1 \input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
2 @c Copyright (C) 1988-2017 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
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.
13 @settitle Debugging with @value{GDBN}
14 @setchapternewpage odd
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.
30 @c readline appendices use @vindex, @findex and @ftable,
31 @c annotate.texi and gdbmi use @findex.
34 @c !!set GDB manual's edition---not the same as GDB version!
35 @c This is updated by GNU Press.
38 @c !!set GDB edit command default editor
41 @c THIS MANUAL REQUIRES TEXINFO 4.0 OR LATER.
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
47 * Gdb: (gdb). The GNU debugger.
48 * gdbserver: (gdb) Server. The GNU debugging server.
52 @c man begin COPYRIGHT
53 Copyright @copyright{} 1988-2017 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
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.
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.''
69 This file documents the @sc{gnu} debugger @value{GDBN}.
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}
76 Version @value{GDBVN}.
82 @title Debugging with @value{GDBN}
83 @subtitle The @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger
85 @subtitle @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN}
86 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
88 @subtitle @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
90 @author Richard Stallman, Roland Pesch, Stan Shebs, et al.
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
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 @*
111 @node Top, Summary, (dir), (dir)
113 @top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
115 This file describes @value{GDBN}, the @sc{gnu} symbolic debugger.
117 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN}
118 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
119 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
121 Version @value{GDBVN}.
123 Copyright (C) 1988-2017 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
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.
130 * Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
131 * Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
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
147 * Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
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
165 * GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
167 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
168 * Command Line Editing: (rluserman). Command Line Editing
169 * Using History Interactively: (history). Using History Interactively
171 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
172 * Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
173 * Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
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
183 * Operating System Information:: Getting additional information from
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
201 @unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
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.
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:
212 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
215 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
218 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
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.
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++}.
229 Support for D is partial. For information on D, see
233 Support for Modula-2 is partial. For information on Modula-2, see
234 @ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}.
236 Support for OpenCL C is partial. For information on OpenCL C, see
237 @ref{OpenCL C,,OpenCL C}.
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
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
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.
254 * Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
255 * Free Documentation:: Free Software Needs Free Documentation
256 * Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
260 @unnumberedsec Free Software
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.
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
275 @node Free Documentation
276 @unnumberedsec Free Software Needs Free Documentation
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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}.
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.
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}.
367 @unnumberedsec Contributors to @value{GDBN}
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.
377 Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
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!
385 So that they may not regard their many labors as thankless, we
386 particularly thank those who shepherded @value{GDBN} through major
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).
398 Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Peter TerMaat, Chris
399 Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
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).
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.
411 David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
412 the original support for encapsulated COFF.
414 Brent Benson of Harris Computer Systems contributed DWARF 2 support.
416 Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
417 Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
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.
436 Andreas Schwab contributed M68K @sc{gnu}/Linux support.
438 Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
441 Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that @value{GDBN} and GAS agree
442 about several machine instruction sets.
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.
449 Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
450 command-line editing and command history.
452 Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code, the
453 Modula-2 support, and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
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
459 Hitachi America (now Renesas America), Ltd. sponsored the support for
460 H8/300, H8/500, and Super-H processors.
462 NEC sponsored the support for the v850, Vr4xxx, and Vr5xxx processors.
464 Mitsubishi (now Renesas) sponsored the support for D10V, D30V, and M32R/D
467 Toshiba sponsored the support for the TX39 Mips processor.
469 Matsushita sponsored the support for the MN10200 and MN10300 processors.
471 Fujitsu sponsored the support for SPARClite and FR30 processors.
473 Kung Hsu, Jeff Law, and Rick Sladkey added support for hardware
476 Michael Snyder added support for tracepoints.
478 Stu Grossman wrote gdbserver.
480 Jim Kingdon, Peter Schauer, Ian Taylor, and Stu Grossman made
481 nearly innumerable bug fixes and cleanups throughout @value{GDBN}.
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.
491 DJ Delorie ported @value{GDBN} to MS-DOS, for the DJGPP project.
492 Robert Hoehne made significant contributions to the DJGPP port.
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.
510 Andrew Cagney, Fernando Nasser, and Elena Zannoni, while working for
511 Cygnus Solutions, implemented the original @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
513 Jim Blandy added support for preprocessor macros, while working for Red
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.
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
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.
541 Michael Eager and staff of Xilinx, Inc., contributed support for the
542 Xilinx MicroBlaze architecture.
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.
550 @chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
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.
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.
561 @c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
562 @c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
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}:
581 @b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
585 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
587 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
590 m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
594 Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
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
603 There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
606 @value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
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.
617 (@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
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.
627 (@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
628 Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
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:
637 (@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
638 Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
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.
651 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
653 Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
655 879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
659 Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
660 the next line of the current function.
664 882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
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}.
676 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
678 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
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.
690 (@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
691 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
693 #1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
695 #2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
696 #3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
698 #4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
699 #5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
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.
709 0x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
711 0x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
712 def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
714 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
717 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
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.
727 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
728 $1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
729 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
730 $2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
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.
742 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
744 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
747 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
748 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
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.
760 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
763 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
765 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
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
778 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
780 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
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:
794 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
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:
807 Program exited normally.
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.
816 (@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
820 @chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
822 This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
826 type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
828 type @kbd{quit} or @kbd{Ctrl-d} to exit.
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
839 @section Invoking @value{GDBN}
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.
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.
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.
851 The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
852 specifying an executable program:
855 @value{GDBP} @var{program}
859 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
863 @value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
866 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
867 to debug a running process:
870 @value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
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).
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.
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
887 @value{GDBP} --args gcc -O2 -c foo.c
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}.
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}):
897 @value{GDBP} --silent
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.
912 to display all available options and briefly describe their use
913 (@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
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.
921 * File Options:: Choosing files
922 * Mode Options:: Choosing modes
923 * Startup:: What @value{GDBN} does during startup
927 @subsection Choosing Files
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}.
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.
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.)
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
958 @item -symbols @var{file}
960 @cindex @code{--symbols}
962 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
964 @item -exec @var{file}
966 @cindex @code{--exec}
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.
973 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
976 @item -core @var{file}
978 @cindex @code{--core}
980 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
982 @item -pid @var{number}
983 @itemx -p @var{number}
986 Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command.
988 @item -command @var{file}
990 @cindex @code{--command}
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}.
996 @item -eval-command @var{command}
997 @itemx -ex @var{command}
998 @cindex @code{--eval-command}
1000 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command.
1002 This option may be used multiple times to call multiple commands. It may
1003 also be interleaved with @samp{-command} as required.
1006 @value{GDBP} -ex 'target sim' -ex 'load' \
1007 -x setbreakpoints -ex 'run' a.out
1010 @item -init-command @var{file}
1011 @itemx -ix @var{file}
1012 @cindex @code{--init-command}
1014 Execute commands from file @var{file} before loading the inferior (but
1015 after loading gdbinit files).
1018 @item -init-eval-command @var{command}
1019 @itemx -iex @var{command}
1020 @cindex @code{--init-eval-command}
1022 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command before loading the inferior (but
1023 after loading gdbinit files).
1026 @item -directory @var{directory}
1027 @itemx -d @var{directory}
1028 @cindex @code{--directory}
1030 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
1034 @cindex @code{--readnow}
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.
1043 @subsection Choosing Modes
1045 You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
1046 batch mode or quiet mode.
1054 Do not execute commands found in any initialization file.
1055 There are three init files, loaded in the following order:
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.
1075 For further documentation on startup processing, @xref{Startup}.
1076 For documentation on how to write command files,
1077 @xref{Command Files,,Command Files}.
1082 Do not execute commands found in @file{~/.gdbinit}, the init file
1083 in your home directory.
1089 @cindex @code{--quiet}
1090 @cindex @code{--silent}
1092 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1093 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
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}).
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
1110 Program exited normally.
1114 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1115 @value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
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.
1125 This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1126 messages, for example.
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.
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:
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}.
1142 The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1144 The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1145 the exit code will be -1.
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
1154 @cindex @code{--nowindows}
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.
1162 @cindex @code{--windows}
1164 If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1167 @item -cd @var{directory}
1169 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1170 instead of the current directory.
1172 @item -data-directory @var{directory}
1173 @itemx -D @var{directory}
1174 @cindex @code{--data-directory}
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}.
1182 @cindex @code{--fullname}
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
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.
1205 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
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.
1214 @item -baud @var{bps}
1216 @cindex @code{--baud}
1218 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1219 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1221 @item -l @var{timeout}
1223 Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1224 for remote debugging.
1226 @item -tty @var{device}
1227 @itemx -t @var{device}
1228 @cindex @code{--tty}
1230 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1231 @c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1233 @c resolve the situation of these eventually
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}).
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}.
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.
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}
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.
1269 @cindex @code{--version}
1270 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1271 no-warranty blurb, and exit.
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}).
1282 @subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1283 @cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1285 Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1289 Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1290 (@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
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
1299 @anchor{Home Directory Init File}
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
1306 @anchor{Option -init-eval-command}
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
1315 Processes command line options and operands.
1317 @anchor{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}
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
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}.
1334 If you wish to disable the auto-loading during startup,
1335 you must do something like the following:
1338 $ gdb -iex "set auto-load python-scripts off" myprogram
1341 Option @samp{-ex} does not work because the auto-loading is then turned
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.
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.
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}).
1362 To display the list of init files loaded by gdb at startup, you
1363 can use @kbd{gdb --help}.
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.
1377 @section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1378 @cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1379 @cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1382 @kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1383 @kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1384 @item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
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
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.
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}).
1404 @node Shell Commands
1405 @section Shell Commands
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.
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.).
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
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}}.
1436 @node Logging Output
1437 @section Logging Output
1438 @cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1439 @cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
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.
1446 @item set logging on
1448 @item set logging off
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
1461 Show the current values of the logging settings.
1465 @chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
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).
1474 * Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1475 * Completion:: Command completion
1476 * Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1479 @node Command Syntax
1480 @section Command Syntax
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.
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.
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}.
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.
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.
1517 @kindex # @r{(a 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}).
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
1531 @section Command 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.
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
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...
1550 (@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
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}:
1558 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
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).
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
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_
1591 After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1592 partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
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{?}.
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.
1606 (@value{GDBP}) b m@key{TAB}@key{TAB}
1608 <... the rest of the possible completions ...>
1609 *** List may be truncated, max-completions reached. ***
1614 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands:
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
1627 @kindex show max-completions
1628 @item show max-completions
1629 Show the maximum number of candidates that @value{GDBN} will collect and show
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.
1641 A likely situation where you might need this is in typing an
1642 expression that involves a C@t{++} symbol name with template
1643 parameters. This is because when completing expressions, GDB treats
1644 the @samp{<} character as word delimiter, assuming that it's the
1645 less-than comparison operator (@pxref{C Operators, , C and C@t{++}
1648 For example, when you want to call a C@t{++} template function
1649 interactively using the @code{print} or @code{call} commands, you may
1650 need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name} that
1651 was specialized for @code{int}, @code{name<int>()}, or the version
1652 that was specialized for @code{float}, @code{name<float>()}. To use
1653 the word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
1654 @code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
1655 @value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
1656 when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1659 (@value{GDBP}) p 'func< @kbd{M-?}
1660 func<int>() func<float>()
1661 (@value{GDBP}) p 'func<
1664 When setting breakpoints however (@pxref{Specify Location}), you don't
1665 usually need to type a quote before the function name, because
1666 @value{GDBN} understands that you want to set a breakpoint on a
1670 (@value{GDBP}) b func< @kbd{M-?}
1671 func<int>() func<float>()
1672 (@value{GDBP}) b func<
1675 This is true even in the case of typing the name of C@t{++} overloaded
1676 functions (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished by
1677 argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
1678 don't need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
1679 that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
1680 that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}.
1683 (@value{GDBP}) b bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1684 bubble(int) bubble(double)
1685 (@value{GDBP}) b bubble(dou @kbd{M-?}
1689 See @ref{quoting names} for a description of other scenarios that
1692 For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
1693 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1694 overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1695 see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
1697 @cindex completion of structure field names
1698 @cindex structure field name completion
1699 @cindex completion of union field names
1700 @cindex union field name completion
1701 When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
1702 structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
1703 confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
1704 examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
1705 limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
1709 (@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
1710 magic to_fputs to_rewind
1711 to_data to_isatty to_write
1712 to_delete to_put to_write_async_safe
1717 This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
1718 @code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
1725 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
1726 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
1727 ui_file_write_async_safe_ftype *to_write_async_safe;
1728 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
1729 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
1730 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
1731 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
1732 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
1733 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
1740 @section Getting Help
1741 @cindex online documentation
1744 You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1745 using the command @code{help}.
1748 @kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1751 You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1752 display a short list of named classes of commands:
1756 List of classes of commands:
1758 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1759 breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1760 data -- Examining data
1761 files -- Specifying and examining files
1762 internals -- Maintenance commands
1763 obscure -- Obscure features
1764 running -- Running the program
1765 stack -- Examining the stack
1766 status -- Status inquiries
1767 support -- Support facilities
1768 tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
1769 stopping the program
1770 user-defined -- User-defined commands
1772 Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1773 commands in that class.
1774 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1776 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1779 @c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1781 @item help @var{class}
1782 Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1783 list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1784 help display for the class @code{status}:
1787 (@value{GDBP}) help status
1792 @c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1793 @c to fit in smallbook page size.
1794 info -- Generic command for showing things
1795 about the program being debugged
1796 show -- Generic command for showing things
1799 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1801 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1805 @item help @var{command}
1806 With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1807 short paragraph on how to use that command.
1810 @item apropos @var{args}
1811 The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1812 commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1813 @var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1824 alias -- Define a new command that is an alias of an existing command
1825 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1826 d -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1827 del -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1828 delete -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1833 @item complete @var{args}
1834 The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1835 for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1836 command you want completed. For example:
1842 @noindent results in:
1853 @noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1856 In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1857 and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1858 of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1859 manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1860 under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Command, Variable, and
1861 Function Index point to all the sub-commands. @xref{Command and Variable
1867 @kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1869 This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1870 program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
1871 with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1872 registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1873 You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1874 @w{@code{help info}}.
1878 You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1879 @code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1880 @code{set prompt $}.
1884 In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1885 @value{GDBN} itself.
1886 You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1887 related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1888 system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1889 which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1892 To display all the settable parameters and their current
1893 values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1894 @code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1895 @c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1896 @c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1897 @c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1901 Here are several miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1902 exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1905 @kindex show version
1906 @cindex @value{GDBN} version number
1908 Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1909 information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1910 @value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1911 version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1912 commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1913 system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1914 variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1915 The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1918 @kindex show copying
1919 @kindex info copying
1920 @cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
1923 Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1925 @kindex show warranty
1926 @kindex info warranty
1928 @itemx info warranty
1929 Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1930 if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1932 @kindex show configuration
1933 @item show configuration
1934 Display detailed information about the way @value{GDBN} was configured
1935 when it was built. This displays the optional arguments passed to the
1936 @file{configure} script and also configuration parameters detected
1937 automatically by @command{configure}. When reporting a @value{GDBN}
1938 bug (@pxref{GDB Bugs}), it is important to include this information in
1944 @chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1946 When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1947 debugging information when you compile it.
1949 You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1950 of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1951 your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1952 kill a child process.
1955 * Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1956 * Starting:: Starting your program
1957 * Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1958 * Environment:: Your program's environment
1960 * Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1961 * Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1962 * Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1963 * Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1965 * Inferiors and Programs:: Debugging multiple inferiors and programs
1966 * Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1967 * Forks:: Debugging forks
1968 * Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
1972 @section Compiling for Debugging
1974 In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1975 debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1976 is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1977 variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1978 and addresses in the executable code.
1980 To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1983 Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
1984 optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, some
1985 compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
1986 together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
1987 executables containing debugging information.
1989 @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
1990 without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
1991 recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
1992 program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
1993 in pushing your luck. For more information, see @ref{Optimized Code}.
1995 Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
1996 @w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
1997 format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
1999 @value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
2000 expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
2001 about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
2002 the @option{-g} flag alone. Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC},
2003 the @sc{gnu} C compiler, provides macro information if you are using
2004 the DWARF debugging format, and specify the option @option{-g3}.
2006 @xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
2007 gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}, for more
2008 information on @value{NGCC} options affecting debug information.
2010 You will have the best debugging experience if you use the latest
2011 version of the DWARF debugging format that your compiler supports.
2012 DWARF is currently the most expressive and best supported debugging
2013 format in @value{GDBN}.
2017 @section Starting your Program
2023 @kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
2026 Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
2027 You must first specify the program name with an argument to
2028 @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
2029 @value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file}
2030 command (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
2034 If you are running your program in an execution environment that
2035 supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
2036 that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
2037 @code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
2038 like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
2039 message like this one:
2042 The "remote" target does not support "run".
2043 Try "help target" or "continue".
2047 then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
2048 first (@pxref{load}).
2050 The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
2051 receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
2052 information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
2053 can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
2054 your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
2055 divided into four categories:
2058 @item The @emph{arguments.}
2059 Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
2060 @code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
2061 is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
2062 (such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
2064 In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
2065 @code{SHELL} environment variable. If you do not define @code{SHELL},
2066 @value{GDBN} uses the default shell (@file{/bin/sh}). You can disable
2067 use of any shell with the @code{set startup-with-shell} command (see
2070 @item The @emph{environment.}
2071 Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
2072 use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
2073 environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
2074 your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
2076 @item The @emph{working directory.}
2077 You can set your program's working directory with the command
2078 @kbd{set cwd}. If you do not set any working directory with this
2079 command, your program will inherit @value{GDBN}'s working directory if
2080 native debugging, or the remote server's working directory if remote
2081 debugging. @xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working
2084 @item The @emph{standard input and output.}
2085 Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
2086 standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
2087 in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
2088 set a different device for your program.
2089 @xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
2092 @emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
2093 pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
2094 program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
2098 When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
2099 immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
2100 of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
2101 stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
2102 or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
2104 If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
2105 time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
2106 table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
2107 your current breakpoints.
2112 @cindex run to main procedure
2113 The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
2114 With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
2115 other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
2116 main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
2117 execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
2118 procedure, depending on the language used.
2120 The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
2121 breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
2122 the @samp{run} command.
2124 @cindex elaboration phase
2125 Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
2126 executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
2127 languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
2128 constructors for static and global objects are executed before
2129 @code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
2130 before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
2131 will remain to halt execution.
2133 Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
2134 @samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
2135 underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
2136 reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
2137 @samp{start} or @samp{run}.
2139 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
2140 these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution
2141 of your program too late, as the program would have already completed
2142 the elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, either insert
2143 breakpoints in your elaboration code before running your program or
2144 use the @code{starti} command.
2148 @cindex run to first instruction
2149 The @samp{starti} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
2150 breakpoint at the first instruction of a program's execution and then
2151 invoking the @samp{run} command. For programs containing an
2152 elaboration phase, the @code{starti} command will stop execution at
2153 the start of the elaboration phase.
2155 @anchor{set exec-wrapper}
2156 @kindex set exec-wrapper
2157 @item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
2158 @itemx show exec-wrapper
2159 @itemx unset exec-wrapper
2160 When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
2161 launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
2162 with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
2163 @var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
2164 arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
2165 appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
2166 your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
2168 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
2169 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
2170 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
2171 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
2173 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
2174 the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
2178 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
2182 This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
2183 @sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
2185 @kindex set startup-with-shell
2186 @anchor{set startup-with-shell}
2187 @item set startup-with-shell
2188 @itemx set startup-with-shell on
2189 @itemx set startup-with-shell off
2190 @itemx show startup-with-shell
2191 On Unix systems, by default, if a shell is available on your target,
2192 @value{GDBN}) uses it to start your program. Arguments of the
2193 @code{run} command are passed to the shell, which does variable
2194 substitution, expands wildcard characters and performs redirection of
2195 I/O. In some circumstances, it may be useful to disable such use of a
2196 shell, for example, when debugging the shell itself or diagnosing
2197 startup failures such as:
2201 Starting program: ./a.out
2202 During startup program terminated with signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
2206 which indicates the shell or the wrapper specified with
2207 @samp{exec-wrapper} crashed, not your program. Most often, this is
2208 caused by something odd in your shell's non-interactive mode
2209 initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell,
2210 $@file{.zshenv} for the Z shell, or the file specified in the
2211 @samp{BASH_ENV} environment variable for BASH.
2213 @anchor{set auto-connect-native-target}
2214 @kindex set auto-connect-native-target
2215 @item set auto-connect-native-target
2216 @itemx set auto-connect-native-target on
2217 @itemx set auto-connect-native-target off
2218 @itemx show auto-connect-native-target
2220 By default, if not connected to any target yet (e.g., with
2221 @code{target remote}), the @code{run} command starts your program as a
2222 native process under @value{GDBN}, on your local machine. If you're
2223 sure you don't want to debug programs on your local machine, you can
2224 tell @value{GDBN} to not connect to the native target automatically
2225 with the @code{set auto-connect-native-target off} command.
2227 If @code{on}, which is the default, and if @value{GDBN} is not
2228 connected to a target already, the @code{run} command automaticaly
2229 connects to the native target, if one is available.
2231 If @code{off}, and if @value{GDBN} is not connected to a target
2232 already, the @code{run} command fails with an error:
2236 Don't know how to run. Try "help target".
2239 If @value{GDBN} is already connected to a target, @value{GDBN} always
2240 uses it with the @code{run} command.
2242 In any case, you can explicitly connect to the native target with the
2243 @code{target native} command. For example,
2246 (@value{GDBP}) set auto-connect-native-target off
2248 Don't know how to run. Try "help target".
2249 (@value{GDBP}) target native
2251 Starting program: ./a.out
2252 [Inferior 1 (process 10421) exited normally]
2255 In case you connected explicitly to the @code{native} target,
2256 @value{GDBN} remains connected even if all inferiors exit, ready for
2257 the next @code{run} command. Use the @code{disconnect} command to
2260 Examples of other commands that likewise respect the
2261 @code{auto-connect-native-target} setting: @code{attach}, @code{info
2262 proc}, @code{info os}.
2264 @kindex set disable-randomization
2265 @item set disable-randomization
2266 @itemx set disable-randomization on
2267 This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
2268 randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
2269 is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2270 reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2272 This feature is implemented only on certain targets, including @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2273 On @sc{gnu}/Linux you can get the same behavior using
2276 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2279 @item set disable-randomization off
2280 Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2281 ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2282 disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2283 @value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2284 as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2285 disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2287 On targets where it is available, virtual address space randomization
2288 protects the programs against certain kinds of security attacks. In these
2289 cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2290 code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2291 a code at its expected addresses.
2293 Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2294 makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2295 having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2296 library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2297 misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2298 random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2299 startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2300 a randomly chosen address.
2302 Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2303 similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2304 a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2305 already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2306 executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2308 Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2309 (as long as the randomization is enabled).
2311 @item show disable-randomization
2312 Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2313 the virtual address space of the started program.
2318 @section Your Program's Arguments
2320 @cindex arguments (to your program)
2321 The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2323 They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2324 performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2325 @code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2326 @value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2327 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2329 On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2330 @value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2331 calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2332 the program, not by the shell.
2334 @code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2335 @code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2340 Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2341 @code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2342 with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2343 using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2344 it again without arguments.
2348 Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2352 @section Your Program's Environment
2354 @cindex environment (of your program)
2355 The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2356 their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2357 your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2358 path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2359 the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2360 debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2361 environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2365 @item path @var{directory}
2366 Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2367 (the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2368 The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2369 You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2370 system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2371 MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2372 is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2374 You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2375 working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2376 use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2377 @code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2378 @var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2379 @var{directory} to the search path.
2380 @c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2381 @c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2385 Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2386 environment variable).
2388 @kindex show environment
2389 @item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2390 Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2391 your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2392 print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2393 your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2395 @kindex set environment
2396 @anchor{set environment}
2397 @item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2398 Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2399 changes for your program (and the shell @value{GDBN} uses to launch
2400 it), not for @value{GDBN} itself. The @var{value} may be any string; the
2401 values of environment variables are just strings, and any
2402 interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2403 parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2405 @c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2406 @c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2408 For example, this command:
2415 tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2416 @samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2417 are not actually required.)
2419 Note that on Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program via a shell,
2420 which also inherits the environment set with @code{set environment}.
2421 If necessary, you can avoid that by using the @samp{env} program as a
2422 wrapper instead of using @code{set environment}. @xref{set
2423 exec-wrapper}, for an example doing just that.
2425 Environment variables that are set by the user are also transmitted to
2426 @command{gdbserver} to be used when starting the remote inferior.
2427 @pxref{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}.
2429 @kindex unset environment
2430 @anchor{unset environment}
2431 @item unset environment @var{varname}
2432 Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2433 program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2434 @code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2435 rather than assigning it an empty value.
2437 Environment variables that are unset by the user are also unset on
2438 @command{gdbserver} when starting the remote inferior.
2439 @pxref{QEnvironmentUnset}.
2442 @emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2443 the shell indicated by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it
2444 exists (or @code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable
2445 names a shell that runs an initialization file when started
2446 non-interactively---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, $@file{.zshenv}
2447 for the Z shell, or the file specified in the @samp{BASH_ENV}
2448 environment variable for BASH---any variables you set in that file
2449 affect your program. You may wish to move setting of environment
2450 variables to files that are only run when you sign on, such as
2451 @file{.login} or @file{.profile}.
2453 @node Working Directory
2454 @section Your Program's Working Directory
2456 @cindex working directory (of your program)
2457 Each time you start your program with @code{run}, the inferior will be
2458 initialized with the current working directory specified by the
2459 @kbd{set cwd} command. If no directory has been specified by this
2460 command, then the inferior will inherit @value{GDBN}'s current working
2461 directory as its working directory if native debugging, or it will
2462 inherit the remote server's current working directory if remote
2467 @cindex change inferior's working directory
2468 @anchor{set cwd command}
2469 @item set cwd @r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
2470 Set the inferior's working directory to @var{directory}, which will be
2471 @code{glob}-expanded in order to resolve tildes (@file{~}). If no
2472 argument has been specified, the command clears the setting and resets
2473 it to an empty state. This setting has no effect on @value{GDBN}'s
2474 working directory, and it only takes effect the next time you start
2475 the inferior. The @file{~} in @var{directory} is a short for the
2476 @dfn{home directory}, usually pointed to by the @env{HOME} environment
2477 variable. On MS-Windows, if @env{HOME} is not defined, @value{GDBN}
2478 uses the concatenation of @env{HOMEDRIVE} and @env{HOMEPATH} as
2481 You can also change @value{GDBN}'s current working directory by using
2482 the @code{cd} command.
2486 @cindex show inferior's working directory
2488 Show the inferior's working directory. If no directory has been
2489 specified by @kbd{set cwd}, then the default inferior's working
2490 directory is the same as @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
2493 @cindex change @value{GDBN}'s working directory
2495 @item cd @r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
2496 Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}. If not
2497 given, @var{directory} uses @file{'~'}.
2499 The @value{GDBN} working directory serves as a default for the
2500 commands that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on.
2501 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
2502 @xref{set cwd command}
2506 Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2509 It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2510 the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2511 during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} is
2512 configured with the @file{/proc} support, you can use the @code{info
2513 proc} command (@pxref{SVR4 Process Information}) to find out the
2514 current working directory of the debuggee.
2517 @section Your Program's Input and Output
2522 By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2523 the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2524 to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2525 modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2526 running your program.
2529 @kindex info terminal
2531 Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2535 You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2536 redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2543 starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2546 @cindex controlling terminal
2547 Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2548 with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2549 argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2550 commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2551 process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2558 directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2559 default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2560 that as their controlling terminal.
2562 An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2563 effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2566 When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2567 command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2568 for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2569 for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2571 @cindex inferior tty
2572 @cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2573 You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2574 display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2578 @item set inferior-tty [ @var{tty} ]
2579 @kindex set inferior-tty
2580 Set the tty for the program being debugged to @var{tty}. Omitting @var{tty}
2581 restores the default behavior, which is to use the same terminal as
2584 @item show inferior-tty
2585 @kindex show inferior-tty
2586 Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2590 @section Debugging an Already-running Process
2595 @item attach @var{process-id}
2596 This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2597 outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2598 targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2599 find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2600 or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2602 @code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2603 executing the command.
2606 To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2607 which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2608 programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2609 also have permission to send the process a signal.
2611 When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2612 the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2613 the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2614 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2615 the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2618 The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2619 process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2620 with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2621 you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2622 can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2623 process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2624 attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2629 When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2630 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2631 the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2632 that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2633 are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2634 @code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2635 executing the command.
2638 If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2639 that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2640 By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2641 things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2642 @code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2646 @section Killing the Child Process
2651 Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2654 This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2655 running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2658 On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2659 while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2660 @code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2661 outside the debugger.
2663 The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2664 relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2665 executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2666 next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2667 reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2668 breakpoint settings).
2670 @node Inferiors and Programs
2671 @section Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs
2673 @value{GDBN} lets you run and debug multiple programs in a single
2674 session. In addition, @value{GDBN} on some systems may let you run
2675 several programs simultaneously (otherwise you have to exit from one
2676 before starting another). In the most general case, you can have
2677 multiple threads of execution in each of multiple processes, launched
2678 from multiple executables.
2681 @value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
2682 object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
2683 a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
2684 have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
2685 may be retained after a process exits. Inferiors have unique
2686 identifiers that are different from process ids. Usually each
2687 inferior will also have its own distinct address space, although some
2688 embedded targets may have several inferiors running in different parts
2689 of a single address space. Each inferior may in turn have multiple
2690 threads running in it.
2692 To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @w{@code{info
2696 @kindex info inferiors
2697 @item info inferiors
2698 Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
2700 @value{GDBN} displays for each inferior (in this order):
2704 the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2707 the target system's inferior identifier
2710 the name of the executable the inferior is running.
2715 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} inferior number
2716 indicates the current inferior.
2720 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2723 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2724 Num Description Executable
2725 2 process 2307 hello
2726 * 1 process 3401 goodbye
2729 To switch focus between inferiors, use the @code{inferior} command:
2732 @kindex inferior @var{infno}
2733 @item inferior @var{infno}
2734 Make inferior number @var{infno} the current inferior. The argument
2735 @var{infno} is the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}, as shown
2736 in the first field of the @samp{info inferiors} display.
2739 @vindex $_inferior@r{, convenience variable}
2740 The debugger convenience variable @samp{$_inferior} contains the
2741 number of the current inferior. You may find this useful in writing
2742 breakpoint conditional expressions, command scripts, and so forth.
2743 @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for general
2744 information on convenience variables.
2746 You can get multiple executables into a debugging session via the
2747 @code{add-inferior} and @w{@code{clone-inferior}} commands. On some
2748 systems @value{GDBN} can add inferiors to the debug session
2749 automatically by following calls to @code{fork} and @code{exec}. To
2750 remove inferiors from the debugging session use the
2751 @w{@code{remove-inferiors}} command.
2754 @kindex add-inferior
2755 @item add-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ -exec @var{executable} ]
2756 Adds @var{n} inferiors to be run using @var{executable} as the
2757 executable; @var{n} defaults to 1. If no executable is specified,
2758 the inferiors begins empty, with no program. You can still assign or
2759 change the program assigned to the inferior at any time by using the
2760 @code{file} command with the executable name as its argument.
2762 @kindex clone-inferior
2763 @item clone-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ @var{infno} ]
2764 Adds @var{n} inferiors ready to execute the same program as inferior
2765 @var{infno}; @var{n} defaults to 1, and @var{infno} defaults to the
2766 number of the current inferior. This is a convenient command when you
2767 want to run another instance of the inferior you are debugging.
2770 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2771 Num Description Executable
2772 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2773 (@value{GDBP}) clone-inferior
2776 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2777 Num Description Executable
2779 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2782 You can now simply switch focus to inferior 2 and run it.
2784 @kindex remove-inferiors
2785 @item remove-inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2786 Removes the inferior or inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}. It is not
2787 possible to remove an inferior that is running with this command. For
2788 those, use the @code{kill} or @code{detach} command first.
2792 To quit debugging one of the running inferiors that is not the current
2793 inferior, you can either detach from it by using the @w{@code{detach
2794 inferior}} command (allowing it to run independently), or kill it
2795 using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}} command:
2798 @kindex detach inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2799 @item detach inferior @var{infno}@dots{}
2800 Detach from the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN}
2801 inferior number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry
2802 still stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors},
2803 but its Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2805 @kindex kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2806 @item kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2807 Kill the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN} inferior
2808 number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry still
2809 stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors}, but its
2810 Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2813 After the successful completion of a command such as @code{detach},
2814 @code{detach inferiors}, @code{kill} or @code{kill inferiors}, or after
2815 a normal process exit, the inferior is still valid and listed with
2816 @code{info inferiors}, ready to be restarted.
2819 To be notified when inferiors are started or exit under @value{GDBN}'s
2820 control use @w{@code{set print inferior-events}}:
2823 @kindex set print inferior-events
2824 @cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
2825 @item set print inferior-events
2826 @itemx set print inferior-events on
2827 @itemx set print inferior-events off
2828 The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
2829 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
2830 inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
2831 detached. By default, these messages will not be printed.
2833 @kindex show print inferior-events
2834 @item show print inferior-events
2835 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
2836 inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
2839 Many commands will work the same with multiple programs as with a
2840 single program: e.g., @code{print myglobal} will simply display the
2841 value of @code{myglobal} in the current inferior.
2844 Occasionaly, when debugging @value{GDBN} itself, it may be useful to
2845 get more info about the relationship of inferiors, programs, address
2846 spaces in a debug session. You can do that with the @w{@code{maint
2847 info program-spaces}} command.
2850 @kindex maint info program-spaces
2851 @item maint info program-spaces
2852 Print a list of all program spaces currently being managed by
2855 @value{GDBN} displays for each program space (in this order):
2859 the program space number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2862 the name of the executable loaded into the program space, with e.g.,
2863 the @code{file} command.
2868 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} program space number
2869 indicates the current program space.
2871 In addition, below each program space line, @value{GDBN} prints extra
2872 information that isn't suitable to display in tabular form. For
2873 example, the list of inferiors bound to the program space.
2876 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2880 Bound inferiors: ID 1 (process 21561)
2883 Here we can see that no inferior is running the program @code{hello},
2884 while @code{process 21561} is running the program @code{goodbye}. On
2885 some targets, it is possible that multiple inferiors are bound to the
2886 same program space. The most common example is that of debugging both
2887 the parent and child processes of a @code{vfork} call. For example,
2890 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2893 Bound inferiors: ID 2 (process 18050), ID 1 (process 18045)
2896 Here, both inferior 2 and inferior 1 are running in the same program
2897 space as a result of inferior 1 having executed a @code{vfork} call.
2901 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2903 @cindex threads of execution
2904 @cindex multiple threads
2905 @cindex switching threads
2906 In some operating systems, such as GNU/Linux and Solaris, a single program
2907 may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2908 of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2909 the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2910 that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2911 modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2912 registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2914 @value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2918 @item automatic notification of new threads
2919 @item @samp{thread @var{thread-id}}, a command to switch among threads
2920 @item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2921 @item @samp{thread apply [@var{thread-id-list}] [@var{all}] @var{args}},
2922 a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2923 @item thread-specific breakpoints
2924 @item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2925 messages on thread start and exit.
2926 @item @samp{set libthread-db-search-path @var{path}}, which lets
2927 the user specify which @code{libthread_db} to use if the default choice
2928 isn't compatible with the program.
2931 @cindex focus of debugging
2932 @cindex current thread
2933 The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2934 threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2935 control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2936 This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2937 program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2939 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2940 @cindex thread identifier (system)
2941 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2942 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2943 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2944 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2945 the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2946 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}, where @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2947 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2948 @sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2951 [New Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 25582)]
2955 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on other systems,
2956 the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2959 @c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2960 @c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2961 @c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2963 @c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2964 @c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2965 @c threads ab initio?
2967 @anchor{thread numbers}
2968 @cindex thread number, per inferior
2969 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2970 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread number
2971 ---always a single integer---with each thread of an inferior. This
2972 number is unique between all threads of an inferior, but not unique
2973 between threads of different inferiors.
2975 @cindex qualified thread ID
2976 You can refer to a given thread in an inferior using the qualified
2977 @var{inferior-num}.@var{thread-num} syntax, also known as
2978 @dfn{qualified thread ID}, with @var{inferior-num} being the inferior
2979 number and @var{thread-num} being the thread number of the given
2980 inferior. For example, thread @code{2.3} refers to thread number 3 of
2981 inferior 2. If you omit @var{inferior-num} (e.g., @code{thread 3}),
2982 then @value{GDBN} infers you're referring to a thread of the current
2985 Until you create a second inferior, @value{GDBN} does not show the
2986 @var{inferior-num} part of thread IDs, even though you can always use
2987 the full @var{inferior-num}.@var{thread-num} form to refer to threads
2988 of inferior 1, the initial inferior.
2990 @anchor{thread ID lists}
2991 @cindex thread ID lists
2992 Some commands accept a space-separated @dfn{thread ID list} as
2993 argument. A list element can be:
2997 A thread ID as shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads}
2998 display, with or without an inferior qualifier. E.g., @samp{2.1} or
3002 A range of thread numbers, again with or without an inferior
3003 qualifier, as in @var{inf}.@var{thr1}-@var{thr2} or
3004 @var{thr1}-@var{thr2}. E.g., @samp{1.2-4} or @samp{2-4}.
3007 All threads of an inferior, specified with a star wildcard, with or
3008 without an inferior qualifier, as in @var{inf}.@code{*} (e.g.,
3009 @samp{1.*}) or @code{*}. The former refers to all threads of the
3010 given inferior, and the latter form without an inferior qualifier
3011 refers to all threads of the current inferior.
3015 For example, if the current inferior is 1, and inferior 7 has one
3016 thread with ID 7.1, the thread list @samp{1 2-3 4.5 6.7-9 7.*}
3017 includes threads 1 to 3 of inferior 1, thread 5 of inferior 4, threads
3018 7 to 9 of inferior 6 and all threads of inferior 7. That is, in
3019 expanded qualified form, the same as @samp{1.1 1.2 1.3 4.5 6.7 6.8 6.9
3023 @anchor{global thread numbers}
3024 @cindex global thread number
3025 @cindex global thread identifier (GDB)
3026 In addition to a @emph{per-inferior} number, each thread is also
3027 assigned a unique @emph{global} number, also known as @dfn{global
3028 thread ID}, a single integer. Unlike the thread number component of
3029 the thread ID, no two threads have the same global ID, even when
3030 you're debugging multiple inferiors.
3032 From @value{GDBN}'s perspective, a process always has at least one
3033 thread. In other words, @value{GDBN} assigns a thread number to the
3034 program's ``main thread'' even if the program is not multi-threaded.
3036 @vindex $_thread@r{, convenience variable}
3037 @vindex $_gthread@r{, convenience variable}
3038 The debugger convenience variables @samp{$_thread} and
3039 @samp{$_gthread} contain, respectively, the per-inferior thread number
3040 and the global thread number of the current thread. You may find this
3041 useful in writing breakpoint conditional expressions, command scripts,
3042 and so forth. @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for
3043 general information on convenience variables.
3045 If @value{GDBN} detects the program is multi-threaded, it augments the
3046 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint with the ID and name of
3047 the thread that hit the breakpoint.
3050 Thread 2 "client" hit Breakpoint 1, send_message () at client.c:68
3053 Likewise when the program receives a signal:
3056 Thread 1 "main" received signal SIGINT, Interrupt.
3060 @kindex info threads
3061 @item info threads @r{[}@var{thread-id-list}@r{]}
3063 Display information about one or more threads. With no arguments
3064 displays information about all threads. You can specify the list of
3065 threads that you want to display using the thread ID list syntax
3066 (@pxref{thread ID lists}).
3068 @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
3072 the per-inferior thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
3075 the global thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}, if the @samp{-gid}
3076 option was specified
3079 the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
3082 the thread's name, if one is known. A thread can either be named by
3083 the user (see @code{thread name}, below), or, in some cases, by the
3087 the current stack frame summary for that thread
3091 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
3092 indicates the current thread.
3096 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
3099 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
3101 * 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
3102 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3103 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3107 If you're debugging multiple inferiors, @value{GDBN} displays thread
3108 IDs using the qualified @var{inferior-num}.@var{thread-num} format.
3109 Otherwise, only @var{thread-num} is shown.
3111 If you specify the @samp{-gid} option, @value{GDBN} displays a column
3112 indicating each thread's global thread ID:
3115 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
3116 Id GId Target Id Frame
3117 1.1 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
3118 1.2 3 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3119 1.3 4 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3120 * 2.1 2 process 65 thread 1 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
3123 On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
3124 Solaris-specific command:
3127 @item maint info sol-threads
3128 @kindex maint info sol-threads
3129 @cindex thread info (Solaris)
3130 Display info on Solaris user threads.
3134 @kindex thread @var{thread-id}
3135 @item thread @var{thread-id}
3136 Make thread ID @var{thread-id} the current thread. The command
3137 argument @var{thread-id} is the @value{GDBN} thread ID, as shown in
3138 the first field of the @samp{info threads} display, with or without an
3139 inferior qualifier (e.g., @samp{2.1} or @samp{1}).
3141 @value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the
3142 thread you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
3145 (@value{GDBP}) thread 2
3146 [Switching to thread 2 (Thread 0xb7fdab70 (LWP 12747))]
3147 #0 some_function (ignore=0x0) at example.c:8
3148 8 printf ("hello\n");
3152 As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
3153 @samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
3156 @kindex thread apply
3157 @cindex apply command to several threads
3158 @item thread apply [@var{thread-id-list} | all [-ascending]] @var{command}
3159 The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
3160 @var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the threads that you
3161 want affected using the thread ID list syntax (@pxref{thread ID
3162 lists}), or specify @code{all} to apply to all threads. To apply a
3163 command to all threads in descending order, type @kbd{thread apply all
3164 @var{command}}. To apply a command to all threads in ascending order,
3165 type @kbd{thread apply all -ascending @var{command}}.
3169 @cindex name a thread
3170 @item thread name [@var{name}]
3171 This command assigns a name to the current thread. If no argument is
3172 given, any existing user-specified name is removed. The thread name
3173 appears in the @samp{info threads} display.
3175 On some systems, such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, @value{GDBN} is able to
3176 determine the name of the thread as given by the OS. On these
3177 systems, a name specified with @samp{thread name} will override the
3178 system-give name, and removing the user-specified name will cause
3179 @value{GDBN} to once again display the system-specified name.
3182 @cindex search for a thread
3183 @item thread find [@var{regexp}]
3184 Search for and display thread ids whose name or @var{systag}
3185 matches the supplied regular expression.
3187 As well as being the complement to the @samp{thread name} command,
3188 this command also allows you to identify a thread by its target
3189 @var{systag}. For instance, on @sc{gnu}/Linux, the target @var{systag}
3193 (@value{GDBN}) thread find 26688
3194 Thread 4 has target id 'Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688)'
3195 (@value{GDBN}) info thread 4
3197 4 Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688) 0x00000031ca6cd372 in select ()
3200 @kindex set print thread-events
3201 @cindex print messages on thread start and exit
3202 @item set print thread-events
3203 @itemx set print thread-events on
3204 @itemx set print thread-events off
3205 The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
3206 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
3207 started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
3208 be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
3209 Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
3211 @kindex show print thread-events
3212 @item show print thread-events
3213 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
3214 have started and exited.
3217 @xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
3218 more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
3219 programs with multiple threads.
3221 @xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
3222 watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
3224 @anchor{set libthread-db-search-path}
3226 @kindex set libthread-db-search-path
3227 @cindex search path for @code{libthread_db}
3228 @item set libthread-db-search-path @r{[}@var{path}@r{]}
3229 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
3230 directories @value{GDBN} will use to search for @code{libthread_db}.
3231 If you omit @var{path}, @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to
3232 its default value (@code{$sdir:$pdir} on @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems).
3233 Internally, the default value comes from the @code{LIBTHREAD_DB_SEARCH_PATH}
3236 On @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems, @value{GDBN} uses a ``helper''
3237 @code{libthread_db} library to obtain information about threads in the
3238 inferior process. @value{GDBN} will use @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
3239 to find @code{libthread_db}. @value{GDBN} also consults first if inferior
3240 specific thread debugging library loading is enabled
3241 by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
3243 A special entry @samp{$sdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
3244 refers to the default system directories that are
3245 normally searched for loading shared libraries. The @samp{$sdir} entry
3246 is the only kind not needing to be enabled by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db}
3247 (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
3249 A special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
3250 refers to the directory from which @code{libpthread}
3251 was loaded in the inferior process.
3253 For any @code{libthread_db} library @value{GDBN} finds in above directories,
3254 @value{GDBN} attempts to initialize it with the current inferior process.
3255 If this initialization fails (which could happen because of a version
3256 mismatch between @code{libthread_db} and @code{libpthread}), @value{GDBN}
3257 will unload @code{libthread_db}, and continue with the next directory.
3258 If none of @code{libthread_db} libraries initialize successfully,
3259 @value{GDBN} will issue a warning and thread debugging will be disabled.
3261 Setting @code{libthread-db-search-path} is currently implemented
3262 only on some platforms.
3264 @kindex show libthread-db-search-path
3265 @item show libthread-db-search-path
3266 Display current libthread_db search path.
3268 @kindex set debug libthread-db
3269 @kindex show debug libthread-db
3270 @cindex debugging @code{libthread_db}
3271 @item set debug libthread-db
3272 @itemx show debug libthread-db
3273 Turns on or off display of @code{libthread_db}-related events.
3274 Use @code{1} to enable, @code{0} to disable.
3278 @section Debugging Forks
3280 @cindex fork, debugging programs which call
3281 @cindex multiple processes
3282 @cindex processes, multiple
3283 On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
3284 programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
3285 function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
3286 parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
3287 set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
3288 will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
3289 will cause it to terminate.
3291 However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
3292 which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
3293 the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
3294 only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
3295 so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
3296 on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
3297 get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
3298 @value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
3299 the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
3300 the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
3302 On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs
3303 that create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork}
3304 functions. On @sc{gnu}/Linux platforms, this feature is supported
3305 with kernel version 2.5.46 and later.
3307 The fork debugging commands are supported in native mode and when
3308 connected to @code{gdbserver} in either @code{target remote} mode or
3309 @code{target extended-remote} mode.
3311 By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
3312 the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
3314 If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
3315 use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
3318 @kindex set follow-fork-mode
3319 @item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
3320 Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
3321 @code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
3322 process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
3326 The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
3327 unimpeded. This is the default.
3330 The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
3335 @kindex show follow-fork-mode
3336 @item show follow-fork-mode
3337 Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
3340 @cindex debugging multiple processes
3341 On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
3342 command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
3345 @kindex set detach-on-fork
3346 @item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
3347 Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
3348 retain debugger control over them both.
3352 The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
3353 @code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
3354 independently. This is the default.
3357 Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
3358 One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
3359 @code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
3364 @kindex show detach-on-fork
3365 @item show detach-on-fork
3366 Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
3369 If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then @value{GDBN}
3370 will retain control of all forked processes (including nested forks).
3371 You can list the forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN} by
3372 using the @w{@code{info inferiors}} command, and switch from one fork
3373 to another by using the @code{inferior} command (@pxref{Inferiors and
3374 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}).
3376 To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
3377 from it by using the @w{@code{detach inferiors}} command (allowing it
3378 to run independently), or kill it using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}}
3379 command. @xref{Inferiors and Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors
3382 If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
3383 @code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
3384 breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
3385 @code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
3386 the child process's @code{main}.
3388 On some systems, when a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you
3389 cannot debug the child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
3391 If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
3392 call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent
3393 process, use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name
3394 as its argument. By default, after an @code{exec} call executes,
3395 @value{GDBN} discards the symbols of the previous executable image.
3396 You can change this behaviour with the @w{@code{set follow-exec-mode}}
3400 @kindex set follow-exec-mode
3401 @item set follow-exec-mode @var{mode}
3403 Set debugger response to a program call of @code{exec}. An
3404 @code{exec} call replaces the program image of a process.
3406 @code{follow-exec-mode} can be:
3410 @value{GDBN} creates a new inferior and rebinds the process to this
3411 new inferior. The program the process was running before the
3412 @code{exec} call can be restarted afterwards by restarting the
3418 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3420 Id Description Executable
3423 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3424 Program exited normally.
3425 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3426 Id Description Executable
3432 @value{GDBN} keeps the process bound to the same inferior. The new
3433 executable image replaces the previous executable loaded in the
3434 inferior. Restarting the inferior after the @code{exec} call, with
3435 e.g., the @code{run} command, restarts the executable the process was
3436 running after the @code{exec} call. This is the default mode.
3441 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3442 Id Description Executable
3445 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3446 Program exited normally.
3447 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3448 Id Description Executable
3455 @code{follow-exec-mode} is supported in native mode and
3456 @code{target extended-remote} mode.
3458 You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
3459 a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
3460 Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
3462 @node Checkpoint/Restart
3463 @section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
3468 @cindex snapshot of a process
3469 @cindex rewind program state
3471 On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
3472 @sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
3473 program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
3476 Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
3477 happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
3478 includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
3479 system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
3480 moment when the checkpoint was saved.
3482 Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
3483 getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
3484 a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
3485 the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
3486 from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
3487 start again from there.
3489 This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
3490 steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
3492 To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
3497 Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
3498 The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
3499 is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
3501 @kindex info checkpoints
3502 @item info checkpoints
3503 List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
3504 session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
3511 @item Source line, or label
3514 @kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3515 @item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3516 Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
3517 @var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
3518 etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
3519 was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
3520 in time when the checkpoint was saved.
3522 Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
3523 are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
3524 only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
3527 @kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3528 @item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3529 Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
3533 Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
3534 of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
3535 (OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
3536 a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
3537 so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
3538 opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
3539 previously read data can be read again.
3541 Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
3542 external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
3543 from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
3544 but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
3545 be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
3546 been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
3548 However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
3549 program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
3550 again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
3551 different execution path this time.
3553 @cindex checkpoints and process id
3554 Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
3555 different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
3556 id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
3557 and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
3558 If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
3559 potentially pose a problem.
3561 @subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
3563 On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
3564 is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
3565 difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
3566 absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
3567 absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
3570 A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
3571 Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
3572 and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
3573 process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
3574 your symbols will all stay in the same place.
3577 @chapter Stopping and Continuing
3579 The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
3580 program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
3581 trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
3583 Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
3584 such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
3585 @value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
3586 change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
3587 continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
3588 ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
3589 explicitly request this information at any time.
3592 @kindex info program
3594 Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
3595 running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
3599 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
3600 * Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
3601 * Skipping Over Functions and Files::
3602 Skipping over functions and files
3604 * Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
3608 @section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
3611 A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
3612 the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
3613 control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
3614 breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
3615 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
3616 should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
3619 On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
3620 the executable is run.
3623 @cindex data breakpoints
3624 @cindex memory tracing
3625 @cindex breakpoint on memory address
3626 @cindex breakpoint on variable modification
3627 A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
3628 when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
3629 of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
3630 combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
3631 @dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
3632 watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
3633 from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
3634 enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
3637 You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
3638 whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
3642 @cindex breakpoint on events
3643 A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
3644 when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
3645 exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
3646 different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
3647 Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
3648 other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
3649 @code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
3651 @cindex breakpoint numbers
3652 @cindex numbers for breakpoints
3653 @value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3654 catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
3655 starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
3656 features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
3657 breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
3658 @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
3661 @cindex breakpoint ranges
3662 @cindex breakpoint lists
3663 @cindex ranges of breakpoints
3664 @cindex lists of breakpoints
3665 Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a space-separated list of breakpoints
3666 on which to operate. A list element can be either a single breakpoint number,
3667 like @samp{5}, or a range of such numbers, like @samp{5-7}.
3668 When a breakpoint list is given to a command, all breakpoints in that list
3672 * Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
3673 * Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
3674 * Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
3675 * Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
3676 * Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
3677 * Conditions:: Break conditions
3678 * Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
3679 * Dynamic Printf:: Dynamic printf
3680 * Save Breakpoints:: How to save breakpoints in a file
3681 * Static Probe Points:: Listing static probe points
3682 * Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3683 * Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
3687 @subsection Setting Breakpoints
3689 @c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
3690 @c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
3692 @c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
3695 @kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
3696 @vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
3697 @cindex latest breakpoint
3698 Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
3699 @code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
3700 number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
3701 Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
3702 convenience variables.
3705 @item break @var{location}
3706 Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
3707 function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
3708 (@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
3709 specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
3710 before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
3712 When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3713 C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3714 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3717 It is also possible to insert a breakpoint that will stop the program
3718 only if a specific thread (@pxref{Thread-Specific Breakpoints})
3719 or a specific task (@pxref{Ada Tasks}) hits that breakpoint.
3722 When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3723 the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3724 (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3725 innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3726 returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3727 @code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3728 that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3729 @code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3730 the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3733 @value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3734 least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3735 would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3736 breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3737 existed when your program stopped.
3739 @item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3740 Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3741 @var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3742 value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3743 @samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3744 above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3745 ,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3748 @item tbreak @var{args}
3749 Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. The @var{args} are the
3750 same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3751 way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3752 program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3755 @cindex hardware breakpoints
3756 @item hbreak @var{args}
3757 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. The @var{args} are the same as for the
3758 @code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3759 breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3760 have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3761 debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3762 changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3763 provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3764 will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3765 address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3766 breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3767 example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3768 @value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3769 or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3770 (@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3771 @xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3772 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3773 breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3774 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3777 @item thbreak @var{args}
3778 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. The @var{args}
3779 are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3780 the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3781 the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3782 first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3783 command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3784 may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3785 See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3788 @cindex regular expression
3789 @cindex breakpoints at functions matching a regexp
3790 @cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3791 @item rbreak @var{regex}
3792 Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3793 @var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3794 matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3795 breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3796 the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3797 them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3799 The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3800 like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3801 shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3802 an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3803 @code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3804 match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3806 @cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3807 When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3808 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3811 @cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3812 The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3813 @strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3816 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3819 @item rbreak @var{file}:@var{regex}
3820 If @code{rbreak} is called with a filename qualification, it limits
3821 the search for functions matching the given regular expression to the
3822 specified @var{file}. This can be used, for example, to set breakpoints on
3823 every function in a given file:
3826 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak file.c:.
3829 The colon separating the filename qualifier from the regex may
3830 optionally be surrounded by spaces.
3832 @kindex info breakpoints
3833 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3834 @item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
3835 @itemx info break @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
3836 Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3837 not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3838 about the specified breakpoint(s) (or watchpoint(s) or catchpoint(s)).
3839 For each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3842 @item Breakpoint Numbers
3844 Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3846 Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3847 @item Enabled or Disabled
3848 Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3849 that are not enabled.
3851 Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3852 pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3853 contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3854 library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3855 See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3856 have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3858 Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3859 line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3860 the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3861 the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3865 If a breakpoint is conditional, there are two evaluation modes: ``host'' and
3866 ``target''. If mode is ``host'', breakpoint condition evaluation is done by
3867 @value{GDBN} on the host's side. If it is ``target'', then the condition
3868 is evaluated by the target. The @code{info break} command shows
3869 the condition on the line following the affected breakpoint, together with
3870 its condition evaluation mode in between parentheses.
3872 Breakpoint commands, if any, are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is
3873 allowed to have a condition specified for it. The condition is not parsed for
3874 validity until a shared library is loaded that allows the pending
3875 breakpoint to resolve to a valid location.
3878 @code{info break} with a breakpoint
3879 number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3880 convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3881 the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3882 listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3885 @code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3886 has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3887 @code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3888 hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3889 was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3890 will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3893 For a breakpoints with an enable count (xref) greater than 1,
3894 @code{info break} also displays that count.
3898 @value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3899 your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3900 the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3901 (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3903 @cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3904 @cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3905 It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3906 in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3910 Multiple functions in the program may have the same name.
3913 For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3914 instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3917 For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3918 correspond to any number of instantiations.
3921 For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3922 several places where that function is inlined.
3925 In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
3926 the relevant locations.
3928 A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
3929 table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
3930 each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
3931 address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
3932 addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
3933 locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
3934 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
3939 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
3940 1 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
3942 breakpoint already hit 1 time
3943 1.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
3944 1.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
3947 You cannot delete the individual locations from a breakpoint. However,
3948 each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
3949 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
3950 @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. It's also possible to
3951 @code{enable} and @code{disable} a range of @var{location-number}
3952 locations using a @var{breakpoint-number} and two @var{location-number}s,
3953 in increasing order, separated by a hyphen, like
3954 @kbd{@var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number1}-@var{location-number2}},
3955 in which case @value{GDBN} acts on all the locations in the range (inclusive).
3956 Disabling or enabling the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects
3957 all of the locations that belong to that breakpoint.
3959 @cindex pending breakpoints
3960 It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
3961 Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
3962 and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
3963 this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
3964 any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
3965 set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
3966 debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
3967 symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
3968 breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
3969 a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
3970 is not yet resolved.
3972 After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
3973 @value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
3974 shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
3975 pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
3976 ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
3977 that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
3979 This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
3980 example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
3981 a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
3982 a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
3984 Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
3985 differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
3986 enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
3988 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
3989 happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
3990 address specification to an address:
3992 @kindex set breakpoint pending
3993 @kindex show breakpoint pending
3995 @item set breakpoint pending auto
3996 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
3997 location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
3999 @item set breakpoint pending on
4000 This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
4001 result in a pending breakpoint being created.
4003 @item set breakpoint pending off
4004 This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
4005 unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
4006 not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
4008 @item show breakpoint pending
4009 Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
4012 The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
4013 variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
4014 as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
4016 @cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
4017 For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
4018 software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
4019 breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
4020 breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
4021 breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
4022 breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
4025 You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands:
4027 @kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
4028 @kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
4030 @item set breakpoint auto-hw on
4031 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
4032 will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
4033 breakpoint must be used.
4035 @item set breakpoint auto-hw off
4036 This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
4037 type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
4038 trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
4041 @value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
4042 at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
4043 executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
4044 code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
4045 the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
4046 behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
4047 target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
4048 targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
4049 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
4051 @kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
4052 @kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
4054 @item set breakpoint always-inserted off
4055 All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
4056 the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
4057 removed from the target when it stops. This is the default mode.
4059 @item set breakpoint always-inserted on
4060 Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
4061 the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
4062 breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
4063 removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is deleted.
4066 @value{GDBN} handles conditional breakpoints by evaluating these conditions
4067 when a breakpoint breaks. If the condition is true, then the process being
4068 debugged stops, otherwise the process is resumed.
4070 If the target supports evaluating conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} may
4071 download the breakpoint, together with its conditions, to it.
4073 This feature can be controlled via the following commands:
4075 @kindex set breakpoint condition-evaluation
4076 @kindex show breakpoint condition-evaluation
4078 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation host
4079 This option commands @value{GDBN} to evaluate the breakpoint
4080 conditions on the host's side. Unconditional breakpoints are sent to
4081 the target which in turn receives the triggers and reports them back to GDB
4082 for condition evaluation. This is the standard evaluation mode.
4084 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation target
4085 This option commands @value{GDBN} to download breakpoint conditions
4086 to the target at the moment of their insertion. The target
4087 is responsible for evaluating the conditional expression and reporting
4088 breakpoint stop events back to @value{GDBN} whenever the condition
4089 is true. Due to limitations of target-side evaluation, some conditions
4090 cannot be evaluated there, e.g., conditions that depend on local data
4091 that is only known to the host. Examples include
4092 conditional expressions involving convenience variables, complex types
4093 that cannot be handled by the agent expression parser and expressions
4094 that are too long to be sent over to the target, specially when the
4095 target is a remote system. In these cases, the conditions will be
4096 evaluated by @value{GDBN}.
4098 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation auto
4099 This is the default mode. If the target supports evaluating breakpoint
4100 conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} will download breakpoint conditions to
4101 the target (limitations mentioned previously apply). If the target does
4102 not support breakpoint condition evaluation, then @value{GDBN} will fallback
4103 to evaluating all these conditions on the host's side.
4107 @cindex negative breakpoint numbers
4108 @cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
4109 @value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
4110 special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
4111 programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
4112 starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
4113 You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
4114 @samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
4117 @node Set Watchpoints
4118 @subsection Setting Watchpoints
4120 @cindex setting watchpoints
4121 You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
4122 expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
4123 this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
4124 The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
4125 as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
4129 A reference to the value of a single variable.
4132 An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
4133 @samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
4134 address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
4137 An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
4138 expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
4139 language (@pxref{Languages}).
4142 You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
4143 not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
4144 @samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
4145 @value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
4146 the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
4147 valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
4148 pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
4149 @code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
4150 the expression changes.
4152 @cindex software watchpoints
4153 @cindex hardware watchpoints
4154 Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
4155 hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
4156 program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
4157 times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
4158 catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
4161 On some systems, such as most PowerPC or x86-based targets,
4162 @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware watchpoints, which do not
4163 slow down the running of your program.
4167 @item watch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
4168 Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
4169 expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
4170 changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
4171 to watch the value of a single variable:
4174 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo
4177 If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]}}
4178 argument, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
4179 @var{thread-id} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
4180 change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
4181 that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
4182 with Hardware Watchpoints.
4184 Ordinarily a watchpoint respects the scope of variables in @var{expr}
4185 (see below). The @code{-location} argument tells @value{GDBN} to
4186 instead watch the memory referred to by @var{expr}. In this case,
4187 @value{GDBN} will evaluate @var{expr}, take the address of the result,
4188 and watch the memory at that address. The type of the result is used
4189 to determine the size of the watched memory. If the expression's
4190 result does not have an address, then @value{GDBN} will print an
4193 The @code{@r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}} argument allows creation
4194 of masked watchpoints, if the current architecture supports this
4195 feature (e.g., PowerPC Embedded architecture, see @ref{PowerPC
4196 Embedded}.) A @dfn{masked watchpoint} specifies a mask in addition
4197 to an address to watch. The mask specifies that some bits of an address
4198 (the bits which are reset in the mask) should be ignored when matching
4199 the address accessed by the inferior against the watchpoint address.
4200 Thus, a masked watchpoint watches many addresses simultaneously---those
4201 addresses whose unmasked bits are identical to the unmasked bits in the
4202 watchpoint address. The @code{mask} argument implies @code{-location}.
4206 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo mask 0xffff00ff
4207 (@value{GDBP}) watch *0xdeadbeef mask 0xffffff00
4211 @item rwatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
4212 Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
4216 @item awatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
4217 Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
4218 or written into by the program.
4220 @kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4221 @item info watchpoints @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4222 This command prints a list of watchpoints, using the same format as
4223 @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
4226 If you watch for a change in a numerically entered address you need to
4227 dereference it, as the address itself is just a constant number which will
4228 never change. @value{GDBN} refuses to create a watchpoint that watches
4229 a never-changing value:
4232 (@value{GDBP}) watch 0x600850
4233 Cannot watch constant value 0x600850.
4234 (@value{GDBP}) watch *(int *) 0x600850
4235 Watchpoint 1: *(int *) 6293584
4238 @value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
4239 watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
4240 value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
4241 cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
4242 executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
4243 @emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
4245 @cindex use only software watchpoints
4246 You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
4247 @kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
4248 zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
4249 the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
4250 watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
4251 @code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
4252 mechanism of watching expression values.)
