet
33969 @item
33970 The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
33971 with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
33972 version}.
33973
33974 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
33975 the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
33976
33977 @item
33978 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
33979 version number.
33980
33981 @item
33982 The details of the @value{GDBN} build-time configuration.
33983 @value{GDBN} shows these details if you invoke it with the
33984 @option{--configuration} command-line option, or if you type
33985 @code{show configuration} at @value{GDBN}'s prompt.
33986
33987 @item
33988 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
33989 ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
33990
33991 @item
33992 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
33993 debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
33994 C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
33995 to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
33996 those compilers.
33997
33998 @item
33999 The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
34000 observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
34001 you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
34002 Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
34003
34004 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
34005 and then we might not encounter the bug.
34006
34007 @item
34008 A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
34009 reproduce the bug.
34010
34011 @item
34012 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
34013 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
34014
34015 Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
34016 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
34017 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
34018 a chance to make a mistake.
34019
34020 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
34021 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
34022 copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
34023 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
34024 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
34025 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
34026 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
34027 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
34028
34029 @pindex script
34030 @cindex recording a session script
34031 To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
34032 such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
34033 Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
34034 include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
34035
34036 Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
34037 inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
34038
34039 @item
34040 If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
34041 diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
34042 it by context, not by line number.
34043
34044 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
34045 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
34046
34047 @end itemize
34048
34049 Here are some things that are not necessary:
34050
34051 @itemize @bullet
34052 @item
34053 A description of the envelope of the bug.
34054
34055 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
34056 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
34057 changes will not affect it.
34058
34059 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
34060 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
34061 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
34062 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
34063
34064 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
34065 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
34066 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
34067 less time, and so on.
34068
34069 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
34070 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
34071
34072 @item
34073 A patch for the bug.
34074
34075 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
34076 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
34077 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
34078 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
34079
34080 Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
34081 construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
34082 through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
34083 to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
34084
34085 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
34086 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
34087 help us to understand.
34088
34089 @item
34090 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
34091
34092 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
34093 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
34094 @end itemize
34095
34096 @c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
34097 @c and consists of the two following files:
34098 @c rluser.texi
34099 @c hsuser.texi
34100 @c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
34101 @c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
34102 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
34103 @include rluser.texi
34104 @include hsuser.texi
34105 @end ifclear
34106
34107 @node In Memoriam
34108 @appendix In Memoriam
34109
34110 The @value{GDBN} project mourns the loss of the following long-time
34111 contributors:
34112
34113 @table @code
34114 @item Fred Fish
34115 Fred was a long-standing contributor to @value{GDBN} (1991-2006), and
34116 to Free Software in general. Outside of @value{GDBN}, he was known in
34117 the Amiga world for his series of Fish Disks, and the GeekGadget project.
34118
34119 @item Michael Snyder
34120 Michael was one of the Global Maintainers of the @value{GDBN} project,
34121 with contributions recorded as early as 1996, until 2011. In addition
34122 to his day to day participation, he was a large driving force behind
34123 adding Reverse Debugging to @value{GDBN}.
34124 @end table
34125
34126 Beyond their technical contributions to the project, they were also
34127 enjoyable members of the Free Software Community. We will miss them.
34128
34129 @node Formatting Documentation
34130 @appendix Formatting Documentation
34131
34132 @cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
34133 @cindex reference card
34134 The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
34135 for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
34136 subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
34137 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
34138 release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
34139 you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
34140
34141 The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
34142 can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
34143
34144 @smallexample
34145 make refcard.dvi
34146 @end smallexample
34147
34148 The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
34149 mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
34150 that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
34151 high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
34152 your @sc{dvi} output program.
34153
34154 @cindex documentation
34155
34156 All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
34157 distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
34158 a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
34159 on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
34160 formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
34161 and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
34162
34163 @value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
34164 version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
34165 file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
34166 subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
34167 necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
34168 but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
34169 Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
34170 @sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
34171
34172 If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
34173 Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
34174 @code{makeinfo}.
34175
34176 If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
34177 @value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
34178 version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
34179
34180 @smallexample
34181 cd gdb
34182 make gdb.info
34183 @end smallexample
34184
34185 If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
34186 a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
34187 Texinfo definitions file.
34188
34189 @TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
34190 produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
34191 document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
34192 has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
34193 command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
34194 (for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
34195 require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
34196
34197 @TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
34198 @file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
34199 written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
34200 typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
34201 and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
34202 directory.
34203
34204 If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
34205 typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
34206 subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
34207 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
34208
34209 @smallexample
34210 make gdb.dvi
34211 @end smallexample
34212
34213 Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
34214
34215 @node Installing GDB
34216 @appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
34217 @cindex installation
34218
34219 @menu
34220 * Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
34221 * Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
34222 * Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
34223 * Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
34224 * Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
34225 * System-wide configuration:: Having a system-wide init file
34226 @end menu
34227
34228 @node Requirements
34229 @section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
34230 @cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
34231
34232 Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
34233 Other packages will be used only if they are found.
34234
34235 @heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
34236 @table @asis
34237 @item ISO C90 compiler
34238 @value{GDBN} is written in ISO C90. It should be buildable with any
34239 working C90 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
34240
34241 @end table
34242
34243 @heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
34244 @table @asis
34245 @item Expat
34246 @anchor{Expat}
34247 @value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
34248 included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
34249 can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
34250 The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
34251 standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
34252 use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
34253
34254 Expat is used for:
34255
34256 @itemize @bullet
34257 @item
34258 Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
34259 @item
34260 Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
34261 @item
34262 Remote shared library lists (@xref{Library List Format},
34263 or alternatively @pxref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets})
34264 @item
34265 MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
34266 @item
34267 Traceframe info (@pxref{Traceframe Info Format})
34268 @item
34269 Branch trace (@pxref{Branch Trace Format},
34270 @pxref{Branch Trace Configuration Format})
34271 @end itemize
34272
34273 @item MPFR
34274 @anchor{MPFR}
34275 @value{GDBN} can use the GNU MPFR multiple-precision floating-point
34276 library. This library may be included with your operating system
34277 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
34278 @url{http://www.mpfr.org}. The @file{configure} script will search
34279 for this library in several standard locations; if it is installed
34280 in an unusual path, you can use the @option{--with-libmpfr-prefix}
34281 option to specify its location.
34282
34283 GNU MPFR is used to emulate target floating-point arithmetic during
34284 expression evaluation when the target uses different floating-point
34285 formats than the host. If GNU MPFR it is not available, @value{GDBN}
34286 will fall back to using host floating-point arithmetic.
34287
34288 @item zlib
34289 @cindex compressed debug sections
34290 @value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
34291 compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
34292 of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
34293 is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
34294 information in such binaries.
34295
34296 The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
34297 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
34298 @url{http://zlib.net}.
34299
34300 @item iconv
34301 @value{GDBN}'s features related to character sets (@pxref{Character
34302 Sets}) require a functioning @code{iconv} implementation. If you are
34303 on a GNU system, then this is provided by the GNU C Library. Some
34304 other systems also provide a working @code{iconv}.
34305
34306 If @value{GDBN} is using the @code{iconv} program which is installed
34307 in a non-standard place, you will need to tell @value{GDBN} where to find it.
34308 This is done with @option{--with-iconv-bin} which specifies the
34309 directory that contains the @code{iconv} program.
34310
34311 On systems without @code{iconv}, you can install GNU Libiconv. If you
34312 have previously installed Libiconv, you can use the
34313 @option{--with-libiconv-prefix} option to configure.
34314
34315 @value{GDBN}'s top-level @file{configure} and @file{Makefile} will
34316 arrange to build Libiconv if a directory named @file{libiconv} appears
34317 in the top-most source directory. If Libiconv is built this way, and
34318 if the operating system does not provide a suitable @code{iconv}
34319 implementation, then the just-built library will automatically be used
34320 by @value{GDBN}. One easy way to set this up is to download GNU
34321 Libiconv, unpack it, and then rename the directory holding the
34322 Libiconv source code to @samp{libiconv}.
34323 @end table
34324
34325 @node Running Configure
34326 @section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
34327 @cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
34328 @value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
34329 of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
34330 build the @code{gdb} program.
34331 @iftex
34332 @c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
34333 @footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
34334 look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
34335 installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
34336 @end iftex
34337
34338 The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
34339 @value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
34340 appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
34341
34342 For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
34343 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
34344
34345 @table @code
34346 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
34347 script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
34348
34349 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
34350 the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
34351
34352 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
34353 source for the Binary File Descriptor library
34354
34355 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
34356 @sc{gnu} include files
34357
34358 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
34359 source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
34360
34361 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
34362 source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
34363
34364 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
34365 source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
34366
34367 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
34368 source for the @sc{gnu} filename pattern-matching subroutine
34369
34370 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
34371 source for the @sc{gnu} memory-mapped malloc package
34372 @end table
34373
34374 The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
34375 from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
34376 this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
34377
34378 First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
34379 if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
34380 identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
34381 argument.
34382
34383 For example:
34384
34385 @smallexample
34386 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
34387 ./configure @var{host}
34388 make
34389 @end smallexample
34390
34391 @noindent
34392 where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
34393 @samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where @value{GDBN} will run.
34394 (You can often leave off @var{host}; @file{configure} tries to guess the
34395 correct value by examining your system.)
34396
34397 Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
34398 @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
34399 libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
34400 binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
34401
34402 @need 750
34403 @file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
34404 system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
34405 shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
34406
34407 @smallexample
34408 sh configure @var{host}
34409 @end smallexample
34410
34411 If you run @file{configure} from a directory that contains source
34412 directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
34413 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN},
34414 @file{configure}
34415 creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
34416 you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
34417
34418 You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
34419 source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
34420 @file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
34421 that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
34422 if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
34423 of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
34424 configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
34425 directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
34426 about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
34427
34428 You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
34429 However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
34430 the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
34431 that @value{GDBN} uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
34432 let @value{GDBN} debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
34433
34434 @node Separate Objdir
34435 @section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
34436
34437 If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
34438 you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
34439 host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
34440 allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
34441 rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
34442 handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
34443 @code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
34444 program specified there.
34445
34446 To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
34447 with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
34448 (You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
34449 itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
34450 would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
34451 the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
34452
34453 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
34454 separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
34455
34456 @smallexample
34457 @group
34458 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
34459 mkdir ../gdb-sun4
34460 cd ../gdb-sun4
34461 ../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
34462 make
34463 @end group
34464 @end smallexample
34465
34466 When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
34467 directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
34468 (and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
34469 the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
34470 directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
34471 @file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
34472
34473 Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
34474 instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
34475 like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
34476 one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
34477 build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
34478
34479 One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
34480 directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
34481 @value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
34482 programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
34483 You specify a cross-debugging target by
34484 giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
34485
34486 When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
34487 it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
34488 called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
34489
34490 The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
34491 directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
34492 directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
34493 directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
34494 will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
34495
34496 When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
34497 directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
34498 if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
34499 with each other.
34500
34501 @node Config Names
34502 @section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
34503
34504 The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
34505 script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
34506 aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
34507 of information in the following pattern:
34508
34509 @smallexample
34510 @var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
34511 @end smallexample
34512
34513 For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
34514 or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
34515 option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
34516
34517 The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
34518 any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
34519 aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
34520 @code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
34521 script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
34522 abbreviations---for example:
34523
34524 @smallexample
34525 % sh config.sub i386-linux
34526 i386-pc-linux-gnu
34527 % sh config.sub alpha-linux
34528 alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
34529 % sh config.sub hp9k700
34530 hppa1.1-hp-hpux
34531 % sh config.sub sun4
34532 sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
34533 % sh config.sub sun3
34534 m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
34535 % sh config.sub i986v
34536 Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
34537 @end smallexample
34538
34539 @noindent
34540 @code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
34541 directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
34542
34543 @node Configure Options
34544 @section @file{configure} Options
34545
34546 Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
34547 are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure} also has
34548 several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
34549 Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @file{configure}.
34550
34551 @smallexample
34552 configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
34553 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
34554 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
34555 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
34556 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
34557 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
34558 @var{host}
34559 @end smallexample
34560
34561 @noindent
34562 You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
34563 @samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
34564 @samp{--}.
34565
34566 @table @code
34567 @item --help
34568 Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
34569
34570 @item --prefix=@var{dir}
34571 Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
34572 @file{@var{dir}}.
34573
34574 @item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
34575 Configure the source to install programs under directory
34576 @file{@var{dir}}.
34577
34578 @c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
34579 @need 2000
34580 @item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
34581 @strong{Warning: using this option requires @sc{gnu} @code{make}, or another
34582 @code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
34583 Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
34584 @value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
34585 build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
34586 directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
34587 the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
34588 directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
34589 the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
34590 @var{dirname}.
34591
34592 @item --norecursion
34593 Configure only the directory level where @file{configure} is executed; do not
34594 propagate configuration to subdirectories.
34595
34596 @item --target=@var{target}
34597 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
34598 @var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
34599 programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
34600
34601 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
34602
34603 @item @var{host} @dots{}
34604 Configure @value{GDBN} to run on the specified @var{host}.
34605
34606 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
34607 @end table
34608
34609 There are many other options available as well, but they are generally
34610 needed for special purposes only.
34611
34612 @node System-wide configuration
34613 @section System-wide configuration and settings
34614 @cindex system-wide init file
34615
34616 @value{GDBN} can be configured to have a system-wide init file;
34617 this file will be read and executed at startup (@pxref{Startup, , What
34618 @value{GDBN} does during startup}).
34619
34620 Here is the corresponding configure option:
34621
34622 @table @code
34623 @item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
34624 Specify that the default location of the system-wide init file is
34625 @var{file}.
34626 @end table
34627
34628 If @value{GDBN} has been configured with the option @option{--prefix=$prefix},
34629 it may be subject to relocation. Two possible cases:
34630
34631 @itemize @bullet
34632 @item
34633 If the default location of this init file contains @file{$prefix},
34634 it will be subject to relocation. Suppose that the configure options
34635 are @option{--prefix=$prefix --with-system-gdbinit=$prefix/etc/gdbinit};
34636 if @value{GDBN} is moved from @file{$prefix} to @file{$install}, the system
34637 init file is looked for as @file{$install/etc/gdbinit} instead of
34638 @file{$prefix/etc/gdbinit}.
34639
34640 @item
34641 By contrast, if the default location does not contain the prefix,
34642 it will not be relocated. E.g.@: if @value{GDBN} has been configured with
34643 @option{--prefix=/usr/local --with-system-gdbinit=/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
34644 then @value{GDBN} will always look for @file{/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
34645 wherever @value{GDBN} is installed.
34646 @end itemize
34647
34648 If the configured location of the system-wide init file (as given by the
34649 @option{--with-system-gdbinit} option at configure time) is in the
34650 data-directory (as specified by @option{--with-gdb-datadir} at configure
34651 time) or in one of its subdirectories, then @value{GDBN} will look for the
34652 system-wide init file in the directory specified by the
34653 @option{--data-directory} command-line option.
34654 Note that the system-wide init file is only read once, during @value{GDBN}
34655 initialization. If the data-directory is changed after @value{GDBN} has
34656 started with the @code{set data-directory} command, the file will not be
34657 reread.
34658
34659 @menu
34660 * System-wide Configuration Scripts:: Installed System-wide Configuration Scripts
34661 @end menu
34662
34663 @node System-wide Configuration Scripts
34664 @subsection Installed System-wide Configuration Scripts
34665 @cindex system-wide configuration scripts
34666
34667 The @file{system-gdbinit} directory, located inside the data-directory
34668 (as specified by @option{--with-gdb-datadir} at configure time) contains
34669 a number of scripts which can be used as system-wide init files. To
34670 automatically source those scripts at startup, @value{GDBN} should be
34671 configured with @option{--with-system-gdbinit}. Otherwise, any user
34672 should be able to source them by hand as needed.
34673
34674 The following scripts are currently available:
34675 @itemize @bullet
34676
34677 @item @file{elinos.py}
34678 @pindex elinos.py
34679 @cindex ELinOS system-wide configuration script
34680 This script is useful when debugging a program on an ELinOS target.
34681 It takes advantage of the environment variables defined in a standard
34682 ELinOS environment in order to determine the location of the system
34683 shared libraries, and then sets the @samp{solib-absolute-prefix}
34684 and @samp{solib-search-path} variables appropriately.
34685
34686 @item @file{wrs-linux.py}
34687 @pindex wrs-linux.py
34688 @cindex Wind River Linux system-wide configuration script
34689 This script is useful when debugging a program on a target running
34690 Wind River Linux. It expects the @env{ENV_PREFIX} to be set to
34691 the host-side sysroot used by the target system.
34692
34693 @end itemize
34694
34695 @node Maintenance Commands
34696 @appendix Maintenance Commands
34697 @cindex maintenance commands
34698 @cindex internal commands
34699
34700 In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
34701 includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
34702 that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
34703 provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
34704 messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
34705
34706 @table @code
34707 @kindex maint agent
34708 @kindex maint agent-eval
34709 @item maint agent @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
34710 @itemx maint agent-eval @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
34711 Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
34712 This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
34713 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}). The @samp{agent} version produces an
34714 expression useful for data collection, such as by tracepoints, while
34715 @samp{maint agent-eval} produces an expression that evaluates directly
34716 to a result. For instance, a collection expression for @code{globa +
34717 globb} will include bytecodes to record four bytes of memory at each
34718 of the addresses of @code{globa} and @code{globb}, while discarding
34719 the result of the addition, while an evaluation expression will do the
34720 addition and return the sum.
34721 If @code{-at} is given, generate remote agent bytecode for @var{location}.
34722 If not, generate remote agent bytecode for current frame PC address.
34723
34724 @kindex maint agent-printf
34725 @item maint agent-printf @var{format},@var{expr},...
34726 Translate the given format string and list of argument expressions
34727 into remote agent bytecodes and display them as a disassembled list.
34728 This command is useful for debugging the agent version of dynamic
34729 printf (@pxref{Dynamic Printf}).
34730
34731 @kindex maint info breakpoints
34732 @item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
34733 Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
34734 breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
34735 internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
34736 breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
34737 is shown:
34738
34739 @table @code
34740 @item breakpoint
34741 Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
34742
34743 @item watchpoint
34744 Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
34745
34746 @item longjmp
34747 Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
34748 @code{longjmp} calls.
34749
34750 @item longjmp resume
34751 Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
34752
34753 @item until
34754 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
34755
34756 @item finish
34757 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
34758
34759 @item shlib events
34760 Shared library events.
34761
34762 @end table
34763
34764 @kindex maint info btrace
34765 @item maint info btrace
34766 Pint information about raw branch tracing data.
34767
34768 @kindex maint btrace packet-history
34769 @item maint btrace packet-history
34770 Print the raw branch trace packets that are used to compute the
34771 execution history for the @samp{record btrace} command. Both the
34772 information and the format in which it is printed depend on the btrace
34773 recording format.
34774
34775 @table @code
34776 @item bts
34777 For the BTS recording format, print a list of blocks of sequential
34778 code. For each block, the following information is printed:
34779
34780 @table @asis
34781 @item Block number
34782 Newer blocks have higher numbers. The oldest block has number zero.
34783 @item Lowest @samp{PC}
34784 @item Highest @samp{PC}
34785 @end table
34786
34787 @item pt
34788 For the Intel Processor Trace recording format, print a list of
34789 Intel Processor Trace packets. For each packet, the following
34790 information is printed:
34791
34792 @table @asis
34793 @item Packet number
34794 Newer packets have higher numbers. The oldest packet has number zero.
34795 @item Trace offset
34796 The packet's offset in the trace stream.
34797 @item Packet opcode and payload
34798 @end table
34799 @end table
34800
34801 @kindex maint btrace clear-packet-history
34802 @item maint btrace clear-packet-history
34803 Discards the cached packet history printed by the @samp{maint btrace
34804 packet-history} command. The history will be computed again when
34805 needed.
34806
34807 @kindex maint btrace clear
34808 @item maint btrace clear
34809 Discard the branch trace data. The data will be fetched anew and the
34810 branch trace will be recomputed when needed.
34811
34812 This implicitly truncates the branch trace to a single branch trace
34813 buffer. When updating branch trace incrementally, the branch trace
34814 available to @value{GDBN} may be bigger than a single branch trace
34815 buffer.
34816
34817 @kindex maint set btrace pt skip-pad
34818 @item maint set btrace pt skip-pad
34819 @kindex maint show btrace pt skip-pad
34820 @item maint show btrace pt skip-pad
34821 Control whether @value{GDBN} will skip PAD packets when computing the
34822 packet history.
34823
34824 @kindex set displaced-stepping
34825 @kindex show displaced-stepping
34826 @cindex displaced stepping support
34827 @cindex out-of-line single-stepping
34828 @item set displaced-stepping
34829 @itemx show displaced-stepping
34830 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
34831 if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
34832 over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
34833 an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
34834 breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
34835
34836 @table @code
34837 @item set displaced-stepping on
34838 If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
34839 displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
34840
34841 @item set displaced-stepping off
34842 @value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
34843 even if such is supported by the target architecture.
34844
34845 @cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
34846 @item set displaced-stepping auto
34847 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
34848 only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
34849 architecture supports displaced stepping.
34850 @end table
34851
34852 @kindex maint check-psymtabs
34853 @item maint check-psymtabs
34854 Check the consistency of currently expanded psymtabs versus symtabs.
34855 Use this to check, for example, whether a symbol is in one but not the other.
34856
34857 @kindex maint check-symtabs
34858 @item maint check-symtabs
34859 Check the consistency of currently expanded symtabs.
34860
34861 @kindex maint expand-symtabs
34862 @item maint expand-symtabs [@var{regexp}]
34863 Expand symbol tables.
34864 If @var{regexp} is specified, only expand symbol tables for file
34865 names matching @var{regexp}.
34866
34867 @kindex maint set catch-demangler-crashes
34868 @kindex maint show catch-demangler-crashes
34869 @cindex demangler crashes
34870 @item maint set catch-demangler-crashes [on|off]
34871 @itemx maint show catch-demangler-crashes
34872 Control whether @value{GDBN} should attempt to catch crashes in the
34873 symbol name demangler. The default is to attempt to catch crashes.
34874 If enabled, the first time a crash is caught, a core file is created,
34875 the offending symbol is displayed and the user is presented with the
34876 option to terminate the current session.
34877
34878 @kindex maint cplus first_component
34879 @item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
34880 Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
34881
34882 @kindex maint cplus namespace
34883 @item maint cplus namespace
34884 Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
34885
34886 @kindex maint deprecate
34887 @kindex maint undeprecate
34888 @cindex deprecated commands
34889 @item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
34890 @itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
34891 Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
34892 cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
34893 argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
34894 favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
34895 the replacement as part of the warning.
34896
34897 @kindex maint dump-me
34898 @item maint dump-me
34899 @cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
34900 Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
34901 This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
34902 with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
34903
34904 @kindex maint internal-error
34905 @kindex maint internal-warning
34906 @kindex maint demangler-warning
34907 @cindex demangler crashes
34908 @item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
34909 @itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
34910 @itemx maint demangler-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
34911
34912 Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error},
34913 @code{internal_warning} or @code{demangler_warning} and hence behave
34914 as though an internal problem has been detected. In addition to
34915 reporting the internal problem, these functions give the user the
34916 opportunity to either quit @value{GDBN} or (for @code{internal_error}
34917 and @code{internal_warning}) create a core file of the current
34918 @value{GDBN} session.
34919
34920 These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
34921 used as the text of the error or warning message.
34922
34923 Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
34924
34925 @smallexample
34926 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
34927 @dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
34928 A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
34929 debugging may prove unreliable.
34930 Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
34931 Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
34932 (@value{GDBP})
34933 @end smallexample
34934
34935 @cindex @value{GDBN} internal error
34936 @cindex internal errors, control of @value{GDBN} behavior
34937 @cindex demangler crashes
34938
34939 @kindex maint set internal-error
34940 @kindex maint show internal-error
34941 @kindex maint set internal-warning
34942 @kindex maint show internal-warning
34943 @kindex maint set demangler-warning
34944 @kindex maint show demangler-warning
34945 @item maint set internal-error @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
34946 @itemx maint show internal-error @var{action}
34947 @itemx maint set internal-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
34948 @itemx maint show internal-warning @var{action}
34949 @itemx maint set demangler-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
34950 @itemx maint show demangler-warning @var{action}
34951 When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it
34952 gives the user the opportunity to both quit @value{GDBN} and create a
34953 core file of the current @value{GDBN} session. These commands let you
34954 override the default behaviour for each particular @var{action},
34955 described in the table below.
34956
34957 @table @samp
34958 @item quit
34959 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
34960 quit. The default is to ask the user what to do.
34961
34962 @item corefile
34963 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
34964 create a core file. The default is to ask the user what to do. Note
34965 that there is no @code{corefile} option for @code{demangler-warning}:
34966 demangler warnings always create a core file and this cannot be
34967 disabled.
34968 @end table
34969
34970 @kindex maint packet
34971 @item maint packet @var{text}
34972 If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
34973 then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
34974 displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
34975 @samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
34976 checksum.
34977
34978 @kindex maint print architecture
34979 @item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34980 Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
34981 @var{file} names the file where the output goes.
34982
34983 @kindex maint print c-tdesc @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
34984 @item maint print c-tdesc
34985 Print the target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
34986 a C source file. By default, the target description is for the current
34987 target, but if the optional argument @var{file} is provided, that file
34988 is used to produce the description. The @var{file} should be an XML
34989 document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description Format}.
34990 The created source file is built into @value{GDBN} when @value{GDBN} is
34991 built again. This command is used by developers after they add or
34992 modify XML target descriptions.
34993
34994 @kindex maint check xml-descriptions
34995 @item maint check xml-descriptions @var{dir}
34996 Check that the target descriptions dynamically created by @value{GDBN}
34997 equal the descriptions created from XML files found in @var{dir}.
34998
34999 @kindex maint print dummy-frames
35000 @item maint print dummy-frames
35001 Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
35002
35003 @smallexample
35004 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
35005 @dots{}
35006 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
35007 Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
35008 58 return (a + b);
35009 The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
35010 @dots{}
35011 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
35012 0xa8206d8: id=@{stack=0xbfffe734,code=0xbfffe73f,!special@}, ptid=process 9353
35013 (@value{GDBP})
35014 @end smallexample
35015
35016 Takes an optional file parameter.
35017
35018 @kindex maint print registers
35019 @kindex maint print raw-registers
35020 @kindex maint print cooked-registers
35021 @kindex maint print register-groups
35022 @kindex maint print remote-registers
35023 @item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35024 @itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35025 @itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35026 @itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35027 @itemx maint print remote-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35028 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
35029
35030 The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
35031 the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print
35032 cooked-registers} includes the (cooked) value of all registers,
35033 including registers which aren't available on the target nor visible
35034 to user; the command @code{maint print register-groups} includes the
35035 groups that each register is a member of; and the command @code{maint
35036 print remote-registers} includes the remote target's register numbers
35037 and offsets in the `G' packets.
35038
35039 These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
35040 write the information.
35041
35042 @kindex maint print reggroups
35043 @item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35044 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
35045 optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
35046 information.
35047
35048 The register groups info looks like this:
35049
35050 @smallexample
35051 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
35052 Group Type
35053 general user
35054 float user
35055 all user
35056 vector user
35057 system user
35058 save internal
35059 restore internal
35060 @end smallexample
35061
35062 @kindex flushregs
35063 @item flushregs
35064 This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
35065
35066 @kindex maint print objfiles
35067 @cindex info for known object files
35068 @item maint print objfiles @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
35069 Print a dump of all known object files.
35070 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print object files whose names
35071 match @var{regexp}. For each object file, this command prints its name,
35072 address in memory, and all of its psymtabs and symtabs.
35073
35074 @kindex maint print user-registers
35075 @cindex user registers
35076 @item maint print user-registers
35077 List all currently available @dfn{user registers}. User registers
35078 typically provide alternate names for actual hardware registers. They
35079 include the four ``standard'' registers @code{$fp}, @code{$pc},
35080 @code{$sp}, and @code{$ps}. @xref{standard registers}. User
35081 registers can be used in expressions in the same way as the canonical
35082 register names, but only the latter are listed by the @code{info
35083 registers} and @code{maint print registers} commands.
35084
35085 @kindex maint print section-scripts
35086 @cindex info for known .debug_gdb_scripts-loaded scripts
35087 @item maint print section-scripts [@var{regexp}]
35088 Print a dump of scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_section} section.
35089 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print scripts loaded by object files
35090 matching @var{regexp}.
35091 For each script, this command prints its name as specified in the objfile,
35092 and the full path if known.
35093 @xref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}.
35094
35095 @kindex maint print statistics
35096 @cindex bcache statistics
35097 @item maint print statistics
35098 This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
35099 about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
35100 statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
35101 of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
35102 defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
35103 the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
35104 used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
35105 sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
35106 average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
35107 savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
35108 lengths.
35109
35110 @kindex maint print target-stack
35111 @cindex target stack description
35112 @item maint print target-stack
35113 A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
35114 kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
35115 so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
35116 In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
35117 until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
35118 address.
35119
35120 This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
35121 the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
35122
35123 @kindex maint print type
35124 @cindex type chain of a data type
35125 @item maint print type @var{expr}
35126 Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
35127 can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
35128 that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
35129 a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
35130 data structures, including its flags and contained types.
35131
35132 @kindex maint selftest
35133 @cindex self tests
35134 @item maint selftest @r{[}@var{filter}@r{]}
35135 Run any self tests that were compiled in to @value{GDBN}. This will
35136 print a message showing how many tests were run, and how many failed.