4255 @item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
4256 @kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
4257 Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
4259 @item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
4260 @kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
4261 Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
4264 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
4265 watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
4266 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
4268 When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
4271 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
4275 if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
4277 Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
4278 hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
4279 value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
4280 every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
4281 that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
4282 hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
4283 will print a message like this:
4286 Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
4289 Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
4290 data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
4291 watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
4292 can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
4293 cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
4294 double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
4295 wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
4296 into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
4298 If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
4299 to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
4300 Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
4301 time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
4302 able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
4303 warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
4306 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
4310 If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
4312 Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
4313 exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
4314 That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
4315 expression with separately allocated resources.
4317 If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
4318 any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
4319 kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
4321 @value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
4322 (automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
4323 they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
4324 which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
4325 being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
4326 and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
4327 rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
4328 way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
4329 @code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
4331 @cindex watchpoints and threads
4332 @cindex threads and watchpoints
4333 In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
4334 watched expression from every thread.
4337 @emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
4338 have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
4339 watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
4340 single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
4341 change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
4342 confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
4343 software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
4344 when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
4345 watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
4348 @xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
4350 @node Set Catchpoints
4351 @subsection Setting Catchpoints
4352 @cindex catchpoints, setting
4353 @cindex exception handlers
4354 @cindex event handling
4356 You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
4357 kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
4358 shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
4362 @item catch @var{event}
4363 Stop when @var{event} occurs. The @var{event} can be any of the following:
4366 @item throw @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4367 @itemx rethrow @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4368 @itemx catch @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4370 @kindex catch rethrow
4372 @cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
4373 The throwing, re-throwing, or catching of a C@t{++} exception.
4375 If @var{regexp} is given, then only exceptions whose type matches the
4376 regular expression will be caught.
4378 @vindex $_exception@r{, convenience variable}
4379 The convenience variable @code{$_exception} is available at an
4380 exception-related catchpoint, on some systems. This holds the
4381 exception being thrown.
4383 There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling in
4388 The support for these commands is system-dependent. Currently, only
4389 systems using the @samp{gnu-v3} C@t{++} ABI (@pxref{ABI}) are
4393 The regular expression feature and the @code{$_exception} convenience
4394 variable rely on the presence of some SDT probes in @code{libstdc++}.
4395 If these probes are not present, then these features cannot be used.
4396 These probes were first available in the GCC 4.8 release, but whether
4397 or not they are available in your GCC also depends on how it was
4401 The @code{$_exception} convenience variable is only valid at the
4402 instruction at which an exception-related catchpoint is set.
4405 When an exception-related catchpoint is hit, @value{GDBN} stops at a
4406 location in the system library which implements runtime exception
4407 support for C@t{++}, usually @code{libstdc++}. You can use @code{up}
4408 (@pxref{Selection}) to get to your code.
4411 If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
4412 control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
4413 raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
4414 returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
4415 simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
4416 that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
4417 you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
4418 disabled within interactive calls. @xref{Calling}, for information on
4419 controlling this with @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception}.
4422 You cannot raise an exception interactively.
4425 You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
4429 @kindex catch exception
4430 @cindex Ada exception catching
4431 @cindex catch Ada exceptions
4432 An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
4433 at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
4434 the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
4435 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
4437 When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
4438 name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
4439 fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
4440 @value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
4441 rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
4442 called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
4443 the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
4444 Pck.Constraint_Error}.
4446 @item exception unhandled
4447 @kindex catch exception unhandled
4448 An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
4451 @kindex catch assert
4452 A failed Ada assertion.
4456 @cindex break on fork/exec
4457 A call to @code{exec}.
4460 @itemx syscall @r{[}@var{name} @r{|} @var{number} @r{|} @r{group:}@var{groupname} @r{|} @r{g:}@var{groupname}@r{]} @dots{}
4461 @kindex catch syscall
4462 @cindex break on a system call.
4463 A call to or return from a system call, a.k.a.@: @dfn{syscall}. A
4464 syscall is a mechanism for application programs to request a service
4465 from the operating system (OS) or one of the OS system services.
4466 @value{GDBN} can catch some or all of the syscalls issued by the
4467 debuggee, and show the related information for each syscall. If no
4468 argument is specified, calls to and returns from all system calls
4471 @var{name} can be any system call name that is valid for the
4472 underlying OS. Just what syscalls are valid depends on the OS. On
4473 GNU and Unix systems, you can find the full list of valid syscall
4474 names on @file{/usr/include/asm/unistd.h}.
4476 @c For MS-Windows, the syscall names and the corresponding numbers
4477 @c can be found, e.g., on this URL:
4478 @c http://www.metasploit.com/users/opcode/syscalls.html
4479 @c but we don't support Windows syscalls yet.
4481 Normally, @value{GDBN} knows in advance which syscalls are valid for
4482 each OS, so you can use the @value{GDBN} command-line completion
4483 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
4486 You may also specify the system call numerically. A syscall's
4487 number is the value passed to the OS's syscall dispatcher to
4488 identify the requested service. When you specify the syscall by its
4489 name, @value{GDBN} uses its database of syscalls to convert the name
4490 into the corresponding numeric code, but using the number directly
4491 may be useful if @value{GDBN}'s database does not have the complete
4492 list of syscalls on your system (e.g., because @value{GDBN} lags
4493 behind the OS upgrades).
4495 You may specify a group of related syscalls to be caught at once using
4496 the @code{group:} syntax (@code{g:} is a shorter equivalent). For
4497 instance, on some platforms @value{GDBN} allows you to catch all
4498 network related syscalls, by passing the argument @code{group:network}
4499 to @code{catch syscall}. Note that not all syscall groups are
4500 available in every system. You can use the command completion
4501 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
4502 syscall groups available on your environment.
4504 The example below illustrates how this command works if you don't provide
4508 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4509 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4511 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4513 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'close'), \
4514 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4518 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'close'), \
4519 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4523 Here is an example of catching a system call by name:
4526 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall chroot
4527 Catchpoint 1 (syscall 'chroot' [61])
4529 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4531 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'chroot'), \
4532 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4536 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'chroot'), \
4537 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4541 An example of specifying a system call numerically. In the case
4542 below, the syscall number has a corresponding entry in the XML
4543 file, so @value{GDBN} finds its name and prints it:
4546 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4547 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 'exit_group')
4549 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4551 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'exit_group'), \
4552 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4556 Program exited normally.
4560 Here is an example of catching a syscall group:
4563 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall group:process
4564 Catchpoint 1 (syscalls 'exit' [1] 'fork' [2] 'waitpid' [7]
4565 'execve' [11] 'wait4' [114] 'clone' [120] 'vfork' [190]
4566 'exit_group' [252] 'waitid' [284] 'unshare' [310])
4568 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4570 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall fork), 0x00007ffff7df4e27 in open64 ()
4571 from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
4577 However, there can be situations when there is no corresponding name
4578 in XML file for that syscall number. In this case, @value{GDBN} prints
4579 a warning message saying that it was not able to find the syscall name,
4580 but the catchpoint will be set anyway. See the example below:
4583 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 764
4584 warning: The number '764' does not represent a known syscall.
4585 Catchpoint 2 (syscall 764)
4589 If you configure @value{GDBN} using the @samp{--without-expat} option,
4590 it will not be able to display syscall names. Also, if your
4591 architecture does not have an XML file describing its system calls,
4592 you will not be able to see the syscall names. It is important to
4593 notice that these two features are used for accessing the syscall
4594 name database. In either case, you will see a warning like this:
4597 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4598 warning: Could not open "syscalls/i386-linux.xml"
4599 warning: Could not load the syscall XML file 'syscalls/i386-linux.xml'.
4600 GDB will not be able to display syscall names.
4601 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4605 Of course, the file name will change depending on your architecture and system.
4607 Still using the example above, you can also try to catch a syscall by its
4608 number. In this case, you would see something like:
4611 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4612 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 252)
4615 Again, in this case @value{GDBN} would not be able to display syscall's names.
4619 A call to @code{fork}.
4623 A call to @code{vfork}.
4625 @item load @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4626 @itemx unload @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4628 @kindex catch unload
4629 The loading or unloading of a shared library. If @var{regexp} is
4630 given, then the catchpoint will stop only if the regular expression
4631 matches one of the affected libraries.
4633 @item signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
4634 @kindex catch signal
4635 The delivery of a signal.
4637 With no arguments, this catchpoint will catch any signal that is not
4638 used internally by @value{GDBN}, specifically, all signals except
4639 @samp{SIGTRAP} and @samp{SIGINT}.
4641 With the argument @samp{all}, all signals, including those used by
4642 @value{GDBN}, will be caught. This argument cannot be used with other
4645 Otherwise, the arguments are a list of signal names as given to
4646 @code{handle} (@pxref{Signals}). Only signals specified in this list
4649 One reason that @code{catch signal} can be more useful than
4650 @code{handle} is that you can attach commands and conditions to the
4653 When a signal is caught by a catchpoint, the signal's @code{stop} and
4654 @code{print} settings, as specified by @code{handle}, are ignored.
4655 However, whether the signal is still delivered to the inferior depends
4656 on the @code{pass} setting; this can be changed in the catchpoint's
4661 @item tcatch @var{event}
4663 Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
4664 automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
4668 Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
4672 @subsection Deleting Breakpoints
4674 @cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4675 @cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4676 It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
4677 catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
4678 to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
4679 breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
4681 With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
4682 where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
4683 delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
4684 their breakpoint numbers.
4686 It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
4687 automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
4688 when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
4693 Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
4694 selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
4695 the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
4696 breakpoint where your program just stopped.
4698 @item clear @var{location}
4699 Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
4700 @xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
4701 most useful ones are listed below:
4704 @item clear @var{function}
4705 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
4706 Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
4708 @item clear @var{linenum}
4709 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
4710 Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
4711 @var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
4714 @cindex delete breakpoints
4716 @kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
4717 @item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4718 Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
4719 list specified as argument. If no argument is specified, delete all
4720 breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
4721 confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
4725 @subsection Disabling Breakpoints
4727 @cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
4728 Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
4729 prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
4730 it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
4731 that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
4733 You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
4734 the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying
4735 one or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} to
4736 print a list of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints if you
4737 do not know which numbers to use.
4739 Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
4740 affects all of its locations.
4742 A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of several
4743 different states of enablement:
4747 Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
4748 with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
4750 Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
4752 Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
4755 Enabled for a count. The breakpoint stops your program for the next
4756 N times, then becomes disabled.
4758 Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
4759 immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
4760 set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
4763 You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
4764 watchpoints, and catchpoints:
4768 @kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
4769 @item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4770 Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
4771 listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
4772 options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
4773 case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
4774 @code{disable} as @code{dis}.
4777 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4778 Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
4779 become effective once again in stopping your program.
4781 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{list}@dots{}
4782 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
4783 of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
4785 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} count @var{count} @var{list}@dots{}
4786 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} records
4787 @var{count} with each of the specified breakpoints, and decrements a
4788 breakpoint's count when it is hit. When any count reaches 0,
4789 @value{GDBN} disables that breakpoint. If a breakpoint has an ignore
4790 count (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}), that will be
4791 decremented to 0 before @var{count} is affected.
4793 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{list}@dots{}
4794 Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
4795 deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
4796 Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
4799 @c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
4800 @c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
4801 Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
4802 ,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
4803 subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
4804 the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
4805 breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
4806 breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
4810 @subsection Break Conditions
4811 @cindex conditional breakpoints
4812 @cindex breakpoint conditions
4814 @c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
4815 @c in particular for a watchpoint?
4816 The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
4817 specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
4818 breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
4819 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
4820 a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
4821 and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
4823 This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
4824 situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
4825 when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
4826 by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
4827 @samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
4829 Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
4830 since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
4831 it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
4832 and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
4835 Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
4836 your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
4837 that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
4838 format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
4839 unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
4840 that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
4841 program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
4842 breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
4844 purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
4845 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
4847 Breakpoint conditions can also be evaluated on the target's side if
4848 the target supports it. Instead of evaluating the conditions locally,
4849 @value{GDBN} encodes the expression into an agent expression
4850 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) suitable for execution on the target,
4851 independently of @value{GDBN}. Global variables become raw memory
4852 locations, locals become stack accesses, and so forth.
4854 In this case, @value{GDBN} will only be notified of a breakpoint trigger
4855 when its condition evaluates to true. This mechanism may provide faster
4856 response times depending on the performance characteristics of the target
4857 since it does not need to keep @value{GDBN} informed about
4858 every breakpoint trigger, even those with false conditions.
4860 Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
4861 @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
4862 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
4863 with the @code{condition} command.
4865 You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
4866 The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
4867 @code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
4872 @item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
4873 Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
4874 watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
4875 breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
4876 @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
4877 @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
4878 syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
4879 referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
4880 symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
4881 prints an error message:
4884 No symbol "foo" in current context.
4889 not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
4890 command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
4891 @code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
4893 @item condition @var{bnum}
4894 Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
4895 an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
4898 @cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
4899 A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
4900 breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
4901 useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
4902 count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
4903 is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
4904 therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
4905 ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
4906 the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
4907 value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
4908 your program reaches it.
4912 @item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
4913 Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
4914 The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
4915 execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
4918 To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
4921 When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
4922 breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
4923 @code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
4924 Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
4926 If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
4927 condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
4928 @value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
4930 You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
4931 as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
4932 is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
4936 Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
4939 @node Break Commands
4940 @subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
4942 @cindex breakpoint commands
4943 You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
4944 commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
4945 example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
4946 enable other breakpoints.
4950 @kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
4951 @item commands @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4952 @itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
4954 Specify a list of commands for the given breakpoints. The commands
4955 themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
4956 @code{end} to terminate the commands.
4958 To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
4959 follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
4961 With no argument, @code{commands} refers to the last breakpoint,
4962 watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most recently
4963 encountered). If the most recent breakpoints were set with a single
4964 command, then the @code{commands} will apply to all the breakpoints
4965 set by that command. This applies to breakpoints set by
4966 @code{rbreak}, and also applies when a single @code{break} command
4967 creates multiple breakpoints (@pxref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous
4971 Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
4972 disabled within a @var{command-list}.
4974 You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
4975 use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
4976 that resumes execution.
4978 Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
4979 execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
4980 (even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
4981 another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
4982 ambiguities about which list to execute.
4985 If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
4986 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
4987 be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
4988 then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
4989 see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
4990 meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
4992 The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
4993 print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
4994 breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
4996 For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
4997 value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
5003 printf "x is %d\n",x
5008 One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
5009 you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
5010 of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
5011 erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
5012 to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
5013 so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
5014 command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
5025 @node Dynamic Printf
5026 @subsection Dynamic Printf
5028 @cindex dynamic printf
5030 The dynamic printf command @code{dprintf} combines a breakpoint with
5031 formatted printing of your program's data to give you the effect of
5032 inserting @code{printf} calls into your program on-the-fly, without
5033 having to recompile it.
5035 In its most basic form, the output goes to the GDB console. However,
5036 you can set the variable @code{dprintf-style} for alternate handling.
5037 For instance, you can ask to format the output by calling your
5038 program's @code{printf} function. This has the advantage that the
5039 characters go to the program's output device, so they can recorded in
5040 redirects to files and so forth.
5042 If you are doing remote debugging with a stub or agent, you can also
5043 ask to have the printf handled by the remote agent. In addition to
5044 ensuring that the output goes to the remote program's device along
5045 with any other output the program might produce, you can also ask that
5046 the dprintf remain active even after disconnecting from the remote
5047 target. Using the stub/agent is also more efficient, as it can do
5048 everything without needing to communicate with @value{GDBN}.
5052 @item dprintf @var{location},@var{template},@var{expression}[,@var{expression}@dots{}]
5053 Whenever execution reaches @var{location}, print the values of one or
5054 more @var{expressions} under the control of the string @var{template}.
5055 To print several values, separate them with commas.
5057 @item set dprintf-style @var{style}
5058 Set the dprintf output to be handled in one of several different
5059 styles enumerated below. A change of style affects all existing
5060 dynamic printfs immediately. (If you need individual control over the
5061 print commands, simply define normal breakpoints with
5062 explicitly-supplied command lists.)
5066 @kindex dprintf-style gdb
5067 Handle the output using the @value{GDBN} @code{printf} command.
5070 @kindex dprintf-style call
5071 Handle the output by calling a function in your program (normally
5075 @kindex dprintf-style agent
5076 Have the remote debugging agent (such as @code{gdbserver}) handle
5077 the output itself. This style is only available for agents that
5078 support running commands on the target.
5081 @item set dprintf-function @var{function}
5082 Set the function to call if the dprintf style is @code{call}. By
5083 default its value is @code{printf}. You may set it to any expression.
5084 that @value{GDBN} can evaluate to a function, as per the @code{call}
5087 @item set dprintf-channel @var{channel}
5088 Set a ``channel'' for dprintf. If set to a non-empty value,
5089 @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as an expression and pass the result as
5090 a first argument to the @code{dprintf-function}, in the manner of
5091 @code{fprintf} and similar functions. Otherwise, the dprintf format
5092 string will be the first argument, in the manner of @code{printf}.
5094 As an example, if you wanted @code{dprintf} output to go to a logfile
5095 that is a standard I/O stream assigned to the variable @code{mylog},
5096 you could do the following:
5099 (gdb) set dprintf-style call
5100 (gdb) set dprintf-function fprintf
5101 (gdb) set dprintf-channel mylog
5102 (gdb) dprintf 25,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob
5103 Dprintf 1 at 0x123456: file main.c, line 25.
5105 1 dprintf keep y 0x00123456 in main at main.c:25
5106 call (void) fprintf (mylog,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob)
5111 Note that the @code{info break} displays the dynamic printf commands
5112 as normal breakpoint commands; you can thus easily see the effect of
5113 the variable settings.
5115 @item set disconnected-dprintf on
5116 @itemx set disconnected-dprintf off
5117 @kindex set disconnected-dprintf
5118 Choose whether @code{dprintf} commands should continue to run if
5119 @value{GDBN} has disconnected from the target. This only applies
5120 if the @code{dprintf-style} is @code{agent}.
5122 @item show disconnected-dprintf off
5123 @kindex show disconnected-dprintf
5124 Show the current choice for disconnected @code{dprintf}.
5128 @value{GDBN} does not check the validity of function and channel,
5129 relying on you to supply values that are meaningful for the contexts
5130 in which they are being used. For instance, the function and channel
5131 may be the values of local variables, but if that is the case, then
5132 all enabled dynamic prints must be at locations within the scope of
5133 those locals. If evaluation fails, @value{GDBN} will report an error.
5135 @node Save Breakpoints
5136 @subsection How to save breakpoints to a file
5138 To save breakpoint definitions to a file use the @w{@code{save
5139 breakpoints}} command.
5142 @kindex save breakpoints
5143 @cindex save breakpoints to a file for future sessions
5144 @item save breakpoints [@var{filename}]
5145 This command saves all current breakpoint definitions together with
5146 their commands and ignore counts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
5147 suitable for use in a later debugging session. This includes all
5148 types of breakpoints (breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints,
5149 tracepoints). To read the saved breakpoint definitions, use the
5150 @code{source} command (@pxref{Command Files}). Note that watchpoints
5151 with expressions involving local variables may fail to be recreated
5152 because it may not be possible to access the context where the
5153 watchpoint is valid anymore. Because the saved breakpoint definitions
5154 are simply a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands that recreate the
5155 breakpoints, you can edit the file in your favorite editing program,
5156 and remove the breakpoint definitions you're not interested in, or
5157 that can no longer be recreated.
5160 @node Static Probe Points
5161 @subsection Static Probe Points
5163 @cindex static probe point, SystemTap
5164 @cindex static probe point, DTrace
5165 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{SDT} probes in the code. @acronym{SDT} stands
5166 for Statically Defined Tracing, and the probes are designed to have a tiny
5167 runtime code and data footprint, and no dynamic relocations.
5169 Currently, the following types of probes are supported on
5170 ELF-compatible systems:
5174 @item @code{SystemTap} (@uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/})
5175 @acronym{SDT} probes@footnote{See
5176 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/AddingUserSpaceProbingToApps}
5177 for more information on how to add @code{SystemTap} @acronym{SDT}
5178 probes in your applications.}. @code{SystemTap} probes are usable
5179 from assembly, C and C@t{++} languages@footnote{See
5180 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/UserSpaceProbeImplementation}
5181 for a good reference on how the @acronym{SDT} probes are implemented.}.
5183 @item @code{DTrace} (@uref{http://oss.oracle.com/projects/DTrace})
5184 @acronym{USDT} probes. @code{DTrace} probes are usable from C and
5188 @cindex semaphores on static probe points
5189 Some @code{SystemTap} probes have an associated semaphore variable;
5190 for instance, this happens automatically if you defined your probe
5191 using a DTrace-style @file{.d} file. If your probe has a semaphore,
5192 @value{GDBN} will automatically enable it when you specify a
5193 breakpoint using the @samp{-probe-stap} notation. But, if you put a
5194 breakpoint at a probe's location by some other method (e.g.,
5195 @code{break file:line}), then @value{GDBN} will not automatically set
5196 the semaphore. @code{DTrace} probes do not support semaphores.
5198 You can examine the available static static probes using @code{info
5199 probes}, with optional arguments:
5203 @item info probes @r{[}@var{type}@r{]} @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
5204 If given, @var{type} is either @code{stap} for listing
5205 @code{SystemTap} probes or @code{dtrace} for listing @code{DTrace}
5206 probes. If omitted all probes are listed regardless of their types.
5208 If given, @var{provider} is a regular expression used to match against provider
5209 names when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probes by all
5210 probes from all providers are listed.
5212 If given, @var{name} is a regular expression to match against probe names
5213 when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probe names are not
5214 considered when deciding whether to display them.
5216 If given, @var{objfile} is a regular expression used to select which
5217 object files (executable or shared libraries) to examine. If not
5218 given, all object files are considered.
5220 @item info probes all
5221 List the available static probes, from all types.
5224 @cindex enabling and disabling probes
5225 Some probe points can be enabled and/or disabled. The effect of
5226 enabling or disabling a probe depends on the type of probe being
5227 handled. Some @code{DTrace} probes can be enabled or
5228 disabled, but @code{SystemTap} probes cannot be disabled.
5230 You can enable (or disable) one or more probes using the following
5231 commands, with optional arguments:
5234 @kindex enable probes
5235 @item enable probes @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
5236 If given, @var{provider} is a regular expression used to match against
5237 provider names when selecting which probes to enable. If omitted,
5238 all probes from all providers are enabled.
5240 If given, @var{name} is a regular expression to match against probe
5241 names when selecting which probes to enable. If omitted, probe names
5242 are not considered when deciding whether to enable them.
5244 If given, @var{objfile} is a regular expression used to select which
5245 object files (executable or shared libraries) to examine. If not
5246 given, all object files are considered.
5248 @kindex disable probes
5249 @item disable probes @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
5250 See the @code{enable probes} command above for a description of the
5251 optional arguments accepted by this command.
5254 @vindex $_probe_arg@r{, convenience variable}
5255 A probe may specify up to twelve arguments. These are available at the
5256 point at which the probe is defined---that is, when the current PC is
5257 at the probe's location. The arguments are available using the
5258 convenience variables (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
5259 @code{$_probe_arg0}@dots{}@code{$_probe_arg11}. In @code{SystemTap}
5260 probes each probe argument is an integer of the appropriate size;
5261 types are not preserved. In @code{DTrace} probes types are preserved
5262 provided that they are recognized as such by @value{GDBN}; otherwise
5263 the value of the probe argument will be a long integer. The
5264 convenience variable @code{$_probe_argc} holds the number of arguments
5265 at the current probe point.
5267 These variables are always available, but attempts to access them at
5268 any location other than a probe point will cause @value{GDBN} to give
5272 @c @ifclear BARETARGET
5273 @node Error in Breakpoints
5274 @subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
5276 If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
5277 watchpoints, you will see this error message:
5279 @c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
5280 @c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
5282 Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
5283 You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
5287 This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
5288 only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
5289 watchpoints it needs to insert.
5291 When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
5292 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
5294 @node Breakpoint-related Warnings
5295 @subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
5296 @cindex breakpoint address adjusted
5298 Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
5299 which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
5300 @value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
5301 with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
5303 One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
5304 a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
5305 bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
5306 constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
5307 bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
5308 honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
5309 first in the bundle.
5311 It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
5312 instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
5313 a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
5314 another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
5315 breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
5316 printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
5319 A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
5320 that's been subject to address adjustment:
5323 warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
5326 Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
5327 internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
5328 verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
5329 desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
5330 other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
5331 E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
5332 instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
5333 cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
5335 @value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
5336 adjusted breakpoints:
5339 warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
5343 When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
5344 action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
5345 frequently than expected.
5347 @node Continuing and Stepping
5348 @section Continuing and Stepping
5352 @cindex resuming execution
5353 @dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
5354 completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
5355 one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
5356 line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
5357 particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
5358 your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
5359 it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
5360 @samp{signal 0} to resume execution (@pxref{Signals, ,Signals}),
5361 or you may step into the signal's handler (@pxref{stepping and signal
5366 @kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
5367 @kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
5368 @item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5369 @itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5370 @itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5371 Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
5372 any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
5373 @var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
5374 ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
5375 @code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
5377 The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
5378 stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
5379 @code{continue} is ignored.
5381 The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
5382 debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
5383 purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
5387 To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
5388 (@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
5389 calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
5390 Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
5392 A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
5393 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
5394 beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
5395 is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
5396 and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
5397 interesting, until you see the problem happen.
5401 @kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
5403 Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
5404 line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
5405 abbreviated @code{s}.
5408 @c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
5409 @c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
5410 @c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
5411 @c distinction here.
5412 @emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
5413 within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
5414 execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
5415 debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
5416 is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
5417 without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
5421 The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
5422 line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5423 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
5424 to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
5425 the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
5426 called within the line.
5428 Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
5429 number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
5430 @code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
5431 on @acronym{MIPS} machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
5432 was any debugging information about the routine.
5434 @item step @var{count}
5435 Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
5436 breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
5437 @var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
5440 @kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
5441 @item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5442 Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
5443 This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
5444 the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
5445 control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
5446 that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
5447 is abbreviated @code{n}.
5449 An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
5452 @c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
5453 @c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
5455 @c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
5456 @c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
5457 @c function are executed without stopping.
5459 The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
5460 source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5461 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
5463 @kindex set step-mode
5465 @cindex functions without line info, and stepping
5466 @cindex stepping into functions with no line info
5467 @itemx set step-mode on
5468 The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
5469 stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
5470 information rather than stepping over it.
5472 This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
5473 machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
5474 want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
5476 @item set step-mode off
5477 Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
5478 debug information. This is the default.
5480 @item show step-mode
5481 Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
5482 source line debug information.
5485 @kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
5487 Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
5488 returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
5489 abbreviated as @code{fin}.
5491 Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
5492 ,Returning from a Function}).
5495 @kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
5496 @cindex run until specified location
5499 Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
5500 current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
5501 stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
5502 command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
5503 automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
5504 than the address of the jump.
5506 This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
5507 though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
5508 exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
5509 simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
5510 through the next iteration.
5512 @code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
5515 @code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
5516 of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
5517 example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
5518 (@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
5519 @code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
5523 #0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
5525 (@value{GDBP}) until
5526 195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
5529 This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
5530 generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
5531 start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
5532 written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
5533 to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
5534 expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
5535 statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
5537 @code{until} with no argument works by means of single
5538 instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
5541 @item until @var{location}
5542 @itemx u @var{location}
5543 Continue running your program until either the specified @var{location} is
5544 reached, or the current stack frame returns. The location is any of
5545 the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
5546 This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
5547 hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
5548 location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
5549 implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
5550 invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
5551 line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
5552 line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
5553 invocations have returned.
5556 94 int factorial (int value)
5558 96 if (value > 1) @{
5559 97 value *= factorial (value - 1);
5566 @kindex advance @var{location}
5567 @item advance @var{location}
5568 Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
5569 required, which should be of one of the forms described in
5570 @ref{Specify Location}.
5571 Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
5572 frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
5573 not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
5574 have to be in the same frame as the current one.
5578 @kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
5580 @itemx stepi @var{arg}
5582 Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
5584 It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
5585 instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
5586 instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
5587 Display,, Automatic Display}.
5589 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
5593 @kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
5595 @itemx nexti @var{arg}
5597 Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
5598 proceed until the function returns.
5600 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
5604 @anchor{range stepping}
5605 @cindex range stepping
5606 @cindex target-assisted range stepping
5607 By default, and if available, @value{GDBN} makes use of
5608 target-assisted @dfn{range stepping}. In other words, whenever you
5609 use a stepping command (e.g., @code{step}, @code{next}), @value{GDBN}
5610 tells the target to step the corresponding range of instruction
5611 addresses instead of issuing multiple single-steps. This speeds up
5612 line stepping, particularly for remote targets. Ideally, there should
5613 be no reason you would want to turn range stepping off. However, it's
5614 possible that a bug in the debug info, a bug in the remote stub (for
5615 remote targets), or even a bug in @value{GDBN} could make line
5616 stepping behave incorrectly when target-assisted range stepping is
5617 enabled. You can use the following command to turn off range stepping
5621 @kindex set range-stepping
5622 @kindex show range-stepping
5623 @item set range-stepping
5624 @itemx show range-stepping
5625 Control whether range stepping is enabled.
5627 If @code{on}, and the target supports it, @value{GDBN} tells the
5628 target to step a range of addresses itself, instead of issuing
5629 multiple single-steps. If @code{off}, @value{GDBN} always issues
5630 single-steps, even if range stepping is supported by the target. The
5631 default is @code{on}.
5635 @node Skipping Over Functions and Files
5636 @section Skipping Over Functions and Files
5637 @cindex skipping over functions and files
5639 The program you are debugging may contain some functions which are
5640 uninteresting to debug. The @code{skip} command lets you tell @value{GDBN} to
5641 skip a function, all functions in a file or a particular function in
5642 a particular file when stepping.
5644 For example, consider the following C function:
5655 Suppose you wish to step into the functions @code{foo} and @code{bar}, but you
5656 are not interested in stepping through @code{boring}. If you run @code{step}
5657 at line 103, you'll enter @code{boring()}, but if you run @code{next}, you'll
5658 step over both @code{foo} and @code{boring}!
5660 One solution is to @code{step} into @code{boring} and use the @code{finish}
5661 command to immediately exit it. But this can become tedious if @code{boring}
5662 is called from many places.
5664 A more flexible solution is to execute @kbd{skip boring}. This instructs
5665 @value{GDBN} never to step into @code{boring}. Now when you execute
5666 @code{step} at line 103, you'll step over @code{boring} and directly into
5669 Functions may be skipped by providing either a function name, linespec
5670 (@pxref{Specify Location}), regular expression that matches the function's
5671 name, file name or a @code{glob}-style pattern that matches the file name.
5673 On Posix systems the form of the regular expression is
5674 ``Extended Regular Expressions''. See for example @samp{man 7 regex}
5675 on @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. On non-Posix systems the form of the regular
5676 expression is whatever is provided by the @code{regcomp} function of
5677 the underlying system.
5678 See for example @samp{man 7 glob} on @sc{gnu}/Linux systems for a
5679 description of @code{glob}-style patterns.
5683 @item skip @r{[}@var{options}@r{]}
5684 The basic form of the @code{skip} command takes zero or more options
5685 that specify what to skip.
5686 The @var{options} argument is any useful combination of the following:
5689 @item -file @var{file}
5690 @itemx -fi @var{file}
5691 Functions in @var{file} will be skipped over when stepping.
5693 @item -gfile @var{file-glob-pattern}
5694 @itemx -gfi @var{file-glob-pattern}
5695 @cindex skipping over files via glob-style patterns
5696 Functions in files matching @var{file-glob-pattern} will be skipped
5700 (gdb) skip -gfi utils/*.c
5703 @item -function @var{linespec}
5704 @itemx -fu @var{linespec}
5705 Functions named by @var{linespec} or the function containing the line
5706 named by @var{linespec} will be skipped over when stepping.
5707 @xref{Specify Location}.
5709 @item -rfunction @var{regexp}
5710 @itemx -rfu @var{regexp}
5711 @cindex skipping over functions via regular expressions
5712 Functions whose name matches @var{regexp} will be skipped over when stepping.
5714 This form is useful for complex function names.
5715 For example, there is generally no need to step into C@t{++} @code{std::string}
5716 constructors or destructors. Plus with C@t{++} templates it can be hard to
5717 write out the full name of the function, and often it doesn't matter what
5718 the template arguments are. Specifying the function to be skipped as a
5719 regular expression makes this easier.
5722 (gdb) skip -rfu ^std::(allocator|basic_string)<.*>::~?\1 *\(
5725 If you want to skip every templated C@t{++} constructor and destructor
5726 in the @code{std} namespace you can do:
5729 (gdb) skip -rfu ^std::([a-zA-z0-9_]+)<.*>::~?\1 *\(
5733 If no options are specified, the function you're currently debugging
5736 @kindex skip function
5737 @item skip function @r{[}@var{linespec}@r{]}
5738 After running this command, the function named by @var{linespec} or the
5739 function containing the line named by @var{linespec} will be skipped over when
5740 stepping. @xref{Specify Location}.
5742 If you do not specify @var{linespec}, the function you're currently debugging
5745 (If you have a function called @code{file} that you want to skip, use
5746 @kbd{skip function file}.)
5749 @item skip file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
5750 After running this command, any function whose source lives in @var{filename}
5751 will be skipped over when stepping.
5754 (gdb) skip file boring.c
5755 File boring.c will be skipped when stepping.
5758 If you do not specify @var{filename}, functions whose source lives in the file
5759 you're currently debugging will be skipped.
5762 Skips can be listed, deleted, disabled, and enabled, much like breakpoints.
5763 These are the commands for managing your list of skips:
5767 @item info skip @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5768 Print details about the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified,
5769 print a table with details about all functions and files marked for skipping.
5770 @code{info skip} prints the following information about each skip:
5774 A number identifying this skip.
5775 @item Enabled or Disabled
5776 Enabled skips are marked with @samp{y}.
5777 Disabled skips are marked with @samp{n}.
5779 If the file name is a @samp{glob} pattern this is @samp{y}.
5780 Otherwise it is @samp{n}.
5782 The name or @samp{glob} pattern of the file to be skipped.
5783 If no file is specified this is @samp{<none>}.
5785 If the function name is a @samp{regular expression} this is @samp{y}.
5786 Otherwise it is @samp{n}.
5788 The name or regular expression of the function to skip.
5789 If no function is specified this is @samp{<none>}.
5793 @item skip delete @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5794 Delete the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, delete all
5798 @item skip enable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5799 Enable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, enable all
5802 @kindex skip disable
5803 @item skip disable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5804 Disable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, disable all
5813 A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
5814 operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
5815 kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
5816 signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
5817 @code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
5818 memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
5819 the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
5820 requested an alarm).
5822 @cindex fatal signals
5823 Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
5824 functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
5825 errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
5826 program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
5827 @code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
5828 fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
5830 @value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
5831 program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
5834 @cindex handling signals
5835 Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
5836 @code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
5837 (so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
5838 but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
5839 You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
5842 @kindex info signals
5846 Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
5847 handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
5848 the defined types of signals.
5850 @item info signals @var{sig}
5851 Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
5853 @code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
5855 @item catch signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
5856 Set a catchpoint for the indicated signals. @xref{Set Catchpoints},
5857 for details about this command.
5860 @item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
5861 Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. The @var{signal}
5862 can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
5863 @samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
5864 @samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
5865 known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
5866 say what change to make.
5870 The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
5871 Their full names are:
5875 @value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
5876 still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
5879 @value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
5880 the @code{print} keyword as well.
5883 @value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
5886 @value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
5887 implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
5891 @value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
5892 can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
5893 and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
5897 @value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
5898 @code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
5902 When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
5904 continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
5905 effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
5906 after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
5907 command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
5908 program sees that signal when you continue.
5910 The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
5911 non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
5912 @code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
5915 You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
5916 seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
5917 or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
5918 due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
5919 values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
5920 execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
5921 a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
5922 you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
5925 @cindex stepping and signal handlers
5926 @anchor{stepping and signal handlers}
5928 @value{GDBN} optimizes for stepping the mainline code. If a signal
5929 that has @code{handle nostop} and @code{handle pass} set arrives while
5930 a stepping command (e.g., @code{stepi}, @code{step}, @code{next}) is
5931 in progress, @value{GDBN} lets the signal handler run and then resumes
5932 stepping the mainline code once the signal handler returns. In other
5933 words, @value{GDBN} steps over the signal handler. This prevents
5934 signals that you've specified as not interesting (with @code{handle
5935 nostop}) from changing the focus of debugging unexpectedly. Note that
5936 the signal handler itself may still hit a breakpoint, stop for another
5937 signal that has @code{handle stop} in effect, or for any other event
5938 that normally results in stopping the stepping command sooner. Also
5939 note that @value{GDBN} still informs you that the program received a
5940 signal if @code{handle print} is set.
5942 @anchor{stepping into signal handlers}
5944 If you set @code{handle pass} for a signal, and your program sets up a
5945 handler for it, then issuing a stepping command, such as @code{step}
5946 or @code{stepi}, when your program is stopped due to the signal will
5947 step @emph{into} the signal handler (if the target supports that).
5949 Likewise, if you use the @code{queue-signal} command to queue a signal
5950 to be delivered to the current thread when execution of the thread
5951 resumes (@pxref{Signaling, ,Giving your Program a Signal}), then a
5952 stepping command will step into the signal handler.
5954 Here's an example, using @code{stepi} to step to the first instruction
5955 of @code{SIGUSR1}'s handler:
5958 (@value{GDBP}) handle SIGUSR1
5959 Signal Stop Print Pass to program Description
5960 SIGUSR1 Yes Yes Yes User defined signal 1
5964 Program received signal SIGUSR1, User defined signal 1.
5965 main () sigusr1.c:28
5968 sigusr1_handler () at sigusr1.c:9
5972 The same, but using @code{queue-signal} instead of waiting for the
5973 program to receive the signal first:
5978 (@value{GDBP}) queue-signal SIGUSR1
5980 sigusr1_handler () at sigusr1.c:9
5985 @cindex extra signal information
5986 @anchor{extra signal information}
5988 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can inspect extra signal information
5989 associated with the intercepted signal, before it is actually
5990 delivered to the program being debugged. This information is exported
5991 by the convenience variable @code{$_siginfo}, and consists of data
5992 that is passed by the kernel to the signal handler at the time of the
5993 receipt of a signal. The data type of the information itself is
5994 target dependent. You can see the data type using the @code{ptype
5995 $_siginfo} command. On Unix systems, it typically corresponds to the
5996 standard @code{siginfo_t} type, as defined in the @file{signal.h}
5999 Here's an example, on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, printing the stray
6000 referenced address that raised a segmentation fault.
6004 (@value{GDBP}) continue
6005 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
6006 0x0000000000400766 in main ()
6008 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo
6015 struct @{...@} _kill;
6016 struct @{...@} _timer;
6018 struct @{...@} _sigchld;
6019 struct @{...@} _sigfault;
6020 struct @{...@} _sigpoll;
6023 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault
6027 (@value{GDBP}) p $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault.si_addr
6028 $1 = (void *) 0x7ffff7ff7000
6032 Depending on target support, @code{$_siginfo} may also be writable.
6034 @cindex Intel MPX boundary violations
6035 @cindex boundary violations, Intel MPX
6036 On some targets, a @code{SIGSEGV} can be caused by a boundary
6037 violation, i.e., accessing an address outside of the allowed range.
6038 In those cases @value{GDBN} may displays additional information,
6039 depending on how @value{GDBN} has been told to handle the signal.
6040 With @code{handle stop SIGSEGV}, @value{GDBN} displays the violation
6041 kind: "Upper" or "Lower", the memory address accessed and the
6042 bounds, while with @code{handle nostop SIGSEGV} no additional
6043 information is displayed.
6045 The usual output of a segfault is:
6047 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault
6048 0x0000000000400d7c in upper () at i386-mpx-sigsegv.c:68
6049 68 value = *(p + len);
6052 While a bound violation is presented as:
6054 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault
6055 Upper bound violation while accessing address 0x7fffffffc3b3
6056 Bounds: [lower = 0x7fffffffc390, upper = 0x7fffffffc3a3]
6057 0x0000000000400d7c in upper () at i386-mpx-sigsegv.c:68
6058 68 value = *(p + len);
6062 @section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
6064 @cindex stopped threads
6065 @cindex threads, stopped
6067 @cindex continuing threads
6068 @cindex threads, continuing
6070 @value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
6071 (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
6072 are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
6073 debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
6074 when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
6075 or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
6076 @value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
6077 @dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
6078 you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
6081 * All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
6082 * Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
6083 * Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
6084 * Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
6085 * Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
6086 * Observer Mode:: GDB does not alter program behavior
6090 @subsection All-Stop Mode
6092 @cindex all-stop mode
6094 In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
6095 @emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
6096 allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
6097 switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
6100 Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
6101 executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
6102 like @code{step} or @code{next}.
6104 In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
6105 Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
6106 system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
6107 execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
6108 single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
6109 statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
6112 You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
6113 continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
6114 thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
6115 first thread completes whatever you requested.
6117 @cindex automatic thread selection
6118 @cindex switching threads automatically
6119 @cindex threads, automatic switching
6120 Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
6121 signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
6122 signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
6123 message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
6126 On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
6127 locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
6130 @item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
6131 @cindex scheduler locking mode
6132 @cindex lock scheduler
6133 Set the scheduler locking mode. It applies to normal execution,
6134 record mode, and replay mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
6135 locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only
6136 the current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The
6137 @code{step} mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other
6138 threads from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so
6139 that the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly. Other
6140 threads never get a chance to run when you step, and they are
6141 completely free to run when you use commands like @samp{continue},
6142 @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another thread hits a
6143 breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change the
6144 current thread away from the thread that you are debugging. The
6145 @code{replay} mode behaves like @code{off} in record mode and like
6146 @code{on} in replay mode.
6148 @item show scheduler-locking
6149 Display the current scheduler locking mode.
6152 @cindex resume threads of multiple processes simultaneously
6153 By default, when you issue one of the execution commands such as
6154 @code{continue}, @code{next} or @code{step}, @value{GDBN} allows only
6155 threads of the current inferior to run. For example, if @value{GDBN}
6156 is attached to two inferiors, each with two threads, the
6157 @code{continue} command resumes only the two threads of the current
6158 inferior. This is useful, for example, when you debug a program that
6159 forks and you want to hold the parent stopped (so that, for instance,
6160 it doesn't run to exit), while you debug the child. In other
6161 situations, you may not be interested in inspecting the current state
6162 of any of the processes @value{GDBN} is attached to, and you may want
6163 to resume them all until some breakpoint is hit. In the latter case,
6164 you can instruct @value{GDBN} to allow all threads of all the
6165 inferiors to run with the @w{@code{set schedule-multiple}} command.
6168 @kindex set schedule-multiple
6169 @item set schedule-multiple
6170 Set the mode for allowing threads of multiple processes to be resumed
6171 when an execution command is issued. When @code{on}, all threads of
6172 all processes are allowed to run. When @code{off}, only the threads
6173 of the current process are resumed. The default is @code{off}. The
6174 @code{scheduler-locking} mode takes precedence when set to @code{on},
6175 or while you are stepping and set to @code{step}.
6177 @item show schedule-multiple
6178 Display the current mode for resuming the execution of threads of
6183 @subsection Non-Stop Mode
6185 @cindex non-stop mode
6187 @c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
6188 @c with more details.
6190 For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
6191 mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
6192 the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
6193 minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
6194 where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
6195 respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
6197 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
6198 @emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
6199 threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
6200 execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
6201 only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
6202 in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
6203 ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
6204 one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
6205 one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
6206 independently and simultaneously.
6208 To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
6209 or attach to your program:
6212 # If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
6215 # Finally, turn it on!
6219 You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
6222 @kindex set non-stop
6223 @item set non-stop on
6224 Enable selection of non-stop mode.
6225 @item set non-stop off
6226 Disable selection of non-stop mode.
6227 @kindex show non-stop
6229 Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
6232 Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
6233 not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
6234 In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
6235 @value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
6236 not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
6237 since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
6238 non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
6241 In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
6242 by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
6243 To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
6245 You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
6246 (@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
6247 while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
6248 The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
6249 always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
6251 Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
6252 running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
6253 In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
6254 but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
6255 To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
6257 Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
6259 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
6260 that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
6261 thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
6262 command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
6263 changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
6264 previously current thread.
6266 @node Background Execution
6267 @subsection Background Execution
6269 @cindex foreground execution
6270 @cindex background execution
6271 @cindex asynchronous execution
6272 @cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
6274 @value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
6275 foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
6276 (asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
6277 the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
6278 another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
6279 a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
6281 If the target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error
6282 message if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
6284 To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
6285 the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
6286 just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
6292 @xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
6296 @xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
6300 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
6304 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
6308 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
6312 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, nexti}.
6316 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
6320 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
6324 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
6328 Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
6329 mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
6330 However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
6331 the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
6332 previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
6333 mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
6335 You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
6336 using the @code{interrupt} command.
6343 Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
6344 @code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
6345 only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
6346 use @code{interrupt -a}.
6349 @node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
6350 @subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
6352 When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
6353 Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
6354 breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
6357 @cindex breakpoints and threads
6358 @cindex thread breakpoints
6359 @kindex break @dots{} thread @var{thread-id}
6360 @item break @var{location} thread @var{thread-id}
6361 @itemx break @var{location} thread @var{thread-id} if @dots{}
6362 @var{location} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
6363 writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
6364 specify some source line.
6366 Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{thread-id}} with a breakpoint command
6367 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
6368 particular thread reaches this breakpoint. The @var{thread-id} specifier
6369 is one of the thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown
6370 in the first column of the @samp{info threads} display.
6372 If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{thread-id}} when you set a
6373 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
6376 You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
6377 well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{thread-id}} before or
6378 after the breakpoint condition, like this:
6381 (@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
6386 Thread-specific breakpoints are automatically deleted when
6387 @value{GDBN} detects the corresponding thread is no longer in the
6388 thread list. For example:
6392 Thread-specific breakpoint 3 deleted - thread 28 no longer in the thread list.
6395 There are several ways for a thread to disappear, such as a regular
6396 thread exit, but also when you detach from the process with the
6397 @code{detach} command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running
6398 Process}), or if @value{GDBN} loses the remote connection
6399 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), etc. Note that with some targets,
6400 @value{GDBN} is only able to detect a thread has exited when the user
6401 explictly asks for the thread list with the @code{info threads}
6404 @node Interrupted System Calls
6405 @subsection Interrupted System Calls
6407 @cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
6408 @cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
6409 @cindex premature return from system calls
6410 There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
6411 multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
6412 breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
6413 system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
6414 consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
6415 that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
6418 To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
6419 each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
6422 For example, do not write code like this:
6428 The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
6429 at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
6431 Instead, write this:
6436 unslept = sleep (unslept);
6439 A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
6440 conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
6441 multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
6444 Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
6445 monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
6446 When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
6447 prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
6450 @subsection Observer Mode
6452 If you want to build on non-stop mode and observe program behavior
6453 without any chance of disruption by @value{GDBN}, you can set
6454 variables to disable all of the debugger's attempts to modify state,
6455 whether by writing memory, inserting breakpoints, etc. These operate
6456 at a low level, intercepting operations from all commands.
6458 When all of these are set to @code{off}, then @value{GDBN} is said to
6459 be @dfn{observer mode}. As a convenience, the variable
6460 @code{observer} can be set to disable these, plus enable non-stop
6463 Note that @value{GDBN} will not prevent you from making nonsensical
6464 combinations of these settings. For instance, if you have enabled
6465 @code{may-insert-breakpoints} but disabled @code{may-write-memory},
6466 then breakpoints that work by writing trap instructions into the code
6467 stream will still not be able to be placed.
6472 @item set observer on
6473 @itemx set observer off
6474 When set to @code{on}, this disables all the permission variables
6475 below (except for @code{insert-fast-tracepoints}), plus enables
6476 non-stop debugging. Setting this to @code{off} switches back to
6477 normal debugging, though remaining in non-stop mode.
6480 Show whether observer mode is on or off.
6482 @kindex may-write-registers
6483 @item set may-write-registers on
6484 @itemx set may-write-registers off
6485 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the values of
6486 registers, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}, or the
6487 @code{jump} command. It defaults to @code{on}.
6489 @item show may-write-registers
6490 Show the current permission to write registers.
6492 @kindex may-write-memory
6493 @item set may-write-memory on
6494 @itemx set may-write-memory off
6495 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the contents
6496 of memory, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}. It
6497 defaults to @code{on}.
6499 @item show may-write-memory
6500 Show the current permission to write memory.
6502 @kindex may-insert-breakpoints
6503 @item set may-insert-breakpoints on
6504 @itemx set may-insert-breakpoints off
6505 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert breakpoints.
6506 This affects all breakpoints, including internal breakpoints defined
6507 by @value{GDBN}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6509 @item show may-insert-breakpoints
6510 Show the current permission to insert breakpoints.
6512 @kindex may-insert-tracepoints
6513 @item set may-insert-tracepoints on
6514 @itemx set may-insert-tracepoints off
6515 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert (regular)
6516 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
6517 non-fast tracepoints, fast tracepoints being under the control of
6518 @code{may-insert-fast-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6520 @item show may-insert-tracepoints
6521 Show the current permission to insert tracepoints.
6523 @kindex may-insert-fast-tracepoints
6524 @item set may-insert-fast-tracepoints on
6525 @itemx set may-insert-fast-tracepoints off
6526 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert fast
6527 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
6528 fast tracepoints, regular (non-fast) tracepoints being under the
6529 control of @code{may-insert-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6531 @item show may-insert-fast-tracepoints
6532 Show the current permission to insert fast tracepoints.
6534 @kindex may-interrupt
6535 @item set may-interrupt on
6536 @itemx set may-interrupt off
6537 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to interrupt or stop
6538 program execution. When this variable is @code{off}, the
6539 @code{interrupt} command will have no effect, nor will
6540 @kbd{Ctrl-c}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6542 @item show may-interrupt
6543 Show the current permission to interrupt or stop the program.
6547 @node Reverse Execution
6548 @chapter Running programs backward
6549 @cindex reverse execution
6550 @cindex running programs backward
6552 When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
6553 you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
6554 If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
6555 ``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
6557 A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
6558 to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
6559 program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
6560 revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
6561 deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
6562 all target environments can support reverse execution.
6564 When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
6565 have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
6566 order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
6567 thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
6568 the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
6569 instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
6570 a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
6571 should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
6572 prior values@footnote{
6573 Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
6574 memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
6575 targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
6577 The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
6578 requires only that the target do something reasonable when
6579 @value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
6580 results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
6581 @value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
6582 assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
6583 consistant state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
6586 If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
6587 reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
6590 @kindex reverse-continue
6591 @kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
6592 @item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6593 @itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6594 Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
6595 in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
6596 exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
6597 asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
6599 @kindex reverse-step
6600 @kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
6601 @item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6602 Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
6603 different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
6605 Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
6606 at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
6607 executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
6608 debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
6609 the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
6610 statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
6612 Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
6613 called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
6615 @kindex reverse-stepi
6616 @kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
6617 @item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6618 Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
6619 to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
6620 counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
6621 if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
6622 back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
6624 @kindex reverse-next
6625 @kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
6626 @item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6627 Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
6628 the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
6629 calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
6630 the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
6631 to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
6632 just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
6633 line of a function back to its return to its caller
6634 @footnote{Unless the code is too heavily optimized.}.
6636 @kindex reverse-nexti
6637 @kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
6638 @item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6639 Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
6640 in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
6641 That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
6642 another function, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
6643 in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
6646 @kindex reverse-finish
6647 @item reverse-finish
6648 Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
6649 current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
6650 where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
6651 function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
6653 @kindex set exec-direction
6654 @item set exec-direction
6655 Set the direction of target execution.
6656 @item set exec-direction reverse
6657 @cindex execute forward or backward in time
6658 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
6659 exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
6660 @code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
6661 command cannot be used in reverse mode.
6662 @item set exec-direction forward
6663 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
6664 This is the default.
6668 @node Process Record and Replay
6669 @chapter Recording Inferior's Execution and Replaying It
6670 @cindex process record and replay
6671 @cindex recording inferior's execution and replaying it
6673 On some platforms, @value{GDBN} provides a special @dfn{process record
6674 and replay} target that can record a log of the process execution, and
6675 replay it later with both forward and reverse execution commands.
6678 When this target is in use, if the execution log includes the record
6679 for the next instruction, @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{replay
6680 mode}. In the replay mode, the inferior does not really execute code
6681 instructions. Instead, all the events that normally happen during
6682 code execution are taken from the execution log. While code is not
6683 really executed in replay mode, the values of registers (including the
6684 program counter register) and the memory of the inferior are still
6685 changed as they normally would. Their contents are taken from the
6689 If the record for the next instruction is not in the execution log,
6690 @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{record mode}. In this mode, the
6691 inferior executes normally, and @value{GDBN} records the execution log
6694 The process record and replay target supports reverse execution
6695 (@pxref{Reverse Execution}), even if the platform on which the
6696 inferior runs does not. However, the reverse execution is limited in
6697 this case by the range of the instructions recorded in the execution
6698 log. In other words, reverse execution on platforms that don't
6699 support it directly can only be done in the replay mode.
6701 When debugging in the reverse direction, @value{GDBN} will work in
6702 replay mode as long as the execution log includes the record for the
6703 previous instruction; otherwise, it will work in record mode, if the
6704 platform supports reverse execution, or stop if not.
6706 For architecture environments that support process record and replay,
6707 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands:
6710 @kindex target record
6711 @kindex target record-full
6712 @kindex target record-btrace
6715 @kindex record btrace
6716 @kindex record btrace bts
6717 @kindex record btrace pt
6723 @kindex rec btrace bts
6724 @kindex rec btrace pt
6727 @item record @var{method}
6728 This command starts the process record and replay target. The
6729 recording method can be specified as parameter. Without a parameter
6730 the command uses the @code{full} recording method. The following
6731 recording methods are available:
6735 Full record/replay recording using @value{GDBN}'s software record and
6736 replay implementation. This method allows replaying and reverse
6739 @item btrace @var{format}
6740 Hardware-supported instruction recording. This method does not record
6741 data. Further, the data is collected in a ring buffer so old data will
6742 be overwritten when the buffer is full. It allows limited reverse
6743 execution. Variables and registers are not available during reverse
6744 execution. In remote debugging, recording continues on disconnect.
6745 Recorded data can be inspected after reconnecting. The recording may
6746 be stopped using @code{record stop}.
6748 The recording format can be specified as parameter. Without a parameter
6749 the command chooses the recording format. The following recording
6750 formats are available:
6754 @cindex branch trace store
6755 Use the @dfn{Branch Trace Store} (@acronym{BTS}) recording format. In
6756 this format, the processor stores a from/to record for each executed
6757 branch in the btrace ring buffer.
6760 @cindex Intel Processor Trace
6761 Use the @dfn{Intel Processor Trace} recording format. In this
6762 format, the processor stores the execution trace in a compressed form
6763 that is afterwards decoded by @value{GDBN}.
6765 The trace can be recorded with very low overhead. The compressed
6766 trace format also allows small trace buffers to already contain a big
6767 number of instructions compared to @acronym{BTS}.
6769 Decoding the recorded execution trace, on the other hand, is more
6770 expensive than decoding @acronym{BTS} trace. This is mostly due to the
6771 increased number of instructions to process. You should increase the
6772 buffer-size with care.
6775 Not all recording formats may be available on all processors.
6778 The process record and replay target can only debug a process that is
6779 already running. Therefore, you need first to start the process with
6780 the @kbd{run} or @kbd{start} commands, and then start the recording
6781 with the @kbd{record @var{method}} command.
6783 @cindex displaced stepping, and process record and replay
6784 Displaced stepping (@pxref{Maintenance Commands,, displaced stepping})
6785 will be automatically disabled when process record and replay target
6786 is started. That's because the process record and replay target
6787 doesn't support displaced stepping.
6789 @cindex non-stop mode, and process record and replay
6790 @cindex asynchronous execution, and process record and replay
6791 If the inferior is in the non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) or in
6792 the asynchronous execution mode (@pxref{Background Execution}), not
6793 all recording methods are available. The @code{full} recording method
6794 does not support these two modes.
6799 Stop the process record and replay target. When process record and
6800 replay target stops, the entire execution log will be deleted and the
6801 inferior will either be terminated, or will remain in its final state.
6803 When you stop the process record and replay target in record mode (at
6804 the end of the execution log), the inferior will be stopped at the
6805 next instruction that would have been recorded. In other words, if
6806 you record for a while and then stop recording, the inferior process
6807 will be left in the same state as if the recording never happened.
6809 On the other hand, if the process record and replay target is stopped
6810 while in replay mode (that is, not at the end of the execution log,
6811 but at some earlier point), the inferior process will become ``live''
6812 at that earlier state, and it will then be possible to continue the
6813 usual ``live'' debugging of the process from that state.
6815 When the inferior process exits, or @value{GDBN} detaches from it,
6816 process record and replay target will automatically stop itself.
6820 Go to a specific location in the execution log. There are several
6821 ways to specify the location to go to:
6824 @item record goto begin
6825 @itemx record goto start
6826 Go to the beginning of the execution log.
6828 @item record goto end
6829 Go to the end of the execution log.
6831 @item record goto @var{n}
6832 Go to instruction number @var{n} in the execution log.
6836 @item record save @var{filename}
6837 Save the execution log to a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6838 Default filename is @file{gdb_record.@var{process_id}}, where
6839 @var{process_id} is the process ID of the inferior.
6841 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
6843 @kindex record restore
6844 @item record restore @var{filename}
6845 Restore the execution log from a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6846 File must have been created with @code{record save}.
6848 @kindex set record full
6849 @item set record full insn-number-max @var{limit}
6850 @itemx set record full insn-number-max unlimited
6851 Set the limit of instructions to be recorded for the @code{full}
6852 recording method. Default value is 200000.
6854 If @var{limit} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will start
6855 deleting instructions from the log once the number of the record
6856 instructions becomes greater than @var{limit}. For every new recorded
6857 instruction, @value{GDBN} will delete the earliest recorded
6858 instruction to keep the number of recorded instructions at the limit.
6859 (Since deleting recorded instructions loses information, @value{GDBN}
6860 lets you control what happens when the limit is reached, by means of
6861 the @code{stop-at-limit} option, described below.)
6863 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will never
6864 delete recorded instructions from the execution log. The number of
6865 recorded instructions is limited only by the available memory.
6867 @kindex show record full
6868 @item show record full insn-number-max
6869 Show the limit of instructions to be recorded with the @code{full}
6872 @item set record full stop-at-limit
6873 Control the behavior of the @code{full} recording method when the
6874 number of recorded instructions reaches the limit. If ON (the
6875 default), @value{GDBN} will stop when the limit is reached for the
6876 first time and ask you whether you want to stop the inferior or
6877 continue running it and recording the execution log. If you decide
6878 to continue recording, each new recorded instruction will cause the
6879 oldest one to be deleted.
6881 If this option is OFF, @value{GDBN} will automatically delete the
6882 oldest record to make room for each new one, without asking.
6884 @item show record full stop-at-limit
6885 Show the current setting of @code{stop-at-limit}.
6887 @item set record full memory-query
6888 Control the behavior when @value{GDBN} is unable to record memory
6889 changes caused by an instruction for the @code{full} recording method.
6890 If ON, @value{GDBN} will query whether to stop the inferior in that
6893 If this option is OFF (the default), @value{GDBN} will automatically
6894 ignore the effect of such instructions on memory. Later, when
6895 @value{GDBN} replays this execution log, it will mark the log of this
6896 instruction as not accessible, and it will not affect the replay
6899 @item show record full memory-query
6900 Show the current setting of @code{memory-query}.
6902 @kindex set record btrace
6903 The @code{btrace} record target does not trace data. As a
6904 convenience, when replaying, @value{GDBN} reads read-only memory off
6905 the live program directly, assuming that the addresses of the
6906 read-only areas don't change. This for example makes it possible to
6907 disassemble code while replaying, but not to print variables.
6908 In some cases, being able to inspect variables might be useful.
6909 You can use the following command for that:
6911 @item set record btrace replay-memory-access
6912 Control the behavior of the @code{btrace} recording method when
6913 accessing memory during replay. If @code{read-only} (the default),
6914 @value{GDBN} will only allow accesses to read-only memory.
6915 If @code{read-write}, @value{GDBN} will allow accesses to read-only
6916 and to read-write memory. Beware that the accessed memory corresponds
6917 to the live target and not necessarily to the current replay
6920 @kindex show record btrace
6921 @item show record btrace replay-memory-access
6922 Show the current setting of @code{replay-memory-access}.
6924 @kindex set record btrace bts
6925 @item set record btrace bts buffer-size @var{size}
6926 @itemx set record btrace bts buffer-size unlimited
6927 Set the requested ring buffer size for branch tracing in @acronym{BTS}
6928 format. Default is 64KB.
6930 If @var{size} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will try to
6931 allocate a buffer of at least @var{size} bytes for each new thread
6932 that uses the btrace recording method and the @acronym{BTS} format.
6933 The actually obtained buffer size may differ from the requested
6934 @var{size}. Use the @code{info record} command to see the actual
6935 buffer size for each thread that uses the btrace recording method and
6936 the @acronym{BTS} format.
6938 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will try to
6939 allocate a buffer of 4MB.
6941 Bigger buffers mean longer traces. On the other hand, @value{GDBN} will
6942 also need longer to process the branch trace data before it can be used.
6944 @item show record btrace bts buffer-size @var{size}
6945 Show the current setting of the requested ring buffer size for branch
6946 tracing in @acronym{BTS} format.
6948 @kindex set record btrace pt
6949 @item set record btrace pt buffer-size @var{size}
6950 @itemx set record btrace pt buffer-size unlimited
6951 Set the requested ring buffer size for branch tracing in Intel
6952 Processor Trace format. Default is 16KB.
6954 If @var{size} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will try to
6955 allocate a buffer of at least @var{size} bytes for each new thread
6956 that uses the btrace recording method and the Intel Processor Trace
6957 format. The actually obtained buffer size may differ from the
6958 requested @var{size}. Use the @code{info record} command to see the
6959 actual buffer size for each thread.
6961 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will try to
6962 allocate a buffer of 4MB.
6964 Bigger buffers mean longer traces. On the other hand, @value{GDBN} will
6965 also need longer to process the branch trace data before it can be used.
6967 @item show record btrace pt buffer-size @var{size}
6968 Show the current setting of the requested ring buffer size for branch
6969 tracing in Intel Processor Trace format.
6973 Show various statistics about the recording depending on the recording
6978 For the @code{full} recording method, it shows the state of process
6979 record and its in-memory execution log buffer, including:
6983 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
6985 Lowest recorded instruction number (counting from when the current execution log started recording instructions).
6987 Highest recorded instruction number.
6989 Current instruction about to be replayed (if in replay mode).
6991 Number of instructions contained in the execution log.
6993 Maximum number of instructions that may be contained in the execution log.
6997 For the @code{btrace} recording method, it shows:
7003 Number of instructions that have been recorded.
7005 Number of blocks of sequential control-flow formed by the recorded
7008 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
7011 For the @code{bts} recording format, it also shows:
7014 Size of the perf ring buffer.
7017 For the @code{pt} recording format, it also shows:
7020 Size of the perf ring buffer.
7024 @kindex record delete
7027 When record target runs in replay mode (``in the past''), delete the
7028 subsequent execution log and begin to record a new execution log starting
7029 from the current address. This means you will abandon the previously
7030 recorded ``future'' and begin recording a new ``future''.
7032 @kindex record instruction-history
7033 @kindex rec instruction-history
7034 @item record instruction-history
7035 Disassembles instructions from the recorded execution log. By
7036 default, ten instructions are disassembled. This can be changed using
7037 the @code{set record instruction-history-size} command. Instructions
7038 are printed in execution order.
7040 It can also print mixed source+disassembly if you specify the the
7041 @code{/m} or @code{/s} modifier, and print the raw instructions in hex
7042 as well as in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r} modifier.
7044 The current position marker is printed for the instruction at the
7045 current program counter value. This instruction can appear multiple
7046 times in the trace and the current position marker will be printed
7047 every time. To omit the current position marker, specify the
7050 To better align the printed instructions when the trace contains
7051 instructions from more than one function, the function name may be
7052 omitted by specifying the @code{/f} modifier.
7054 Speculatively executed instructions are prefixed with @samp{?}. This
7055 feature is not available for all recording formats.
7057 There are several ways to specify what part of the execution log to
7061 @item record instruction-history @var{insn}
7062 Disassembles ten instructions starting from instruction number
7065 @item record instruction-history @var{insn}, +/-@var{n}
7066 Disassembles @var{n} instructions around instruction number
7067 @var{insn}. If @var{n} is preceded with @code{+}, disassembles
7068 @var{n} instructions after instruction number @var{insn}. If
7069 @var{n} is preceded with @code{-}, disassembles @var{n}
7070 instructions before instruction number @var{insn}.
7072 @item record instruction-history
7073 Disassembles ten more instructions after the last disassembly.
7075 @item record instruction-history -
7076 Disassembles ten more instructions before the last disassembly.
7078 @item record instruction-history @var{begin}, @var{end}
7079 Disassembles instructions beginning with instruction number
7080 @var{begin} until instruction number @var{end}. The instruction
7081 number @var{end} is included.
7084 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
7087 @item set record instruction-history-size @var{size}
7088 @itemx set record instruction-history-size unlimited
7089 Define how many instructions to disassemble in the @code{record
7090 instruction-history} command. The default value is 10.
7091 A @var{size} of @code{unlimited} means unlimited instructions.
7094 @item show record instruction-history-size
7095 Show how many instructions to disassemble in the @code{record
7096 instruction-history} command.
7098 @kindex record function-call-history
7099 @kindex rec function-call-history
7100 @item record function-call-history
7101 Prints the execution history at function granularity. It prints one
7102 line for each sequence of instructions that belong to the same
7103 function giving the name of that function, the source lines
7104 for this instruction sequence (if the @code{/l} modifier is
7105 specified), and the instructions numbers that form the sequence (if
7106 the @code{/i} modifier is specified). The function names are indented
7107 to reflect the call stack depth if the @code{/c} modifier is
7108 specified. The @code{/l}, @code{/i}, and @code{/c} modifiers can be
7112 (@value{GDBP}) @b{list 1, 10}
7123 (@value{GDBP}) @b{record function-call-history /ilc}
7124 1 bar inst 1,4 at foo.c:6,8
7125 2 foo inst 5,10 at foo.c:2,3
7126 3 bar inst 11,13 at foo.c:9,10
7129 By default, ten lines are printed. This can be changed using the
7130 @code{set record function-call-history-size} command. Functions are
7131 printed in execution order. There are several ways to specify what
7135 @item record function-call-history @var{func}
7136 Prints ten functions starting from function number @var{func}.
7138 @item record function-call-history @var{func}, +/-@var{n}
7139 Prints @var{n} functions around function number @var{func}. If
7140 @var{n} is preceded with @code{+}, prints @var{n} functions after
7141 function number @var{func}. If @var{n} is preceded with @code{-},
7142 prints @var{n} functions before function number @var{func}.
7144 @item record function-call-history
7145 Prints ten more functions after the last ten-line print.
7147 @item record function-call-history -
7148 Prints ten more functions before the last ten-line print.
7150 @item record function-call-history @var{begin}, @var{end}
7151 Prints functions beginning with function number @var{begin} until
7152 function number @var{end}. The function number @var{end} is included.
7155 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
7157 @item set record function-call-history-size @var{size}
7158 @itemx set record function-call-history-size unlimited
7159 Define how many lines to print in the
7160 @code{record function-call-history} command. The default value is 10.
7161 A size of @code{unlimited} means unlimited lines.
7163 @item show record function-call-history-size
7164 Show how many lines to print in the
7165 @code{record function-call-history} command.
7170 @chapter Examining the Stack
7172 When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
7173 stopped and how it got there.
7176 Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
7178 That information includes the location of the call in your program,
7179 the arguments of the call,
7180 and the local variables of the function being called.
7181 The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
7182 The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
7185 When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
7186 stack allow you to see all of this information.
7188 @cindex selected frame
7189 One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
7190 @value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
7191 particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
7192 your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
7193 special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
7194 interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7196 When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
7197 currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
7198 @code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
7201 * Frames:: Stack frames
7202 * Backtrace:: Backtraces
7203 * Selection:: Selecting a frame
7204 * Frame Info:: Information on a frame
7205 * Frame Filter Management:: Managing frame filters
7210 @section Stack Frames
7212 @cindex frame, definition
7214 The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
7215 frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
7216 with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
7217 to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
7218 which the function is executing.
7220 @cindex initial frame
7221 @cindex outermost frame
7222 @cindex innermost frame
7223 When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
7224 function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
7225 @dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
7226 made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
7227 is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
7228 the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
7229 actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
7230 recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
7232 @cindex frame pointer
7233 Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
7234 stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
7235 kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
7236 address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
7237 in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
7238 (@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
7240 @cindex frame number
7241 @value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
7242 zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
7243 and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
7244 they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
7245 frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
7247 @c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
7248 @c underflow problems.
7249 @cindex frameless execution
7250 Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
7251 without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
7253 @samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
7255 generates functions without a frame.)
7256 This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
7257 the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
7258 with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
7259 has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
7260 it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
7261 correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
7262 no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
7268 @cindex call stack traces
7269 A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
7270 line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
7271 frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
7274 @anchor{backtrace-command}
7277 @kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
7280 Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
7281 frames in the stack.
7283 You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
7284 character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
7286 @item backtrace @var{n}
7288 Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
7290 @item backtrace -@var{n}
7292 Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
7294 @item backtrace full
7296 @itemx bt full @var{n}
7297 @itemx bt full -@var{n}
7298 Print the values of the local variables also. As described above,
7299 @var{n} specifies the number of frames to print.
7301 @item backtrace no-filters
7302 @itemx bt no-filters
7303 @itemx bt no-filters @var{n}
7304 @itemx bt no-filters -@var{n}
7305 @itemx bt no-filters full
7306 @itemx bt no-filters full @var{n}
7307 @itemx bt no-filters full -@var{n}
7308 Do not run Python frame filters on this backtrace. @xref{Frame
7309 Filter API}, for more information. Additionally use @ref{disable
7310 frame-filter all} to turn off all frame filters. This is only
7311 relevant when @value{GDBN} has been configured with @code{Python}
7317 The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
7318 are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
7320 @cindex multiple threads, backtrace
7321 In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
7322 backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
7323 several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
7324 (@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
7325 apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
7326 the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
7327 multi-threaded program.
7329 Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
7330 The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
7331 print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
7332 line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
7333 counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
7336 Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
7337 @samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
7341 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
7343 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600, data=...) at macro.c:242
7344 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
7346 (More stack frames follow...)
7351 The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
7352 value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
7353 code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
7356 The value of parameter @code{data} in frame 1 has been replaced by
7357 @code{@dots{}}. By default, @value{GDBN} prints the value of a parameter
7358 only if it is a scalar (integer, pointer, enumeration, etc). See command
7359 @kbd{set print frame-arguments} in @ref{Print Settings} for more details
7360 on how to configure the way function parameter values are printed.
7362 @cindex optimized out, in backtrace
7363 @cindex function call arguments, optimized out
7364 If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
7365 optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
7366 never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
7367 passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
7368 in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
7369 arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
7370 such a backtrace might look like:
7374 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
7376 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<optimized out>) at macro.c:242
7377 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
7379 (More stack frames follow...)
7384 The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
7385 shown as @samp{<optimized out>}.
7387 If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
7388 either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
7389 you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
7391 @cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
7392 @cindex program entry point
7393 @cindex startup code, and backtrace
7394 Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
7395 libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
7396 @code{main}@footnote{
7397 Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
7398 environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
7399 entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
7400 When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
7401 it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
7402 system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
7404 If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
7405 in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
7408 @item set backtrace past-main
7409 @itemx set backtrace past-main on
7410 @kindex set backtrace
7411 Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
7413 @item set backtrace past-main off
7414 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
7417 @item show backtrace past-main
7418 @kindex show backtrace
7419 Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
7421 @item set backtrace past-entry
7422 @itemx set backtrace past-entry on
7423 Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
7424 This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
7425 and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
7427 @item set backtrace past-entry off
7428 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
7429 application. This is the default.
7431 @item show backtrace past-entry
7432 Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
7434 @item set backtrace limit @var{n}
7435 @itemx set backtrace limit 0
7436 @itemx set backtrace limit unlimited
7437 @cindex backtrace limit
7438 Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of @code{unlimited}
7439 or zero means unlimited levels.
7441 @item show backtrace limit
7442 Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
7445 You can control how file names are displayed.
7448 @item set filename-display
7449 @itemx set filename-display relative
7450 @cindex filename-display
7451 Display file names relative to the compilation directory. This is the default.
7453 @item set filename-display basename
7454 Display only basename of a filename.
7456 @item set filename-display absolute
7457 Display an absolute filename.
7459 @item show filename-display
7460 Show the current way to display filenames.
7464 @section Selecting a Frame
7466 Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
7467 whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
7468 selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
7469 of the stack frame just selected.
7472 @kindex frame@r{, selecting}
7473 @kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
7476 Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
7477 (currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
7478 innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
7481 @item frame @var{stack-addr} [ @var{pc-addr} ]
7482 @itemx f @var{stack-addr} [ @var{pc-addr} ]
7483 Select the frame at address @var{stack-addr}. This is useful mainly if the
7484 chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
7485 impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
7486 addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
7487 switches between them. The optional @var{pc-addr} can also be given to
7488 specify the value of PC for the stack frame.
7492 Move @var{n} frames up the stack; @var{n} defaults to 1. For positive
7493 numbers @var{n}, this advances toward the outermost frame, to higher
7494 frame numbers, to frames that have existed longer.
7497 @kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
7499 Move @var{n} frames down the stack; @var{n} defaults to 1. For
7500 positive numbers @var{n}, this advances toward the innermost frame, to
7501 lower frame numbers, to frames that were created more recently.
7502 You may abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
7505 All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
7506 frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
7507 arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
7508 frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
7516 #1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
7518 10 read_input_file (argv[i]);
7522 After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
7523 prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
7524 You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
7525 editing program by typing @code{edit}.
7526 @xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
7530 @kindex select-frame
7532 The @code{select-frame} command is a variant of @code{frame} that does
7533 not display the new frame after selecting it. This command is
7534 intended primarily for use in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the
7535 output might be unnecessary and distracting.
7537 @kindex down-silently
7539 @item up-silently @var{n}
7540 @itemx down-silently @var{n}
7541 These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
7542 respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
7543 causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
7544 in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
7549 @section Information About a Frame
7551 There are several other commands to print information about the selected
7557 When used without any argument, this command does not change which
7558 frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
7559 selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
7560 argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
7561 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7564 @kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
7567 This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
7572 the address of the frame
7574 the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
7576 the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
7578 the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
7580 the address of the frame's arguments
7582 the address of the frame's local variables
7584 the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
7586 which registers were saved in the frame
7589 @noindent The verbose description is useful when
7590 something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
7591 the usual conventions.
7593 @item info frame @var{addr}
7594 @itemx info f @var{addr}
7595 Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr}, without
7596 selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by this
7597 command. This requires the same kind of address (more than one for some
7598 architectures) that you specify in the @code{frame} command.
7599 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7603 Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
7607 Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
7608 line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
7609 accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
7613 @node Frame Filter Management
7614 @section Management of Frame Filters.
7615 @cindex managing frame filters
7617 Frame filters are Python based utilities to manage and decorate the
7618 output of frames. @xref{Frame Filter API}, for further information.
7620 Managing frame filters is performed by several commands available
7621 within @value{GDBN}, detailed here.
7624 @kindex info frame-filter
7625 @item info frame-filter
7626 Print a list of installed frame filters from all dictionaries, showing
7627 their name, priority and enabled status.
7629 @kindex disable frame-filter
7630 @anchor{disable frame-filter all}
7631 @item disable frame-filter @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
7632 Disable a frame filter in the dictionary matching
7633 @var{filter-dictionary} and @var{filter-name}. The
7634 @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{all}, @code{global},
7635 @code{progspace}, or the name of the object file where the frame filter
7636 dictionary resides. When @code{all} is specified, all frame filters
7637 across all dictionaries are disabled. The @var{filter-name} is the name
7638 of the frame filter and is used when @code{all} is not the option for
7639 @var{filter-dictionary}. A disabled frame-filter is not deleted, it
7640 may be enabled again later.
7642 @kindex enable frame-filter
7643 @item enable frame-filter @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
7644 Enable a frame filter in the dictionary matching
7645 @var{filter-dictionary} and @var{filter-name}. The
7646 @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{all}, @code{global},
7647 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
7648 dictionary resides. When @code{all} is specified, all frame filters across
7649 all dictionaries are enabled. The @var{filter-name} is the name of the frame
7650 filter and is used when @code{all} is not the option for
7651 @var{filter-dictionary}.
7656 (gdb) info frame-filter
7658 global frame-filters:
7659 Priority Enabled Name
7660 1000 No PrimaryFunctionFilter
7663 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
7664 Priority Enabled Name
7665 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
7667 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
7668 Priority Enabled Name
7669 999 Yes BuildProgra Filter
7671 (gdb) disable frame-filter /build/test BuildProgramFilter
7672 (gdb) info frame-filter
7674 global frame-filters:
7675 Priority Enabled Name
7676 1000 No PrimaryFunctionFilter
7679 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
7680 Priority Enabled Name
7681 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
7683 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
7684 Priority Enabled Name
7685 999 No BuildProgramFilter
7687 (gdb) enable frame-filter global PrimaryFunctionFilter
7688 (gdb) info frame-filter
7690 global frame-filters:
7691 Priority Enabled Name
7692 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
7695 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
7696 Priority Enabled Name
7697 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
7699 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
7700 Priority Enabled Name
7701 999 No BuildProgramFilter
7704 @kindex set frame-filter priority
7705 @item set frame-filter priority @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name} @var{priority}
7706 Set the @var{priority} of a frame filter in the dictionary matching
7707 @var{filter-dictionary}, and the frame filter name matching
7708 @var{filter-name}. The @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{global},
7709 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
7710 dictionary resides. The @var{priority} is an integer.
7712 @kindex show frame-filter priority
7713 @item show frame-filter priority @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
7714 Show the @var{priority} of a frame filter in the dictionary matching
7715 @var{filter-dictionary}, and the frame filter name matching
7716 @var{filter-name}. The @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{global},
7717 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
7723 (gdb) info frame-filter
7725 global frame-filters:
7726 Priority Enabled Name
7727 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
7730 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
7731 Priority Enabled Name
7732 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
7734 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
7735 Priority Enabled Name
7736 999 No BuildProgramFilter
7738 (gdb) set frame-filter priority global Reverse 50
7739 (gdb) info frame-filter
7741 global frame-filters:
7742 Priority Enabled Name
7743 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
7746 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
7747 Priority Enabled Name
7748 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
7750 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
7751 Priority Enabled Name
7752 999 No BuildProgramFilter
7757 @chapter Examining Source Files
7759 @value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
7760 information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
7761 used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
7762 the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
7763 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
7764 execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
7765 source files by explicit command.
7767 If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
7768 prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
7769 @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
7772 * List:: Printing source lines
7773 * Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
7774 * Edit:: Editing source files
7775 * Search:: Searching source files
7776 * Source Path:: Specifying source directories
7777 * Machine Code:: Source and machine code
7781 @section Printing Source Lines
7784 @kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
7785 To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
7786 (abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
7787 There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
7788 print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
7790 Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
7793 @item list @var{linenum}
7794 Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
7795 current source file.
7797 @item list @var{function}
7798 Print lines centered around the beginning of function
7802 Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
7803 @code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
7804 printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
7805 as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
7806 Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
7809 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
7812 @cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
7813 By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
7814 the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
7817 @kindex set listsize
7818 @item set listsize @var{count}
7819 @itemx set listsize unlimited
7820 Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
7821 the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
7822 Setting @var{count} to @code{unlimited} or 0 means there's no limit.
7824 @kindex show listsize
7826 Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
7829 Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
7830 so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
7831 than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
7832 argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
7833 each repetition moves up in the source file.
7835 In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
7836 @dfn{locations}. Locations specify source lines; there are several ways
7837 of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
7838 to specify some source line.
7840 Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
7843 @item list @var{location}
7844 Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{location}.
7846 @item list @var{first},@var{last}
7847 Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
7848 locations. When a @code{list} command has two locations, and the
7849 source file of the second location is omitted, this refers to
7850 the same source file as the first location.
7852 @item list ,@var{last}
7853 Print lines ending with @var{last}.
7855 @item list @var{first},
7856 Print lines starting with @var{first}.
7859 Print lines just after the lines last printed.
7862 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
7865 As described in the preceding table.
7868 @node Specify Location
7869 @section Specifying a Location
7870 @cindex specifying location
7872 @cindex source location
7875 * Linespec Locations:: Linespec locations
7876 * Explicit Locations:: Explicit locations
7877 * Address Locations:: Address locations
7880 Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
7881 of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
7882 debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code.
7883 Locations may be specified using three different formats:
7884 linespec locations, explicit locations, or address locations.
7886 @node Linespec Locations
7887 @subsection Linespec Locations
7888 @cindex linespec locations
7890 A @dfn{linespec} is a colon-separated list of source location parameters such
7891 as file name, function name, etc. Here are all the different ways of
7892 specifying a linespec:
7896 Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
7899 @itemx +@var{offset}
7900 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
7901 line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
7902 printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
7903 execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
7904 (@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
7905 used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
7906 this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
7909 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
7910 Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
7911 If @var{filename} is a relative file name, then it will match any
7912 source file name with the same trailing components. For example, if
7913 @var{filename} is @samp{gcc/expr.c}, then it will match source file
7914 name of @file{/build/trunk/gcc/expr.c}, but not
7915 @file{/build/trunk/libcpp/expr.c} or @file{/build/trunk/gcc/x-expr.c}.
7917 @item @var{function}
7918 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
7919 For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
7921 @item @var{function}:@var{label}
7922 Specifies the line where @var{label} appears in @var{function}.
7924 @item @var{filename}:@var{function}
7925 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
7926 in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
7927 function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
7928 functions in different source files.
7931 Specifies the line at which the label named @var{label} appears
7932 in the function corresponding to the currently selected stack frame.
7933 If there is no current selected stack frame (for instance, if the inferior
7934 is not running), then @value{GDBN} will not search for a label.
7936 @cindex breakpoint at static probe point
7937 @item -pstap|-probe-stap @r{[}@var{objfile}:@r{[}@var{provider}:@r{]}@r{]}@var{name}
7938 The @sc{gnu}/Linux tool @code{SystemTap} provides a way for
7939 applications to embed static probes. @xref{Static Probe Points}, for more
7940 information on finding and using static probes. This form of linespec
7941 specifies the location of such a static probe.
7943 If @var{objfile} is given, only probes coming from that shared library
7944 or executable matching @var{objfile} as a regular expression are considered.
7945 If @var{provider} is given, then only probes from that provider are considered.
7946 If several probes match the spec, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at
7947 each one of those probes.
7950 @node Explicit Locations
7951 @subsection Explicit Locations
7952 @cindex explicit locations
7954 @dfn{Explicit locations} allow the user to directly specify the source
7955 location's parameters using option-value pairs.
7957 Explicit locations are useful when several functions, labels, or
7958 file names have the same name (base name for files) in the program's
7959 sources. In these cases, explicit locations point to the source
7960 line you meant more accurately and unambiguously. Also, using
7961 explicit locations might be faster in large programs.
7963 For example, the linespec @samp{foo:bar} may refer to a function @code{bar}
7964 defined in the file named @file{foo} or the label @code{bar} in a function
7965 named @code{foo}. @value{GDBN} must search either the file system or
7966 the symbol table to know.
7968 The list of valid explicit location options is summarized in the
7972 @item -source @var{filename}
7973 The value specifies the source file name. To differentiate between
7974 files with the same base name, prepend as many directories as is necessary
7975 to uniquely identify the desired file, e.g., @file{foo/bar/baz.c}. Otherwise
7976 @value{GDBN} will use the first file it finds with the given base
7977 name. This option requires the use of either @code{-function} or @code{-line}.
7979 @item -function @var{function}
7980 The value specifies the name of a function. Operations
7981 on function locations unmodified by other options (such as @code{-label}
7982 or @code{-line}) refer to the line that begins the body of the function.
7983 In C, for example, this is the line with the open brace.
7985 @item -label @var{label}
7986 The value specifies the name of a label. When the function
7987 name is not specified, the label is searched in the function of the currently
7988 selected stack frame.
7990 @item -line @var{number}
7991 The value specifies a line offset for the location. The offset may either
7992 be absolute (@code{-line 3}) or relative (@code{-line +3}), depending on
7993 the command. When specified without any other options, the line offset is
7994 relative to the current line.
7997 Explicit location options may be abbreviated by omitting any non-unique
7998 trailing characters from the option name, e.g., @code{break -s main.c -li 3}.
8000 @node Address Locations
8001 @subsection Address Locations
8002 @cindex address locations
8004 @dfn{Address locations} indicate a specific program address. They have
8005 the generalized form *@var{address}.
8007 For line-oriented commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this
8008 specifies a source line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and
8009 other breakpoint-oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
8010 parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
8013 Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
8014 language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
8015 address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
8016 semantics of expressions used in locations to cover several situations
8017 that frequently occur during debugging. Here are the various forms
8021 @item @var{expression}
8022 Any expression valid in the current working language.
8024 @item @var{funcaddr}
8025 An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
8026 C@t{++}, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
8027 simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
8028 of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
8029 @code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
8030 (although the Pascal form also works).
8032 This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
8033 before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
8035 @item '@var{filename}':@var{funcaddr}
8036 Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
8037 file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
8038 specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
8039 functions with identical names in different source files.
8043 @section Editing Source Files
8044 @cindex editing source files
8047 @kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
8048 To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
8049 The editing program of your choice
8050 is invoked with the current line set to
8051 the active line in the program.
8052 Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
8053 want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
8056 @item edit @var{location}
8057 Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
8058 that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
8059 specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
8060 of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
8061 command most commonly used:
8064 @item edit @var{number}
8065 Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
8067 @item edit @var{function}
8068 Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
8073 @subsection Choosing your Editor
8074 You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
8076 The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
8077 following command-line syntax:
8079 ex +@var{number} file
8081 The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
8082 the file where to start editing.}.
8083 By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
8084 by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
8085 @value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
8086 @code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
8092 or in the @code{csh} shell,
8094 setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
8099 @section Searching Source Files
8100 @cindex searching source files
8102 There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
8107 @kindex forward-search
8108 @kindex fo @r{(@code{forward-search})}
8109 @item forward-search @var{regexp}
8110 @itemx search @var{regexp}
8111 The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
8112 starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
8113 @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
8114 synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
8117 @kindex reverse-search
8118 @item reverse-search @var{regexp}
8119 The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
8120 with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
8121 for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
8122 this command as @code{rev}.
8126 @section Specifying Source Directories
8129 @cindex directories for source files
8130 Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
8131 files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
8132 the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
8133 session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
8134 this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
8135 it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
8136 in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
8138 For example, suppose an executable references the file
8139 @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
8140 @file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
8141 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
8142 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
8143 message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
8144 source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
8145 Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
8146 the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
8147 @file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
8148 @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
8150 Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
8151 names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
8152 instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
8153 is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
8154 @file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
8155 that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
8157 Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
8160 Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
8161 any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
8162 each line is in the file.
8166 When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
8167 and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
8168 To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
8170 The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
8171 script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
8173 In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
8174 that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
8175 rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
8176 debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
8177 directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
8178 two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
8179 the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
8180 In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
8181 @var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
8182 of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
8183 source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
8184 name to look up the sources.
8186 Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
8187 moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
8188 @value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
8189 @file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
8190 @file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
8191 of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
8192 substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
8193 (@pxref{set substitute-path}).
8195 To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
8196 @var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
8197 For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
8198 @file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
8199 not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
8200 is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
8201 not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
8203 In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
8204 command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
8205 the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
8206 subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
8207 subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
8208 preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
8209 allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
8212 @code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
8213 The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
8214 longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
8215 the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
8216 for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
8217 located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
8218 method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
8220 @cindex @samp{--with-relocated-sources}
8221 @cindex default source path substitution
8222 You can configure a default source path substitution rule by
8223 configuring @value{GDBN} with the
8224 @samp{--with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}} option. The @var{dir}
8225 should be the name of a directory under @value{GDBN}'s configured
8226 prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or @samp{--exec-prefix}), and
8227 directory names in debug information under @var{dir} will be adjusted
8228 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
8229 location. This is useful if @value{GDBN}, libraries or executables
8230 with debug information and corresponding source code are being moved
8234 @item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
8235 @item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
8236 Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
8237 directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
8238 (@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
8239 part of absolute file names) or
8240 whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
8241 path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
8245 @vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
8246 @vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
8247 @cindex compilation directory
8248 @cindex current directory
8249 @cindex working directory
8250 @cindex directory, current
8251 @cindex directory, compilation
8252 You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
8253 directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
8254 working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
8255 tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
8256 session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
8257 directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
8260 Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
8262 @c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
8263 @c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
8265 @item set directories @var{path-list}
8266 @kindex set directories
8267 Set the source path to @var{path-list}.
8268 @samp{$cdir:$cwd} are added if missing.
8270 @item show directories
8271 @kindex show directories
8272 Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
8274 @anchor{set substitute-path}
8275 @item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
8276 @kindex set substitute-path
8277 Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
8278 current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
8279 @var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
8281 For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
8282 @file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
8285 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /foo/bar /mnt/cross
8289 will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/foo/bar} with
8290 @samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
8291 @file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
8293 In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
8294 the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
8295 defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
8298 For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
8301 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
8302 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
8306 @value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
8307 @file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
8308 use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
8309 @file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
8312 @item unset substitute-path [path]
8313 @kindex unset substitute-path
8314 If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
8315 for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
8316 A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
8318 If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
8320 @item show substitute-path [path]
8321 @kindex show substitute-path
8322 If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
8323 which would rewrite that path, if any.
8325 If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
8330 If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
8331 interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
8332 versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
8336 Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
8339 Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
8340 directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
8341 directories in one command.
8345 @section Source and Machine Code
8346 @cindex source line and its code address
8348 You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
8349 addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
8350 a range of addresses as machine instructions. You can use the command
8351 @code{set disassemble-next-line} to set whether to disassemble next
8352 source line when execution stops. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
8353 mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
8354 line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
8359 @item info line @var{location}
8360 Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
8361 source line @var{location}. You can specify source lines in any of
8362 the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}.
8365 For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
8366 the object code for the first line of function
8367 @code{m4_changequote}:
8369 @c FIXME: I think this example should also show the addresses in
8370 @c symbolic form, as they usually would be displayed.
8372 (@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
8373 Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
8377 @cindex code address and its source line
8378 We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
8379 @var{location}) what source line covers a particular address:
8381 (@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
8382 Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
8385 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
8386 @cindex @code{x} command, default address
8387 @kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
8388 After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
8389 is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
8390 sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
8391 ,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
8392 convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
8397 @cindex assembly instructions
8398 @cindex instructions, assembly
8399 @cindex machine instructions
8400 @cindex listing machine instructions
8402 @itemx disassemble /m
8403 @itemx disassemble /s
8404 @itemx disassemble /r
8405 This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
8406 instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
8407 the @code{/m} or @code{/s} modifier and print the raw instructions in hex
8408 as well as in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r} modifier.
8409 The default memory range is the function surrounding the
8410 program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
8411 command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
8412 surrounding this value. When two arguments are given, they should
8413 be separated by a comma, possibly surrounded by whitespace. The
8414 arguments specify a range of addresses to dump, in one of two forms:
8417 @item @var{start},@var{end}
8418 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to @var{end} (exclusive)
8419 @item @var{start},+@var{length}
8420 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to
8421 @code{@var{start}+@var{length}} (exclusive).
8425 When 2 arguments are specified, the name of the function is also
8426 printed (since there could be several functions in the given range).
8428 The argument(s) can be any expression yielding a numeric value, such as
8429 @samp{0x32c4}, @samp{&main+10} or @samp{$pc - 8}.
8431 If the range of memory being disassembled contains current program counter,
8432 the instruction at that location is shown with a @code{=>} marker.
8435 The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
8436 HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
8439 (@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4, 0x32e4
8440 Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
8441 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
8442 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
8443 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
8444 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
8445 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
8446 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
8447 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
8448 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
8449 End of assembler dump.
8452 Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86
8453 with @code{/m} or @code{/s}, when the program is stopped just after
8454 function prologue in a non-optimized function with no inline code.
8457 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
8458 Dump of assembler code for function main:
8460 0x08048330 <+0>: push %ebp
8461 0x08048331 <+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
8462 0x08048333 <+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
8463 0x08048336 <+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
8464 0x08048339 <+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
8466 6 printf ("Hello.\n");
8467 => 0x0804833c <+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
8468 0x08048343 <+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
8472 0x08048348 <+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
8473 0x0804834d <+29>: leave
8474 0x0804834e <+30>: ret
8476 End of assembler dump.
8479 The @code{/m} option is deprecated as its output is not useful when
8480 there is either inlined code or re-ordered code.
8481 The @code{/s} option is the preferred choice.
8482 Here is an example for AMD x86-64 showing the difference between
8483 @code{/m} output and @code{/s} output.
8484 This example has one inline function defined in a header file,
8485 and the code is compiled with @samp{-O2} optimization.
8486 Note how the @code{/m} output is missing the disassembly of
8487 several instructions that are present in the @code{/s} output.
8517 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
8518 Dump of assembler code for function main:
8522 0x0000000000400400 <+0>: mov 0x200c2e(%rip),%eax # 0x601034 <y>
8523 0x0000000000400417 <+23>: mov %eax,0x200c13(%rip) # 0x601030 <x>
8527 0x000000000040041d <+29>: xor %eax,%eax
8528 0x000000000040041f <+31>: retq
8529 0x0000000000400420 <+32>: add %eax,%eax
8530 0x0000000000400422 <+34>: jmp 0x400417 <main+23>
8532 End of assembler dump.
8533 (@value{GDBP}) disas /s main
8534 Dump of assembler code for function main:
8538 0x0000000000400400 <+0>: mov 0x200c2e(%rip),%eax # 0x601034 <y>
8542 0x0000000000400406 <+6>: test %eax,%eax
8543 0x0000000000400408 <+8>: js 0x400420 <main+32>
8548 0x000000000040040a <+10>: lea 0xa(%rax),%edx
8549 0x000000000040040d <+13>: test %eax,%eax
8550 0x000000000040040f <+15>: mov $0x1,%eax
8551 0x0000000000400414 <+20>: cmovne %edx,%eax
8555 0x0000000000400417 <+23>: mov %eax,0x200c13(%rip) # 0x601030 <x>
8559 0x000000000040041d <+29>: xor %eax,%eax
8560 0x000000000040041f <+31>: retq
8564 0x0000000000400420 <+32>: add %eax,%eax
8565 0x0000000000400422 <+34>: jmp 0x400417 <main+23>
8566 End of assembler dump.
8569 Here is another example showing raw instructions in hex for AMD x86-64,
8572 (gdb) disas /r 0x400281,+10
8573 Dump of assembler code from 0x400281 to 0x40028b:
8574 0x0000000000400281: 38 36 cmp %dh,(%rsi)
8575 0x0000000000400283: 2d 36 34 2e 73 sub $0x732e3436,%eax
8576 0x0000000000400288: 6f outsl %ds:(%rsi),(%dx)
8577 0x0000000000400289: 2e 32 00 xor %cs:(%rax),%al
8578 End of assembler dump.
8581 Addresses cannot be specified as a location (@pxref{Specify Location}).
8582 So, for example, if you want to disassemble function @code{bar}
8583 in file @file{foo.c}, you must type @samp{disassemble 'foo.c'::bar}
8584 and not @samp{disassemble foo.c:bar}.
8586 Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
8587 mnemonics or other syntax.
8589 For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
8590 instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
8591 libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
8592 location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
8593 might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
8596 @kindex set disassembler-options
8597 @cindex disassembler options
8598 @item set disassembler-options @var{option1}[,@var{option2}@dots{}]
8599 This command controls the passing of target specific information to
8600 the disassembler. For a list of valid options, please refer to the
8601 @code{-M}/@code{--disassembler-options} section of the @samp{objdump}
8602 manual and/or the output of @kbd{objdump --help}
8603 (@pxref{objdump,,objdump,binutils.info,The GNU Binary Utilities}).
8604 The default value is the empty string.
8606 If it is necessary to specify more than one disassembler option, then
8607 multiple options can be placed together into a comma separated list.
8608 Currently this command is only supported on targets ARM, PowerPC
8611 @kindex show disassembler-options
8612 @item show disassembler-options
8613 Show the current setting of the disassembler options.
8617 @kindex set disassembly-flavor
8618 @cindex Intel disassembly flavor
8619 @cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
8620 @item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
8621 Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
8622 program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
8624 Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
8625 can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
8626 The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
8627 assemblers for x86-based targets.
8629 @kindex show disassembly-flavor
8630 @item show disassembly-flavor
8631 Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
8635 @kindex set disassemble-next-line
8636 @kindex show disassemble-next-line
8637 @item set disassemble-next-line
8638 @itemx show disassemble-next-line
8639 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will disassemble the next source
8640 line or instruction when execution stops. If ON, @value{GDBN} will
8641 display disassembly of the next source line when execution of the
8642 program being debugged stops. This is @emph{in addition} to
8643 displaying the source line itself, which @value{GDBN} always does if
8644 possible. If the next source line cannot be displayed for some reason
8645 (e.g., if @value{GDBN} cannot find the source file, or there's no line
8646 info in the debug info), @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of the
8647 next @emph{instruction} instead of showing the next source line. If
8648 AUTO, @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of next instruction only
8649 if the source line cannot be displayed. This setting causes
8650 @value{GDBN} to display some feedback when you step through a function
8651 with no line info or whose source file is unavailable. The default is
8652 OFF, which means never display the disassembly of the next line or
8658 @chapter Examining Data
8660 @cindex printing data
8661 @cindex examining data
8664 The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
8665 command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
8666 evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
8667 program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
8668 Different Languages}). It may also print the expression using a
8669 Python-based pretty-printer (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
8672 @item print @var{expr}
8673 @itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
8674 @var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
8675 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
8676 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
8677 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
8681 @itemx print /@var{f}
8682 @cindex reprint the last value
8683 If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
8684 @dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
8685 conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
8688 A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
8689 It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
8690 specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
8692 If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
8693 fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
8694 command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
8697 @cindex exploring hierarchical data structures
8699 Another way of examining values of expressions and type information is
8700 through the Python extension command @code{explore} (available only if
8701 the @value{GDBN} build is configured with @code{--with-python}). It
8702 offers an interactive way to start at the highest level (or, the most
8703 abstract level) of the data type of an expression (or, the data type
8704 itself) and explore all the way down to leaf scalar values/fields
8705 embedded in the higher level data types.
8708 @item explore @var{arg}
8709 @var{arg} is either an expression (in the source language), or a type
8710 visible in the current context of the program being debugged.
8713 The working of the @code{explore} command can be illustrated with an
8714 example. If a data type @code{struct ComplexStruct} is defined in your
8724 struct ComplexStruct
8726 struct SimpleStruct *ss_p;
8732 followed by variable declarations as
8735 struct SimpleStruct ss = @{ 10, 1.11 @};
8736 struct ComplexStruct cs = @{ &ss, @{ 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 @} @};
8740 then, the value of the variable @code{cs} can be explored using the
8741 @code{explore} command as follows.
8745 The value of `cs' is a struct/class of type `struct ComplexStruct' with
8746 the following fields:
8748 ss_p = <Enter 0 to explore this field of type `struct SimpleStruct *'>
8749 arr = <Enter 1 to explore this field of type `int [10]'>
8751 Enter the field number of choice:
8755 Since the fields of @code{cs} are not scalar values, you are being
8756 prompted to chose the field you want to explore. Let's say you choose
8757 the field @code{ss_p} by entering @code{0}. Then, since this field is a
8758 pointer, you will be asked if it is pointing to a single value. From
8759 the declaration of @code{cs} above, it is indeed pointing to a single
8760 value, hence you enter @code{y}. If you enter @code{n}, then you will
8761 be asked if it were pointing to an array of values, in which case this
8762 field will be explored as if it were an array.
8765 `cs.ss_p' is a pointer to a value of type `struct SimpleStruct'
8766 Continue exploring it as a pointer to a single value [y/n]: y
8767 The value of `*(cs.ss_p)' is a struct/class of type `struct
8768 SimpleStruct' with the following fields:
8770 i = 10 .. (Value of type `int')
8771 d = 1.1100000000000001 .. (Value of type `double')
8773 Press enter to return to parent value:
8777 If the field @code{arr} of @code{cs} was chosen for exploration by
8778 entering @code{1} earlier, then since it is as array, you will be
8779 prompted to enter the index of the element in the array that you want
8783 `cs.arr' is an array of `int'.
8784 Enter the index of the element you want to explore in `cs.arr': 5
8786 `(cs.arr)[5]' is a scalar value of type `int'.
8790 Press enter to return to parent value:
8793 In general, at any stage of exploration, you can go deeper towards the
8794 leaf values by responding to the prompts appropriately, or hit the
8795 return key to return to the enclosing data structure (the @i{higher}
8796 level data structure).
8798 Similar to exploring values, you can use the @code{explore} command to
8799 explore types. Instead of specifying a value (which is typically a
8800 variable name or an expression valid in the current context of the
8801 program being debugged), you specify a type name. If you consider the
8802 same example as above, your can explore the type
8803 @code{struct ComplexStruct} by passing the argument
8804 @code{struct ComplexStruct} to the @code{explore} command.
8807 (gdb) explore struct ComplexStruct
8811 By responding to the prompts appropriately in the subsequent interactive
8812 session, you can explore the type @code{struct ComplexStruct} in a
8813 manner similar to how the value @code{cs} was explored in the above
8816 The @code{explore} command also has two sub-commands,
8817 @code{explore value} and @code{explore type}. The former sub-command is
8818 a way to explicitly specify that value exploration of the argument is
8819 being invoked, while the latter is a way to explicitly specify that type
8820 exploration of the argument is being invoked.
8823 @item explore value @var{expr}
8824 @cindex explore value
8825 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the value of the
8826 expression @var{expr} (if @var{expr} is an expression valid in the
8827 current context of the program being debugged). The behavior of this
8828 command is identical to that of the behavior of the @code{explore}
8829 command being passed the argument @var{expr}.
8831 @item explore type @var{arg}
8832 @cindex explore type
8833 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the type of @var{arg} (if
8834 @var{arg} is a type visible in the current context of program being
8835 debugged), or the type of the value/expression @var{arg} (if @var{arg}
8836 is an expression valid in the current context of the program being
8837 debugged). If @var{arg} is a type, then the behavior of this command is
8838 identical to that of the @code{explore} command being passed the
8839 argument @var{arg}. If @var{arg} is an expression, then the behavior of
8840 this command will be identical to that of the @code{explore} command
8841 being passed the type of @var{arg} as the argument.
8845 * Expressions:: Expressions
8846 * Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
8847 * Variables:: Program variables
8848 * Arrays:: Artificial arrays
8849 * Output Formats:: Output formats
8850 * Memory:: Examining memory
8851 * Auto Display:: Automatic display
8852 * Print Settings:: Print settings
8853 * Pretty Printing:: Python pretty printing
8854 * Value History:: Value history
8855 * Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
8856 * Convenience Funs:: Convenience functions
8857 * Registers:: Registers
8858 * Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
8859 * Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
8860 * OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
8861 * Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
8862 * Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
8863 * Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
8864 * Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
8865 character set than GDB does
8866 * Caching Target Data:: Data caching for targets
8867 * Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
8868 * Value Sizes:: Managing memory allocated for values
8872 @section Expressions
8875 @code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
8876 compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
8877 by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
8878 @value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
8879 casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
8880 you compiled your program to include this information; see
8883 @cindex arrays in expressions
8884 @value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
8885 the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
8886 you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
8887 of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
8888 to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
8889 is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
8891 Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
8892 this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
8893 Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
8896 In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
8897 expressions regardless of your programming language.
8899 @cindex casts, in expressions
8900 Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
8901 useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
8902 at that address in memory.
8903 @c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
8905 @value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
8906 to programming languages:
8910 @samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
8911 @xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
8914 @samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
8915 function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
8917 @cindex @{@var{type}@}
8918 @cindex type casting memory
8919 @cindex memory, viewing as typed object
8920 @cindex casts, to view memory
8921 @item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
8922 Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
8923 memory. The address @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is
8924 an integer or pointer (but parentheses are required around binary
8925 operators, just as in a cast). This construct is allowed regardless
8926 of what kind of data is normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
8929 @node Ambiguous Expressions
8930 @section Ambiguous Expressions
8931 @cindex ambiguous expressions
8933 Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
8934 some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
8935 a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
8936 different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
8937 involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
8938 templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
8939 the same function name being defined in different contexts.
8941 In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
8942 the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
8943 can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
8944 @kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
8945 qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
8948 When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
8949 has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
8950 possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
8951 The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
8952 aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
8953 used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
8954 menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
8957 For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
8958 breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
8959 We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
8961 @c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
8964 (@value{GDBP}) b String::after
8967 [2] file:String.cc; line number:867
8968 [3] file:String.cc; line number:860
8969 [4] file:String.cc; line number:875
8970 [5] file:String.cc; line number:853
8971 [6] file:String.cc; line number:846
8972 [7] file:String.cc; line number:735
8974 Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
8975 Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
8976 Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
8977 Multiple breakpoints were set.
8978 Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
8985 @kindex set multiple-symbols
8986 @item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
8987 @cindex multiple-symbols menu
8989 This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
8992 By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
8993 the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
8994 automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
8995 a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
8996 inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
8997 then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
8998 For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
8999 in the use of the menu.
9001 When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
9002 when an ambiguity is detected.
9004 Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
9005 an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
9007 @kindex show multiple-symbols
9008 @item show multiple-symbols
9009 Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
9013 @section Program Variables
9015 The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
9018 Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
9019 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
9023 global (or file-static)
9030 visible according to the scope rules of the
9031 programming language from the point of execution in that frame
9034 @noindent This means that in the function
9049 you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
9050 executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
9051 examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
9052 the block where @code{b} is declared.
9054 @cindex variable name conflict
9055 There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
9056 scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
9057 in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
9058 function with the same name (in different source files). If that
9059 happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
9060 you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file by
9061 using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
9063 @cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
9065 @c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
9066 @cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
9069 @var{file}::@var{variable}
9070 @var{function}::@var{variable}
9074 Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
9075 static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
9076 make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
9077 to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
9080 (@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
9083 The @code{::} notation is normally used for referring to
9084 static variables, since you typically disambiguate uses of local variables
9085 in functions by selecting the appropriate frame and using the
9086 simple name of the variable. However, you may also use this notation
9087 to refer to local variables in frames enclosing the selected frame:
9096 process (a); /* Stop here */
9107 For example, if there is a breakpoint at the commented line,
9108 here is what you might see
9109 when the program stops after executing the call @code{bar(0)}:
9114 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
9117 #2 0x080483d0 in foo (a=5) at foobar.c:12
9120 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
9124 @cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
9125 These uses of @samp{::} are very rarely in conflict with the very
9126 similar use of the same notation in C@t{++}. When they are in
9127 conflict, the C@t{++} meaning takes precedence; however, this can be
9128 overridden by quoting the file or function name with single quotes.
9130 For example, suppose the program is stopped in a method of a class
9131 that has a field named @code{includefile}, and there is also an
9132 include file named @file{includefile} that defines a variable,
9136 (@value{GDBP}) p includefile
9138 (@value{GDBP}) p includefile::some_global
9139 A syntax error in expression, near `'.
9140 (@value{GDBP}) p 'includefile'::some_global
9144 @cindex wrong values
9145 @cindex variable values, wrong
9146 @cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
9147 @cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
9149 @emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
9150 wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
9151 scope, and just before exit.
9153 You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
9154 This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
9155 set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
9156 stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
9157 values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
9158 also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
9159 after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
9160 variable definitions may be gone.
9162 This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
9163 To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
9166 @cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
9167 Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
9168 unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
9169 opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
9170 offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
9171 might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
9172 happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
9175 No symbol "foo" in current context.
9178 To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
9179 different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
9180 formats. @xref{Compilation}, for more information on choosing compiler
9181 options. @xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug
9182 info formats that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
9184 If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
9185 @value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
9186 by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
9187 type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
9189 @cindex no debug info variables
9190 If you try to examine or use the value of a (global) variable for
9191 which @value{GDBN} has no type information, e.g., because the program
9192 includes no debug information, @value{GDBN} displays an error message.
9193 @xref{Symbols, unknown type}, for more about unknown types. If you
9194 cast the variable to its declared type, @value{GDBN} gets the
9195 variable's value using the cast-to type as the variable's type. For
9196 example, in a C program:
9199 (@value{GDBP}) p var
9200 'var' has unknown type; cast it to its declared type
9201 (@value{GDBP}) p (float) var
9205 If you append @kbd{@@entry} string to a function parameter name you get its
9206 value at the time the function got called. If the value is not available an
9207 error message is printed. Entry values are available only with some compilers.
9208 Entry values are normally also printed at the function parameter list according
9209 to @ref{set print entry-values}.
9212 Breakpoint 1, d (i=30) at gdb.base/entry-value.c:29
9218 (gdb) print i@@entry
9222 Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
9223 signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
9224 printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
9225 @code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
9226 defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
9231 signed char var1[] = "A";
9234 You get during debugging
9239 $2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
9243 @section Artificial Arrays
9245 @cindex artificial array
9247 @kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
9248 It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
9249 same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
9250 dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
9253 You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
9254 @dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
9255 operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
9256 and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
9257 of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
9258 the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
9259 argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
9260 following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
9261 example. If a program says
9264 int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
9268 you can print the contents of @code{array} with
9274 The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
9275 with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
9276 subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
9277 Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
9278 (@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
9280 Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
9281 This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
9282 The value need not be in memory:
9284 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
9285 $1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
9288 As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
9289 @samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
9290 the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
9292 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
9293 $2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
9296 Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
9297 moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
9298 actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
9299 of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
9300 to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
9301 Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
9302 interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
9303 instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
9304 structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
9305 in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
9315 @node Output Formats
9316 @section Output Formats
9318 @cindex formatted output
9319 @cindex output formats
9320 By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
9321 this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
9322 in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
9323 at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
9324 these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
9326 The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
9327 already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
9328 @code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
9329 letters supported are:
9333 Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
9337 Print as integer in signed decimal.
9340 Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
9343 Print as integer in octal.
9346 Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
9347 @footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
9348 used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
9349 see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
9352 @cindex unknown address, locating
9353 @cindex locate address
9354 Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
9355 the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
9356 where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
9359 (@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
9360 $3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
9364 The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
9365 @xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
9368 Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
9369 prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
9370 character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
9371 for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
9373 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
9374 @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
9375 constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
9379 Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
9380 using typical floating point syntax.
9383 @cindex printing strings
9384 @cindex printing byte arrays
9385 Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
9386 data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
9387 are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
9390 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
9391 @code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
9392 strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
9396 Like @samp{x} formatting, the value is treated as an integer and
9397 printed as hexadecimal, but leading zeros are printed to pad the value
9398 to the size of the integer type.
9401 @cindex raw printing
9402 Print using the @samp{raw} formatting. By default, @value{GDBN} will
9403 use a Python-based pretty-printer, if one is available (@pxref{Pretty
9404 Printing}). This typically results in a higher-level display of the
9405 value's contents. The @samp{r} format bypasses any Python
9406 pretty-printer which might exist.
9409 For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
9416 Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
9417 names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
9419 To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
9420 you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
9421 expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
9424 @section Examining Memory
9426 You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
9427 any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
9429 @cindex examining memory
9431 @kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
9432 @item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
9435 Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
9438 @var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
9439 much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
9440 expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
9441 If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
9442 Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
9445 @item @var{n}, the repeat count
9446 The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
9447 how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display. If a negative
9448 number is specified, memory is examined backward from @var{addr}.
9449 @c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
9452 @item @var{f}, the display format
9453 The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
9454 (@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
9455 @samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
9456 The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
9457 each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
9459 @item @var{u}, the unit size
9460 The unit size is any of
9466 Halfwords (two bytes).
9468 Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
9470 Giant words (eight bytes).
9473 Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
9474 default unit the next time you use @code{x}. For the @samp{i} format,
9475 the unit size is ignored and is normally not written. For the @samp{s} format,
9476 the unit size defaults to @samp{b}, unless it is explicitly given.
9477 Use @kbd{x /hs} to display 16-bit char strings and @kbd{x /ws} to display
9478 32-bit strings. The next use of @kbd{x /s} will again display 8-bit strings.
9479 Note that the results depend on the programming language of the
9480 current compilation unit. If the language is C, the @samp{s}
9481 modifier will use the UTF-16 encoding while @samp{w} will use
9482 UTF-32. The encoding is set by the programming language and cannot
9485 @item @var{addr}, starting display address
9486 @var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
9487 memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
9488 it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
9489 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
9490 @var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
9491 other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
9492 the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
9493 starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
9494 a value from memory).
9497 For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
9498 (@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
9499 starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
9500 words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
9501 @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
9503 You can also specify a negative repeat count to examine memory backward
9504 from the given address. For example, @samp{x/-3uh 0x54320} prints three
9505 halfwords (@code{h}) at @code{0x54314}, @code{0x54328}, and @code{0x5431c}.
9507 Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
9508 letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
9509 unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
9510 specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
9511 (However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
9513 Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
9514 and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
9515 @samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
9516 including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
9517 the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
9518 slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
9519 follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
9520 @code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
9521 instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
9523 If a negative repeat count is specified for the formats @samp{s} or @samp{i},
9524 the command displays null-terminated strings or instructions before the given
9525 address as many as the absolute value of the given number. For the @samp{i}
9526 format, we use line number information in the debug info to accurately locate
9527 instruction boundaries while disassembling backward. If line info is not
9528 available, the command stops examining memory with an error message.
9530 All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
9531 easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
9532 you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
9533 instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
9534 with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
9535 the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
9536 for successive uses of @code{x}.
9538 When examining machine instructions, the instruction at current program
9539 counter is shown with a @code{=>} marker. For example:
9542 (@value{GDBP}) x/5i $pc-6
9543 0x804837f <main+11>: mov %esp,%ebp
9544 0x8048381 <main+13>: push %ecx
9545 0x8048382 <main+14>: sub $0x4,%esp
9546 => 0x8048385 <main+17>: movl $0x8048460,(%esp)
9547 0x804838c <main+24>: call 0x80482d4 <puts@@plt>
9550 @cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
9551 The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
9552 in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
9553 would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
9554 subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
9555 @code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
9556 examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
9557 @code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
9558 the convenience variable @code{$__}.
9560 If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
9561 are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
9562 address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
9564 @anchor{addressable memory unit}
9565 @cindex addressable memory unit
9566 Most targets have an addressable memory unit size of 8 bits. This means
9567 that to each memory address are associated 8 bits of data. Some
9568 targets, however, have other addressable memory unit sizes.
9569 Within @value{GDBN} and this document, the term
9570 @dfn{addressable memory unit} (or @dfn{memory unit} for short) is used
9571 when explicitly referring to a chunk of data of that size. The word
9572 @dfn{byte} is used to refer to a chunk of data of 8 bits, regardless of
9573 the addressable memory unit size of the target. For most systems,
9574 addressable memory unit is a synonym of byte.
9576 @cindex remote memory comparison
9577 @cindex target memory comparison
9578 @cindex verify remote memory image
9579 @cindex verify target memory image
9580 When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
9581 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image
9582 in the remote machine's memory against the executable file you
9583 downloaded to the target. Or, on any target, you may want to check
9584 whether the program has corrupted its own read-only sections. The
9585 @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such situations.
9588 @kindex compare-sections
9589 @item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{|}@code{-r}@r{]}
9590 Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
9591 executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
9592 the target machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
9593 arguments, compares all loadable sections. With an argument of
9594 @code{-r}, compares all loadable read-only sections.
9596 Note: for remote targets, this command can be accelerated if the
9597 target supports computing the CRC checksum of a block of memory
9598 (@pxref{qCRC packet}).
9602 @section Automatic Display
9603 @cindex automatic display
9604 @cindex display of expressions
9606 If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
9607 (to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
9608 display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
9609 Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
9610 to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
9611 The automatic display looks like this:
9615 3: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
9619 This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
9620 displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
9621 specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
9622 whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
9623 specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
9624 or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
9628 @item display @var{expr}
9629 Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
9630 each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
9632 @code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
9634 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
9635 For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
9636 count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
9637 arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
9638 @xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
9640 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
9641 For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
9642 number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
9643 be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
9644 doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
9647 For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
9648 instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
9649 is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
9652 @kindex delete display
9654 @item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
9655 @itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
9656 Remove items from the list of expressions to display. Specify the
9657 numbers of the displays that you want affected with the command
9658 argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one of the
9659 numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display} display;
9660 or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
9662 @code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
9663 (Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
9665 @kindex disable display
9666 @item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
9667 Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
9668 item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
9669 enabled again later. Specify the numbers of the displays that you
9670 want affected with the command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a
9671 single display number, one of the numbers shown in the first field of
9672 the @samp{info display} display; or it could be a range of display
9673 numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
9675 @kindex enable display
9676 @item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
9677 Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
9678 again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
9679 Specify the numbers of the displays that you want affected with the
9680 command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one
9681 of the numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display}
9682 display; or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
9685 Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
9686 done when your program stops.
9688 @kindex info display
9690 Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
9691 automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
9692 values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
9693 It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
9694 because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
9697 @cindex display disabled out of scope
9698 If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
9699 sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
9700 expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
9701 variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
9702 @code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
9703 @code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
9704 continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
9705 there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
9706 automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
9707 is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
9709 @node Print Settings
9710 @section Print Settings
9712 @cindex format options
9713 @cindex print settings
9714 @value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
9715 and symbols are printed.
9718 These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
9722 @item set print address
9723 @itemx set print address on
9724 @cindex print/don't print memory addresses
9725 @value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
9726 traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
9727 even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
9728 is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
9729 @code{set print address on}:
9734 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
9736 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
9740 @item set print address off
9741 Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
9742 this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
9746 (@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
9748 #0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
9749 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
9753 You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
9754 dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
9755 @code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
9756 all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
9759 @item show print address
9760 Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
9763 When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
9764 closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
9765 identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
9766 source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
9767 @code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
9768 you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
9769 it prints a symbolic address:
9772 @item set print symbol-filename on
9773 @cindex source file and line of a symbol
9774 @cindex symbol, source file and line
9775 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
9776 symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
9778 @item set print symbol-filename off
9779 Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
9782 @item show print symbol-filename
9783 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
9784 line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
9787 Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
9788 numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
9789 number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
9791 Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
9792 printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
9795 @item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
9796 @itemx set print max-symbolic-offset unlimited
9797 @cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
9798 Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
9799 offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
9800 @var{max-offset}. The default is @code{unlimited}, which tells @value{GDBN}
9801 to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes
9802 it. Zero is equivalent to @code{unlimited}.
9804 @item show print max-symbolic-offset
9805 Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
9809 @cindex wild pointer, interpreting
9810 @cindex pointer, finding referent
9811 If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
9812 @samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
9813 and source file location of the variable where it points, using
9814 @samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
9815 For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
9816 at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
9819 (@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
9820 (@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
9821 $4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
9825 @emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
9826 does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
9827 the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
9830 You can also enable @samp{/a}-like formatting all the time using
9831 @samp{set print symbol on}:
9834 @item set print symbol on
9835 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the symbol corresponding to an address, if
9838 @item set print symbol off
9839 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print the symbol corresponding to an
9840 address. In this mode, @value{GDBN} will still print the symbol
9841 corresponding to pointers to functions. This is the default.
9843 @item show print symbol
9844 Show whether @value{GDBN} will display the symbol corresponding to an
9848 Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
9851 @item set print array
9852 @itemx set print array on
9853 @cindex pretty print arrays
9854 Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
9855 but uses more space. The default is off.
9857 @item set print array off
9858 Return to compressed format for arrays.
9860 @item show print array
9861 Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
9864 @cindex print array indexes
9865 @item set print array-indexes
9866 @itemx set print array-indexes on
9867 Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
9868 convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
9869 index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
9871 @item set print array-indexes off
9872 Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
9874 @item show print array-indexes
9875 Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
9878 @item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
9879 @itemx set print elements unlimited
9880 @cindex number of array elements to print
9881 @cindex limit on number of printed array elements
9882 Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
9883 If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
9884 printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
9885 This limit also applies to the display of strings.
9886 When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
9887 Setting @var{number-of-elements} to @code{unlimited} or zero means
9888 that the number of elements to print is unlimited.
9890 @item show print elements
9891 Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
9892 If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
9894 @item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
9895 @kindex set print frame-arguments
9896 @cindex printing frame argument values
9897 @cindex print all frame argument values
9898 @cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
9899 @cindex do not print frame argument values
9900 This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
9901 when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
9906 The values of all arguments are printed.
9909 Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
9910 complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
9911 by @code{@dots{}}. This is the default. Here is an example where
9912 only scalar arguments are shown:
9915 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
9920 None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
9921 is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
9924 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
9929 By default, only scalar arguments are printed. This command can be used
9930 to configure the debugger to print the value of all arguments, regardless
9931 of their type. However, it is often advantageous to not print the value
9932 of more complex parameters. For instance, it reduces the amount of
9933 information printed in each frame, making the backtrace more readable.
9934 Also, it improves performance when displaying Ada frames, because
9935 the computation of large arguments can sometimes be CPU-intensive,
9936 especially in large applications. Setting @code{print frame-arguments}
9937 to @code{scalars} (the default) or @code{none} avoids this computation,
9938 thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
9940 @item show print frame-arguments
9941 Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
9943 @item set print raw frame-arguments on
9944 Print frame arguments in raw, non pretty-printed, form.
9946 @item set print raw frame-arguments off
9947 Print frame arguments in pretty-printed form, if there is a pretty-printer
9948 for the value (@pxref{Pretty Printing}),
9949 otherwise print the value in raw form.
9950 This is the default.
9952 @item show print raw frame-arguments
9953 Show whether to print frame arguments in raw form.
9955 @anchor{set print entry-values}
9956 @item set print entry-values @var{value}
9957 @kindex set print entry-values
9958 Set printing of frame argument values at function entry. In some cases
9959 @value{GDBN} can determine the value of function argument which was passed by
9960 the function caller, even if the value was modified inside the called function
9961 and therefore is different. With optimized code, the current value could be
9962 unavailable, but the entry value may still be known.
9964 The default value is @code{default} (see below for its description). Older
9965 @value{GDBN} behaved as with the setting @code{no}. Compilers not supporting
9966 this feature will behave in the @code{default} setting the same way as with the
9969 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
9970 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_call_site} tags. With
9971 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
9974 The @var{value} parameter can be one of the following:
9978 Print only actual parameter values, never print values from function entry
9982 #0 different (val=6)
9983 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>)
9985 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
9989 Print only parameter values from function entry point. The actual parameter
9990 values are never printed.
9992 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
9993 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
9994 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9995 #0 born (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9996 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
10000 Print only parameter values from function entry point. If value from function
10001 entry point is not known while the actual value is known, print the actual
10002 value for such parameter.
10004 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
10005 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
10006 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
10008 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
10012 Print actual parameter values. If actual parameter value is not known while
10013 value from function entry point is known, print the entry point value for such
10017 #0 different (val=6)
10018 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
10020 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
10024 Always print both the actual parameter value and its value from function entry
10025 point, even if values of one or both are not available due to compiler
10028 #0 equal (val=5, val@@entry=5)
10029 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
10030 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
10031 #0 born (val=10, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
10032 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
10036 Print the actual parameter value if it is known and also its value from
10037 function entry point if it is known. If neither is known, print for the actual
10038 value @code{<optimized out>}. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and if both
10039 values are known and identical, print the shortened
10040 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
10042 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
10043 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
10044 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
10046 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
10050 Always print the actual parameter value. Print also its value from function
10051 entry point, but only if it is known. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and
10052 if both values are known and identical, print the shortened
10053 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
10055 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
10056 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
10057 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
10059 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
10063 For analysis messages on possible failures of frame argument values at function
10064 entry resolution see @ref{set debug entry-values}.
10066 @item show print entry-values
10067 Show the method being used for printing of frame argument values at function
10070 @item set print repeats @var{number-of-repeats}
10071 @itemx set print repeats unlimited
10072 @cindex repeated array elements
10073 Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
10074 elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
10075 array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
10076 @code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
10077 identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
10078 themselves. Setting the threshold to @code{unlimited} or zero will
10079 cause all elements to be individually printed. The default threshold
10082 @item show print repeats
10083 Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
10086 @item set print null-stop
10087 @cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
10088 Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
10089 @sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
10090 contain only short strings.
10091 The default is off.
10093 @item show print null-stop
10094 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
10095 @sc{null} character.
10097 @item set print pretty on
10098 @cindex print structures in indented form
10099 @cindex indentation in structure display
10100 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
10101 per line, like this:
10116 @item set print pretty off
10117 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
10121 $1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
10122 meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
10127 This is the default format.
10129 @item show print pretty
10130 Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
10132 @item set print sevenbit-strings on
10133 @cindex eight-bit characters in strings
10134 @cindex octal escapes in strings
10135 Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
10136 @value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
10137 character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
10138 best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
10139 high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
10141 @item set print sevenbit-strings off
10142 Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
10143 international character sets, and is the default.