35137 If a @var{filter} is passed, only the tests with @var{filter} in their
35138 name will by ran.
35139
35140 @kindex "maint info selftests"
35141 @cindex self tests
35142 @item maint info selftests
35143 List the selftests compiled in to @value{GDBN}.
35144
35145 @kindex maint set dwarf always-disassemble
35146 @kindex maint show dwarf always-disassemble
35147 @item maint set dwarf always-disassemble
35148 @item maint show dwarf always-disassemble
35149 Control the behavior of @code{info address} when using DWARF debugging
35150 information.
35151
35152 The default is @code{off}, which means that @value{GDBN} should try to
35153 describe a variable's location in an easily readable format. When
35154 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will instead display the DWARF location
35155 expression in an assembly-like format. Note that some locations are
35156 too complex for @value{GDBN} to describe simply; in this case you will
35157 always see the disassembly form.
35158
35159 Here is an example of the resulting disassembly:
35160
35161 @smallexample
35162 (gdb) info addr argc
35163 Symbol "argc" is a complex DWARF expression:
35164 1: DW_OP_fbreg 0
35165 @end smallexample
35166
35167 For more information on these expressions, see
35168 @uref{http://www.dwarfstd.org/, the DWARF standard}.
35169
35170 @kindex maint set dwarf max-cache-age
35171 @kindex maint show dwarf max-cache-age
35172 @item maint set dwarf max-cache-age
35173 @itemx maint show dwarf max-cache-age
35174 Control the DWARF compilation unit cache.
35175
35176 @cindex DWARF compilation units cache
35177 In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
35178 produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF
35179 reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
35180 This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
35181 cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
35182 compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
35183 memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
35184 slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
35185
35186 @kindex maint set profile
35187 @kindex maint show profile
35188 @cindex profiling GDB
35189 @item maint set profile
35190 @itemx maint show profile
35191 Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
35192
35193 Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
35194 command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
35195 collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
35196 exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
35197 if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
35198 (often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
35199 data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
35200
35201 Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
35202 compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
35203
35204 @kindex maint set show-debug-regs
35205 @kindex maint show show-debug-regs
35206 @cindex hardware debug registers
35207 @item maint set show-debug-regs
35208 @itemx maint show show-debug-regs
35209 Control whether to show variables that mirror the hardware debug
35210 registers. Use @code{on} to enable, @code{off} to disable. If
35211 enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
35212 removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
35213 triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
35214
35215 @kindex maint set show-all-tib
35216 @kindex maint show show-all-tib
35217 @item maint set show-all-tib
35218 @itemx maint show show-all-tib
35219 Control whether to show all non zero areas within a 1k block starting
35220 at thread local base, when using the @samp{info w32 thread-information-block}
35221 command.
35222
35223 @kindex maint set target-async
35224 @kindex maint show target-async
35225 @item maint set target-async
35226 @itemx maint show target-async
35227 This controls whether @value{GDBN} targets operate in synchronous or
35228 asynchronous mode (@pxref{Background Execution}). Normally the
35229 default is asynchronous, if it is available; but this can be changed
35230 to more easily debug problems occurring only in synchronous mode.
35231
35232 @kindex maint set target-non-stop @var{mode} [on|off|auto]
35233 @kindex maint show target-non-stop
35234 @item maint set target-non-stop
35235 @itemx maint show target-non-stop
35236
35237 This controls whether @value{GDBN} targets always operate in non-stop
35238 mode even if @code{set non-stop} is @code{off} (@pxref{Non-Stop
35239 Mode}). The default is @code{auto}, meaning non-stop mode is enabled
35240 if supported by the target.
35241
35242 @table @code
35243 @item maint set target-non-stop auto
35244 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} controls the target in
35245 non-stop mode if the target supports it.
35246
35247 @item maint set target-non-stop on
35248 @value{GDBN} controls the target in non-stop mode even if the target
35249 does not indicate support.
35250
35251 @item maint set target-non-stop off
35252 @value{GDBN} does not control the target in non-stop mode even if the
35253 target supports it.
35254 @end table
35255
35256 @kindex maint set per-command
35257 @kindex maint show per-command
35258 @item maint set per-command
35259 @itemx maint show per-command
35260 @cindex resources used by commands
35261
35262 @value{GDBN} can display the resources used by each command.
35263 This is useful in debugging performance problems.
35264
35265 @table @code
35266 @item maint set per-command space [on|off]
35267 @itemx maint show per-command space
35268 Enable or disable the printing of the memory used by GDB for each command.
35269 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
35270 took, following the command's own output.
35271 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
35272 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
35273
35274 @item maint set per-command time [on|off]
35275 @itemx maint show per-command time
35276 Enable or disable the printing of the execution time of @value{GDBN}
35277 for each command.
35278 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
35279 took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
35280 Both CPU time and wallclock time are printed.
35281 Printing both is useful when trying to determine whether the cost is
35282 CPU or, e.g., disk/network latency.
35283 Note that the CPU time printed is for @value{GDBN} only, it does not include
35284 the execution time of the inferior because there's no mechanism currently
35285 to compute how much time was spent by @value{GDBN} and how much time was
35286 spent by the program been debugged.
35287 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
35288 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
35289
35290 @item maint set per-command symtab [on|off]
35291 @itemx maint show per-command symtab
35292 Enable or disable the printing of basic symbol table statistics
35293 for each command.
35294 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display the following information:
35295
35296 @enumerate a
35297 @item
35298 number of symbol tables
35299 @item
35300 number of primary symbol tables
35301 @item
35302 number of blocks in the blockvector
35303 @end enumerate
35304 @end table
35305
35306 @kindex maint space
35307 @cindex memory used by commands
35308 @item maint space @var{value}
35309 An alias for @code{maint set per-command space}.
35310 A non-zero value enables it, zero disables it.
35311
35312 @kindex maint time
35313 @cindex time of command execution
35314 @item maint time @var{value}
35315 An alias for @code{maint set per-command time}.
35316 A non-zero value enables it, zero disables it.
35317
35318 @kindex maint translate-address
35319 @item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
35320 Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
35321 @var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
35322 @value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
35323 the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
35324 the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
35325 command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
35326
35327 If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
35328 is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
35329 executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
35330
35331 @end table
35332
35333 The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
35334 @value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
35335
35336 @table @code
35337 @item set watchdog @var{nsec}
35338 @kindex set watchdog
35339 @cindex watchdog timer
35340 @cindex timeout for commands
35341 Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
35342 target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
35343 reports and error and the command is aborted.
35344
35345 @item show watchdog
35346 Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
35347 @end table
35348
35349 @node Remote Protocol
35350 @appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
35351
35352 @menu
35353 * Overview::
35354 * Packets::
35355 * Stop Reply Packets::
35356 * General Query Packets::
35357 * Architecture-Specific Protocol Details::
35358 * Tracepoint Packets::
35359 * Host I/O Packets::
35360 * Interrupts::
35361 * Notification Packets::
35362 * Remote Non-Stop::
35363 * Packet Acknowledgment::
35364 * Examples::
35365 * File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
35366 * Library List Format::
35367 * Library List Format for SVR4 Targets::
35368 * Memory Map Format::
35369 * Thread List Format::
35370 * Traceframe Info Format::
35371 * Branch Trace Format::
35372 * Branch Trace Configuration Format::
35373 @end menu
35374
35375 @node Overview
35376 @section Overview
35377
35378 There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
35379 protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
35380 machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
35381 recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
35382
35383 In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
35384 transmitted and received data, respectively.
35385
35386 @cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
35387 @cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
35388 @cindex remote serial protocol
35389 All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
35390 and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
35391 @var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
35392 @samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
35393 @samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
35394
35395 @smallexample
35396 @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
35397 @end smallexample
35398 @noindent
35399
35400 @cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
35401 @noindent
35402 The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
35403 characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
35404 eight bit unsigned checksum).
35405
35406 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
35407 specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
35408
35409 @smallexample
35410 @code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
35411 @end smallexample
35412
35413 @cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
35414 @noindent
35415 That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
35416 has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
35417 since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
35418
35419 When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
35420 response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
35421 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
35422 retransmission):
35423
35424 @smallexample
35425 -> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
35426 <- @code{+}
35427 @end smallexample
35428 @noindent
35429
35430 The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
35431 once a connection is established.
35432 @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
35433
35434 The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
35435 debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
35436 the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
35437 when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
35438 threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
35439 behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
35440 execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
35441
35442 @var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
35443 exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
35444 exceptions).
35445
35446 @cindex remote protocol, field separator
35447 Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
35448 @samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
35449 @sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
35450
35451 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
35452 @samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
35453 would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
35454
35455 @cindex remote protocol, binary data
35456 @anchor{Binary Data}
35457 Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
35458 digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
35459 protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
35460 Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
35461 connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
35462 binary data.
35463
35464 The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
35465 as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
35466 character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
35467 For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
35468 bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
35469 @code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
35470 @samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
35471 must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
35472 is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
35473 (described next).
35474
35475 Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
35476 Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
35477 instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
35478 repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
35479 binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
35480 @code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
35481 produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
35482 code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
35483 encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
35484 @samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
35485 after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
35486 3}} more times.
35487
35488 The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
35489 greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
35490 seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
35491 five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
35492 @samp{0*"00}.
35493
35494 The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
35495 error number. That number is not well defined.
35496
35497 @cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
35498 For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
35499 (@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
35500 protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
35501 on that response.
35502
35503 At a minimum, a stub is required to support the @samp{g} and @samp{G}
35504 commands for register access, and the @samp{m} and @samp{M} commands
35505 for memory access. Stubs that only control single-threaded targets
35506 can implement run control with the @samp{c} (continue), and @samp{s}
35507 (step) commands. Stubs that support multi-threading targets should
35508 support the @samp{vCont} command. All other commands are optional.
35509
35510 @node Packets
35511 @section Packets
35512
35513 The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
35514 @var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
35515 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
35516 I/O extension of the remote protocol.
35517
35518 Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
35519 syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
35520 include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
35521 part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
35522 separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
35523 @var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
35524 bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
35525 @var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
35526 @samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
35527 @var{baz}.
35528
35529 @cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
35530 @anchor{thread-id syntax}
35531 Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
35532 a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
35533 interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
35534 can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
35535 pick any thread.
35536
35537 In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
35538 which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
35539 process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
35540 The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
35541 format described above: a positive number with target-specific
35542 interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
35543 to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
35544 indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
35545 @samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
35546 error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
35547 @samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
35548 for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
35549 ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
35550
35551 The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
35552 @value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
35553 feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
35554 more information.
35555
35556 Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
35557 letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
35558
35559 Here are the packet descriptions.
35560
35561 @table @samp
35562
35563 @item !
35564 @cindex @samp{!} packet
35565 @anchor{extended mode}
35566 Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
35567 persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
35568 debugged.
35569
35570 Reply:
35571 @table @samp
35572 @item OK
35573 The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
35574 @end table
35575
35576 @item ?
35577 @cindex @samp{?} packet
35578 @anchor{? packet}
35579 Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
35580 step and continue. This packet has a special interpretation when the
35581 target is in non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
35582
35583 Reply:
35584 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35585
35586 @item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
35587 @cindex @samp{A} packet
35588 Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
35589 specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
35590 @var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
35591
35592 Reply:
35593 @table @samp
35594 @item OK
35595 The arguments were set.
35596 @item E @var{NN}
35597 An error occurred.
35598 @end table
35599
35600 @item b @var{baud}
35601 @cindex @samp{b} packet
35602 (Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
35603 Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
35604
35605 JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
35606 received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
35607 problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
35608
35609 Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
35610 it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
35611 some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
35612 switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
35613 of view, nothing actually happened.}
35614
35615 @item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
35616 @cindex @samp{B} packet
35617 Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
35618 breakpoint at @var{addr}.
35619
35620 Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
35621 (@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
35622
35623 @cindex @samp{bc} packet
35624 @anchor{bc}
35625 @item bc
35626 Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
35627 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
35628
35629 Reply:
35630 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35631
35632 @cindex @samp{bs} packet
35633 @anchor{bs}
35634 @item bs
35635 Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
35636 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
35637
35638 Reply:
35639 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35640
35641 @item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
35642 @cindex @samp{c} packet
35643 Continue at @var{addr}, which is the address to resume. If @var{addr}
35644 is omitted, resume at current address.
35645
35646 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
35647 packet}.
35648
35649 Reply:
35650 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35651
35652 @item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
35653 @cindex @samp{C} packet
35654 Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
35655 @samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
35656
35657 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
35658 packet}.
35659
35660 Reply:
35661 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35662
35663 @item d
35664 @cindex @samp{d} packet
35665 Toggle debug flag.
35666
35667 Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
35668 (@pxref{General Query Packets}).
35669
35670 @item D
35671 @itemx D;@var{pid}
35672 @cindex @samp{D} packet
35673 The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
35674 remote system. It is sent to the remote target
35675 before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
35676
35677 The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
35678 protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
35679 detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
35680 big-endian hex string.
35681
35682 Reply:
35683 @table @samp
35684 @item OK
35685 for success
35686 @item E @var{NN}
35687 for an error
35688 @end table
35689
35690 @item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
35691 @cindex @samp{F} packet
35692 A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
35693 This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
35694 Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
35695
35696 @item g
35697 @anchor{read registers packet}
35698 @cindex @samp{g} packet
35699 Read general registers.
35700
35701 Reply:
35702 @table @samp
35703 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
35704 Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
35705 with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
35706 each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
35707 determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
35708 @code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}.
35709
35710 When reading registers from a trace frame (@pxref{Analyze Collected
35711 Data,,Using the Collected Data}), the stub may also return a string of
35712 literal @samp{x}'s in place of the register data digits, to indicate
35713 that the corresponding register has not been collected, thus its value
35714 is unavailable. For example, for an architecture with 4 registers of
35715 4 bytes each, the following reply indicates to @value{GDBN} that
35716 registers 0 and 2 have not been collected, while registers 1 and 3
35717 have been collected, and both have zero value:
35718
35719 @smallexample
35720 -> @code{g}
35721 <- @code{xxxxxxxx00000000xxxxxxxx00000000}
35722 @end smallexample
35723
35724 @item E @var{NN}
35725 for an error.
35726 @end table
35727
35728 @item G @var{XX@dots{}}
35729 @cindex @samp{G} packet
35730 Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
35731 description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
35732
35733 Reply:
35734 @table @samp
35735 @item OK
35736 for success
35737 @item E @var{NN}
35738 for an error
35739 @end table
35740
35741 @item H @var{op} @var{thread-id}
35742 @cindex @samp{H} packet
35743 Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
35744 @samp{G}, et.al.). Depending on the operation to be performed, @var{op}
35745 should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations (note that this
35746 is deprecated, supporting the @samp{vCont} command is a better
35747 option), and @samp{g} for other operations. The thread designator
35748 @var{thread-id} has the format and interpretation described in
35749 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
35750
35751 Reply:
35752 @table @samp
35753 @item OK
35754 for success
35755 @item E @var{NN}
35756 for an error
35757 @end table
35758
35759 @c FIXME: JTC:
35760 @c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
35761 @c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
35762 @c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
35763 @c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
35764 @c described. For example:
35765 @c
35766 @c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
35767 @c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
35768 @c otherwise returns current registers.
35769 @c
35770 @c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
35771 @c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
35772 @c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
35773
35774 @item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
35775 @anchor{cycle step packet}
35776 @cindex @samp{i} packet
35777 Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
35778 present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
35779 step starting at that address.
35780
35781 @item I
35782 @cindex @samp{I} packet
35783 Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
35784 step packet}.
35785
35786 @item k
35787 @cindex @samp{k} packet
35788 Kill request.
35789
35790 The exact effect of this packet is not specified.
35791
35792 For a bare-metal target, it may power cycle or reset the target
35793 system. For that reason, the @samp{k} packet has no reply.
35794
35795 For a single-process target, it may kill that process if possible.
35796
35797 A multiple-process target may choose to kill just one process, or all
35798 that are under @value{GDBN}'s control. For more precise control, use
35799 the vKill packet (@pxref{vKill packet}).
35800
35801 If the target system immediately closes the connection in response to
35802 @samp{k}, @value{GDBN} does not consider the lack of packet
35803 acknowledgment to be an error, and assumes the kill was successful.
35804
35805 If connected using @kbd{target extended-remote}, and the target does
35806 not close the connection in response to a kill request, @value{GDBN}
35807 probes the target state as if a new connection was opened
35808 (@pxref{? packet}).
35809
35810 @item m @var{addr},@var{length}
35811 @cindex @samp{m} packet
35812 Read @var{length} addressable memory units starting at address @var{addr}
35813 (@pxref{addressable memory unit}). Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to
35814 any particular boundary.
35815
35816 The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
35817 data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
35818 and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
35819 use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
35820 suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
35821 @cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
35822 @cindex size of remote memory accesses
35823 @cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
35824
35825 Reply:
35826 @table @samp
35827 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
35828 Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal number.
35829 The reply may contain fewer addressable memory units than requested if the
35830 server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
35831 @item E @var{NN}
35832 @var{NN} is errno
35833 @end table
35834
35835 @item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
35836 @cindex @samp{M} packet
35837 Write @var{length} addressable memory units starting at address @var{addr}
35838 (@pxref{addressable memory unit}). The data is given by @var{XX@dots{}}; each
35839 byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal number.
35840
35841 Reply:
35842 @table @samp
35843 @item OK
35844 for success
35845 @item E @var{NN}
35846 for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
35847 written).
35848 @end table
35849
35850 @item p @var{n}
35851 @cindex @samp{p} packet
35852 Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
35853 @xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
35854 register value is encoded.
35855
35856 Reply:
35857 @table @samp
35858 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
35859 the register's value
35860 @item E @var{NN}
35861 for an error
35862 @item @w{}
35863 Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
35864 @end table
35865
35866 @item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
35867 @anchor{write register packet}
35868 @cindex @samp{P} packet
35869 Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
35870 number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
35871 digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
35872
35873 Reply:
35874 @table @samp
35875 @item OK
35876 for success
35877 @item E @var{NN}
35878 for an error
35879 @end table
35880
35881 @item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
35882 @itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
35883 @cindex @samp{q} packet
35884 @cindex @samp{Q} packet
35885 General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
35886 described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
35887
35888 @item r
35889 @cindex @samp{r} packet
35890 Reset the entire system.
35891
35892 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
35893
35894 @item R @var{XX}
35895 @cindex @samp{R} packet
35896 Restart the program being debugged. The @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
35897 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
35898
35899 The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
35900
35901 @item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
35902 @cindex @samp{s} packet
35903 Single step, resuming at @var{addr}. If
35904 @var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
35905
35906 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
35907 packet}.
35908
35909 Reply:
35910 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35911
35912 @item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
35913 @anchor{step with signal packet}
35914 @cindex @samp{S} packet
35915 Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
35916 requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
35917
35918 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
35919 packet}.
35920
35921 Reply:
35922 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35923
35924 @item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
35925 @cindex @samp{t} packet
35926 Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
35927 @var{PP} and mask @var{MM}, both of which are are 4 byte long.
35928 There must be at least 3 digits in @var{addr}.
35929
35930 @item T @var{thread-id}
35931 @cindex @samp{T} packet
35932 Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
35933
35934 Reply:
35935 @table @samp
35936 @item OK
35937 thread is still alive
35938 @item E @var{NN}
35939 thread is dead
35940 @end table
35941
35942 @item v
35943 Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
35944 up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
35945
35946 @item vAttach;@var{pid}
35947 @cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
35948 Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
35949 The process ID is a
35950 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
35951 threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
35952 attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
35953
35954 @c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
35955 @c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
35956 @c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
35957 @c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
35958 @c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
35959 @c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
35960 @c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
35961 @c stopping or restarting threads.
35962
35963 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
35964
35965 Reply:
35966 @table @samp
35967 @item E @var{nn}
35968 for an error
35969 @item @r{Any stop packet}
35970 for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
35971 @item OK
35972 for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
35973 @end table
35974
35975 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
35976 @cindex @samp{vCont} packet
35977 @anchor{vCont packet}
35978 Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
35979
35980 For each inferior thread, the leftmost action with a matching
35981 @var{thread-id} is applied. Threads that don't match any action
35982 remain in their current state. Thread IDs are specified using the
35983 syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}. If multiprocess
35984 extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}) are supported, actions
35985 can be specified to match all threads in a process by using the
35986 @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the @var{thread-id}. An action with no
35987 @var{thread-id} matches all threads. Specifying no actions is an
35988 error.
35989
35990 Currently supported actions are:
35991
35992 @table @samp
35993 @item c
35994 Continue.
35995 @item C @var{sig}
35996 Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
35997 @item s
35998 Step.
35999 @item S @var{sig}
36000 Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
36001 @item t
36002 Stop.
36003 @item r @var{start},@var{end}
36004 Step once, and then keep stepping as long as the thread stops at
36005 addresses between @var{start} (inclusive) and @var{end} (exclusive).
36006 The remote stub reports a stop reply when either the thread goes out
36007 of the range or is stopped due to an unrelated reason, such as hitting
36008 a breakpoint. @xref{range stepping}.
36009
36010 If the range is empty (@var{start} == @var{end}), then the action
36011 becomes equivalent to the @samp{s} action. In other words,
36012 single-step once, and report the stop (even if the stepped instruction
36013 jumps to @var{start}).
36014
36015 (A stop reply may be sent at any point even if the PC is still within
36016 the stepping range; for example, it is valid to implement this packet
36017 in a degenerate way as a single instruction step operation.)
36018
36019 @end table
36020
36021 The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
36022 @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
36023 not supported in @samp{vCont}.
36024
36025 The @samp{t} action is only relevant in non-stop mode
36026 (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
36027 A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
36028 When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
36029 the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
36030 signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
36031 as an implementation detail.
36032
36033 The server must ignore @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, @samp{S}, and
36034 @samp{r} actions for threads that are already running. Conversely,
36035 the server must ignore @samp{t} actions for threads that are already
36036 stopped.
36037
36038 @emph{Note:} In non-stop mode, a thread is considered running until
36039 @value{GDBN} acknowleges an asynchronous stop notification for it with
36040 the @samp{vStopped} packet (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}).
36041
36042 The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
36043 multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}).
36044
36045 Reply:
36046 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
36047
36048 @item vCont?
36049 @cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
36050 Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
36051
36052 Reply:
36053 @table @samp
36054 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
36055 The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
36056 command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
36057 @item @w{}
36058 The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
36059 @end table
36060
36061 @anchor{vCtrlC packet}
36062 @item vCtrlC
36063 @cindex @samp{vCtrlC} packet
36064 Interrupt remote target as if a control-C was pressed on the remote
36065 terminal. This is the equivalent to reacting to the @code{^C}
36066 (@samp{\003}, the control-C character) character in all-stop mode
36067 while the target is running, except this works in non-stop mode.
36068 @xref{interrupting remote targets}, for more info on the all-stop
36069 variant.
36070
36071 Reply:
36072 @table @samp
36073 @item E @var{nn}
36074 for an error
36075 @item OK
36076 for success
36077 @end table
36078
36079 @item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
36080 @cindex @samp{vFile} packet
36081 Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
36082 see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
36083
36084 @item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
36085 @cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
36086 Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
36087 @var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
36088 its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
36089 flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
36090 Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
36091 together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
36092 stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
36093 packet is received.
36094
36095 Reply:
36096 @table @samp
36097 @item OK
36098 for success
36099 @item E @var{NN}
36100 for an error
36101 @end table
36102
36103 @item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
36104 @cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
36105 Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
36106 is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
36107 packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
36108 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
36109 not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
36110 (although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
36111 have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
36112 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
36113 neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
36114 target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
36115
36116
36117 Reply:
36118 @table @samp
36119 @item OK
36120 for success
36121 @item E.memtype
36122 for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
36123 @item E @var{NN}
36124 for an error
36125 @end table
36126
36127 @item vFlashDone
36128 @cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
36129 Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
36130 The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
36131 @samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
36132 @samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
36133 regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
36134 request is completed.
36135
36136 @item vKill;@var{pid}
36137 @cindex @samp{vKill} packet
36138 @anchor{vKill packet}
36139 Kill the process with the specified process ID @var{pid}, which is a
36140 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
36141 preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
36142 supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
36143
36144 Reply:
36145 @table @samp
36146 @item E @var{nn}
36147 for an error
36148 @item OK
36149 for success
36150 @end table
36151
36152 @item vMustReplyEmpty
36153 @cindex @samp{vMustReplyEmpty} packet
36154 The correct reply to an unknown @samp{v} packet is to return the empty
36155 string, however, some older versions of @command{gdbserver} would
36156 incorrectly return @samp{OK} for unknown @samp{v} packets.
36157
36158 The @samp{vMustReplyEmpty} is used as a feature test to check how
36159 @command{gdbserver} handles unknown packets, it is important that this
36160 packet be handled in the same way as other unknown @samp{v} packets.
36161 If this packet is handled differently to other unknown @samp{v}
36162 packets then it is possile that @value{GDBN} may run into problems in
36163 other areas, specifically around use of @samp{vFile:setfs:}.
36164
36165 @item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
36166 @cindex @samp{vRun} packet
36167 Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
36168 command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
36169 @var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
36170 (e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
36171 state.
36172
36173 @c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
36174
36175 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
36176
36177 Reply:
36178 @table @samp
36179 @item E @var{nn}
36180 for an error
36181 @item @r{Any stop packet}
36182 for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
36183 @end table
36184
36185 @item vStopped
36186 @cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
36187 @xref{Notification Packets}.
36188
36189 @item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
36190 @anchor{X packet}
36191 @cindex @samp{X} packet
36192 Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
36193 Memory is specified by its address @var{addr} and number of addressable memory
36194 units @var{length} (@pxref{addressable memory unit});
36195 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
36196
36197 Reply:
36198 @table @samp
36199 @item OK
36200 for success
36201 @item E @var{NN}
36202 for an error
36203 @end table
36204
36205 @item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
36206 @itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
36207 @anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
36208 @cindex @samp{z} packet
36209 @cindex @samp{Z} packets
36210 Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
36211 watchpoint starting at address @var{address} of kind @var{kind}.
36212
36213 Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
36214 separately.
36215
36216 @emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
36217 for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
36218 remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
36219 @samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
36220 avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
36221 be implemented in an idempotent way.}
36222
36223 @item z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36224 @itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}@r{[};cmds:@var{persist},@var{cmd_list}@dots{}@r{]}
36225 @cindex @samp{z0} packet
36226 @cindex @samp{Z0} packet
36227 Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a software breakpoint at address
36228 @var{addr} of type @var{kind}.
36229
36230 A software breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
36231 @var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
36232 @var{kind} is target-specific and typically indicates the size of the
36233 breakpoint in bytes that should be inserted. E.g., the @sc{arm} and
36234 @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint. Some
36235 architectures have additional meanings for @var{kind}
36236 (@pxref{Architecture-Specific Protocol Details}); if no
36237 architecture-specific value is being used, it should be @samp{0}.
36238 @var{kind} is hex-encoded. @var{cond_list} is an optional list of
36239 conditional expressions in bytecode form that should be evaluated on
36240 the target's side. These are the conditions that should be taken into
36241 consideration when deciding if the breakpoint trigger should be
36242 reported back to @value{GDBN}.
36243
36244 See also the @samp{swbreak} stop reason (@pxref{swbreak stop reason})
36245 for how to best report a software breakpoint event to @value{GDBN}.
36246
36247 The @var{cond_list} parameter is comprised of a series of expressions,
36248 concatenated without separators. Each expression has the following form:
36249
36250 @table @samp
36251
36252 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
36253 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
36254 actual conditional expression in bytecode form.
36255
36256 @end table
36257
36258 The optional @var{cmd_list} parameter introduces commands that may be
36259 run on the target, rather than being reported back to @value{GDBN}.
36260 The parameter starts with a numeric flag @var{persist}; if the flag is
36261 nonzero, then the breakpoint may remain active and the commands
36262 continue to be run even when @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target.
36263 Following this flag is a series of expressions concatenated with no
36264 separators. Each expression has the following form:
36265
36266 @table @samp
36267
36268 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
36269 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
36270 actual commands expression in bytecode form.
36271
36272 @end table
36273
36274 @emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
36275 code that contains software breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
36276 overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
36277 target, is not defined.}
36278
36279 Reply:
36280 @table @samp
36281 @item OK
36282 success
36283 @item @w{}
36284 not supported
36285 @item E @var{NN}
36286 for an error
36287 @end table
36288
36289 @item z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36290 @itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}@r{[};cmds:@var{persist},@var{cmd_list}@dots{}@r{]}
36291 @cindex @samp{z1} packet
36292 @cindex @samp{Z1} packet
36293 Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
36294 address @var{addr}.
36295
36296 A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
36297 dependent on being able to modify the target's memory. The
36298 @var{kind}, @var{cond_list}, and @var{cmd_list} arguments have the
36299 same meaning as in @samp{Z0} packets.
36300
36301 @emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
36302 movement.}
36303
36304 Reply:
36305 @table @samp
36306 @item OK
36307 success
36308 @item @w{}
36309 not supported
36310 @item E @var{NN}
36311 for an error
36312 @end table
36313
36314 @item z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36315 @itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36316 @cindex @samp{z2} packet
36317 @cindex @samp{Z2} packet
36318 Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint at @var{addr}.
36319 The number of bytes to watch is specified by @var{kind}.
36320
36321 Reply:
36322 @table @samp
36323 @item OK
36324 success
36325 @item @w{}
36326 not supported
36327 @item E @var{NN}
36328 for an error
36329 @end table
36330
36331 @item z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36332 @itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36333 @cindex @samp{z3} packet
36334 @cindex @samp{Z3} packet
36335 Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint at @var{addr}.