10145 @item show print sevenbit-strings
10146 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
10148 @item set print union on
10149 @cindex unions in structures, printing
10150 Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
10151 and other unions. This is the default setting.
10153 @item set print union off
10154 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
10155 structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
10158 @item show print union
10159 Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
10160 structures and other unions.
10162 For example, given the declarations
10165 typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
10166 typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
10167 typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
10178 struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
10182 with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
10185 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
10189 and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
10192 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
10196 @code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
10202 These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
10205 @cindex demangling C@t{++} names
10206 @item set print demangle
10207 @itemx set print demangle on
10208 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
10209 (``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
10210 linkage. The default is on.
10212 @item show print demangle
10213 Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
10215 @item set print asm-demangle
10216 @itemx set print asm-demangle on
10217 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
10218 in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
10219 The default is off.
10221 @item show print asm-demangle
10222 Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
10225 @cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
10226 @cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
10227 @kindex set demangle-style
10228 @item set demangle-style @var{style}
10229 Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
10230 represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
10234 Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
10235 This is the default.
10238 Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
10241 Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
10244 Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
10247 Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
10248 @strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
10249 debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
10250 require further enhancement to permit that.
10253 If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
10255 @item show demangle-style
10256 Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
10258 @item set print object
10259 @itemx set print object on
10260 @cindex derived type of an object, printing
10261 @cindex display derived types
10262 When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
10263 (derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
10264 the virtual function table. Note that the virtual function table is
10265 required---this feature can only work for objects that have run-time
10266 type identification; a single virtual method in the object's declared
10267 type is sufficient. Note that this setting is also taken into account when
10268 working with variable objects via MI (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
10270 @item set print object off
10271 Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
10272 virtual function table. This is the default setting.
10274 @item show print object
10275 Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
10277 @item set print static-members
10278 @itemx set print static-members on
10279 @cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
10280 Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
10282 @item set print static-members off
10283 Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
10285 @item show print static-members
10286 Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
10288 @item set print pascal_static-members
10289 @itemx set print pascal_static-members on
10290 @cindex static members of Pascal objects
10291 @cindex Pascal objects, static members display
10292 Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
10294 @item set print pascal_static-members off
10295 Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
10297 @item show print pascal_static-members
10298 Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
10300 @c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
10301 @item set print vtbl
10302 @itemx set print vtbl on
10303 @cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
10304 @cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
10305 @cindex VTBL display
10306 Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
10307 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
10308 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
10310 @item set print vtbl off
10311 Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
10313 @item show print vtbl
10314 Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
10317 @node Pretty Printing
10318 @section Pretty Printing
10320 @value{GDBN} provides a mechanism to allow pretty-printing of values using
10321 Python code. It greatly simplifies the display of complex objects. This
10322 mechanism works for both MI and the CLI.
10325 * Pretty-Printer Introduction:: Introduction to pretty-printers
10326 * Pretty-Printer Example:: An example pretty-printer
10327 * Pretty-Printer Commands:: Pretty-printer commands
10330 @node Pretty-Printer Introduction
10331 @subsection Pretty-Printer Introduction
10333 When @value{GDBN} prints a value, it first sees if there is a pretty-printer
10334 registered for the value. If there is then @value{GDBN} invokes the
10335 pretty-printer to print the value. Otherwise the value is printed normally.
10337 Pretty-printers are normally named. This makes them easy to manage.
10338 The @samp{info pretty-printer} command will list all the installed
10339 pretty-printers with their names.
10340 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
10341 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
10342 Each such subprinter has its own name.
10343 The format of the name is @var{printer-name};@var{subprinter-name}.
10345 Pretty-printers are installed by @dfn{registering} them with @value{GDBN}.
10346 Typically they are automatically loaded and registered when the corresponding
10347 debug information is loaded, thus making them available without having to
10348 do anything special.
10350 There are three places where a pretty-printer can be registered.
10354 Pretty-printers registered globally are available when debugging
10358 Pretty-printers registered with a program space are available only
10359 when debugging that program.
10360 @xref{Progspaces In Python}, for more details on program spaces in Python.
10363 Pretty-printers registered with an objfile are loaded and unloaded
10364 with the corresponding objfile (e.g., shared library).
10365 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for more details on objfiles in Python.
10368 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for further information on how
10369 pretty-printers are selected,
10371 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for implementing pretty printers
10374 @node Pretty-Printer Example
10375 @subsection Pretty-Printer Example
10377 Here is how a C@t{++} @code{std::string} looks without a pretty-printer:
10380 (@value{GDBP}) print s
10382 static npos = 4294967295,
10384 <std::allocator<char>> = @{
10385 <__gnu_cxx::new_allocator<char>> = @{
10386 <No data fields>@}, <No data fields>
10388 members of std::basic_string<char, std::char_traits<char>,
10389 std::allocator<char> >::_Alloc_hider:
10390 _M_p = 0x804a014 "abcd"
10395 With a pretty-printer for @code{std::string} only the contents are printed:
10398 (@value{GDBP}) print s
10402 @node Pretty-Printer Commands
10403 @subsection Pretty-Printer Commands
10404 @cindex pretty-printer commands
10407 @kindex info pretty-printer
10408 @item info pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
10409 Print the list of installed pretty-printers.
10410 This includes disabled pretty-printers, which are marked as such.
10412 @var{object-regexp} is a regular expression matching the objects
10413 whose pretty-printers to list.
10414 Objects can be @code{global}, the program space's file
10415 (@pxref{Progspaces In Python}),
10416 and the object files within that program space (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}).
10417 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for details on how @value{GDBN}
10418 looks up a printer from these three objects.
10420 @var{name-regexp} is a regular expression matching the name of the printers
10423 @kindex disable pretty-printer
10424 @item disable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
10425 Disable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
10426 A disabled pretty-printer is not forgotten, it may be enabled again later.
10428 @kindex enable pretty-printer
10429 @item enable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
10430 Enable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
10435 Suppose we have three pretty-printers installed: one from library1.so
10436 named @code{foo} that prints objects of type @code{foo}, and
10437 another from library2.so named @code{bar} that prints two types of objects,
10438 @code{bar1} and @code{bar2}.
10441 (gdb) info pretty-printer
10448 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
10453 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library1
10455 2 of 3 printers enabled
10456 (gdb) info pretty-printer
10463 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar:bar1
10465 1 of 3 printers enabled
10466 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
10473 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar
10475 0 of 3 printers enabled
10476 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
10485 Note that for @code{bar} the entire printer can be disabled,
10486 as can each individual subprinter.
10488 @node Value History
10489 @section Value History
10491 @cindex value history
10492 @cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
10493 Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
10494 @dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
10495 Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
10496 (for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
10497 When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
10498 since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
10503 @cindex history number
10504 The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
10505 refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
10506 @code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
10507 printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
10510 To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
10511 history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
10512 remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
10513 the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
10514 @code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
10515 is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
10516 @code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
10518 For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
10519 want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
10525 If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
10526 to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
10533 You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
10534 command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
10536 Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
10537 @code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
10545 then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
10546 remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
10549 @kindex show values
10551 Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
10552 This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
10553 values} does not change the history.
10555 @item show values @var{n}
10556 Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
10558 @item show values +
10559 Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
10560 values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
10563 Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
10564 same effect as @samp{show values +}.
10566 @node Convenience Vars
10567 @section Convenience Variables
10569 @cindex convenience variables
10570 @cindex user-defined variables
10571 @value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
10572 @value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
10573 exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
10574 setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
10575 of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
10577 Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
10578 @samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
10579 the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
10580 (Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
10581 by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
10583 You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
10584 expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
10588 set $foo = *object_ptr
10592 would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
10595 Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
10596 value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
10597 value with another assignment at any time.
10599 Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
10600 variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
10601 that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
10602 variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
10605 @kindex show convenience
10606 @cindex show all user variables and functions
10607 @item show convenience
10608 Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values,
10609 as well as a list of the convenience functions.
10610 Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
10612 @kindex init-if-undefined
10613 @cindex convenience variables, initializing
10614 @item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
10615 Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
10616 for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
10617 to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
10618 convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
10619 override default values used in a command script.
10621 If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
10622 any side-effects do not occur.
10625 One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
10626 incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
10627 a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
10631 print bar[$i++]->contents
10635 Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
10637 Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
10638 values likely to be useful.
10641 @vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
10643 The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
10644 the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
10645 commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
10646 set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
10647 and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
10648 except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
10649 to the type of @code{$__}.
10651 @vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
10653 The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
10654 to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
10655 to match the format in which the data was printed.
10658 @vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
10659 When the program being debugged terminates normally, @value{GDBN}
10660 automatically sets this variable to the exit code of the program, and
10661 resets @code{$_exitsignal} to @code{void}.
10664 @vindex $_exitsignal@r{, convenience variable}
10665 When the program being debugged dies due to an uncaught signal,
10666 @value{GDBN} automatically sets this variable to that signal's number,
10667 and resets @code{$_exitcode} to @code{void}.
10669 To distinguish between whether the program being debugged has exited
10670 (i.e., @code{$_exitcode} is not @code{void}) or signalled (i.e.,
10671 @code{$_exitsignal} is not @code{void}), the convenience function
10672 @code{$_isvoid} can be used (@pxref{Convenience Funs,, Convenience
10673 Functions}). For example, considering the following source code:
10676 #include <signal.h>
10679 main (int argc, char *argv[])
10686 A valid way of telling whether the program being debugged has exited
10687 or signalled would be:
10690 (@value{GDBP}) define has_exited_or_signalled
10691 Type commands for definition of ``has_exited_or_signalled''.
10692 End with a line saying just ``end''.
10693 >if $_isvoid ($_exitsignal)
10694 >echo The program has exited\n
10696 >echo The program has signalled\n
10702 Program terminated with signal SIGALRM, Alarm clock.
10703 The program no longer exists.
10704 (@value{GDBP}) has_exited_or_signalled
10705 The program has signalled
10708 As can be seen, @value{GDBN} correctly informs that the program being
10709 debugged has signalled, since it calls @code{raise} and raises a
10710 @code{SIGALRM} signal. If the program being debugged had not called
10711 @code{raise}, then @value{GDBN} would report a normal exit:
10714 (@value{GDBP}) has_exited_or_signalled
10715 The program has exited
10719 The variable @code{$_exception} is set to the exception object being
10720 thrown at an exception-related catchpoint. @xref{Set Catchpoints}.
10723 @itemx $_probe_arg0@dots{}$_probe_arg11
10724 Arguments to a static probe. @xref{Static Probe Points}.
10727 @vindex $_sdata@r{, inspect, convenience variable}
10728 The variable @code{$_sdata} contains extra collected static tracepoint
10729 data. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}. Note that
10730 @code{$_sdata} could be empty, if not inspecting a trace buffer, or
10731 if extra static tracepoint data has not been collected.
10734 @vindex $_siginfo@r{, convenience variable}
10735 The variable @code{$_siginfo} contains extra signal information
10736 (@pxref{extra signal information}). Note that @code{$_siginfo}
10737 could be empty, if the application has not yet received any signals.
10738 For example, it will be empty before you execute the @code{run} command.
10741 @vindex $_tlb@r{, convenience variable}
10742 The variable @code{$_tlb} is automatically set when debugging
10743 applications running on MS-Windows in native mode or connected to
10744 gdbserver that supports the @code{qGetTIBAddr} request.
10745 @xref{General Query Packets}.
10746 This variable contains the address of the thread information block.
10749 The number of the current inferior. @xref{Inferiors and
10750 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}.
10753 The thread number of the current thread. @xref{thread numbers}.
10756 The global number of the current thread. @xref{global thread numbers}.
10760 @node Convenience Funs
10761 @section Convenience Functions
10763 @cindex convenience functions
10764 @value{GDBN} also supplies some @dfn{convenience functions}. These
10765 have a syntax similar to convenience variables. A convenience
10766 function can be used in an expression just like an ordinary function;
10767 however, a convenience function is implemented internally to
10770 These functions do not require @value{GDBN} to be configured with
10771 @code{Python} support, which means that they are always available.
10775 @item $_isvoid (@var{expr})
10776 @findex $_isvoid@r{, convenience function}
10777 Return one if the expression @var{expr} is @code{void}. Otherwise it
10780 A @code{void} expression is an expression where the type of the result
10781 is @code{void}. For example, you can examine a convenience variable
10782 (see @ref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}) to check whether
10786 (@value{GDBP}) print $_exitcode
10788 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($_exitcode)
10791 Starting program: ./a.out
10792 [Inferior 1 (process 29572) exited normally]
10793 (@value{GDBP}) print $_exitcode
10795 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($_exitcode)
10799 In the example above, we used @code{$_isvoid} to check whether
10800 @code{$_exitcode} is @code{void} before and after the execution of the
10801 program being debugged. Before the execution there is no exit code to
10802 be examined, therefore @code{$_exitcode} is @code{void}. After the
10803 execution the program being debugged returned zero, therefore
10804 @code{$_exitcode} is zero, which means that it is not @code{void}
10807 The @code{void} expression can also be a call of a function from the
10808 program being debugged. For example, given the following function:
10817 The result of calling it inside @value{GDBN} is @code{void}:
10820 (@value{GDBP}) print foo ()
10822 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid (foo ())
10824 (@value{GDBP}) set $v = foo ()
10825 (@value{GDBP}) print $v
10827 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($v)
10833 These functions require @value{GDBN} to be configured with
10834 @code{Python} support.
10838 @item $_memeq(@var{buf1}, @var{buf2}, @var{length})
10839 @findex $_memeq@r{, convenience function}
10840 Returns one if the @var{length} bytes at the addresses given by
10841 @var{buf1} and @var{buf2} are equal.
10842 Otherwise it returns zero.
10844 @item $_regex(@var{str}, @var{regex})
10845 @findex $_regex@r{, convenience function}
10846 Returns one if the string @var{str} matches the regular expression
10847 @var{regex}. Otherwise it returns zero.
10848 The syntax of the regular expression is that specified by @code{Python}'s
10849 regular expression support.
10851 @item $_streq(@var{str1}, @var{str2})
10852 @findex $_streq@r{, convenience function}
10853 Returns one if the strings @var{str1} and @var{str2} are equal.
10854 Otherwise it returns zero.
10856 @item $_strlen(@var{str})
10857 @findex $_strlen@r{, convenience function}
10858 Returns the length of string @var{str}.
10860 @item $_caller_is(@var{name}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
10861 @findex $_caller_is@r{, convenience function}
10862 Returns one if the calling function's name is equal to @var{name}.
10863 Otherwise it returns zero.
10865 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
10866 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
10874 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:21
10875 #1 0x00000000004005a0 in middle_func ()
10876 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:27
10877 #2 0x00000000004005ab in top_func ()
10878 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:33
10879 #3 0x00000000004005b6 in main ()
10880 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:39
10881 (gdb) print $_caller_is ("middle_func")
10883 (gdb) print $_caller_is ("top_func", 2)
10887 @item $_caller_matches(@var{regexp}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
10888 @findex $_caller_matches@r{, convenience function}
10889 Returns one if the calling function's name matches the regular expression
10890 @var{regexp}. Otherwise it returns zero.
10892 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
10893 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
10896 @item $_any_caller_is(@var{name}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
10897 @findex $_any_caller_is@r{, convenience function}
10898 Returns one if any calling function's name is equal to @var{name}.
10899 Otherwise it returns zero.
10901 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
10902 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
10905 This function differs from @code{$_caller_is} in that this function
10906 checks all stack frames from the immediate caller to the frame specified
10907 by @var{number_of_frames}, whereas @code{$_caller_is} only checks the
10908 frame specified by @var{number_of_frames}.
10910 @item $_any_caller_matches(@var{regexp}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
10911 @findex $_any_caller_matches@r{, convenience function}
10912 Returns one if any calling function's name matches the regular expression
10913 @var{regexp}. Otherwise it returns zero.
10915 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
10916 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
10919 This function differs from @code{$_caller_matches} in that this function
10920 checks all stack frames from the immediate caller to the frame specified
10921 by @var{number_of_frames}, whereas @code{$_caller_matches} only checks the
10922 frame specified by @var{number_of_frames}.
10924 @item $_as_string(@var{value})
10925 @findex $_as_string@r{, convenience function}
10926 Return the string representation of @var{value}.
10928 This function is useful to obtain the textual label (enumerator) of an
10929 enumeration value. For example, assuming the variable @var{node} is of
10930 an enumerated type:
10933 (gdb) printf "Visiting node of type %s\n", $_as_string(node)
10934 Visiting node of type NODE_INTEGER
10939 @value{GDBN} provides the ability to list and get help on
10940 convenience functions.
10943 @item help function
10944 @kindex help function
10945 @cindex show all convenience functions
10946 Print a list of all convenience functions.
10953 You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
10954 with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
10955 for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
10959 @kindex info registers
10960 @item info registers
10961 Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
10962 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
10964 @kindex info all-registers
10965 @cindex floating point registers
10966 @item info all-registers
10967 Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
10968 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
10970 @item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
10971 Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
10972 As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
10973 the selected stack frame. The @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
10974 the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
10977 @anchor{standard registers}
10978 @cindex stack pointer register
10979 @cindex program counter register
10980 @cindex process status register
10981 @cindex frame pointer register
10982 @cindex standard registers
10983 @value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
10984 expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
10985 architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
10986 @code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
10987 the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
10988 pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
10989 register that contains the processor status. For example,
10990 you could print the program counter in hex with
10997 or print the instruction to be executed next with
11004 or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
11005 one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
11006 memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
11007 stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
11008 stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
11009 regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
11010 see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
11016 Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
11017 your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
11018 so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
11019 shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
11020 registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
11021 can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
11022 is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
11024 @value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
11025 integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
11026 special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
11027 registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
11028 to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
11029 (although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
11030 @samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
11032 Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
11033 means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
11034 the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
11035 sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
11036 coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
11037 programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
11038 cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
11039 that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
11040 prints the data in both formats.
11042 @cindex SSE registers (x86)
11043 @cindex MMX registers (x86)
11044 Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
11045 in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
11046 have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
11047 together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
11048 registers in @code{struct} notation:
11051 (@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
11053 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
11054 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
11055 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
11056 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
11057 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
11058 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
11059 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
11064 To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
11065 view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
11066 value to a @code{struct} member:
11069 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
11072 Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
11073 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
11074 value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
11075 were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
11076 true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
11077 frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
11079 @cindex caller-saved registers
11080 @cindex call-clobbered registers
11081 @cindex volatile registers
11082 @cindex <not saved> values
11083 Usually ABIs reserve some registers as not needed to be saved by the
11084 callee (a.k.a.: ``caller-saved'', ``call-clobbered'' or ``volatile''
11085 registers). It may therefore not be possible for @value{GDBN} to know
11086 the value a register had before the call (in other words, in the outer
11087 frame), if the register value has since been changed by the callee.
11088 @value{GDBN} tries to deduce where the inner frame saved
11089 (``callee-saved'') registers, from the debug info, unwind info, or the
11090 machine code generated by your compiler. If some register is not
11091 saved, and @value{GDBN} knows the register is ``caller-saved'' (via
11092 its own knowledge of the ABI, or because the debug/unwind info
11093 explicitly says the register's value is undefined), @value{GDBN}
11094 displays @w{@samp{<not saved>}} as the register's value. With targets
11095 that @value{GDBN} has no knowledge of the register saving convention,
11096 if a register was not saved by the callee, then its value and location
11097 in the outer frame are assumed to be the same of the inner frame.
11098 This is usually harmless, because if the register is call-clobbered,
11099 the caller either does not care what is in the register after the
11100 call, or has code to restore the value that it does care about. Note,
11101 however, that if you change such a register in the outer frame, you
11102 may also be affecting the inner frame. Also, the more ``outer'' the
11103 frame is you're looking at, the more likely a call-clobbered
11104 register's value is to be wrong, in the sense that it doesn't actually
11105 represent the value the register had just before the call.
11107 @node Floating Point Hardware
11108 @section Floating Point Hardware
11109 @cindex floating point
11111 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
11112 you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
11117 Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
11118 point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
11119 floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
11120 the ARM and x86 machines.
11124 @section Vector Unit
11125 @cindex vector unit
11127 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
11128 more information about the status of the vector unit.
11131 @kindex info vector
11133 Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
11134 layout vary depending on the hardware.
11137 @node OS Information
11138 @section Operating System Auxiliary Information
11139 @cindex OS information
11141 @value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
11142 you debug your program.
11144 @cindex auxiliary vector
11145 @cindex vector, auxiliary
11146 Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
11147 startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
11148 specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
11149 binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
11150 hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
11151 identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
11152 Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
11153 @value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
11154 targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
11155 support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
11156 @ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
11161 Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
11162 live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
11163 numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
11164 tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
11165 pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
11166 most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
11167 an unrecognized tag.
11170 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating system-specific
11171 information and show it to you. The types of information available
11172 will differ depending on the type of operating system running on the
11173 target. The mechanism used to fetch the data is described in
11174 @ref{Operating System Information}. For remote targets, this
11175 functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
11176 @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
11180 @item info os @var{infotype}
11182 Display OS information of the requested type.
11184 On @sc{gnu}/Linux, the following values of @var{infotype} are valid:
11186 @anchor{linux info os infotypes}
11188 @kindex info os cpus
11190 Display the list of all CPUs/cores. For each CPU/core, @value{GDBN} prints
11191 the available fields from /proc/cpuinfo. For each supported architecture
11192 different fields are available. Two common entries are processor which gives
11193 CPU number and bogomips; a system constant that is calculated during
11194 kernel initialization.
11196 @kindex info os files
11198 Display the list of open file descriptors on the target. For each
11199 file descriptor, @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process
11200 owning the descriptor, the command of the owning process, the value
11201 of the descriptor, and the target of the descriptor.
11203 @kindex info os modules
11205 Display the list of all loaded kernel modules on the target. For each
11206 module, @value{GDBN} prints the module name, the size of the module in
11207 bytes, the number of times the module is used, the dependencies of the
11208 module, the status of the module, and the address of the loaded module
11211 @kindex info os msg
11213 Display the list of all System V message queues on the target. For each
11214 message queue, @value{GDBN} prints the message queue key, the message
11215 queue identifier, the access permissions, the current number of bytes
11216 on the queue, the current number of messages on the queue, the processes
11217 that last sent and received a message on the queue, the user and group
11218 of the owner and creator of the message queue, the times at which a
11219 message was last sent and received on the queue, and the time at which
11220 the message queue was last changed.
11222 @kindex info os processes
11224 Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
11225 @value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, the
11226 command corresponding to the process, and the list of processor cores
11227 that the process is currently running on. (To understand what these
11228 properties mean, for this and the following info types, please consult
11229 the general @sc{gnu}/Linux documentation.)
11231 @kindex info os procgroups
11233 Display the list of process groups on the target. For each process,
11234 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process group that it belongs
11235 to, the command corresponding to the process group leader, the process
11236 identifier, and the command line of the process. The list is sorted
11237 first by the process group identifier, then by the process identifier,
11238 so that processes belonging to the same process group are grouped together
11239 and the process group leader is listed first.
11241 @kindex info os semaphores
11243 Display the list of all System V semaphore sets on the target. For each
11244 semaphore set, @value{GDBN} prints the semaphore set key, the semaphore
11245 set identifier, the access permissions, the number of semaphores in the
11246 set, the user and group of the owner and creator of the semaphore set,
11247 and the times at which the semaphore set was operated upon and changed.
11249 @kindex info os shm
11251 Display the list of all System V shared-memory regions on the target.
11252 For each shared-memory region, @value{GDBN} prints the region key,
11253 the shared-memory identifier, the access permissions, the size of the
11254 region, the process that created the region, the process that last
11255 attached to or detached from the region, the current number of live
11256 attaches to the region, and the times at which the region was last
11257 attached to, detach from, and changed.
11259 @kindex info os sockets
11261 Display the list of Internet-domain sockets on the target. For each
11262 socket, @value{GDBN} prints the address and port of the local and
11263 remote endpoints, the current state of the connection, the creator of
11264 the socket, the IP address family of the socket, and the type of the
11267 @kindex info os threads
11269 Display the list of threads running on the target. For each thread,
11270 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process that the thread
11271 belongs to, the command of the process, the thread identifier, and the
11272 processor core that it is currently running on. The main thread of a
11273 process is not listed.
11277 If @var{infotype} is omitted, then list the possible values for
11278 @var{infotype} and the kind of OS information available for each
11279 @var{infotype}. If the target does not return a list of possible
11280 types, this command will report an error.
11283 @node Memory Region Attributes
11284 @section Memory Region Attributes
11285 @cindex memory region attributes
11287 @dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
11288 required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
11289 attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
11290 accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
11291 target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
11292 fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
11293 user can override the fetched regions.
11295 Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
11296 memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
11297 accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
11298 been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
11301 When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
11302 to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
11306 @item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
11307 Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
11308 attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
11309 monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
11310 case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
11311 (0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
11314 Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
11315 regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
11318 @item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
11319 Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
11320 monitored by @value{GDBN}.
11322 @kindex disable mem
11323 @item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
11324 Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
11325 A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
11326 It may be enabled again later.
11329 @item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
11330 Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
11334 Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
11338 @item Memory Region Number
11339 @item Enabled or Disabled.
11340 Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
11341 Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
11344 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
11347 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
11350 The list of attributes set for this memory region.
11355 @subsection Attributes
11357 @subsubsection Memory Access Mode
11358 The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
11359 write accesses to a memory region.
11361 While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
11362 memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
11363 etc.@: from accessing memory.
11367 Memory is read only.
11369 Memory is write only.
11371 Memory is read/write. This is the default.
11374 @subsubsection Memory Access Size
11375 The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
11376 accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
11377 require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
11378 specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
11382 Use 8 bit memory accesses.
11384 Use 16 bit memory accesses.
11386 Use 32 bit memory accesses.
11388 Use 64 bit memory accesses.
11391 @c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
11392 @c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
11393 @c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
11394 @c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
11398 @c Always use hardware breakpoints
11399 @c @item swbreak (default)
11402 @subsubsection Data Cache
11403 The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
11404 memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
11405 protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
11406 does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
11411 Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
11413 Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
11416 @subsection Memory Access Checking
11417 @value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
11418 not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
11419 regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
11420 better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
11423 @kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
11424 @item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
11425 If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
11426 explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
11427 to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
11428 memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
11429 treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
11430 The default value is @code{on}.
11431 @kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
11432 @item show mem inaccessible-by-default
11433 Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
11437 @c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
11438 @c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
11439 @c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
11443 @c @item noverify (default)
11446 @node Dump/Restore Files
11447 @section Copy Between Memory and a File
11448 @cindex dump/restore files
11449 @cindex append data to a file
11450 @cindex dump data to a file
11451 @cindex restore data from a file
11453 You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
11454 @code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
11455 @code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
11456 @code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
11457 memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex,
11458 Tektronix Hex, or Verilog Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only
11459 append to binary files, and cannot read from Verilog Hex files.
11464 @item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
11465 @itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
11466 Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
11467 or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
11469 The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
11476 Motorola S-record format.
11478 Tektronix Hex format.
11480 Verilog Hex format.
11483 @value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
11484 @sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
11485 @var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
11489 @item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
11490 @itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
11491 Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
11492 or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
11493 (@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
11496 @item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
11497 Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
11498 @code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
11499 file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
11500 must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
11502 If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
11503 contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
11504 they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
11505 a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
11506 from that location.
11508 If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
11509 file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
11510 These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
11511 the @var{bias} argument is applied.
11515 @node Core File Generation
11516 @section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
11517 @cindex dump core from inferior
11519 A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
11520 image of a running process and its process status (register values
11521 etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
11522 crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
11523 automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
11524 the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
11525 the post-mortem debugging mode.
11527 Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
11528 are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
11529 @value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
11533 @kindex generate-core-file
11534 @item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
11535 @itemx gcore [@var{file}]
11536 Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
11537 @var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
11538 specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
11539 @var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
11541 Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
11542 this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, and S390).
11544 On @sc{gnu}/Linux, this command can take into account the value of the
11545 file @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} when generating the core
11546 dump (@pxref{set use-coredump-filter}).
11548 @kindex set use-coredump-filter
11549 @anchor{set use-coredump-filter}
11550 @item set use-coredump-filter on
11551 @itemx set use-coredump-filter off
11552 Enable or disable the use of the file
11553 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} when generating core dump
11554 files. This file is used by the Linux kernel to decide what types of
11555 memory mappings will be dumped or ignored when generating a core dump
11556 file. @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process.
11558 To make use of this feature, you have to write in the
11559 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} file a value, in hexadecimal,
11560 which is a bit mask representing the memory mapping types. If a bit
11561 is set in the bit mask, then the memory mappings of the corresponding
11562 types will be dumped; otherwise, they will be ignored. This
11563 configuration is inherited by child processes. For more information
11564 about the bits that can be set in the
11565 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} file, please refer to the
11566 manpage of @code{core(5)}.
11568 By default, this option is @code{on}. If this option is turned
11569 @code{off}, @value{GDBN} does not read the @file{coredump_filter} file
11570 and instead uses the same default value as the Linux kernel in order
11571 to decide which pages will be dumped in the core dump file. This
11572 value is currently @code{0x33}, which means that bits @code{0}
11573 (anonymous private mappings), @code{1} (anonymous shared mappings),
11574 @code{4} (ELF headers) and @code{5} (private huge pages) are active.
11575 This will cause these memory mappings to be dumped automatically.
11578 @node Character Sets
11579 @section Character Sets
11580 @cindex character sets
11582 @cindex translating between character sets
11583 @cindex host character set
11584 @cindex target character set
11586 If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
11587 represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
11588 @value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
11589 you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
11590 character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
11591 @dfn{target character set}.
11593 For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
11594 uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
11595 remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
11596 running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
11597 then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
11598 @sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
11599 target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
11600 @sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
11601 character and string literals in expressions.
11603 @value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
11604 the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
11605 target-charset} command, described below.
11607 Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
11611 @item set target-charset @var{charset}
11612 @kindex set target-charset
11613 Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. To display the
11614 list of supported target character sets, type
11615 @kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
11617 @item set host-charset @var{charset}
11618 @kindex set host-charset
11619 Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
11621 By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
11622 system it is running on; you can override that default using the
11623 @code{set host-charset} command. On some systems, @value{GDBN} cannot
11624 automatically determine the appropriate host character set. In this
11625 case, @value{GDBN} uses @samp{UTF-8}.
11627 @value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
11628 set. If you type @kbd{@w{set host-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
11629 @value{GDBN} will list the host character sets it supports.
11631 @item set charset @var{charset}
11632 @kindex set charset
11633 Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
11634 above, if you type @kbd{@w{set charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
11635 @value{GDBN} will list the names of the character sets that can be used
11636 for both host and target.
11639 @kindex show charset
11640 Show the names of the current host and target character sets.
11642 @item show host-charset
11643 @kindex show host-charset
11644 Show the name of the current host character set.
11646 @item show target-charset
11647 @kindex show target-charset
11648 Show the name of the current target character set.
11650 @item set target-wide-charset @var{charset}
11651 @kindex set target-wide-charset
11652 Set the current target's wide character set to @var{charset}. This is
11653 the character set used by the target's @code{wchar_t} type. To
11654 display the list of supported wide character sets, type
11655 @kbd{@w{set target-wide-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
11657 @item show target-wide-charset
11658 @kindex show target-wide-charset
11659 Show the name of the current target's wide character set.
11662 Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
11663 Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
11664 @file{charset-test.c}:
11670 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
11671 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
11672 char ibm1047_hello[]
11673 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
11674 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
11678 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
11682 In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
11683 containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
11684 encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
11686 We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
11689 $ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
11690 $ gdb -nw charset-test
11691 GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
11692 Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
11697 We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
11698 @value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
11702 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
11703 The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
11707 For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
11708 initial character set:
11710 (@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
11711 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
11712 The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
11716 Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
11717 host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
11718 characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
11719 them properly. Since our current target character set is also
11720 @sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
11723 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
11724 $1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
11725 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
11730 @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
11731 literals you use in expressions:
11734 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
11739 The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
11742 @value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
11743 target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
11744 character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
11747 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
11748 $4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
11749 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
11754 If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
11755 @value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
11758 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
11759 ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
11760 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
11763 We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
11764 program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
11765 @value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
11766 target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
11767 @sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
11770 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
11771 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
11772 The current host character set is `ASCII'.
11773 The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
11774 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
11775 $6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
11776 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
11778 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
11779 $8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
11780 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
11785 As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
11786 string literals you use in expressions:
11789 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
11794 The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
11797 @node Caching Target Data
11798 @section Caching Data of Targets
11799 @cindex caching data of targets
11801 @value{GDBN} caches data exchanged between the debugger and a target.
11802 Each cache is associated with the address space of the inferior.
11803 @xref{Inferiors and Programs}, about inferior and address space.
11804 Such caching generally improves performance in remote debugging
11805 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), because it reduces the overhead of the
11806 remote protocol by bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks.
11807 Unfortunately, simply caching everything would lead to incorrect results,
11808 since @value{GDBN} does not necessarily know anything about volatile
11809 values, memory-mapped I/O addresses, etc. Furthermore, in non-stop mode
11810 (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) memory can be changed @emph{while} a gdb command
11812 Therefore, by default, @value{GDBN} only caches data
11813 known to be on the stack@footnote{In non-stop mode, it is moderately
11814 rare for a running thread to modify the stack of a stopped thread
11815 in a way that would interfere with a backtrace, and caching of
11816 stack reads provides a significant speed up of remote backtraces.} or
11817 in the code segment.
11818 Other regions of memory can be explicitly marked as
11819 cacheable; @pxref{Memory Region Attributes}.
11822 @kindex set remotecache
11823 @item set remotecache on
11824 @itemx set remotecache off
11825 This option no longer does anything; it exists for compatibility
11828 @kindex show remotecache
11829 @item show remotecache
11830 Show the current state of the obsolete remotecache flag.
11832 @kindex set stack-cache
11833 @item set stack-cache on
11834 @itemx set stack-cache off
11835 Enable or disable caching of stack accesses. When @code{on}, use
11836 caching. By default, this option is @code{on}.
11838 @kindex show stack-cache
11839 @item show stack-cache
11840 Show the current state of data caching for memory accesses.
11842 @kindex set code-cache
11843 @item set code-cache on
11844 @itemx set code-cache off
11845 Enable or disable caching of code segment accesses. When @code{on},
11846 use caching. By default, this option is @code{on}. This improves
11847 performance of disassembly in remote debugging.
11849 @kindex show code-cache
11850 @item show code-cache
11851 Show the current state of target memory cache for code segment
11854 @kindex info dcache
11855 @item info dcache @r{[}line@r{]}
11856 Print the information about the performance of data cache of the
11857 current inferior's address space. The information displayed
11858 includes the dcache width and depth, and for each cache line, its
11859 number, address, and how many times it was referenced. This
11860 command is useful for debugging the data cache operation.
11862 If a line number is specified, the contents of that line will be
11865 @item set dcache size @var{size}
11866 @cindex dcache size
11867 @kindex set dcache size
11868 Set maximum number of entries in dcache (dcache depth above).
11870 @item set dcache line-size @var{line-size}
11871 @cindex dcache line-size
11872 @kindex set dcache line-size
11873 Set number of bytes each dcache entry caches (dcache width above).
11874 Must be a power of 2.
11876 @item show dcache size
11877 @kindex show dcache size
11878 Show maximum number of dcache entries. @xref{Caching Target Data, info dcache}.
11880 @item show dcache line-size
11881 @kindex show dcache line-size
11882 Show default size of dcache lines.
11886 @node Searching Memory
11887 @section Search Memory
11888 @cindex searching memory
11890 Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
11891 @code{find} command.
11895 @item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
11896 @itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
11897 Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
11898 etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
11899 @var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
11902 @var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
11903 They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
11906 @item @var{s}, search query size
11907 The size of each search query value.
11913 halfwords (two bytes)
11917 giant words (eight bytes)
11920 All values are interpreted in the current language.
11921 This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
11922 then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
11923 The null terminator can be removed from searching by using casts,
11924 e.g.: @samp{@{char[5]@}"hello"}.
11926 If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
11927 value's type in the current language.
11928 This is useful when one wants to specify the search
11929 pattern as a mixture of types.
11930 Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
11931 a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
11932 which is typically four bytes.
11934 @item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
11935 The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
11938 You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
11940 The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
11941 regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
11943 The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
11944 number of matches found.
11946 The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
11948 A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
11950 For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
11956 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
11957 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
11958 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
11959 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
11960 printf ("%s\n", hello);
11965 you get during debugging:
11968 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
11969 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
11971 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
11972 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
11973 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
11975 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), @{char[5]@}"hello"
11976 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
11977 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
11979 (gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
11980 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
11982 (gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
11983 0x8049560 <mixed.1625>
11985 (gdb) print $numfound
11988 $2 = (void *) 0x8049560
11992 @section Value Sizes
11994 Whenever @value{GDBN} prints a value memory will be allocated within
11995 @value{GDBN} to hold the contents of the value. It is possible in
11996 some languages with dynamic typing systems, that an invalid program
11997 may indicate a value that is incorrectly large, this in turn may cause
11998 @value{GDBN} to try and allocate an overly large ammount of memory.
12001 @kindex set max-value-size
12002 @item set max-value-size @var{bytes}
12003 @itemx set max-value-size unlimited
12004 Set the maximum size of memory that @value{GDBN} will allocate for the
12005 contents of a value to @var{bytes}, trying to display a value that
12006 requires more memory than that will result in an error.
12008 Setting this variable does not effect values that have already been
12009 allocated within @value{GDBN}, only future allocations.
12011 There's a minimum size that @code{max-value-size} can be set to in
12012 order that @value{GDBN} can still operate correctly, this minimum is
12013 currently 16 bytes.
12015 The limit applies to the results of some subexpressions as well as to
12016 complete expressions. For example, an expression denoting a simple
12017 integer component, such as @code{x.y.z}, may fail if the size of
12018 @var{x.y} is dynamic and exceeds @var{bytes}. On the other hand,
12019 @value{GDBN} is sometimes clever; the expression @code{A[i]}, where
12020 @var{A} is an array variable with non-constant size, will generally
12021 succeed regardless of the bounds on @var{A}, as long as the component
12022 size is less than @var{bytes}.
12024 The default value of @code{max-value-size} is currently 64k.
12026 @kindex show max-value-size
12027 @item show max-value-size
12028 Show the maximum size of memory, in bytes, that @value{GDBN} will
12029 allocate for the contents of a value.
12032 @node Optimized Code
12033 @chapter Debugging Optimized Code
12034 @cindex optimized code, debugging
12035 @cindex debugging optimized code
12037 Almost all compilers support optimization. With optimization
12038 disabled, the compiler generates assembly code that corresponds
12039 directly to your source code, in a simplistic way. As the compiler
12040 applies more powerful optimizations, the generated assembly code
12041 diverges from your original source code. With help from debugging
12042 information generated by the compiler, @value{GDBN} can map from
12043 the running program back to constructs from your original source.
12045 @value{GDBN} is more accurate with optimization disabled. If you
12046 can recompile without optimization, it is easier to follow the
12047 progress of your program during debugging. But, there are many cases
12048 where you may need to debug an optimized version.
12050 When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
12051 optimizer has rearranged your code; the debugger shows you what is
12052 really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
12053 exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
12054 variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
12055 variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
12057 Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
12058 @samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
12059 doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
12060 please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
12061 @xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
12064 * Inline Functions:: How @value{GDBN} presents inlining
12065 * Tail Call Frames:: @value{GDBN} analysis of jumps to functions
12068 @node Inline Functions
12069 @section Inline Functions
12070 @cindex inline functions, debugging
12072 @dfn{Inlining} is an optimization that inserts a copy of the function
12073 body directly at each call site, instead of jumping to a shared
12074 routine. @value{GDBN} displays inlined functions just like
12075 non-inlined functions. They appear in backtraces. You can view their
12076 arguments and local variables, step into them with @code{step}, skip
12077 them with @code{next}, and escape from them with @code{finish}.
12078 You can check whether a function was inlined by using the
12079 @code{info frame} command.
12081 For @value{GDBN} to support inlined functions, the compiler must
12082 record information about inlining in the debug information ---
12083 @value{NGCC} using the @sc{dwarf 2} format does this, and several
12084 other compilers do also. @value{GDBN} only supports inlined functions
12085 when using @sc{dwarf 2}. Versions of @value{NGCC} before 4.1
12086 do not emit two required attributes (@samp{DW_AT_call_file} and
12087 @samp{DW_AT_call_line}); @value{GDBN} does not display inlined
12088 function calls with earlier versions of @value{NGCC}. It instead
12089 displays the arguments and local variables of inlined functions as
12090 local variables in the caller.
12092 The body of an inlined function is directly included at its call site;
12093 unlike a non-inlined function, there are no instructions devoted to
12094 the call. @value{GDBN} still pretends that the call site and the
12095 start of the inlined function are different instructions. Stepping to
12096 the call site shows the call site, and then stepping again shows
12097 the first line of the inlined function, even though no additional
12098 instructions are executed.
12100 This makes source-level debugging much clearer; you can see both the
12101 context of the call and then the effect of the call. Only stepping by
12102 a single instruction using @code{stepi} or @code{nexti} does not do
12103 this; single instruction steps always show the inlined body.
12105 There are some ways that @value{GDBN} does not pretend that inlined
12106 function calls are the same as normal calls:
12110 Setting breakpoints at the call site of an inlined function may not
12111 work, because the call site does not contain any code. @value{GDBN}
12112 may incorrectly move the breakpoint to the next line of the enclosing
12113 function, after the call. This limitation will be removed in a future
12114 version of @value{GDBN}; until then, set a breakpoint on an earlier line
12115 or inside the inlined function instead.
12118 @value{GDBN} cannot locate the return value of inlined calls after
12119 using the @code{finish} command. This is a limitation of compiler-generated
12120 debugging information; after @code{finish}, you can step to the next line
12121 and print a variable where your program stored the return value.
12125 @node Tail Call Frames
12126 @section Tail Call Frames
12127 @cindex tail call frames, debugging
12129 Function @code{B} can call function @code{C} in its very last statement. In
12130 unoptimized compilation the call of @code{C} is immediately followed by return
12131 instruction at the end of @code{B} code. Optimizing compiler may replace the
12132 call and return in function @code{B} into one jump to function @code{C}
12133 instead. Such use of a jump instruction is called @dfn{tail call}.
12135 During execution of function @code{C}, there will be no indication in the
12136 function call stack frames that it was tail-called from @code{B}. If function
12137 @code{A} regularly calls function @code{B} which tail-calls function @code{C},
12138 then @value{GDBN} will see @code{A} as the caller of @code{C}. However, in
12139 some cases @value{GDBN} can determine that @code{C} was tail-called from
12140 @code{B}, and it will then create fictitious call frame for that, with the
12141 return address set up as if @code{B} called @code{C} normally.
12143 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
12144 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_call_site} tags. With
12145 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
12148 @kbd{info frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info}) will indicate the tail call frame
12149 kind by text @code{tail call frame} such as in this sample @value{GDBN} output:
12153 0x40066b <b(int, double)+11>: jmp 0x400640 <c(int, double)>
12155 Stack level 1, frame at 0x7fffffffda30:
12156 rip = 0x40066d in b (amd64-entry-value.cc:59); saved rip 0x4004c5
12157 tail call frame, caller of frame at 0x7fffffffda30
12158 source language c++.
12159 Arglist at unknown address.
12160 Locals at unknown address, Previous frame's sp is 0x7fffffffda30
12163 The detection of all the possible code path executions can find them ambiguous.
12164 There is no execution history stored (possible @ref{Reverse Execution} is never
12165 used for this purpose) and the last known caller could have reached the known
12166 callee by multiple different jump sequences. In such case @value{GDBN} still
12167 tries to show at least all the unambiguous top tail callers and all the
12168 unambiguous bottom tail calees, if any.
12171 @anchor{set debug entry-values}
12172 @item set debug entry-values
12173 @kindex set debug entry-values
12174 When set to on, enables printing of analysis messages for both frame argument
12175 values at function entry and tail calls. It will show all the possible valid
12176 tail calls code paths it has considered. It will also print the intersection
12177 of them with the final unambiguous (possibly partial or even empty) code path
12180 @item show debug entry-values
12181 @kindex show debug entry-values
12182 Show the current state of analysis messages printing for both frame argument
12183 values at function entry and tail calls.
12186 The analysis messages for tail calls can for example show why the virtual tail
12187 call frame for function @code{c} has not been recognized (due to the indirect
12188 reference by variable @code{x}):
12191 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void);
12192 void (*x) (void) = c;
12193 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
12194 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ a (); @}
12195 int main (void) @{ x (); return 0; @}
12197 Breakpoint 1, DW_OP_entry_value resolving cannot find
12198 DW_TAG_call_site 0x40039a in main
12200 3 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
12203 #1 0x000000000040039a in main () at t.c:5
12206 Another possibility is an ambiguous virtual tail call frames resolution:
12210 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) f (void) @{ i++; @}
12211 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) e (void) @{ f (); @}
12212 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) d (void) @{ f (); @}
12213 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ d (); @}
12214 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (void)
12215 @{ if (i) c (); else e (); @}
12216 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ b (); @}
12217 int main (void) @{ a (); return 0; @}
12219 tailcall: initial: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004ce(b) 0x4004b2(c) 0x4004a2(d)
12220 tailcall: compare: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004cc(b) 0x400492(e)
12221 tailcall: reduced: 0x4004d2(a) |
12224 #1 0x00000000004004d2 in a () at t.c:8
12225 #2 0x0000000000400395 in main () at t.c:9
12228 @set CALLSEQ1A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}c@value{ARROW}d@value{ARROW}f}
12229 @set CALLSEQ2A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}e@value{ARROW}f}
12231 @c Convert CALLSEQ#A to CALLSEQ#B depending on HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK.
12232 @ifset HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
12233 @set ARROW @click{}
12234 @set CALLSEQ1B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ1A}}
12235 @set CALLSEQ2B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ2A}}
12237 @ifclear HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
12239 @set CALLSEQ1B @value{CALLSEQ1A}
12240 @set CALLSEQ2B @value{CALLSEQ2A}
12243 Frames #0 and #2 are real, #1 is a virtual tail call frame.
12244 The code can have possible execution paths @value{CALLSEQ1B} or
12245 @value{CALLSEQ2B}, @value{GDBN} cannot find which one from the inferior state.
12247 @code{initial:} state shows some random possible calling sequence @value{GDBN}
12248 has found. It then finds another possible calling sequcen - that one is
12249 prefixed by @code{compare:}. The non-ambiguous intersection of these two is
12250 printed as the @code{reduced:} calling sequence. That one could have many
12251 futher @code{compare:} and @code{reduced:} statements as long as there remain
12252 any non-ambiguous sequence entries.
12254 For the frame of function @code{b} in both cases there are different possible
12255 @code{$pc} values (@code{0x4004cc} or @code{0x4004ce}), therefore this frame is
12256 also ambigous. The only non-ambiguous frame is the one for function @code{a},
12257 therefore this one is displayed to the user while the ambiguous frames are
12260 There can be also reasons why printing of frame argument values at function
12265 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (int i) @{ v++; @}
12266 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i);
12267 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (int i) @{ a (i); @}
12268 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i)
12269 @{ if (i) b (i - 1); else c (0); @}
12270 int main (void) @{ a (5); return 0; @}
12273 #0 c (i=i@@entry=0) at t.c:2
12274 #1 0x0000000000400428 in a (DW_OP_entry_value resolving has found
12275 function "a" at 0x400420 can call itself via tail calls
12276 i=<optimized out>) at t.c:6
12277 #2 0x000000000040036e in main () at t.c:7
12280 @value{GDBN} cannot find out from the inferior state if and how many times did
12281 function @code{a} call itself (via function @code{b}) as these calls would be
12282 tail calls. Such tail calls would modify thue @code{i} variable, therefore
12283 @value{GDBN} cannot be sure the value it knows would be right - @value{GDBN}
12284 prints @code{<optimized out>} instead.
12287 @chapter C Preprocessor Macros
12289 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
12290 ``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
12291 @value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
12292 the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
12293 where it was defined.
12295 You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
12296 with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
12297 include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
12298 with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
12300 A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
12301 and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
12302 points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
12303 no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
12304 uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
12305 @value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
12308 Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
12309 macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
12310 the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
12314 @kindex macro expand
12315 @cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
12316 @cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
12317 @cindex expanding preprocessor macros
12318 @item macro expand @var{expression}
12319 @itemx macro exp @var{expression}
12320 Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
12321 @var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
12322 not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
12323 it can be any string of tokens.
12326 @item macro expand-once @var{expression}
12327 @itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
12328 @cindex expand macro once
12329 @i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
12330 expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
12331 @var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
12332 left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
12333 particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
12334 expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
12335 parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
12336 can be any string of tokens.
12339 @cindex macro definition, showing
12340 @cindex definition of a macro, showing
12341 @cindex macros, from debug info
12342 @item info macro [-a|-all] [--] @var{macro}
12343 Show the current definition or all definitions of the named @var{macro},
12344 and describe the source location or compiler command-line where that
12345 definition was established. The optional double dash is to signify the end of
12346 argument processing and the beginning of @var{macro} for non C-like macros where
12347 the macro may begin with a hyphen.
12349 @kindex info macros
12350 @item info macros @var{location}
12351 Show all macro definitions that are in effect at the location specified
12352 by @var{location}, and describe the source location or compiler
12353 command-line where those definitions were established.
12355 @kindex macro define
12356 @cindex user-defined macros
12357 @cindex defining macros interactively
12358 @cindex macros, user-defined
12359 @item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
12360 @itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
12361 Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
12362 invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
12363 @var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
12364 ``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
12365 defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
12368 A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
12369 expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
12370 @code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
12371 all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
12372 as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
12374 @kindex macro undef
12375 @item macro undef @var{macro}
12376 Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
12377 This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
12378 define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
12379 in the program being debugged.
12383 List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
12386 @cindex macros, example of debugging with
12387 Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
12388 show our source files:
12393 #include "sample.h"
12396 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
12401 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
12403 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
12405 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
12412 Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
12413 @value{NGCC}. We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2}@footnote{This is the
12414 minimum. Recent versions of @value{NGCC} support @option{-gdwarf-3}
12415 and @option{-gdwarf-4}; we recommend always choosing the most recent
12416 version of DWARF.} @emph{and} @option{-g3} flags to ensure the compiler
12417 includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
12421 $ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
12425 Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
12429 GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
12430 Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
12431 GDB is free software, @dots{}
12435 We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
12436 program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
12437 to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
12440 (@value{GDBP}) list main
12443 5 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
12448 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
12450 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
12451 (@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
12452 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
12453 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
12454 (@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
12455 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
12456 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
12458 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
12459 expands to: (42 + 1)
12460 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
12461 expands to: once (M + 1)
12465 In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
12466 the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
12467 @code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
12468 which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
12470 Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
12471 force at the source line of the current stack frame:
12474 (@value{GDBP}) break main
12475 Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
12477 Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
12479 Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
12480 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
12484 At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
12487 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
12488 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
12490 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
12491 expands to: 28 < 42
12492 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
12497 As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
12498 give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
12499 thereof) in force at each point:
12502 (@value{GDBP}) next
12504 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
12505 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
12506 The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
12507 at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
12508 (@value{GDBP}) next
12510 14 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
12511 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
12512 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
12514 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
12515 expands to: 1729 < 42
12516 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
12521 In addition to source files, macros can be defined on the compilation command
12522 line using the @option{-D@var{name}=@var{value}} syntax. For macros defined in
12523 such a way, @value{GDBN} displays the location of their definition as line zero
12524 of the source file submitted to the compiler.
12527 (@value{GDBP}) info macro __STDC__
12528 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:0
12535 @chapter Tracepoints
12536 @c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
12537 @c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
12539 @cindex tracepoints
12540 In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
12541 the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
12542 anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
12543 depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
12544 might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
12545 fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
12546 to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
12548 Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
12549 specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
12550 arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
12551 Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
12552 those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
12553 expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
12554 for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
12555 a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
12556 in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
12557 values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
12558 unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
12560 The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
12561 targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
12562 how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
12563 remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
12564 support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
12565 packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
12568 It is also possible to get trace data from a file, in a manner reminiscent
12569 of corefiles; you specify the filename, and use @code{tfind} to search
12570 through the file. @xref{Trace Files}, for more details.
12572 This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
12575 * Set Tracepoints::
12576 * Analyze Collected Data::
12577 * Tracepoint Variables::
12581 @node Set Tracepoints
12582 @section Commands to Set Tracepoints
12584 Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
12585 tracepoints can be set. A tracepoint is actually a special type of
12586 breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), so you can manipulate it using
12587 standard breakpoint commands. For instance, as with breakpoints,
12588 tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from one, and many
12589 of the commands associated with tracepoints take the tracepoint number
12590 as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to work on.
12592 For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
12593 of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
12594 it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
12595 local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
12596 commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
12597 tracepoint was hit.
12599 Tracepoints do not support every breakpoint feature. Ignore counts on
12600 tracepoints have no effect, and tracepoints cannot run @value{GDBN}
12601 commands when they are hit. Tracepoints may not be thread-specific
12604 @cindex fast tracepoints
12605 Some targets may support @dfn{fast tracepoints}, which are inserted in
12606 a different way (such as with a jump instead of a trap), that is
12607 faster but possibly restricted in where they may be installed.
12609 @cindex static tracepoints
12610 @cindex markers, static tracepoints
12611 @cindex probing markers, static tracepoints
12612 Regular and fast tracepoints are dynamic tracing facilities, meaning
12613 that they can be used to insert tracepoints at (almost) any location
12614 in the target. Some targets may also support controlling @dfn{static
12615 tracepoints} from @value{GDBN}. With static tracing, a set of
12616 instrumentation points, also known as @dfn{markers}, are embedded in
12617 the target program, and can be activated or deactivated by name or
12618 address. These are usually placed at locations which facilitate
12619 investigating what the target is actually doing. @value{GDBN}'s
12620 support for static tracing includes being able to list instrumentation
12621 points, and attach them with @value{GDBN} defined high level
12622 tracepoints that expose the whole range of convenience of
12623 @value{GDBN}'s tracepoints support. Namely, support for collecting
12624 registers values and values of global or local (to the instrumentation
12625 point) variables; tracepoint conditions and trace state variables.
12626 The act of installing a @value{GDBN} static tracepoint on an
12627 instrumentation point, or marker, is referred to as @dfn{probing} a
12628 static tracepoint marker.
12630 @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints on some target systems.
12631 @xref{Server,,Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}}.
12633 This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
12634 conditions and actions.
12637 * Create and Delete Tracepoints::
12638 * Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
12639 * Tracepoint Passcounts::
12640 * Tracepoint Conditions::
12641 * Trace State Variables::
12642 * Tracepoint Actions::
12643 * Listing Tracepoints::
12644 * Listing Static Tracepoint Markers::
12645 * Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
12646 * Tracepoint Restrictions::
12649 @node Create and Delete Tracepoints
12650 @subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
12653 @cindex set tracepoint
12655 @item trace @var{location}
12656 The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
12657 Its argument @var{location} can be any valid location.
12658 @xref{Specify Location}. The @code{trace} command defines a tracepoint,
12659 which is a point in the target program where the debugger will briefly stop,
12660 collect some data, and then allow the program to continue. Setting a tracepoint
12661 or changing its actions takes effect immediately if the remote stub
12662 supports the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature (@pxref{install tracepoint
12664 If remote stub doesn't support the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature, all
12665 these changes don't take effect until the next @code{tstart}
12666 command, and once a trace experiment is running, further changes will
12667 not have any effect until the next trace experiment starts. In addition,
12668 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{pending tracepoints}---tracepoints whose
12669 address is not yet resolved. (This is similar to pending breakpoints.)
12670 Pending tracepoints are not downloaded to the target and not installed
12671 until they are resolved. The resolution of pending tracepoints requires
12672 @value{GDBN} support---when debugging with the remote target, and
12673 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the remote stub (@pxref{disconnected
12674 tracing}), pending tracepoints can not be resolved (and downloaded to
12675 the remote stub) while @value{GDBN} is disconnected.
12677 Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
12680 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
12682 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
12684 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
12686 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
12688 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
12692 You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
12694 @item trace @var{location} if @var{cond}
12695 Set a tracepoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
12696 @var{cond} each time the tracepoint is reached, and collect data only
12697 if the value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
12698 @xref{Tracepoint Conditions, ,Tracepoint Conditions}, for more
12699 information on tracepoint conditions.
12701 @item ftrace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
12702 @cindex set fast tracepoint
12703 @cindex fast tracepoints, setting
12705 The @code{ftrace} command sets a fast tracepoint. For targets that
12706 support them, fast tracepoints will use a more efficient but possibly
12707 less general technique to trigger data collection, such as a jump
12708 instruction instead of a trap, or some sort of hardware support. It
12709 may not be possible to create a fast tracepoint at the desired
12710 location, in which case the command will exit with an explanatory
12713 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{ftrace} exactly as for
12716 On 32-bit x86-architecture systems, fast tracepoints normally need to
12717 be placed at an instruction that is 5 bytes or longer, but can be
12718 placed at 4-byte instructions if the low 64K of memory of the target
12719 program is available to install trampolines. Some Unix-type systems,
12720 such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, exclude low addresses from the program's
12721 address space; but for instance with the Linux kernel it is possible
12722 to let @value{GDBN} use this area by doing a @command{sysctl} command
12723 to set the @code{mmap_min_addr} kernel parameter, as in
12726 sudo sysctl -w vm.mmap_min_addr=32768
12730 which sets the low address to 32K, which leaves plenty of room for
12731 trampolines. The minimum address should be set to a page boundary.
12733 @item strace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
12734 @cindex set static tracepoint
12735 @cindex static tracepoints, setting
12736 @cindex probe static tracepoint marker
12738 The @code{strace} command sets a static tracepoint. For targets that
12739 support it, setting a static tracepoint probes a static
12740 instrumentation point, or marker, found at @var{location}. It may not
12741 be possible to set a static tracepoint at the desired location, in
12742 which case the command will exit with an explanatory message.
12744 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{strace} exactly as for
12745 @code{trace}, with the addition that the user can also specify
12746 @code{-m @var{marker}} as @var{location}. This probes the marker
12747 identified by the @var{marker} string identifier. This identifier
12748 depends on the static tracepoint backend library your program is
12749 using. You can find all the marker identifiers in the @samp{ID} field
12750 of the @code{info static-tracepoint-markers} command output.
12751 @xref{Listing Static Tracepoint Markers,,Listing Static Tracepoint
12752 Markers}. For example, in the following small program using the UST
12758 trace_mark(ust, bar33, "str %s", "FOOBAZ");
12763 the marker id is composed of joining the first two arguments to the
12764 @code{trace_mark} call with a slash, which translates to:
12767 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
12768 Cnt Enb ID Address What
12769 1 n ust/bar33 0x0000000000400ddc in main at stexample.c:22
12775 so you may probe the marker above with:
12778 (@value{GDBP}) strace -m ust/bar33
12781 Static tracepoints accept an extra collect action --- @code{collect
12782 $_sdata}. This collects arbitrary user data passed in the probe point
12783 call to the tracing library. In the UST example above, you'll see
12784 that the third argument to @code{trace_mark} is a printf-like format
12785 string. The user data is then the result of running that formating
12786 string against the following arguments. Note that @code{info
12787 static-tracepoint-markers} command output lists that format string in
12788 the @samp{Data:} field.
12790 You can inspect this data when analyzing the trace buffer, by printing
12791 the $_sdata variable like any other variable available to
12792 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}.
12795 @cindex last tracepoint number
12796 @cindex recent tracepoint number
12797 @cindex tracepoint number
12798 The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
12799 of the most recently set tracepoint.
12801 @kindex delete tracepoint
12802 @cindex tracepoint deletion
12803 @item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
12804 Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
12805 default is to delete all tracepoints. Note that the regular
12806 @code{delete} command can remove tracepoints also.
12811 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
12813 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
12817 You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
12820 @node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
12821 @subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
12823 These commands are deprecated; they are equivalent to plain @code{disable} and @code{enable}.
12826 @kindex disable tracepoint
12827 @item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
12828 Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
12829 @var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
12830 a trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
12831 a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
12832 If the command is issued during a trace experiment and the debug target
12833 has support for disabling tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the
12834 change will be effective immediately. Otherwise, it will be applied to the
12835 next trace experiment.
12837 @kindex enable tracepoint
12838 @item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
12839 Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. If this command is
12840 issued during a trace experiment and the debug target supports enabling
12841 tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the enabled tracepoints will
12842 become effective immediately. Otherwise, they will become effective the
12843 next time a trace experiment is run.
12846 @node Tracepoint Passcounts
12847 @subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
12851 @cindex tracepoint pass count
12852 @item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
12853 Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
12854 automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
12855 @var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
12856 the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
12857 @var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
12858 passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
12859 given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
12865 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
12866 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
12868 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
12869 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
12870 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
12871 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
12872 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
12873 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
12874 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
12875 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
12876 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
12877 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
12878 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
12882 @node Tracepoint Conditions
12883 @subsection Tracepoint Conditions
12884 @cindex conditional tracepoints
12885 @cindex tracepoint conditions
12887 The simplest sort of tracepoint collects data every time your program
12888 reaches a specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for
12889 a tracepoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
12890 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A
12891 tracepoint with a condition evaluates the expression each time your
12892 program reaches it, and data collection happens only if the condition
12895 Tracepoint conditions can be specified when a tracepoint is set, by
12896 using @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{trace} command.
12897 @xref{Create and Delete Tracepoints, ,Setting Tracepoints}. They can
12898 also be set or changed at any time with the @code{condition} command,
12899 just as with breakpoints.
12901 Unlike breakpoint conditions, @value{GDBN} does not actually evaluate
12902 the conditional expression itself. Instead, @value{GDBN} encodes the
12903 expression into an agent expression (@pxref{Agent Expressions})
12904 suitable for execution on the target, independently of @value{GDBN}.
12905 Global variables become raw memory locations, locals become stack
12906 accesses, and so forth.
12908 For instance, suppose you have a function that is usually called
12909 frequently, but should not be called after an error has occurred. You
12910 could use the following tracepoint command to collect data about calls
12911 of that function that happen while the error code is propagating
12912 through the program; an unconditional tracepoint could end up
12913 collecting thousands of useless trace frames that you would have to
12917 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{trace normal_operation if errcode > 0}
12920 @node Trace State Variables
12921 @subsection Trace State Variables
12922 @cindex trace state variables
12924 A @dfn{trace state variable} is a special type of variable that is
12925 created and managed by target-side code. The syntax is the same as
12926 that for GDB's convenience variables (a string prefixed with ``$''),
12927 but they are stored on the target. They must be created explicitly,
12928 using a @code{tvariable} command. They are always 64-bit signed
12931 Trace state variables are remembered by @value{GDBN}, and downloaded
12932 to the target along with tracepoint information when the trace
12933 experiment starts. There are no intrinsic limits on the number of
12934 trace state variables, beyond memory limitations of the target.