36336 The number of bytes to watch is specified by @var{kind}.
36337
36338 Reply:
36339 @table @samp
36340 @item OK
36341 success
36342 @item @w{}
36343 not supported
36344 @item E @var{NN}
36345 for an error
36346 @end table
36347
36348 @item z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36349 @itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36350 @cindex @samp{z4} packet
36351 @cindex @samp{Z4} packet
36352 Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint at @var{addr}.
36353 The number of bytes to watch is specified by @var{kind}.
36354
36355 Reply:
36356 @table @samp
36357 @item OK
36358 success
36359 @item @w{}
36360 not supported
36361 @item E @var{NN}
36362 for an error
36363 @end table
36364
36365 @end table
36366
36367 @node Stop Reply Packets
36368 @section Stop Reply Packets
36369 @cindex stop reply packets
36370
36371 The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
36372 @samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
36373 receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
36374 and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
36375 when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
36376 number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
36377 @value{GDBN} source code.
36378
36379 In non-stop mode, the server will simply reply @samp{OK} to commands
36380 such as @samp{vCont}; any stop will be the subject of a future
36381 notification. @xref{Remote Non-Stop}.
36382
36383 As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
36384 reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
36385 syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
36386 components.
36387
36388 @table @samp
36389
36390 @item S @var{AA}
36391 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
36392 number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
36393 @var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
36394
36395 @item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
36396 @cindex @samp{T} packet reply
36397 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
36398 number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
36399 @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
36400 and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
36401 round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
36402 this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
36403
36404 @itemize @bullet
36405 @item
36406 If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
36407 corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. The data @var{r} is a
36408 series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
36409 two-digit hex number.
36410
36411 @item
36412 If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the @var{thread-id} of
36413 the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
36414
36415 @item
36416 If @var{n} is @samp{core}, then @var{r} is the hexadecimal number of
36417 the core on which the stop event was detected.
36418
36419 @item
36420 If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
36421 specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
36422 reasons are listed below. The @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
36423 signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
36424
36425 @item
36426 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
36427 and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
36428 future.
36429 @end itemize
36430
36431 The currently defined stop reasons are:
36432
36433 @table @samp
36434 @item watch
36435 @itemx rwatch
36436 @itemx awatch
36437 The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
36438 hex.
36439
36440 @item syscall_entry
36441 @itemx syscall_return
36442 The packet indicates a syscall entry or return, and @var{r} is the
36443 syscall number, in hex.
36444
36445 @cindex shared library events, remote reply
36446 @item library
36447 The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
36448 @value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
36449 list of loaded libraries. The @var{r} part is ignored.
36450
36451 @cindex replay log events, remote reply
36452 @item replaylog
36453 The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
36454 logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
36455 beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
36456 will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
36457 for more information.
36458
36459 @item swbreak
36460 @anchor{swbreak stop reason}
36461 The packet indicates a software breakpoint instruction was executed,
36462 irrespective of whether it was @value{GDBN} that planted the
36463 breakpoint or the breakpoint is hardcoded in the program. The @var{r}
36464 part must be left empty.
36465
36466 On some architectures, such as x86, at the architecture level, when a
36467 breakpoint instruction executes the program counter points at the
36468 breakpoint address plus an offset. On such targets, the stub is
36469 responsible for adjusting the PC to point back at the breakpoint
36470 address.
36471
36472 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
36473 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
36474 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
36475 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
36476 indicating support.
36477
36478 This packet is required for correct non-stop mode operation.
36479
36480 @item hwbreak
36481 The packet indicates the target stopped for a hardware breakpoint.
36482 The @var{r} part must be left empty.
36483
36484 The same remarks about @samp{qSupported} and non-stop mode above
36485 apply.
36486
36487 @cindex fork events, remote reply
36488 @item fork
36489 The packet indicates that @code{fork} was called, and @var{r}
36490 is the thread ID of the new child process. Refer to
36491 @ref{thread-id syntax} for the format of the @var{thread-id}
36492 field. This packet is only applicable to targets that support
36493 fork events.
36494
36495 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
36496 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
36497 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
36498 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
36499 indicating support.
36500
36501 @cindex vfork events, remote reply
36502 @item vfork
36503 The packet indicates that @code{vfork} was called, and @var{r}
36504 is the thread ID of the new child process. Refer to
36505 @ref{thread-id syntax} for the format of the @var{thread-id}
36506 field. This packet is only applicable to targets that support
36507 vfork events.
36508
36509 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
36510 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
36511 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
36512 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
36513 indicating support.
36514
36515 @cindex vforkdone events, remote reply
36516 @item vforkdone
36517 The packet indicates that a child process created by a vfork
36518 has either called @code{exec} or terminated, so that the
36519 address spaces of the parent and child process are no longer
36520 shared. The @var{r} part is ignored. This packet is only
36521 applicable to targets that support vforkdone events.
36522
36523 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
36524 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
36525 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
36526 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
36527 indicating support.
36528
36529 @cindex exec events, remote reply
36530 @item exec
36531 The packet indicates that @code{execve} was called, and @var{r}
36532 is the absolute pathname of the file that was executed, in hex.
36533 This packet is only applicable to targets that support exec events.
36534
36535 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
36536 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
36537 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
36538 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
36539 indicating support.
36540
36541 @cindex thread create event, remote reply
36542 @anchor{thread create event}
36543 @item create
36544 The packet indicates that the thread was just created. The new thread
36545 is stopped until @value{GDBN} sets it running with a resumption packet
36546 (@pxref{vCont packet}). This packet should not be sent by default;
36547 @value{GDBN} requests it with the @ref{QThreadEvents} packet. See
36548 also the @samp{w} (@pxref{thread exit event}) remote reply below. The
36549 @var{r} part is ignored.
36550
36551 @end table
36552
36553 @item W @var{AA}
36554 @itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
36555 The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
36556 applicable to certain targets.
36557
36558 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
36559 exited process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
36560 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
36561 extensions}. Both @var{AA} and @var{pid} are formatted as big-endian
36562 hex strings.
36563
36564 @item X @var{AA}
36565 @itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
36566 The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
36567
36568 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
36569 terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
36570 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
36571 extensions}. Both @var{AA} and @var{pid} are formatted as big-endian
36572 hex strings.
36573
36574 @anchor{thread exit event}
36575 @cindex thread exit event, remote reply
36576 @item w @var{AA} ; @var{tid}
36577
36578 The thread exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This response
36579 should not be sent by default; @value{GDBN} requests it with the
36580 @ref{QThreadEvents} packet. See also @ref{thread create event} above.
36581 @var{AA} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
36582
36583 @item N
36584 There are no resumed threads left in the target. In other words, even
36585 though the process is alive, the last resumed thread has exited. For
36586 example, say the target process has two threads: thread 1 and thread
36587 2. The client leaves thread 1 stopped, and resumes thread 2, which
36588 subsequently exits. At this point, even though the process is still
36589 alive, and thus no @samp{W} stop reply is sent, no thread is actually
36590 executing either. The @samp{N} stop reply thus informs the client
36591 that it can stop waiting for stop replies. This packet should not be
36592 sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions did not support it.
36593 @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an appropriate
36594 @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The remote stub must
36595 also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature indicating
36596 support.
36597
36598 @item O @var{XX}@dots{}
36599 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
36600 written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
36601 while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
36602 for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
36603
36604 @item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
36605 @var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
36606 be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
36607 correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
36608 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
36609 system calls.
36610
36611 @samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
36612 this very system call.
36613
36614 The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
36615 call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
36616 with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
36617 reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
36618 or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
36619 Protocol Extension}, for more details.
36620
36621 @end table
36622
36623 @node General Query Packets
36624 @section General Query Packets
36625 @cindex remote query requests
36626
36627 Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
36628 packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
36629 query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
36630 sending information to and from the stub.
36631
36632 The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
36633 indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
36634 @value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
36635 definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
36636 conventions:
36637
36638 @itemize @bullet
36639 @item
36640 The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
36641 @item
36642 Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
36643 letter.
36644 @item
36645 The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
36646 lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
36647 the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
36648 foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
36649 @end itemize
36650
36651 The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
36652 parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
36653 separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
36654 full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
36655 in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
36656 with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
36657 packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
36658 for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
36659 are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
36660 existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
36661 packet.}.
36662
36663 Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
36664 has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
36665 explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
36666 templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
36667 @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
36668
36669 Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
36670
36671 @table @samp
36672
36673 @item QAgent:1
36674 @itemx QAgent:0
36675 Turn on or off the agent as a helper to perform some debugging operations
36676 delegated from @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Control Agent}).
36677
36678 @item QAllow:@var{op}:@var{val}@dots{}
36679 @cindex @samp{QAllow} packet
36680 Specify which operations @value{GDBN} expects to request of the
36681 target, as a semicolon-separated list of operation name and value
36682 pairs. Possible values for @var{op} include @samp{WriteReg},
36683 @samp{WriteMem}, @samp{InsertBreak}, @samp{InsertTrace},
36684 @samp{InsertFastTrace}, and @samp{Stop}. @var{val} is either 0,
36685 indicating that @value{GDBN} will not request the operation, or 1,
36686 indicating that it may. (The target can then use this to set up its
36687 own internals optimally, for instance if the debugger never expects to
36688 insert breakpoints, it may not need to install its own trap handler.)
36689
36690 @item qC
36691 @cindex current thread, remote request
36692 @cindex @samp{qC} packet
36693 Return the current thread ID.
36694
36695 Reply:
36696 @table @samp
36697 @item QC @var{thread-id}
36698 Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
36699 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
36700 @item @r{(anything else)}
36701 Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
36702 @end table
36703
36704 @item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
36705 @cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
36706 @cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
36707 @anchor{qCRC packet}
36708 Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory using CRC-32 defined in
36709 IEEE 802.3. The CRC is computed byte at a time, taking the most
36710 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern code
36711 @code{0xffffffff} is used to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC.
36712
36713 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC used in validating separate debug
36714 files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files, , Debugging Information in Separate
36715 Files}). However the algorithm is slightly different. When validating
36716 separate debug files, the CRC is computed taking the @emph{least}
36717 significant bit of each byte first, and the final result is inverted to
36718 detect trailing zeros.
36719
36720 Reply:
36721 @table @samp
36722 @item E @var{NN}
36723 An error (such as memory fault)
36724 @item C @var{crc32}
36725 The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
36726 @end table
36727
36728 @item QDisableRandomization:@var{value}
36729 @cindex disable address space randomization, remote request
36730 @cindex @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet
36731 Some target operating systems will randomize the virtual address space
36732 of the inferior process as a security feature, but provide a feature
36733 to disable such randomization, e.g.@: to allow for a more deterministic
36734 debugging experience. On such systems, this packet with a @var{value}
36735 of 1 directs the target to disable address space randomization for
36736 processes subsequently started via @samp{vRun} packets, while a packet
36737 with a @var{value} of 0 tells the target to enable address space
36738 randomization.
36739
36740 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
36741
36742 Reply:
36743 @table @samp
36744 @item OK
36745 The request succeeded.
36746
36747 @item E @var{nn}
36748 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
36749
36750 @item @w{}
36751 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QDisableRandomization} is not supported
36752 by the stub.
36753 @end table
36754
36755 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36756 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36757 This should only be done on targets that actually support disabling
36758 address space randomization.
36759
36760 @item QStartupWithShell:@var{value}
36761 @cindex startup with shell, remote request
36762 @cindex @samp{QStartupWithShell} packet
36763 On UNIX-like targets, it is possible to start the inferior using a
36764 shell program. This is the default behavior on both @value{GDBN} and
36765 @command{gdbserver} (@pxref{set startup-with-shell}). This packet is
36766 used to inform @command{gdbserver} whether it should start the
36767 inferior using a shell or not.
36768
36769 If @var{value} is @samp{0}, @command{gdbserver} will not use a shell
36770 to start the inferior. If @var{value} is @samp{1},
36771 @command{gdbserver} will use a shell to start the inferior. All other
36772 values are considered an error.
36773
36774 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
36775 mode}).
36776
36777 Reply:
36778 @table @samp
36779 @item OK
36780 The request succeeded.
36781
36782 @item E @var{nn}
36783 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
36784 @end table
36785
36786 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36787 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
36788 (@pxref{qSupported}). This should only be done on targets that
36789 actually support starting the inferior using a shell.
36790
36791 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set startup-with-shell}
36792 command; @pxref{set startup-with-shell}.
36793
36794 @item QEnvironmentHexEncoded:@var{hex-value}
36795 @anchor{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}
36796 @cindex set environment variable, remote request
36797 @cindex @samp{QEnvironmentHexEncoded} packet
36798 On UNIX-like targets, it is possible to set environment variables that
36799 will be passed to the inferior during the startup process. This
36800 packet is used to inform @command{gdbserver} of an environment
36801 variable that has been defined by the user on @value{GDBN} (@pxref{set
36802 environment}).
36803
36804 The packet is composed by @var{hex-value}, an hex encoded
36805 representation of the @var{name=value} format representing an
36806 environment variable. The name of the environment variable is
36807 represented by @var{name}, and the value to be assigned to the
36808 environment variable is represented by @var{value}. If the variable
36809 has no value (i.e., the value is @code{null}), then @var{value} will
36810 not be present.
36811
36812 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
36813 mode}).
36814
36815 Reply:
36816 @table @samp
36817 @item OK
36818 The request succeeded.
36819 @end table
36820
36821 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36822 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
36823 (@pxref{qSupported}). This should only be done on targets that
36824 actually support passing environment variables to the starting
36825 inferior.
36826
36827 This packet is related to the @code{set environment} command;
36828 @pxref{set environment}.
36829
36830 @item QEnvironmentUnset:@var{hex-value}
36831 @anchor{QEnvironmentUnset}
36832 @cindex unset environment variable, remote request
36833 @cindex @samp{QEnvironmentUnset} packet
36834 On UNIX-like targets, it is possible to unset environment variables
36835 before starting the inferior in the remote target. This packet is
36836 used to inform @command{gdbserver} of an environment variable that has
36837 been unset by the user on @value{GDBN} (@pxref{unset environment}).
36838
36839 The packet is composed by @var{hex-value}, an hex encoded
36840 representation of the name of the environment variable to be unset.
36841
36842 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
36843 mode}).
36844
36845 Reply:
36846 @table @samp
36847 @item OK
36848 The request succeeded.
36849 @end table
36850
36851 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36852 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
36853 (@pxref{qSupported}). This should only be done on targets that
36854 actually support passing environment variables to the starting
36855 inferior.
36856
36857 This packet is related to the @code{unset environment} command;
36858 @pxref{unset environment}.
36859
36860 @item QEnvironmentReset
36861 @anchor{QEnvironmentReset}
36862 @cindex reset environment, remote request
36863 @cindex @samp{QEnvironmentReset} packet
36864 On UNIX-like targets, this packet is used to reset the state of
36865 environment variables in the remote target before starting the
36866 inferior. In this context, reset means unsetting all environment
36867 variables that were previously set by the user (i.e., were not
36868 initially present in the environment). It is sent to
36869 @command{gdbserver} before the @samp{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}
36870 (@pxref{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}) and the @samp{QEnvironmentUnset}
36871 (@pxref{QEnvironmentUnset}) packets.
36872
36873 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
36874 mode}).
36875
36876 Reply:
36877 @table @samp
36878 @item OK
36879 The request succeeded.
36880 @end table
36881
36882 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36883 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
36884 (@pxref{qSupported}). This should only be done on targets that
36885 actually support passing environment variables to the starting
36886 inferior.
36887
36888 @item QSetWorkingDir:@r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
36889 @anchor{QSetWorkingDir packet}
36890 @cindex set working directory, remote request
36891 @cindex @samp{QSetWorkingDir} packet
36892 This packet is used to inform the remote server of the intended
36893 current working directory for programs that are going to be executed.
36894
36895 The packet is composed by @var{directory}, an hex encoded
36896 representation of the directory that the remote inferior will use as
36897 its current working directory. If @var{directory} is an empty string,
36898 the remote server should reset the inferior's current working
36899 directory to its original, empty value.
36900
36901 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
36902 mode}).
36903
36904 Reply:
36905 @table @samp
36906 @item OK
36907 The request succeeded.
36908 @end table
36909
36910 @item qfThreadInfo
36911 @itemx qsThreadInfo
36912 @cindex list active threads, remote request
36913 @cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
36914 @cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
36915 Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
36916 may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
36917 works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
36918 obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
36919 be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
36920 sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
36921
36922 NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
36923
36924 Reply:
36925 @table @samp
36926 @item m @var{thread-id}
36927 A single thread ID
36928 @item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
36929 a comma-separated list of thread IDs
36930 @item l
36931 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
36932 @end table
36933
36934 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
36935 more thread IDs, separated by commas.
36936 @value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
36937 ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
36938 with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for @dfn{last}).
36939 Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
36940 fields.
36941
36942 @emph{Note: @value{GDBN} will send the @code{qfThreadInfo} query during the
36943 initial connection with the remote target, and the very first thread ID
36944 mentioned in the reply will be stopped by @value{GDBN} in a subsequent
36945 message. Therefore, the stub should ensure that the first thread ID in
36946 the @code{qfThreadInfo} reply is suitable for being stopped by @value{GDBN}.}
36947
36948 @item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
36949 @cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
36950 @cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
36951 Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
36952 by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
36953
36954 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
36955 thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
36956
36957 @var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
36958 thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
36959 information associated with the variable.)
36960
36961 @var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
36962 load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
36963 a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
36964 object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
36965 Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
36966 differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
36967
36968 Reply:
36969 @table @samp
36970 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
36971 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
36972 local storage requested.
36973
36974 @item E @var{nn}
36975 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
36976
36977 @item @w{}
36978 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
36979 @end table
36980
36981 @item qGetTIBAddr:@var{thread-id}
36982 @cindex get thread information block address
36983 @cindex @samp{qGetTIBAddr} packet
36984 Fetch address of the Windows OS specific Thread Information Block.
36985
36986 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the thread.
36987
36988 Reply:
36989 @table @samp
36990 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
36991 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the linear address of the
36992 thread information block.
36993
36994 @item E @var{nn}
36995 An error occured. This means that either the thread was not found, or the
36996 address could not be retrieved.
36997
36998 @item @w{}
36999 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTIBAddr} is not supported by the stub.
37000 @end table
37001
37002 @item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
37003 Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
37004 digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
37005 subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
37006 number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
37007 (eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
37008 returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
37009
37010 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
37011
37012 Reply:
37013 @table @samp
37014 @item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
37015 Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
37016 returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
37017 and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
37018 digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
37019 is a sequence of thread IDs, @var{threadid} (eight hex
37020 digits), from the target. See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
37021 @end table
37022
37023 @item qOffsets
37024 @cindex section offsets, remote request
37025 @cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
37026 Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
37027 image.
37028
37029 Reply:
37030 @table @samp
37031 @item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
37032 Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
37033 Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
37034 If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
37035 @samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
37036 segments by the supplied offsets.
37037
37038 @emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
37039 @value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
37040 to the @code{Bss} section.}
37041
37042 @item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
37043 Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
37044 contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
37045 @samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
37046 conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
37047 @var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
37048 does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
37049 as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
37050 kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
37051 @end table
37052
37053 @item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
37054 @cindex thread information, remote request
37055 @cindex @samp{qP} packet
37056 Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
37057 encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
37058 (@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
37059
37060 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
37061 (see below).
37062
37063 Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
37064
37065 @item QNonStop:1
37066 @itemx QNonStop:0
37067 @cindex non-stop mode, remote request
37068 @cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
37069 @anchor{QNonStop}
37070 Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
37071 @xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
37072
37073 Reply:
37074 @table @samp
37075 @item OK
37076 The request succeeded.
37077
37078 @item E @var{nn}
37079 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
37080
37081 @item @w{}
37082 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
37083 the stub.
37084 @end table
37085
37086 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37087 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37088 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
37089 @pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
37090
37091 @item QCatchSyscalls:1 @r{[};@var{sysno}@r{]}@dots{}
37092 @itemx QCatchSyscalls:0
37093 @cindex catch syscalls from inferior, remote request
37094 @cindex @samp{QCatchSyscalls} packet
37095 @anchor{QCatchSyscalls}
37096 Enable (@samp{QCatchSyscalls:1}) or disable (@samp{QCatchSyscalls:0})
37097 catching syscalls from the inferior process.
37098
37099 For @samp{QCatchSyscalls:1}, each listed syscall @var{sysno} (encoded
37100 in hex) should be reported to @value{GDBN}. If no syscall @var{sysno}
37101 is listed, every system call should be reported.
37102
37103 Note that if a syscall not in the list is reported, @value{GDBN} will
37104 still filter the event according to its own list from all corresponding
37105 @code{catch syscall} commands. However, it is more efficient to only
37106 report the requested syscalls.
37107
37108 Multiple @samp{QCatchSyscalls:1} packets do not combine; any earlier
37109 @samp{QCatchSyscalls:1} list is completely replaced by the new list.
37110
37111 If the inferior process execs, the state of @samp{QCatchSyscalls} is
37112 kept for the new process too. On targets where exec may affect syscall
37113 numbers, for example with exec between 32 and 64-bit processes, the
37114 client should send a new packet with the new syscall list.
37115
37116 Reply:
37117 @table @samp
37118 @item OK
37119 The request succeeded.
37120
37121 @item E @var{nn}
37122 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
37123
37124 @item @w{}
37125 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QCatchSyscalls} is not supported by
37126 the stub.
37127 @end table
37128
37129 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote catch-syscalls}
37130 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote catch-syscalls}).
37131 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37132 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37133
37134 @item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
37135 @cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
37136 @cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
37137 @anchor{QPassSignals}
37138 Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
37139 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
37140 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
37141 strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
37142 the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
37143 reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
37144 combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
37145 new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
37146 @var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
37147
37148 Reply:
37149 @table @samp
37150 @item OK
37151 The request succeeded.
37152
37153 @item E @var{nn}
37154 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
37155
37156 @item @w{}
37157 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
37158 the stub.
37159 @end table
37160
37161 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
37162 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
37163 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37164 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37165
37166 @item QProgramSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
37167 @cindex signals the inferior may see, remote request
37168 @cindex @samp{QProgramSignals} packet
37169 @anchor{QProgramSignals}
37170 Each listed @var{signal} may be delivered to the inferior process.
37171 Others should be silently discarded.
37172
37173 In some cases, the remote stub may need to decide whether to deliver a
37174 signal to the program or not without @value{GDBN} involvement. One
37175 example of that is while detaching --- the program's threads may have
37176 stopped for signals that haven't yet had a chance of being reported to
37177 @value{GDBN}, and so the remote stub can use the signal list specified
37178 by this packet to know whether to deliver or ignore those pending
37179 signals.
37180
37181 This does not influence whether to deliver a signal as requested by a
37182 resumption packet (@pxref{vCont packet}).
37183
37184 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
37185 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
37186 strictly greater than the previous item. Multiple
37187 @samp{QProgramSignals} packets do not combine; any earlier
37188 @samp{QProgramSignals} list is completely replaced by the new list.
37189
37190 Reply:
37191 @table @samp
37192 @item OK
37193 The request succeeded.
37194
37195 @item E @var{nn}
37196 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
37197
37198 @item @w{}
37199 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QProgramSignals} is not supported
37200 by the stub.
37201 @end table
37202
37203 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote program-signals}
37204 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote program-signals}).
37205 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37206 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37207
37208 @anchor{QThreadEvents}
37209 @item QThreadEvents:1
37210 @itemx QThreadEvents:0
37211 @cindex thread create/exit events, remote request
37212 @cindex @samp{QThreadEvents} packet
37213
37214 Enable (@samp{QThreadEvents:1}) or disable (@samp{QThreadEvents:0})
37215 reporting of thread create and exit events. @xref{thread create
37216 event}, for the reply specifications. For example, this is used in
37217 non-stop mode when @value{GDBN} stops a set of threads and
37218 synchronously waits for the their corresponding stop replies. Without
37219 exit events, if one of the threads exits, @value{GDBN} would hang
37220 forever not knowing that it should no longer expect a stop for that
37221 same thread. @value{GDBN} does not enable this feature unless the
37222 stub reports that it supports it by including @samp{QThreadEvents+} in
37223 its @samp{qSupported} reply.
37224
37225 Reply:
37226 @table @samp
37227 @item OK
37228 The request succeeded.
37229
37230 @item E @var{nn}
37231 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
37232
37233 @item @w{}
37234 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QThreadEvents} is not supported by
37235 the stub.
37236 @end table
37237
37238 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote thread-events}
37239 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote thread-events}).
37240
37241 @item qRcmd,@var{command}
37242 @cindex execute remote command, remote request
37243 @cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
37244 @var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
37245 execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
37246 string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
37247 with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
37248 packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
37249 stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
37250
37251 Reply:
37252 @table @samp
37253 @item OK
37254 A command response with no output.
37255 @item @var{OUTPUT}
37256 A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
37257 @item E @var{NN}
37258 Indicate a badly formed request.
37259 @item @w{}
37260 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
37261 @end table
37262
37263 (Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
37264 command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
37265 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
37266 packets.)
37267
37268 @item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
37269 @cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
37270 @ifnotinfo
37271 @cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
37272 @end ifnotinfo
37273 @cindex @samp{qSearch memory} packet
37274 @anchor{qSearch memory}
37275 Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
37276 Both @var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex;
37277 @var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, also hex encoded.
37278
37279 Reply:
37280 @table @samp
37281 @item 0
37282 The pattern was not found.
37283 @item 1,address
37284 The pattern was found at @var{address}.
37285 @item E @var{NN}
37286 A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
37287 @item @w{}
37288 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
37289 @end table
37290
37291 @item QStartNoAckMode
37292 @cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
37293 @anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
37294 Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
37295 protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
37296
37297 Reply:
37298 @table @samp
37299 @item OK
37300 The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
37301 @value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
37302 but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
37303 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
37304 @item @w{}
37305 An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
37306 @end table
37307
37308 @item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
37309 @cindex supported packets, remote query
37310 @cindex features of the remote protocol
37311 @cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
37312 @anchor{qSupported}
37313 Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
37314 query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
37315 @value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
37316 features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
37317 at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
37318 packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
37319 high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
37320 be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
37321 stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
37322 automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
37323 reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
37324 unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
37325 helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
37326 versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
37327
37328 Reply:
37329 @table @samp
37330 @item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
37331 The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
37332 depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
37333 possible forms).
37334 @item @w{}
37335 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
37336 or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
37337 @end table
37338
37339 The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
37340 @samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
37341 are:
37342
37343 @table @samp
37344 @item @var{name}=@var{value}
37345 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
37346 with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
37347 on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
37348 @item @var{name}+
37349 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
37350 need an associated value.
37351 @item @var{name}-
37352 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
37353 @item @var{name}?
37354 The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
37355 @value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
37356 needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
37357 but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
37358 @end table
37359
37360 Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
37361 supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
37362 request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
37363 state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
37364 a different version of @value{GDBN}.
37365
37366 The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
37367 are defined:
37368
37369 @table @samp
37370 @item multiprocess
37371 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
37372 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
37373 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
37374 including @samp{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
37375 @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
37376
37377 @item xmlRegisters
37378 This feature indicates that @value{GDBN} supports the XML target
37379 description. If the stub sees @samp{xmlRegisters=} with target
37380 specific strings separated by a comma, it will report register
37381 description.
37382
37383 @item qRelocInsn
37384 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the
37385 @samp{qRelocInsn} packet (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
37386 instruction reply packet}).
37387
37388 @item swbreak
37389 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the swbreak stop
37390 reason in stop replies. @xref{swbreak stop reason}, for details.
37391
37392 @item hwbreak
37393 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the hwbreak stop
37394 reason in stop replies. @xref{swbreak stop reason}, for details.
37395
37396 @item fork-events
37397 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports fork event
37398 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
37399 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
37400 including @samp{fork-events+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
37401
37402 @item vfork-events
37403 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports vfork event
37404 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
37405 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
37406 including @samp{vfork-events+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
37407
37408 @item exec-events
37409 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports exec event
37410 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
37411 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
37412 including @samp{exec-events+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
37413
37414 @item vContSupported
37415 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} wants to know the
37416 supported actions in the reply to @samp{vCont?} packet.
37417 @end table
37418
37419 Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
37420 @var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
37421 packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
37422 versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
37423 for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
37424 advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
37425 improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
37426 an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
37427 of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
37428 describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
37429 all the features it supports.
37430
37431 Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
37432 responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
37433
37434 Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
37435 should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
37436 require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
37437 form response.