12936 @cindex convenience variables, and trace state variables
12937 Although trace state variables are managed by the target, you can use
12938 them in print commands and expressions as if they were convenience
12939 variables; @value{GDBN} will get the current value from the target
12940 while the trace experiment is running. Trace state variables share
12941 the same namespace as other ``$'' variables, which means that you
12942 cannot have trace state variables with names like @code{$23} or
12943 @code{$pc}, nor can you have a trace state variable and a convenience
12944 variable with the same name.
12948 @item tvariable $@var{name} [ = @var{expression} ]
12950 The @code{tvariable} command creates a new trace state variable named
12951 @code{$@var{name}}, and optionally gives it an initial value of
12952 @var{expression}. The @var{expression} is evaluated when this command is
12953 entered; the result will be converted to an integer if possible,
12954 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error. A subsequent
12955 @code{tvariable} command specifying the same name does not create a
12956 variable, but instead assigns the supplied initial value to the
12957 existing variable of that name, overwriting any previous initial
12958 value. The default initial value is 0.
12960 @item info tvariables
12961 @kindex info tvariables
12962 List all the trace state variables along with their initial values.
12963 Their current values may also be displayed, if the trace experiment is
12966 @item delete tvariable @r{[} $@var{name} @dots{} @r{]}
12967 @kindex delete tvariable
12968 Delete the given trace state variables, or all of them if no arguments
12973 @node Tracepoint Actions
12974 @subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
12978 @cindex tracepoint actions
12979 @item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
12980 This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
12981 tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
12982 specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
12983 recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
12984 @code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
12985 actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
12986 terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
12987 far, the only defined actions are @code{collect}, @code{teval}, and
12988 @code{while-stepping}.
12990 @code{actions} is actually equivalent to @code{commands} (@pxref{Break
12991 Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}), except that only the defined
12992 actions are allowed; any other @value{GDBN} command is rejected.
12994 @cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
12995 To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
12996 and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
12999 (@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
13001 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
13003 (@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
13006 In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
13007 commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
13008 hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
13009 following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
13010 followed by the list of things to be collected after each step in a
13011 sequence of single steps. The @code{while-stepping} command is
13012 terminated by its own separate @code{end} command. Lastly, the action
13013 list is terminated by an @code{end} command.
13016 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
13017 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
13018 Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
13021 > while-stepping 12
13022 > collect $pc, arr[i]
13027 @kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
13028 @item collect@r{[}/@var{mods}@r{]} @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
13029 Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
13030 This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
13031 In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
13032 special arguments are supported:
13036 Collect all registers.
13039 Collect all function arguments.
13042 Collect all local variables.
13045 Collect the return address. This is helpful if you want to see more
13048 @emph{Note:} The return address location can not always be reliably
13049 determined up front, and the wrong address / registers may end up
13050 collected instead. On some architectures the reliability is higher
13051 for tracepoints at function entry, while on others it's the opposite.
13052 When this happens, backtracing will stop because the return address is
13053 found unavailable (unless another collect rule happened to match it).
13056 Collects the number of arguments from the static probe at which the
13057 tracepoint is located.
13058 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
13060 @item $_probe_arg@var{n}
13061 @var{n} is an integer between 0 and 11. Collects the @var{n}th argument
13062 from the static probe at which the tracepoint is located.
13063 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
13066 @vindex $_sdata@r{, collect}
13067 Collect static tracepoint marker specific data. Only available for
13068 static tracepoints. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action
13069 Lists}. On the UST static tracepoints library backend, an
13070 instrumentation point resembles a @code{printf} function call. The
13071 tracing library is able to collect user specified data formatted to a
13072 character string using the format provided by the programmer that
13073 instrumented the program. Other backends have similar mechanisms.
13074 Here's an example of a UST marker call:
13077 const char master_name[] = "$your_name";
13078 trace_mark(channel1, marker1, "hello %s", master_name)
13081 In this case, collecting @code{$_sdata} collects the string
13082 @samp{hello $yourname}. When analyzing the trace buffer, you can
13083 inspect @samp{$_sdata} like any other variable available to
13087 You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
13088 with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
13089 arguments separated by commas; the effect is the same.
13091 The optional @var{mods} changes the usual handling of the arguments.
13092 @code{s} requests that pointers to chars be handled as strings, in
13093 particular collecting the contents of the memory being pointed at, up
13094 to the first zero. The upper bound is by default the value of the
13095 @code{print elements} variable; if @code{s} is followed by a decimal
13096 number, that is the upper bound instead. So for instance
13097 @samp{collect/s25 mystr} collects as many as 25 characters at
13100 The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
13101 particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
13103 @kindex teval @r{(tracepoints)}
13104 @item teval @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
13105 Evaluate the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit. This
13106 command accepts a comma-separated list of expressions. The results
13107 are discarded, so this is mainly useful for assigning values to trace
13108 state variables (@pxref{Trace State Variables}) without adding those
13109 values to the trace buffer, as would be the case if the @code{collect}
13112 @kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
13113 @item while-stepping @var{n}
13114 Perform @var{n} single-step instruction traces after the tracepoint,
13115 collecting new data after each step. The @code{while-stepping}
13116 command is followed by the list of what to collect while stepping
13117 (followed by its own @code{end} command):
13120 > while-stepping 12
13121 > collect $regs, myglobal
13127 Note that @code{$pc} is not automatically collected by
13128 @code{while-stepping}; you need to explicitly collect that register if
13129 you need it. You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
13132 @item set default-collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
13133 @kindex set default-collect
13134 @cindex default collection action
13135 This variable is a list of expressions to collect at each tracepoint
13136 hit. It is effectively an additional @code{collect} action prepended
13137 to every tracepoint action list. The expressions are parsed
13138 individually for each tracepoint, so for instance a variable named
13139 @code{xyz} may be interpreted as a global for one tracepoint, and a
13140 local for another, as appropriate to the tracepoint's location.
13142 @item show default-collect
13143 @kindex show default-collect
13144 Show the list of expressions that are collected by default at each
13149 @node Listing Tracepoints
13150 @subsection Listing Tracepoints
13153 @kindex info tracepoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
13154 @kindex info tp @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
13155 @cindex information about tracepoints
13156 @item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@dots{}@r{]}
13157 Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't
13158 specify a tracepoint number, displays information about all the
13159 tracepoints defined so far. The format is similar to that used for
13160 @code{info breakpoints}; in fact, @code{info tracepoints} is the same
13161 command, simply restricting itself to tracepoints.
13163 A tracepoint's listing may include additional information specific to
13168 its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
13171 the state about installed on target of each location
13175 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
13176 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
13177 1 tracepoint keep y 0x0804ab57 in foo() at main.cxx:7
13179 collect globfoo, $regs
13184 2 tracepoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
13186 2.1 y 0x0804859c in func4 at change-loc.h:35
13187 installed on target
13188 2.2 y 0xb7ffc480 in func4 at change-loc.h:35
13189 installed on target
13190 2.3 y <PENDING> set_tracepoint
13191 3 tracepoint keep y 0x080485b1 in foo at change-loc.c:29
13192 not installed on target
13197 This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
13200 @node Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
13201 @subsection Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
13204 @kindex info static-tracepoint-markers
13205 @cindex information about static tracepoint markers
13206 @item info static-tracepoint-markers
13207 Display information about all static tracepoint markers defined in the
13210 For each marker, the following columns are printed:
13214 An incrementing counter, output to help readability. This is not a
13217 The marker ID, as reported by the target.
13218 @item Enabled or Disabled
13219 Probed markers are tagged with @samp{y}. @samp{n} identifies marks
13220 that are not enabled.
13222 Where the marker is in your program, as a memory address.
13224 Where the marker is in the source for your program, as a file and line
13225 number. If the debug information included in the program does not
13226 allow @value{GDBN} to locate the source of the marker, this column
13227 will be left blank.
13231 In addition, the following information may be printed for each marker:
13235 User data passed to the tracing library by the marker call. In the
13236 UST backend, this is the format string passed as argument to the
13238 @item Static tracepoints probing the marker
13239 The list of static tracepoints attached to the marker.
13243 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
13244 Cnt ID Enb Address What
13245 1 ust/bar2 y 0x0000000000400e1a in main at stexample.c:25
13246 Data: number1 %d number2 %d
13247 Probed by static tracepoints: #2
13248 2 ust/bar33 n 0x0000000000400c87 in main at stexample.c:24
13254 @node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
13255 @subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
13258 @kindex tstart [ @var{notes} ]
13259 @cindex start a new trace experiment
13260 @cindex collected data discarded
13262 This command starts the trace experiment, and begins collecting data.
13263 It has the side effect of discarding all the data collected in the
13264 trace buffer during the previous trace experiment. If any arguments
13265 are supplied, they are taken as a note and stored with the trace
13266 experiment's state. The notes may be arbitrary text, and are
13267 especially useful with disconnected tracing in a multi-user context;
13268 the notes can explain what the trace is doing, supply user contact
13269 information, and so forth.
13271 @kindex tstop [ @var{notes} ]
13272 @cindex stop a running trace experiment
13274 This command stops the trace experiment. If any arguments are
13275 supplied, they are recorded with the experiment as a note. This is
13276 useful if you are stopping a trace started by someone else, for
13277 instance if the trace is interfering with the system's behavior and
13278 needs to be stopped quickly.
13280 @strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
13281 automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
13282 (@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
13285 @cindex status of trace data collection
13286 @cindex trace experiment, status of
13288 This command displays the status of the current trace data
13292 Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
13295 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
13296 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
13297 Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
13298 > collect $regs,$locals,$args
13299 > while-stepping 11
13303 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
13304 [time passes @dots{}]
13305 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
13308 @anchor{disconnected tracing}
13309 @cindex disconnected tracing
13310 You can choose to continue running the trace experiment even if
13311 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target, voluntarily or
13312 involuntarily. For commands such as @code{detach}, the debugger will
13313 ask what you want to do with the trace. But for unexpected
13314 terminations (@value{GDBN} crash, network outage), it would be
13315 unfortunate to lose hard-won trace data, so the variable
13316 @code{disconnected-tracing} lets you decide whether the trace should
13317 continue running without @value{GDBN}.
13320 @item set disconnected-tracing on
13321 @itemx set disconnected-tracing off
13322 @kindex set disconnected-tracing
13323 Choose whether a tracing run should continue to run if @value{GDBN}
13324 has disconnected from the target. Note that @code{detach} or
13325 @code{quit} will ask you directly what to do about a running trace no
13326 matter what this variable's setting, so the variable is mainly useful
13327 for handling unexpected situations, such as loss of the network.
13329 @item show disconnected-tracing
13330 @kindex show disconnected-tracing
13331 Show the current choice for disconnected tracing.
13335 When you reconnect to the target, the trace experiment may or may not
13336 still be running; it might have filled the trace buffer in the
13337 meantime, or stopped for one of the other reasons. If it is running,
13338 it will continue after reconnection.
13340 Upon reconnection, the target will upload information about the
13341 tracepoints in effect. @value{GDBN} will then compare that
13342 information to the set of tracepoints currently defined, and attempt
13343 to match them up, allowing for the possibility that the numbers may
13344 have changed due to creation and deletion in the meantime. If one of
13345 the target's tracepoints does not match any in @value{GDBN}, the
13346 debugger will create a new tracepoint, so that you have a number with
13347 which to specify that tracepoint. This matching-up process is
13348 necessarily heuristic, and it may result in useless tracepoints being
13349 created; you may simply delete them if they are of no use.
13351 @cindex circular trace buffer
13352 If your target agent supports a @dfn{circular trace buffer}, then you
13353 can run a trace experiment indefinitely without filling the trace
13354 buffer; when space runs out, the agent deletes already-collected trace
13355 frames, oldest first, until there is enough room to continue
13356 collecting. This is especially useful if your tracepoints are being
13357 hit too often, and your trace gets terminated prematurely because the
13358 buffer is full. To ask for a circular trace buffer, simply set
13359 @samp{circular-trace-buffer} to on. You can set this at any time,
13360 including during tracing; if the agent can do it, it will change
13361 buffer handling on the fly, otherwise it will not take effect until
13365 @item set circular-trace-buffer on
13366 @itemx set circular-trace-buffer off
13367 @kindex set circular-trace-buffer
13368 Choose whether a tracing run should use a linear or circular buffer
13369 for trace data. A linear buffer will not lose any trace data, but may
13370 fill up prematurely, while a circular buffer will discard old trace
13371 data, but it will have always room for the latest tracepoint hits.
13373 @item show circular-trace-buffer
13374 @kindex show circular-trace-buffer
13375 Show the current choice for the trace buffer. Note that this may not
13376 match the agent's current buffer handling, nor is it guaranteed to
13377 match the setting that might have been in effect during a past run,
13378 for instance if you are looking at frames from a trace file.
13383 @item set trace-buffer-size @var{n}
13384 @itemx set trace-buffer-size unlimited
13385 @kindex set trace-buffer-size
13386 Request that the target use a trace buffer of @var{n} bytes. Not all
13387 targets will honor the request; they may have a compiled-in size for
13388 the trace buffer, or some other limitation. Set to a value of
13389 @code{unlimited} or @code{-1} to let the target use whatever size it
13390 likes. This is also the default.
13392 @item show trace-buffer-size
13393 @kindex show trace-buffer-size
13394 Show the current requested size for the trace buffer. Note that this
13395 will only match the actual size if the target supports size-setting,
13396 and was able to handle the requested size. For instance, if the
13397 target can only change buffer size between runs, this variable will
13398 not reflect the change until the next run starts. Use @code{tstatus}
13399 to get a report of the actual buffer size.
13403 @item set trace-user @var{text}
13404 @kindex set trace-user
13406 @item show trace-user
13407 @kindex show trace-user
13409 @item set trace-notes @var{text}
13410 @kindex set trace-notes
13411 Set the trace run's notes.
13413 @item show trace-notes
13414 @kindex show trace-notes
13415 Show the trace run's notes.
13417 @item set trace-stop-notes @var{text}
13418 @kindex set trace-stop-notes
13419 Set the trace run's stop notes. The handling of the note is as for
13420 @code{tstop} arguments; the set command is convenient way to fix a
13421 stop note that is mistaken or incomplete.
13423 @item show trace-stop-notes
13424 @kindex show trace-stop-notes
13425 Show the trace run's stop notes.
13429 @node Tracepoint Restrictions
13430 @subsection Tracepoint Restrictions
13432 @cindex tracepoint restrictions
13433 There are a number of restrictions on the use of tracepoints. As
13434 described above, tracepoint data gathering occurs on the target
13435 without interaction from @value{GDBN}. Thus the full capabilities of
13436 the debugger are not available during data gathering, and then at data
13437 examination time, you will be limited by only having what was
13438 collected. The following items describe some common problems, but it
13439 is not exhaustive, and you may run into additional difficulties not
13445 Tracepoint expressions are intended to gather objects (lvalues). Thus
13446 the full flexibility of GDB's expression evaluator is not available.
13447 You cannot call functions, cast objects to aggregate types, access
13448 convenience variables or modify values (except by assignment to trace
13449 state variables). Some language features may implicitly call
13450 functions (for instance Objective-C fields with accessors), and therefore
13451 cannot be collected either.
13454 Collection of local variables, either individually or in bulk with
13455 @code{$locals} or @code{$args}, during @code{while-stepping} may
13456 behave erratically. The stepping action may enter a new scope (for
13457 instance by stepping into a function), or the location of the variable
13458 may change (for instance it is loaded into a register). The
13459 tracepoint data recorded uses the location information for the
13460 variables that is correct for the tracepoint location. When the
13461 tracepoint is created, it is not possible, in general, to determine
13462 where the steps of a @code{while-stepping} sequence will advance the
13463 program---particularly if a conditional branch is stepped.
13466 Collection of an incompletely-initialized or partially-destroyed object
13467 may result in something that @value{GDBN} cannot display, or displays
13468 in a misleading way.
13471 When @value{GDBN} displays a pointer to character it automatically
13472 dereferences the pointer to also display characters of the string
13473 being pointed to. However, collecting the pointer during tracing does
13474 not automatically collect the string. You need to explicitly
13475 dereference the pointer and provide size information if you want to
13476 collect not only the pointer, but the memory pointed to. For example,
13477 @code{*ptr@@50} can be used to collect the 50 element array pointed to
13481 It is not possible to collect a complete stack backtrace at a
13482 tracepoint. Instead, you may collect the registers and a few hundred
13483 bytes from the stack pointer with something like @code{*(unsigned char *)$esp@@300}
13484 (adjust to use the name of the actual stack pointer register on your
13485 target architecture, and the amount of stack you wish to capture).
13486 Then the @code{backtrace} command will show a partial backtrace when
13487 using a trace frame. The number of stack frames that can be examined
13488 depends on the sizes of the frames in the collected stack. Note that
13489 if you ask for a block so large that it goes past the bottom of the
13490 stack, the target agent may report an error trying to read from an
13494 If you do not collect registers at a tracepoint, @value{GDBN} can
13495 infer that the value of @code{$pc} must be the same as the address of
13496 the tracepoint and use that when you are looking at a trace frame
13497 for that tracepoint. However, this cannot work if the tracepoint has
13498 multiple locations (for instance if it was set in a function that was
13499 inlined), or if it has a @code{while-stepping} loop. In those cases
13500 @value{GDBN} will warn you that it can't infer @code{$pc}, and default
13505 @node Analyze Collected Data
13506 @section Using the Collected Data
13508 After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
13509 for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
13510 collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
13511 snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
13512 consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
13513 examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
13514 specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
13515 snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
13516 registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
13517 rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
13518 debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
13519 (@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
13520 behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
13521 when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
13522 the buffer will fail.
13525 * tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
13526 * tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
13527 * save tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
13531 @subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
13534 @cindex select trace snapshot
13535 @cindex find trace snapshot
13536 The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
13537 @code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
13538 counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
13539 snapshot is selected.
13541 Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
13545 Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
13546 @code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
13549 Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
13552 Same as @samp{tfind none}.
13555 No argument means find the next trace snapshot or find the first
13556 one if no trace snapshot is selected.
13559 Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
13560 retracing earlier steps.
13562 @item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
13563 Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
13564 proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
13565 argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
13566 for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
13568 @item tfind pc @var{addr}
13569 Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
13570 program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
13571 snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
13572 snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
13574 @item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
13575 Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
13576 addresses (exclusive).
13578 @item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
13579 Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
13580 @var{addr2} (inclusive).
13582 @item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
13583 Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
13584 the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
13585 that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
13586 trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
13587 next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
13588 @code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
13589 stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
13592 The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
13593 designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
13594 instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
13595 snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
13596 trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
13597 simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
13598 snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
13599 @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
13600 The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
13601 for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
13602 no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
13603 (PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
13604 no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
13605 tracepoint as the current one.
13607 In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
13608 these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
13609 scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
13610 you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
13611 registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
13614 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
13615 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
13616 > printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
13617 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
13621 Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
13622 Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
13623 Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
13624 Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
13625 Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
13626 Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
13627 Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
13628 Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
13629 Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
13630 Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
13631 Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
13634 Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
13638 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
13639 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
13640 > printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
13650 @subsection @code{tdump}
13652 @cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
13653 @cindex tracepoint data, display
13655 This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
13656 the current trace snapshot.
13659 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
13660 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
13661 Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
13662 > collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
13665 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
13667 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
13668 #0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
13670 444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
13672 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
13673 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
13674 d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
13678 d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
13681 d7 0x380035 3670069
13682 a0 0x19e24a 1696330
13683 a1 0x3000668 50333288
13685 a3 0x322000 3284992
13686 a4 0x3000698 50333336
13687 a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
13688 fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
13689 sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
13691 pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
13695 p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
13702 gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
13707 @code{tdump} works by scanning the tracepoint's current collection
13708 actions and printing the value of each expression listed. So
13709 @code{tdump} can fail, if after a run, you change the tracepoint's
13710 actions to mention variables that were not collected during the run.
13712 Also, for tracepoints with @code{while-stepping} loops, @code{tdump}
13713 uses the collected value of @code{$pc} to distinguish between trace
13714 frames that were collected at the tracepoint hit, and frames that were
13715 collected while stepping. This allows it to correctly choose whether
13716 to display the basic list of collections, or the collections from the
13717 body of the while-stepping loop. However, if @code{$pc} was not collected,
13718 then @code{tdump} will always attempt to dump using the basic collection
13719 list, and may fail if a while-stepping frame does not include all the
13720 same data that is collected at the tracepoint hit.
13721 @c This is getting pretty arcane, example would be good.
13723 @node save tracepoints
13724 @subsection @code{save tracepoints @var{filename}}
13725 @kindex save tracepoints
13726 @kindex save-tracepoints
13727 @cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
13729 This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
13730 their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
13731 suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
13732 tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
13733 Files}). The @w{@code{save-tracepoints}} command is a deprecated
13734 alias for @w{@code{save tracepoints}}
13736 @node Tracepoint Variables
13737 @section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
13738 @cindex tracepoint variables
13739 @cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
13742 @vindex $trace_frame
13743 @item (int) $trace_frame
13744 The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
13745 snapshot is selected.
13747 @vindex $tracepoint
13748 @item (int) $tracepoint
13749 The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
13751 @vindex $trace_line
13752 @item (int) $trace_line
13753 The line number for the current trace snapshot.
13755 @vindex $trace_file
13756 @item (char []) $trace_file
13757 The source file for the current trace snapshot.
13759 @vindex $trace_func
13760 @item (char []) $trace_func
13761 The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
13764 Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
13765 use @code{output} instead.
13767 Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
13768 stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
13769 data. Note that these are not the same as trace state variables,
13770 which are managed by the target.
13773 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
13775 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
13776 > output $trace_file
13777 > printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
13783 @section Using Trace Files
13784 @cindex trace files
13786 In some situations, the target running a trace experiment may no
13787 longer be available; perhaps it crashed, or the hardware was needed
13788 for a different activity. To handle these cases, you can arrange to
13789 dump the trace data into a file, and later use that file as a source
13790 of trace data, via the @code{target tfile} command.
13795 @item tsave [ -r ] @var{filename}
13796 @itemx tsave [-ctf] @var{dirname}
13797 Save the trace data to @var{filename}. By default, this command
13798 assumes that @var{filename} refers to the host filesystem, so if
13799 necessary @value{GDBN} will copy raw trace data up from the target and
13800 then save it. If the target supports it, you can also supply the
13801 optional argument @code{-r} (``remote'') to direct the target to save
13802 the data directly into @var{filename} in its own filesystem, which may be
13803 more efficient if the trace buffer is very large. (Note, however, that
13804 @code{target tfile} can only read from files accessible to the host.)
13805 By default, this command will save trace frame in tfile format.
13806 You can supply the optional argument @code{-ctf} to save data in CTF
13807 format. The @dfn{Common Trace Format} (CTF) is proposed as a trace format
13808 that can be shared by multiple debugging and tracing tools. Please go to
13809 @indicateurl{http://www.efficios.com/ctf} to get more information.
13811 @kindex target tfile
13815 @item target tfile @var{filename}
13816 @itemx target ctf @var{dirname}
13817 Use the file named @var{filename} or directory named @var{dirname} as
13818 a source of trace data. Commands that examine data work as they do with
13819 a live target, but it is not possible to run any new trace experiments.
13820 @code{tstatus} will report the state of the trace run at the moment
13821 the data was saved, as well as the current trace frame you are examining.
13822 Both @var{filename} and @var{dirname} must be on a filesystem accessible to
13826 (@value{GDBP}) target ctf ctf.ctf
13827 (@value{GDBP}) tfind
13828 Found trace frame 0, tracepoint 2
13829 39 ++a; /* set tracepoint 1 here */
13830 (@value{GDBP}) tdump
13831 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 0:
13835 c = @{"123", "456", "789", "123", "456", "789"@}
13836 d = @{@{@{a = 1, b = 2@}, @{a = 3, b = 4@}@}, @{@{a = 5, b = 6@}, @{a = 7, b = 8@}@}@}
13844 @chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
13847 If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
13848 memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
13849 problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
13853 * How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
13854 * Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
13855 * Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
13856 mapped by asking the inferior.
13857 * Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
13860 @node How Overlays Work
13861 @section How Overlays Work
13862 @cindex mapped overlays
13863 @cindex unmapped overlays
13864 @cindex load address, overlay's
13865 @cindex mapped address
13866 @cindex overlay area
13868 Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
13869 kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
13870 other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
13871 management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
13872 adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
13874 One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
13875 independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
13876 @dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
13877 their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
13878 instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
13879 largest overlay as well.
13881 Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
13882 overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
13883 for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
13886 @c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
13887 @c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
13888 @c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
13892 Data Instruction Larger
13893 Address Space Address Space Address Space
13894 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
13896 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
13897 | program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
13898 | variables | | program | | +-----------+
13899 | and heap | | | | | |
13900 +-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
13901 | | +-----------+ | | | load address
13902 +-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
13904 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
13905 address | | | | | |
13906 | overlay | <-' | | |
13907 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
13908 | | <---. | | load address
13909 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
13916 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
13920 The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
13921 and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
13922 its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
13923 Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
13924 may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
13925 data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
13926 program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
13927 program and the overlay area.
13929 An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
13930 @dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
13931 instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
13932 in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
13933 is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
13934 the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
13935 called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
13937 Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
13938 program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
13939 global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
13944 Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
13945 must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
13946 return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
13947 overlay, and your program will probably crash.
13950 If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
13951 will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
13952 your program's performance.
13955 The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
13956 overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
13957 mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
13958 and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
13959 You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
13960 addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
13961 ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
13964 The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
13965 to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
13966 instruction and data spaces.
13970 The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
13971 improved in many ways:
13976 If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
13977 hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
13978 contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
13979 This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
13980 area in the usual way.
13983 If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
13984 overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
13987 You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
13988 general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
13989 code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
13990 return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
13991 the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
13992 must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
13993 different data overlay into the same mapped area.
13998 @node Overlay Commands
13999 @section Overlay Commands
14001 To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
14002 correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
14003 virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
14004 mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
14005 @value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
14006 variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
14008 @value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
14009 you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
14014 Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
14015 disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
14016 always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
14017 overlay support is disabled.
14019 @item overlay manual
14020 @cindex manual overlay debugging
14021 Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
14022 relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
14023 using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
14024 commands described below.
14026 @item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
14027 @itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
14028 @cindex map an overlay
14029 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
14030 be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
14031 overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
14032 functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
14033 that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
14034 @var{overlay} are now unmapped.
14036 @item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
14037 @itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
14038 @cindex unmap an overlay
14039 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
14040 must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
14041 When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
14042 overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
14045 Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
14046 consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
14047 to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
14048 Overlay Debugging}.
14050 @item overlay load-target
14051 @itemx overlay load
14052 @cindex reloading the overlay table
14053 Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
14054 re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
14055 stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
14056 overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
14057 useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
14059 @item overlay list-overlays
14060 @itemx overlay list
14061 @cindex listing mapped overlays
14062 Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
14063 addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
14067 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
14068 of the function the address falls in:
14071 (@value{GDBP}) print main
14072 $3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
14075 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
14076 unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
14077 asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
14078 unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
14081 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
14082 No sections are mapped.
14083 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
14084 $5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
14087 When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
14091 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
14092 Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
14093 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
14094 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
14095 $6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
14098 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
14099 address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
14100 overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
14101 @code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
14102 code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
14106 @cindex breakpoints in overlays
14107 @cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
14108 You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
14109 @value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
14111 @value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
14112 unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
14113 overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
14114 you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
14115 breakpoints properly.
14119 @node Automatic Overlay Debugging
14120 @section Automatic Overlay Debugging
14121 @cindex automatic overlay debugging
14123 @value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
14124 are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
14125 inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
14126 @code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
14127 looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
14128 current state of the overlays.
14130 Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
14131 @value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
14135 @item @code{_ovly_table}:
14136 This variable must be an array of the following structures:
14141 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
14144 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
14145 unsigned long size;
14147 /* The overlay's load address. */
14150 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
14152 unsigned long mapped;
14156 @item @code{_novlys}:
14157 This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
14158 number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
14162 To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
14163 looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
14164 @code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
14165 executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
14166 the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
14169 In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
14170 @code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
14171 will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
14172 calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
14173 will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
14174 are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
14175 in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
14176 overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
14177 are not being executed.
14179 @node Overlay Sample Program
14180 @section Overlay Sample Program
14181 @cindex overlay example program
14183 When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
14184 at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
14185 addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
14186 Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
14187 since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
14188 architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
14189 portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
14191 However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
14192 program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
14193 suite. The program consists of the following files from
14194 @file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
14198 The main program file.
14200 A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
14205 Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
14208 Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
14209 and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
14212 You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
14213 cross-compiler like this:
14216 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
14217 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
14218 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
14219 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
14220 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
14221 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
14222 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
14223 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
14226 The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
14227 you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
14228 target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
14232 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
14235 Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
14236 rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
14237 dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
14238 Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
14239 represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
14240 @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
14242 @cindex working language
14243 Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
14244 allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
14245 native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
14246 consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
14247 language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
14251 * Setting:: Switching between source languages
14252 * Show:: Displaying the language
14253 * Checks:: Type and range checks
14254 * Supported Languages:: Supported languages
14255 * Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
14259 @section Switching Between Source Languages
14261 There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
14262 set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
14263 @code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
14264 defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
14265 used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
14268 In addition to the working language, every source file that
14269 @value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
14270 file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
14271 source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
14272 language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
14273 controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
14274 show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
14275 set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
14276 set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
14277 Displaying the Language}.
14279 This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
14280 as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
14281 another language. In that case, make the
14282 program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
14283 @value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
14284 program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
14287 * Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
14288 * Manually:: Setting the working language manually
14289 * Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
14293 @subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
14295 If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
14296 @value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
14314 C@t{++} source file
14320 Objective-C source file
14324 Fortran source file
14327 Modula-2 source file
14331 Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
14332 @value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
14335 In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
14336 extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
14339 @subsection Setting the Working Language
14341 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
14342 expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
14345 @kindex set language
14346 If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
14347 command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
14348 a language, such as
14349 @code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
14350 For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
14352 Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
14353 language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
14354 to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
14355 source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
14356 languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
14357 source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
14365 might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
14366 @code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
14367 printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
14368 @code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
14370 @node Automatically
14371 @subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
14373 To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
14374 @samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
14375 then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
14376 frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
14377 working language to the language recorded for the function in that
14378 frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
14379 or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
14380 does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
14381 not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
14383 This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
14384 entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
14385 written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
14386 a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
14387 case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
14390 @section Displaying the Language
14392 The following commands help you find out which language is the
14393 working language, and also what language source files were written in.
14396 @item show language
14397 @anchor{show language}
14398 @kindex show language
14399 Display the current working language. This is the
14400 language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
14401 build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
14404 @kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
14405 Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
14406 working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
14407 @xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
14408 information listed here.
14411 @kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
14412 Display the source language of this source file.
14413 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
14414 information listed here.
14417 In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
14418 not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
14419 with a language explicitly:
14422 @item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
14423 @kindex set extension-language
14424 Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
14425 assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
14427 @item info extensions
14428 @kindex info extensions
14429 List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
14433 @section Type and Range Checking
14435 Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
14436 errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
14437 checking the type of arguments to functions and operators and making
14438 sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
14439 these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
14440 by eliminating type mismatches and providing active checks for range
14441 errors when your program is running.
14443 By default @value{GDBN} checks for these errors according to the
14444 rules of the current source language. Although @value{GDBN} does not check
14445 the statements in your program, it can check expressions entered directly
14446 into @value{GDBN} for evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example.
14449 * Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
14450 * Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
14453 @cindex type checking
14454 @cindex checks, type
14455 @node Type Checking
14456 @subsection An Overview of Type Checking
14458 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, are strongly typed, meaning that the
14459 arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
14460 otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
14461 errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
14464 int klass::my_method(char *b) @{ return b ? 1 : 2; @}
14466 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0)
14469 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0x1234)
14470 Cannot resolve method klass::my_method to any overloaded instance
14473 The second example fails because in C@t{++} the integer constant
14474 @samp{0x1234} is not type-compatible with the pointer parameter type.
14476 For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
14477 @value{GDBN} to not enforce strict type checking or
14478 to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
14479 When type checking is disabled, @value{GDBN} successfully evaluates
14480 expressions like the second example above.
14482 Even if type checking is off, there may be other reasons
14483 related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
14484 For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
14485 a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
14486 with the language in use and usually arise from expressions which make
14487 little sense to evaluate anyway.
14489 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling type checking:
14491 @kindex set check type
14492 @kindex show check type
14494 @item set check type on
14495 @itemx set check type off
14496 Set strict type checking on or off. If any type mismatches occur in
14497 evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
14498 message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
14500 @item show check type
14501 Show the current setting of type checking and whether @value{GDBN}
14502 is enforcing strict type checking rules.
14505 @cindex range checking
14506 @cindex checks, range
14507 @node Range Checking
14508 @subsection An Overview of Range Checking
14510 In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
14511 bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
14512 checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
14513 computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
14514 not exceed the bounds of the array.
14516 For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
14517 @value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
14518 always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
14519 warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
14521 A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
14522 array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
14523 of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
14524 error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
14525 result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
14526 the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
14529 @var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
14532 This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
14533 specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
14534 Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
14536 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
14538 @kindex set check range
14539 @kindex show check range
14541 @item set check range auto
14542 Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
14543 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
14546 @item set check range on
14547 @itemx set check range off
14548 Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
14549 current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
14550 match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
14551 then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
14553 @item set check range warn
14554 Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
14555 but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
14556 expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
14557 memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
14561 Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
14562 being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
14565 @node Supported Languages
14566 @section Supported Languages
14568 @value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, D, Go, Objective-C, Fortran,
14569 OpenCL C, Pascal, Rust, assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
14570 @c This is false ...
14571 Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
14572 language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
14573 and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
14574 ,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
14577 The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
14578 supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
14579 tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
14580 @value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
14581 formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
14582 books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
14583 language reference or tutorial.
14586 * C:: C and C@t{++}
14589 * Objective-C:: Objective-C
14590 * OpenCL C:: OpenCL C
14591 * Fortran:: Fortran
14594 * Modula-2:: Modula-2
14599 @subsection C and C@t{++}
14601 @cindex C and C@t{++}
14602 @cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
14604 Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
14605 to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
14609 @cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
14610 @cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
14611 The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
14612 compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
14613 effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
14614 C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
14615 compiler (@code{aCC}).
14618 * C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
14619 * C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
14620 * C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
14621 * C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
14622 * C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
14623 * Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
14624 * Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
14625 * Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
14629 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
14631 @cindex C and C@t{++} operators
14633 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
14634 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
14635 often defined on groups of types.
14637 For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
14642 @emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
14643 specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
14646 @emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
14647 @code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
14650 @emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
14653 @emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
14658 The following operators are supported. They are listed here
14659 in order of increasing precedence:
14663 The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
14664 are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
14665 expression being the last expression evaluated.
14668 Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
14669 assigned. Defined on scalar types.
14672 Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
14673 and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
14674 @w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence. The operator
14675 @var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
14676 @code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
14679 The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
14680 of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. The argument @var{a}
14681 should be of an integral type.
14684 Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
14687 Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
14690 Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
14693 Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
14696 Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
14699 Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
14700 expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
14702 @item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
14703 Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
14704 Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
14705 and non-zero for true.
14708 left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
14711 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
14714 Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
14717 @item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
14718 Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
14719 defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
14723 Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
14724 operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
14725 when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
14726 operation takes place.
14729 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
14733 Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
14735 For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
14736 allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
14737 to examine the address
14738 where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
14742 Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
14743 precedence as @code{++}.
14746 Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
14750 Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
14755 Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
14756 @value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
14757 pointer based on the stored type information.
14758 Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
14761 Dereferences of pointers to members.
14764 Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
14765 @code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
14768 Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
14771 C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
14772 and @code{class} types.
14775 Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
14776 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
14780 If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
14781 attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
14782 predefined meaning.
14785 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
14787 @cindex C and C@t{++} constants
14789 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
14794 Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
14795 specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
14796 by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
14797 @samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
14801 Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
14802 point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
14803 exponent. An exponent is of the form:
14804 @samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
14805 sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
14806 A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
14807 @samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
14808 the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
14809 a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
14813 Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
14814 integral equivalents.
14817 Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
14818 (@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
14819 (usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
14820 be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
14821 the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
14822 of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
14823 @samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
14824 @samp{\n} for newline.
14826 Wide character constants can be written by prefixing a character
14827 constant with @samp{L}, as in C. For example, @samp{L'x'} is the wide
14828 form of @samp{x}. The target wide character set is used when
14829 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
14832 String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
14833 double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
14834 above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
14835 a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
14838 Wide string constants can be written by prefixing a string constant
14839 with @samp{L}, as in C. The target wide character set is used when
14840 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
14843 Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
14844 to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
14847 Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
14848 and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
14849 integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
14850 and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
14853 @node C Plus Plus Expressions
14854 @subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
14856 @cindex expressions in C@t{++}
14857 @value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
14859 @cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
14860 @cindex C@t{++} compilers
14861 @cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
14862 @cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
14864 @emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use
14865 the proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently,
14866 @value{GDBN} works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled
14867 with the most recent version of @value{NGCC} possible. The DWARF
14868 debugging format is preferred; @value{NGCC} defaults to this on most
14869 popular platforms. Other compilers and/or debug formats are likely to
14870 work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug C@t{++}
14871 code. @xref{Compilation}.
14876 @cindex member functions
14878 Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
14881 count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
14884 @vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
14885 @cindex namespace in C@t{++}
14887 While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
14888 expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
14889 that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
14890 pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}. @code{using}
14891 declarations in the current scope are also respected by @value{GDBN}.
14893 @cindex call overloaded functions
14894 @cindex overloaded functions, calling
14895 @cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
14897 You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
14898 call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
14899 perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
14900 calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
14901 in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
14904 It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
14905 promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
14906 class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
14907 functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
14908 number of function arguments.
14910 Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
14911 @code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
14912 ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
14914 You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
14915 explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
14917 p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
14920 The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
14921 see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
14923 @cindex reference declarations
14925 @value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} lvalue or rvalue
14926 references; you can use them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++}
14927 source---they are automatically dereferenced.
14929 In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
14930 reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
14931 avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
14932 The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
14933 you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
14936 @value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
14937 expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
14938 one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
14939 necessary, for example in an expression like
14940 @samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
14941 resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
14942 debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
14945 @value{GDBN} performs argument-dependent lookup, following the C@t{++}
14950 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
14952 @cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
14954 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set range checking automatically, it
14955 defaults to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
14956 C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
14957 selects the working language.
14959 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
14960 recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
14961 @file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
14962 these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
14963 @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
14964 for further details.
14967 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
14969 @cindex C and C@t{++} checks
14971 By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, strict type
14972 checking is used. However, if you turn type checking off, @value{GDBN}
14973 will allow certain non-standard conversions, such as promoting integer
14974 constants to pointers.
14976 Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
14977 indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
14978 that is not itself an array.
14981 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
14983 The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
14984 the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
14985 inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
14986 appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
14988 The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
14989 with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
14992 @node Debugging C Plus Plus
14993 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
14995 @cindex commands for C@t{++}
14997 Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
14998 designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
15001 @cindex break in overloaded functions
15002 @item @r{breakpoint menus}
15003 When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
15004 @value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
15005 locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
15006 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
15008 @cindex overloading in C@t{++}
15009 @item rbreak @var{regex}
15010 Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
15011 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
15013 @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
15015 @cindex C@t{++} exception handling
15017 @itemx catch rethrow
15019 Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
15020 Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
15022 @cindex inheritance
15023 @item ptype @var{typename}
15024 Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
15026 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
15028 @item info vtbl @var{expression}.
15029 The @code{info vtbl} command can be used to display the virtual
15030 method tables of the object computed by @var{expression}. This shows
15031 one entry per virtual table; there may be multiple virtual tables when
15032 multiple inheritance is in use.
15034 @cindex C@t{++} demangling
15035 @item demangle @var{name}
15036 Demangle @var{name}.
15037 @xref{Symbols}, for a more complete description of the @code{demangle} command.
15039 @cindex C@t{++} symbol display
15040 @item set print demangle
15041 @itemx show print demangle
15042 @itemx set print asm-demangle
15043 @itemx show print asm-demangle
15044 Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
15045 displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
15046 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
15048 @item set print object
15049 @itemx show print object
15050 Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
15051 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
15053 @item set print vtbl
15054 @itemx show print vtbl
15055 Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
15056 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
15057 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
15058 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
15060 @kindex set overload-resolution
15061 @cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
15062 @item set overload-resolution on
15063 Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
15064 is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
15065 and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
15066 using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
15067 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
15068 If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
15070 @item set overload-resolution off
15071 Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
15072 overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
15073 chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
15074 symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
15075 overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
15076 searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
15079 @kindex show overload-resolution
15080 @item show overload-resolution
15081 Show the current setting of overload resolution.
15083 @item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
15084 You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
15085 the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
15086 @code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
15087 also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
15088 available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
15089 @xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
15092 @node Decimal Floating Point
15093 @subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
15094 @cindex decimal floating point format
15096 @value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
15097 decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
15098 @code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
15099 specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
15101 There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
15102 Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
15103 PowerPC and S/390. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the
15106 Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
15107 to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
15108 (using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
15110 In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
15111 point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
15112 underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
15114 In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
15115 to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers.
15116 See @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
15122 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in D and compiled with
15123 GDC, LDC or DMD compilers. Currently @value{GDBN} supports only one D
15124 specific feature --- dynamic arrays.
15129 @cindex Go (programming language)
15130 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Go and compiled with
15131 @file{gccgo} or @file{6g} compilers.
15133 Here is a summary of the Go-specific features and restrictions:
15136 @cindex current Go package
15137 @item The current Go package
15138 The name of the current package does not need to be specified when
15139 specifying global variables and functions.
15141 For example, given the program:
15145 var myglob = "Shall we?"
15151 When stopped inside @code{main} either of these work:
15155 (gdb) p main.myglob
15158 @cindex builtin Go types
15159 @item Builtin Go types
15160 The @code{string} type is recognized by @value{GDBN} and is printed
15163 @cindex builtin Go functions
15164 @item Builtin Go functions
15165 The @value{GDBN} expression parser recognizes the @code{unsafe.Sizeof}
15166 function and handles it internally.
15168 @cindex restrictions on Go expressions
15169 @item Restrictions on Go expressions
15170 All Go operators are supported except @code{&^}.
15171 The Go @code{_} ``blank identifier'' is not supported.
15172 Automatic dereferencing of pointers is not supported.
15176 @subsection Objective-C
15178 @cindex Objective-C
15179 This section provides information about some commands and command
15180 options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
15181 @ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
15182 few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
15185 * Method Names in Commands::
15186 * The Print Command with Objective-C::
15189 @node Method Names in Commands
15190 @subsubsection Method Names in Commands
15192 The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
15193 names as line specifications:
15195 @kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
15196 @kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
15197 @kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
15198 @kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
15199 @kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
15203 @item @code{info line}
15208 A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
15211 -[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
15214 where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
15215 plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
15216 name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
15217 brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
15218 source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
15219 instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
15223 break -[Fruit create]
15226 To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
15230 list +[NSText initialize]
15233 In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
15234 required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
15235 sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
15236 is also possible to specify just a method name:
15242 You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
15243 your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
15244 you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
15245 method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
15248 As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
15249 @code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
15252 clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
15255 @node The Print Command with Objective-C
15256 @subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
15257 @cindex Objective-C, print objects
15258 @kindex print-object
15259 @kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
15261 The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
15264 print -[@var{object} hash]
15267 @cindex print an Objective-C object description
15268 @cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
15270 will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
15271 and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
15272 @code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
15273 the description of an object. However, this command may only work
15274 with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
15275 function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
15278 @subsection OpenCL C
15281 This section provides information about @value{GDBN}s OpenCL C support.
15284 * OpenCL C Datatypes::
15285 * OpenCL C Expressions::
15286 * OpenCL C Operators::
15289 @node OpenCL C Datatypes
15290 @subsubsection OpenCL C Datatypes
15292 @cindex OpenCL C Datatypes
15293 @value{GDBN} supports the builtin scalar and vector datatypes specified
15294 by OpenCL 1.1. In addition the half- and double-precision floating point
15295 data types of the @code{cl_khr_fp16} and @code{cl_khr_fp64} OpenCL
15296 extensions are also known to @value{GDBN}.
15298 @node OpenCL C Expressions
15299 @subsubsection OpenCL C Expressions
15301 @cindex OpenCL C Expressions
15302 @value{GDBN} supports accesses to vector components including the access as
15303 lvalue where possible. Since OpenCL C is based on C99 most C expressions
15304 supported by @value{GDBN} can be used as well.
15306 @node OpenCL C Operators
15307 @subsubsection OpenCL C Operators
15309 @cindex OpenCL C Operators
15310 @value{GDBN} supports the operators specified by OpenCL 1.1 for scalar and
15314 @subsection Fortran
15315 @cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
15317 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
15318 currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
15320 @cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
15321 Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
15322 among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
15323 functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
15324 will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
15328 * Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
15329 * Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
15330 * Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
15333 @node Fortran Operators
15334 @subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
15336 @cindex Fortran operators and expressions
15338 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
15339 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
15340 arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
15344 The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
15348 The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
15349 represent a section of array.
15352 The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
15353 types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
15354 this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
15358 @node Fortran Defaults
15359 @subsubsection Fortran Defaults
15361 @cindex Fortran Defaults
15363 Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
15364 default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
15365 change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
15366 @ref{Symbols}, for the details.
15368 @node Special Fortran Commands
15369 @subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
15371 @cindex Special Fortran commands
15373 @value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
15374 such as displaying common blocks.
15377 @cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
15378 @kindex info common
15379 @item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
15380 This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
15381 block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
15382 all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
15389 @cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
15390 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
15391 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
15392 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
15395 The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
15396 controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
15397 @xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
15402 @value{GDBN} supports the @url{https://www.rust-lang.org/, Rust
15403 Programming Language}. Type- and value-printing, and expression
15404 parsing, are reasonably complete. However, there are a few
15405 peculiarities and holes to be aware of.
15409 Linespecs (@pxref{Specify Location}) are never relative to the current
15410 crate. Instead, they act as if there were a global namespace of
15411 crates, somewhat similar to the way @code{extern crate} behaves.
15413 That is, if @value{GDBN} is stopped at a breakpoint in a function in
15414 crate @samp{A}, module @samp{B}, then @code{break B::f} will attempt
15415 to set a breakpoint in a function named @samp{f} in a crate named
15418 As a consequence of this approach, linespecs also cannot refer to
15419 items using @samp{self::} or @samp{super::}.
15422 Because @value{GDBN} implements Rust name-lookup semantics in
15423 expressions, it will sometimes prepend the current crate to a name.
15424 For example, if @value{GDBN} is stopped at a breakpoint in the crate
15425 @samp{K}, then @code{print ::x::y} will try to find the symbol
15428 However, since it is useful to be able to refer to other crates when
15429 debugging, @value{GDBN} provides the @code{extern} extension to
15430 circumvent this. To use the extension, just put @code{extern} before
15431 a path expression to refer to the otherwise unavailable ``global''
15434 In the above example, if you wanted to refer to the symbol @samp{y} in
15435 the crate @samp{x}, you would use @code{print extern x::y}.
15438 The Rust expression evaluator does not support ``statement-like''
15439 expressions such as @code{if} or @code{match}, or lambda expressions.
15442 Tuple expressions are not implemented.
15445 The Rust expression evaluator does not currently implement the
15446 @code{Drop} trait. Objects that may be created by the evaluator will
15447 never be destroyed.
15450 @value{GDBN} does not implement type inference for generics. In order
15451 to call generic functions or otherwise refer to generic items, you
15452 will have to specify the type parameters manually.
15455 @value{GDBN} currently uses the C@t{++} demangler for Rust. In most
15456 cases this does not cause any problems. However, in an expression
15457 context, completing a generic function name will give syntactically
15458 invalid results. This happens because Rust requires the @samp{::}
15459 operator between the function name and its generic arguments. For
15460 example, @value{GDBN} might provide a completion like
15461 @code{crate::f<u32>}, where the parser would require
15462 @code{crate::f::<u32>}.
15465 As of this writing, the Rust compiler (version 1.8) has a few holes in
15466 the debugging information it generates. These holes prevent certain
15467 features from being implemented by @value{GDBN}:
15471 Method calls cannot be made via traits.
15474 Trait objects cannot be created or inspected.
15477 Operator overloading is not implemented.
15480 When debugging in a monomorphized function, you cannot use the generic
15484 The type @code{Self} is not available.
15487 @code{use} statements are not available, so some names may not be
15488 available in the crate.
15493 @subsection Modula-2
15495 @cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
15497 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
15498 output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
15499 developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
15500 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
15501 to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
15504 @cindex expressions in Modula-2
15506 * M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
15507 * Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
15508 * M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
15509 * M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
15510 * M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
15511 * Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
15512 * M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
15513 * M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
15514 * GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
15518 @subsubsection Operators
15519 @cindex Modula-2 operators
15521 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
15522 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
15523 often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
15524 following definitions hold:
15529 @emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
15533 @emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
15536 @emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
15539 @emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
15543 @emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
15546 @emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
15549 @emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
15553 The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
15554 increasing precedence:
15558 Function argument or array index separator.
15561 Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
15565 Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
15569 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
15570 on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
15571 set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
15573 @item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
15574 Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
15575 Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
15576 available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
15580 Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
15581 Same precedence as @code{<}.
15584 Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
15587 Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
15590 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
15593 Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
15594 and difference on set types.
15597 Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
15601 Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
15602 types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
15605 Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
15606 precedence as @code{*}.
15609 Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
15612 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
15615 Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
15619 @code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
15620 precedence as @code{^}.
15623 Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
15626 Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
15630 @value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
15634 @emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
15635 treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
15636 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
15637 @code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
15641 @node Built-In Func/Proc
15642 @subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
15643 @cindex Modula-2 built-ins
15645 Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
15646 In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
15651 represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
15654 represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
15657 represents a variable or constant of integral type.
15660 represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
15661 same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
15662 be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
15665 represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
15668 represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
15674 represents a variable.
15677 represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
15678 explanation of the function for details.
15681 All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
15685 Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
15688 If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
15689 equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
15692 Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
15695 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
15697 @item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
15698 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
15701 @item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
15702 Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
15705 @item FLOAT(@var{i})
15706 Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
15708 @item HIGH(@var{a})
15709 Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
15712 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
15714 @item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
15715 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
15718 @item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
15719 Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
15720 there. Returns the new set.
15723 Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
15726 Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
15729 Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
15732 Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
15733 value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting
15734 the @sc{ascii} character set). The argument @var{x} must be of an
15735 ordered type, which include integral, character and enumerated types.
15737 @item SIZE(@var{x})
15738 Returns the size of its argument. The argument @var{x} can be a
15739 variable or a type.
15741 @item TRUNC(@var{r})
15742 Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
15744 @item TSIZE(@var{x})
15745 Returns the size of its argument. The argument @var{x} can be a
15746 variable or a type.
15748 @item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
15749 Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
15753 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
15754 @value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
15758 @cindex Modula-2 constants
15760 @subsubsection Constants
15762 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
15768 Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
15769 expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
15770 rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
15771 trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
15774 Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
15775 decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
15776 then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
15777 @samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
15778 digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
15782 Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
15783 like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
15784 also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
15785 followed by a @samp{C}.
15788 String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
15789 pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
15790 Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
15791 Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
15795 Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
15798 Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
15802 Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
15805 Set constants are not yet supported.
15809 @subsubsection Modula-2 Types
15810 @cindex Modula-2 types
15812 Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
15813 syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
15814 types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
15815 print the contents of variables declared using these type.
15816 This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
15817 sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
15819 The first example contains the following section of code:
15828 and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
15829 @code{r} and @code{s}.
15832 (@value{GDBP}) print s
15834 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15836 (@value{GDBP}) print r
15838 (@value{GDBP}) ptype r
15843 Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
15847 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
15851 then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
15854 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15855 type = SET ['A'..'Z']
15859 Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
15860 expressions using the debugger.
15862 The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
15863 and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
15867 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
15871 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15872 ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
15875 Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
15876 is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
15877 arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
15880 Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
15884 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
15885 t = [blue..yellow] ;
15893 The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
15894 and value of a variable.
15897 (@value{GDBP}) print s
15899 (@value{GDBP}) ptype t
15900 type = [blue..yellow]
15904 In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
15905 displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
15906 their @code{C} counterparts.
15910 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
15916 (@value{GDBP}) print s
15917 $1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
15918 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15919 type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
15922 The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
15923 pointer types as shown in this example:
15927 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
15934 and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
15937 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15938 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
15941 @value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
15942 Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
15953 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
15954 myrange = [-2..2] ;
15956 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
15960 and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
15964 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
15965 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
15968 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
15973 @subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
15974 @cindex Modula-2 defaults
15976 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
15977 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
15978 Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
15979 selected the working language.
15981 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
15982 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
15983 working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
15984 Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
15987 @subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
15988 @cindex Modula-2, deviations from
15990 A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
15991 This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
15995 Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
15996 integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
15997 debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
15998 pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
15999 through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
16000 returned a pointer.)
16003 C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
16004 non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
16005 escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
16006 printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
16009 The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
16013 All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
16017 @subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
16018 @cindex Modula-2 checks
16021 @emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
16024 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
16026 @value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
16030 They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
16031 @var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
16034 They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
16035 @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
16038 As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
16039 whose types are not equivalent is an error.
16041 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
16042 index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
16045 @subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
16047 @cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
16048 @cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
16050 @vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
16051 @c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
16054 @vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
16057 There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
16058 (@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
16063 @var{module} . @var{id}
16064 @var{scope} :: @var{id}
16068 where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
16069 @var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
16070 identifier within your program, except another module.
16072 Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
16073 specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
16074 found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
16075 enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
16077 Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
16078 the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
16079 definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
16080 an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
16081 module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
16085 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
16087 Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
16088 Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
16089 specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
16090 @samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
16091 apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
16092 analogue in Modula-2.
16094 The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
16095 with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
16096 intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
16097 created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
16098 address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
16099 @samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
16101 @cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
16102 In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
16103 interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
16109 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
16110 output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
16111 Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
16112 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
16116 @cindex expressions in Ada
16118 * Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
16119 and semantics supported by Ada mode
16121 * Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
16122 * Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
16123 * Overloading support for Ada:: Support for expressions involving overloaded
16125 * Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
16126 * Ada Exceptions:: Ada Exceptions
16127 * Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
16128 * Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
16129 * Ravenscar Profile:: Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar
16131 * Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
16134 @node Ada Mode Intro
16135 @subsubsection Introduction
16136 @cindex Ada mode, general
16138 The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
16139 syntax, with some extensions.
16140 The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
16144 That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
16145 arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
16146 leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
16147 program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
16150 That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
16151 are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
16154 That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
16157 Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
16158 user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
16159 according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
16160 names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
16161 ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
16163 The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
16164 As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
16165 was translated from an Ada source file.
16167 While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
16168 mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
16169 (@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
16170 middle (to allow based literals).
16172 @node Omissions from Ada
16173 @subsubsection Omissions from Ada
16174 @cindex Ada, omissions from
16176 Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
16180 Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
16184 @t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
16185 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
16188 @t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
16191 @t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
16197 @t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
16198 operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
16201 @t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
16202 @t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
16210 @code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
16211 concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
16212 not currently available.
16215 Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
16216 equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
16217 for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
16218 They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
16219 types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
16220 (in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
16221 zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
16222 indeterminate values.
16225 The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
16226 @code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
16227 are not implemented.
16230 @cindex array aggregates (Ada)
16231 @cindex record aggregates (Ada)
16232 @cindex aggregates (Ada)
16233 There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
16234 permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
16237 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
16238 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
16239 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
16240 (@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
16241 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
16242 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
16246 discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
16247 undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
16248 However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
16249 them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
16250 aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
16251 declared to have a type such as:
16254 type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
16256 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
16260 you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
16264 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
16265 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
16268 As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
16269 rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
16270 components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
16271 component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
16272 original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
16273 indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
16274 redundant component associations, although which component values are
16275 assigned in such cases is not defined.
16278 Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
16281 The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
16282 than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
16283 which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
16284 looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
16285 function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
16286 the proper resolution.
16289 The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
16292 Entry calls are not implemented.
16295 Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
16296 formats are not supported.
16299 It is not possible to slice a packed array.
16302 The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
16303 are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
16305 Should your program
16306 redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
16307 you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
16310 @node Additions to Ada
16311 @subsubsection Additions to Ada
16312 @cindex Ada, deviations from
16314 As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
16315 extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
16319 If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
16320 a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
16321 then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
16322 @var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
16323 Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
16324 in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
16325 Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
16326 which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
16329 @code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
16330 appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
16331 you must typically surround it in single quotes.
16334 The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
16335 @var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
16338 A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
16339 (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
16342 In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
16343 additions specific to Ada:
16347 The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
16348 its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
16351 (@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
16352 (@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
16356 The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
16357 the value of its right-hand operand.
16358 This allows, for example,
16359 complex conditional breaks:
16362 (@value{GDBP}) break f
16363 (@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
16367 Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
16368 characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
16369 which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
16370 @samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
16371 (single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
16372 sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
16373 in strings. For example,
16375 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
16378 contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
16382 The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
16383 @t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
16387 (@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
16391 When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
16392 array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
16393 For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
16394 of 3 might print as
16401 That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
16405 You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
16406 multi-character subsequence of
16407 their names (an exact match gets preference).
16408 For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
16409 in place of @t{a'length}.
16412 @cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
16413 Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
16414 to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
16415 some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
16416 For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
16417 enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
16420 (@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
16424 Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
16425 access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
16426 specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
16427 selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
16432 @node Overloading support for Ada
16433 @subsubsection Overloading support for Ada
16434 @cindex overloading, Ada
16436 The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
16437 the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
16438 actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
16439 the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
16440 procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
16441 functions to procedures elsewhere.
16443 If, after narrowing, the set of matching definitions still contains more than
16444 one definition, @value{GDBN} will display a menu to query which one it should
16448 (@value{GDBP}) print f(1)
16449 Multiple matches for f
16451 [1] foo.f (integer) return boolean at foo.adb:23
16452 [2] foo.f (foo.new_integer) return boolean at foo.adb:28
16456 In this case, just select one menu entry either to cancel expression evaluation
16457 (type @kbd{0} and press @key{RET}) or to continue evaluation with a specific
16458 instance (type the corresponding number and press @key{RET}).
16460 Here are a couple of commands to customize @value{GDBN}'s behavior in this
16465 @kindex set ada print-signatures
16466 @item set ada print-signatures
16467 Control whether parameter types and return types are displayed in overloads
16468 selection menus. It is @code{on} by default.
16469 @xref{Overloading support for Ada}.
16471 @kindex show ada print-signatures
16472 @item show ada print-signatures
16473 Show the current setting for displaying parameter types and return types in
16474 overloads selection menu.
16475 @xref{Overloading support for Ada}.
16479 @node Stopping Before Main Program
16480 @subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
16482 @cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
16483 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
16484 before reaching the main procedure.
16485 As defined in the Ada Reference
16486 Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
16487 @code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
16488 elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
16489 @code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
16491 @node Ada Exceptions
16492 @subsubsection Ada Exceptions
16494 A command is provided to list all Ada exceptions:
16497 @kindex info exceptions
16498 @item info exceptions
16499 @itemx info exceptions @var{regexp}
16500 The @code{info exceptions} command allows you to list all Ada exceptions
16501 defined within the program being debugged, as well as their addresses.
16502 With a regular expression, @var{regexp}, as argument, only those exceptions
16503 whose names match @var{regexp} are listed.
16506 Below is a small example, showing how the command can be used, first
16507 without argument, and next with a regular expression passed as an
16511 (@value{GDBP}) info exceptions
16512 All defined Ada exceptions:
16513 constraint_error: 0x613da0
16514 program_error: 0x613d20
16515 storage_error: 0x613ce0
16516 tasking_error: 0x613ca0
16517 const.aint_global_e: 0x613b00
16518 (@value{GDBP}) info exceptions const.aint
16519 All Ada exceptions matching regular expression "const.aint":
16520 constraint_error: 0x613da0
16521 const.aint_global_e: 0x613b00
16524 It is also possible to ask @value{GDBN} to stop your program's execution
16525 when an exception is raised. For more details, see @ref{Set Catchpoints}.
16528 @subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
16529 @cindex Ada, tasking
16531 Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
16532 @value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
16537 This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
16544 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16545 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16546 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16547 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
16548 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
16549 * 4 80ae800 3 15 Runnable c
16554 In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
16555 task currently being inspected.
16559 Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
16565 The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
16568 The base priority of the task.
16571 Current state of the task.
16575 The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
16579 The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
16580 for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
16583 The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
16584 that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
16585 terminated themselves.
16587 @item Child Activation Wait
16588 The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
16590 @item Accept Statement
16591 The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
16593 @item Waiting on entry call
16594 The task is waiting on an entry call.
16596 @item Async Select Wait
16597 The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
16601 The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
16604 @item Child Termination Wait
16605 The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
16606 waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
16607 waiting on a terminate Phase.
16609 @item Wait Child in Term Alt
16610 The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
16611 finish terminating.
16613 @item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
16614 The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
16618 Name of the task in the program.
16622 @kindex info task @var{taskno}
16623 @item info task @var{taskno}
16624 This command shows detailled informations on the specified task, as in
16625 the following example:
16630 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16631 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16632 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16633 * 2 807c468 1 15 Runnable task_1
16634 (@value{GDBP}) info task 2
16635 Ada Task: 0x807c468
16638 Parent: 1 (main_task)
16644 @kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
16645 @cindex current Ada task ID
16646 This command prints the ID of the current task.
16652 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16653 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16654 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16655 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
16656 (@value{GDBP}) task
16657 [Current task is 2]
16660 @item task @var{taskno}
16661 @cindex Ada task switching
16662 This command is like the @code{thread @var{thread-id}}
16663 command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
16664 from the current task to the given task.
16670 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16671 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16672 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16673 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
16674 (@value{GDBP}) task 1
16675 [Switching to task 1]
16676 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
16678 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
16679 #1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
16680 #2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
16681 #3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
16682 #4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
16685 @item break @var{location} task @var{taskno}
16686 @itemx break @var{location} task @var{taskno} if @dots{}
16687 @cindex breakpoints and tasks, in Ada
16688 @cindex task breakpoints, in Ada
16689 @kindex break @dots{} task @var{taskno}@r{ (Ada)}
16690 These commands are like the @code{break @dots{} thread @dots{}}
16691 command (@pxref{Thread Stops}). The
16692 @var{location} argument specifies source lines, as described
16693 in @ref{Specify Location}.
16695 Use the qualifier @samp{task @var{taskno}} with a breakpoint command
16696 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
16697 particular Ada task reaches this breakpoint. The @var{taskno} is one of the
16698 numeric task identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
16699 column of the @samp{info tasks} display.