37438
37439 Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
37440 @samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
37441 in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
37442 stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
37443
37444 Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
37445 mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
37446 architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
37447 about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
37448 stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
37449
37450 These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
37451
37452 @multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
37453 @c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
37454 @c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
37455 @item Feature Name
37456 @tab Value Required
37457 @tab Default
37458 @tab Probe Allowed
37459
37460 @item @samp{PacketSize}
37461 @tab Yes
37462 @tab @samp{-}
37463 @tab No
37464
37465 @item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
37466 @tab No
37467 @tab @samp{-}
37468 @tab Yes
37469
37470 @item @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
37471 @tab No
37472 @tab @samp{-}
37473 @tab Yes
37474
37475 @item @samp{qXfer:btrace-conf:read}
37476 @tab No
37477 @tab @samp{-}
37478 @tab Yes
37479
37480 @item @samp{qXfer:exec-file:read}
37481 @tab No
37482 @tab @samp{-}
37483 @tab Yes
37484
37485 @item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
37486 @tab No
37487 @tab @samp{-}
37488 @tab Yes
37489
37490 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
37491 @tab No
37492 @tab @samp{-}
37493 @tab Yes
37494
37495 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read}
37496 @tab No
37497 @tab @samp{-}
37498 @tab Yes
37499
37500 @item @samp{augmented-libraries-svr4-read}
37501 @tab No
37502 @tab @samp{-}
37503 @tab No
37504
37505 @item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
37506 @tab No
37507 @tab @samp{-}
37508 @tab Yes
37509
37510 @item @samp{qXfer:sdata:read}
37511 @tab No
37512 @tab @samp{-}
37513 @tab Yes
37514
37515 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
37516 @tab No
37517 @tab @samp{-}
37518 @tab Yes
37519
37520 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
37521 @tab No
37522 @tab @samp{-}
37523 @tab Yes
37524
37525 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read}
37526 @tab No
37527 @tab @samp{-}
37528 @tab Yes
37529
37530 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write}
37531 @tab No
37532 @tab @samp{-}
37533 @tab Yes
37534
37535 @item @samp{qXfer:threads:read}
37536 @tab No
37537 @tab @samp{-}
37538 @tab Yes
37539
37540 @item @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
37541 @tab No
37542 @tab @samp{-}
37543 @tab Yes
37544
37545 @item @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
37546 @tab No
37547 @tab @samp{-}
37548 @tab Yes
37549
37550 @item @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
37551 @tab No
37552 @tab @samp{-}
37553 @tab Yes
37554
37555 @item @samp{Qbtrace:off}
37556 @tab Yes
37557 @tab @samp{-}
37558 @tab Yes
37559
37560 @item @samp{Qbtrace:bts}
37561 @tab Yes
37562 @tab @samp{-}
37563 @tab Yes
37564
37565 @item @samp{Qbtrace:pt}
37566 @tab Yes
37567 @tab @samp{-}
37568 @tab Yes
37569
37570 @item @samp{Qbtrace-conf:bts:size}
37571 @tab Yes
37572 @tab @samp{-}
37573 @tab Yes
37574
37575 @item @samp{Qbtrace-conf:pt:size}
37576 @tab Yes
37577 @tab @samp{-}
37578 @tab Yes
37579
37580 @item @samp{QNonStop}
37581 @tab No
37582 @tab @samp{-}
37583 @tab Yes
37584
37585 @item @samp{QCatchSyscalls}
37586 @tab No
37587 @tab @samp{-}
37588 @tab Yes
37589
37590 @item @samp{QPassSignals}
37591 @tab No
37592 @tab @samp{-}
37593 @tab Yes
37594
37595 @item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
37596 @tab No
37597 @tab @samp{-}
37598 @tab Yes
37599
37600 @item @samp{multiprocess}
37601 @tab No
37602 @tab @samp{-}
37603 @tab No
37604
37605 @item @samp{ConditionalBreakpoints}
37606 @tab No
37607 @tab @samp{-}
37608 @tab No
37609
37610 @item @samp{ConditionalTracepoints}
37611 @tab No
37612 @tab @samp{-}
37613 @tab No
37614
37615 @item @samp{ReverseContinue}
37616 @tab No
37617 @tab @samp{-}
37618 @tab No
37619
37620 @item @samp{ReverseStep}
37621 @tab No
37622 @tab @samp{-}
37623 @tab No
37624
37625 @item @samp{TracepointSource}
37626 @tab No
37627 @tab @samp{-}
37628 @tab No
37629
37630 @item @samp{QAgent}
37631 @tab No
37632 @tab @samp{-}
37633 @tab No
37634
37635 @item @samp{QAllow}
37636 @tab No
37637 @tab @samp{-}
37638 @tab No
37639
37640 @item @samp{QDisableRandomization}
37641 @tab No
37642 @tab @samp{-}
37643 @tab No
37644
37645 @item @samp{EnableDisableTracepoints}
37646 @tab No
37647 @tab @samp{-}
37648 @tab No
37649
37650 @item @samp{QTBuffer:size}
37651 @tab No
37652 @tab @samp{-}
37653 @tab No
37654
37655 @item @samp{tracenz}
37656 @tab No
37657 @tab @samp{-}
37658 @tab No
37659
37660 @item @samp{BreakpointCommands}
37661 @tab No
37662 @tab @samp{-}
37663 @tab No
37664
37665 @item @samp{swbreak}
37666 @tab No
37667 @tab @samp{-}
37668 @tab No
37669
37670 @item @samp{hwbreak}
37671 @tab No
37672 @tab @samp{-}
37673 @tab No
37674
37675 @item @samp{fork-events}
37676 @tab No
37677 @tab @samp{-}
37678 @tab No
37679
37680 @item @samp{vfork-events}
37681 @tab No
37682 @tab @samp{-}
37683 @tab No
37684
37685 @item @samp{exec-events}
37686 @tab No
37687 @tab @samp{-}
37688 @tab No
37689
37690 @item @samp{QThreadEvents}
37691 @tab No
37692 @tab @samp{-}
37693 @tab No
37694
37695 @item @samp{no-resumed}
37696 @tab No
37697 @tab @samp{-}
37698 @tab No
37699
37700 @end multitable
37701
37702 These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
37703
37704 @table @samp
37705 @cindex packet size, remote protocol
37706 @item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
37707 The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
37708 length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
37709 transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
37710 data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
37711 There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
37712 stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
37713 byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
37714 @value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
37715
37716 @item qXfer:auxv:read
37717 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
37718 (@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
37719
37720 @item qXfer:btrace:read
37721 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
37722 packet (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}).
37723
37724 @item qXfer:btrace-conf:read
37725 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:btrace-conf:read}
37726 packet (@pxref{qXfer btrace-conf read}).
37727
37728 @item qXfer:exec-file:read
37729 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:exec-file:read} packet
37730 (@pxref{qXfer executable filename read}).
37731
37732 @item qXfer:features:read
37733 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
37734 (@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
37735
37736 @item qXfer:libraries:read
37737 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
37738 (@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
37739
37740 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read
37741 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
37742 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
37743
37744 @item augmented-libraries-svr4-read
37745 The remote stub understands the augmented form of the
37746 @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
37747 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
37748
37749 @item qXfer:memory-map:read
37750 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
37751 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
37752
37753 @item qXfer:sdata:read
37754 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:sdata:read} packet
37755 (@pxref{qXfer sdata read}).
37756
37757 @item qXfer:spu:read
37758 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
37759 (@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
37760
37761 @item qXfer:spu:write
37762 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
37763 (@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
37764
37765 @item qXfer:siginfo:read
37766 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read} packet
37767 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo read}).
37768
37769 @item qXfer:siginfo:write
37770 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write} packet
37771 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo write}).
37772
37773 @item qXfer:threads:read
37774 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
37775 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}).
37776
37777 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read
37778 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
37779 packet (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}).
37780
37781 @item qXfer:uib:read
37782 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
37783 packet (@pxref{qXfer unwind info block}).
37784
37785 @item qXfer:fdpic:read
37786 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
37787 packet (@pxref{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}).
37788
37789 @item QNonStop
37790 The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
37791 (@pxref{QNonStop}).
37792
37793 @item QCatchSyscalls
37794 The remote stub understands the @samp{QCatchSyscalls} packet
37795 (@pxref{QCatchSyscalls}).
37796
37797 @item QPassSignals
37798 The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
37799 (@pxref{QPassSignals}).
37800
37801 @item QStartNoAckMode
37802 The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
37803 prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
37804
37805 @item multiprocess
37806 @anchor{multiprocess extensions}
37807 @cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
37808 The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
37809 protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
37810 thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
37811 add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
37812 replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
37813 syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
37814 debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
37815 multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
37816 indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
37817
37818 @item qXfer:osdata:read
37819 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
37820 ((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
37821
37822 @item ConditionalBreakpoints
37823 The target accepts and implements evaluation of conditional expressions
37824 defined for breakpoints. The target will only report breakpoint triggers
37825 when such conditions are true (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
37826
37827 @item ConditionalTracepoints
37828 The remote stub accepts and implements conditional expressions defined
37829 for tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoint Conditions}).
37830
37831 @item ReverseContinue
37832 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse continue packet
37833 (@pxref{bc}).
37834
37835 @item ReverseStep
37836 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse step packet
37837 (@pxref{bs}).
37838
37839 @item TracepointSource
37840 The remote stub understands the @samp{QTDPsrc} packet that supplies
37841 the source form of tracepoint definitions.
37842
37843 @item QAgent
37844 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAgent} packet.
37845
37846 @item QAllow
37847 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAllow} packet.
37848
37849 @item QDisableRandomization
37850 The remote stub understands the @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet.
37851
37852 @item StaticTracepoint
37853 @cindex static tracepoints, in remote protocol
37854 The remote stub supports static tracepoints.
37855
37856 @item InstallInTrace
37857 @anchor{install tracepoint in tracing}
37858 The remote stub supports installing tracepoint in tracing.
37859
37860 @item EnableDisableTracepoints
37861 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTEnable} (@pxref{QTEnable}) and
37862 @samp{QTDisable} (@pxref{QTDisable}) packets that allow tracepoints
37863 to be enabled and disabled while a trace experiment is running.
37864
37865 @item QTBuffer:size
37866 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTBuffer:size} (@pxref{QTBuffer-size})
37867 packet that allows to change the size of the trace buffer.
37868
37869 @item tracenz
37870 @cindex string tracing, in remote protocol
37871 The remote stub supports the @samp{tracenz} bytecode for collecting strings.
37872 See @ref{Bytecode Descriptions} for details about the bytecode.
37873
37874 @item BreakpointCommands
37875 @cindex breakpoint commands, in remote protocol
37876 The remote stub supports running a breakpoint's command list itself,
37877 rather than reporting the hit to @value{GDBN}.
37878
37879 @item Qbtrace:off
37880 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:off} packet.
37881
37882 @item Qbtrace:bts
37883 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:bts} packet.
37884
37885 @item Qbtrace:pt
37886 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:pt} packet.
37887
37888 @item Qbtrace-conf:bts:size
37889 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace-conf:bts:size} packet.
37890
37891 @item Qbtrace-conf:pt:size
37892 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace-conf:pt:size} packet.
37893
37894 @item swbreak
37895 The remote stub reports the @samp{swbreak} stop reason for memory
37896 breakpoints.
37897
37898 @item hwbreak
37899 The remote stub reports the @samp{hwbreak} stop reason for hardware
37900 breakpoints.
37901
37902 @item fork-events
37903 The remote stub reports the @samp{fork} stop reason for fork events.
37904
37905 @item vfork-events
37906 The remote stub reports the @samp{vfork} stop reason for vfork events
37907 and vforkdone events.
37908
37909 @item exec-events
37910 The remote stub reports the @samp{exec} stop reason for exec events.
37911
37912 @item vContSupported
37913 The remote stub reports the supported actions in the reply to
37914 @samp{vCont?} packet.
37915
37916 @item QThreadEvents
37917 The remote stub understands the @samp{QThreadEvents} packet.
37918
37919 @item no-resumed
37920 The remote stub reports the @samp{N} stop reply.
37921
37922 @end table
37923
37924 @item qSymbol::
37925 @cindex symbol lookup, remote request
37926 @cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
37927 Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
37928 requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
37929
37930 Reply:
37931 @table @samp
37932 @item OK
37933 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
37934 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
37935 The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
37936 @value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
37937 @samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
37938 below.
37939 @end table
37940
37941 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
37942 Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
37943
37944 @var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
37945 target has previously requested.
37946
37947 @var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
37948 @value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
37949 will be empty.
37950
37951 Reply:
37952 @table @samp
37953 @item OK
37954 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
37955 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
37956 The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
37957 encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
37958 (if available), until the target ceases to request them.
37959 @end table
37960
37961 @item qTBuffer
37962 @itemx QTBuffer
37963 @itemx QTDisconnected
37964 @itemx QTDP
37965 @itemx QTDPsrc
37966 @itemx QTDV
37967 @itemx qTfP
37968 @itemx qTfV
37969 @itemx QTFrame
37970 @itemx qTMinFTPILen
37971
37972 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
37973
37974 @item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
37975 @cindex thread attributes info, remote request
37976 @cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
37977 Obtain from the target OS a printable string description of thread
37978 attributes for the thread @var{thread-id}; see @ref{thread-id syntax},
37979 for the forms of @var{thread-id}. This
37980 string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
37981 for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
37982 displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
37983 examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
37984 @samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
37985
37986 Reply:
37987 @table @samp
37988 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
37989 Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
37990 comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
37991 the thread's attributes.
37992 @end table
37993
37994 (Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
37995 the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
37996 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
37997 packets.)
37998
37999 @item QTNotes
38000 @itemx qTP
38001 @itemx QTSave
38002 @itemx qTsP
38003 @itemx qTsV
38004 @itemx QTStart
38005 @itemx QTStop
38006 @itemx QTEnable
38007 @itemx QTDisable
38008 @itemx QTinit
38009 @itemx QTro
38010 @itemx qTStatus
38011 @itemx qTV
38012 @itemx qTfSTM
38013 @itemx qTsSTM
38014 @itemx qTSTMat
38015 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
38016
38017 @item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38018 @cindex read special object, remote request
38019 @cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
38020 @anchor{qXfer read}
38021 Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
38022 identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
38023 starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
38024 encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
38025 additional details about what data to access.
38026
38027 Reply:
38028 @table @samp
38029 @item m @var{data}
38030 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
38031 target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
38032 it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
38033 block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
38034 It is possible for @var{data} to have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
38035 request.
38036
38037 @item l @var{data}
38038 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
38039 There is no more data to be read. It is possible for @var{data} to
38040 have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the request.
38041
38042 @item l
38043 The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
38044 There is no more data to be read.
38045
38046 @item E00
38047 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
38048
38049 @item E @var{nn}
38050 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
38051 The @var{nn} part is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
38052
38053 @item @w{}
38054 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
38055 the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
38056 @end table
38057
38058 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All the
38059 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
38060 formats, listed above.
38061
38062 @table @samp
38063 @item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
38064 @anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
38065 Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
38066 auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
38067
38068 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38069 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38070
38071 @item qXfer:btrace:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38072 @anchor{qXfer btrace read}
38073
38074 Return a description of the current branch trace.
38075 @xref{Branch Trace Format}. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer}
38076 packet may have one of the following values:
38077
38078 @table @code
38079 @item all
38080 Returns all available branch trace.
38081
38082 @item new
38083 Returns all available branch trace if the branch trace changed since
38084 the last read request.
38085
38086 @item delta
38087 Returns the new branch trace since the last read request. Adds a new
38088 block to the end of the trace that begins at zero and ends at the source
38089 location of the first branch in the trace buffer. This extra block is
38090 used to stitch traces together.
38091
38092 If the trace buffer overflowed, returns an error indicating the overflow.
38093 @end table
38094
38095 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it
38096 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38097
38098 @item qXfer:btrace-conf:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
38099 @anchor{qXfer btrace-conf read}
38100
38101 Return a description of the current branch trace configuration.
38102 @xref{Branch Trace Configuration Format}.
38103
38104 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it
38105 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38106
38107 @item qXfer:exec-file:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38108 @anchor{qXfer executable filename read}
38109 Return the full absolute name of the file that was executed to create
38110 a process running on the remote system. The annex specifies the
38111 numeric process ID of the process to query, encoded as a hexadecimal
38112 number. If the annex part is empty the remote stub should return the
38113 filename corresponding to the currently executing process.
38114
38115 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38116 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38117
38118 @item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38119 @anchor{qXfer target description read}
38120 Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
38121 annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
38122 always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
38123
38124 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38125 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38126
38127 @item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38128 @anchor{qXfer library list read}
38129 Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
38130 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
38131 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
38132
38133 Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
38134 not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
38135 the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
38136
38137 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38138 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38139
38140 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38141 @anchor{qXfer svr4 library list read}
38142 Access the target's list of loaded libraries when the target is an SVR4
38143 platform. @xref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets}. The annex part
38144 of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty unless the remote
38145 stub indicated it supports the augmented form of this packet
38146 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
38147 (@pxref{qXfer read}, @ref{qSupported}).
38148
38149 This packet is optional for better performance on SVR4 targets.
38150 @value{GDBN} uses memory read packets to read the SVR4 library list otherwise.
38151
38152 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38153 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38154
38155 If the remote stub indicates it supports the augmented form of this
38156 packet then the annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet may
38157 contain a semicolon-separated list of @samp{@var{name}=@var{value}}
38158 arguments. The currently supported arguments are:
38159
38160 @table @code
38161 @item start=@var{address}
38162 A hexadecimal number specifying the address of the @samp{struct
38163 link_map} to start reading the library list from. If unset or zero
38164 then the first @samp{struct link_map} in the library list will be
38165 chosen as the starting point.
38166
38167 @item prev=@var{address}
38168 A hexadecimal number specifying the address of the @samp{struct
38169 link_map} immediately preceding the @samp{struct link_map}
38170 specified by the @samp{start} argument. If unset or zero then
38171 the remote stub will expect that no @samp{struct link_map}
38172 exists prior to the starting point.
38173
38174 @end table
38175
38176 Arguments that are not understood by the remote stub will be silently
38177 ignored.
38178
38179 @item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
38180 @anchor{qXfer memory map read}
38181 Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
38182 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
38183 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
38184
38185 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38186 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38187
38188 @item qXfer:sdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
38189 @anchor{qXfer sdata read}
38190
38191 Read contents of the extra collected static tracepoint marker
38192 information. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must
38193 be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}). @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint
38194 Action Lists}.
38195
38196 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38197 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
38198 (@pxref{qSupported}).
38199
38200 @item qXfer:siginfo:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
38201 @anchor{qXfer siginfo read}
38202 Read contents of the extra signal information on the target
38203 system. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
38204 empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
38205
38206 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38207 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
38208 (@pxref{qSupported}).
38209
38210 @item qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38211 @anchor{qXfer spu read}
38212 Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
38213 annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
38214 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
38215 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
38216 in that context to be accessed.
38217
38218 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38219 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
38220 (@pxref{qSupported}).
38221
38222 @item qXfer:threads:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
38223 @anchor{qXfer threads read}
38224 Access the list of threads on target. @xref{Thread List Format}. The
38225 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
38226 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
38227
38228 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38229 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38230
38231 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
38232 @anchor{qXfer traceframe info read}
38233
38234 Return a description of the current traceframe's contents.
38235 @xref{Traceframe Info Format}. The annex part of the generic
38236 @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
38237
38238 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38239 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38240
38241 @item qXfer:uib:read:@var{pc}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38242 @anchor{qXfer unwind info block}
38243
38244 Return the unwind information block for @var{pc}. This packet is used
38245 on OpenVMS/ia64 to ask the kernel unwind information.
38246
38247 This packet is not probed by default.
38248
38249 @item qXfer:fdpic:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38250 @anchor{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}
38251 Read contents of @code{loadmap}s on the target system. The
38252 annex, either @samp{exec} or @samp{interp}, specifies which @code{loadmap},
38253 executable @code{loadmap} or interpreter @code{loadmap} to read.
38254
38255 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38256 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38257
38258 @item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
38259 @anchor{qXfer osdata read}
38260 Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
38261 @xref{Operating System Information}.
38262
38263 @end table
38264
38265 @item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
38266 @cindex write data into object, remote request
38267 @anchor{qXfer write}
38268 Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
38269 identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
38270 into the data. The binary-encoded data (@pxref{Binary Data}) to be
38271 written is given by @var{data}@dots{}. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
38272 is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
38273 to access.
38274
38275 Reply:
38276 @table @samp
38277 @item @var{nn}
38278 @var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
38279 This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
38280
38281 @item E00
38282 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
38283
38284 @item E @var{nn}
38285 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
38286 The @var{nn} part is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
38287
38288 @item @w{}
38289 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
38290 recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
38291 @end table
38292
38293 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All the
38294 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
38295 formats, listed above.
38296
38297 @table @samp
38298 @item qXfer:siginfo:write::@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
38299 @anchor{qXfer siginfo write}
38300 Write @var{data} to the extra signal information on the target system.
38301 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
38302 empty (@pxref{qXfer write}).
38303
38304 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38305 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
38306 (@pxref{qSupported}).
38307
38308 @item qXfer:spu:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
38309 @anchor{qXfer spu write}
38310 Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
38311 annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
38312 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
38313 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
38314 in that context to be accessed.
38315
38316 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38317 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38318 @end table
38319
38320 @item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
38321 Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
38322 not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
38323 @var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
38324 must respond with an empty packet.
38325
38326 @item qAttached:@var{pid}
38327 @cindex query attached, remote request
38328 @cindex @samp{qAttached} packet
38329 Return an indication of whether the remote server attached to an
38330 existing process or created a new process. When the multiprocess
38331 protocol extensions are supported (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}),
38332 @var{pid} is an integer in hexadecimal format identifying the target
38333 process. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will omit the @var{pid} field and
38334 the query packet will be simplified as @samp{qAttached}.
38335
38336 This query is used, for example, to know whether the remote process
38337 should be detached or killed when a @value{GDBN} session is ended with
38338 the @code{quit} command.
38339
38340 Reply:
38341 @table @samp
38342 @item 1
38343 The remote server attached to an existing process.
38344 @item 0
38345 The remote server created a new process.
38346 @item E @var{NN}
38347 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
38348 @end table
38349
38350 @item Qbtrace:bts
38351 Enable branch tracing for the current thread using Branch Trace Store.
38352
38353 Reply:
38354 @table @samp
38355 @item OK
38356 Branch tracing has been enabled.
38357 @item E.errtext
38358 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
38359 @end table
38360
38361 @item Qbtrace:pt
38362 Enable branch tracing for the current thread using Intel Processor Trace.
38363
38364 Reply:
38365 @table @samp
38366 @item OK
38367 Branch tracing has been enabled.
38368 @item E.errtext
38369 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
38370 @end table
38371
38372 @item Qbtrace:off
38373 Disable branch tracing for the current thread.
38374
38375 Reply:
38376 @table @samp
38377 @item OK
38378 Branch tracing has been disabled.
38379 @item E.errtext
38380 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
38381 @end table
38382
38383 @item Qbtrace-conf:bts:size=@var{value}
38384 Set the requested ring buffer size for new threads that use the
38385 btrace recording method in bts format.
38386
38387 Reply:
38388 @table @samp
38389 @item OK
38390 The ring buffer size has been set.
38391 @item E.errtext
38392 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
38393 @end table
38394
38395 @item Qbtrace-conf:pt:size=@var{value}
38396 Set the requested ring buffer size for new threads that use the
38397 btrace recording method in pt format.
38398
38399 Reply:
38400 @table @samp
38401 @item OK
38402 The ring buffer size has been set.
38403 @item E.errtext
38404 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
38405 @end table
38406
38407 @end table
38408
38409 @node Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
38410 @section Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
38411
38412 This section describes how the remote protocol is applied to specific
38413 target architectures. Also see @ref{Standard Target Features}, for
38414 details of XML target descriptions for each architecture.
38415
38416 @menu
38417 * ARM-Specific Protocol Details::
38418 * MIPS-Specific Protocol Details::
38419 @end menu
38420
38421 @node ARM-Specific Protocol Details
38422 @subsection @acronym{ARM}-specific Protocol Details
38423
38424 @menu
38425 * ARM Breakpoint Kinds::
38426 @end menu
38427
38428 @node ARM Breakpoint Kinds
38429 @subsubsection @acronym{ARM} Breakpoint Kinds
38430 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{ARM}
38431
38432 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
38433
38434 @table @r
38435
38436 @item 2
38437 16-bit Thumb mode breakpoint.
38438
38439 @item 3
38440 32-bit Thumb mode (Thumb-2) breakpoint.
38441
38442 @item 4
38443 32-bit @acronym{ARM} mode breakpoint.
38444
38445 @end table
38446
38447 @node MIPS-Specific Protocol Details
38448 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}-specific Protocol Details
38449
38450 @menu
38451 * MIPS Register packet Format::
38452 * MIPS Breakpoint Kinds::
38453 @end menu
38454
38455 @node MIPS Register packet Format
38456 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Register Packet Format
38457 @cindex register packet format, @acronym{MIPS}
38458
38459 The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
38460 In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
38461 sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
38462 to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
38463 byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
38464 most-significant -- least-significant.
38465
38466 @table @r
38467
38468 @item MIPS32
38469 All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
38470 32 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
38471 registers; fsr; fir; fp.
38472
38473 @item MIPS64
38474 All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
38475 thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
38476 as @code{MIPS32}.
38477
38478 @end table
38479
38480 @node MIPS Breakpoint Kinds
38481 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Breakpoint Kinds
38482 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{MIPS}
38483
38484 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
38485
38486 @table @r
38487
38488 @item 2
38489 16-bit @acronym{MIPS16} mode breakpoint.
38490
38491 @item 3
38492 16-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
38493
38494 @item 4
38495 32-bit standard @acronym{MIPS} mode breakpoint.
38496
38497 @item 5
38498 32-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
38499
38500 @end table
38501
38502 @node Tracepoint Packets
38503 @section Tracepoint Packets
38504 @cindex tracepoint packets
38505 @cindex packets, tracepoint
38506
38507 Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
38508 tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
38509
38510 @table @samp
38511
38512 @item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}[:F@var{flen}][:X@var{len},@var{bytes}]@r{[}-@r{]}
38513 @cindex @samp{QTDP} packet
38514 Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
38515 is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
38516 the tracepoint is disabled. The @var{step} gives the tracepoint's step
38517 count, and @var{pass} gives its pass count. If an @samp{F} is present,
38518 then the tracepoint is to be a fast tracepoint, and the @var{flen} is
38519 the number of bytes that the target should copy elsewhere to make room
38520 for the tracepoint. If an @samp{X} is present, it introduces a
38521 tracepoint condition, which consists of a hexadecimal length, followed
38522 by a comma and hex-encoded bytes, in a manner similar to action
38523 encodings as described below. If the trailing @samp{-} is present,
38524 further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this tracepoint's
38525 actions.
38526
38527 Replies:
38528 @table @samp
38529 @item OK
38530 The packet was understood and carried out.
38531 @item qRelocInsn
38532 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
38533 @item @w{}
38534 The packet was not recognized.
38535 @end table
38536
38537 @item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
38538 Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. The @var{n} and
38539 @var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
38540 this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
38541 another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
38542 trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
38543 specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
38544
38545 In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
38546 can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
38547 is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
38548 actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
38549 taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
38550 @samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
38551 tracepoint actions.
38552
38553 The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
38554 actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
38555 following forms:
38556
38557 @table @samp
38558
38559 @item R @var{mask}
38560 Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask},
38561 a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
38562 @var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
38563 zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
38564 not fit in a 32-bit word.
38565
38566 @item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
38567 Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
38568 number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
38569 @samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
38570 address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
38571 @var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
38572 values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
38573
38574 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
38575 Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
38576 it directs. The agent expression @var{expr} is as described in
38577 @ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
38578 two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
38579 in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
38580 packet).
38581
38582 @end table
38583
38584 Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
38585 packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
38586 length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
38587 action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
38588 actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
38589 must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
38590 ``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
38591 separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
38592
38593 Replies:
38594 @table @samp
38595 @item OK
38596 The packet was understood and carried out.
38597 @item qRelocInsn
38598 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
38599 @item @w{}
38600 The packet was not recognized.
38601 @end table
38602
38603 @item QTDPsrc:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{type}:@var{start}:@var{slen}:@var{bytes}
38604 @cindex @samp{QTDPsrc} packet
38605 Specify a source string of tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr}.
38606 This is useful to get accurate reproduction of the tracepoints
38607 originally downloaded at the beginning of the trace run. The @var{type}
38608 is the name of the tracepoint part, such as @samp{cond} for the
38609 tracepoint's conditional expression (see below for a list of types), while
38610 @var{bytes} is the string, encoded in hexadecimal.
38611
38612 @var{start} is the offset of the @var{bytes} within the overall source
38613 string, while @var{slen} is the total length of the source string.
38614 This is intended for handling source strings that are longer than will
38615 fit in a single packet.
38616 @c Add detailed example when this info is moved into a dedicated
38617 @c tracepoint descriptions section.
38618
38619 The available string types are @samp{at} for the location,
38620 @samp{cond} for the conditional, and @samp{cmd} for an action command.
38621 @value{GDBN} sends a separate packet for each command in the action
38622 list, in the same order in which the commands are stored in the list.
38623
38624 The target does not need to do anything with source strings except
38625 report them back as part of the replies to the @samp{qTfP}/@samp{qTsP}
38626 query packets.
38627
38628 Although this packet is optional, and @value{GDBN} will only send it
38629 if the target replies with @samp{TracepointSource} @xref{General
38630 Query Packets}, it makes both disconnected tracing and trace files
38631 much easier to use. Otherwise the user must be careful that the
38632 tracepoints in effect while looking at trace frames are identical to
38633 the ones in effect during the trace run; even a small discrepancy
38634 could cause @samp{tdump} not to work, or a particular trace frame not
38635 be found.
38636
38637 @item QTDV:@var{n}:@var{value}:@var{builtin}:@var{name}
38638 @cindex define trace state variable, remote request
38639 @cindex @samp{QTDV} packet
38640 Create a new trace state variable, number @var{n}, with an initial
38641 value of @var{value}, which is a 64-bit signed integer. Both @var{n}
38642 and @var{value} are encoded as hexadecimal values. @value{GDBN} has
38643 the option of not using this packet for initial values of zero; the
38644 target should simply create the trace state variables as they are
38645 mentioned in expressions. The value @var{builtin} should be 1 (one)
38646 if the trace state variable is builtin and 0 (zero) if it is not builtin.
38647 @value{GDBN} only sets @var{builtin} to 1 if a previous @samp{qTfV} or
38648 @samp{qTsV} packet had it set. The contents of @var{name} is the
38649 hex-encoded name (without the leading @samp{$}) of the trace state
38650 variable.
38651
38652 @item QTFrame:@var{n}
38653 @cindex @samp{QTFrame} packet
38654 Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
38655 register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
38656 request packets from @value{GDBN}.
38657
38658 A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
38659 requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
38660 without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
38661 one of the following forms:
38662
38663 @table @samp
38664 @item F @var{f}
38665 The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
38666 @var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
38667 was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
38668
38669 @item T @var{t}
38670 The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
38671 @var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
38672
38673 @end table
38674
38675 @item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
38676 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
38677 currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
38678 @var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
38679
38680 @item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
38681 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
38682 currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
38683 is a hexadecimal number.
38684
38685 @item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
38686 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
38687 currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
38688 and @var{end} (inclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
38689 numbers.
38690
38691 @item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
38692 Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
38693 frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses (exclusive).
38694
38695 @item qTMinFTPILen
38696 @cindex @samp{qTMinFTPILen} packet
38697 This packet requests the minimum length of instruction at which a fast
38698 tracepoint (@pxref{Set Tracepoints}) may be placed. For instance, on
38699 the 32-bit x86 architecture, it is possible to use a 4-byte jump, but
38700 it depends on the target system being able to create trampolines in
38701 the first 64K of memory, which might or might not be possible for that
38702 system. So the reply to this packet will be 4 if it is able to
38703 arrange for that.
38704
38705 Replies:
38706
38707 @table @samp
38708 @item 0
38709 The minimum instruction length is currently unknown.
38710 @item @var{length}
38711 The minimum instruction length is @var{length}, where @var{length}
38712 is a hexadecimal number greater or equal to 1. A reply
38713 of 1 means that a fast tracepoint may be placed on any instruction
38714 regardless of size.
38715 @item E
38716 An error has occurred.
38717 @item @w{}
38718 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the stub.
38719 @end table
38720
38721 @item QTStart
38722 @cindex @samp{QTStart} packet
38723 Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from
38724 tracepoint hits in the trace frame buffer. This packet supports the
38725 @samp{qRelocInsn} reply (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
38726 instruction reply packet}).
38727
38728 @item QTStop
38729 @cindex @samp{QTStop} packet
38730 End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
38731
38732 @item QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
38733 @anchor{QTEnable}
38734 @cindex @samp{QTEnable} packet
38735 Enable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
38736 experiment. If the tracepoint was previously disabled, then collection
38737 of data from it will resume.
38738
38739 @item QTDisable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
38740 @anchor{QTDisable}
38741 @cindex @samp{QTDisable} packet
38742 Disable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
38743 experiment. No more data will be collected from the tracepoint unless
38744 @samp{QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}} is subsequently issued.
38745
38746 @item QTinit
38747 @cindex @samp{QTinit} packet
38748 Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
38749
38750 @item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
38751 @cindex @samp{QTro} packet
38752 Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
38753 will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
38754 if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
38755
38756 @value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
38757 containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
38758 still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
38759 there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
38760
38761 @item QTDisconnected:@var{value}
38762 @cindex @samp{QTDisconnected} packet
38763 Set the choice to what to do with the tracing run when @value{GDBN}
38764 disconnects from the target. A @var{value} of 1 directs the target to
38765 continue the tracing run, while 0 tells the target to stop tracing if
38766 @value{GDBN} is no longer in the picture.
38767
38768 @item qTStatus
38769 @cindex @samp{qTStatus} packet
38770 Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
38771
38772 The reply has the form:
38773
38774 @table @samp
38775
38776 @item T@var{running}@r{[};@var{field}@r{]}@dots{}
38777 @var{running} is a single digit @code{1} if the trace is presently
38778 running, or @code{0} if not. It is followed by semicolon-separated
38779 optional fields that an agent may use to report additional status.
38780
38781 @end table
38782
38783 If the trace is not running, the agent may report any of several
38784 explanations as one of the optional fields:
38785
38786 @table @samp
38787
38788 @item tnotrun:0
38789 No trace has been run yet.
38790
38791 @item tstop[:@var{text}]:0
38792 The trace was stopped by a user-originated stop command. The optional
38793 @var{text} field is a user-supplied string supplied as part of the
38794 stop command (for instance, an explanation of why the trace was
38795 stopped manually). It is hex-encoded.
38796
38797 @item tfull:0
38798 The trace stopped because the trace buffer filled up.
38799
38800 @item tdisconnected:0
38801 The trace stopped because @value{GDBN} disconnected from the target.
38802
38803 @item tpasscount:@var{tpnum}
38804 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} exceeded its pass count.
38805
38806 @item terror:@var{text}:@var{tpnum}
38807 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} had an error. The
38808 string @var{text} is available to describe the nature of the error
38809 (for instance, a divide by zero in the condition expression); it
38810 is hex encoded.
38811
38812 @item tunknown:0
38813 The trace stopped for some other reason.
38814
38815 @end table
38816
38817 Additional optional fields supply statistical and other information.
38818 Although not required, they are extremely useful for users monitoring
38819 the progress of a trace run. If a trace has stopped, and these
38820 numbers are reported, they must reflect the state of the just-stopped
38821 trace.
38822
38823 @table @samp
38824
38825 @item tframes:@var{n}
38826 The number of trace frames in the buffer.
38827
38828 @item tcreated:@var{n}
38829 The total number of trace frames created during the run. This may
38830 be larger than the trace frame count, if the buffer is circular.
38831
38832 @item tsize:@var{n}
38833 The total size of the trace buffer, in bytes.
38834
38835 @item tfree:@var{n}
38836 The number of bytes still unused in the buffer.
38837
38838 @item circular:@var{n}
38839 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
38840 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
38841 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
38842 and may fill up.
38843
38844 @item disconn:@var{n}
38845 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
38846 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
38847 that the trace run will stop.
38848
38849 @end table
38850
38851 @item qTP:@var{tp}:@var{addr}
38852 @cindex tracepoint status, remote request
38853 @cindex @samp{qTP} packet
38854 Ask the stub for the current state of tracepoint number @var{tp} at
38855 address @var{addr}.
38856
38857 Replies:
38858 @table @samp
38859 @item V@var{hits}:@var{usage}
38860 The tracepoint has been hit @var{hits} times so far during the trace
38861 run, and accounts for @var{usage} in the trace buffer. Note that
38862 @code{while-stepping} steps are not counted as separate hits, but the
38863 steps' space consumption is added into the usage number.
38864
38865 @end table
38866
38867 @item qTV:@var{var}
38868 @cindex trace state variable value, remote request
38869 @cindex @samp{qTV} packet
38870 Ask the stub for the value of the trace state variable number @var{var}.
38871
38872 Replies:
38873 @table @samp
38874 @item V@var{value}
38875 The value of the variable is @var{value}. This will be the current
38876 value of the variable if the user is examining a running target, or a
38877 saved value if the variable was collected in the trace frame that the
38878 user is looking at. Note that multiple requests may result in
38879 different reply values, such as when requesting values while the
38880 program is running.
38881
38882 @item U
38883 The value of the variable is unknown. This would occur, for example,
38884 if the user is examining a trace frame in which the requested variable
38885 was not collected.
38886 @end table
38887
38888 @item qTfP
38889 @cindex @samp{qTfP} packet
38890 @itemx qTsP
38891 @cindex @samp{qTsP} packet
38892 These packets request data about tracepoints that are being used by
38893 the target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfP} to get the first piece
38894 of data, and multiple @code{qTsP} to get additional pieces. Replies
38895 to these packets generally take the form of the @code{QTDP} packets
38896 that define tracepoints. (FIXME add detailed syntax)
38897
38898 @item qTfV
38899 @cindex @samp{qTfV} packet
38900 @itemx qTsV
38901 @cindex @samp{qTsV} packet
38902 These packets request data about trace state variables that are on the
38903 target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfV} to get the first vari of data,
38904 and multiple @code{qTsV} to get additional variables. Replies to
38905 these packets follow the syntax of the @code{QTDV} packets that define
38906 trace state variables.
38907
38908 @item qTfSTM
38909 @itemx qTsSTM
38910 @anchor{qTfSTM}
38911 @anchor{qTsSTM}
38912 @cindex @samp{qTfSTM} packet
38913 @cindex @samp{qTsSTM} packet
38914 These packets request data about static tracepoint markers that exist
38915 in the target program. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfSTM} to get the
38916 first piece of data, and multiple @code{qTsSTM} to get additional
38917 pieces. Replies to these packets take the following form:
38918
38919 Reply:
38920 @table @samp
38921 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}
38922 A single marker
38923 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra},@var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}@dots{}
38924 a comma-separated list of markers
38925 @item l
38926 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
38927 @item E @var{nn}
38928 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
38929 @item @w{}
38930 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the
38931 stub.
38932 @end table
38933
38934 The @var{address} is encoded in hex;
38935 @var{id} and @var{extra} are strings encoded in hex.
38936
38937 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
38938 more markers, separated by commas. @value{GDBN} will respond to each
38939 reply with a request for more markers (using the @samp{qs} form of the
38940 query), until the target responds with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for
38941 @dfn{last}).
38942
38943 @item qTSTMat:@var{address}
38944 @anchor{qTSTMat}
38945 @cindex @samp{qTSTMat} packet
38946 This packets requests data about static tracepoint markers in the
38947 target program at @var{address}. Replies to this packet follow the
38948 syntax of the @samp{qTfSTM} and @code{qTsSTM} packets that list static
38949 tracepoint markers.
38950
38951 @item QTSave:@var{filename}
38952 @cindex @samp{QTSave} packet
38953 This packet directs the target to save trace data to the file name
38954 @var{filename} in the target's filesystem. The @var{filename} is encoded
38955 as a hex string; the interpretation of the file name (relative vs
38956 absolute, wild cards, etc) is up to the target.
38957
38958 @item qTBuffer:@var{offset},@var{len}
38959 @cindex @samp{qTBuffer} packet
38960 Return up to @var{len} bytes of the current contents of trace buffer,
38961 starting at @var{offset}. The trace buffer is treated as if it were
38962 a contiguous collection of traceframes, as per the trace file format.
38963 The reply consists as many hex-encoded bytes as the target can deliver
38964 in a packet; it is not an error to return fewer than were asked for.
38965 A reply consisting of just @code{l} indicates that no bytes are
38966 available.
38967
38968 @item QTBuffer:circular:@var{value}
38969 This packet directs the target to use a circular trace buffer if
38970 @var{value} is 1, or a linear buffer if the value is 0.
38971
38972 @item QTBuffer:size:@var{size}
38973 @anchor{QTBuffer-size}
38974 @cindex @samp{QTBuffer size} packet
38975 This packet directs the target to make the trace buffer be of size
38976 @var{size} if possible. A value of @code{-1} tells the target to
38977 use whatever size it prefers.
38978
38979 @item QTNotes:@r{[}@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@r{[};@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@dots{}
38980 @cindex @samp{QTNotes} packet
38981 This packet adds optional textual notes to the trace run. Allowable
38982 types include @code{user}, @code{notes}, and @code{tstop}, the
38983 @var{text} fields are arbitrary strings, hex-encoded.
38984
38985 @end table
38986
38987 @subsection Relocate instruction reply packet
38988 When installing fast tracepoints in memory, the target may need to
38989 relocate the instruction currently at the tracepoint address to a
38990 different address in memory. For most instructions, a simple copy is
38991 enough, but, for example, call instructions that implicitly push the
38992 return address on the stack, and relative branches or other
38993 PC-relative instructions require offset adjustment, so that the effect
38994 of executing the instruction at a different address is the same as if
38995 it had executed in the original location.
38996
38997 In response to several of the tracepoint packets, the target may also
38998 respond with a number of intermediate @samp{qRelocInsn} request
38999 packets before the final result packet, to have @value{GDBN} handle
39000 this relocation operation. If a packet supports this mechanism, its
39001 documentation will explicitly say so. See for example the above
39002 descriptions for the @samp{QTStart} and @samp{QTDP} packets. The
39003 format of the request is:
39004
39005 @table @samp
39006 @item qRelocInsn:@var{from};@var{to}
39007
39008 This requests @value{GDBN} to copy instruction at address @var{from}
39009 to address @var{to}, possibly adjusted so that executing the
39010 instruction at @var{to} has the same effect as executing it at
39011 @var{from}. @value{GDBN} writes the adjusted instruction to target
39012 memory starting at @var{to}.
39013 @end table
39014
39015 Replies:
39016 @table @samp
39017 @item qRelocInsn:@var{adjusted_size}
39018 Informs the stub the relocation is complete. The @var{adjusted_size} is
39019 the length in bytes of resulting relocated instruction sequence.
39020 @item E @var{NN}
39021 A badly formed request was detected, or an error was encountered while
39022 relocating the instruction.
39023 @end table
39024
39025 @node Host I/O Packets
39026 @section Host I/O Packets
39027 @cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
39028 @cindex file transfer, remote protocol
39029
39030 The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
39031 operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
39032 used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
39033 filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
39034 layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
39035 Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
39036 protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
39037 Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
39038 target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
39039 Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
39040
39041 The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
39042 its arguments. They have this format:
39043
39044 @table @samp
39045
39046 @item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
39047 @var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
39048 should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
39049 for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
39050 the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
39051 numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
39052 used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
39053 hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
39054 buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
39055
39056 @end table
39057
39058 The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
39059
39060 @table @samp
39061
39062 @item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
39063 @var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
39064 non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
39065 @var{errno} will be included in the result specifying a
39066 value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
39067 operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
39068 binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
39069 normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
39070 documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
39071 @var{attachment}.
39072
39073 @item @w{}
39074 An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
39075
39076 @end table
39077
39078 These are the supported Host I/O operations:
39079
39080 @table @samp
39081 @item vFile:open: @var{filename}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
39082 Open a file at @var{filename} and return a file descriptor for it, or
39083 return -1 if an error occurs. The @var{filename} is a string,
39084 @var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
39085 (@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
39086 of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
39087 @xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
39088
39089 @item vFile:close: @var{fd}
39090 Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
39091 -1 if an error occurs.
39092
39093 @item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
39094 Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
39095 @var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
39096 relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
39097 common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
39098 condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
39099 returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
39100 @var{count} was zero.
39101
39102 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
39103 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
39104 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
39105 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
39106 some characters were escaped.
39107
39108 @item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
39109 Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
39110 to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
39111 file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
39112 separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
39113 packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
39114 which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
39115 error occurred.
39116
39117 @item vFile:fstat: @var{fd}
39118 Get information about the open file corresponding to @var{fd}.
39119 On success the information is returned as a binary attachment
39120 and the return value is the size of this attachment in bytes.
39121 If an error occurs the return value is -1. The format of the
39122 returned binary attachment is as described in @ref{struct stat}.
39123
39124 @item vFile:unlink: @var{filename}
39125 Delete the file at @var{filename} on the target. Return 0,
39126 or -1 if an error occurs. The @var{filename} is a string.
39127
39128 @item vFile:readlink: @var{filename}
39129 Read value of symbolic link @var{filename} on the target. Return
39130 the number of bytes read, or -1 if an error occurs.
39131
39132 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
39133 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
39134 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
39135 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
39136 some characters were escaped.
39137
39138 @item vFile:setfs: @var{pid}
39139 Select the filesystem on which @code{vFile} operations with
39140 @var{filename} arguments will operate. This is required for
39141 @value{GDBN} to be able to access files on remote targets where
39142 the remote stub does not share a common filesystem with the
39143 inferior(s).
39144
39145 If @var{pid} is nonzero, select the filesystem as seen by process
39146 @var{pid}. If @var{pid} is zero, select the filesystem as seen by
39147 the remote stub. Return 0 on success, or -1 if an error occurs.
39148 If @code{vFile:setfs:} indicates success, the selected filesystem
39149 remains selected until the next successful @code{vFile:setfs:}
39150 operation.
39151
39152 @end table
39153
39154 @node Interrupts
39155 @section Interrupts
39156 @cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
39157 @anchor{interrupting remote targets}
39158
39159 In all-stop mode, when a program on the remote target is running,
39160 @value{GDBN} may attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C},
39161 @code{BREAK} or a @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}, control of which
39162 is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{interrupt-sequence}.
39163
39164 The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
39165 mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
39166 currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
39167 interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
39168 @code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
39169
39170 @samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
39171 transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
39172 @code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
39173 the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
39174 transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
39175 and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
39176 (@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
39177 @code{0x03} as part of its packet.
39178
39179 @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g} is also known as Magic SysRq g.
39180 When Linux kernel receives this sequence from serial port,
39181 it stops execution and connects to gdb.
39182
39183 In non-stop mode, because packet resumptions are asynchronous
39184 (@pxref{vCont packet}), @value{GDBN} is always free to send a remote
39185 command to the remote stub, even when the target is running. For that
39186 reason, @value{GDBN} instead sends a regular packet (@pxref{vCtrlC
39187 packet}) with the usual packet framing instead of the single byte
39188 @code{0x03}.
39189
39190 Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
39191 precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
39192 implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
39193 threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
39194 currently-executing threads and processes.
39195 If the stub is successful at interrupting the
39196 running program, it should send one of the stop
39197 reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
39198 of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
39199 for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
39200 Interrupts received while the
39201 program is stopped are queued and the program will be interrupted when
39202 it is resumed next time.
39203
39204 @node Notification Packets
39205 @section Notification Packets
39206 @cindex notification packets
39207 @cindex packets, notification
39208
39209 The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
39210 packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
39211 may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
39212 present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
39213 without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
39214 are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
39215 is not a problem.
39216
39217 A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
39218 @var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
39219 and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
39220 as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
39221 never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
39222 receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
39223 to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
39224
39225 Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
39226 colon characters, followed by a colon character.
39227
39228 Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
39229 notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
39230 timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
39231 not they understand it.
39232
39233 Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
39234 protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
39235 future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
39236 new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
39237 recipients.
39238
39239 (Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
39240 the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
39241 transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
39242 are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
39243 assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
39244
39245 Each notification is comprised of three parts:
39246 @table @samp
39247 @item @var{name}:@var{event}
39248 The notification packet is sent by the side that initiates the
39249 exchange (currently, only the stub does that), with @var{event}
39250 carrying the specific information about the notification, and
39251 @var{name} specifying the name of the notification.
39252 @item @var{ack}
39253 The acknowledge sent by the other side, usually @value{GDBN}, to
39254 acknowledge the exchange and request the event.
39255 @end table
39256
39257 The purpose of an asynchronous notification mechanism is to report to
39258 @value{GDBN} that something interesting happened in the remote stub.
39259
39260 The remote stub may send notification @var{name}:@var{event}
39261 at any time, but @value{GDBN} acknowledges the notification when
39262 appropriate. The notification event is pending before @value{GDBN}
39263 acknowledges. Only one notification at a time may be pending; if
39264 additional events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
39265 previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
39266 synchronous transmission in response to @var{ack} packets from
39267 @value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
39268 the stub is permitted to resend a notification if it believes
39269 @value{GDBN} may not have received it.
39270
39271 Specifically, notifications may appear when @value{GDBN} is not
39272 otherwise reading input from the stub, or when @value{GDBN} is
39273 expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
39274 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
39275 Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
39276 the stub so there is no ambiguity.
39277
39278 After receiving a notification, @value{GDBN} shall acknowledge it by
39279 sending a @var{ack} packet as a regular, synchronous request to the
39280 stub. Such acknowledgment is not required to happen immediately, as
39281 @value{GDBN} is permitted to send other, unrelated packets to the
39282 stub first, which the stub should process normally.
39283
39284 Upon receiving a @var{ack} packet, if the stub has other queued
39285 events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
39286 normal @var{event}. @value{GDBN} shall then send another @var{ack}
39287 packet to solicit further responses; again, it is permitted to send
39288 other, unrelated packets as well which the stub should process
39289 normally.
39290
39291 If the stub receives a @var{ack} packet and there are no additional
39292 @var{event} to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK} response.
39293 At this point, @value{GDBN} has finished processing a notification
39294 and the stub has completed sending any queued events. @value{GDBN}
39295 won't accept any new notifications until the final @samp{OK} is
39296 received . If further notification events occur, the stub shall send
39297 a new notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the notification, and
39298 the process shall be repeated.
39299
39300 The process of asynchronous notification can be illustrated by the
39301 following example:
39302 @smallexample
39303 <- @code{%Stop:T0505:98e7ffbf;04:4ce6ffbf;08:b1b6e54c;thread:p7526.7526;core:0;}
39304 @code{...}
39305 -> @code{vStopped}
39306 <- @code{T0505:68f37db7;04:40f37db7;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7528;core:0;}
39307 -> @code{vStopped}
39308 <- @code{T0505:68e3fdb6;04:40e3fdb6;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7529;core:0;}
39309 -> @code{vStopped}
39310 <- @code{OK}
39311 @end smallexample
39312
39313 The following notifications are defined:
39314 @multitable @columnfractions 0.12 0.12 0.38 0.38
39315
39316 @item Notification
39317 @tab Ack
39318 @tab Event
39319 @tab Description
39320
39321 @item Stop
39322 @tab vStopped
39323 @tab @var{reply}. The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
39324 described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
39325 for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
39326 @value{GDBN}.
39327 @tab Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
39328
39329 @end multitable
39330
39331 @node Remote Non-Stop
39332 @section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
39333
39334 @value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
39335 multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
39336 supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
39337 @samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39338
39339 @value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
39340 establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
39341 does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
39342 must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
39343 all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
39344 probe the target state after a mode change.
39345
39346 In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
39347 would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
39348 asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
39349 inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
39350 in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
39351 mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
39352 when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
39353 of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
39354 affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
39355 to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
39356 threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
39357
39358 In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
39359 follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
39360 sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
39361 sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
39362 it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
39363 stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
39364 subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
39365 using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
39366 asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
39367 If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
39368 or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
39369 @samp{OK}.
39370
39371 If the stub supports non-stop mode, it should also support the
39372 @samp{swbreak} stop reason if software breakpoints are supported, and
39373 the @samp{hwbreak} stop reason if hardware breakpoints are supported
39374 (@pxref{swbreak stop reason}). This is because given the asynchronous
39375 nature of non-stop mode, between the time a thread hits a breakpoint
39376 and the time the event is finally processed by @value{GDBN}, the
39377 breakpoint may have already been removed from the target. Due to
39378 this, @value{GDBN} needs to be able to tell whether a trap stop was
39379 caused by a delayed breakpoint event, which should be ignored, as
39380 opposed to a random trap signal, which should be reported to the user.
39381 Note the @samp{swbreak} feature implies that the target is responsible
39382 for adjusting the PC when a software breakpoint triggers, if
39383 necessary, such as on the x86 architecture.
39384
39385 @node Packet Acknowledgment
39386 @section Packet Acknowledgment
39387
39388 @cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
39389 @cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
39390 By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
39391 the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
39392 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
39393 This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
39394 unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
39395
39396 In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
39397 TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
39398 It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
39399 overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
39400 @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
39401
39402 When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
39403 expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
39404 and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
39405 @ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
39406
39407 If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
39408 no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
39409 by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
39410 @pxref{qSupported}.
39411 If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
39412 disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
39413 (@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
39414 @value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
39415 Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
39416 @value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
39417 response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
39418
39419 Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
39420 between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
39421 it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
39422 connection.
39423 Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
39424 new connection is established,
39425 there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
39426 for the current connection, once disabled.
39427
39428 @node Examples
39429 @section Examples
39430
39431 Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
39432 does not get any direct output:
39433
39434 @smallexample
39435 -> @code{R00}
39436 <- @code{+}
39437 @emph{target restarts}
39438 -> @code{?}
39439 <- @code{+}
39440 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
39441 -> @code{+}
39442 @end smallexample
39443
39444 Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
39445
39446 @smallexample
39447 -> @code{G1445@dots{}}
39448 <- @code{+}
39449 -> @code{s}
39450 <- @code{+}
39451 @emph{time passes}
39452 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
39453 -> @code{+}
39454 -> @code{g}
39455 <- @code{+}
39456 <- @code{1455@dots{}}
39457 -> @code{+}
39458 @end smallexample
39459
39460 @node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
39461 @section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
39462 @cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
39463
39464 @menu
39465 * File-I/O Overview::
39466 * Protocol Basics::
39467 * The F Request Packet::
39468 * The F Reply Packet::
39469 * The Ctrl-C Message::
39470 * Console I/O::
39471 * List of Supported Calls::
39472 * Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
39473 * Constants::
39474 * File-I/O Examples::
39475 @end menu
39476
39477 @node File-I/O Overview
39478 @subsection File-I/O Overview
39479 @cindex file-i/o overview
39480
39481 The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
39482 target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
39483 system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
39484 remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
39485 actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
39486 This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
39487
39488 The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
39489 It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
39490 @value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
39491 translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
39492 protocol representations when data is transmitted.
39493
39494 The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
39495 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
39496 or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
39497 the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
39498 memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
39499 the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
39500 (@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
39501
39502 The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
39503 the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
39504 after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
39505 previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
39506 request from @value{GDBN} is required.
39507
39508 @smallexample
39509 (@value{GDBP}) continue
39510 <- target requests 'system call X'
39511 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
39512 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
39513 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
39514 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
39515 @end smallexample
39516
39517 The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
39518 the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
39519 named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
39520 system are not supported by this protocol.
39521
39522 File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
39523
39524 @node Protocol Basics
39525 @subsection Protocol Basics
39526 @cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
39527
39528 The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
39529 as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
39530 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
39531 the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
39532 of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
39533 This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
39534 to call the appropriate host system call:
39535
39536 @itemize @bullet
39537 @item
39538 A unique identifier for the requested system call.
39539
39540 @item
39541 All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
39542 in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
39543 pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
39544 Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
39545
39546 @end itemize
39547
39548 At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
39549
39550 @itemize @bullet
39551 @item
39552 If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
39553 system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
39554 standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
39555 expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
39556 packet.
39557
39558 @item
39559 @value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
39560 representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
39561
39562 @item
39563 @value{GDBN} calls the system call.
39564
39565 @item
39566 It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
39567
39568 @item
39569 If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
39570 by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
39571 target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
39572 by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
39573 packet.
39574
39575 @end itemize
39576
39577 Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
39578 necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
39579
39580 @itemize @bullet
39581 @item
39582 Return value.
39583
39584 @item
39585 @code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
39586
39587 @item
39588 ``Ctrl-C'' flag.
39589
39590 @end itemize
39591
39592 After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
39593 the latest continue or step action.
39594
39595 @node The F Request Packet
39596 @subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
39597 @cindex file-i/o request packet
39598 @cindex @code{F} request packet
39599
39600 The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
39601
39602 @table @samp
39603 @item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
39604
39605 @var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
39606 This is just the name of the function.
39607
39608 @var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
39609 Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
39610 of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
39611 datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
39612 of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
39613 comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
39614 string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
39615
39616 @end table
39617
39618
39619
39620 @node The F Reply Packet
39621 @subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
39622 @cindex file-i/o reply packet
39623 @cindex @code{F} reply packet
39624
39625 The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
39626
39627 @table @samp
39628
39629 @item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
39630
39631 @var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
39632
39633 @var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
39634 representation.
39635 This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
39636
39637 @var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
39638 case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
39639 The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
39640
39641 @smallexample
39642 F0,0,C
39643 @end smallexample
39644
39645 @noindent
39646 or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
39647
39648 @smallexample
39649 F-1,4,C
39650 @end smallexample
39651
39652 @noindent
39653 assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
39654
39655 @end table
39656
39657
39658 @node The Ctrl-C Message
39659 @subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
39660 @cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
39661
39662 If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
39663 reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
39664 the target should behave as if it had
39665 gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
39666 interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
39667 (as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
39668 packet.
39669
39670 It's important for the target to know in which
39671 state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
39672
39673 @itemize @bullet
39674 @item
39675 The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
39676
39677 @item
39678 The system call on the host has been finished.
39679
39680 @end itemize
39681
39682 These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
39683 returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
39684 call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
39685 on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
39686 system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
39687 as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
39688
39689 @value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
39690 yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
39691 @code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
39692 before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
39693 @value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
39694 The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
39695 or the full action has been completed.
39696
39697 @node Console I/O
39698 @subsection Console I/O
39699 @cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
39700
39701 By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
39702 descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
39703 on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
39704 (@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
39705 by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
39706 0 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
39707 conditions is met:
39708
39709 @itemize @bullet
39710 @item
39711 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
39712 @code{read}
39713 system call is treated as finished.
39714
39715 @item
39716 The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
39717 newline.
39718
39719 @item
39720 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
39721 character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
39722
39723 @end itemize
39724
39725 If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
39726 the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
39727 either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
39728 is stopped at the user's request.
39729
39730
39731 @node List of Supported Calls
39732 @subsection List of Supported Calls
39733 @cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
39734
39735 @menu
39736 * open::
39737 * close::
39738 * read::
39739 * write::
39740 * lseek::
39741 * rename::
39742 * unlink::
39743 * stat/fstat::
39744 * gettimeofday::
39745 * isatty::
39746 * system::
39747 @end menu
39748
39749 @node open
39750 @unnumberedsubsubsec open
39751 @cindex open, file-i/o system call
39752
39753 @table @asis
39754 @item Synopsis:
39755 @smallexample
39756 int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
39757 int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
39758 @end smallexample
39759
39760 @item Request:
39761 @samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
39762
39763 @noindent
39764 @var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
39765
39766 @table @code
39767 @item O_CREAT
39768 If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
39769 rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
39770 are concerned.