16701 If you do not specify @samp{task @var{taskno}} when you set a
16702 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} tasks of your
16705 You can use the @code{task} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
16706 well; in this case, place @samp{task @var{taskno}} before the
16707 breakpoint condition (before the @code{if}).
16715 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16716 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16717 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16718 2 140045060 1 15 Accept/Select Wait t2
16719 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
16720 * 4 140056040 1 15 Runnable t3
16721 (@value{GDBP}) b 15 task 2
16722 Breakpoint 5 at 0x120044cb0: file test_task_debug.adb, line 15.
16723 (@value{GDBP}) cont
16728 Breakpoint 5, test_task_debug () at test_task_debug.adb:15
16730 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
16731 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
16732 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
16733 * 2 140045060 1 15 Runnable t2
16734 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
16735 4 140056040 1 15 Delay Sleep t3
16739 @node Ada Tasks and Core Files
16740 @subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
16741 @cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
16743 When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
16744 tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
16745 the platform being used.
16746 For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
16747 switching is not supported.
16749 On certain platforms, the debugger needs to perform some
16750 memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
16751 a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
16752 privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
16753 Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
16754 file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
16756 @node Ravenscar Profile
16757 @subsubsection Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar Profile
16758 @cindex Ravenscar Profile
16760 The @dfn{Ravenscar Profile} is a subset of the Ada tasking features,
16761 specifically designed for systems with safety-critical real-time
16765 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching on
16766 @cindex task switching with program using Ravenscar Profile
16767 @item set ravenscar task-switching on
16768 Allows task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
16769 Profile. This is the default.
16771 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching off
16772 @item set ravenscar task-switching off
16773 Turn off task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
16774 Profile. This is mostly intended to disable the code that adds support
16775 for the Ravenscar Profile, in case a bug in either @value{GDBN} or in
16776 the Ravenscar runtime is preventing @value{GDBN} from working properly.
16777 To be effective, this command should be run before the program is started.
16779 @kindex show ravenscar task-switching
16780 @item show ravenscar task-switching
16781 Show whether it is possible to switch from task to task in a program
16782 using the Ravenscar Profile.
16787 @subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
16788 @cindex Ada, problems
16790 Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
16791 we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
16793 some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
16794 and the GNU Ada compiler.
16798 Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
16799 storage are invisible to the debugger.
16802 Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
16803 argument lists are treated as positional).
16806 Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
16809 Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
16810 floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
16814 The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
16815 the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
16816 this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
16817 look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
16818 symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
16819 defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
16820 local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
16821 GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
16822 you can usually resolve the confusion
16823 by qualifying the problematic names with package
16824 @code{Standard} explicitly.
16827 Older versions of the compiler sometimes generate erroneous debugging
16828 information, resulting in the debugger incorrectly printing the value
16829 of affected entities. In some cases, the debugger is able to work
16830 around an issue automatically. In other cases, the debugger is able
16831 to work around the issue, but the work-around has to be specifically
16834 @kindex set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
16835 @kindex show ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
16838 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS on
16839 Configure GDB to strictly follow the GNAT encoding when computing the
16840 value of Ada entities, particularly when @code{PAD} and @code{PAD___XVS}
16841 types are involved (see @code{ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources for
16842 a complete description of the encoding used by the GNAT compiler).
16843 This is the default.
16845 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS off
16846 This is related to the encoding using by the GNAT compiler. If @value{GDBN}
16847 sometimes prints the wrong value for certain entities, changing @code{ada
16848 trust-PAD-over-XVS} to @code{off} activates a work-around which may fix
16849 the issue. It is always safe to set @code{ada trust-PAD-over-XVS} to
16850 @code{off}, but this incurs a slight performance penalty, so it is
16851 recommended to leave this setting to @code{on} unless necessary.
16855 @cindex GNAT descriptive types
16856 @cindex GNAT encoding
16857 Internally, the debugger also relies on the compiler following a number
16858 of conventions known as the @samp{GNAT Encoding}, all documented in
16859 @file{gcc/ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources. This encoding describes
16860 how the debugging information should be generated for certain types.
16861 In particular, this convention makes use of @dfn{descriptive types},
16862 which are artificial types generated purely to help the debugger.
16864 These encodings were defined at a time when the debugging information
16865 format used was not powerful enough to describe some of the more complex
16866 types available in Ada. Since DWARF allows us to express nearly all
16867 Ada features, the long-term goal is to slowly replace these descriptive
16868 types by their pure DWARF equivalent. To facilitate that transition,
16869 a new maintenance option is available to force the debugger to ignore
16870 those descriptive types. It allows the user to quickly evaluate how
16871 well @value{GDBN} works without them.
16875 @kindex maint ada set ignore-descriptive-types
16876 @item maintenance ada set ignore-descriptive-types [on|off]
16877 Control whether the debugger should ignore descriptive types.
16878 The default is not to ignore descriptives types (@code{off}).
16880 @kindex maint ada show ignore-descriptive-types
16881 @item maintenance ada show ignore-descriptive-types
16882 Show if descriptive types are ignored by @value{GDBN}.
16886 @node Unsupported Languages
16887 @section Unsupported Languages
16889 @cindex unsupported languages
16890 @cindex minimal language
16891 In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
16892 @value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
16893 It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
16894 of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
16895 This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
16896 an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
16898 If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
16899 select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
16903 @chapter Examining the Symbol Table
16905 The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
16906 symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
16907 program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
16908 does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
16909 program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
16910 (@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
16911 file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
16913 @cindex symbol names
16914 @cindex names of symbols
16915 @cindex quoting names
16916 @anchor{quoting names}
16917 Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
16918 characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
16919 most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
16920 source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
16921 are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
16922 ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
16923 @samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
16924 @samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
16931 looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
16934 @cindex case-insensitive symbol names
16935 @cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
16936 @kindex set case-sensitive
16937 @item set case-sensitive on
16938 @itemx set case-sensitive off
16939 @itemx set case-sensitive auto
16940 Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
16941 with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
16942 Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
16943 case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
16944 case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
16945 you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
16946 suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
16947 matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
16948 case-insensitive matches.
16950 @kindex show case-sensitive
16951 @item show case-sensitive
16952 This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
16955 @kindex set print type methods
16956 @item set print type methods
16957 @itemx set print type methods on
16958 @itemx set print type methods off
16959 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any methods
16960 declared in that class. You can control this behavior either by
16961 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
16962 print type methods}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
16963 display the methods; this is the default. Specifying @code{off} will
16964 cause @value{GDBN} to omit the methods.
16966 @kindex show print type methods
16967 @item show print type methods
16968 This command shows the current setting of method display when printing
16971 @kindex set print type typedefs
16972 @item set print type typedefs
16973 @itemx set print type typedefs on
16974 @itemx set print type typedefs off
16976 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any typedefs
16977 defined in that class. You can control this behavior either by
16978 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
16979 print type typedefs}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
16980 display the typedef definitions; this is the default. Specifying
16981 @code{off} will cause @value{GDBN} to omit the typedef definitions.
16982 Note that this controls whether the typedef definition itself is
16983 printed, not whether typedef names are substituted when printing other
16986 @kindex show print type typedefs
16987 @item show print type typedefs
16988 This command shows the current setting of typedef display when
16991 @kindex info address
16992 @cindex address of a symbol
16993 @item info address @var{symbol}
16994 Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
16995 variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
16996 local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
16999 Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
17000 at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
17001 the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
17003 @kindex info symbol
17004 @cindex symbol from address
17005 @cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
17006 @item info symbol @var{addr}
17007 Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
17008 If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
17009 nearest symbol and an offset from it:
17012 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
17013 _initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
17017 This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
17018 it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
17020 For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
17021 library containing the symbol is also printed:
17024 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
17025 _start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
17026 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
17027 __read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
17032 @item demangle @r{[}-l @var{language}@r{]} @r{[}@var{--}@r{]} @var{name}
17033 Demangle @var{name}.
17034 If @var{language} is provided it is the name of the language to demangle
17035 @var{name} in. Otherwise @var{name} is demangled in the current language.
17037 The @samp{--} option specifies the end of options,
17038 and is useful when @var{name} begins with a dash.
17040 The parameter @code{demangle-style} specifies how to interpret the kind
17041 of mangling used. @xref{Print Settings}.
17044 @item whatis[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
17045 Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression
17046 or a name of a data type. With no argument, print the data type of
17047 @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
17049 If @var{arg} is an expression (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), it
17050 is not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
17051 assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place.
17053 If @var{arg} is a variable or an expression, @code{whatis} prints its
17054 literal type as it is used in the source code. If the type was
17055 defined using a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will @emph{not} print
17056 the data type underlying the @code{typedef}. If the type of the
17057 variable or the expression is a compound data type, such as
17058 @code{struct} or @code{class}, @code{whatis} never prints their
17059 fields or methods. It just prints the @code{struct}/@code{class}
17060 name (a.k.a.@: its @dfn{tag}). If you want to see the members of
17061 such a compound data type, use @code{ptype}.
17063 If @var{arg} is a type name that was defined using @code{typedef},
17064 @code{whatis} @dfn{unrolls} only one level of that @code{typedef}.
17065 Unrolling means that @code{whatis} will show the underlying type used
17066 in the @code{typedef} declaration of @var{arg}. However, if that
17067 underlying type is also a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will not
17070 For C code, the type names may also have the form @samp{class
17071 @var{class-name}}, @samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union
17072 @var{union-tag}} or @samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
17074 @var{flags} can be used to modify how the type is displayed.
17075 Available flags are:
17079 Display in ``raw'' form. Normally, @value{GDBN} substitutes template
17080 parameters and typedefs defined in a class when printing the class'
17081 members. The @code{/r} flag disables this.
17084 Do not print methods defined in the class.
17087 Print methods defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
17088 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type methods}.
17091 Do not print typedefs defined in the class. Note that this controls
17092 whether the typedef definition itself is printed, not whether typedef
17093 names are substituted when printing other types.
17096 Print typedefs defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
17097 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type typedefs}.
17101 @item ptype[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
17102 @code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
17103 detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
17104 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
17106 Contrary to @code{whatis}, @code{ptype} always unrolls any
17107 @code{typedef}s in its argument declaration, whether the argument is
17108 a variable, expression, or a data type. This means that @code{ptype}
17109 of a variable or an expression will not print literally its type as
17110 present in the source code---use @code{whatis} for that. @code{typedef}s at
17111 the pointer or reference targets are also unrolled. Only @code{typedef}s of
17112 fields, methods and inner @code{class typedef}s of @code{struct}s,
17113 @code{class}es and @code{union}s are not unrolled even with @code{ptype}.
17115 For example, for this variable declaration:
17118 typedef double real_t;
17119 struct complex @{ real_t real; double imag; @};
17120 typedef struct complex complex_t;
17122 real_t *real_pointer_var;
17126 the two commands give this output:
17130 (@value{GDBP}) whatis var
17132 (@value{GDBP}) ptype var
17133 type = struct complex @{
17137 (@value{GDBP}) whatis complex_t
17138 type = struct complex
17139 (@value{GDBP}) whatis struct complex
17140 type = struct complex
17141 (@value{GDBP}) ptype struct complex
17142 type = struct complex @{
17146 (@value{GDBP}) whatis real_pointer_var
17148 (@value{GDBP}) ptype real_pointer_var
17154 As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
17155 the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
17157 @cindex incomplete type
17158 Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
17159 of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
17160 program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
17161 the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
17162 given these declarations:
17166 struct foo *fooptr;
17170 but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
17173 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
17174 $1 = <incomplete type>
17178 ``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
17179 completely specified.
17181 @cindex unknown type
17182 Othertimes, information about a variable's type is completely absent
17183 from the debug information included in the program. This most often
17184 happens when the program or library where the variable is defined
17185 includes no debug information at all. @value{GDBN} knows the variable
17186 exists from inspecting the linker/loader symbol table (e.g., the ELF
17187 dynamic symbol table), but such symbols do not contain type
17188 information. Inspecting the type of a (global) variable for which
17189 @value{GDBN} has no type information shows:
17192 (@value{GDBP}) ptype var
17193 type = <data variable, no debug info>
17196 @xref{Variables, no debug info variables}, for how to print the values
17200 @item info types @var{regexp}
17202 Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
17203 expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
17204 no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
17205 complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
17206 types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
17207 @samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
17208 name is @code{value}.
17210 This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
17211 @code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
17212 lists all source files where a type is defined.
17214 @kindex info type-printers
17215 @item info type-printers
17216 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled may
17217 have ``type printers'' available. When using @command{ptype} or
17218 @command{whatis}, these printers are consulted when the name of a type
17219 is needed. @xref{Type Printing API}, for more information on writing
17222 @code{info type-printers} displays all the available type printers.
17224 @kindex enable type-printer
17225 @kindex disable type-printer
17226 @item enable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
17227 @item disable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
17228 These commands can be used to enable or disable type printers.
17231 @cindex local variables
17232 @item info scope @var{location}
17233 List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
17234 accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
17235 an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
17236 to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
17237 details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
17240 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
17241 Scope for command_line_handler:
17242 Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
17243 Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
17244 Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
17245 Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
17246 Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
17247 Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
17248 Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
17252 This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
17253 during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
17256 @kindex info source
17258 Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
17259 the function containing the current point of execution:
17262 the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
17264 the directory it was compiled in,
17266 its length, in lines,
17268 which programming language it is written in,
17270 if the debug information provides it, the program that compiled the file
17271 (which may include, e.g., the compiler version and command line arguments),
17273 whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
17274 if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
17276 whether the debugging information includes information about
17277 preprocessor macros.
17281 @kindex info sources
17283 Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
17284 debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
17285 have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
17287 @kindex info functions
17288 @item info functions
17289 Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
17291 @item info functions @var{regexp}
17292 Print the names and data types of all defined functions
17293 whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
17294 Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
17295 include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
17296 start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters
17297 that conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
17298 @samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
17300 @kindex info variables
17301 @item info variables
17302 Print the names and data types of all variables that are defined
17303 outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
17305 @item info variables @var{regexp}
17306 Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
17307 variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
17310 @kindex info classes
17311 @cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
17313 @itemx info classes @var{regexp}
17314 Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
17315 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
17318 @kindex info selectors
17319 @item info selectors
17320 @itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
17321 Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
17322 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
17326 This was never implemented.
17327 @kindex info methods
17329 @itemx info methods @var{regexp}
17330 The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
17331 methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
17332 specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
17333 C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
17334 from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
17335 @code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
17336 which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
17339 @cindex opaque data types
17340 @kindex set opaque-type-resolution
17341 @item set opaque-type-resolution on
17342 Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
17343 declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
17344 @code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
17345 source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
17346 another source file. The default is on.
17348 A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
17349 the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
17351 @item set opaque-type-resolution off
17352 Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
17353 is printed as follows:
17355 @{<no data fields>@}
17358 @kindex show opaque-type-resolution
17359 @item show opaque-type-resolution
17360 Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
17362 @kindex set print symbol-loading
17363 @cindex print messages when symbols are loaded
17364 @item set print symbol-loading
17365 @itemx set print symbol-loading full
17366 @itemx set print symbol-loading brief
17367 @itemx set print symbol-loading off
17368 The @code{set print symbol-loading} command allows you to control the
17369 printing of messages when @value{GDBN} loads symbol information.
17370 By default a message is printed for the executable and one for each
17371 shared library, and normally this is what you want. However, when
17372 debugging apps with large numbers of shared libraries these messages
17374 When set to @code{brief} a message is printed for each executable,
17375 and when @value{GDBN} loads a collection of shared libraries at once
17376 it will only print one message regardless of the number of shared
17377 libraries. When set to @code{off} no messages are printed.
17379 @kindex show print symbol-loading
17380 @item show print symbol-loading
17381 Show whether messages will be printed when a @value{GDBN} command
17382 entered from the keyboard causes symbol information to be loaded.
17384 @kindex maint print symbols
17385 @cindex symbol dump
17386 @kindex maint print psymbols
17387 @cindex partial symbol dump
17388 @kindex maint print msymbols
17389 @cindex minimal symbol dump
17390 @item maint print symbols @r{[}-pc @var{address}@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
17391 @itemx maint print symbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}-source @var{source}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
17392 @itemx maint print psymbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}-pc @var{address}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
17393 @itemx maint print psymbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}-source @var{source}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
17394 @itemx maint print msymbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
17395 Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename} or
17396 the terminal if @var{filename} is unspecified.
17397 If @code{-objfile @var{objfile}} is specified, only dump symbols for
17399 If @code{-pc @var{address}} is specified, only dump symbols for the file
17400 with code at that address. Note that @var{address} may be a symbol like
17402 If @code{-source @var{source}} is specified, only dump symbols for that
17405 These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code.
17406 These commands do not modify internal @value{GDBN} state, therefore
17407 @samp{maint print symbols} will only print symbols for already expanded symbol
17409 You can use the command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are.
17410 If you use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information
17411 about symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols
17412 defined in files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely.
17413 Finally, @samp{maint print msymbols} just dumps ``minimal symbols'', e.g.,
17416 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
17417 @value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
17419 @kindex maint info symtabs
17420 @kindex maint info psymtabs
17421 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
17422 @cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
17423 @cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
17424 @cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
17425 @item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
17426 @itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
17428 List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
17429 structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
17430 given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
17431 copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
17432 structure in more detail. For example:
17435 (@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
17436 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
17437 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
17438 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
17439 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
17442 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
17443 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
17444 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
17445 dependencies (none)
17448 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
17452 We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
17453 the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
17454 and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
17455 If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
17456 read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
17459 (@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
17460 Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
17462 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
17463 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
17464 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
17465 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
17466 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
17469 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
17470 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
17471 debugformat DWARF 2
17477 @kindex maint info line-table
17478 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal line tables
17479 @cindex line tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
17480 @item maint info line-table @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
17482 List the @code{struct linetable} from all @code{struct symtab}
17483 instances whose name matches @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
17484 given, list the @code{struct linetable} from all @code{struct symtab}.
17486 @kindex maint set symbol-cache-size
17487 @cindex symbol cache size
17488 @item maint set symbol-cache-size @var{size}
17489 Set the size of the symbol cache to @var{size}.
17490 The default size is intended to be good enough for debugging
17491 most applications. This option exists to allow for experimenting
17492 with different sizes.
17494 @kindex maint show symbol-cache-size
17495 @item maint show symbol-cache-size
17496 Show the size of the symbol cache.
17498 @kindex maint print symbol-cache
17499 @cindex symbol cache, printing its contents
17500 @item maint print symbol-cache
17501 Print the contents of the symbol cache.
17502 This is useful when debugging symbol cache issues.
17504 @kindex maint print symbol-cache-statistics
17505 @cindex symbol cache, printing usage statistics
17506 @item maint print symbol-cache-statistics
17507 Print symbol cache usage statistics.
17508 This helps determine how well the cache is being utilized.
17510 @kindex maint flush-symbol-cache
17511 @cindex symbol cache, flushing
17512 @item maint flush-symbol-cache
17513 Flush the contents of the symbol cache, all entries are removed.
17514 This command is useful when debugging the symbol cache.
17515 It is also useful when collecting performance data.
17520 @chapter Altering Execution
17522 Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
17523 find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
17524 correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
17525 experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
17528 For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
17529 locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
17530 address, or even return prematurely from a function.
17533 * Assignment:: Assignment to variables
17534 * Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
17535 * Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
17536 * Returning:: Returning from a function
17537 * Calling:: Calling your program's functions
17538 * Patching:: Patching your program
17539 * Compiling and Injecting Code:: Compiling and injecting code in @value{GDBN}
17543 @section Assignment to Variables
17546 @cindex setting variables
17547 To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
17548 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
17555 stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
17556 value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
17557 @xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
17558 information on operators in supported languages.
17560 @kindex set variable
17561 @cindex variables, setting
17562 If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
17563 @code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
17564 really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
17565 not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
17566 ,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
17568 If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
17569 appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
17570 variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
17571 to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
17572 program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
17573 a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
17574 command @code{set width}:
17577 (@value{GDBP}) whatis width
17579 (@value{GDBP}) p width
17581 (@value{GDBP}) set width=47
17582 Invalid syntax in expression.
17586 The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
17587 order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
17590 (@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
17593 Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
17594 with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
17595 @code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
17596 your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
17597 to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
17598 the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
17602 (@value{GDBP}) whatis g
17606 (@value{GDBP}) set g=4
17610 The program being debugged has been started already.
17611 Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
17612 Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
17613 "/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
17614 Invalid bfd target.
17615 (@value{GDBP}) show g
17616 The current BFD target is "=4".
17621 The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
17622 @code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
17626 (@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
17629 @value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
17630 freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
17631 and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
17632 same length or shorter.
17633 @comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
17636 To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
17637 construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
17638 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
17639 to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
17640 and representation in memory), and
17643 set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
17647 stores the value 4 into that memory location.
17650 @section Continuing at a Different Address
17652 Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
17653 it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
17654 an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
17658 @kindex j @r{(@code{jump})}
17659 @item jump @var{location}
17660 @itemx j @var{location}
17661 Resume execution at @var{location}. Execution stops again immediately
17662 if there is a breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description
17663 of the different forms of @var{location}. It is common
17664 practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
17665 @code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
17667 The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
17668 the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
17669 register other than the program counter. If @var{location} is in
17670 a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
17671 be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
17672 of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
17673 confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
17674 executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
17675 well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
17678 On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
17679 command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
17680 difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
17681 changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
17689 makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
17690 address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
17691 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
17693 The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
17694 up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
17695 that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
17700 @section Giving your Program a Signal
17701 @cindex deliver a signal to a program
17705 @item signal @var{signal}
17706 Resume execution where your program is stopped, but immediately give it the
17707 signal @var{signal}. The @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
17708 signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
17709 SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
17711 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
17712 giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
17713 a signal and would ordinarily see the signal when resumed with the
17714 @code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
17717 @emph{Note:} When resuming a multi-threaded program, @var{signal} is
17718 delivered to the currently selected thread, not the thread that last
17719 reported a stop. This includes the situation where a thread was
17720 stopped due to a signal. So if you want to continue execution
17721 suppressing the signal that stopped a thread, you should select that
17722 same thread before issuing the @samp{signal 0} command. If you issue
17723 the @samp{signal 0} command with another thread as the selected one,
17724 @value{GDBN} detects that and asks for confirmation.
17726 Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
17727 @code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
17728 causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
17729 the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
17730 passes the signal directly to your program.
17732 @code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
17733 after executing the command.
17735 @kindex queue-signal
17736 @item queue-signal @var{signal}
17737 Queue @var{signal} to be delivered immediately to the current thread
17738 when execution of the thread resumes. The @var{signal} can be the name or
17739 the number of a signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and
17740 @code{signal SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
17741 The handling of the signal must be set to pass the signal to the program,
17742 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error.
17743 You can control the handling of signals from @value{GDBN} with the
17744 @code{handle} command (@pxref{Signals}).
17746 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, any currently queued signal
17747 for the current thread is discarded and when execution resumes no signal
17748 will be delivered. This is useful when your program stopped on account
17749 of a signal and would ordinarily see the signal when resumed with the
17750 @code{continue} command.
17752 This command differs from the @code{signal} command in that the signal
17753 is just queued, execution is not resumed. And @code{queue-signal} cannot
17754 be used to pass a signal whose handling state has been set to @code{nopass}
17759 @xref{stepping into signal handlers}, for information on how stepping
17760 commands behave when the thread has a signal queued.
17763 @section Returning from a Function
17766 @cindex returning from a function
17769 @itemx return @var{expression}
17770 You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
17771 command. If you give an
17772 @var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
17776 When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
17777 (and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
17778 discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
17779 be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
17781 This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
17782 Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
17783 innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
17784 specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
17787 The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
17788 program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
17789 returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
17790 and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
17791 selected stack frame returns naturally.
17793 @value{GDBN} needs to know how the @var{expression} argument should be set for
17794 the inferior. The concrete registers assignment depends on the OS ABI and the
17795 type being returned by the selected stack frame. For example it is common for
17796 OS ABI to return floating point values in FPU registers while integer values in
17797 CPU registers. Still some ABIs return even floating point values in CPU
17798 registers. Larger integer widths (such as @code{long long int}) also have
17799 specific placement rules. @value{GDBN} already knows the OS ABI from its
17800 current target so it needs to find out also the type being returned to make the
17801 assignment into the right register(s).
17803 Normally, the selected stack frame has debug info. @value{GDBN} will always
17804 use the debug info instead of the implicit type of @var{expression} when the
17805 debug info is available. For example, if you type @kbd{return -1}, and the
17806 function in the current stack frame is declared to return a @code{long long
17807 int}, @value{GDBN} transparently converts the implicit @code{int} value of -1
17808 into a @code{long long int}:
17811 Breakpoint 1, func () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:29
17813 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
17814 Make func return now? (y or n) y
17815 #0 0x004004f6 in main () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:43
17816 43 printf ("result=%lld\n", func ());
17820 However, if the selected stack frame does not have a debug info, e.g., if the
17821 function was compiled without debug info, @value{GDBN} has to find out the type
17822 to return from user. Specifying a different type by mistake may set the value
17823 in different inferior registers than the caller code expects. For example,
17824 typing @kbd{return -1} with its implicit type @code{int} would set only a part
17825 of a @code{long long int} result for a debug info less function (on 32-bit
17826 architectures). Therefore the user is required to specify the return type by
17827 an appropriate cast explicitly:
17830 Breakpoint 2, 0x0040050b in func ()
17831 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
17832 Return value type not available for selected stack frame.
17833 Please use an explicit cast of the value to return.
17834 (@value{GDBP}) return (long long int) -1
17835 Make selected stack frame return now? (y or n) y
17836 #0 0x00400526 in main ()
17841 @section Calling Program Functions
17844 @cindex calling functions
17845 @cindex inferior functions, calling
17846 @item print @var{expr}
17847 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
17848 The expression may include calls to functions in the program being
17852 @item call @var{expr}
17853 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
17856 You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
17857 execute a function from your program that does not return anything
17858 (a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
17859 with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
17860 print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
17864 It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
17865 @code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
17866 the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
17867 in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
17869 Similarly, with a C@t{++} program it is possible for the function you
17870 call via the @code{print} or @code{call} command to generate an
17871 exception that is not handled due to the constraints of the dummy
17872 frame. In this case, any exception that is raised in the frame, but has
17873 an out-of-frame exception handler will not be found. GDB builds a
17874 dummy-frame for the inferior function call, and the unwinder cannot
17875 seek for exception handlers outside of this dummy-frame. What happens
17876 in that case is controlled by the
17877 @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception} command.
17880 @item set unwindonsignal
17881 @kindex set unwindonsignal
17882 @cindex unwind stack in called functions
17883 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding
17884 Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
17885 that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
17886 @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
17887 the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
17888 default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
17891 @item show unwindonsignal
17892 @kindex show unwindonsignal
17893 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
17896 @item set unwind-on-terminating-exception
17897 @kindex set unwind-on-terminating-exception
17898 @cindex unwind stack in called functions with unhandled exceptions
17899 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding on unhandled exception.
17900 Set unwinding of the stack if a C@t{++} exception is raised, but left
17901 unhandled while in a function that @value{GDBN} called in the program being
17902 debugged. If set to on (the default), @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack
17903 it created for the call and restores the context to what it was before
17904 the call. If set to off, @value{GDBN} the exception is delivered to
17905 the default C@t{++} exception handler and the inferior terminated.
17907 @item show unwind-on-terminating-exception
17908 @kindex show unwind-on-terminating-exception
17909 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
17914 @subsection Calling functions with no debug info
17916 @cindex no debug info functions
17917 Sometimes, a function you wish to call is missing debug information.
17918 In such case, @value{GDBN} does not know the type of the function,
17919 including the types of the function's parameters. To avoid calling
17920 the inferior function incorrectly, which could result in the called
17921 function functioning erroneously and even crash, @value{GDBN} refuses
17922 to call the function unless you tell it the type of the function.
17924 For prototyped (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) functions, there are two ways
17925 to do that. The simplest is to cast the call to the function's
17926 declared return type. For example:
17929 (@value{GDBP}) p getenv ("PATH")
17930 'getenv' has unknown return type; cast the call to its declared return type
17931 (@value{GDBP}) p (char *) getenv ("PATH")
17932 $1 = 0x7fffffffe7ba "/usr/local/bin:/"...
17935 Casting the return type of a no-debug function is equivalent to
17936 casting the function to a pointer to a prototyped function that has a
17937 prototype that matches the types of the passed-in arguments, and
17938 calling that. I.e., the call above is equivalent to:
17941 (@value{GDBP}) p ((char * (*) (const char *)) getenv) ("PATH")
17945 and given this prototyped C or C++ function with float parameters:
17948 float multiply (float v1, float v2) @{ return v1 * v2; @}
17952 these calls are equivalent:
17955 (@value{GDBP}) p (float) multiply (2.0f, 3.0f)
17956 (@value{GDBP}) p ((float (*) (float, float)) multiply) (2.0f, 3.0f)
17959 If the function you wish to call is declared as unprototyped (i.e.@:
17960 old K&R style), you must use the cast-to-function-pointer syntax, so
17961 that @value{GDBN} knows that it needs to apply default argument
17962 promotions (promote float arguments to double). @xref{ABI, float
17963 promotion}. For example, given this unprototyped C function with
17964 float parameters, and no debug info:
17968 multiply_noproto (v1, v2)
17976 you call it like this:
17979 (@value{GDBP}) p ((float (*) ()) multiply_noproto) (2.0f, 3.0f)
17983 @section Patching Programs
17985 @cindex patching binaries
17986 @cindex writing into executables
17987 @cindex writing into corefiles
17989 By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
17990 executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
17991 alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
17992 patching your program's binary.
17994 If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
17995 explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
17996 want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
18002 @itemx set write off
18003 If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
18004 core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
18005 off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
18007 If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
18008 @code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
18009 write}, for your new setting to take effect.
18013 Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
18014 as well as reading.
18017 @node Compiling and Injecting Code
18018 @section Compiling and injecting code in @value{GDBN}
18019 @cindex injecting code
18020 @cindex writing into executables
18021 @cindex compiling code
18023 @value{GDBN} supports on-demand compilation and code injection into
18024 programs running under @value{GDBN}. GCC 5.0 or higher built with
18025 @file{libcc1.so} must be installed for this functionality to be enabled.
18026 This functionality is implemented with the following commands.
18029 @kindex compile code
18030 @item compile code @var{source-code}
18031 @itemx compile code -raw @var{--} @var{source-code}
18032 Compile @var{source-code} with the compiler language found as the current
18033 language in @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Languages}). If compilation and
18034 injection is not supported with the current language specified in
18035 @value{GDBN}, or the compiler does not support this feature, an error
18036 message will be printed. If @var{source-code} compiles and links
18037 successfully, @value{GDBN} will load the object-code emitted,
18038 and execute it within the context of the currently selected inferior.
18039 It is important to note that the compiled code is executed immediately.
18040 After execution, the compiled code is removed from @value{GDBN} and any
18041 new types or variables you have defined will be deleted.
18043 The command allows you to specify @var{source-code} in two ways.
18044 The simplest method is to provide a single line of code to the command.
18048 compile code printf ("hello world\n");
18051 If you specify options on the command line as well as source code, they
18052 may conflict. The @samp{--} delimiter can be used to separate options
18053 from actual source code. E.g.:
18056 compile code -r -- printf ("hello world\n");
18059 Alternatively you can enter source code as multiple lines of text. To
18060 enter this mode, invoke the @samp{compile code} command without any text
18061 following the command. This will start the multiple-line editor and
18062 allow you to type as many lines of source code as required. When you
18063 have completed typing, enter @samp{end} on its own line to exit the
18068 >printf ("hello\n");
18069 >printf ("world\n");
18073 Specifying @samp{-raw}, prohibits @value{GDBN} from wrapping the
18074 provided @var{source-code} in a callable scope. In this case, you must
18075 specify the entry point of the code by defining a function named
18076 @code{_gdb_expr_}. The @samp{-raw} code cannot access variables of the
18077 inferior. Using @samp{-raw} option may be needed for example when
18078 @var{source-code} requires @samp{#include} lines which may conflict with
18079 inferior symbols otherwise.
18081 @kindex compile file
18082 @item compile file @var{filename}
18083 @itemx compile file -raw @var{filename}
18084 Like @code{compile code}, but take the source code from @var{filename}.
18087 compile file /home/user/example.c
18092 @item compile print @var{expr}
18093 @itemx compile print /@var{f} @var{expr}
18094 Compile and execute @var{expr} with the compiler language found as the
18095 current language in @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Languages}). By default the
18096 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
18097 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
18098 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
18101 @item compile print
18102 @itemx compile print /@var{f}
18103 @cindex reprint the last value
18104 Alternatively you can enter the expression (source code producing it) as
18105 multiple lines of text. To enter this mode, invoke the @samp{compile print}
18106 command without any text following the command. This will start the
18107 multiple-line editor.
18111 The process of compiling and injecting the code can be inspected using:
18114 @anchor{set debug compile}
18115 @item set debug compile
18116 @cindex compile command debugging info
18117 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} process of compiling and
18118 injecting the code. The default is off.
18120 @item show debug compile
18121 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} process of
18122 compiling and injecting the code.
18125 @subsection Compilation options for the @code{compile} command
18127 @value{GDBN} needs to specify the right compilation options for the code
18128 to be injected, in part to make its ABI compatible with the inferior
18129 and in part to make the injected code compatible with @value{GDBN}'s
18133 The options used, in increasing precedence:
18136 @item target architecture and OS options (@code{gdbarch})
18137 These options depend on target processor type and target operating
18138 system, usually they specify at least 32-bit (@code{-m32}) or 64-bit
18139 (@code{-m64}) compilation option.
18141 @item compilation options recorded in the target
18142 @value{NGCC} (since version 4.7) stores the options used for compilation
18143 into @code{DW_AT_producer} part of DWARF debugging information according
18144 to the @value{NGCC} option @code{-grecord-gcc-switches}. One has to
18145 explicitly specify @code{-g} during inferior compilation otherwise
18146 @value{NGCC} produces no DWARF. This feature is only relevant for
18147 platforms where @code{-g} produces DWARF by default, otherwise one may
18148 try to enforce DWARF by using @code{-gdwarf-4}.
18150 @item compilation options set by @code{set compile-args}
18154 You can override compilation options using the following command:
18157 @item set compile-args
18158 @cindex compile command options override
18159 Set compilation options used for compiling and injecting code with the
18160 @code{compile} commands. These options override any conflicting ones
18161 from the target architecture and/or options stored during inferior
18164 @item show compile-args
18165 Displays the current state of compilation options override.
18166 This does not show all the options actually used during compilation,
18167 use @ref{set debug compile} for that.
18170 @subsection Caveats when using the @code{compile} command
18172 There are a few caveats to keep in mind when using the @code{compile}
18173 command. As the caveats are different per language, the table below
18174 highlights specific issues on a per language basis.
18177 @item C code examples and caveats
18178 When the language in @value{GDBN} is set to @samp{C}, the compiler will
18179 attempt to compile the source code with a @samp{C} compiler. The source
18180 code provided to the @code{compile} command will have much the same
18181 access to variables and types as it normally would if it were part of
18182 the program currently being debugged in @value{GDBN}.
18184 Below is a sample program that forms the basis of the examples that
18185 follow. This program has been compiled and loaded into @value{GDBN},
18186 much like any other normal debugging session.
18189 void function1 (void)
18192 printf ("function 1\n");
18195 void function2 (void)
18210 For the purposes of the examples in this section, the program above has
18211 been compiled, loaded into @value{GDBN}, stopped at the function
18212 @code{main}, and @value{GDBN} is awaiting input from the user.
18214 To access variables and types for any program in @value{GDBN}, the
18215 program must be compiled and packaged with debug information. The
18216 @code{compile} command is not an exception to this rule. Without debug
18217 information, you can still use the @code{compile} command, but you will
18218 be very limited in what variables and types you can access.
18220 So with that in mind, the example above has been compiled with debug
18221 information enabled. The @code{compile} command will have access to
18222 all variables and types (except those that may have been optimized
18223 out). Currently, as @value{GDBN} has stopped the program in the
18224 @code{main} function, the @code{compile} command would have access to
18225 the variable @code{k}. You could invoke the @code{compile} command
18226 and type some source code to set the value of @code{k}. You can also
18227 read it, or do anything with that variable you would normally do in
18228 @code{C}. Be aware that changes to inferior variables in the
18229 @code{compile} command are persistent. In the following example:
18232 compile code k = 3;
18236 the variable @code{k} is now 3. It will retain that value until
18237 something else in the example program changes it, or another
18238 @code{compile} command changes it.
18240 Normal scope and access rules apply to source code compiled and
18241 injected by the @code{compile} command. In the example, the variables
18242 @code{j} and @code{k} are not accessible yet, because the program is
18243 currently stopped in the @code{main} function, where these variables
18244 are not in scope. Therefore, the following command
18247 compile code j = 3;
18251 will result in a compilation error message.
18253 Once the program is continued, execution will bring these variables in
18254 scope, and they will become accessible; then the code you specify via
18255 the @code{compile} command will be able to access them.
18257 You can create variables and types with the @code{compile} command as
18258 part of your source code. Variables and types that are created as part
18259 of the @code{compile} command are not visible to the rest of the program for
18260 the duration of its run. This example is valid:
18263 compile code int ff = 5; printf ("ff is %d\n", ff);
18266 However, if you were to type the following into @value{GDBN} after that
18267 command has completed:
18270 compile code printf ("ff is %d\n'', ff);
18274 a compiler error would be raised as the variable @code{ff} no longer
18275 exists. Object code generated and injected by the @code{compile}
18276 command is removed when its execution ends. Caution is advised
18277 when assigning to program variables values of variables created by the
18278 code submitted to the @code{compile} command. This example is valid:
18281 compile code int ff = 5; k = ff;
18284 The value of the variable @code{ff} is assigned to @code{k}. The variable
18285 @code{k} does not require the existence of @code{ff} to maintain the value
18286 it has been assigned. However, pointers require particular care in
18287 assignment. If the source code compiled with the @code{compile} command
18288 changed the address of a pointer in the example program, perhaps to a
18289 variable created in the @code{compile} command, that pointer would point
18290 to an invalid location when the command exits. The following example
18291 would likely cause issues with your debugged program:
18294 compile code int ff = 5; p = &ff;
18297 In this example, @code{p} would point to @code{ff} when the
18298 @code{compile} command is executing the source code provided to it.
18299 However, as variables in the (example) program persist with their
18300 assigned values, the variable @code{p} would point to an invalid
18301 location when the command exists. A general rule should be followed
18302 in that you should either assign @code{NULL} to any assigned pointers,
18303 or restore a valid location to the pointer before the command exits.
18305 Similar caution must be exercised with any structs, unions, and typedefs
18306 defined in @code{compile} command. Types defined in the @code{compile}
18307 command will no longer be available in the next @code{compile} command.
18308 Therefore, if you cast a variable to a type defined in the
18309 @code{compile} command, care must be taken to ensure that any future
18310 need to resolve the type can be achieved.
18313 (gdb) compile code static struct a @{ int a; @} v = @{ 42 @}; argv = &v;
18314 (gdb) compile code printf ("%d\n", ((struct a *) argv)->a);
18315 gdb command line:1:36: error: dereferencing pointer to incomplete type ‘struct a’
18316 Compilation failed.
18317 (gdb) compile code struct a @{ int a; @}; printf ("%d\n", ((struct a *) argv)->a);
18321 Variables that have been optimized away by the compiler are not
18322 accessible to the code submitted to the @code{compile} command.
18323 Access to those variables will generate a compiler error which @value{GDBN}
18324 will print to the console.
18327 @subsection Compiler search for the @code{compile} command
18329 @value{GDBN} needs to find @value{NGCC} for the inferior being debugged
18330 which may not be obvious for remote targets of different architecture
18331 than where @value{GDBN} is running. Environment variable @code{PATH} on
18332 @value{GDBN} host is searched for @value{NGCC} binary matching the
18333 target architecture and operating system. This search can be overriden
18334 by @code{set compile-gcc} @value{GDBN} command below. @code{PATH} is
18335 taken from shell that executed @value{GDBN}, it is not the value set by
18336 @value{GDBN} command @code{set environment}). @xref{Environment}.
18339 Specifically @code{PATH} is searched for binaries matching regular expression
18340 @code{@var{arch}(-[^-]*)?-@var{os}-gcc} according to the inferior target being
18341 debugged. @var{arch} is processor name --- multiarch is supported, so for
18342 example both @code{i386} and @code{x86_64} targets look for pattern
18343 @code{(x86_64|i.86)} and both @code{s390} and @code{s390x} targets look
18344 for pattern @code{s390x?}. @var{os} is currently supported only for
18345 pattern @code{linux(-gnu)?}.
18347 On Posix hosts the compiler driver @value{GDBN} needs to find also
18348 shared library @file{libcc1.so} from the compiler. It is searched in
18349 default shared library search path (overridable with usual environment
18350 variable @code{LD_LIBRARY_PATH}), unrelated to @code{PATH} or @code{set
18351 compile-gcc} settings. Contrary to it @file{libcc1plugin.so} is found
18352 according to the installation of the found compiler --- as possibly
18353 specified by the @code{set compile-gcc} command.
18356 @item set compile-gcc
18357 @cindex compile command driver filename override
18358 Set compilation command used for compiling and injecting code with the
18359 @code{compile} commands. If this option is not set (it is set to
18360 an empty string), the search described above will occur --- that is the
18363 @item show compile-gcc
18364 Displays the current compile command @value{NGCC} driver filename.
18365 If set, it is the main command @command{gcc}, found usually for example
18366 under name @file{x86_64-linux-gnu-gcc}.
18370 @chapter @value{GDBN} Files
18372 @value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
18373 both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
18374 program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
18375 @value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
18378 * Files:: Commands to specify files
18379 * File Caching:: Information about @value{GDBN}'s file caching
18380 * Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
18381 * MiniDebugInfo:: Debugging information in a special section
18382 * Index Files:: Index files speed up GDB
18383 * Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
18384 * Data Files:: GDB data files
18388 @section Commands to Specify Files
18390 @cindex symbol table
18391 @cindex core dump file
18393 You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
18394 way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
18395 @value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
18396 Out of @value{GDBN}}).
18398 Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
18399 @value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
18400 specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
18401 via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
18402 Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
18403 new files are useful.
18406 @cindex executable file
18408 @item file @var{filename}
18409 Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
18410 symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
18411 executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
18412 directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
18413 @value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
18414 directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
18415 to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
18416 and your program, using the @code{path} command.
18418 @cindex unlinked object files
18419 @cindex patching object files
18420 You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
18421 the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
18422 file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
18423 if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
18424 @kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
18425 that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
18426 case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
18427 the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
18430 @code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
18431 has on both executable file and the symbol table.
18434 @item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
18435 Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
18436 in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
18437 if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
18438 discard information on the executable file.
18440 @kindex symbol-file
18441 @item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
18442 Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
18443 searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
18444 table and program to run from the same file.
18446 @code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
18447 program's symbol table.
18449 The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
18450 some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
18451 contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
18452 which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
18455 @code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
18458 When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
18459 understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
18460 generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
18461 other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
18462 Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
18463 using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
18466 For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
18467 using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
18468 symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
18469 quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
18470 details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
18472 The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
18473 start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
18474 occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
18475 file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
18476 pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
18477 Warnings and Messages}.)
18479 We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
18480 symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
18481 symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
18482 still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
18486 @cindex reading symbols immediately
18487 @cindex symbols, reading immediately
18488 @item symbol-file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
18489 @itemx file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
18490 You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
18491 tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
18492 load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
18493 entire symbol table available.
18495 @c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
18496 @c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
18497 @c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
18498 @c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
18499 @c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
18500 @c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
18504 @item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
18506 Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
18507 of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
18508 address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
18509 executable file itself for other parts.
18511 @code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
18514 Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
18515 under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
18516 wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
18517 the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
18518 (@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
18520 @kindex add-symbol-file
18521 @cindex dynamic linking
18522 @item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
18523 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
18524 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} -s @var{section} @var{address} @dots{}
18525 The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
18526 information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
18527 when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
18528 into the program that is running. The @var{address} should give the memory
18529 address at which the file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure
18530 this out for itself. You can additionally specify an arbitrary number
18531 of @samp{-s @var{section} @var{address}} pairs, to give an explicit
18532 section name and base address for that section. You can specify any
18533 @var{address} as an expression.
18535 The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
18536 originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
18537 @code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
18538 thus read is kept in addition to the old.
18540 Changes can be reverted using the command @code{remove-symbol-file}.
18542 @cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
18543 @cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
18544 @cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
18545 @cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
18546 @cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
18547 Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
18548 executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
18549 relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
18550 information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
18554 the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
18555 that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
18557 every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
18558 been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
18560 you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
18561 provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
18565 Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
18566 relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
18567 typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
18568 important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
18569 procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
18570 assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
18571 general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
18572 relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
18573 as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
18576 @code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
18578 @kindex remove-symbol-file
18579 @item remove-symbol-file @var{filename}
18580 @item remove-symbol-file -a @var{address}
18581 Remove a symbol file added via the @code{add-symbol-file} command. The
18582 file to remove can be identified by its @var{filename} or by an @var{address}
18583 that lies within the boundaries of this symbol file in memory. Example:
18586 (gdb) add-symbol-file /home/user/gdb/mylib.so 0x7ffff7ff9480
18587 add symbol table from file "/home/user/gdb/mylib.so" at
18588 .text_addr = 0x7ffff7ff9480
18590 Reading symbols from /home/user/gdb/mylib.so...done.
18591 (gdb) remove-symbol-file -a 0x7ffff7ff9480
18592 Remove symbol table from file "/home/user/gdb/mylib.so"? (y or n) y
18597 @code{remove-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
18599 @kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
18600 @cindex @code{syscall DSO}
18601 @cindex load symbols from memory
18602 @item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
18603 Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
18604 object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
18605 For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
18606 process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
18607 some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
18608 evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
18609 For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
18610 @code{exec-file} commands in advance.
18613 @item section @var{section} @var{addr}
18614 The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
18615 @var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
18616 exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
18617 @code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
18618 itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
18619 @code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
18623 @kindex info target
18626 @code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
18627 current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
18628 including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
18629 use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
18630 command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
18633 @kindex maint info sections
18634 @item maint info sections
18635 Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
18636 is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
18637 displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
18638 offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
18639 @code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
18640 may be arbitrarily combined):
18644 Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
18645 @item @var{sections}
18646 Display info only for named @var{sections}.
18647 @item @var{section-flags}
18648 Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
18649 The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
18652 Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
18653 Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
18655 Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
18656 Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
18658 Section needs to be relocated before loading.
18660 Section cannot be modified by the child process.
18662 Section contains executable code only.
18664 Section contains data only (no executable code).
18666 Section will reside in ROM.
18668 Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
18670 Section is not empty.
18672 An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
18673 @item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
18674 A notification to the linker that the section contains
18675 COFF shared library information.
18677 Section contains common symbols.
18680 @kindex set trust-readonly-sections
18681 @cindex read-only sections
18682 @item set trust-readonly-sections on
18683 Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
18684 really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
18685 In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
18686 out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
18687 For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
18688 enhancement to debugging performance.
18690 The default is off.
18692 @item set trust-readonly-sections off
18693 Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
18694 the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
18695 and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
18697 @item show trust-readonly-sections
18698 Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
18701 All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
18702 as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
18703 name and remembers it that way.
18705 @cindex shared libraries
18706 @anchor{Shared Libraries}
18707 @value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, SunOS,
18708 Darwin/Mach-O, SVr4, IBM RS/6000 AIX, QNX Neutrino, FDPIC (FR-V), and
18709 DSBT (TIC6X) shared libraries.
18711 On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
18712 shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
18714 @value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
18715 when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
18716 (Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
18717 references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
18718 debugging a core file).
18720 @c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
18721 @c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
18722 @c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
18724 There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
18725 symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
18726 particularly large or there are many of them.
18728 To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
18732 @kindex set auto-solib-add
18733 @item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
18734 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
18735 will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
18736 attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
18737 informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
18738 is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
18739 @code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
18741 @cindex memory used for symbol tables
18742 If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
18743 takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
18744 memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
18745 symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
18746 auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
18747 library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
18748 @var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
18749 the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
18751 @kindex show auto-solib-add
18752 @item show auto-solib-add
18753 Display the current autoloading mode.
18756 @cindex load shared library
18757 To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
18761 @kindex info sharedlibrary
18763 @item info share @var{regex}
18764 @itemx info sharedlibrary @var{regex}
18765 Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded
18766 that match @var{regex}. If @var{regex} is omitted then print
18767 all shared libraries that are loaded.
18770 @item info dll @var{regex}
18771 This is an alias of @code{info sharedlibrary}.
18773 @kindex sharedlibrary
18775 @item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
18776 @itemx share @var{regex}
18777 Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
18778 Unix regular expression.
18779 As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
18780 required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
18781 @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
18784 @item nosharedlibrary
18785 @kindex nosharedlibrary
18786 @cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
18787 Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
18788 that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
18789 libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
18793 Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
18794 when any of shared library events happen. The best way to do this is
18795 to use @code{catch load} and @code{catch unload} (@pxref{Set
18798 @value{GDBN} also supports the the @code{set stop-on-solib-events}
18799 command for this. This command exists for historical reasons. It is
18800 less useful than setting a catchpoint, because it does not allow for
18801 conditions or commands as a catchpoint does.
18804 @item set stop-on-solib-events
18805 @kindex set stop-on-solib-events
18806 This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
18807 when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
18808 The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
18811 @item show stop-on-solib-events
18812 @kindex show stop-on-solib-events
18813 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
18814 library events happen.
18817 Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
18818 configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
18819 this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
18820 on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
18821 libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
18822 provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
18823 copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
18826 @cindex where to look for shared libraries
18827 For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
18828 libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
18829 may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
18830 to specify the search directories for target libraries.
18833 @cindex prefix for executable and shared library file names
18834 @cindex system root, alternate
18835 @kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
18836 @kindex set sysroot
18837 @item set sysroot @var{path}
18838 Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
18839 absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
18840 runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
18841 target program's memory. When starting processes remotely, and when
18842 attaching to already-running processes (local or remote), their
18843 executable filenames will be prefixed with @var{path} if reported to
18844 @value{GDBN} as absolute by the operating system. If you use
18845 @code{set sysroot} to find executables and shared libraries, they need
18846 to be laid out in the same way that they are on the target, with
18847 e.g.@: a @file{/bin}, @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy under
18850 If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{target:} and the target
18851 system is remote then @value{GDBN} will retrieve the target binaries
18852 from the remote system. This is only supported when using a remote
18853 target that supports the @code{remote get} command (@pxref{File
18854 Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}). The part of @var{path}
18855 following the initial @file{target:} (if present) is used as system
18856 root prefix on the remote file system. If @var{path} starts with the
18857 sequence @file{remote:} this is converted to the sequence
18858 @file{target:} by @code{set sysroot}@footnote{Historically the
18859 functionality to retrieve binaries from the remote system was
18860 provided by prefixing @var{path} with @file{remote:}}. If you want
18861 to specify a local system root using a directory that happens to be
18862 named @file{target:} or @file{remote:}, you need to use some
18863 equivalent variant of the name like @file{./target:}.
18865 For targets with an MS-DOS based filesystem, such as MS-Windows and
18866 SymbianOS, @value{GDBN} tries prefixing a few variants of the target
18867 absolute file name with @var{path}. But first, on Unix hosts,
18868 @value{GDBN} converts all backslash directory separators into forward
18869 slashes, because the backslash is not a directory separator on Unix:
18872 c:\foo\bar.dll @result{} c:/foo/bar.dll
18875 Then, @value{GDBN} attempts prefixing the target file name with
18876 @var{path}, and looks for the resulting file name in the host file
18880 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c:/foo/bar.dll
18883 If that does not find the binary, @value{GDBN} tries removing
18884 the @samp{:} character from the drive spec, both for convenience, and,
18885 for the case of the host file system not supporting file names with
18889 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c/foo/bar.dll
18892 This makes it possible to have a system root that mirrors a target
18893 with more than one drive. E.g., you may want to setup your local
18894 copies of the target system shared libraries like so (note @samp{c} vs
18898 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/foo.dll}
18899 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/bar.dll}
18900 @file{/path/to/sysroot/z/sys/bin/bar.dll}
18904 and point the system root at @file{/path/to/sysroot}, so that
18905 @value{GDBN} can find the correct copies of both
18906 @file{c:\sys\bin\foo.dll}, and @file{z:\sys\bin\bar.dll}.
18908 If that still does not find the binary, @value{GDBN} tries
18909 removing the whole drive spec from the target file name:
18912 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/foo/bar.dll
18915 This last lookup makes it possible to not care about the drive name,
18916 if you don't want or need to.
18918 The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
18921 @cindex default system root
18922 @cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
18923 You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
18924 @samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
18925 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
18926 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
18927 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
18930 @kindex show sysroot
18932 Display the current executable and shared library prefix.
18934 @kindex set solib-search-path
18935 @item set solib-search-path @var{path}
18936 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
18937 directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
18938 is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
18939 path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
18940 use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
18941 @samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
18942 finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
18943 it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
18944 of shared library symbols.
18946 @kindex show solib-search-path
18947 @item show solib-search-path
18948 Display the current shared library search path.
18950 @cindex DOS file-name semantics of file names.
18951 @kindex set target-file-system-kind (unix|dos-based|auto)
18952 @kindex show target-file-system-kind
18953 @item set target-file-system-kind @var{kind}
18954 Set assumed file system kind for target reported file names.
18956 Shared library file names as reported by the target system may not
18957 make sense as is on the system @value{GDBN} is running on. For
18958 example, when remote debugging a target that has MS-DOS based file
18959 system semantics, from a Unix host, the target may be reporting to
18960 @value{GDBN} a list of loaded shared libraries with file names such as
18961 @file{c:\Windows\kernel32.dll}. On Unix hosts, there's no concept of
18962 drive letters, so the @samp{c:\} prefix is not normally understood as
18963 indicating an absolute file name, and neither is the backslash
18964 normally considered a directory separator character. In that case,
18965 the native file system would interpret this whole absolute file name
18966 as a relative file name with no directory components. This would make
18967 it impossible to point @value{GDBN} at a copy of the remote target's
18968 shared libraries on the host using @code{set sysroot}, and impractical
18969 with @code{set solib-search-path}. Setting
18970 @code{target-file-system-kind} to @code{dos-based} tells @value{GDBN}
18971 to interpret such file names similarly to how the target would, and to
18972 map them to file names valid on @value{GDBN}'s native file system
18973 semantics. The value of @var{kind} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition
18974 to one of the supported file system kinds. In that case, @value{GDBN}
18975 tries to determine the appropriate file system variant based on the
18976 current target's operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the
18977 Current ABI}). The supported file system settings are:
18981 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is of Unix
18982 kind. Only file names starting the forward slash (@samp{/}) character
18983 are considered absolute, and the directory separator character is also
18987 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is DOS based.
18988 File names starting with either a forward slash, or a drive letter
18989 followed by a colon (e.g., @samp{c:}), are considered absolute, and
18990 both the slash (@samp{/}) and the backslash (@samp{\\}) characters are
18991 considered directory separators.
18994 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the file system kind associated with the
18995 target operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
18996 This is the default.
19000 @cindex file name canonicalization
19001 @cindex base name differences
19002 When processing file names provided by the user, @value{GDBN}
19003 frequently needs to compare them to the file names recorded in the
19004 program's debug info. Normally, @value{GDBN} compares just the
19005 @dfn{base names} of the files as strings, which is reasonably fast
19006 even for very large programs. (The base name of a file is the last
19007 portion of its name, after stripping all the leading directories.)
19008 This shortcut in comparison is based upon the assumption that files
19009 cannot have more than one base name. This is usually true, but
19010 references to files that use symlinks or similar filesystem
19011 facilities violate that assumption. If your program records files
19012 using such facilities, or if you provide file names to @value{GDBN}
19013 using symlinks etc., you can set @code{basenames-may-differ} to
19014 @code{true} to instruct @value{GDBN} to completely canonicalize each
19015 pair of file names it needs to compare. This will make file-name
19016 comparisons accurate, but at a price of a significant slowdown.
19019 @item set basenames-may-differ
19020 @kindex set basenames-may-differ
19021 Set whether a source file may have multiple base names.
19023 @item show basenames-may-differ
19024 @kindex show basenames-may-differ
19025 Show whether a source file may have multiple base names.
19029 @section File Caching
19030 @cindex caching of opened files
19031 @cindex caching of bfd objects
19033 To speed up file loading, and reduce memory usage, @value{GDBN} will
19034 reuse the @code{bfd} objects used to track open files. @xref{Top, ,
19035 BFD, bfd, The Binary File Descriptor Library}. The following commands
19036 allow visibility and control of the caching behavior.
19039 @kindex maint info bfds
19040 @item maint info bfds
19041 This prints information about each @code{bfd} object that is known to
19044 @kindex maint set bfd-sharing
19045 @kindex maint show bfd-sharing
19046 @kindex bfd caching
19047 @item maint set bfd-sharing
19048 @item maint show bfd-sharing
19049 Control whether @code{bfd} objects can be shared. When sharing is
19050 enabled @value{GDBN} reuses already open @code{bfd} objects rather
19051 than reopening the same file. Turning sharing off does not cause
19052 already shared @code{bfd} objects to be unshared, but all future files
19053 that are opened will create a new @code{bfd} object. Similarly,
19054 re-enabling sharing does not cause multiple existing @code{bfd}
19055 objects to be collapsed into a single shared @code{bfd} object.
19057 @kindex set debug bfd-cache @var{level}
19058 @kindex bfd caching
19059 @item set debug bfd-cache @var{level}
19060 Turns on debugging of the bfd cache, setting the level to @var{level}.
19062 @kindex show debug bfd-cache
19063 @kindex bfd caching
19064 @item show debug bfd-cache
19065 Show the current debugging level of the bfd cache.
19068 @node Separate Debug Files
19069 @section Debugging Information in Separate Files
19070 @cindex separate debugging information files
19071 @cindex debugging information in separate files
19072 @cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
19073 @cindex debugging information directory, global
19074 @cindex global debugging information directories
19075 @cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
19076 @cindex @file{.build-id} directory
19078 @value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
19079 file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
19080 @value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
19081 Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
19082 than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
19083 information for their executables in separate files, which users can
19084 install only when they need to debug a problem.
19086 @value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
19091 The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
19092 the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
19093 usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
19094 name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
19095 (e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
19096 debug link specifies a 32-bit @dfn{Cyclic Redundancy Check} (CRC)
19097 checksum for the debug file, which @value{GDBN} uses to validate that
19098 the executable and the debug file came from the same build.
19101 The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
19102 also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
19103 only on some operating systems, when using the ELF or PE file formats
19104 for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
19105 this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
19106 command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld.info,
19107 The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
19108 explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
19112 Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
19113 uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
19117 For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
19118 the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
19119 directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under each one of the global debug
19120 directories, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
19121 directories of the executable's absolute file name.
19124 For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
19125 @file{.build-id} subdirectory of each one of the global debug directories for
19126 a file named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
19127 first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
19128 are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
19129 hex characters, not 10.)
19132 So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
19133 @file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
19134 file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
19135 @code{abcdef1234}. If the list of the global debug directories includes
19136 @file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
19137 debug information files, in the indicated order:
19141 @file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
19143 @file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
19145 @file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
19147 @file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
19150 @anchor{debug-file-directory}
19151 Global debugging info directories default to what is set by @value{GDBN}
19152 configure option @option{--with-separate-debug-dir}. During @value{GDBN} run
19153 you can also set the global debugging info directories, and view the list
19154 @value{GDBN} is currently using.
19158 @kindex set debug-file-directory
19159 @item set debug-file-directory @var{directories}
19160 Set the directories which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
19161 information files to @var{directory}. Multiple path components can be set
19162 concatenating them by a path separator.
19164 @kindex show debug-file-directory
19165 @item show debug-file-directory
19166 Show the directories @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
19171 @cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
19172 @cindex debug link sections
19173 A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
19174 @code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
19178 A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
19181 zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
19182 boundary within the section, and
19184 a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
19185 executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
19186 information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
19187 zero as the @var{crc} argument.
19190 Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
19191 contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
19194 @cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
19195 @cindex build ID sections
19196 The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
19197 ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
19198 often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
19199 It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
19200 the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
19201 algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
19202 content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
19203 value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
19204 stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
19206 The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
19207 executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
19208 debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
19209 should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
19210 but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
19211 in an ordinary executable.
19213 The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
19214 @samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
19215 the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
19216 following commands:
19219 @kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
19224 These commands remove the debugging
19225 information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
19226 @file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
19231 The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
19232 behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
19235 @kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
19238 Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
19239 a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
19240 foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
19241 the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
19244 Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
19245 the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
19246 compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
19247 utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
19252 @cindex CRC algorithm definition
19253 The CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink} is the CRC-32 defined in
19254 IEEE 802.3 using the polynomial:
19256 @c TexInfo requires naked braces for multi-digit exponents for Tex
19257 @c output, but this causes HTML output to barf. HTML has to be set using
19258 @c raw commands. So we end up having to specify this equation in 2
19263 <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>
19264 + <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
19270 @math{x^{32} + x^{26} + x^{23} + x^{22} + x^{16} + x^{12} + x^{11}}
19271 @math{+ x^{10} + x^8 + x^7 + x^5 + x^4 + x^2 + x + 1}
19275 The function is computed byte at a time, taking the least
19276 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern
19277 @code{0xffffffff} is used, to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC and
19278 the final result is inverted to ensure trailing zeros also affect the
19281 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC polynomial as used in handling the
19282 @dfn{Remote Serial Protocol} @code{qCRC} packet (@pxref{qCRC packet}).
19283 However in the case of the Remote Serial Protocol, the CRC is computed
19284 @emph{most} significant bit first, and the result is not inverted, so
19285 trailing zeros have no effect on the CRC value.
19287 To complete the description, we show below the code of the function
19288 which produces the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}. Inverting the
19289 initially supplied @code{crc} argument means that an initial call to
19290 this function passing in zero will start computing the CRC using
19293 @kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
19296 gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
19297 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
19299 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
19301 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
19302 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
19303 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
19304 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
19305 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
19306 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
19307 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
19308 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
19309 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
19310 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
19311 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
19312 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
19313 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
19314 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
19315 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
19316 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
19317 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
19318 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
19319 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
19320 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
19321 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
19322 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
19323 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
19324 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
19325 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
19326 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
19327 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
19328 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
19329 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
19330 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
19331 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
19332 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
19333 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
19334 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
19335 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
19336 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
19337 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
19338 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
19339 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
19340 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
19341 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
19342 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
19343 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
19344 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
19345 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
19346 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
19347 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
19348 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
19349 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
19350 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
19351 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
19354 unsigned char *end;
19356 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
19357 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
19358 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
19359 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
19364 This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
19366 @node MiniDebugInfo
19367 @section Debugging information in a special section
19368 @cindex separate debug sections
19369 @cindex @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section
19371 Some systems ship pre-built executables and libraries that have a
19372 special @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section. This feature is called
19373 @dfn{MiniDebugInfo}. This section holds an LZMA-compressed object and
19374 is used to supply extra symbols for backtraces.
19376 The intent of this section is to provide extra minimal debugging
19377 information for use in simple backtraces. It is not intended to be a
19378 replacement for full separate debugging information (@pxref{Separate
19379 Debug Files}). The example below shows the intended use; however,
19380 @value{GDBN} does not currently put restrictions on what sort of
19381 debugging information might be included in the section.
19383 @value{GDBN} has support for this extension. If the section exists,
19384 then it is used provided that no other source of debugging information
19385 can be found, and that @value{GDBN} was configured with LZMA support.
19387 This section can be easily created using @command{objcopy} and other
19388 standard utilities:
19391 # Extract the dynamic symbols from the main binary, there is no need
19392 # to also have these in the normal symbol table.
19393 nm -D @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
19394 | awk '@{ print $1 @}' | sort > dynsyms
19396 # Extract all the text (i.e. function) symbols from the debuginfo.
19397 # (Note that we actually also accept "D" symbols, for the benefit
19398 # of platforms like PowerPC64 that use function descriptors.)
19399 nm @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
19400 | awk '@{ if ($2 == "T" || $2 == "t" || $2 == "D") print $1 @}' \
19403 # Keep all the function symbols not already in the dynamic symbol
19405 comm -13 dynsyms funcsyms > keep_symbols
19407 # Separate full debug info into debug binary.
19408 objcopy --only-keep-debug @var{binary} debug
19410 # Copy the full debuginfo, keeping only a minimal set of symbols and
19411 # removing some unnecessary sections.
19412 objcopy -S --remove-section .gdb_index --remove-section .comment \
19413 --keep-symbols=keep_symbols debug mini_debuginfo
19415 # Drop the full debug info from the original binary.
19416 strip --strip-all -R .comment @var{binary}
19418 # Inject the compressed data into the .gnu_debugdata section of the
19421 objcopy --add-section .gnu_debugdata=mini_debuginfo.xz @var{binary}
19425 @section Index Files Speed Up @value{GDBN}
19426 @cindex index files
19427 @cindex @samp{.gdb_index} section
19429 When @value{GDBN} finds a symbol file, it scans the symbols in the
19430 file in order to construct an internal symbol table. This lets most
19431 @value{GDBN} operations work quickly---at the cost of a delay early
19432 on. For large programs, this delay can be quite lengthy, so
19433 @value{GDBN} provides a way to build an index, which speeds up
19436 The index is stored as a section in the symbol file. @value{GDBN} can
19437 write the index to a file, then you can put it into the symbol file
19438 using @command{objcopy}.
19440 To create an index file, use the @code{save gdb-index} command:
19443 @item save gdb-index @var{directory}
19444 @kindex save gdb-index
19445 Create an index file for each symbol file currently known by
19446 @value{GDBN}. Each file is named after its corresponding symbol file,
19447 with @samp{.gdb-index} appended, and is written into the given
19451 Once you have created an index file you can merge it into your symbol
19452 file, here named @file{symfile}, using @command{objcopy}:
19455 $ objcopy --add-section .gdb_index=symfile.gdb-index \
19456 --set-section-flags .gdb_index=readonly symfile symfile
19459 @value{GDBN} will normally ignore older versions of @file{.gdb_index}
19460 sections that have been deprecated. Usually they are deprecated because
19461 they are missing a new feature or have performance issues.
19462 To tell @value{GDBN} to use a deprecated index section anyway
19463 specify @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
19464 The default is @code{off}.
19465 This can speed up startup, but may result in some functionality being lost.
19466 @xref{Index Section Format}.
19468 @emph{Warning:} Setting @code{use-deprecated-index-sections} to @code{on}
19469 must be done before gdb reads the file. The following will not work:
19472 $ gdb -ex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
19475 Instead you must do, for example,
19478 $ gdb -iex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
19481 There are currently some limitation on indices. They only work when
19482 for DWARF debugging information, not stabs. And, they do not
19483 currently work for programs using Ada.
19485 @node Symbol Errors
19486 @section Errors Reading Symbol Files
19488 While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
19489 such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
19490 output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
19491 they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
19492 debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
19493 about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
19494 only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
19495 times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
19496 to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
19497 complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
19500 The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
19503 @item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
19505 The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
19506 (such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
19507 error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
19508 in its outer scope blocks.
19510 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
19511 the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
19512 may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
19515 @item block at @var{address} out of order
19517 The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
19518 order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
19521 @value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
19522 locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
19523 can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
19524 @code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
19527 @item bad block start address patched
19529 The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
19530 smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
19531 to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
19533 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
19534 starting on the previous source line.
19536 @item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
19539 Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
19540 larger than the size of the string table.
19542 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
19543 name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
19546 @item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
19548 The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
19549 not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
19550 uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
19552 @value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
19553 This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
19554 are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
19555 debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
19556 on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
19557 and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
19559 @item stub type has NULL name
19561 @value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
19563 @item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
19564 The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
19565 information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
19568 @item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
19570 @value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
19575 @section GDB Data Files
19577 @cindex prefix for data files
19578 @value{GDBN} will sometimes read an auxiliary data file. These files
19579 are kept in a directory known as the @dfn{data directory}.
19581 You can set the data directory's name, and view the name @value{GDBN}
19582 is currently using.
19585 @kindex set data-directory
19586 @item set data-directory @var{directory}
19587 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files
19588 to @var{directory}.
19590 @kindex show data-directory
19591 @item show data-directory
19592 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files.
19595 @cindex default data directory
19596 @cindex @samp{--with-gdb-datadir}
19597 You can set the default data directory by using the configure-time
19598 @samp{--with-gdb-datadir} option. If the data directory is inside
19599 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
19600 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default data directory will be updated
19601 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
19604 The data directory may also be specified with the
19605 @code{--data-directory} command line option.
19606 @xref{Mode Options}.
19609 @chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
19611 @cindex debugging target
19612 A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
19614 Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
19615 in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
19616 you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
19617 flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
19618 host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
19619 realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
19620 command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
19621 (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
19623 @cindex target architecture
19624 It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
19625 architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
19626 one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
19630 @kindex set architecture
19631 @kindex show architecture
19632 @item set architecture @var{arch}
19633 This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
19634 value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
19635 supported architectures.
19637 @item show architecture
19638 Show the current target architecture.
19640 @item set processor
19642 @kindex set processor
19643 @kindex show processor
19644 These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
19645 and @code{show architecture}.
19649 * Active Targets:: Active targets
19650 * Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
19651 * Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
19654 @node Active Targets
19655 @section Active Targets
19657 @cindex stacking targets
19658 @cindex active targets
19659 @cindex multiple targets
19661 There are multiple classes of targets such as: processes, executable files or
19662 recording sessions. Core files belong to the process class, making core file
19663 and process mutually exclusive. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} can work concurrently
19664 on multiple active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for
19665 example) start a process and inspect its activity, while still having access to
19666 the executable file after the process finishes. Or if you start process
19667 recording (@pxref{Reverse Execution}) and @code{reverse-step} there, you are
19668 presented a virtual layer of the recording target, while the process target
19669 remains stopped at the chronologically last point of the process execution.
19671 Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new core
19672 file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}). To
19673 specify as a target a process that is already running, use the @code{attach}
19674 command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
19676 @node Target Commands
19677 @section Commands for Managing Targets
19680 @item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
19681 Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
19682 process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
19683 facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
19684 protocol of the target machine.
19686 Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
19687 typically include things like device names or host names to connect
19688 with, process numbers, and baud rates.
19690 The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
19691 after executing the command.
19693 @kindex help target
19695 Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
19696 currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
19697 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
19699 @item help target @var{name}
19700 Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
19703 @kindex set gnutarget
19704 @item set gnutarget @var{args}
19705 @value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
19706 knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
19707 a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
19708 with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
19709 with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
19712 @emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
19713 you must know the actual BFD name.
19717 @xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
19719 @kindex show gnutarget
19720 @item show gnutarget
19721 Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
19722 @code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
19723 @value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
19724 and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BFD target is "auto"}.
19727 @cindex common targets
19728 Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
19733 @item target exec @var{program}
19734 @cindex executable file target
19735 An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
19736 @samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
19738 @item target core @var{filename}
19739 @cindex core dump file target
19740 A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
19741 @samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
19743 @item target remote @var{medium}
19744 @cindex remote target
19745 A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
19746 connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
19747 protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
19749 For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
19750 machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
19753 target remote /dev/ttya
19756 @code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
19757 useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
19758 system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
19759 clobbered by the download.
19761 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
19762 @cindex built-in simulator target
19763 Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
19771 works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
19772 drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
19773 provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
19774 see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
19777 @item target native
19778 @cindex native target
19779 Setup for local/native process debugging. Useful to make the
19780 @code{run} command spawn native processes (likewise @code{attach},
19781 etc.@:) even when @code{set auto-connect-native-target} is @code{off}
19782 (@pxref{set auto-connect-native-target}).
19786 Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
19787 your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
19789 Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
19790 you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
19791 various aspects of this process.
19796 @kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
19797 @cindex hash mark while downloading
19798 This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
19799 downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
19800 displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
19804 @kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
19805 Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
19807 @item set debug monitor
19808 @kindex set debug monitor
19809 @cindex display remote monitor communications
19810 Enable or disable display of communications messages between
19811 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
19813 @item show debug monitor
19814 @kindex show debug monitor
19815 Show the current status of displaying communications between
19816 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
19821 @kindex load @var{filename} @var{offset}
19822 @item load @var{filename} @var{offset}
19824 Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
19825 @value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
19826 is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
19827 on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
19828 @code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
19829 the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
19831 If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
19832 execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
19833 target is @dots{}}''
19835 The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
19836 For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
19837 link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
19838 specifies a fixed address.
19839 @c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
19841 It is also possible to tell @value{GDBN} to load the executable file at a
19842 specific offset described by the optional argument @var{offset}. When
19843 @var{offset} is provided, @var{filename} must also be provided.
19845 Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
19846 load programs into flash memory.
19848 @code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
19853 @kindex flash-erase
19855 @anchor{flash-erase}
19857 Erases all known flash memory regions on the target.
19862 @section Choosing Target Byte Order
19864 @cindex choosing target byte order
19865 @cindex target byte order
19867 Some types of processors, such as the @acronym{MIPS}, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
19868 offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
19869 orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
19870 designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
19871 which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
19872 @value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
19876 @item set endian big
19877 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
19879 @item set endian little
19880 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
19882 @item set endian auto
19883 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
19887 Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
19891 Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
19892 data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
19896 @node Remote Debugging
19897 @chapter Debugging Remote Programs
19898 @cindex remote debugging
19900 If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
19901 @value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
19902 For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
19903 or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
19904 powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
19906 Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
19907 to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
19908 @value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
19909 but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
19910 write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
19911 communicate with @value{GDBN}.
19913 Other remote targets may be available in your
19914 configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
19917 * Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
19918 * File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
19919 * Server:: Using the gdbserver program
19920 * Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
19921 * Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
19925 @section Connecting to a Remote Target
19926 @cindex remote debugging, connecting
19927 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, connecting
19928 @cindex remote debugging, types of connections
19929 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, types of connections
19930 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, @code{target remote} mode
19931 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, @code{target extended-remote} mode
19933 This section describes how to connect to a remote target, including the
19934 types of connections and their differences, how to set up executable and
19935 symbol files on the host and target, and the commands used for
19936 connecting to and disconnecting from the remote target.
19938 @subsection Types of Remote Connections
19940 @value{GDBN} supports two types of remote connections, @code{target remote}
19941 mode and @code{target extended-remote} mode. Note that many remote targets
19942 support only @code{target remote} mode. There are several major
19943 differences between the two types of connections, enumerated here:
19947 @cindex remote debugging, detach and program exit
19948 @item Result of detach or program exit
19949 @strong{With target remote mode:} When the debugged program exits or you
19950 detach from it, @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target. When using
19951 @code{gdbserver}, @code{gdbserver} will exit.
19953 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} When the debugged program exits or
19954 you detach from it, @value{GDBN} remains connected to the target, even
19955 though no program is running. You can rerun the program, attach to a
19956 running program, or use @code{monitor} commands specific to the target.
19958 When using @code{gdbserver} in this case, it does not exit unless it was
19959 invoked using the @option{--once} option. If the @option{--once} option
19960 was not used, you can ask @code{gdbserver} to exit using the
19961 @code{monitor exit} command (@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}).
19963 @item Specifying the program to debug
19964 For both connection types you use the @code{file} command to specify the
19965 program on the host system. If you are using @code{gdbserver} there are
19966 some differences in how to specify the location of the program on the
19969 @strong{With target remote mode:} You must either specify the program to debug
19970 on the @code{gdbserver} command line or use the @option{--attach} option
19971 (@pxref{Attaching to a program,,Attaching to a Running Program}).
19973 @cindex @option{--multi}, @code{gdbserver} option
19974 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} You may specify the program to debug
19975 on the @code{gdbserver} command line, or you can load the program or attach
19976 to it using @value{GDBN} commands after connecting to @code{gdbserver}.
19978 @anchor{--multi Option in Types of Remote Connnections}
19979 You can start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
19980 or process ID to attach. To do this, use the @option{--multi} command line
19981 option. Then you can connect using @code{target extended-remote} and start
19982 the program you want to debug (see below for details on using the
19983 @code{run} command in this scenario). Note that the conditions under which
19984 @code{gdbserver} terminates depend on how @value{GDBN} connects to it
19985 (@code{target remote} or @code{target extended-remote}). The
19986 @option{--multi} option to @code{gdbserver} has no influence on that.
19988 @item The @code{run} command
19989 @strong{With target remote mode:} The @code{run} command is not
19990 supported. Once a connection has been established, you can use all
19991 the usual @value{GDBN} commands to examine and change data. The
19992 remote program is already running, so you can use commands like
19993 @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}.
19995 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} The @code{run} command is
19996 supported. The @code{run} command uses the value set by
19997 @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set remote exec-file}) to select
19998 the program to run. Command line arguments are supported, except for
19999 wildcard expansion and I/O redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
20001 If you specify the program to debug on the command line, then the
20002 @code{run} command is not required to start execution, and you can
20003 resume using commands like @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue} as with
20004 @code{target remote} mode.
20006 @anchor{Attaching in Types of Remote Connections}
20008 @strong{With target remote mode:} The @value{GDBN} command @code{attach} is
20009 not supported. To attach to a running program using @code{gdbserver}, you
20010 must use the @option{--attach} option (@pxref{Running gdbserver}).
20012 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} To attach to a running program,
20013 you may use the @code{attach} command after the connection has been
20014 established. If you are using @code{gdbserver}, you may also invoke
20015 @code{gdbserver} using the @option{--attach} option
20016 (@pxref{Running gdbserver}).
20020 @anchor{Host and target files}
20021 @subsection Host and Target Files
20022 @cindex remote debugging, symbol files
20023 @cindex symbol files, remote debugging
20025 @value{GDBN}, running on the host, needs access to symbol and debugging
20026 information for your program running on the target. This requires
20027 access to an unstripped copy of your program, and possibly any associated
20028 symbol files. Note that this section applies equally to both @code{target
20029 remote} mode and @code{target extended-remote} mode.
20031 Some remote targets (@pxref{qXfer executable filename read}, and
20032 @pxref{Host I/O Packets}) allow @value{GDBN} to access program files over
20033 the same connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. With such a
20034 target, if the remote program is unstripped, the only command you need is
20035 @code{target remote} (or @code{target extended-remote}).
20037 If the remote program is stripped, or the target does not support remote
20038 program file access, start up @value{GDBN} using the name of the local
20039 unstripped copy of your program as the first argument, or use the
20040 @code{file} command. Use @code{set sysroot} to specify the location (on
20041 the host) of target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN} was compiled with
20042 the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}). Alternatively, you
20043 may use @code{set solib-search-path} to specify how @value{GDBN} locates
20046 The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
20047 and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
20048 system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
20049 are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
20050 during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
20051 files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
20054 @subsection Remote Connection Commands
20055 @cindex remote connection commands
20056 @value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, or
20057 over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
20058 each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
20059 program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
20060 @code{target remote} and @code{target extended-remote} commands
20061 establish a connection to the target. Both commands accept the same
20062 arguments, which indicate the medium to use:
20066 @item target remote @var{serial-device}
20067 @itemx target extended-remote @var{serial-device}
20068 @cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
20069 Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
20070 to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
20073 target remote /dev/ttyb
20076 If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
20077 @samp{--baud} option, or use the @code{set serial baud} command
20078 (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set serial baud}) before the
20079 @code{target} command.
20081 @item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
20082 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20083 @itemx target extended-remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
20084 @itemx target extended-remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20085 @cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
20086 Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
20087 The @var{host} may be either a host name or a numeric @acronym{IP}
20088 address; @var{port} must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be
20089 the target machine itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or
20090 it might be a terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the
20093 For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
20097 target remote manyfarms:2828
20100 If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
20101 debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
20102 same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
20103 port 1234 on your local machine:
20106 target remote :1234
20110 Note that the colon is still required here.
20112 @item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20113 @itemx target extended-remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
20114 @cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
20115 Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
20116 connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
20119 target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
20122 When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
20123 keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
20124 can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
20125 cause havoc with your debugging session.
20127 @item target remote | @var{command}
20128 @itemx target extended-remote | @var{command}
20129 @cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
20130 Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
20131 pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
20132 by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
20133 protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
20134 standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
20135 that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
20136 using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
20138 If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
20139 @value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
20140 program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
20144 @cindex interrupting remote programs
20145 @cindex remote programs, interrupting
20146 Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
20147 interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
20148 program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
20149 and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
20150 interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
20153 Interrupted while waiting for the program.
20154 Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
20157 In @code{target remote} mode, if you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons
20158 the remote debugging session. (If you decide you want to try again later,
20159 you can use @kbd{target remote} again to connect once more.) If you type
20160 @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN} goes back to waiting.
20162 In @code{target extended-remote} mode, typing @kbd{n} will leave
20163 @value{GDBN} connected to the target.
20166 @kindex detach (remote)
20168 When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
20169 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
20170 Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
20171 will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
20172 command in @code{target remote} mode, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to
20173 another target. In @code{target extended-remote} mode, @value{GDBN} is
20174 still connected to the target.
20178 The @code{disconnect} command closes the connection to the target, and
20179 the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
20180 (this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
20181 the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
20184 @cindex send command to remote monitor
20185 @cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
20186 @cindex add new commands for external monitor
20188 @item monitor @var{cmd}
20189 This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
20190 remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
20191 sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
20192 can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
20196 @node File Transfer
20197 @section Sending files to a remote system
20198 @cindex remote target, file transfer
20199 @cindex file transfer
20200 @cindex sending files to remote systems
20202 Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
20203 connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
20204 for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
20205 running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
20206 e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
20207 the only way to upload or download files.
20209 Not all remote targets support these commands.
20213 @item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
20214 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
20215 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
20218 @item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
20219 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
20220 on the host system.
20222 @kindex remote delete
20223 @item remote delete @var{targetfile}
20224 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
20229 @section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
20232 @cindex remote connection without stubs
20233 @code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
20234 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
20235 @code{target remote} or @code{target extended-remote}---but without
20236 linking in the usual debugging stub.
20238 @code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
20239 because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
20240 that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
20241 @code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
20242 @value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
20243 because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
20244 also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
20245 started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
20246 Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
20247 the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
20248 do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
20249 by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
20250 choice for debugging.
20252 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
20253 or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
20257 @emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
20258 Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
20259 @value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
20260 target system with the same privileges as the user running
20264 @anchor{Running gdbserver}
20265 @subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
20266 @cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
20267 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, command-line arguments
20269 Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
20270 program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
20271 @code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
20272 strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
20273 system does all the symbol handling.
20275 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
20276 the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
20280 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
20283 @var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line), or a TCP
20284 hostname and portnumber, or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
20285 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}.
20286 For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
20287 @samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
20291 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
20294 @code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
20297 To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
20300 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
20303 The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
20304 specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
20305 TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
20306 expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
20307 (Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
20308 you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
20309 TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
20310 reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
20311 conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
20312 and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
20313 @code{target remote} command.
20315 The @code{stdio} connection is useful when starting @code{gdbserver}
20319 (gdb) target remote | ssh -T hostname gdbserver - hello
20322 The @samp{-T} option to ssh is provided because we don't need a remote pty,
20323 and we don't want escape-character handling. Ssh does this by default when
20324 a command is provided, the flag is provided to make it explicit.
20325 You could elide it if you want to.
20327 Programs started with stdio-connected gdbserver have @file{/dev/null} for
20328 @code{stdin}, and @code{stdout},@code{stderr} are sent back to gdb for
20329 display through a pipe connected to gdbserver.
20330 Both @code{stdout} and @code{stderr} use the same pipe.
20332 @anchor{Attaching to a program}
20333 @subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
20334 @cindex attach to a program, @code{gdbserver}
20335 @cindex @option{--attach}, @code{gdbserver} option
20337 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
20338 This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
20341 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
20344 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
20345 necessary to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
20347 In @code{target extended-remote} mode, you can also attach using the
20348 @value{GDBN} attach command
20349 (@pxref{Attaching in Types of Remote Connections}).
20352 You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
20353 @code{pidof} utility:
20356 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
20359 In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
20360 has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
20361 @code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
20363 @subsubsection TCP port allocation lifecycle of @code{gdbserver}
20365 This section applies only when @code{gdbserver} is run to listen on a TCP
20368 @code{gdbserver} normally terminates after all of its debugged processes have
20369 terminated in @kbd{target remote} mode. On the other hand, for @kbd{target
20370 extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver} stays running even with no processes left.
20371 @value{GDBN} normally terminates the spawned debugged process on its exit,
20372 which normally also terminates @code{gdbserver} in the @kbd{target remote}
20373 mode. Therefore, when the connection drops unexpectedly, and @value{GDBN}
20374 cannot ask @code{gdbserver} to kill its debugged processes, @code{gdbserver}
20375 stays running even in the @kbd{target remote} mode.
20377 When @code{gdbserver} stays running, @value{GDBN} can connect to it again later.
20378 Such reconnecting is useful for features like @ref{disconnected tracing}. For
20379 completeness, at most one @value{GDBN} can be connected at a time.
20381 @cindex @option{--once}, @code{gdbserver} option
20382 By default, @code{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
20383 subsequent connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
20384 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
20385 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session. This
20386 means no further connections to @code{gdbserver} will be possible after the
20387 first one. It also means @code{gdbserver} will terminate after the first
20388 connection with remote @value{GDBN} has closed, even for unexpectedly closed
20389 connections and even in the @kbd{target extended-remote} mode. The
20390 @option{--once} option allows reusing the same port number for connecting to
20391 multiple instances of @code{gdbserver} running on the same host, since each
20392 instance closes its port after the first connection.
20394 @anchor{Other Command-Line Arguments for gdbserver}
20395 @subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
20397 You can use the @option{--multi} option to start @code{gdbserver} without
20398 specifying a program to debug or a process to attach to. Then you can
20399 attach in @code{target extended-remote} mode and run or attach to a
20400 program. For more information,
20401 @pxref{--multi Option in Types of Remote Connnections}.
20403 @cindex @option{--debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
20404 The @option{--debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display extra
20405 status information about the debugging process.
20406 @cindex @option{--remote-debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
20407 The @option{--remote-debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display
20408 remote protocol debug output. These options are intended for
20409 @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to the developers.
20411 @cindex @option{--debug-format}, @code{gdbserver} option
20412 The @option{--debug-format=option1[,option2,...]} option tells
20413 @code{gdbserver} to include additional information in each output.
20414 Possible options are:
20418 Turn off all extra information in debugging output.
20420 Turn on all extra information in debugging output.
20422 Include a timestamp in each line of debugging output.
20425 Options are processed in order. Thus, for example, if @option{none}
20426 appears last then no additional information is added to debugging output.
20428 @cindex @option{--wrapper}, @code{gdbserver} option
20429 The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
20430 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
20431 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
20432 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
20434 @code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
20435 command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
20436 program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
20437 runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
20439 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
20440 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
20441 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
20442 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
20444 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
20445 the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
20449 $ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
20452 @cindex @option{--selftest}
20453 The @option{--selftest} option runs the self tests in @code{gdbserver}:
20456 $ gdbserver --selftest
20457 Ran 2 unit tests, 0 failed
20460 These tests are disabled in release.
20461 @subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
20463 The basic procedure for connecting to the remote target is:
20467 Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
20470 Make sure you have the necessary symbol files
20471 (@pxref{Host and target files}).
20472 Load symbols for your application using the @code{file} command before you
20473 connect. Use @code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your
20474 @value{GDBN} was compiled with the correct sysroot using
20475 @code{--with-sysroot}).
20478 Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
20479 For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
20480 the @code{target} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
20481 text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
20482 @samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
20483 command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{target remote} mode, since the
20484 program is already on the target.
20488 @anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
20489 @subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
20490 @cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
20492 During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
20493 @code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
20494 Here are the available commands.
20498 List the available monitor commands.
20500 @item monitor set debug 0
20501 @itemx monitor set debug 1
20502 Disable or enable general debugging messages.
20504 @item monitor set remote-debug 0
20505 @itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
20506 Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
20507 protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
20509 @item monitor set debug-format option1@r{[},option2,...@r{]}
20510 Specify additional text to add to debugging messages.
20511 Possible options are:
20515 Turn off all extra information in debugging output.
20517 Turn on all extra information in debugging output.
20519 Include a timestamp in each line of debugging output.
20522 Options are processed in order. Thus, for example, if @option{none}
20523 appears last then no additional information is added to debugging output.
20525 @item monitor set libthread-db-search-path [PATH]
20526 @cindex gdbserver, search path for @code{libthread_db}
20527 When this command is issued, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
20528 directories to search for @code{libthread_db} (@pxref{Threads,,set
20529 libthread-db-search-path}). If you omit @var{path},
20530 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to its default value.
20532 The special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path} is
20533 not supported in @code{gdbserver}.
20536 Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
20537 @code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
20538 detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
20539 Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
20540 of a multi-process mode debug session.
20544 @subsection Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
20545 @cindex tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
20547 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints, fast
20548 tracepoints and static tracepoints.
20550 For fast or static tracepoints to work, a special library called the
20551 @dfn{in-process agent} (IPA), must be loaded in the inferior process.
20552 This library is built and distributed as an integral part of
20553 @code{gdbserver}. In addition, support for static tracepoints
20554 requires building the in-process agent library with static tracepoints
20555 support. At present, the UST (LTTng Userspace Tracer,
20556 @url{http://lttng.org/ust}) tracing engine is supported. This support
20557 is automatically available if UST development headers are found in the
20558 standard include path when @code{gdbserver} is built, or if
20559 @code{gdbserver} was explicitly configured using @option{--with-ust}
20560 to point at such headers. You can explicitly disable the support
20561 using @option{--with-ust=no}.
20563 There are several ways to load the in-process agent in your program:
20566 @item Specifying it as dependency at link time
20568 You can link your program dynamically with the in-process agent
20569 library. On most systems, this is accomplished by adding
20570 @code{-linproctrace} to the link command.
20572 @item Using the system's preloading mechanisms
20574 You can force loading the in-process agent at startup time by using
20575 your system's support for preloading shared libraries. Many Unixes
20576 support the concept of preloading user defined libraries. In most
20577 cases, you do that by specifying @code{LD_PRELOAD=libinproctrace.so}
20578 in the environment. See also the description of @code{gdbserver}'s
20579 @option{--wrapper} command line option.
20581 @item Using @value{GDBN} to force loading the agent at run time
20583 On some systems, you can force the inferior to load a shared library,
20584 by calling a dynamic loader function in the inferior that takes care
20585 of dynamically looking up and loading a shared library. On most Unix
20586 systems, the function is @code{dlopen}. You'll use the @code{call}
20587 command for that. For example:
20590 (@value{GDBP}) call dlopen ("libinproctrace.so", ...)
20593 Note that on most Unix systems, for the @code{dlopen} function to be
20594 available, the program needs to be linked with @code{-ldl}.
20597 On systems that have a userspace dynamic loader, like most Unix
20598 systems, when you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target
20599 remote}, you'll find that the program is stopped at the dynamic
20600 loader's entry point, and no shared library has been loaded in the
20601 program's address space yet, including the in-process agent. In that
20602 case, before being able to use any of the fast or static tracepoints
20603 features, you need to let the loader run and load the shared
20604 libraries. The simplest way to do that is to run the program to the
20605 main procedure. E.g., if debugging a C or C@t{++} program, start
20606 @code{gdbserver} like so:
20609 $ gdbserver :9999 myprogram
20612 Start GDB and connect to @code{gdbserver} like so, and run to main:
20616 (@value{GDBP}) target remote myhost:9999
20617 0x00007f215893ba60 in ?? () from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
20618 (@value{GDBP}) b main
20619 (@value{GDBP}) continue
20622 The in-process tracing agent library should now be loaded into the
20623 process; you can confirm it with the @code{info sharedlibrary}
20624 command, which will list @file{libinproctrace.so} as loaded in the
20625 process. You are now ready to install fast tracepoints, list static
20626 tracepoint markers, probe static tracepoints markers, and start
20629 @node Remote Configuration
20630 @section Remote Configuration
20633 @kindex show remote
20634 This section documents the configuration options available when
20635 debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
20636 extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
20637 system-call-allowed}.
20640 @item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
20641 @cindex address size for remote targets
20642 @cindex bits in remote address
20643 Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
20644 number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
20645 that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
20646 default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
20648 @item show remoteaddresssize
20649 Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
20651 @item set serial baud @var{n}
20652 @cindex baud rate for remote targets
20653 Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
20654 value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
20657 @item show serial baud
20658 Show the current speed of the remote connection.
20660 @item set serial parity @var{parity}
20661 Set the parity for the remote serial I/O. Supported values of @var{parity} are:
20662 @code{even}, @code{none}, and @code{odd}. The default is @code{none}.
20664 @item show serial parity
20665 Show the current parity of the serial port.
20667 @item set remotebreak
20668 @cindex interrupt remote programs
20669 @cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
20670 @anchor{set remotebreak}
20671 If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
20672 when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
20673 on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
20674 character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
20675 expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
20677 @item show remotebreak
20678 Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
20679 interrupt the remote program.
20681 @item set remoteflow on
20682 @itemx set remoteflow off
20683 @kindex set remoteflow
20684 Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
20685 on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
20687 @item show remoteflow
20688 @kindex show remoteflow
20689 Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
20691 @item set remotelogbase @var{base}
20692 Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
20693 communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
20694 @code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
20697 @item show remotelogbase
20698 Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
20701 @item set remotelogfile @var{file}
20702 @cindex record serial communications on file
20703 Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
20704 default is not to record at all.
20706 @item show remotelogfile.
20707 Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
20708 serial communications.
20710 @item set remotetimeout @var{num}
20711 @cindex timeout for serial communications
20712 @cindex remote timeout
20713 Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
20714 @var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
20716 @item show remotetimeout
20717 Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
20720 @cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
20721 @cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
20722 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
20723 @anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
20724 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
20725 @itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
20726 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware breakpoint or
20727 watchpoints. A limit of -1, the default, is treated as unlimited.
20729 @cindex limit hardware watchpoints length
20730 @cindex remote target, limit watchpoints length
20731 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit}
20732 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit @var{limit}
20733 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} bytes for the maximum length of
20734 a remote hardware watchpoint. A limit of -1, the default, is treated
20737 @item show remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit
20738 Show the current limit (in bytes) of the maximum length of
20739 a remote hardware watchpoint.
20741 @item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
20742 @itemx show remote exec-file
20743 @anchor{set remote exec-file}
20744 @cindex executable file, for remote target
20745 Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
20746 extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
20747 target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
20748 filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
20750 @item set remote interrupt-sequence
20751 @cindex interrupt remote programs
20752 @cindex select Ctrl-C, BREAK or BREAK-g
20753 Allow the user to select one of @samp{Ctrl-C}, a @code{BREAK} or
20754 @samp{BREAK-g} as the
20755 sequence to the remote target in order to interrupt the execution.
20756 @samp{Ctrl-C} is a default. Some system prefers @code{BREAK} which
20757 is high level of serial line for some certain time.
20758 Linux kernel prefers @samp{BREAK-g}, a.k.a Magic SysRq g.
20759 It is @code{BREAK} signal followed by character @code{g}.
20761 @item show interrupt-sequence
20762 Show which of @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or @code{BREAK-g}
20763 is sent by @value{GDBN} to interrupt the remote program.
20764 @code{BREAK-g} is BREAK signal followed by @code{g} and
20765 also known as Magic SysRq g.
20767 @item set remote interrupt-on-connect
20768 @cindex send interrupt-sequence on start
20769 Specify whether interrupt-sequence is sent to remote target when
20770 @value{GDBN} connects to it. This is mostly needed when you debug
20771 Linux kernel. Linux kernel expects @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}
20772 which is known as Magic SysRq g in order to connect @value{GDBN}.
20774 @item show interrupt-on-connect
20775 Show whether interrupt-sequence is sent
20776 to remote target when @value{GDBN} connects to it.
20780 @item set tcp auto-retry on
20781 @cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
20782 Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
20783 debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
20784 condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
20785 before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
20786 enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
20787 to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
20788 @code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
20790 @item set tcp auto-retry off
20791 Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
20793 @item show tcp auto-retry
20794 Show the current auto-retry setting.
20796 @item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
20797 @itemx set tcp connect-timeout unlimited
20798 @cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
20799 @cindex timeout, for remote target connection
20800 Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
20801 @var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
20802 (enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
20803 that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
20804 value. If @var{seconds} is @code{unlimited}, there is no timeout and
20805 @value{GDBN} will keep attempting to establish a connection forever,
20806 unless interrupted with @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The default is 15 seconds.
20808 @item show tcp connect-timeout
20809 Show the current connection timeout setting.
20812 @cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
20813 The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
20814 your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
20815 can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
20816 packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
20817 packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
20818 or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
20819 all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
20820 see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
20822 During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
20823 If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
20824 in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
20825 @value{GDBN} developers.
20827 For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
20828 packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
20831 @multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
20834 @tab Related Features
20836 @item @code{fetch-register}
20838 @tab @code{info registers}
20840 @item @code{set-register}
20844 @item @code{binary-download}
20846 @tab @code{load}, @code{set}
20848 @item @code{read-aux-vector}
20849 @tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
20850 @tab @code{info auxv}
20852 @item @code{symbol-lookup}
20853 @tab @code{qSymbol}
20854 @tab Detecting multiple threads
20856 @item @code{attach}
20857 @tab @code{vAttach}
20860 @item @code{verbose-resume}
20862 @tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
20868 @item @code{software-breakpoint}
20872 @item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
20876 @item @code{write-watchpoint}
20880 @item @code{read-watchpoint}
20884 @item @code{access-watchpoint}
20888 @item @code{pid-to-exec-file}
20889 @tab @code{qXfer:exec-file:read}
20890 @tab @code{attach}, @code{run}
20892 @item @code{target-features}
20893 @tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
20894 @tab @code{set architecture}
20896 @item @code{library-info}
20897 @tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
20898 @tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
20900 @item @code{memory-map}
20901 @tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
20902 @tab @code{info mem}
20904 @item @code{read-sdata-object}
20905 @tab @code{qXfer:sdata:read}
20906 @tab @code{print $_sdata}
20908 @item @code{read-spu-object}
20909 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
20910 @tab @code{info spu}
20912 @item @code{write-spu-object}
20913 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
20914 @tab @code{info spu}
20916 @item @code{read-siginfo-object}
20917 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:read}
20918 @tab @code{print $_siginfo}
20920 @item @code{write-siginfo-object}
20921 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:write}
20922 @tab @code{set $_siginfo}
20924 @item @code{threads}
20925 @tab @code{qXfer:threads:read}
20926 @tab @code{info threads}
20928 @item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
20929 @tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
20930 @tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
20932 @item @code{get-thread-information-block-address}
20933 @tab @code{qGetTIBAddr}
20934 @tab Display MS-Windows Thread Information Block.
20936 @item @code{search-memory}
20937 @tab @code{qSearch:memory}
20940 @item @code{supported-packets}
20941 @tab @code{qSupported}
20942 @tab Remote communications parameters
20944 @item @code{catch-syscalls}
20945 @tab @code{QCatchSyscalls}
20946 @tab @code{catch syscall}
20948 @item @code{pass-signals}
20949 @tab @code{QPassSignals}
20950 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
20952 @item @code{program-signals}
20953 @tab @code{QProgramSignals}
20954 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
20956 @item @code{hostio-close-packet}
20957 @tab @code{vFile:close}
20958 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
20960 @item @code{hostio-open-packet}
20961 @tab @code{vFile:open}
20962 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
20964 @item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
20965 @tab @code{vFile:pread}
20966 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
20968 @item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
20969 @tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
20970 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
20972 @item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
20973 @tab @code{vFile:unlink}
20974 @tab @code{remote delete}
20976 @item @code{hostio-readlink-packet}
20977 @tab @code{vFile:readlink}
20980 @item @code{hostio-fstat-packet}
20981 @tab @code{vFile:fstat}
20984 @item @code{hostio-setfs-packet}
20985 @tab @code{vFile:setfs}
20988 @item @code{noack-packet}
20989 @tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
20990 @tab Packet acknowledgment
20992 @item @code{osdata}
20993 @tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
20994 @tab @code{info os}
20996 @item @code{query-attached}
20997 @tab @code{qAttached}
20998 @tab Querying remote process attach state.
21000 @item @code{trace-buffer-size}
21001 @tab @code{QTBuffer:size}
21002 @tab @code{set trace-buffer-size}
21004 @item @code{trace-status}
21005 @tab @code{qTStatus}
21006 @tab @code{tstatus}
21008 @item @code{traceframe-info}
21009 @tab @code{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
21010 @tab Traceframe info
21012 @item @code{install-in-trace}
21013 @tab @code{InstallInTrace}
21014 @tab Install tracepoint in tracing
21016 @item @code{disable-randomization}
21017 @tab @code{QDisableRandomization}
21018 @tab @code{set disable-randomization}
21020 @item @code{startup-with-shell}
21021 @tab @code{QStartupWithShell}
21022 @tab @code{set startup-with-shell}
21024 @item @code{environment-hex-encoded}
21025 @tab @code{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}
21026 @tab @code{set environment}
21028 @item @code{environment-unset}
21029 @tab @code{QEnvironmentUnset}
21030 @tab @code{unset environment}
21032 @item @code{environment-reset}
21033 @tab @code{QEnvironmentReset}
21034 @tab @code{Reset the inferior environment (i.e., unset user-set variables)}
21036 @item @code{set-working-dir}
21037 @tab @code{QSetWorkingDir}
21038 @tab @code{set cwd}
21040 @item @code{conditional-breakpoints-packet}
21041 @tab @code{Z0 and Z1}
21042 @tab @code{Support for target-side breakpoint condition evaluation}
21044 @item @code{multiprocess-extensions}
21045 @tab @code{multiprocess extensions}
21046 @tab Debug multiple processes and remote process PID awareness
21048 @item @code{swbreak-feature}
21049 @tab @code{swbreak stop reason}
21052 @item @code{hwbreak-feature}
21053 @tab @code{hwbreak stop reason}
21056 @item @code{fork-event-feature}
21057 @tab @code{fork stop reason}
21060 @item @code{vfork-event-feature}
21061 @tab @code{vfork stop reason}
21064 @item @code{exec-event-feature}
21065 @tab @code{exec stop reason}
21068 @item @code{thread-events}
21069 @tab @code{QThreadEvents}
21070 @tab Tracking thread lifetime.
21072 @item @code{no-resumed-stop-reply}
21073 @tab @code{no resumed thread left stop reply}
21074 @tab Tracking thread lifetime.
21079 @section Implementing a Remote Stub
21081 @cindex debugging stub, example
21082 @cindex remote stub, example
21083 @cindex stub example, remote debugging
21084 The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
21085 communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
21086 @value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
21087 these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
21088 implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
21089 with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
21090 organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
21092 @cindex remote serial debugging, overview
21093 To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
21094 @dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
21095 prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
21100 A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
21101 have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
21102 your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
21105 A C subroutine library to support your program's
21106 subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
21109 A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
21110 download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
21111 manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
21115 The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
21116 communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
21117 machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
21121 @value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
21122 else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
21123 (@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
21125 @item On the target,
21126 you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
21127 implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
21128 subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
21130 On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
21131 @code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
21132 @xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
21135 The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
21136 machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
21139 @cindex remote serial stub list
21140 These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
21145 @cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
21148 For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
21151 @cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
21152 @cindex Motorola 680x0
21154 For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
21157 @cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
21160 For Renesas SH architectures.
21163 @cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
21165 For @sc{sparc} architectures.
21167 @item sparcl-stub.c
21168 @cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
21171 For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
21175 The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
21176 recently added stubs.
21179 * Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
21180 * Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
21181 * Debug Session:: Putting it all together
21184 @node Stub Contents
21185 @subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
21187 @cindex remote serial stub
21188 The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
21192 @item set_debug_traps
21193 @findex set_debug_traps
21194 @cindex remote serial stub, initialization
21195 This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
21196 program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly in your
21197 program's startup code.
21199 @item handle_exception
21200 @findex handle_exception
21201 @cindex remote serial stub, main routine
21202 This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
21203 explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
21204 run when a trap is triggered.
21206 @code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
21207 execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
21208 with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
21209 protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
21210 representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
21211 information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
21212 retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
21213 execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
21214 @code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
21218 @cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
21219 Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
21220 breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
21221 way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
21222 machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
21223 pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
21224 @code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
21225 simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
21226 again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
21227 your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
21228 @value{GDBN} session gets control.
21230 Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
21231 to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
21232 start of your debugging session.
21235 @node Bootstrapping
21236 @subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
21238 @cindex remote stub, support routines
21239 The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
21240 chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
21241 debugging target machine.
21243 First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
21247 @item int getDebugChar()
21248 @findex getDebugChar
21249 Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
21250 It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
21251 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
21253 @item void putDebugChar(int)
21254 @findex putDebugChar
21255 Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
21256 It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
21257 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
21260 @cindex control C, and remote debugging
21261 @cindex interrupting remote targets
21262 If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
21263 running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
21264 for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
21265 character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
21266 remote system to stop.
21268 Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
21269 probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
21270 is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
21271 @value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
21273 Other routines you need to supply are:
21276 @item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
21277 @findex exceptionHandler
21278 Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
21279 handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
21280 way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
21281 are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
21282 containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
21283 The @var{exception_number} specifies the exception which should be changed;
21284 its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
21285 might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
21286 exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
21287 @var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
21288 and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
21289 you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
21290 should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
21292 For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
21293 gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
21294 should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
21295 @sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
21296 help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
21298 @item void flush_i_cache()
21299 @findex flush_i_cache
21300 On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
21301 instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
21302 instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
21304 On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
21305 function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
21309 You must also make sure this library routine is available:
21312 @item void *memset(void *, int, int)
21314 This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
21315 memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
21316 @code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
21317 either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
21320 If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
21321 library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
21322 but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
21323 subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
21326 @node Debug Session
21327 @subsection Putting it All Together
21329 @cindex remote serial debugging summary
21330 In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
21335 Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
21336 (@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
21338 @code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
21339 @code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
21343 Insert these lines in your program's startup code, before the main
21344 procedure is called:
21351 On some machines, when a breakpoint trap is raised, the hardware
21352 automatically makes the PC point to the instruction after the
21353 breakpoint. If your machine doesn't do that, you may need to adjust
21354 @code{handle_exception} to arrange for it to return to the instruction
21355 after the breakpoint on this first invocation, so that your program
21356 doesn't keep hitting the initial breakpoint instead of making
21360 For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
21361 @code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
21364 void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
21368 but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
21369 function in your program, that function is called when
21370 @code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
21371 error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
21372 one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
21375 Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
21376 your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
21379 Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
21380 the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
21383 @c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
21384 @c document that. FIXME.
21385 Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
21386 whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
21389 Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
21390 (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
21394 @node Configurations
21395 @chapter Configuration-Specific Information
21397 While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
21398 cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
21399 describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
21401 There are three major categories of configurations: native
21402 configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
21403 operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
21404 different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
21405 are quite different from each other.
21410 * Embedded Processors::
21417 This section describes details specific to particular native
21421 * BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
21422 * SVR4 Process Information:: SVR4 process information
21423 * DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
21424 * Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
21425 * Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
21426 * Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
21429 @node BSD libkvm Interface
21430 @subsection BSD libkvm Interface
21433 @cindex kernel memory image
21434 @cindex kernel crash dump
21436 BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
21437 interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
21438 memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
21439 uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
21440 dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
21441 special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
21442 the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
21446 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
21449 For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
21453 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
21456 Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
21462 Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
21465 Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
21466 modern FreeBSD systems.
21469 @node SVR4 Process Information
21470 @subsection SVR4 Process Information
21472 @cindex examine process image
21473 @cindex process info via @file{/proc}
21475 Many versions of SVR4 and compatible systems provide a facility called
21476 @samp{/proc} that can be used to examine the image of a running
21477 process using file-system subroutines.
21479 If @value{GDBN} is configured for an operating system with this
21480 facility, the command @code{info proc} is available to report
21481 information about the process running your program, or about any
21482 process running on your system. This includes, as of this writing,
21483 @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris, for example.
21485 This command may also work on core files that were created on a system
21486 that has the @samp{/proc} facility.
21492 @itemx info proc @var{process-id}
21493 Summarize available information about any running process. If a
21494 process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
21495 that process; otherwise display information about the program being
21496 debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
21497 line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
21498 executable file's absolute file name.
21500 On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
21501 @samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
21502 within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
21503 a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
21504 needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
21505 a process ID rather than a thread ID).
21507 @item info proc cmdline
21508 @cindex info proc cmdline
21509 Show the original command line of the process. This command is
21510 specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
21512 @item info proc cwd
21513 @cindex info proc cwd
21514 Show the current working directory of the process. This command is
21515 specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
21517 @item info proc exe
21518 @cindex info proc exe
21519 Show the name of executable of the process. This command is specific
21522 @item info proc mappings
21523 @cindex memory address space mappings
21524 Report the memory address space ranges accessible in the program, with
21525 information on whether the process has read, write, or execute access
21526 rights to each range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, each memory range
21527 includes the object file which is mapped to that range, instead of the
21528 memory access rights to that range.
21530 @item info proc stat
21531 @itemx info proc status
21532 @cindex process detailed status information
21533 These subcommands are specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. They show
21534 the process-related information, including the user ID and group ID;
21535 how many threads are there in the process; its virtual memory usage;
21536 the signals that are pending, blocked, and ignored; its TTY; its
21537 consumption of system and user time; its stack size; its @samp{nice}
21538 value; etc. For more information, see the @samp{proc} man page
21539 (type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
21541 @item info proc all
21542 Show all the information about the process described under all of the
21543 above @code{info proc} subcommands.
21546 @comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
21547 @comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
21548 @comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
21549 @kindex info proc times
21550 @item info proc times
21551 Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
21554 @kindex info proc id
21556 Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
21557 the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
21560 @item set procfs-trace
21561 @kindex set procfs-trace
21562 @cindex @code{procfs} API calls
21563 This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
21565 @item show procfs-trace
21566 @kindex show procfs-trace
21567 Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
21569 @item set procfs-file @var{file}
21570 @kindex set procfs-file
21571 Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
21572 @var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
21573 contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
21576 @item show procfs-file
21577 @kindex show procfs-file
21578 Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
21580 @item proc-trace-entry
21581 @itemx proc-trace-exit
21582 @itemx proc-untrace-entry
21583 @itemx proc-untrace-exit
21584 @kindex proc-trace-entry
21585 @kindex proc-trace-exit
21586 @kindex proc-untrace-entry
21587 @kindex proc-untrace-exit
21588 These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
21589 from the @code{syscall} interface.
21592 @kindex info pidlist
21593 @cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
21594 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
21595 processes and all the threads within each process.
21598 @kindex info meminfo
21599 @cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
21600 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
21604 @subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
21605 @cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
21606 @cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
21607 @cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
21610 @sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
21611 MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
21612 that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
21613 top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
21615 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
21616 defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
21617 subsection describes those commands.
21622 This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
21623 information about the target system and important OS structures.
21626 @cindex MS-DOS system info
21627 @cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
21628 @item info dos sysinfo
21629 This command displays assorted information about the underlying
21630 platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
21631 DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
21636 @cindex segment descriptor tables
21637 @cindex descriptor tables display
21639 @itemx info dos ldt
21640 @itemx info dos idt
21641 These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
21642 and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
21643 tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
21644 that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
21645 descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
21646 descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
21649 A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
21650 segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
21651 allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
21652 conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
21653 additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
21655 @cindex garbled pointers
21656 These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
21657 Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
21658 displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
21659 display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
21660 example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
21661 debugged program's data segment:
21664 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
21665 @exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
21669 This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
21670 the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
21672 @cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
21674 @itemx info dos pte
21675 These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
21676 Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
21677 data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
21678 into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
21679 page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
21680 may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
21681 Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
21682 that is currently in use.
21684 Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
21685 Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
21686 the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
21687 @kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
21688 Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
21689 means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
21690 the specified entry in the Page Directory.
21692 @cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
21693 These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
21694 Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
21697 These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
21699 @cindex physical address from linear address
21700 @item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
21701 This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
21702 address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
21703 already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
21704 because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
21705 segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
21706 the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
21709 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
21710 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
21711 @exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
21715 This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
21716 whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
21717 attributes of that page.
21719 Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
21720 since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
21721 address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
21722 be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
21723 declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
21724 @code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
21726 Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
21730 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
21731 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
21732 @exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
21736 (The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
21737 3rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
21738 clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
21739 memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
21740 linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
21742 This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
21745 @cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
21746 In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
21747 debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
21748 to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
21751 @kindex set com1base
21752 @kindex set com1irq
21753 @kindex set com2base
21754 @kindex set com2irq
21755 @kindex set com3base
21756 @kindex set com3irq
21757 @kindex set com4base
21758 @kindex set com4irq
21759 @item set com1base @var{addr}
21760 This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
21763 @item set com1irq @var{irq}
21764 This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
21765 for the @file{COM1} serial port.
21767 There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
21768 etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
21771 @kindex show com1base
21772 @kindex show com1irq
21773 @kindex show com2base
21774 @kindex show com2irq
21775 @kindex show com3base
21776 @kindex show com3irq
21777 @kindex show com4base
21778 @kindex show com4irq
21779 The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
21780 display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
21781 lines used by the COM ports.
21784 @kindex info serial
21785 @cindex DOS serial port status
21786 This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
21787 port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
21788 IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
21789 counts of various errors encountered so far.
21793 @node Cygwin Native
21794 @subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
21795 @cindex MS Windows debugging
21796 @cindex native Cygwin debugging
21797 @cindex Cygwin-specific commands
21799 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
21800 DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information.
21802 @cindex Ctrl-BREAK, MS-Windows
21803 @cindex interrupt debuggee on MS-Windows
21804 MS-Windows programs that call @code{SetConsoleMode} to switch off the
21805 special meaning of the @samp{Ctrl-C} keystroke cannot be interrupted
21806 by typing @kbd{C-c}. For this reason, @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows
21807 supports @kbd{C-@key{BREAK}} as an alternative interrupt key
21808 sequence, which can be used to interrupt the debuggee even if it
21811 There are various additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in
21812 this section. Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is
21813 described in @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
21818 This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
21819 information about the target system and important OS structures.
21821 @item info w32 selector
21822 This command displays information returned by
21823 the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
21824 It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
21825 a long value to give the information about this given selector.
21826 Without argument, this command displays information
21827 about the six segment registers.
21829 @item info w32 thread-information-block
21830 This command displays thread specific information stored in the
21831 Thread Information Block (readable on the X86 CPU family using @code{$fs}
21832 selector for 32-bit programs and @code{$gs} for 64-bit programs).
21834 @kindex signal-event
21835 @item signal-event @var{id}
21836 This command signals an event with user-provided @var{id}. Used to resume
21837 crashing process when attached to it using MS-Windows JIT debugging (AeDebug).
21839 To use it, create or edit the following keys in
21840 @code{HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AeDebug} and/or
21841 @code{HKLM\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AeDebug}
21842 (for x86_64 versions):
21846 @code{Debugger} (REG_SZ) --- a command to launch the debugger.
21847 Suggested command is: @code{@var{fully-qualified-path-to-gdb.exe} -ex
21848 "attach %ld" -ex "signal-event %ld" -ex "continue"}.
21850 The first @code{%ld} will be replaced by the process ID of the
21851 crashing process, the second @code{%ld} will be replaced by the ID of
21852 the event that blocks the crashing process, waiting for @value{GDBN}
21856 @code{Auto} (REG_SZ) --- either @code{1} or @code{0}. @code{1} will
21857 make the system run debugger specified by the Debugger key
21858 automatically, @code{0} will cause a dialog box with ``OK'' and
21859 ``Cancel'' buttons to appear, which allows the user to either
21860 terminate the crashing process (OK) or debug it (Cancel).
21863 @kindex set cygwin-exceptions
21864 @cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
21865 @cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
21866 @item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
21867 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
21868 happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
21869 @value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
21870 exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
21871 ``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
21872 Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
21873 @value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
21875 @kindex show cygwin-exceptions
21876 @item show cygwin-exceptions
21877 Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
21878 inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
21880 @kindex set new-console
21881 @item set new-console @var{mode}
21882 If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
21883 be started in a new console on next start.
21884 If @var{mode} is @code{off}, the debuggee will
21885 be started in the same console as the debugger.
21887 @kindex show new-console
21888 @item show new-console
21889 Displays whether a new console is used
21890 when the debuggee is started.
21892 @kindex set new-group
21893 @item set new-group @var{mode}
21894 This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
21895 start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
21896 This affects the way the Windows OS handles
21899 @kindex show new-group
21900 @item show new-group
21901 Displays current value of new-group boolean.
21903 @kindex set debugevents
21904 @item set debugevents
21905 This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
21906 to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
21907 signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
21908 unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
21909 Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
21911 @kindex set debugexec
21912 @item set debugexec
21913 This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
21914 (such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
21916 @kindex set debugexceptions
21917 @item set debugexceptions
21918 This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
21919 debuggee seen by the debugger.
21921 @kindex set debugmemory
21922 @item set debugmemory
21923 This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
21924 and writes by the debugger.
21928 This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
21929 via a shell or directly (default value is on).
21933 Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
21938 * Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
21941 @node Non-debug DLL Symbols
21942 @subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
21943 @cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
21944 @cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
21946 Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
21947 not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
21948 @file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
21949 symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
21950 information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
21951 describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
21952 ``minimal symbols''.
21954 Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
21955 will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
21956 start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
21957 program run once to completion.
21959 @subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
21961 In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
21962 tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
21963 DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
21964 also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
21965 sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
21966 (particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
21967 necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
21968 contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
21969 exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
21971 Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
21972 though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
21973 symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
21974 some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
21975 @code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
21976 (@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
21979 (@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
21980 All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
21982 Non-debugging symbols:
21983 0x77e885f4 CreateFileA
21984 0x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
21988 (@value{GDBP}) info function !
21989 All functions matching regular expression "!":
21991 Non-debugging symbols:
21992 0x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
21993 0x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
21994 0x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
21998 @subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
22000 Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
22001 type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
22002 refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
22003 contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
22004 contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
22005 means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
22006 a function within a DLL without a running program.
22008 Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
22009 automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
22010 variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
22011 type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
22015 (@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
22016 'cygwin1!__argv' has unknown type; cast it to its declared type
22020 (@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
22021 'cygwin1!__argv' has unknown type; cast it to its declared type
22024 And two possible solutions:
22027 (@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
22028 $2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
22032 (@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
22033 0x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
22034 (@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
22035 0x10021608: 0x0022fd98
22036 (@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
22037 0x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
22040 Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
22041 starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
22042 examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
22043 function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
22044 to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
22047 (@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
22048 Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
22051 The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
22052 break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
22056 @subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
22057 @cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
22059 This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
22060 @sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
22065 @kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
22066 @kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
22067 This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
22068 @value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
22069 affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
22074 @kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
22075 @kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
22076 Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
22078 @item set signal-thread
22079 @itemx set sigthread
22080 @kindex set signal-thread
22081 @kindex set sigthread
22082 This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
22083 thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
22084 process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
22087 @item show signal-thread
22088 @itemx show sigthread
22089 @kindex show signal-thread
22090 @kindex show sigthread
22091 These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
22092 delivered a signal.
22095 @kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
22096 This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
22097 as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
22098 continued by delivering a signal to it.
22101 @kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
22102 This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
22105 @item set exceptions
22106 @kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
22107 Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
22108 When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
22109 single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
22112 @item show exceptions
22113 @kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
22114 Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
22116 @item set task pause
22117 @kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
22118 @cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
22119 @cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
22120 This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
22121 Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
22122 whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
22123 effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
22124 to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
22125 thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
22127 @item show task pause
22128 @kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
22129 Show the current state of task suspension.
22131 @item set task detach-suspend-count
22132 @cindex task suspend count
22133 @cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22134 This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
22135 @value{GDBN} detaches from it.
22137 @item show task detach-suspend-count
22138 Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
22140 @item set task exception-port
22141 @itemx set task excp
22142 @cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22143 This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
22144 forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
22145 rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
22147 @item set noninvasive
22148 @cindex noninvasive task options
22149 This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
22150 invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
22151 is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
22152 @code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
22154 @item info send-rights
22155 @itemx info receive-rights
22156 @itemx info port-rights
22157 @itemx info port-sets
22158 @itemx info dead-names
22161 @cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22162 @cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22163 @cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22164 @cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22165 @cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22166 These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
22167 receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
22168 There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
22169 port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
22171 @item set thread pause
22172 @kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
22173 @cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22174 @cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
22175 This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
22176 control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
22177 thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
22178 off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
22179 Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
22180 control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
22181 task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
22182 only the current thread.
22184 @item show thread pause
22185 @kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
22186 This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
22188 @item set thread run
22189 This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
22191 @item show thread run
22192 Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
22194 @item set thread detach-suspend-count
22195 @cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22196 @cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22197 This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
22198 thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
22199 found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
22200 takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
22202 @item show thread detach-suspend-count
22203 Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
22206 @item set thread exception-port
22207 @itemx set thread excp
22208 Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
22209 overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
22210 @code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
22212 @item set thread takeover-suspend-count
22213 Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
22214 value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
22215 changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
22217 @item set thread default
22218 @itemx show thread default
22219 @cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
22220 Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
22221 default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
22222 thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
22223 variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
22224 threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
22225 the non-default commands.
22232 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
22235 @item set debug darwin @var{num}
22236 @kindex set debug darwin
22237 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
22238 the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
22240 @item show debug darwin
22241 @kindex show debug darwin
22242 Show the current state of Darwin messages.
22244 @item set debug mach-o @var{num}
22245 @kindex set debug mach-o
22246 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
22247 @value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
22248 file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
22249 values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
22250 problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
22253 @item show debug mach-o
22254 @kindex show debug mach-o
22255 Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
22257 @item set mach-exceptions on
22258 @itemx set mach-exceptions off
22259 @kindex set mach-exceptions
22260 On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
22261 mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
22262 Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
22263 better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
22265 @item show mach-exceptions
22266 @kindex show mach-exceptions
22267 Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
22272 @section Embedded Operating Systems
22274 This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
22275 embedded operating systems that are available for several different
22278 @value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
22279 various real-time operating systems.
22281 @node Embedded Processors
22282 @section Embedded Processors
22284 This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
22287 @cindex send command to simulator
22288 Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
22289 allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
22292 @item sim @var{command}
22293 @kindex sim@r{, a command}
22294 Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
22295 documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
22296 acceptable commands.
22301 * ARC:: Synopsys ARC
22303 * M68K:: Motorola M68K
22304 * MicroBlaze:: Xilinx MicroBlaze
22305 * MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
22306 * PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
22309 * Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
22313 @subsection Synopsys ARC
22314 @cindex Synopsys ARC
22315 @cindex ARC specific commands
22321 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARC-specific commands:
22324 @item set debug arc
22325 @kindex set debug arc
22326 Control the level of ARC specific debug messages. Use 0 for no messages (the
22327 default), 1 for debug messages, and 2 for even more debug messages.
22329 @item show debug arc
22330 @kindex show debug arc
22331 Show the level of ARC specific debugging in operation.
22333 @item maint print arc arc-instruction @var{address}
22334 @kindex maint print arc arc-instruction
22335 Print internal disassembler information about instruction at a given address.
22342 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
22345 @item set arm disassembler
22347 This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
22348 @code{"std"} style is the standard style.
22350 @item show arm disassembler
22352 Show the current disassembly style.
22354 @item set arm apcs32
22355 @cindex ARM 32-bit mode
22356 This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
22358 @item show arm apcs32
22359 Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
22361 @item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
22362 This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
22363 argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
22367 Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
22369 Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
22372 GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
22374 Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
22380 Show the current type of the FPU.
22383 This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
22386 Show the currently used ABI.
22388 @item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
22389 @value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
22390 whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
22391 @value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
22392 available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
22393 use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
22396 @item show arm fallback-mode
22397 Show the current fallback instruction mode.
22399 @item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
22400 This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
22401 instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
22402 causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
22403 of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
22405 @item show arm force-mode
22406 Show the current forced instruction mode.
22408 @item set debug arm
22409 Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
22410 target support subsystem.
22412 @item show debug arm
22413 Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
22417 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
22418 The @value{GDBN} ARM simulator accepts the following optional arguments.
22421 @item --swi-support=@var{type}
22422 Tell the simulator which SWI interfaces to support. The argument
22423 @var{type} may be a comma separated list of the following values.
22424 The default value is @code{all}.
22439 The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support.
22442 @subsection MicroBlaze
22443 @cindex Xilinx MicroBlaze
22444 @cindex XMD, Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger
22446 The MicroBlaze is a soft-core processor supported on various Xilinx
22447 FPGAs, such as Spartan or Virtex series. Boards with these processors
22448 usually have JTAG ports which connect to a host system running the Xilinx
22449 Embedded Development Kit (EDK) or Software Development Kit (SDK).
22450 This host system is used to download the configuration bitstream to
22451 the target FPGA. The Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger (XMD) program
22452 communicates with the target board using the JTAG interface and
22453 presents a @code{gdbserver} interface to the board. By default
22454 @code{xmd} uses port @code{1234}. (While it is possible to change
22455 this default port, it requires the use of undocumented @code{xmd}
22456 commands. Contact Xilinx support if you need to do this.)
22458 Use these GDB commands to connect to the MicroBlaze target processor.
22461 @item target remote :1234
22462 Use this command to connect to the target if you are running @value{GDBN}
22463 on the same system as @code{xmd}.
22465 @item target remote @var{xmd-host}:1234
22466 Use this command to connect to the target if it is connected to @code{xmd}
22467 running on a different system named @var{xmd-host}.