39771
39772 @item O_EXCL
39773 When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
39774 an error and open() fails.
39775
39776 @item O_TRUNC
39777 If the file already exists and the open mode allows
39778 writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
39779 truncated to zero length.
39780
39781 @item O_APPEND
39782 The file is opened in append mode.
39783
39784 @item O_RDONLY
39785 The file is opened for reading only.
39786
39787 @item O_WRONLY
39788 The file is opened for writing only.
39789
39790 @item O_RDWR
39791 The file is opened for reading and writing.
39792 @end table
39793
39794 @noindent
39795 Other bits are silently ignored.
39796
39797
39798 @noindent
39799 @var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
39800
39801 @table @code
39802 @item S_IRUSR
39803 User has read permission.
39804
39805 @item S_IWUSR
39806 User has write permission.
39807
39808 @item S_IRGRP
39809 Group has read permission.
39810
39811 @item S_IWGRP
39812 Group has write permission.
39813
39814 @item S_IROTH
39815 Others have read permission.
39816
39817 @item S_IWOTH
39818 Others have write permission.
39819 @end table
39820
39821 @noindent
39822 Other bits are silently ignored.
39823
39824
39825 @item Return value:
39826 @code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
39827 occurred.
39828
39829 @item Errors:
39830
39831 @table @code
39832 @item EEXIST
39833 @var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
39834
39835 @item EISDIR
39836 @var{pathname} refers to a directory.
39837
39838 @item EACCES
39839 The requested access is not allowed.
39840
39841 @item ENAMETOOLONG
39842 @var{pathname} was too long.
39843
39844 @item ENOENT
39845 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
39846
39847 @item ENODEV
39848 @var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
39849
39850 @item EROFS
39851 @var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
39852 write access was requested.
39853
39854 @item EFAULT
39855 @var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
39856
39857 @item ENOSPC
39858 No space on device to create the file.
39859
39860 @item EMFILE
39861 The process already has the maximum number of files open.
39862
39863 @item ENFILE
39864 The limit on the total number of files open on the system
39865 has been reached.
39866
39867 @item EINTR
39868 The call was interrupted by the user.
39869 @end table
39870
39871 @end table
39872
39873 @node close
39874 @unnumberedsubsubsec close
39875 @cindex close, file-i/o system call
39876
39877 @table @asis
39878 @item Synopsis:
39879 @smallexample
39880 int close(int fd);
39881 @end smallexample
39882
39883 @item Request:
39884 @samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
39885
39886 @item Return value:
39887 @code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
39888
39889 @item Errors:
39890
39891 @table @code
39892 @item EBADF
39893 @var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
39894
39895 @item EINTR
39896 The call was interrupted by the user.
39897 @end table
39898
39899 @end table
39900
39901 @node read
39902 @unnumberedsubsubsec read
39903 @cindex read, file-i/o system call
39904
39905 @table @asis
39906 @item Synopsis:
39907 @smallexample
39908 int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
39909 @end smallexample
39910
39911 @item Request:
39912 @samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
39913
39914 @item Return value:
39915 On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
39916 Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
39917 returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
39918
39919 @item Errors:
39920
39921 @table @code
39922 @item EBADF
39923 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
39924 reading.
39925
39926 @item EFAULT
39927 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
39928
39929 @item EINTR
39930 The call was interrupted by the user.
39931 @end table
39932
39933 @end table
39934
39935 @node write
39936 @unnumberedsubsubsec write
39937 @cindex write, file-i/o system call
39938
39939 @table @asis
39940 @item Synopsis:
39941 @smallexample
39942 int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
39943 @end smallexample
39944
39945 @item Request:
39946 @samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
39947
39948 @item Return value:
39949 On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
39950 Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
39951 is returned.
39952
39953 @item Errors:
39954
39955 @table @code
39956 @item EBADF
39957 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
39958 writing.
39959
39960 @item EFAULT
39961 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
39962
39963 @item EFBIG
39964 An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
39965 host-specific maximum file size allowed.
39966
39967 @item ENOSPC
39968 No space on device to write the data.
39969
39970 @item EINTR
39971 The call was interrupted by the user.
39972 @end table
39973
39974 @end table
39975
39976 @node lseek
39977 @unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
39978 @cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
39979
39980 @table @asis
39981 @item Synopsis:
39982 @smallexample
39983 long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
39984 @end smallexample
39985
39986 @item Request:
39987 @samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
39988
39989 @var{flag} is one of:
39990
39991 @table @code
39992 @item SEEK_SET
39993 The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
39994
39995 @item SEEK_CUR
39996 The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
39997 bytes.
39998
39999 @item SEEK_END
40000 The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
40001 bytes.
40002 @end table
40003
40004 @item Return value:
40005 On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
40006 the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
40007 value of -1 is returned.
40008
40009 @item Errors:
40010
40011 @table @code
40012 @item EBADF
40013 @var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
40014
40015 @item ESPIPE
40016 @var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
40017
40018 @item EINVAL
40019 @var{flag} is not a proper value.
40020
40021 @item EINTR
40022 The call was interrupted by the user.
40023 @end table
40024
40025 @end table
40026
40027 @node rename
40028 @unnumberedsubsubsec rename
40029 @cindex rename, file-i/o system call
40030
40031 @table @asis
40032 @item Synopsis:
40033 @smallexample
40034 int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
40035 @end smallexample
40036
40037 @item Request:
40038 @samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
40039
40040 @item Return value:
40041 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
40042
40043 @item Errors:
40044
40045 @table @code
40046 @item EISDIR
40047 @var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
40048 directory.
40049
40050 @item EEXIST
40051 @var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
40052
40053 @item EBUSY
40054 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
40055 process.
40056
40057 @item EINVAL
40058 An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
40059 of itself.
40060
40061 @item ENOTDIR
40062 A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
40063 path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
40064 and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
40065
40066 @item EFAULT
40067 @var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
40068
40069 @item EACCES
40070 No access to the file or the path of the file.
40071
40072 @item ENAMETOOLONG
40073
40074 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
40075
40076 @item ENOENT
40077 A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
40078
40079 @item EROFS
40080 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
40081
40082 @item ENOSPC
40083 The device containing the file has no room for the new
40084 directory entry.
40085
40086 @item EINTR
40087 The call was interrupted by the user.
40088 @end table
40089
40090 @end table
40091
40092 @node unlink
40093 @unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
40094 @cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
40095
40096 @table @asis
40097 @item Synopsis:
40098 @smallexample
40099 int unlink(const char *pathname);
40100 @end smallexample
40101
40102 @item Request:
40103 @samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
40104
40105 @item Return value:
40106 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
40107
40108 @item Errors:
40109
40110 @table @code
40111 @item EACCES
40112 No access to the file or the path of the file.
40113
40114 @item EPERM
40115 The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
40116
40117 @item EBUSY
40118 The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
40119 being used by another process.
40120
40121 @item EFAULT
40122 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
40123
40124 @item ENAMETOOLONG
40125 @var{pathname} was too long.
40126
40127 @item ENOENT
40128 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
40129
40130 @item ENOTDIR
40131 A component of the path is not a directory.
40132
40133 @item EROFS
40134 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
40135
40136 @item EINTR
40137 The call was interrupted by the user.
40138 @end table
40139
40140 @end table
40141
40142 @node stat/fstat
40143 @unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
40144 @cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
40145 @cindex stat, file-i/o system call
40146
40147 @table @asis
40148 @item Synopsis:
40149 @smallexample
40150 int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
40151 int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
40152 @end smallexample
40153
40154 @item Request:
40155 @samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
40156 @samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
40157
40158 @item Return value:
40159 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
40160
40161 @item Errors:
40162
40163 @table @code
40164 @item EBADF
40165 @var{fd} is not a valid open file.
40166
40167 @item ENOENT
40168 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
40169 path is an empty string.
40170
40171 @item ENOTDIR
40172 A component of the path is not a directory.
40173
40174 @item EFAULT
40175 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
40176
40177 @item EACCES
40178 No access to the file or the path of the file.
40179
40180 @item ENAMETOOLONG
40181 @var{pathname} was too long.
40182
40183 @item EINTR
40184 The call was interrupted by the user.
40185 @end table
40186
40187 @end table
40188
40189 @node gettimeofday
40190 @unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
40191 @cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
40192
40193 @table @asis
40194 @item Synopsis:
40195 @smallexample
40196 int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
40197 @end smallexample
40198
40199 @item Request:
40200 @samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
40201
40202 @item Return value:
40203 On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
40204
40205 @item Errors:
40206
40207 @table @code
40208 @item EINVAL
40209 @var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
40210
40211 @item EFAULT
40212 @var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
40213 @end table
40214
40215 @end table
40216
40217 @node isatty
40218 @unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
40219 @cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
40220
40221 @table @asis
40222 @item Synopsis:
40223 @smallexample
40224 int isatty(int fd);
40225 @end smallexample
40226
40227 @item Request:
40228 @samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
40229
40230 @item Return value:
40231 Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
40232
40233 @item Errors:
40234
40235 @table @code
40236 @item EINTR
40237 The call was interrupted by the user.
40238 @end table
40239
40240 @end table
40241
40242 Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
40243 1 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
40244 to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
40245 would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
40246 needed.
40247
40248
40249 @node system
40250 @unnumberedsubsubsec system
40251 @cindex system, file-i/o system call
40252
40253 @table @asis
40254 @item Synopsis:
40255 @smallexample
40256 int system(const char *command);
40257 @end smallexample
40258
40259 @item Request:
40260 @samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
40261
40262 @item Return value:
40263 If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
40264 available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
40265 For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
40266 return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
40267 command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
40268 return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
40269 @file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
40270
40271 @item Errors:
40272
40273 @table @code
40274 @item EINTR
40275 The call was interrupted by the user.
40276 @end table
40277
40278 @end table
40279
40280 @value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
40281 to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
40282 the host is simplified before it's returned
40283 to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
40284 is discarded, and the return value consists
40285 entirely of the exit status of the called command.
40286
40287 Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
40288 by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
40289 @code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
40290
40291 @table @code
40292 @item set remote system-call-allowed
40293 @kindex set remote system-call-allowed
40294 Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
40295 protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
40296
40297 @item show remote system-call-allowed
40298 @kindex show remote system-call-allowed
40299 Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
40300 protocol.
40301 @end table
40302
40303 @node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
40304 @subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
40305 @cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
40306
40307 @menu
40308 * Integral Datatypes::
40309 * Pointer Values::
40310 * Memory Transfer::
40311 * struct stat::
40312 * struct timeval::
40313 @end menu
40314
40315 @node Integral Datatypes
40316 @unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
40317 @cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
40318
40319 The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
40320 @code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
40321 @code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
40322
40323 @code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
40324 implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
40325
40326 @code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
40327
40328 @xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
40329 in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
40330
40331 @code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
40332
40333 All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
40334 structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
40335 byte order.
40336
40337 @node Pointer Values
40338 @unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
40339 @cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
40340
40341 Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
40342 is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
40343 transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
40344 are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
40345
40346 @smallexample
40347 @code{1aaf/12}
40348 @end smallexample
40349
40350 @noindent
40351 which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
40352 The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
40353 the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
40354 at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
40355
40356 @smallexample
40357 @code{123456/d}
40358 @end smallexample
40359
40360 @node Memory Transfer
40361 @unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
40362 @cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
40363
40364 Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
40365 example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
40366 with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
40367 this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
40368 packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
40369 it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
40370 data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
40371
40372
40373 @node struct stat
40374 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
40375 @cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
40376
40377 The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
40378 is defined as follows:
40379
40380 @smallexample
40381 struct stat @{
40382 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
40383 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
40384 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
40385 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
40386 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
40387 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
40388 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
40389 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
40390 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
40391 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
40392 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
40393 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
40394 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
40395 @};
40396 @end smallexample
40397
40398 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
40399 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
40400 structure is of size 64 bytes.
40401
40402 The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
40403 range of values.
40404
40405 @table @code
40406
40407 @item st_dev
40408 A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
40409
40410 @item st_ino
40411 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
40412
40413 @item st_mode
40414 Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
40415 bits have currently no meaning for the target.
40416
40417 @item st_uid
40418 @itemx st_gid
40419 @itemx st_rdev
40420 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
40421
40422 @item st_atime
40423 @itemx st_mtime
40424 @itemx st_ctime
40425 These values have a host and file system dependent
40426 accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
40427 support exact timing values.
40428 @end table
40429
40430 The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
40431 responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
40432 continuing.
40433
40434 Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
40435 representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
40436 get truncated on the target.
40437
40438 @node struct timeval
40439 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
40440 @cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
40441
40442 The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
40443 is defined as follows:
40444
40445 @smallexample
40446 struct timeval @{
40447 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
40448 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
40449 @};
40450 @end smallexample
40451
40452 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
40453 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
40454 structure is of size 8 bytes.
40455
40456 @node Constants
40457 @subsection Constants
40458 @cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
40459
40460 The following values are used for the constants inside of the
40461 protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
40462 values before and after the call as needed.
40463
40464 @menu
40465 * Open Flags::
40466 * mode_t Values::
40467 * Errno Values::
40468 * Lseek Flags::
40469 * Limits::
40470 @end menu
40471
40472 @node Open Flags
40473 @unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
40474 @cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
40475
40476 All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
40477
40478 @smallexample
40479 O_RDONLY 0x0
40480 O_WRONLY 0x1
40481 O_RDWR 0x2
40482 O_APPEND 0x8
40483 O_CREAT 0x200
40484 O_TRUNC 0x400
40485 O_EXCL 0x800
40486 @end smallexample
40487
40488 @node mode_t Values
40489 @unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
40490 @cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
40491
40492 All values are given in octal representation.
40493
40494 @smallexample
40495 S_IFREG 0100000
40496 S_IFDIR 040000
40497 S_IRUSR 0400
40498 S_IWUSR 0200
40499 S_IXUSR 0100
40500 S_IRGRP 040
40501 S_IWGRP 020
40502 S_IXGRP 010
40503 S_IROTH 04
40504 S_IWOTH 02
40505 S_IXOTH 01
40506 @end smallexample
40507
40508 @node Errno Values
40509 @unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
40510 @cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
40511
40512 All values are given in decimal representation.
40513
40514 @smallexample
40515 EPERM 1
40516 ENOENT 2
40517 EINTR 4
40518 EBADF 9
40519 EACCES 13
40520 EFAULT 14
40521 EBUSY 16
40522 EEXIST 17
40523 ENODEV 19
40524 ENOTDIR 20
40525 EISDIR 21
40526 EINVAL 22
40527 ENFILE 23
40528 EMFILE 24
40529 EFBIG 27
40530 ENOSPC 28
40531 ESPIPE 29
40532 EROFS 30
40533 ENAMETOOLONG 91
40534 EUNKNOWN 9999
40535 @end smallexample
40536
40537 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
40538 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
40539
40540 @node Lseek Flags
40541 @unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
40542 @cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
40543
40544 @smallexample
40545 SEEK_SET 0
40546 SEEK_CUR 1
40547 SEEK_END 2
40548 @end smallexample
40549
40550 @node Limits
40551 @unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
40552 @cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
40553
40554 All values are given in decimal representation.
40555
40556 @smallexample
40557 INT_MIN -2147483648
40558 INT_MAX 2147483647
40559 UINT_MAX 4294967295
40560 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
40561 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
40562 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
40563 @end smallexample
40564
40565 @node File-I/O Examples
40566 @subsection File-I/O Examples
40567 @cindex file-i/o examples
40568
40569 Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
40570 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
40571
40572 @smallexample
40573 <- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
40574 @emph{request memory read from target}
40575 -> @code{m1234,6}
40576 <- XXXXXX
40577 @emph{return "6 bytes written"}
40578 -> @code{F6}
40579 @end smallexample
40580
40581 Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
40582 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
40583
40584 @smallexample
40585 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
40586 @emph{request memory write to target}
40587 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
40588 @emph{return "6 bytes read"}
40589 -> @code{F6}
40590 @end smallexample
40591
40592 Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
40593 file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
40594
40595 @smallexample
40596 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
40597 -> @code{F-1,9}
40598 @end smallexample
40599
40600 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
40601 host is called:
40602
40603 @smallexample
40604 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
40605 -> @code{F-1,4,C}
40606 <- @code{T02}
40607 @end smallexample
40608
40609 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
40610 host is called:
40611
40612 @smallexample
40613 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
40614 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
40615 <- @code{T02}
40616 @end smallexample
40617
40618 @node Library List Format
40619 @section Library List Format
40620 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
40621
40622 On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
40623 same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
40624 @value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
40625 operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
40626 platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
40627 @value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
40628 through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
40629 packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
40630 queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
40631 are loaded.
40632
40633 The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
40634 lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
40635 associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
40636 which report where the library was loaded in memory.
40637
40638 For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
40639 library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
40640 dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
40641 should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
40642 section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
40643 depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
40644
40645 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40646 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
40647
40648 A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
40649 offset, looks like this:
40650
40651 @smallexample
40652 <library-list>
40653 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
40654 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
40655 </library>
40656 </library-list>
40657 @end smallexample
40658
40659 Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
40660 allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
40661
40662 @smallexample
40663 <library-list>
40664 <library name="sharedlib.o">
40665 <section address="0x10000000"/>
40666 <section address="0x20000000"/>
40667 <section address="0x30000000"/>
40668 </library>
40669 </library-list>
40670 @end smallexample
40671
40672 The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
40673
40674 @smallexample
40675 <!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
40676 <!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
40677 <!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
40678 <!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
40679 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
40680 <!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
40681 <!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
40682 <!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
40683 <!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
40684 @end smallexample
40685
40686 In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
40687 single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
40688 section for each library.
40689
40690 @node Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
40691 @section Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
40692 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
40693
40694 On SVR4 platforms @value{GDBN} can use the symbol table of a dynamic loader
40695 (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) and normal memory operations to maintain a list of
40696 shared libraries. Still a special library list provided by this packet is
40697 more efficient for the @value{GDBN} remote protocol.
40698
40699 The @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet returns an XML document which lists
40700 loaded libraries and their SVR4 linker parameters. For each library on SVR4
40701 target, the following parameters are reported:
40702
40703 @itemize @minus
40704 @item
40705 @code{name}, the absolute file name from the @code{l_name} field of
40706 @code{struct link_map}.
40707 @item
40708 @code{lm} with address of @code{struct link_map} used for TLS
40709 (Thread Local Storage) access.
40710 @item
40711 @code{l_addr}, the displacement as read from the field @code{l_addr} of
40712 @code{struct link_map}. For prelinked libraries this is not an absolute
40713 memory address. It is a displacement of absolute memory address against
40714 address the file was prelinked to during the library load.
40715 @item
40716 @code{l_ld}, which is memory address of the @code{PT_DYNAMIC} segment
40717 @end itemize
40718
40719 Additionally the single @code{main-lm} attribute specifies address of
40720 @code{struct link_map} used for the main executable. This parameter is used
40721 for TLS access and its presence is optional.
40722
40723 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40724 SVR4 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
40725
40726 A simple memory map, with two loaded libraries (which do not use prelink),
40727 looks like this:
40728
40729 @smallexample
40730 <library-list-svr4 version="1.0" main-lm="0xe4f8f8">
40731 <library name="/lib/ld-linux.so.2" lm="0xe4f51c" l_addr="0xe2d000"
40732 l_ld="0xe4eefc"/>
40733 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6" lm="0xe4fbe8" l_addr="0x154000"
40734 l_ld="0x152350"/>
40735 </library-list-svr>
40736 @end smallexample
40737
40738 The format of an SVR4 library list is described by this DTD:
40739
40740 @smallexample
40741 <!-- library-list-svr4: Root element with versioning -->
40742 <!ELEMENT library-list-svr4 (library)*>
40743 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
40744 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 main-lm CDATA #IMPLIED>
40745 <!ELEMENT library EMPTY>
40746 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
40747 <!ATTLIST library lm CDATA #REQUIRED>
40748 <!ATTLIST library l_addr CDATA #REQUIRED>
40749 <!ATTLIST library l_ld CDATA #REQUIRED>
40750 @end smallexample
40751
40752 @node Memory Map Format
40753 @section Memory Map Format
40754 @cindex memory map format
40755
40756 To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
40757 memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
40758 memory map.
40759
40760 The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
40761 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
40762 lists memory regions.
40763
40764 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40765 memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
40766
40767 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
40768
40769 @smallexample
40770 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40771 <!DOCTYPE memory-map
40772 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
40773 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
40774 <memory-map>
40775 region...
40776 </memory-map>
40777 @end smallexample
40778
40779 Each region can be either:
40780
40781 @itemize
40782
40783 @item
40784 A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
40785 bytes from there:
40786
40787 @smallexample
40788 <memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
40789 @end smallexample
40790
40791
40792 @item
40793 A region of read-only memory:
40794
40795 @smallexample
40796 <memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
40797 @end smallexample
40798
40799
40800 @item
40801 A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
40802 bytes in length:
40803
40804 @smallexample
40805 <memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
40806 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
40807 </memory>
40808 @end smallexample
40809
40810 @end itemize
40811
40812 Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
40813 by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
40814 packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
40815
40816 The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
40817
40818 @smallexample
40819 <!-- ................................................... -->
40820 <!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
40821 <!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
40822 <!-- .................................... .............. -->
40823 <!-- memory-map.dtd -->
40824 <!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
40825 <!ELEMENT memory-map (memory | property)>
40826 <!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
40827 <!ELEMENT memory (property)>
40828 <!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
40829 and its type, or device. -->
40830 <!ATTLIST memory type CDATA #REQUIRED
40831 start CDATA #REQUIRED
40832 length CDATA #REQUIRED
40833 device CDATA #IMPLIED>
40834 <!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
40835 <!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
40836 <!ATTLIST property name CDATA #REQUIRED>
40837 @end smallexample
40838
40839 @node Thread List Format
40840 @section Thread List Format
40841 @cindex thread list format
40842
40843 To efficiently update the list of threads and their attributes,
40844 @value{GDBN} issues the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
40845 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}) and obtains the XML document with
40846 the following structure:
40847
40848 @smallexample
40849 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40850 <threads>
40851 <thread id="id" core="0" name="name">
40852 ... description ...
40853 </thread>
40854 </threads>
40855 @end smallexample
40856
40857 Each @samp{thread} element must have the @samp{id} attribute that
40858 identifies the thread (@pxref{thread-id syntax}). The
40859 @samp{core} attribute, if present, specifies which processor core
40860 the thread was last executing on. The @samp{name} attribute, if
40861 present, specifies the human-readable name of the thread. The content
40862 of the of @samp{thread} element is interpreted as human-readable
40863 auxiliary information. The @samp{handle} attribute, if present,
40864 is a hex encoded representation of the thread handle.
40865
40866
40867 @node Traceframe Info Format
40868 @section Traceframe Info Format
40869 @cindex traceframe info format
40870
40871 To be able to know which objects in the inferior can be examined when
40872 inspecting a tracepoint hit, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of
40873 memory ranges, registers and trace state variables that have been
40874 collected in a traceframe.
40875
40876 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
40877 (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}) packet and is an XML document.
40878
40879 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40880 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
40881
40882 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
40883
40884 @smallexample
40885 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40886 <!DOCTYPE traceframe-info
40887 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
40888 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-traceframe-info.dtd">
40889 <traceframe-info>
40890 block...
40891 </traceframe-info>
40892 @end smallexample
40893
40894 Each traceframe block can be either:
40895
40896 @itemize
40897
40898 @item
40899 A region of collected memory starting at @var{addr} and extending for
40900 @var{length} bytes from there:
40901
40902 @smallexample
40903 <memory start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
40904 @end smallexample
40905
40906 @item
40907 A block indicating trace state variable numbered @var{number} has been
40908 collected:
40909
40910 @smallexample
40911 <tvar id="@var{number}"/>
40912 @end smallexample
40913
40914 @end itemize
40915
40916 The formal DTD for the traceframe info format is given below:
40917
40918 @smallexample
40919 <!ELEMENT traceframe-info (memory | tvar)* >
40920 <!ATTLIST traceframe-info version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
40921
40922 <!ELEMENT memory EMPTY>
40923 <!ATTLIST memory start CDATA #REQUIRED
40924 length CDATA #REQUIRED>
40925 <!ELEMENT tvar>
40926 <!ATTLIST tvar id CDATA #REQUIRED>
40927 @end smallexample
40928
40929 @node Branch Trace Format
40930 @section Branch Trace Format
40931 @cindex branch trace format
40932
40933 In order to display the branch trace of an inferior thread,
40934 @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of branches. This list is
40935 represented as list of sequential code blocks that are connected via
40936 branches. The code in each block has been executed sequentially.
40937
40938 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
40939 (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}) packet and is an XML document.
40940
40941 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40942 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
40943
40944 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
40945
40946 @smallexample
40947 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40948 <!DOCTYPE btrace
40949 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Branch Trace V1.0//EN"
40950 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-btrace.dtd">
40951 <btrace>
40952 block...
40953 </btrace>
40954 @end smallexample
40955
40956 @itemize
40957
40958 @item
40959 A block of sequentially executed instructions starting at @var{begin}
40960 and ending at @var{end}:
40961
40962 @smallexample
40963 <block begin="@var{begin}" end="@var{end}"/>
40964 @end smallexample
40965
40966 @end itemize
40967
40968 The formal DTD for the branch trace format is given below:
40969
40970 @smallexample
40971 <!ELEMENT btrace (block* | pt) >
40972 <!ATTLIST btrace version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
40973
40974 <!ELEMENT block EMPTY>
40975 <!ATTLIST block begin CDATA #REQUIRED
40976 end CDATA #REQUIRED>
40977
40978 <!ELEMENT pt (pt-config?, raw?)>
40979
40980 <!ELEMENT pt-config (cpu?)>
40981
40982 <!ELEMENT cpu EMPTY>
40983 <!ATTLIST cpu vendor CDATA #REQUIRED
40984 family CDATA #REQUIRED
40985 model CDATA #REQUIRED
40986 stepping CDATA #REQUIRED>
40987
40988 <!ELEMENT raw (#PCDATA)>
40989 @end smallexample
40990
40991 @node Branch Trace Configuration Format
40992 @section Branch Trace Configuration Format
40993 @cindex branch trace configuration format
40994
40995 For each inferior thread, @value{GDBN} can obtain the branch trace
40996 configuration using the @samp{qXfer:btrace-conf:read}
40997 (@pxref{qXfer btrace-conf read}) packet.
40998
40999 The configuration describes the branch trace format and configuration
41000 settings for that format. The following information is described:
41001
41002 @table @code
41003 @item bts
41004 This thread uses the @dfn{Branch Trace Store} (@acronym{BTS}) format.
41005 @table @code
41006 @item size
41007 The size of the @acronym{BTS} ring buffer in bytes.
41008 @end table
41009 @item pt
41010 This thread uses the @dfn{Intel Processor Trace} (@acronym{Intel
41011 PT}) format.
41012 @table @code
41013 @item size
41014 The size of the @acronym{Intel PT} ring buffer in bytes.
41015 @end table
41016 @end table
41017
41018 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
41019 branch trace configuration discovery. @xref{Expat}.
41020
41021 The formal DTD for the branch trace configuration format is given below:
41022
41023 @smallexample
41024 <!ELEMENT btrace-conf (bts?, pt?)>
41025 <!ATTLIST btrace-conf version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
41026
41027 <!ELEMENT bts EMPTY>
41028 <!ATTLIST bts size CDATA #IMPLIED>
41029
41030 <!ELEMENT pt EMPTY>
41031 <!ATTLIST pt size CDATA #IMPLIED>
41032 @end smallexample
41033
41034 @include agentexpr.texi
41035
41036 @node Target Descriptions
41037 @appendix Target Descriptions
41038 @cindex target descriptions
41039
41040 One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
41041 is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
41042 architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
41043 a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or @acronym{MIPS}, for example ---
41044 and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
41045 architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
41046 vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
41047
41048 @itemize @bullet
41049 @item
41050 With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
41051 the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
41052 @item
41053 Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
41054 audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
41055 variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
41056 @item
41057 When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
41058 at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
41059 @command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
41060 @end itemize
41061
41062 To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
41063 target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
41064 actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
41065 processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
41066 descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
41067
41068 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
41069 target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
41070
41071 @menu
41072 * Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
41073 * Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
41074 * Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
41075 descriptions.
41076 * Enum Target Types:: How to define enum target types.
41077 * Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
41078 @end menu
41079
41080 @node Retrieving Descriptions
41081 @section Retrieving Descriptions
41082
41083 Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
41084 specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
41085 description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
41086 protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
41087 qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
41088 @samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
41089 XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
41090 Format}.
41091
41092 Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
41093 If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
41094 specify a file are:
41095
41096 @table @code
41097 @cindex set tdesc filename
41098 @item set tdesc filename @var{path}
41099 Read the target description from @var{path}.
41100
41101 @cindex unset tdesc filename
41102 @item unset tdesc filename
41103 Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
41104 will use the description supplied by the current target.
41105
41106 @cindex show tdesc filename
41107 @item show tdesc filename
41108 Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
41109 @end table
41110
41111
41112 @node Target Description Format
41113 @section Target Description Format
41114 @cindex target descriptions, XML format
41115
41116 A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
41117 document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
41118 the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
41119 means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
41120 check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
41121 However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
41122 their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
41123
41124 Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
41125 and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
41126 sets. They can also identify the OS ABI of the remote target.
41127 @value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
41128 target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
41129
41130 Here is a simple target description:
41131
41132 @smallexample
41133 <target version="1.0">
41134 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
41135 </target>
41136 @end smallexample
41137
41138 @noindent
41139 This minimal description only says that the target uses
41140 the x86-64 architecture.
41141
41142 A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
41143 optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
41144 are explained further below.
41145
41146 @smallexample
41147 <?xml version="1.0"?>
41148 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
41149 <target version="1.0">
41150 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
41151 @r{[}@var{osabi}@r{]}
41152 @r{[}@var{compatible}@r{]}
41153 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
41154 </target>
41155 @end smallexample
41156
41157 @noindent
41158 The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
41159 breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
41160 declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
41161 (@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
41162 useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
41163 @samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
41164 including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
41165 revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
41166 the version mismatch.
41167
41168 @subsection Inclusion
41169 @cindex target descriptions, inclusion
41170 @cindex XInclude
41171 @ifnotinfo
41172 @cindex <xi:include>
41173 @end ifnotinfo
41174
41175 It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
41176 several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
41177 share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
41178 divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
41179 the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
41180
41181 @smallexample
41182 <xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
41183 @end smallexample
41184
41185 @noindent
41186 When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
41187 the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
41188 the contents of that document. If the current description was read
41189 using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
41190 @var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
41191 current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
41192 @var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
41193 original description.
41194
41195 @subsection Architecture
41196 @cindex <architecture>
41197
41198 An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
41199
41200 @smallexample
41201 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
41202 @end smallexample
41203
41204 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
41205 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
41206
41207 @subsection OS ABI
41208 @cindex @code{<osabi>}
41209
41210 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
41211 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
41212
41213 An @samp{<osabi>} element has this form:
41214
41215 @smallexample
41216 <osabi>@var{abi-name}</osabi>
41217 @end smallexample
41218
41219 @var{abi-name} is an OS ABI name from the same selection accepted by
41220 @w{@code{set osabi}} (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
41221
41222 @subsection Compatible Architecture
41223 @cindex @code{<compatible>}
41224
41225 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
41226 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
41227
41228 A @samp{<compatible>} element has this form:
41229
41230 @smallexample
41231 <compatible>@var{arch}</compatible>
41232 @end smallexample
41233
41234 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
41235 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
41236
41237 A @samp{<compatible>} element is used to specify that the target
41238 is able to run binaries in some other than the main target architecture
41239 given by the @samp{<architecture>} element. For example, on the
41240 Cell Broadband Engine, the main architecture is @code{powerpc:common}
41241 or @code{powerpc:common64}, but the system is able to run binaries
41242 in the @code{spu} architecture as well. The way to describe this
41243 capability with @samp{<compatible>} is as follows:
41244
41245 @smallexample
41246 <architecture>powerpc:common</architecture>
41247 <compatible>spu</compatible>
41248 @end smallexample
41249
41250 @subsection Features
41251 @cindex <feature>
41252
41253 Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
41254 system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
41255 registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
41256 has this form:
41257
41258 @smallexample
41259 <feature name="@var{name}">
41260 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
41261 @var{reg}@dots{}
41262 </feature>
41263 @end smallexample
41264
41265 @noindent
41266 Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
41267 of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
41268 knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
41269 should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
41270
41271 @subsection Types
41272
41273 Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
41274 interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
41275 but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
41276 Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
41277 Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite
41278 and enum types.
41279
41280 Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
41281 a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
41282 Types must be defined before they are used.
41283
41284 @cindex <vector>
41285 Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
41286 of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
41287 specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
41288 @var{count}:
41289
41290 @smallexample
41291 <vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
41292 @end smallexample
41293
41294 @cindex <union>
41295 If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
41296 with a union type containing the useful representations. The
41297 @samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
41298 each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
41299
41300 @smallexample
41301 <union id="@var{id}">
41302 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
41303 @dots{}
41304 </union>
41305 @end smallexample
41306
41307 @cindex <struct>
41308 @cindex <flags>
41309 If a register's value is composed from several separate values, define
41310 it with either a structure type or a flags type.
41311 A flags type may only contain bitfields.
41312 A structure type may either contain only bitfields or contain no bitfields.
41313 If the value contains only bitfields, its total size in bytes must be
41314 specified.
41315
41316 Non-bitfield values have a @var{name} and @var{type}.
41317
41318 @smallexample
41319 <struct id="@var{id}">
41320 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
41321 @dots{}
41322 </struct>
41323 @end smallexample
41324
41325 Both @var{name} and @var{type} values are required.
41326 No implicit padding is added.
41327
41328 Bitfield values have a @var{name}, @var{start}, @var{end} and @var{type}.
41329
41330 @smallexample
41331 <struct id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
41332 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}" type="@var{type}"/>
41333 @dots{}
41334 </struct>
41335 @end smallexample
41336
41337 @smallexample
41338 <flags id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
41339 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}" type="@var{type}"/>
41340 @dots{}
41341 </flags>
41342 @end smallexample
41343
41344 The @var{name} value is required.
41345 Bitfield values may be named with the empty string, @samp{""},
41346 in which case the field is ``filler'' and its value is not printed.
41347 Not all bits need to be specified, so ``filler'' fields are optional.
41348
41349 The @var{start} and @var{end} values are required, and @var{type}
41350 is optional.
41351 The field's @var{start} must be less than or equal to its @var{end},
41352 and zero represents the least significant bit.
41353
41354 The default value of @var{type} is @code{bool} for single bit fields,
41355 and an unsigned integer otherwise.
41356
41357 Which to choose? Structures or flags?
41358
41359 Registers defined with @samp{flags} have these advantages over
41360 defining them with @samp{struct}:
41361
41362 @itemize @bullet
41363 @item
41364 Arithmetic may be performed on them as if they were integers.
41365 @item
41366 They are printed in a more readable fashion.
41367 @end itemize
41368
41369 Registers defined with @samp{struct} have one advantage over
41370 defining them with @samp{flags}:
41371
41372 @itemize @bullet
41373 @item
41374 One can fetch individual fields like in @samp{C}.
41375
41376 @smallexample
41377 (gdb) print $my_struct_reg.field3
41378 $1 = 42
41379 @end smallexample
41380
41381 @end itemize
41382
41383 @subsection Registers
41384 @cindex <reg>
41385
41386 Each register is represented as an element with this form:
41387
41388 @smallexample
41389 <reg name="@var{name}"
41390 bitsize="@var{size}"
41391 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
41392 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
41393 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
41394 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
41395 @end smallexample
41396
41397 @noindent
41398 The components are as follows:
41399
41400 @table @var
41401
41402 @item name
41403 The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
41404
41405 @item bitsize
41406 The register's size, in bits.
41407
41408 @item regnum
41409 The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
41410 than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
41411 a preceding feature); the first register in the target description
41412 defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
41413 the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
41414 packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
41415 in order of increasing register number.
41416
41417 @item save-restore
41418 Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
41419 calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
41420 @code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
41421 some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
41422 ABI.
41423
41424 @item type
41425 The type of the register. It may be a predefined type, a type
41426 defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
41427 and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
41428 for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
41429 architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
41430 @var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
41431
41432 @item group
41433 The register group to which this register belongs. It must
41434 be either @code{general}, @code{float}, or @code{vector}. If no
41435 @var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register
41436 in @code{info registers}.
41437
41438 @end table
41439
41440 @node Predefined Target Types
41441 @section Predefined Target Types
41442 @cindex target descriptions, predefined types
41443
41444 Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
41445 from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
41446 standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
41447 types. The currently supported types are:
41448
41449 @table @code
41450
41451 @item bool
41452 Boolean type, occupying a single bit.
41453
41454 @item int8
41455 @itemx int16
41456 @itemx int32
41457 @itemx int64
41458 @itemx int128
41459 Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
41460
41461 @item uint8
41462 @itemx uint16
41463 @itemx uint32
41464 @itemx uint64
41465 @itemx uint128
41466 Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
41467
41468 @item code_ptr
41469 @itemx data_ptr
41470 Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
41471 any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
41472 pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
41473 address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
41474 may be marked as data pointers.
41475
41476 @item ieee_single
41477 Single precision IEEE floating point.
41478
41479 @item ieee_double
41480 Double precision IEEE floating point.
41481
41482 @item arm_fpa_ext
41483 The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
41484
41485 @item i387_ext
41486 The 10-byte extended precision format used by x87 registers.
41487
41488 @item i386_eflags
41489 32bit @sc{eflags} register used by x86.
41490
41491 @item i386_mxcsr
41492 32bit @sc{mxcsr} register used by x86.
41493
41494 @end table
41495
41496 @node Enum Target Types
41497 @section Enum Target Types
41498 @cindex target descriptions, enum types
41499
41500 Enum target types are useful in @samp{struct} and @samp{flags}
41501 register descriptions. @xref{Target Description Format}.
41502
41503 Enum types have a name, size and a list of name/value pairs.
41504
41505 @smallexample
41506 <enum id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
41507 <evalue name="@var{name}" value="@var{value}"/>
41508 @dots{}
41509 </enum>
41510 @end smallexample
41511
41512 Enums must be defined before they are used.
41513
41514 @smallexample
41515 <enum id="levels_type" size="4">
41516 <evalue name="low" value="0"/>
41517 <evalue name="high" value="1"/>
41518 </enum>
41519 <flags id="flags_type" size="4">
41520 <field name="X" start="0"/>
41521 <field name="LEVEL" start="1" end="1" type="levels_type"/>
41522 </flags>
41523 <reg name="flags" bitsize="32" type="flags_type"/>
41524 @end smallexample
41525
41526 Given that description, a value of 3 for the @samp{flags} register
41527 would be printed as:
41528
41529 @smallexample
41530 (gdb) info register flags
41531 flags 0x3 [ X LEVEL=high ]
41532 @end smallexample
41533
41534 @node Standard Target Features
41535 @section Standard Target Features
41536 @cindex target descriptions, standard features
41537
41538 A target description must contain either no registers or all the
41539 target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
41540 @value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
41541 the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
41542 default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
41543 described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
41544 can recognize them.
41545
41546 This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
41547 which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
41548 with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
41549 if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
41550 feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
41551 description. You can add additional registers to any of the
41552 standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
41553 they were added to an unrecognized feature.
41554
41555 This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
41556 Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
41557 @value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
41558
41559 Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
41560 company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
41561 architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
41562 containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
41563
41564 The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
41565 of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
41566 registers using the capitalization used in the description.
41567
41568 @menu
41569 * AArch64 Features::
41570 * ARC Features::
41571 * ARM Features::
41572 * i386 Features::
41573 * MicroBlaze Features::
41574 * MIPS Features::
41575 * M68K Features::
41576 * NDS32 Features::
41577 * Nios II Features::
41578 * PowerPC Features::
41579 * S/390 and System z Features::
41580 * Sparc Features::
41581 * TIC6x Features::
41582 @end menu
41583
41584
41585 @node AArch64 Features
41586 @subsection AArch64 Features
41587 @cindex target descriptions, AArch64 features
41588
41589 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.core} feature is required for AArch64
41590 targets. It should contain registers @samp{x0} through @samp{x30},
41591 @samp{sp}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
41592
41593 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.fpu} feature is optional. If present,
41594 it should contain registers @samp{v0} through @samp{v31}, @samp{fpsr},
41595 and @samp{fpcr}.
41596
41597 @node ARC Features
41598 @subsection ARC Features
41599 @cindex target descriptions, ARC Features
41600
41601 ARC processors are highly configurable, so even core registers and their number
41602 are not completely predetermined. In addition flags and PC registers which are
41603 important to @value{GDBN} are not ``core'' registers in ARC. It is required
41604 that one of the core registers features is present.
41605 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.aux-minimal} feature is mandatory.
41606
41607 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core.v2} feature is required for ARC EM and ARC HS
41608 targets with a normal register file. It should contain registers @samp{r0}
41609 through @samp{r25}, @samp{gp}, @samp{fp}, @samp{sp}, @samp{r30}, @samp{blink},
41610 @samp{lp_count} and @samp{pcl}. This feature may contain register @samp{ilink}
41611 and any of extension core registers @samp{r32} through @samp{r59/acch}.
41612 @samp{ilink} and extension core registers are not available to read/write, when
41613 debugging GNU/Linux applications, thus @samp{ilink} is made optional.
41614
41615 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core-reduced.v2} feature is required for ARC EM and
41616 ARC HS targets with a reduced register file. It should contain registers
41617 @samp{r0} through @samp{r3}, @samp{r10} through @samp{r15}, @samp{gp},
41618 @samp{fp}, @samp{sp}, @samp{r30}, @samp{blink}, @samp{lp_count} and @samp{pcl}.
41619 This feature may contain register @samp{ilink} and any of extension core
41620 registers @samp{r32} through @samp{r59/acch}.
41621
41622 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core.arcompact} feature is required for ARCompact
41623 targets with a normal register file. It should contain registers @samp{r0}
41624 through @samp{r25}, @samp{gp}, @samp{fp}, @samp{sp}, @samp{r30}, @samp{blink},
41625 @samp{lp_count} and @samp{pcl}. This feature may contain registers
41626 @samp{ilink1}, @samp{ilink2} and any of extension core registers @samp{r32}
41627 through @samp{r59/acch}. @samp{ilink1} and @samp{ilink2} and extension core
41628 registers are not available when debugging GNU/Linux applications. The only
41629 difference with @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core.v2} feature is in the names of
41630 @samp{ilink1} and @samp{ilink2} registers and that @samp{r30} is mandatory in
41631 ARC v2, but @samp{ilink2} is optional on ARCompact.
41632
41633 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.aux-minimal} feature is required for all ARC
41634 targets. It should contain registers @samp{pc} and @samp{status32}.
41635
41636 @node ARM Features
41637 @subsection ARM Features
41638 @cindex target descriptions, ARM features
41639
41640 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for non-M-profile
41641 ARM targets.
41642 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
41643 @samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
41644
41645 For M-profile targets (e.g. Cortex-M3), the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}
41646 feature is replaced by @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.m-profile}. It should contain
41647 registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp}, @samp{lr}, @samp{pc},
41648 and @samp{xpsr}.
41649
41650 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
41651 should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
41652
41653 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
41654 it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
41655 @samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
41656 @samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
41657
41658 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} feature is optional. If present, it
41659 should contain at least registers @samp{d0} through @samp{d15}. If
41660 they are present, @samp{d16} through @samp{d31} should also be included.
41661 @value{GDBN} will synthesize the single-precision registers from
41662 halves of the double-precision registers.
41663
41664 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.neon} feature is optional. It does not
41665 need to contain registers; it instructs @value{GDBN} to display the
41666 VFP double-precision registers as vectors and to synthesize the
41667 quad-precision registers from pairs of double-precision registers.
41668 If this feature is present, @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} must also
41669 be present and include 32 double-precision registers.
41670
41671 @node i386 Features
41672 @subsection i386 Features
41673 @cindex target descriptions, i386 features
41674
41675 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.core} feature is required for i386/amd64
41676 targets. It should describe the following registers:
41677
41678 @itemize @minus
41679 @item
41680 @samp{eax} through @samp{edi} plus @samp{eip} for i386
41681 @item
41682 @samp{rax} through @samp{r15} plus @samp{rip} for amd64
41683 @item
41684 @samp{eflags}, @samp{cs}, @samp{ss}, @samp{ds}, @samp{es},
41685 @samp{fs}, @samp{gs}
41686 @item
41687 @samp{st0} through @samp{st7}
41688 @item
41689 @samp{fctrl}, @samp{fstat}, @samp{ftag}, @samp{fiseg}, @samp{fioff},
41690 @samp{foseg}, @samp{fooff} and @samp{fop}
41691 @end itemize
41692
41693 The register sets may be different, depending on the target.
41694
41695 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature is optional. It should
41696 describe registers:
41697
41698 @itemize @minus
41699 @item
41700 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm7} for i386
41701 @item
41702 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm15} for amd64
41703 @item
41704 @samp{mxcsr}
41705 @end itemize
41706
41707 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature is optional and requires the
41708 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature. It should
41709 describe the upper 128 bits of @sc{ymm} registers:
41710
41711 @itemize @minus
41712 @item
41713 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm7h} for i386
41714 @item
41715 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm15h} for amd64
41716 @end itemize
41717
41718 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.mpx} is an optional feature representing Intel
41719 Memory Protection Extension (MPX). It should describe the following registers:
41720
41721 @itemize @minus
41722 @item
41723 @samp{bnd0raw} through @samp{bnd3raw} for i386 and amd64.
41724 @item
41725 @samp{bndcfgu} and @samp{bndstatus} for i386 and amd64.
41726 @end itemize
41727
41728 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.linux} feature is optional. It should
41729 describe a single register, @samp{orig_eax}.
41730
41731 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.segments} feature is optional. It should
41732 describe two system registers: @samp{fs_base} and @samp{gs_base}.
41733
41734 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx512} feature is optional and requires the
41735 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature. It should
41736 describe additional @sc{xmm} registers:
41737
41738 @itemize @minus
41739 @item
41740 @samp{xmm16h} through @samp{xmm31h}, only valid for amd64.
41741 @end itemize
41742
41743 It should describe the upper 128 bits of additional @sc{ymm} registers:
41744
41745 @itemize @minus
41746 @item
41747 @samp{ymm16h} through @samp{ymm31h}, only valid for amd64.
41748 @end itemize
41749
41750 It should
41751 describe the upper 256 bits of @sc{zmm} registers:
41752
41753 @itemize @minus
41754 @item
41755 @samp{zmm0h} through @samp{zmm7h} for i386.
41756 @item
41757 @samp{zmm0h} through @samp{zmm15h} for amd64.
41758 @end itemize
41759
41760 It should
41761 describe the additional @sc{zmm} registers:
41762
41763 @itemize @minus
41764 @item
41765 @samp{zmm16h} through @samp{zmm31h}, only valid for amd64.
41766 @end itemize
41767
41768 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.pkeys} feature is optional. It should
41769 describe a single register, @samp{pkru}. It is a 32-bit register
41770 valid for i386 and amd64.
41771
41772 @node MicroBlaze Features
41773 @subsection MicroBlaze Features
41774 @cindex target descriptions, MicroBlaze features
41775
41776 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.microblaze.core} feature is required for MicroBlaze
41777 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
41778 @samp{rpc}, @samp{rmsr}, @samp{rear}, @samp{resr}, @samp{rfsr}, @samp{rbtr},
41779 @samp{rpvr}, @samp{rpvr1} through @samp{rpvr11}, @samp{redr}, @samp{rpid},
41780 @samp{rzpr}, @samp{rtlbx}, @samp{rtlbsx}, @samp{rtlblo}, and @samp{rtlbhi}.
41781
41782 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.microblaze.stack-protect} feature is optional.
41783 If present, it should contain registers @samp{rshr} and @samp{rslr}
41784
41785 @node MIPS Features
41786 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Features
41787 @cindex target descriptions, @acronym{MIPS} features
41788
41789 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for @acronym{MIPS} targets.
41790 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
41791 @samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
41792 on the target.
41793
41794 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
41795 contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
41796 registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41797
41798 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
41799 it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
41800 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
41801 @samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41802
41803 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.dsp} feature is optional. It should
41804 contain registers @samp{hi1} through @samp{hi3}, @samp{lo1} through
41805 @samp{lo3}, and @samp{dspctl}. The @samp{dspctl} register should
41806 be 32-bit and the rest may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41807
41808 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
41809 contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
41810 Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
41811
41812 @node M68K Features
41813 @subsection M68K Features
41814 @cindex target descriptions, M68K features
41815
41816 @table @code
41817 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
41818 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
41819 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
41820 One of those features must be always present.
41821 The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
41822 used. The feature that is present should contain registers
41823 @samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
41824 @samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
41825
41826 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
41827 This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
41828 @samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
41829 @samp{fpiaddr}.
41830 @end table
41831
41832 @node NDS32 Features
41833 @subsection NDS32 Features
41834 @cindex target descriptions, NDS32 features
41835
41836 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.nds32.core} feature is required for NDS32
41837 targets. It should contain at least registers @samp{r0} through
41838 @samp{r10}, @samp{r15}, @samp{fp}, @samp{gp}, @samp{lp}, @samp{sp},
41839 and @samp{pc}.
41840
41841 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.nds32.fpu} feature is optional. If present,
41842 it should contain 64-bit double-precision floating-point registers
41843 @samp{fd0} through @emph{fdN}, which should be @samp{fd3}, @samp{fd7},
41844 @samp{fd15}, or @samp{fd31} based on the FPU configuration implemented.
41845
41846 @emph{Note:} The first sixteen 64-bit double-precision floating-point
41847 registers are overlapped with the thirty-two 32-bit single-precision
41848 floating-point registers. The 32-bit single-precision registers, if
41849 not being listed explicitly, will be synthesized from halves of the
41850 overlapping 64-bit double-precision registers. Listing 32-bit
41851 single-precision registers explicitly is deprecated, and the
41852 support to it could be totally removed some day.
41853
41854 @node Nios II Features
41855 @subsection Nios II Features
41856 @cindex target descriptions, Nios II features
41857
41858 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.nios2.cpu} feature is required for Nios II
41859 targets. It should contain the 32 core registers (@samp{zero},
41860 @samp{at}, @samp{r2} through @samp{r23}, @samp{et} through @samp{ra}),
41861 @samp{pc}, and the 16 control registers (@samp{status} through
41862 @samp{mpuacc}).
41863
41864 @node PowerPC Features
41865 @subsection PowerPC Features
41866 @cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
41867
41868 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
41869 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
41870 @samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
41871 @samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41872
41873 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
41874 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
41875
41876 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
41877 contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
41878 and @samp{vrsave}.
41879
41880 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
41881 contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN}
41882 will combine these registers with the floating point registers
41883 (@samp{f0} through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0}
41884 through @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0}
41885 through @samp{vs63}, the set of vector registers for POWER7.
41886
41887 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
41888 contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
41889 @samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
41890 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
41891 @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
41892 these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
41893 user.
41894
41895 @node S/390 and System z Features
41896 @subsection S/390 and System z Features
41897 @cindex target descriptions, S/390 features
41898 @cindex target descriptions, System z features
41899
41900 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.core} feature is required for S/390 and
41901 System z targets. It should contain the PSW and the 16 general
41902 registers. In particular, System z targets should provide the 64-bit
41903 registers @samp{pswm}, @samp{pswa}, and @samp{r0} through @samp{r15}.
41904 S/390 targets should provide the 32-bit versions of these registers.
41905 A System z target that runs in 31-bit addressing mode should provide
41906 32-bit versions of @samp{pswm} and @samp{pswa}, as well as the general
41907 register's upper halves @samp{r0h} through @samp{r15h}, and their
41908 lower halves @samp{r0l} through @samp{r15l}.
41909
41910 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.fpr} feature is required. It should
41911 contain the 64-bit registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f15}, and
41912 @samp{fpc}.
41913
41914 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.acr} feature is required. It should
41915 contain the 32-bit registers @samp{acr0} through @samp{acr15}.
41916
41917 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.linux} feature is optional. It should
41918 contain the register @samp{orig_r2}, which is 64-bit wide on System z
41919 targets and 32-bit otherwise. In addition, the feature may contain
41920 the @samp{last_break} register, whose width depends on the addressing
41921 mode, as well as the @samp{system_call} register, which is always
41922 32-bit wide.
41923
41924 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.tdb} feature is optional. It should
41925 contain the 64-bit registers @samp{tdb0}, @samp{tac}, @samp{tct},
41926 @samp{atia}, and @samp{tr0} through @samp{tr15}.
41927
41928 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.vx} feature is optional. It should contain
41929 64-bit wide registers @samp{v0l} through @samp{v15l}, which will be
41930 combined by @value{GDBN} with the floating point registers @samp{f0}
41931 through @samp{f15} to present the 128-bit wide vector registers
41932 @samp{v0} through @samp{v15}. In addition, this feature should
41933 contain the 128-bit wide vector registers @samp{v16} through
41934 @samp{v31}.
41935
41936 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.gs} feature is optional. It should contain
41937 the 64-bit wide guarded-storage-control registers @samp{gsd},
41938 @samp{gssm}, and @samp{gsepla}.
41939
41940 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.gsbc} feature is optional. It should contain
41941 the 64-bit wide guarded-storage broadcast control registers
41942 @samp{bc_gsd}, @samp{bc_gssm}, and @samp{bc_gsepla}.
41943
41944 @node Sparc Features
41945 @subsection Sparc Features
41946 @cindex target descriptions, sparc32 features
41947 @cindex target descriptions, sparc64 features
41948 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.sparc.cpu} feature is required for sparc32/sparc64
41949 targets. It should describe the following registers:
41950
41951 @itemize @minus
41952 @item
41953 @samp{g0} through @samp{g7}
41954 @item
41955 @samp{o0} through @samp{o7}
41956 @item
41957 @samp{l0} through @samp{l7}
41958 @item
41959 @samp{i0} through @samp{i7}
41960 @end itemize
41961
41962 They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41963
41964 Also the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.sparc.fpu} feature is required for sparc32/sparc64
41965 targets. It should describe the following registers:
41966
41967 @itemize @minus
41968 @item
41969 @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}
41970 @item
41971 @samp{f32} through @samp{f62} for sparc64
41972 @end itemize
41973
41974 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.sparc.cp0} feature is required for sparc32/sparc64
41975 targets. It should describe the following registers:
41976
41977 @itemize @minus
41978 @item
41979 @samp{y}, @samp{psr}, @samp{wim}, @samp{tbr}, @samp{pc}, @samp{npc},
41980 @samp{fsr}, and @samp{csr} for sparc32
41981 @item
41982 @samp{pc}, @samp{npc}, @samp{state}, @samp{fsr}, @samp{fprs}, and @samp{y}
41983 for sparc64
41984 @end itemize
41985
41986 @node TIC6x Features
41987 @subsection TMS320C6x Features
41988 @cindex target descriptions, TIC6x features
41989 @cindex target descriptions, TMS320C6x features
41990 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.core} feature is required for TMS320C6x
41991 targets. It should contain registers @samp{A0} through @samp{A15},
41992 registers @samp{B0} through @samp{B15}, @samp{CSR} and @samp{PC}.
41993
41994 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.gp} feature is optional. It should
41995 contain registers @samp{A16} through @samp{A31} and @samp{B16}
41996 through @samp{B31}.
41997
41998 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.c6xp} feature is optional. It should
41999 contain registers @samp{TSR}, @samp{ILC} and @samp{RILC}.
42000
42001 @node Operating System Information
42002 @appendix Operating System Information
42003 @cindex operating system information
42004
42005 @menu
42006 * Process list::
42007 @end menu
42008
42009 Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
42010 the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
42011 processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
42012 mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
42013 target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
42014 on a different aspect of target.
42015
42016 Operating system information is retrived from the target via the
42017 remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
42018 read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
42019 the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
42020
42021 @node Process list
42022 @appendixsection Process list
42023 @cindex operating system information, process list
42024
42025 When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
42026 @samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
42027 an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
42028 @file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
42029
42030 An example document is:
42031
42032 @smallexample
42033 <?xml version="1.0"?>
42034 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
42035 <osdata type="processes">
42036 <item>
42037 <column name="pid">1</column>
42038 <column name="user">root</column>
42039 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
42040 <column name="cores">1,2,3</column>
42041 </item>
42042 </osdata>
42043 @end smallexample
42044
42045 Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
42046 of that column should identify the process on the target. The
42047 @samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
42048 displayed by @value{GDBN}. The @samp{cores} column, if present,
42049 should contain a comma-separated list of cores that this process
42050 is running on. Target may provide additional columns,
42051 which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
42052
42053 @node Trace File Format
42054 @appendix Trace File Format
42055 @cindex trace file format
42056
42057 The trace file comes in three parts: a header, a textual description
42058 section, and a trace frame section with binary data.
42059
42060 The header has the form @code{\x7fTRACE0\n}. The first byte is
42061 @code{0x7f} so as to indicate that the file contains binary data,
42062 while the @code{0} is a version number that may have different values
42063 in the future.
42064
42065 The description section consists of multiple lines of @sc{ascii} text
42066 separated by newline characters (@code{0xa}). The lines may include a
42067 variety of optional descriptive or context-setting information, such
42068 as tracepoint definitions or register set size. @value{GDBN} will
42069 ignore any line that it does not recognize. An empty line marks the end
42070 of this section.
42071
42072 @table @code
42073 @item R @var{size}
42074 Specifies the size of a register block in bytes. This is equal to the
42075 size of a @code{g} packet payload in the remote protocol. @var{size}
42076 is an ascii decimal number. There should be only one such line in
42077 a single trace file.
42078
42079 @item status @var{status}
42080 Trace status. @var{status} has the same format as a @code{qTStatus}
42081 remote packet reply. There should be only one such line in a single trace
42082 file.
42083
42084 @item tp @var{payload}
42085 Tracepoint definition. The @var{payload} has the same format as
42086 @code{qTfP}/@code{qTsP} remote packet reply payload. A single tracepoint
42087 may take multiple lines of definition, corresponding to the multiple
42088 reply packets.
42089
42090 @item tsv @var{payload}
42091 Trace state variable definition. The @var{payload} has the same format as
42092 @code{qTfV}/@code{qTsV} remote packet reply payload. A single variable
42093 may take multiple lines of definition, corresponding to the multiple
42094 reply packets.
42095
42096 @item tdesc @var{payload}
42097 Target description in XML format. The @var{payload} is a single line of
42098 the XML file. All such lines should be concatenated together to get
42099 the original XML file. This file is in the same format as @code{qXfer}
42100 @code{features} payload, and corresponds to the main @code{target.xml}
42101 file. Includes are not allowed.
42102
42103 @end table
42104
42105 The trace frame section consists of a number of consecutive frames.
42106 Each frame begins with a two-byte tracepoint number, followed by a
42107 four-byte size giving the amount of data in the frame. The data in
42108 the frame consists of a number of blocks, each introduced by a
42109 character indicating its type (at least register, memory, and trace
42110 state variable). The data in this section is raw binary, not a
42111 hexadecimal or other encoding; its endianness matches the target's
42112 endianness.
42113
42114 @c FIXME bi-arch may require endianness/arch info in description section
42115
42116 @table @code
42117 @item R @var{bytes}
42118 Register block. The number and ordering of bytes matches that of a
42119 @code{g} packet in the remote protocol. Note that these are the
42120 actual bytes, in target order, not a hexadecimal encoding.
42121
42122 @item M @var{address} @var{length} @var{bytes}...
42123 Memory block. This is a contiguous block of memory, at the 8-byte
42124 address @var{address}, with a 2-byte length @var{length}, followed by
42125 @var{length} bytes.
42126
42127 @item V @var{number} @var{value}
42128 Trace state variable block. This records the 8-byte signed value
42129 @var{value} of trace state variable numbered @var{number}.
42130
42131 @end table
42132
42133 Future enhancements of the trace file format may include additional types
42134 of blocks.
42135
42136 @node Index Section Format
42137 @appendix @code{.gdb_index} section format
42138 @cindex .gdb_index section format
42139 @cindex index section format
42140
42141 This section documents the index section that is created by @code{save
42142 gdb-index} (@pxref{Index Files}). The index section is
42143 DWARF-specific; some knowledge of DWARF is assumed in this
42144 description.
42145
42146 The mapped index file format is designed to be directly
42147 @code{mmap}able on any architecture. In most cases, a datum is
42148 represented using a little-endian 32-bit integer value, called an
42149 @code{offset_type}. Big endian machines must byte-swap the values
42150 before using them. Exceptions to this rule are noted. The data is
42151 laid out such that alignment is always respected.
42152
42153 A mapped index consists of several areas, laid out in order.
42154
42155 @enumerate
42156 @item
42157 The file header. This is a sequence of values, of @code{offset_type}
42158 unless otherwise noted:
42159
42160 @enumerate
42161 @item
42162 The version number, currently 8. Versions 1, 2 and 3 are obsolete.
42163 Version 4 uses a different hashing function from versions 5 and 6.
42164 Version 6 includes symbols for inlined functions, whereas versions 4
42165 and 5 do not. Version 7 adds attributes to the CU indices in the
42166 symbol table. Version 8 specifies that symbols from DWARF type units
42167 (@samp{DW_TAG_type_unit}) refer to the type unit's symbol table and not the
42168 compilation unit (@samp{DW_TAG_comp_unit}) using the type.
42169
42170 @value{GDBN} will only read version 4, 5, or 6 indices
42171 by specifying @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
42172 GDB has a workaround for potentially broken version 7 indices so it is
42173 currently not flagged as deprecated.
42174
42175 @item
42176 The offset, from the start of the file, of the CU list.
42177
42178 @item
42179 The offset, from the start of the file, of the types CU list. Note
42180 that this area can be empty, in which case this offset will be equal
42181 to the next offset.
42182
42183 @item
42184 The offset, from the start of the file, of the address area.
42185
42186 @item
42187 The offset, from the start of the file, of the symbol table.
42188
42189 @item
42190 The offset, from the start of the file, of the constant pool.
42191 @end enumerate
42192
42193 @item
42194 The CU list. This is a sequence of pairs of 64-bit little-endian
42195 values, sorted by the CU offset. The first element in each pair is
42196 the offset of a CU in the @code{.debug_info} section. The second
42197 element in each pair is the length of that CU. References to a CU
42198 elsewhere in the map are done using a CU index, which is just the
42199 0-based index into this table. Note that if there are type CUs, then
42200 conceptually CUs and type CUs form a single list for the purposes of
42201 CU indices.
42202
42203 @item
42204 The types CU list. This is a sequence of triplets of 64-bit
42205 little-endian values. In a triplet, the first value is the CU offset,
42206 the second value is the type offset in the CU, and the third value is
42207 the type signature. The types CU list is not sorted.
42208
42209 @item
42210 The address area. The address area consists of a sequence of address
42211 entries. Each address entry has three elements:
42212
42213 @enumerate
42214 @item
42215 The low address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value.
42216
42217 @item
42218 The high address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value. Like
42219 @code{DW_AT_high_pc}, the value is one byte beyond the end.
42220
42221 @item
42222 The CU index. This is an @code{offset_type} value.
42223 @end enumerate
42224
42225 @item
42226 The symbol table. This is an open-addressed hash table. The size of
42227 the hash table is always a power of 2.
42228
42229 Each slot in the hash table consists of a pair of @code{offset_type}
42230 values. The first value is the offset of the symbol's name in the
42231 constant pool. The second value is the offset of the CU vector in the
42232 constant pool.
42233
42234 If both values are 0, then this slot in the hash table is empty. This
42235 is ok because while 0 is a valid constant pool index, it cannot be a
42236 valid index for both a string and a CU vector.
42237
42238 The hash value for a table entry is computed by applying an
42239 iterative hash function to the symbol's name. Starting with an
42240 initial value of @code{r = 0}, each (unsigned) character @samp{c} in
42241 the string is incorporated into the hash using the formula depending on the
42242 index version:
42243
42244 @table @asis
42245 @item Version 4
42246 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + c - 113}.
42247
42248 @item Versions 5 to 7
42249 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + tolower (c) - 113}.
42250 @end table
42251
42252 The terminating @samp{\0} is not incorporated into the hash.
42253
42254 The step size used in the hash table is computed via
42255 @code{((hash * 17) & (size - 1)) | 1}, where @samp{hash} is the hash
42256 value, and @samp{size} is the size of the hash table. The step size
42257 is used to find the next candidate slot when handling a hash
42258 collision.
42259
42260 The names of C@t{++} symbols in the hash table are canonicalized. We
42261 don't currently have a simple description of the canonicalization
42262 algorithm; if you intend to create new index sections, you must read
42263 the code.
42264
42265 @item
42266 The constant pool. This is simply a bunch of bytes. It is organized
42267 so that alignment is correct: CU vectors are stored first, followed by
42268 strings.
42269
42270 A CU vector in the constant pool is a sequence of @code{offset_type}
42271 values. The first value is the number of CU indices in the vector.
42272 Each subsequent value is the index and symbol attributes of a CU in
42273 the CU list. This element in the hash table is used to indicate which
42274 CUs define the symbol and how the symbol is used.
42275 See below for the format of each CU index+attributes entry.
42276
42277 A string in the constant pool is zero-terminated.
42278 @end enumerate
42279
42280 Attributes were added to CU index values in @code{.gdb_index} version 7.
42281 If a symbol has multiple uses within a CU then there is one
42282 CU index+attributes value for each use.
42283
42284 The format of each CU index+attributes entry is as follows
42285 (bit 0 = LSB):
42286
42287 @table @asis
42288
42289 @item Bits 0-23
42290 This is the index of the CU in the CU list.
42291 @item Bits 24-27
42292 These bits are reserved for future purposes and must be zero.
42293 @item Bits 28-30
42294 The kind of the symbol in the CU.
42295
42296 @table @asis
42297 @item 0
42298 This value is reserved and should not be used.
42299 By reserving zero the full @code{offset_type} value is backwards compatible
42300 with previous versions of the index.
42301 @item 1
42302 The symbol is a type.
42303 @item 2
42304 The symbol is a variable or an enum value.
42305 @item 3
42306 The symbol is a function.
42307 @item 4
42308 Any other kind of symbol.
42309 @item 5,6,7
42310 These values are reserved.
42311 @end table
42312
42313 @item Bit 31
42314 This bit is zero if the value is global and one if it is static.
42315
42316 The determination of whether a symbol is global or static is complicated.
42317 The authorative reference is the file @file{dwarf2read.c} in
42318 @value{GDBN} sources.
42319
42320 @end table
42321
42322 This pseudo-code describes the computation of a symbol's kind and
42323 global/static attributes in the index.
42324
42325 @smallexample
42326 is_external = get_attribute (die, DW_AT_external);
42327 language = get_attribute (cu_die, DW_AT_language);
42328 switch (die->tag)
42329 @{
42330 case DW_TAG_typedef:
42331 case DW_TAG_base_type:
42332 case DW_TAG_subrange_type:
42333 kind = TYPE;
42334 is_static = 1;
42335 break;
42336 case DW_TAG_enumerator:
42337 kind = VARIABLE;
42338 is_static = language != CPLUS;
42339 break;
42340 case DW_TAG_subprogram:
42341 kind = FUNCTION;
42342 is_static = ! (is_external || language == ADA);
42343 break;
42344 case DW_TAG_constant:
42345 kind = VARIABLE;
42346 is_static = ! is_external;
42347 break;
42348 case DW_TAG_variable:
42349 kind = VARIABLE;
42350 is_static = ! is_external;
42351 break;
42352 case DW_TAG_namespace:
42353 kind = TYPE;
42354 is_static = 0;
42355 break;
42356 case DW_TAG_class_type:
42357 case DW_TAG_interface_type:
42358 case DW_TAG_structure_type:
42359 case DW_TAG_union_type:
42360 case DW_TAG_enumeration_type:
42361 kind = TYPE;
42362 is_static = language != CPLUS;
42363 break;
42364 default:
42365 assert (0);
42366 @}
42367 @end smallexample
42368
42369 @node Man Pages
42370 @appendix Manual pages
42371 @cindex Man pages
42372
42373 @menu
42374 * gdb man:: The GNU Debugger man page
42375 * gdbserver man:: Remote Server for the GNU Debugger man page
42376 * gcore man:: Generate a core file of a running program
42377 * gdbinit man:: gdbinit scripts
42378 @end menu
42379
42380 @node gdb man
42381 @heading gdb man
42382
42383 @c man title gdb The GNU Debugger
42384
42385 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdb
42386 gdb [@option{-help}] [@option{-nh}] [@option{-nx}] [@option{-q}]
42387 [@option{-batch}] [@option{-cd=}@var{dir}] [@option{-f}]
42388 [@option{-b}@w{ }@var{bps}]
42389 [@option{-tty=}@var{dev}] [@option{-s} @var{symfile}]
42390 [@option{-e}@w{ }@var{prog}] [@option{-se}@w{ }@var{prog}]
42391 [@option{-c}@w{ }@var{core}] [@option{-p}@w{ }@var{procID}]
42392 [@option{-x}@w{ }@var{cmds}] [@option{-d}@w{ }@var{dir}]
42393 [@var{prog}|@var{prog} @var{procID}|@var{prog} @var{core}]
42394 @c man end
42395
42396 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdb
42397 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
42398 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes -- or what another
42399 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
42400
42401 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
42402 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
42403
42404 @itemize @bullet
42405 @item
42406 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
42407
42408 @item
42409 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
42410
42411 @item
42412 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
42413
42414 @item
42415 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
42416 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
42417 @end itemize
42418
42419 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C, C@t{++}, Fortran and
42420 Modula-2.
42421
42422 @value{GDBN} is invoked with the shell command @code{gdb}. Once started, it reads
42423 commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit with the @value{GDBN}
42424 command @code{quit}. You can get online help from @value{GDBN} itself
42425 by using the command @code{help}.
42426
42427 You can run @code{gdb} with no arguments or options; but the most
42428 usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument or two, specifying an
42429 executable program as the argument:
42430
42431 @smallexample
42432 gdb program
42433 @end smallexample
42434
42435 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file specified:
42436
42437 @smallexample
42438 gdb program core
42439 @end smallexample
42440
42441 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
42442 to debug a running process:
42443
42444 @smallexample
42445 gdb program 1234
42446 gdb -p 1234
42447 @end smallexample
42448
42449 @noindent
42450 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
42451 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
42452 With option @option{-p} you can omit the @var{program} filename.
42453
42454 Here are some of the most frequently needed @value{GDBN} commands:
42455
42456 @c pod2man highlights the right hand side of the @item lines.
42457 @table @env
42458 @item break [@var{file}:]@var{function}
42459 Set a breakpoint at @var{function} (in @var{file}).
42460
42461 @item run [@var{arglist}]
42462 Start your program (with @var{arglist}, if specified).
42463
42464 @item bt
42465 Backtrace: display the program stack.
42466
42467 @item print @var{expr}
42468 Display the value of an expression.
42469
42470 @item c
42471 Continue running your program (after stopping, e.g. at a breakpoint).
42472
42473 @item next
42474 Execute next program line (after stopping); step @emph{over} any
42475 function calls in the line.
42476
42477 @item edit [@var{file}:]@var{function}
42478 look at the program line where it is presently stopped.
42479
42480 @item list [@var{file}:]@var{function}
42481 type the text of the program in the vicinity of where it is presently stopped.
42482
42483 @item step
42484 Execute next program line (after stopping); step @emph{into} any
42485 function calls in the line.
42486
42487 @item help [@var{name}]
42488 Show information about @value{GDBN} command @var{name}, or general information
42489 about using @value{GDBN}.
42490
42491 @item quit
42492 Exit from @value{GDBN}.
42493 @end table
42494
42495 @ifset man
42496 For full details on @value{GDBN},
42497 see @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
42498 by Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch. The same text is available online
42499 as the @code{gdb} entry in the @code{info} program.
42500 @end ifset
42501 @c man end
42502
42503 @c man begin OPTIONS gdb
42504 Any arguments other than options specify an executable
42505 file and core file (or process ID); that is, the first argument
42506 encountered with no
42507 associated option flag is equivalent to a @option{-se} option, and the second,
42508 if any, is equivalent to a @option{-c} option if it's the name of a file.
42509 Many options have
42510 both long and short forms; both are shown here. The long forms are also
42511 recognized if you truncate them, so long as enough of the option is
42512 present to be unambiguous. (If you prefer, you can flag option
42513 arguments with @option{+} rather than @option{-}, though we illustrate the
42514 more usual convention.)
42515
42516 All the options and command line arguments you give are processed
42517 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the @option{-x}
42518 option is used.
42519
42520 @table @env
42521 @item -help
42522 @itemx -h
42523 List all options, with brief explanations.
42524
42525 @item -symbols=@var{file}
42526 @itemx -s @var{file}
42527 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
42528
42529 @item -write
42530 Enable writing into executable and core files.
42531
42532 @item -exec=@var{file}
42533 @itemx -e @var{file}
42534 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when
42535 appropriate, and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core
42536 dump.
42537
42538 @item -se=@var{file}
42539 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
42540 file.
42541
42542 @item -core=@var{file}
42543 @itemx -c @var{file}
42544 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
42545
42546 @item -command=@var{file}
42547 @itemx -x @var{file}
42548 Execute @value{GDBN} commands from file @var{file}.
42549
42550 @item -ex @var{command}
42551 Execute given @value{GDBN} @var{command}.
42552
42553 @item -directory=@var{directory}
42554 @itemx -d @var{directory}
42555 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source files.
42556
42557 @item -nh
42558 Do not execute commands from @file{~/.gdbinit}.
42559
42560 @item -nx
42561 @itemx -n
42562 Do not execute commands from any @file{.gdbinit} initialization files.
42563
42564 @item -quiet
42565 @itemx -q
42566 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
42567 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
42568
42569 @item -batch
42570 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the command
42571 files specified with @option{-x} (and @file{.gdbinit}, if not inhibited).
42572 Exit with nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN}
42573 commands in the command files.
42574
42575 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for example to
42576 download and run a program on another computer; in order to make this
42577 more useful, the message
42578
42579 @smallexample
42580 Program exited normally.
42581 @end smallexample
42582
42583 @noindent
42584 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under @value{GDBN} control
42585 terminates) is not issued when running in batch mode.
42586
42587 @item -cd=@var{directory}
42588 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
42589 instead of the current directory.
42590
42591 @item -fullname
42592 @itemx -f
42593 Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells
42594 @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line number in a standard,
42595 recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is displayed (which
42596 includes each time the program stops). This recognizable format looks
42597 like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by the file name, line number
42598 and character position separated by colons, and a newline. The
42599 Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two @samp{\032}
42600 characters as a signal to display the source code for the frame.
42601
42602 @item -b @var{bps}
42603 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
42604 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
42605
42606 @item -tty=@var{device}
42607 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
42608 @end table
42609 @c man end
42610
42611 @c man begin SEEALSO gdb
42612 @ifset man
42613 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
42614 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
42615 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
42616
42617 @smallexample
42618 info gdb
42619 @end smallexample
42620
42621 @noindent
42622 should give you access to the complete manual.
42623
42624 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
42625 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
42626 @end ifset
42627 @c man end
42628
42629 @node gdbserver man
42630 @heading gdbserver man
42631
42632 @c man title gdbserver Remote Server for the GNU Debugger
42633 @format
42634 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdbserver
42635 gdbserver @var{comm} @var{prog} [@var{args}@dots{}]
42636
42637 gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
42638
42639 gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
42640 @c man end
42641 @end format
42642
42643 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdbserver
42644 @command{gdbserver} is a program that allows you to run @value{GDBN} on a different machine
42645 than the one which is running the program being debugged.
42646
42647 @ifclear man
42648 @subheading Usage (server (target) side)
42649 @end ifclear
42650 @ifset man
42651 Usage (server (target) side):
42652 @end ifset
42653
42654 First, you need to have a copy of the program you want to debug put onto
42655 the target system. The program can be stripped to save space if needed, as
42656 @command{gdbserver} doesn't care about symbols. All symbol handling is taken care of by
42657 the @value{GDBN} running on the host system.
42658
42659 To use the server, you log on to the target system, and run the @command{gdbserver}
42660 program. You must tell it (a) how to communicate with @value{GDBN}, (b) the name of
42661 your program, and (c) its arguments. The general syntax is:
42662
42663 @smallexample
42664 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [@var{args} ...]
42665 @end smallexample
42666
42667 For example, using a serial port, you might say:
42668
42669 @smallexample
42670 @ifset man
42671 @c @file would wrap it as F</dev/com1>.
42672 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
42673 @end ifset
42674 @ifclear man
42675 target> gdbserver @file{/dev/com1} emacs foo.txt
42676 @end ifclear
42677 @end smallexample
42678
42679 This tells @command{gdbserver} to debug emacs with an argument of foo.txt, and
42680 to communicate with @value{GDBN} via @file{/dev/com1}. @command{gdbserver} now
42681 waits patiently for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate with it.
42682
42683 To use a TCP connection, you could say:
42684
42685 @smallexample
42686 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
42687 @end smallexample
42688
42689 This says pretty much the same thing as the last example, except that we are
42690 going to communicate with the @code{host} @value{GDBN} via TCP. The @code{host:2345} argument means
42691 that we are expecting to see a TCP connection from @code{host} to local TCP port
42692 2345. (Currently, the @code{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number you
42693 want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any existing TCP
42694 ports on the target system. This same port number must be used in the host
42695 @value{GDBN}s @code{target remote} command, which will be described shortly. Note that if
42696 you chose a port number that conflicts with another service, @command{gdbserver} will
42697 print an error message and exit.
42698
42699 @command{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
42700 This is accomplished via the @option{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
42701
42702 @smallexample
42703 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
42704 @end smallexample
42705
42706 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
42707 necessary to point @command{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
42708
42709 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
42710 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
42711 In such case you should connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} to start
42712 the program you want to debug.
42713
42714 @smallexample
42715 target> gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
42716 @end smallexample
42717
42718 @ifclear man
42719 @subheading Usage (host side)
42720 @end ifclear
42721 @ifset man
42722 Usage (host side):
42723 @end ifset
42724
42725 You need an unstripped copy of the target program on your host system, since
42726 @value{GDBN} needs to examine it's symbol tables and such. Start up @value{GDBN} as you normally
42727 would, with the target program as the first argument. (You may need to use the
42728 @option{--baud} option if the serial line is running at anything except 9600 baud.)
42729 That is @code{gdb TARGET-PROG}, or @code{gdb --baud BAUD TARGET-PROG}. After that, the only
42730 new command you need to know about is @code{target remote}
42731 (or @code{target extended-remote}). Its argument is either
42732 a device name (usually a serial device, like @file{/dev/ttyb}), or a @code{HOST:PORT}
42733 descriptor. For example:
42734
42735 @smallexample
42736 @ifset man
42737 @c @file would wrap it as F</dev/ttyb>.
42738 (gdb) target remote /dev/ttyb
42739 @end ifset
42740 @ifclear man
42741 (gdb) target remote @file{/dev/ttyb}
42742 @end ifclear
42743 @end smallexample
42744
42745 @noindent
42746 communicates with the server via serial line @file{/dev/ttyb}, and:
42747
42748 @smallexample
42749 (gdb) target remote the-target:2345
42750 @end smallexample
42751
42752 @noindent
42753 communicates via a TCP connection to port 2345 on host `the-target', where
42754 you previously started up @command{gdbserver} with the same port number. Note that for
42755 TCP connections, you must start up @command{gdbserver} prior to using the `target remote'
42756 command, otherwise you may get an error that looks something like
42757 `Connection refused'.
42758
42759 @command{gdbserver} can also debug multiple inferiors at once,
42760 described in
42761 @ifset man
42762 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Inferiors and Programs}
42763 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'Inferiors and Programs'}.
42764 @end ifset
42765 @ifclear man
42766 @ref{Inferiors and Programs}.
42767 @end ifclear
42768 In such case use the @code{extended-remote} @value{GDBN} command variant:
42769
42770 @smallexample
42771 (gdb) target extended-remote the-target:2345
42772 @end smallexample
42773
42774 The @command{gdbserver} option @option{--multi} may or may not be used in such
42775 case.
42776 @c man end
42777
42778 @c man begin OPTIONS gdbserver
42779 There are three different modes for invoking @command{gdbserver}:
42780
42781 @itemize @bullet
42782
42783 @item
42784 Debug a specific program specified by its program name:
42785
42786 @smallexample
42787 gdbserver @var{comm} @var{prog} [@var{args}@dots{}]
42788 @end smallexample
42789
42790 The @var{comm} parameter specifies how should the server communicate
42791 with @value{GDBN}; it is either a device name (to use a serial line),
42792 a TCP port number (@code{:1234}), or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
42793 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}. Specify the name of the program to
42794 debug in @var{prog}. Any remaining arguments will be passed to the
42795 program verbatim. When the program exits, @value{GDBN} will close the
42796 connection, and @code{gdbserver} will exit.
42797
42798 @item
42799 Debug a specific program by specifying the process ID of a running
42800 program:
42801
42802 @smallexample
42803 gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
42804 @end smallexample
42805
42806 The @var{comm} parameter is as described above. Supply the process ID
42807 of a running program in @var{pid}; @value{GDBN} will do everything
42808 else. Like with the previous mode, when the process @var{pid} exits,
42809 @value{GDBN} will close the connection, and @code{gdbserver} will exit.
42810
42811 @item
42812 Multi-process mode -- debug more than one program/process:
42813
42814 @smallexample
42815 gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
42816 @end smallexample
42817
42818 In this mode, @value{GDBN} can instruct @command{gdbserver} which
42819 command(s) to run. Unlike the other 2 modes, @value{GDBN} will not
42820 close the connection when a process being debugged exits, so you can
42821 debug several processes in the same session.
42822 @end itemize
42823
42824 In each of the modes you may specify these options:
42825
42826 @table @env
42827
42828 @item --help
42829 List all options, with brief explanations.
42830
42831 @item --version
42832 This option causes @command{gdbserver} to print its version number and exit.
42833
42834 @item --attach
42835 @command{gdbserver} will attach to a running program. The syntax is:
42836
42837 @smallexample
42838 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
42839 @end smallexample
42840
42841 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
42842 necessary to point @command{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
42843
42844 @item --multi
42845 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
42846 or process ID to attach, use this command line option.
42847 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
42848 the program you want to debug. The syntax is:
42849
42850 @smallexample
42851 target> gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
42852 @end smallexample
42853
42854 @item --debug
42855 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to display extra status information about the debugging
42856 process.
42857 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
42858 the developers.
42859
42860 @item --remote-debug
42861 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to display remote protocol debug output.
42862 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
42863 the developers.
42864
42865 @item --debug-format=option1@r{[},option2,...@r{]}
42866 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to include extra information in each line
42867 of debugging output.
42868 @xref{Other Command-Line Arguments for gdbserver}.
42869
42870 @item --wrapper
42871 Specify a wrapper to launch programs
42872 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
42873 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
42874 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
42875
42876 @item --once
42877 By default, @command{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
42878 additional connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
42879 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
42880 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session.
42881
42882 @c --disable-packet is not documented for users.
42883
42884 @c --disable-randomization and --no-disable-randomization are superseded by
42885 @c QDisableRandomization.
42886
42887 @end table
42888 @c man end
42889
42890 @c man begin SEEALSO gdbserver
42891 @ifset man
42892 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
42893 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
42894 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
42895
42896 @smallexample
42897 info gdb
42898 @end smallexample
42899
42900 should give you access to the complete manual.
42901
42902 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
42903 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
42904 @end ifset
42905 @c man end
42906
42907 @node gcore man
42908 @heading gcore
42909
42910 @c man title gcore Generate a core file of a running program
42911
42912 @format
42913 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gcore
42914 gcore [-o @var{filename}] @var{pid}
42915 @c man end
42916 @end format
42917
42918 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gcore
42919 Generate a core dump of a running program with process ID @var{pid}.
42920 Produced file is equivalent to a kernel produced core file as if the process
42921 crashed (and if @kbd{ulimit -c} were used to set up an appropriate core dump
42922 limit). Unlike after a crash, after @command{gcore} the program remains
42923 running without any change.
42924 @c man end
42925
42926 @c man begin OPTIONS gcore
42927 @table @env
42928 @item -o @var{filename}
42929 The optional argument
42930 @var{filename} specifies the file name where to put the core dump.
42931 If not specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}},
42932 where @var{pid} is the running program process ID.
42933 @end table
42934 @c man end
42935
42936 @c man begin SEEALSO gcore
42937 @ifset man
42938 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
42939 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
42940 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
42941
42942 @smallexample
42943 info gdb
42944 @end smallexample
42945
42946 @noindent
42947 should give you access to the complete manual.
42948
42949 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
42950 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
42951 @end ifset
42952 @c man end
42953
42954 @node gdbinit man
42955 @heading gdbinit
42956
42957 @c man title gdbinit GDB initialization scripts
42958
42959 @format
42960 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdbinit
42961 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT
42962 @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT}
42963 @end ifset
42964
42965 ~/.gdbinit
42966
42967 ./.gdbinit
42968 @c man end
42969 @end format
42970
42971 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdbinit
42972 These files contain @value{GDBN} commands to automatically execute during
42973 @value{GDBN} startup. The lines of contents are canned sequences of commands,
42974 described in
42975 @ifset man
42976 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Sequences}
42977 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n Sequences}.
42978 @end ifset
42979 @ifclear man
42980 @ref{Sequences}.
42981 @end ifclear
42982
42983 Please read more in
42984 @ifset man
42985 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Startup}
42986 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n Startup}.
42987 @end ifset
42988 @ifclear man
42989 @ref{Startup}.
42990 @end ifclear
42991
42992 @table @env
42993 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT
42994 @item @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT}
42995 @end ifset
42996 @ifclear SYSTEM_GDBINIT
42997 @item (not enabled with @code{--with-system-gdbinit} during compilation)
42998 @end ifclear
42999 System-wide initialization file. It is executed unless user specified
43000 @value{GDBN} option @code{-nx} or @code{-n}.
43001 See more in
43002 @ifset man
43003 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{System-wide configuration}
43004 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'System-wide configuration'}.
43005 @end ifset
43006 @ifclear man
43007 @ref{System-wide configuration}.
43008 @end ifclear
43009
43010 @item ~/.gdbinit
43011 User initialization file. It is executed unless user specified
43012 @value{GDBN} options @code{-nx}, @code{-n} or @code{-nh}.
43013
43014 @item ./.gdbinit
43015 Initialization file for current directory. It may need to be enabled with
43016 @value{GDBN} security command @code{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
43017 See more in
43018 @ifset man
43019 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Init File in the Current Directory}
43020 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'Init File in the Current Directory'}.
43021 @end ifset
43022 @ifclear man
43023 @ref{Init File in the Current Directory}.
43024 @end ifclear
43025 @end table
43026 @c man end
43027
43028 @c man begin SEEALSO gdbinit
43029 @ifset man
43030 gdb(1), @code{info -f gdb -n Startup}
43031
43032 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
43033 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
43034 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
43035
43036 @smallexample
43037 info gdb
43038 @end smallexample
43039
43040 should give you access to the complete manual.
43041
43042 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
43043 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
43044 @end ifset
43045 @c man end
43046
43047 @include gpl.texi
43048
43049 @node GNU Free Documentation License
43050 @appendix GNU Free Documentation License
43051 @include fdl.texi
43052
43053 @node Concept Index
43054 @unnumbered Concept Index
43055
43056 @printindex cp
43057
43058 @node Command and Variable Index
43059 @unnumbered Command, Variable, and Function Index
43060
43061 @printindex fn
43062
43063 @tex
43064 % I think something like @@colophon should be in texinfo. In the
43065 % meantime:
43066 \long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
43067 \centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
43068 \centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
43069 \centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
43070 \centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
43071 \centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
43072 \centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
43073 \centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
43074 \centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
43075 \page\colophon
43076 % Blame: doc@@cygnus.com, 1991.
43077 @end tex
43078
43079 @bye
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