22470 Use this command to download a program to the MicroBlaze target.
22472 @item set debug microblaze @var{n}
22473 Enable MicroBlaze-specific debugging messages if non-zero.
22475 @item show debug microblaze @var{n}
22476 Show MicroBlaze-specific debugging level.
22479 @node MIPS Embedded
22480 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Embedded
22483 @value{GDBN} supports these special commands for @acronym{MIPS} targets:
22486 @item set mipsfpu double
22487 @itemx set mipsfpu single
22488 @itemx set mipsfpu none
22489 @itemx set mipsfpu auto
22490 @itemx show mipsfpu
22491 @kindex set mipsfpu
22492 @kindex show mipsfpu
22493 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} remote floating point
22494 @cindex floating point, @acronym{MIPS} remote
22495 If your target board does not support the @acronym{MIPS} floating point
22496 coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
22497 need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
22498 file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
22499 functions which return floating point values. It also allows
22500 @value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
22501 functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
22502 with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
22503 processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
22504 double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
22505 @samp{set mipsfpu double}.
22507 In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
22508 floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
22509 and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
22511 As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
22512 @samp{show mipsfpu}.
22515 @node PowerPC Embedded
22516 @subsection PowerPC Embedded
22518 @cindex DVC register
22519 @value{GDBN} supports using the DVC (Data Value Compare) register to
22520 implement in hardware simple hardware watchpoint conditions of the form:
22523 (@value{GDBP}) watch @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} \
22524 if @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} == @var{CONSTANT EXPRESSION}
22527 The DVC register will be automatically used when @value{GDBN} detects
22528 such pattern in a condition expression, and the created watchpoint uses one
22529 debug register (either the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on and the
22530 variable is scalar, or the variable has a length of one byte). This feature
22531 is available in native @value{GDBN} running on a Linux kernel version 2.6.34
22534 When running on PowerPC embedded processors, @value{GDBN} automatically uses
22535 ranged hardware watchpoints, unless the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on,
22536 in which case watchpoints using only one debug register are created when
22537 watching variables of scalar types.
22539 You can create an artificial array to watch an arbitrary memory
22540 region using one of the following commands (@pxref{Expressions}):
22543 (@value{GDBP}) watch *((char *) @var{address})@@@var{length}
22544 (@value{GDBP}) watch @{char[@var{length}]@} @var{address}
22547 PowerPC embedded processors support masked watchpoints. See the discussion
22548 about the @code{mask} argument in @ref{Set Watchpoints}.
22550 @cindex ranged breakpoint
22551 PowerPC embedded processors support hardware accelerated
22552 @dfn{ranged breakpoints}. A ranged breakpoint stops execution of
22553 the inferior whenever it executes an instruction at any address within
22554 the range it specifies. To set a ranged breakpoint in @value{GDBN},
22555 use the @code{break-range} command.
22557 @value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
22560 @kindex break-range
22561 @item break-range @var{start-location}, @var{end-location}
22562 Set a breakpoint for an address range given by
22563 @var{start-location} and @var{end-location}, which can specify a function name,
22564 a line number, an offset of lines from the current line or from the start
22565 location, or an address of an instruction (see @ref{Specify Location},
22566 for a list of all the possible ways to specify a @var{location}.)
22567 The breakpoint will stop execution of the inferior whenever it
22568 executes an instruction at any address within the specified range,
22569 (including @var{start-location} and @var{end-location}.)
22571 @kindex set powerpc
22572 @item set powerpc soft-float
22573 @itemx show powerpc soft-float
22574 Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
22575 convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
22576 on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
22578 @item set powerpc vector-abi
22579 @itemx show powerpc vector-abi
22580 Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
22581 arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
22582 @samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
22583 @samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
22584 registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
22585 based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
22587 @item set powerpc exact-watchpoints
22588 @itemx show powerpc exact-watchpoints
22589 Allow @value{GDBN} to use only one debug register when watching a variable
22590 of scalar type, thus assuming that the variable is accessed through the
22591 address of its first byte.
22596 @subsection Atmel AVR
22599 When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
22600 following AVR-specific commands:
22603 @item info io_registers
22604 @kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
22605 @cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
22606 This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
22607 each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
22614 When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
22615 following CRIS-specific commands:
22618 @item set cris-version @var{ver}
22619 @cindex CRIS version
22620 Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
22621 The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
22622 case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
22624 @item show cris-version
22625 Show the current CRIS version.
22627 @item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
22628 @cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
22629 Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
22630 Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
22633 @item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
22634 Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
22636 @item set cris-mode @var{mode}
22638 Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
22639 debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
22640 @samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
22642 @item show cris-mode
22643 Show the current CRIS mode.
22647 @subsection Renesas Super-H
22650 For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
22654 @item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
22655 @kindex set sh calling-convention
22656 Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
22657 Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
22658 With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
22659 convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
22660 that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
22661 is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
22662 is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
22663 regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
22664 default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
22665 does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
22667 @item show sh calling-convention
22668 @kindex show sh calling-convention
22669 Show the current calling convention setting.
22674 @node Architectures
22675 @section Architectures
22677 This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
22678 all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
22685 * HPPA:: HP PA architecture
22686 * SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
22693 @subsection AArch64
22694 @cindex AArch64 support
22696 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides the
22697 following special commands:
22700 @item set debug aarch64
22701 @kindex set debug aarch64
22702 This command determines whether AArch64 architecture-specific debugging
22703 messages are to be displayed.
22705 @item show debug aarch64
22706 Show whether AArch64 debugging messages are displayed.
22711 @subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
22714 @item set struct-convention @var{mode}
22715 @kindex set struct-convention
22716 @cindex struct return convention
22717 @cindex struct/union returned in registers
22718 Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
22719 @code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
22720 @var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
22721 default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
22722 are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
22723 @code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
22724 be returned in a register.
22726 @item show struct-convention
22727 @kindex show struct-convention
22728 Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
22733 @subsubsection Intel @dfn{Memory Protection Extensions} (MPX).
22734 @cindex Intel Memory Protection Extensions (MPX).
22736 Memory Protection Extension (MPX) adds the bound registers @samp{BND0}
22737 @footnote{The register named with capital letters represent the architecture
22738 registers.} through @samp{BND3}. Bound registers store a pair of 64-bit values
22739 which are the lower bound and upper bound. Bounds are effective addresses or
22740 memory locations. The upper bounds are architecturally represented in 1's
22741 complement form. A bound having lower bound = 0, and upper bound = 0
22742 (1's complement of all bits set) will allow access to the entire address space.
22744 @samp{BND0} through @samp{BND3} are represented in @value{GDBN} as @samp{bnd0raw}
22745 through @samp{bnd3raw}. Pseudo registers @samp{bnd0} through @samp{bnd3}
22746 display the upper bound performing the complement of one operation on the
22747 upper bound value, i.e.@ when upper bound in @samp{bnd0raw} is 0 in the
22748 @value{GDBN} @samp{bnd0} it will be @code{0xfff@dots{}}. In this sense it
22749 can also be noted that the upper bounds are inclusive.
22751 As an example, assume that the register BND0 holds bounds for a pointer having
22752 access allowed for the range between 0x32 and 0x71. The values present on
22753 bnd0raw and bnd registers are presented as follows:
22756 bnd0raw = @{0x32, 0xffffffff8e@}
22757 bnd0 = @{lbound = 0x32, ubound = 0x71@} : size 64
22760 This way the raw value can be accessed via bnd0raw@dots{}bnd3raw. Any
22761 change on bnd0@dots{}bnd3 or bnd0raw@dots{}bnd3raw is reflect on its
22762 counterpart. When the bnd0@dots{}bnd3 registers are displayed via
22763 Python, the display includes the memory size, in bits, accessible to
22766 Bounds can also be stored in bounds tables, which are stored in
22767 application memory. These tables store bounds for pointers by specifying
22768 the bounds pointer's value along with its bounds. Evaluating and changing
22769 bounds located in bound tables is therefore interesting while investigating
22770 bugs on MPX context. @value{GDBN} provides commands for this purpose:
22773 @item show mpx bound @var{pointer}
22774 @kindex show mpx bound
22775 Display bounds of the given @var{pointer}.
22777 @item set mpx bound @var{pointer}, @var{lbound}, @var{ubound}
22778 @kindex set mpx bound
22779 Set the bounds of a pointer in the bound table.
22780 This command takes three parameters: @var{pointer} is the pointers
22781 whose bounds are to be changed, @var{lbound} and @var{ubound} are new values
22782 for lower and upper bounds respectively.
22785 When you call an inferior function on an Intel MPX enabled program,
22786 GDB sets the inferior's bound registers to the init (disabled) state
22787 before calling the function. As a consequence, bounds checks for the
22788 pointer arguments passed to the function will always pass.
22790 This is necessary because when you call an inferior function, the
22791 program is usually in the middle of the execution of other function.
22792 Since at that point bound registers are in an arbitrary state, not
22793 clearing them would lead to random bound violations in the called
22796 You can still examine the influence of the bound registers on the
22797 execution of the called function by stopping the execution of the
22798 called function at its prologue, setting bound registers, and
22799 continuing the execution. For example:
22803 Breakpoint 2 at 0x4009de: file i386-mpx-call.c, line 47.
22804 $ print upper (a, b, c, d, 1)
22805 Breakpoint 2, upper (a=0x0, b=0x6e0000005b, c=0x0, d=0x0, len=48)....
22807 @{lbound = 0x0, ubound = ffffffff@} : size -1
22810 At this last step the value of bnd0 can be changed for investigation of bound
22811 violations caused along the execution of the call. In order to know how to
22812 set the bound registers or bound table for the call consult the ABI.
22817 See the following section.
22820 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}
22822 @cindex stack on Alpha
22823 @cindex stack on @acronym{MIPS}
22824 @cindex Alpha stack
22825 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} stack
22826 Alpha- and @acronym{MIPS}-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
22827 sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
22828 find the beginning of a function.
22830 @cindex response time, @acronym{MIPS} debugging
22831 To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
22832 @value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
22833 you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
22837 @cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, @acronym{MIPS})
22838 @item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
22839 Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
22840 search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
22841 default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
22842 larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
22843 and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
22844 this command when debugging a stripped executable.
22846 @item show heuristic-fence-post
22847 Display the current limit.
22851 These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
22852 for debugging programs on Alpha or @acronym{MIPS} processors.
22854 Several @acronym{MIPS}-specific commands are available when debugging @acronym{MIPS}
22858 @item set mips abi @var{arg}
22859 @kindex set mips abi
22860 @cindex set ABI for @acronym{MIPS}
22861 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
22862 values of @var{arg} are:
22866 The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
22876 @item show mips abi
22877 @kindex show mips abi
22878 Show the @acronym{MIPS} ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
22880 @item set mips compression @var{arg}
22881 @kindex set mips compression
22882 @cindex code compression, @acronym{MIPS}
22883 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} compressed
22884 @acronym{ISA, Instruction Set Architecture} encoding is used by the
22885 inferior. @value{GDBN} uses this for code disassembly and other
22886 internal interpretation purposes. This setting is only referred to
22887 when no executable has been associated with the debugging session or
22888 the executable does not provide information about the encoding it uses.
22889 Otherwise this setting is automatically updated from information
22890 provided by the executable.
22892 Possible values of @var{arg} are @samp{mips16} and @samp{micromips}.
22893 The default compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding is @samp{mips16}, as
22894 executables containing @acronym{MIPS16} code frequently are not
22895 identified as such.
22897 This setting is ``sticky''; that is, it retains its value across
22898 debugging sessions until reset either explicitly with this command or
22899 implicitly from an executable.
22901 The compiler and/or assembler typically add symbol table annotations to
22902 identify functions compiled for the @acronym{MIPS16} or
22903 @acronym{microMIPS} @acronym{ISA}s. If these function-scope annotations
22904 are present, @value{GDBN} uses them in preference to the global
22905 compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding setting.
22907 @item show mips compression
22908 @kindex show mips compression
22909 Show the @acronym{MIPS} compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding used by
22910 @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
22913 @itemx show mipsfpu
22914 @xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
22916 @item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
22917 @kindex set mips mask-address
22918 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} addresses, masking
22919 This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
22920 @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
22921 @samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
22922 setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
22924 @item show mips mask-address
22925 @kindex show mips mask-address
22926 Show whether the upper 32 bits of @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off or
22929 @item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
22930 @kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
22931 This command controls compatibility with 64-bit @acronym{MIPS} targets that
22932 transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old @acronym{MIPS} 64 target
22933 that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
22934 and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
22936 @item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
22937 @kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
22938 Show the current setting of compatibility with older @acronym{MIPS} 64 targets.
22940 @item set debug mips
22941 @kindex set debug mips
22942 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the @acronym{MIPS}-specific
22943 target code in @value{GDBN}.
22945 @item show debug mips
22946 @kindex show debug mips
22947 Show the current setting of @acronym{MIPS} debugging messages.
22953 @cindex HPPA support
22955 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
22956 following special commands:
22959 @item set debug hppa
22960 @kindex set debug hppa
22961 This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
22962 messages are to be displayed.
22964 @item show debug hppa
22965 Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
22967 @item maint print unwind @var{address}
22968 @kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
22969 This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
22970 given @var{address}.
22976 @subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
22977 @cindex Cell Broadband Engine
22980 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
22981 it provides the following special commands:
22984 @item info spu event
22986 Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
22987 and pending event status.
22989 @item info spu signal
22990 Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
22991 signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
22992 notification channels.
22994 @item info spu mailbox
22995 Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
22996 in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
22997 SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
23000 Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
23001 DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
23002 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
23004 @item info spu proxydma
23005 Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
23006 Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
23007 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
23011 When @value{GDBN} is debugging a combined PowerPC/SPU application
23012 on the Cell Broadband Engine, it provides in addition the following
23016 @item set spu stop-on-load @var{arg}
23018 Set whether to stop for new SPE threads. When set to @code{on}, @value{GDBN}
23019 will give control to the user when a new SPE thread enters its @code{main}
23020 function. The default is @code{off}.
23022 @item show spu stop-on-load
23024 Show whether to stop for new SPE threads.
23026 @item set spu auto-flush-cache @var{arg}
23027 Set whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache. When set to
23028 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will automatically cause the SPE software-managed
23029 cache to be flushed whenever SPE execution stops. This provides a consistent
23030 view of PowerPC memory that is accessed via the cache. If an application
23031 does not use the software-managed cache, this option has no effect.
23033 @item show spu auto-flush-cache
23034 Show whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache.
23039 @subsection PowerPC
23040 @cindex PowerPC architecture
23042 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
23043 pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
23044 numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
23045 in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
23046 @code{f0} or @code{f2}.
23048 The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
23049 by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
23050 @code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
23052 For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
23053 wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
23056 @subsection Nios II
23057 @cindex Nios II architecture
23059 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Nios II architecture,
23060 it provides the following special commands:
23064 @item set debug nios2
23065 @kindex set debug nios2
23066 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the Nios II
23067 target code in @value{GDBN}.
23069 @item show debug nios2
23070 @kindex show debug nios2
23071 Show the current setting of Nios II debugging messages.
23075 @subsection Sparc64
23076 @cindex Sparc64 support
23077 @cindex Application Data Integrity
23078 @subsubsection ADI Support
23080 The M7 processor supports an Application Data Integrity (ADI) feature that
23081 detects invalid data accesses. When software allocates memory and enables
23082 ADI on the allocated memory, it chooses a 4-bit version number, sets the
23083 version in the upper 4 bits of the 64-bit pointer to that data, and stores
23084 the 4-bit version in every cacheline of that data. Hardware saves the latter
23085 in spare bits in the cache and memory hierarchy. On each load and store,
23086 the processor compares the upper 4 VA (virtual address) bits to the
23087 cacheline's version. If there is a mismatch, the processor generates a
23088 version mismatch trap which can be either precise or disrupting. The trap
23089 is an error condition which the kernel delivers to the process as a SIGSEGV
23092 Note that only 64-bit applications can use ADI and need to be built with
23095 Values of the ADI version tags, which are in granularity of a
23096 cacheline (64 bytes), can be viewed or modified.
23100 @kindex adi examine
23101 @item adi (examine | x) [ / @var{n} ] @var{addr}
23103 The @code{adi examine} command displays the value of one ADI version tag per
23106 @var{n} is a decimal integer specifying the number in bytes; the default
23107 is 1. It specifies how much ADI version information, at the ratio of 1:ADI
23108 block size, to display.
23110 @var{addr} is the address in user address space where you want @value{GDBN}
23111 to begin displaying the ADI version tags.
23113 Below is an example of displaying ADI versions of variable "shmaddr".
23116 (@value{GDBP}) adi x/100 shmaddr
23117 0xfff800010002c000: 0 0
23121 @item adi (assign | a) [ / @var{n} ] @var{addr} = @var{tag}
23123 The @code{adi assign} command is used to assign new ADI version tag
23126 @var{n} is a decimal integer specifying the number in bytes;
23127 the default is 1. It specifies how much ADI version information, at the
23128 ratio of 1:ADI block size, to modify.
23130 @var{addr} is the address in user address space where you want @value{GDBN}
23131 to begin modifying the ADI version tags.
23133 @var{tag} is the new ADI version tag.
23135 For example, do the following to modify then verify ADI versions of
23136 variable "shmaddr":
23139 (@value{GDBP}) adi a/100 shmaddr = 7
23140 (@value{GDBP}) adi x/100 shmaddr
23141 0xfff800010002c000: 7 7
23146 @node Controlling GDB
23147 @chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
23149 You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
23150 @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
23151 data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
23156 * Editing:: Command editing
23157 * Command History:: Command history
23158 * Screen Size:: Screen size
23159 * Numbers:: Numbers
23160 * ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
23161 * Auto-loading:: Automatically loading associated files
23162 * Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
23163 * Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
23164 * Other Misc Settings:: Other Miscellaneous Settings
23172 @value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
23173 called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
23174 can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
23175 instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
23176 the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
23177 which one you are talking to.
23179 @emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
23180 prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
23181 or a prompt that does not.
23185 @item set prompt @var{newprompt}
23186 Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
23188 @kindex show prompt
23190 Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
23193 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled have
23194 prompt extensions. The commands for interacting with these extensions
23198 @kindex set extended-prompt
23199 @item set extended-prompt @var{prompt}
23200 Set an extended prompt that allows for substitutions.
23201 @xref{gdb.prompt}, for a list of escape sequences that can be used for
23202 substitution. Any escape sequences specified as part of the prompt
23203 string are replaced with the corresponding strings each time the prompt
23209 set extended-prompt Current working directory: \w (gdb)
23212 Note that when an extended-prompt is set, it takes control of the
23213 @var{prompt_hook} hook. @xref{prompt_hook}, for further information.
23215 @kindex show extended-prompt
23216 @item show extended-prompt
23217 Prints the extended prompt. Any escape sequences specified as part of
23218 the prompt string with @code{set extended-prompt}, are replaced with the
23219 corresponding strings each time the prompt is displayed.
23223 @section Command Editing
23225 @cindex command line editing
23227 @value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
23228 @sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
23229 command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
23230 or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
23231 substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
23232 debugging sessions.
23234 You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
23235 command @code{set}.
23238 @kindex set editing
23241 @itemx set editing on
23242 Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
23244 @item set editing off
23245 Disable command line editing.
23247 @kindex show editing
23249 Show whether command line editing is enabled.
23252 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
23253 @xref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library},
23255 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
23256 @xref{Command Line Editing},
23258 for more details about the Readline
23259 interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
23260 encouraged to read that chapter.
23262 @node Command History
23263 @section Command History
23264 @cindex command history
23266 @value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
23267 debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
23268 happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
23271 @value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
23272 package, to provide the history facility.
23273 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
23274 @xref{Using History Interactively, , , history, GNU History Library},
23276 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
23277 @xref{Using History Interactively},
23279 for the detailed description of the History library.
23281 To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
23282 the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
23283 (@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
23284 means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
23285 affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
23286 pressed on a line by itself.
23288 @cindex @code{server}, command prefix
23289 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
23290 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
23291 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
23293 Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
23297 @cindex history substitution
23298 @cindex history file
23299 @kindex set history filename
23300 @cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
23301 @item set history filename @var{fname}
23302 Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
23303 This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
23304 list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
23305 exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
23306 the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
23307 to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
23308 @file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
23311 @cindex save command history
23312 @kindex set history save
23313 @item set history save
23314 @itemx set history save on
23315 Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
23316 @code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
23318 @item set history save off
23319 Stop recording command history in a file.
23321 @cindex history size
23322 @kindex set history size
23323 @cindex @env{GDBHISTSIZE}, environment variable
23324 @item set history size @var{size}
23325 @itemx set history size unlimited
23326 Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
23327 This defaults to the value of the environment variable @env{GDBHISTSIZE}, or
23328 to 256 if this variable is not set. Non-numeric values of @env{GDBHISTSIZE}
23329 are ignored. If @var{size} is @code{unlimited} or if @env{GDBHISTSIZE} is
23330 either a negative number or the empty string, then the number of commands
23331 @value{GDBN} keeps in the history list is unlimited.
23333 @cindex remove duplicate history
23334 @kindex set history remove-duplicates
23335 @item set history remove-duplicates @var{count}
23336 @itemx set history remove-duplicates unlimited
23337 Control the removal of duplicate history entries in the command history list.
23338 If @var{count} is non-zero, @value{GDBN} will look back at the last @var{count}
23339 history entries and remove the first entry that is a duplicate of the current
23340 entry being added to the command history list. If @var{count} is
23341 @code{unlimited} then this lookbehind is unbounded. If @var{count} is 0, then
23342 removal of duplicate history entries is disabled.
23344 Only history entries added during the current session are considered for
23345 removal. This option is set to 0 by default.
23349 History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
23350 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
23351 @xref{Event Designators, , , history, GNU History Library},
23353 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
23354 @xref{Event Designators},
23358 @cindex history expansion, turn on/off
23359 Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
23360 is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
23361 @code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
23362 follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
23363 a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
23364 history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
23365 @kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
23367 The commands to control history expansion are:
23370 @item set history expansion on
23371 @itemx set history expansion
23372 @kindex set history expansion
23373 Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
23375 @item set history expansion off
23376 Disable history expansion.
23379 @kindex show history
23381 @itemx show history filename
23382 @itemx show history save
23383 @itemx show history size
23384 @itemx show history expansion
23385 These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
23386 @code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
23391 @kindex show commands
23392 @cindex show last commands
23393 @cindex display command history
23394 @item show commands
23395 Display the last ten commands in the command history.
23397 @item show commands @var{n}
23398 Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
23400 @item show commands +
23401 Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
23405 @section Screen Size
23406 @cindex size of screen
23407 @cindex screen size
23410 @cindex pauses in output
23412 Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
23413 information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
23414 @value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
23415 output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
23416 to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
23417 determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
23418 printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
23419 rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
23421 Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
23422 driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
23423 together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
23424 @code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
23425 you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
23432 @kindex show height
23433 @item set height @var{lpp}
23434 @itemx set height unlimited
23436 @itemx set width @var{cpl}
23437 @itemx set width unlimited
23439 These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
23440 a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
23441 commands display the current settings.
23443 If you specify a height of either @code{unlimited} or zero lines,
23444 @value{GDBN} does not pause during output no matter how long the
23445 output is. This is useful if output is to a file or to an editor
23448 Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width unlimited} or @samp{set
23449 width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN} from wrapping its output.
23451 @item set pagination on
23452 @itemx set pagination off
23453 @kindex set pagination
23454 Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
23455 pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height unlimited}. Note that
23456 running @value{GDBN} with the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode
23457 Options, -batch}) also automatically disables pagination.
23459 @item show pagination
23460 @kindex show pagination
23461 Show the current pagination mode.
23466 @cindex number representation
23467 @cindex entering numbers
23469 You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
23470 @value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
23471 @samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
23472 begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
23473 @samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
23474 10; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
23475 format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
23476 both input and output with the commands described below.
23479 @kindex set input-radix
23480 @item set input-radix @var{base}
23481 Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
23482 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. The base must itself be
23483 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
23487 set input-radix 012
23488 set input-radix 10.
23489 set input-radix 0xa
23493 sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
23494 leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
23495 @samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
23496 interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
23497 @samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
23500 @kindex set output-radix
23501 @item set output-radix @var{base}
23502 Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
23503 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. The base must itself be
23504 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
23506 @kindex show input-radix
23507 @item show input-radix
23508 Display the current default base for numeric input.
23510 @kindex show output-radix
23511 @item show output-radix
23512 Display the current default base for numeric display.
23514 @item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
23518 These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
23519 of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
23520 the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
23521 default value of 10.
23526 @section Configuring the Current ABI
23528 @value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
23529 application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
23530 conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
23536 @cindex Newlib OS ABI and its influence on the longjmp handling
23538 One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
23539 system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
23540 @value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
23541 but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
23542 One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
23543 an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
23544 not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
23547 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides a
23548 ``Newlib'' OS ABI. This is useful for handling @code{setjmp} and
23549 @code{longjmp} when debugging binaries that use the @sc{newlib} C library.
23550 The ``Newlib'' OS ABI can be selected by @code{set osabi Newlib}.
23554 Show the OS ABI currently in use.
23557 With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
23559 @item set osabi @var{abi}
23560 Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
23563 @cindex float promotion
23565 Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
23566 function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
23567 (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
23568 according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
23569 (i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
23570 @code{double} and then passed.
23572 Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
23573 a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
23574 as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
23577 @kindex set coerce-float-to-double
23578 @item set coerce-float-to-double
23579 @itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
23580 Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
23581 to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
23583 @item set coerce-float-to-double off
23584 Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
23587 @kindex show coerce-float-to-double
23588 @item show coerce-float-to-double
23589 Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
23593 @kindex show cp-abi
23594 @value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
23595 objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
23596 used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
23597 programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
23598 multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
23599 program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
23600 Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
23601 before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
23602 ``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
23603 use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
23608 Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
23611 With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
23613 @item set cp-abi @var{abi}
23614 @itemx set cp-abi auto
23615 Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
23619 @section Automatically loading associated files
23620 @cindex auto-loading
23622 @value{GDBN} sometimes reads files with commands and settings automatically,
23623 without being explicitly told so by the user. We call this feature
23624 @dfn{auto-loading}. While auto-loading is useful for automatically adapting
23625 @value{GDBN} to the needs of your project, it can sometimes produce unexpected
23626 results or introduce security risks (e.g., if the file comes from untrusted
23630 * Init File in the Current Directory:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load local-gdbinit}
23631 * libthread_db.so.1 file:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load libthread-db}
23633 * Auto-loading safe path:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load safe-path}
23634 * Auto-loading verbose mode:: @samp{set/show debug auto-load}
23637 There are various kinds of files @value{GDBN} can automatically load.
23638 In addition to these files, @value{GDBN} supports auto-loading code written
23639 in various extension languages. @xref{Auto-loading extensions}.
23641 Note that loading of these associated files (including the local @file{.gdbinit}
23642 file) requires accordingly configured @code{auto-load safe-path}
23643 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
23645 For these reasons, @value{GDBN} includes commands and options to let you
23646 control when to auto-load files and which files should be auto-loaded.
23649 @anchor{set auto-load off}
23650 @kindex set auto-load off
23651 @item set auto-load off
23652 Globally disable loading of all auto-loaded files.
23653 You may want to use this command with the @samp{-iex} option
23654 (@pxref{Option -init-eval-command}) such as:
23656 $ @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load off" untrusted-executable corefile}
23659 Be aware that system init file (@pxref{System-wide configuration})
23660 and init files from your home directory (@pxref{Home Directory Init File})
23661 still get read (as they come from generally trusted directories).
23662 To prevent @value{GDBN} from auto-loading even those init files, use the
23663 @option{-nx} option (@pxref{Mode Options}), in addition to
23664 @code{set auto-load no}.
23666 @anchor{show auto-load}
23667 @kindex show auto-load
23668 @item show auto-load
23669 Show whether auto-loading of each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) is enabled
23673 (gdb) show auto-load
23674 gdb-scripts: Auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is on.
23675 libthread-db: Auto-loading of inferior specific libthread_db is on.
23676 local-gdbinit: Auto-loading of .gdbinit script from current directory
23678 python-scripts: Auto-loading of Python scripts is on.
23679 safe-path: List of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
23680 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
23681 scripts-directory: List of directories from which to load auto-loaded scripts
23682 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
23685 @anchor{info auto-load}
23686 @kindex info auto-load
23687 @item info auto-load
23688 Print whether each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) have been auto-loaded or
23692 (gdb) info auto-load
23695 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb
23696 libthread-db: No auto-loaded libthread-db.
23697 local-gdbinit: Local .gdbinit file "/home/user/gdb/.gdbinit" has been
23701 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py
23705 These are @value{GDBN} control commands for the auto-loading:
23707 @multitable @columnfractions .5 .5
23708 @item @xref{set auto-load off}.
23709 @tab Disable auto-loading globally.
23710 @item @xref{show auto-load}.
23711 @tab Show setting of all kinds of files.
23712 @item @xref{info auto-load}.
23713 @tab Show state of all kinds of files.
23714 @item @xref{set auto-load gdb-scripts}.
23715 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} command scripts.
23716 @item @xref{show auto-load gdb-scripts}.
23717 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
23718 @item @xref{info auto-load gdb-scripts}.
23719 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
23720 @item @xref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
23721 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
23722 @item @xref{show auto-load python-scripts}.
23723 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
23724 @item @xref{info auto-load python-scripts}.
23725 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
23726 @item @xref{set auto-load guile-scripts}.
23727 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} Guile scripts.
23728 @item @xref{show auto-load guile-scripts}.
23729 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} Guile scripts.
23730 @item @xref{info auto-load guile-scripts}.
23731 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} Guile scripts.
23732 @item @xref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
23733 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
23734 @item @xref{show auto-load scripts-directory}.
23735 @tab Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
23736 @item @xref{add-auto-load-scripts-directory}.
23737 @tab Add directory for auto-loaded scripts location list.
23738 @item @xref{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
23739 @tab Control for init file in the current directory.
23740 @item @xref{show auto-load local-gdbinit}.
23741 @tab Show setting of init file in the current directory.
23742 @item @xref{info auto-load local-gdbinit}.
23743 @tab Show state of init file in the current directory.
23744 @item @xref{set auto-load libthread-db}.
23745 @tab Control for thread debugging library.
23746 @item @xref{show auto-load libthread-db}.
23747 @tab Show setting of thread debugging library.
23748 @item @xref{info auto-load libthread-db}.
23749 @tab Show state of thread debugging library.
23750 @item @xref{set auto-load safe-path}.
23751 @tab Control directories trusted for automatic loading.
23752 @item @xref{show auto-load safe-path}.
23753 @tab Show directories trusted for automatic loading.
23754 @item @xref{add-auto-load-safe-path}.
23755 @tab Add directory trusted for automatic loading.
23758 @node Init File in the Current Directory
23759 @subsection Automatically loading init file in the current directory
23760 @cindex auto-loading init file in the current directory
23762 By default, @value{GDBN} reads and executes the canned sequences of commands
23763 from init file (if any) in the current working directory,
23764 see @ref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}.
23766 Note that loading of this local @file{.gdbinit} file also requires accordingly
23767 configured @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
23770 @anchor{set auto-load local-gdbinit}
23771 @kindex set auto-load local-gdbinit
23772 @item set auto-load local-gdbinit [on|off]
23773 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands
23774 (@pxref{Sequences}) found in init file in the current directory.
23776 @anchor{show auto-load local-gdbinit}
23777 @kindex show auto-load local-gdbinit
23778 @item show auto-load local-gdbinit
23779 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands from init file in the
23780 current directory is enabled or disabled.
23782 @anchor{info auto-load local-gdbinit}
23783 @kindex info auto-load local-gdbinit
23784 @item info auto-load local-gdbinit
23785 Print whether canned sequences of commands from init file in the
23786 current directory have been auto-loaded.
23789 @node libthread_db.so.1 file
23790 @subsection Automatically loading thread debugging library
23791 @cindex auto-loading libthread_db.so.1
23793 This feature is currently present only on @sc{gnu}/Linux native hosts.
23795 @value{GDBN} reads in some cases thread debugging library from places specific
23796 to the inferior (@pxref{set libthread-db-search-path}).
23798 The special @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entry @samp{$sdir} is processed
23799 without checking this @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} switch as system
23800 libraries have to be trusted in general. In all other cases of
23801 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entries @value{GDBN} checks first if @samp{set
23802 auto-load libthread-db} is enabled before trying to open such thread debugging
23805 Note that loading of this debugging library also requires accordingly configured
23806 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
23809 @anchor{set auto-load libthread-db}
23810 @kindex set auto-load libthread-db
23811 @item set auto-load libthread-db [on|off]
23812 Enable or disable the auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library.
23814 @anchor{show auto-load libthread-db}
23815 @kindex show auto-load libthread-db
23816 @item show auto-load libthread-db
23817 Show whether auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library is
23818 enabled or disabled.
23820 @anchor{info auto-load libthread-db}
23821 @kindex info auto-load libthread-db
23822 @item info auto-load libthread-db
23823 Print the list of all loaded inferior specific thread debugging libraries and
23824 for each such library print list of inferior @var{pid}s using it.
23827 @node Auto-loading safe path
23828 @subsection Security restriction for auto-loading
23829 @cindex auto-loading safe-path
23831 As the files of inferior can come from untrusted source (such as submitted by
23832 an application user) @value{GDBN} does not always load any files automatically.
23833 @value{GDBN} provides the @samp{set auto-load safe-path} setting to list
23834 directories trusted for loading files not explicitly requested by user.
23835 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern.
23837 If the path is not set properly you will see a warning and the file will not
23842 Reading symbols from /home/user/gdb/gdb...done.
23843 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been
23844 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
23845 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
23846 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py" auto-loading has been
23847 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
23848 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
23852 To instruct @value{GDBN} to go ahead and use the init files anyway,
23853 invoke @value{GDBN} like this:
23856 $ gdb -q -iex "set auto-load safe-path /home/user/gdb" ./gdb
23859 The list of trusted directories is controlled by the following commands:
23862 @anchor{set auto-load safe-path}
23863 @kindex set auto-load safe-path
23864 @item set auto-load safe-path @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
23865 Set the list of directories (and their subdirectories) trusted for automatic
23866 loading and execution of scripts. You can also enter a specific trusted file.
23867 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern; wildcards do not match
23868 directory separator - see @code{FNM_PATHNAME} for system function @code{fnmatch}
23869 (@pxref{Wildcard Matching, fnmatch, , libc, GNU C Library Reference Manual}).
23870 If you omit @var{directories}, @samp{auto-load safe-path} will be reset to
23871 its default value as specified during @value{GDBN} compilation.
23873 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
23874 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
23875 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
23877 @anchor{show auto-load safe-path}
23878 @kindex show auto-load safe-path
23879 @item show auto-load safe-path
23880 Show the list of directories trusted for automatic loading and execution of
23883 @anchor{add-auto-load-safe-path}
23884 @kindex add-auto-load-safe-path
23885 @item add-auto-load-safe-path
23886 Add an entry (or list of entries) to the list of directories trusted for
23887 automatic loading and execution of scripts. Multiple entries may be delimited
23888 by the host platform path separator in use.
23891 This variable defaults to what @code{--with-auto-load-dir} has been configured
23892 to (@pxref{with-auto-load-dir}). @file{$debugdir} and @file{$datadir}
23893 substitution applies the same as for @ref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
23894 The default @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by
23895 @value{GDBN} configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-safe-path}.
23897 Setting this variable to @file{/} disables this security protection,
23898 corresponding @value{GDBN} configuration option is
23899 @option{--without-auto-load-safe-path}.
23900 This variable is supposed to be set to the system directories writable by the
23901 system superuser only. Users can add their source directories in init files in
23902 their home directories (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). See also deprecated
23903 init file in the current directory
23904 (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}).
23906 To force @value{GDBN} to load the files it declined to load in the previous
23907 example, you could use one of the following ways:
23910 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{add-auto-load-safe-path ~/src/gdb}
23911 Specify this trusted directory (or a file) as additional component of the list.
23912 You have to specify also any existing directories displayed by
23913 by @samp{show auto-load safe-path} (such as @samp{/usr:/bin} in this example).
23915 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /usr:/bin:~/src/gdb" @dots{}}
23916 Specify this directory as in the previous case but just for a single
23917 @value{GDBN} session.
23919 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /" @dots{}}
23920 Disable auto-loading safety for a single @value{GDBN} session.
23921 This assumes all the files you debug during this @value{GDBN} session will come
23922 from trusted sources.
23924 @item @kbd{./configure --without-auto-load-safe-path}
23925 During compilation of @value{GDBN} you may disable any auto-loading safety.
23926 This assumes all the files you will ever debug with this @value{GDBN} come from
23930 On the other hand you can also explicitly forbid automatic files loading which
23931 also suppresses any such warning messages:
23934 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load no" @dots{}}
23935 You can use @value{GDBN} command-line option for a single @value{GDBN} session.
23937 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{set auto-load no}
23938 Disable auto-loading globally for the user
23939 (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). While it is improbable, you could also
23940 use system init file instead (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
23943 This setting applies to the file names as entered by user. If no entry matches
23944 @value{GDBN} tries as a last resort to also resolve all the file names into
23945 their canonical form (typically resolving symbolic links) and compare the
23946 entries again. @value{GDBN} already canonicalizes most of the filenames on its
23947 own before starting the comparison so a canonical form of directories is
23948 recommended to be entered.
23950 @node Auto-loading verbose mode
23951 @subsection Displaying files tried for auto-load
23952 @cindex auto-loading verbose mode
23954 For better visibility of all the file locations where you can place scripts to
23955 be auto-loaded with inferior --- or to protect yourself against accidental
23956 execution of untrusted scripts --- @value{GDBN} provides a feature for printing
23957 all the files attempted to be loaded. Both existing and non-existing files may
23960 For example the list of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
23961 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}) applies also to canonicalized filenames which
23962 may not be too obvious while setting it up.
23965 (gdb) set debug auto-load on
23966 (gdb) file ~/src/t/true
23967 auto-load: Loading canned sequences of commands script "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb"
23968 for objfile "/tmp/true".
23969 auto-load: Updating directories of "/usr:/opt".
23970 auto-load: Using directory "/usr".
23971 auto-load: Using directory "/opt".
23972 warning: File "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been declined
23973 by your `auto-load safe-path' set to "/usr:/opt".
23977 @anchor{set debug auto-load}
23978 @kindex set debug auto-load
23979 @item set debug auto-load [on|off]
23980 Set whether to print the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded.
23982 @anchor{show debug auto-load}
23983 @kindex show debug auto-load
23984 @item show debug auto-load
23985 Show whether printing of the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded is turned
23989 @node Messages/Warnings
23990 @section Optional Warnings and Messages
23992 @cindex verbose operation
23993 @cindex optional warnings
23994 By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
23995 running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
23996 command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
23997 internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
23999 Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
24000 which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
24001 see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
24004 @kindex set verbose
24005 @item set verbose on
24006 Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
24008 @item set verbose off
24009 Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
24011 @kindex show verbose
24013 Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
24016 By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
24017 object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
24018 find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
24023 @kindex set complaints
24024 @item set complaints @var{limit}
24025 Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
24026 unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
24027 @var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
24028 to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
24030 @kindex show complaints
24031 @item show complaints
24032 Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
24036 @anchor{confirmation requests}
24037 By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
24038 lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
24039 you try to run a program which is already running:
24043 The program being debugged has been started already.
24044 Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
24047 If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
24048 commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
24052 @kindex set confirm
24054 @cindex confirmation
24055 @cindex stupid questions
24056 @item set confirm off
24057 Disables confirmation requests. Note that running @value{GDBN} with
24058 the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode Options, -batch}) also
24059 automatically disables confirmation requests.
24061 @item set confirm on
24062 Enables confirmation requests (the default).
24064 @kindex show confirm
24066 Displays state of confirmation requests.
24070 @cindex command tracing
24071 If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
24072 useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
24073 printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
24074 quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
24077 @kindex set trace-commands
24078 @cindex command scripts, debugging
24079 @item set trace-commands on
24080 Enable command tracing.
24081 @item set trace-commands off
24082 Disable command tracing.
24083 @item show trace-commands
24084 Display the current state of command tracing.
24087 @node Debugging Output
24088 @section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
24089 @cindex optional debugging messages
24091 @value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
24092 various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
24093 interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
24094 section documents those commands.
24097 @kindex set exec-done-display
24098 @item set exec-done-display
24099 Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
24100 completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
24101 asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
24102 @kindex show exec-done-display
24103 @item show exec-done-display
24104 Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
24107 @cindex ARM AArch64
24108 @item set debug aarch64
24109 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to ARM AArch64.
24110 The default is off.
24112 @item show debug aarch64
24113 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
24115 @cindex gdbarch debugging info
24116 @cindex architecture debugging info
24117 @item set debug arch
24118 Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
24119 @item show debug arch
24120 Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
24121 @item set debug aix-solib
24122 @cindex AIX shared library debugging
24123 Control display of debugging messages from the AIX shared library
24124 support module. The default is off.
24125 @item show debug aix-thread
24126 Show the current state of displaying AIX shared library debugging messages.
24127 @item set debug aix-thread
24128 @cindex AIX threads
24129 Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
24131 @item show debug aix-thread
24132 Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
24133 @item set debug check-physname
24135 Check the results of the ``physname'' computation. When reading DWARF
24136 debugging information for C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} attempts to compute
24137 each entity's name. @value{GDBN} can do this computation in two
24138 different ways, depending on exactly what information is present.
24139 When enabled, this setting causes @value{GDBN} to compute the names
24140 both ways and display any discrepancies.
24141 @item show debug check-physname
24142 Show the current state of ``physname'' checking.
24143 @item set debug coff-pe-read
24144 @cindex COFF/PE exported symbols
24145 Control display of debugging messages related to reading of COFF/PE
24146 exported symbols. The default is off.
24147 @item show debug coff-pe-read
24148 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
24149 reading of COFF/PE exported symbols.
24150 @item set debug dwarf-die
24152 Dump DWARF DIEs after they are read in.
24153 The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
24154 A value of zero turns off the display.
24155 @item show debug dwarf-die
24156 Show the current state of DWARF DIE debugging.
24157 @item set debug dwarf-line
24158 @cindex DWARF Line Tables
24159 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to reading
24160 DWARF line tables. The default is 0 (off).
24161 A value of 1 provides basic information.
24162 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
24163 @item show debug dwarf-line
24164 Show the current state of DWARF line table debugging.
24165 @item set debug dwarf-read
24166 @cindex DWARF Reading
24167 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to reading
24168 DWARF debug info. The default is 0 (off).
24169 A value of 1 provides basic information.
24170 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
24171 @item show debug dwarf-read
24172 Show the current state of DWARF reader debugging.
24173 @item set debug displaced
24174 @cindex displaced stepping debugging info
24175 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
24176 displaced stepping support. The default is off.
24177 @item show debug displaced
24178 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
24179 related to displaced stepping.
24180 @item set debug event
24181 @cindex event debugging info
24182 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
24184 @item show debug event
24185 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
24187 @item set debug expression
24188 @cindex expression debugging info
24189 Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
24190 expression parsing. The default is off.
24191 @item show debug expression
24192 Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
24193 @value{GDBN} expression parsing.
24194 @item set debug fbsd-lwp
24195 @cindex FreeBSD LWP debug messages
24196 Turns on or off debugging messages from the FreeBSD LWP debug support.
24197 @item show debug fbsd-lwp
24198 Show the current state of FreeBSD LWP debugging messages.
24199 @item set debug frame
24200 @cindex frame debugging info
24201 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
24203 @item show debug frame
24204 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
24206 @item set debug gnu-nat
24207 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug messages
24208 Turn on or off debugging messages from the @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug support.
24209 @item show debug gnu-nat
24210 Show the current state of @sc{gnu}/Hurd debugging messages.
24211 @item set debug infrun
24212 @cindex inferior debugging info
24213 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
24214 The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
24215 for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
24216 @item show debug infrun
24217 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
24218 @item set debug jit
24219 @cindex just-in-time compilation, debugging messages
24220 Turn on or off debugging messages from JIT debug support.
24221 @item show debug jit
24222 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} JIT debugging.
24223 @item set debug lin-lwp
24224 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
24225 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
24226 Turn on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
24227 @item show debug lin-lwp
24228 Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
24229 @item set debug linux-namespaces
24230 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux namespaces debug messages
24231 Turn on or off debugging messages from the Linux namespaces debug support.
24232 @item show debug linux-namespaces
24233 Show the current state of Linux namespaces debugging messages.
24234 @item set debug mach-o
24235 @cindex Mach-O symbols processing
24236 Control display of debugging messages related to Mach-O symbols
24237 processing. The default is off.
24238 @item show debug mach-o
24239 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
24240 reading of COFF/PE exported symbols.
24241 @item set debug notification
24242 @cindex remote async notification debugging info
24243 Turn on or off debugging messages about remote async notification.
24244 The default is off.
24245 @item show debug notification
24246 Displays the current state of remote async notification debugging messages.
24247 @item set debug observer
24248 @cindex observer debugging info
24249 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
24250 includes info such as the notification of observable events.
24251 @item show debug observer
24252 Displays the current state of observer debugging.
24253 @item set debug overload
24254 @cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
24255 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
24256 info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
24258 @item show debug overload
24259 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
24261 @cindex expression parser, debugging info
24262 @cindex debug expression parser
24263 @item set debug parser
24264 Turns on or off the display of expression parser debugging output.
24265 Internally, this sets the @code{yydebug} variable in the expression
24266 parser. @xref{Tracing, , Tracing Your Parser, bison, Bison}, for
24267 details. The default is off.
24268 @item show debug parser
24269 Show the current state of expression parser debugging.
24270 @cindex packets, reporting on stdout
24271 @cindex serial connections, debugging
24272 @cindex debug remote protocol
24273 @cindex remote protocol debugging
24274 @cindex display remote packets
24275 @item set debug remote
24276 Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
24277 the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
24278 @value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
24279 @item show debug remote
24280 Displays the state of display of remote packets.
24282 @item set debug separate-debug-file
24283 Turns on or off display of debug output about separate debug file search.
24284 @item show debug separate-debug-file
24285 Displays the state of separate debug file search debug output.
24287 @item set debug serial
24288 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
24290 @item show debug serial
24291 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
24293 @item set debug solib-frv
24294 @cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
24295 Turn on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
24296 @item show debug solib-frv
24297 Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
24299 @item set debug symbol-lookup
24300 @cindex symbol lookup
24301 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol lookup.
24302 The default is 0 (off).
24303 A value of 1 provides basic information.
24304 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
24305 @item show debug symbol-lookup
24306 Show the current state of symbol lookup debugging messages.
24307 @item set debug symfile
24308 @cindex symbol file functions
24309 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol file functions.
24310 The default is off. @xref{Files}.
24311 @item show debug symfile
24312 Show the current state of symbol file debugging messages.
24313 @item set debug symtab-create
24314 @cindex symbol table creation
24315 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol table creation.
24316 The default is 0 (off).
24317 A value of 1 provides basic information.
24318 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
24319 @item show debug symtab-create
24320 Show the current state of symbol table creation debugging.
24321 @item set debug target
24322 @cindex target debugging info
24323 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
24324 includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
24325 default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
24326 value of large memory transfers.
24327 @item show debug target
24328 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
24330 @item set debug timestamp
24331 @cindex timestampping debugging info
24332 Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
24333 When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
24335 @item show debug timestamp
24336 Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
24338 @item set debug varobj
24339 @cindex variable object debugging info
24340 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
24341 info. The default is off.
24342 @item show debug varobj
24343 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
24345 @item set debug xml
24346 @cindex XML parser debugging
24347 Turn on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
24348 @item show debug xml
24349 Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
24352 @node Other Misc Settings
24353 @section Other Miscellaneous Settings
24354 @cindex miscellaneous settings
24357 @kindex set interactive-mode
24358 @item set interactive-mode
24359 If @code{on}, forces @value{GDBN} to assume that GDB was started
24360 in a terminal. In practice, this means that @value{GDBN} should wait
24361 for the user to answer queries generated by commands entered at
24362 the command prompt. If @code{off}, forces @value{GDBN} to operate
24363 in the opposite mode, and it uses the default answers to all queries.
24364 If @code{auto} (the default), @value{GDBN} tries to determine whether
24365 its standard input is a terminal, and works in interactive-mode if it
24366 is, non-interactively otherwise.
24368 In the vast majority of cases, the debugger should be able to guess
24369 correctly which mode should be used. But this setting can be useful
24370 in certain specific cases, such as running a MinGW @value{GDBN}
24371 inside a cygwin window.
24373 @kindex show interactive-mode
24374 @item show interactive-mode
24375 Displays whether the debugger is operating in interactive mode or not.
24378 @node Extending GDB
24379 @chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
24380 @cindex extending GDB
24382 @value{GDBN} provides several mechanisms for extension.
24383 @value{GDBN} also provides the ability to automatically load
24384 extensions when it reads a file for debugging. This allows the
24385 user to automatically customize @value{GDBN} for the program
24389 * Sequences:: Canned Sequences of @value{GDBN} Commands
24390 * Python:: Extending @value{GDBN} using Python
24391 * Guile:: Extending @value{GDBN} using Guile
24392 * Auto-loading extensions:: Automatically loading extensions
24393 * Multiple Extension Languages:: Working with multiple extension languages
24394 * Aliases:: Creating new spellings of existing commands
24397 To facilitate the use of extension languages, @value{GDBN} is capable
24398 of evaluating the contents of a file. When doing so, @value{GDBN}
24399 can recognize which extension language is being used by looking at
24400 the filename extension. Files with an unrecognized filename extension
24401 are always treated as a @value{GDBN} Command Files.
24402 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
24404 You can control how @value{GDBN} evaluates these files with the following
24408 @kindex set script-extension
24409 @kindex show script-extension
24410 @item set script-extension off
24411 All scripts are always evaluated as @value{GDBN} Command Files.
24413 @item set script-extension soft
24414 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
24415 extension. If this scripting language is supported, @value{GDBN}
24416 evaluates the script using that language. Otherwise, it evaluates
24417 the file as a @value{GDBN} Command File.
24419 @item set script-extension strict
24420 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
24421 extension, and evaluates the script using that language. If the
24422 language is not supported, then the evaluation fails.
24424 @item show script-extension
24425 Display the current value of the @code{script-extension} option.
24430 @section Canned Sequences of Commands
24432 Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
24433 Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
24434 commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
24438 * Define:: How to define your own commands
24439 * Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
24440 * Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
24441 * Output:: Commands for controlled output
24442 * Auto-loading sequences:: Controlling auto-loaded command files
24446 @subsection User-defined Commands
24448 @cindex user-defined command
24449 @cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
24450 A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
24451 which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
24452 @code{define} command. User commands may accept an unlimited number of arguments
24453 separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
24454 via @code{$arg0@dots{}$argN}. A trivial example:
24458 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
24463 To execute the command use:
24470 This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
24471 its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
24472 reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
24475 @cindex argument count in user-defined commands
24476 @cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
24477 In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
24483 print $arg0 + $arg1
24486 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
24491 Combining with the @code{eval} command (@pxref{eval}) makes it easier
24492 to process a variable number of arguments:
24499 eval "set $sum = $sum + $arg%d", $i
24509 @item define @var{commandname}
24510 Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
24511 by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
24512 The argument @var{commandname} may be a bare command name consisting of letters,
24513 numbers, dashes, and underscores. It may also start with any predefined
24514 prefix command. For example, @samp{define target my-target} creates
24515 a user-defined @samp{target my-target} command.
24517 The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
24518 which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
24519 commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
24522 @kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
24523 @item document @var{commandname}
24524 Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
24525 accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
24526 defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
24527 reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
24528 After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
24529 @var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
24531 You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
24532 documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
24533 does not change the documentation.
24535 @kindex dont-repeat
24536 @cindex don't repeat command
24538 Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
24539 command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
24540 (@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
24542 @kindex help user-defined
24543 @item help user-defined
24544 List all user-defined commands and all python commands defined in class
24545 COMAND_USER. The first line of the documentation or docstring is
24550 @itemx show user @var{commandname}
24551 Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
24552 not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
24553 definitions for all user-defined commands.
24554 This does not work for user-defined python commands.
24556 @cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
24557 @kindex show max-user-call-depth
24558 @kindex set max-user-call-depth
24559 @item show max-user-call-depth
24560 @itemx set max-user-call-depth
24561 The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
24562 levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
24563 infinite recursion and aborts the command.
24564 This does not apply to user-defined python commands.
24567 In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
24568 use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
24570 When user-defined commands are executed, the
24571 commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
24572 stops execution of the user-defined command.
24574 If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
24575 without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
24576 commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
24577 messages when used in a user-defined command.
24580 @subsection User-defined Command Hooks
24581 @cindex command hooks
24582 @cindex hooks, for commands
24583 @cindex hooks, pre-command
24586 You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
24587 command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
24588 command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
24589 before that command.
24591 @cindex hooks, post-command
24593 A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
24594 Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
24595 @samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
24596 that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
24597 pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
24599 It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
24600 occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
24602 @c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
24603 @c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
24605 @kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
24606 In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
24607 (@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
24608 execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
24609 displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
24611 For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
24612 single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
24617 handle SIGALRM nopass
24621 handle SIGALRM pass
24624 define hook-continue
24625 handle SIGALRM pass
24629 As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
24630 command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
24638 define hookpost-echo
24642 (@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
24643 <<<---Hello World--->>>
24648 You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
24649 not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
24650 name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
24651 @c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
24653 You can hook a multi-word command by adding @code{hook-} or
24654 @code{hookpost-} to the last word of the command, e.g.@:
24655 @samp{define target hook-remote} to add a hook to @samp{target remote}.
24657 If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
24658 @value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
24659 (before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
24661 If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
24662 get a warning from the @code{define} command.
24664 @node Command Files
24665 @subsection Command Files
24667 @cindex command files
24668 @cindex scripting commands
24669 A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
24670 @value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
24671 also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
24672 does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
24675 You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
24676 command. Note that the @code{source} command is also used to evaluate
24677 scripts that are not Command Files. The exact behavior can be configured
24678 using the @code{script-extension} setting.
24679 @xref{Extending GDB,, Extending GDB}.
24683 @cindex execute commands from a file
24684 @item source [-s] [-v] @var{filename}
24685 Execute the command file @var{filename}.
24688 The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
24689 unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
24690 @emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
24691 printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
24692 execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
24694 @value{GDBN} first searches for @var{filename} in the current directory.
24695 If the file is not found there, and @var{filename} does not specify a
24696 directory, then @value{GDBN} also looks for the file on the source search path
24697 (specified with the @samp{directory} command);
24698 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched because the compilation directory
24699 is not relevant to scripts.
24701 If @code{-s} is specified, then @value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename}
24702 on the search path even if @var{filename} specifies a directory.
24703 The search is done by appending @var{filename} to each element of the
24704 search path. So, for example, if @var{filename} is @file{mylib/myscript}
24705 and the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
24706 look for the script @file{/home/user/mylib/myscript}.
24707 The search is also done if @var{filename} is an absolute path.
24708 For example, if @var{filename} is @file{/tmp/myscript} and
24709 the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
24710 look for the script @file{/home/user/tmp/myscript}.
24711 For DOS-like systems, if @var{filename} contains a drive specification,
24712 it is stripped before concatenation. For example, if @var{filename} is
24713 @file{d:myscript} and the search path contains @file{c:/tmp} then @value{GDBN}
24714 will look for the script @file{c:/tmp/myscript}.
24716 If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
24717 each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
24718 @var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
24720 Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
24721 without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
24722 normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
24723 when called from command files.
24725 @value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
24726 mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
24727 standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
24728 not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
24732 gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
24735 (The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
24736 will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
24737 would be directed to @file{log}.
24739 Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
24740 commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
24741 complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
24742 variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
24743 built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
24744 deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
24745 complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
24746 conditionally, etc.
24753 This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
24754 commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
24755 expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
24756 are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
24757 There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
24758 of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
24759 end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
24763 This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
24764 @code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
24765 to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
24766 line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
24767 @dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
24768 executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
24772 This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
24773 Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
24776 @kindex loop_continue
24777 @item loop_continue
24778 This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
24779 in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
24780 branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
24781 the controlling expression.
24783 @kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
24785 Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
24786 @code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
24791 @subsection Commands for Controlled Output
24793 During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
24794 @value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
24795 explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
24796 describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
24801 @item echo @var{text}
24802 @c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
24803 @c because it is not in ANSI.
24804 Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
24805 @var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
24806 newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
24807 In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
24808 by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
24809 string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
24810 trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
24811 To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
24812 @samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
24814 A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
24815 the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
24818 echo This is some text\n\
24819 which is continued\n\
24820 onto several lines.\n
24823 produces the same output as
24826 echo This is some text\n
24827 echo which is continued\n
24828 echo onto several lines.\n
24832 @item output @var{expression}
24833 Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
24834 newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
24835 value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
24838 @item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
24839 Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
24840 the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
24841 Formats}, for more information.
24844 @item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
24845 Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
24846 the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
24847 @var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
24848 which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
24849 specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
24850 executing the code below:
24853 printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
24856 As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
24857 are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
24858 by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
24859 evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
24860 style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
24863 For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
24866 printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
24869 @code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
24870 specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
24871 character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
24875 The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
24878 The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
24882 The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
24883 @code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
24886 The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
24890 The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
24893 The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
24897 Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
24898 underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
24899 the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
24900 supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
24902 As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
24903 sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
24904 @samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
24905 single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
24908 Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
24909 (@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
24910 together with a floating point specifier.
24915 @samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
24918 @samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
24921 @samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
24924 If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
24925 support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
24926 such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
24928 In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
24929 available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
24931 Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
24933 printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
24938 @item eval @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
24939 Convert the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
24940 the string @var{template} to a command line, and call it.
24944 @node Auto-loading sequences
24945 @subsection Controlling auto-loading native @value{GDBN} scripts
24946 @cindex native script auto-loading
24948 When a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
24949 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library),
24950 @value{GDBN} will look for the command file @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}.
24951 @xref{Auto-loading extensions}.
24953 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
24954 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
24957 @anchor{set auto-load gdb-scripts}
24958 @kindex set auto-load gdb-scripts
24959 @item set auto-load gdb-scripts [on|off]
24960 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts.
24962 @anchor{show auto-load gdb-scripts}
24963 @kindex show auto-load gdb-scripts
24964 @item show auto-load gdb-scripts
24965 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is enabled or
24968 @anchor{info auto-load gdb-scripts}
24969 @kindex info auto-load gdb-scripts
24970 @cindex print list of auto-loaded canned sequences of commands scripts
24971 @item info auto-load gdb-scripts [@var{regexp}]
24972 Print the list of all canned sequences of commands scripts that @value{GDBN}
24976 If @var{regexp} is supplied only canned sequences of commands scripts with
24977 matching names are printed.
24979 @c Python docs live in a separate file.
24980 @include python.texi
24982 @c Guile docs live in a separate file.
24983 @include guile.texi
24985 @node Auto-loading extensions
24986 @section Auto-loading extensions
24987 @cindex auto-loading extensions
24989 @value{GDBN} provides two mechanisms for automatically loading extensions
24990 when a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
24991 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library):
24992 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} and the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts}
24993 section of modern file formats like ELF.
24996 * objfile-gdb.ext file: objfile-gdbdotext file. The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} file
24997 * .debug_gdb_scripts section: dotdebug_gdb_scripts section. The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
24998 * Which flavor to choose?::
25001 The auto-loading feature is useful for supplying application-specific
25002 debugging commands and features.
25004 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
25005 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
25006 See the @samp{auto-loading} section of each extension language
25007 for more information.
25008 For @value{GDBN} command files see @ref{Auto-loading sequences}.
25009 For Python files see @ref{Python Auto-loading}.
25011 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
25012 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
25014 @node objfile-gdbdotext file
25015 @subsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} file
25016 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}
25017 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
25018 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.scm}
25020 When a new object file is read, @value{GDBN} looks for a file named
25021 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} (we call it @var{script-name} below),
25022 where @var{objfile} is the object file's name and
25023 where @var{ext} is the file extension for the extension language:
25026 @item @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}
25027 GDB's own command language
25028 @item @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
25030 @item @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.scm}
25034 @var{script-name} is formed by ensuring that the file name of @var{objfile}
25035 is absolute, following all symlinks, and resolving @code{.} and @code{..}
25036 components, and appending the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} suffix.
25037 If this file exists and is readable, @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as a
25038 script in the specified extension language.
25040 If this file does not exist, then @value{GDBN} will look for
25041 @var{script-name} file in all of the directories as specified below.
25043 Note that loading of these files requires an accordingly configured
25044 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
25046 For object files using @file{.exe} suffix @value{GDBN} tries to load first the
25047 scripts normally according to its @file{.exe} filename. But if no scripts are
25048 found @value{GDBN} also tries script filenames matching the object file without
25049 its @file{.exe} suffix. This @file{.exe} stripping is case insensitive and it
25050 is attempted on any platform. This makes the script filenames compatible
25051 between Unix and MS-Windows hosts.
25054 @anchor{set auto-load scripts-directory}
25055 @kindex set auto-load scripts-directory
25056 @item set auto-load scripts-directory @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
25057 Control @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location. Multiple directory entries
25058 may be delimited by the host platform path separator in use
25059 (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS).
25061 Each entry here needs to be covered also by the security setting
25062 @code{set auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{set auto-load safe-path}).
25064 @anchor{with-auto-load-dir}
25065 This variable defaults to @file{$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load}. The default
25066 @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by @value{GDBN}
25067 configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-dir}.
25069 Any reference to @file{$debugdir} will get replaced by
25070 @var{debug-file-directory} value (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}) and any
25071 reference to @file{$datadir} will get replaced by @var{data-directory} which is
25072 determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}). @file{$debugdir} and
25073 @file{$datadir} must be placed as a directory component --- either alone or
25074 delimited by @file{/} or @file{\} directory separators, depending on the host
25077 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
25078 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
25079 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
25081 @anchor{show auto-load scripts-directory}
25082 @kindex show auto-load scripts-directory
25083 @item show auto-load scripts-directory
25084 Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
25086 @anchor{add-auto-load-scripts-directory}
25087 @kindex add-auto-load-scripts-directory
25088 @item add-auto-load-scripts-directory @r{[}@var{directories}@dots{}@r{]}
25089 Add an entry (or list of entries) to the list of auto-loaded scripts locations.
25090 Multiple entries may be delimited by the host platform path separator in use.
25093 @value{GDBN} does not track which files it has already auto-loaded this way.
25094 @value{GDBN} will load the associated script every time the corresponding
25095 @var{objfile} is opened.
25096 So your @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} file should be careful to avoid errors if it
25097 is evaluated more than once.
25099 @node dotdebug_gdb_scripts section
25100 @subsection The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
25101 @cindex @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
25103 For systems using file formats like ELF and COFF,
25104 when @value{GDBN} loads a new object file
25105 it will look for a special section named @code{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
25106 If this section exists, its contents is a list of null-terminated entries
25107 specifying scripts to load. Each entry begins with a non-null prefix byte that
25108 specifies the kind of entry, typically the extension language and whether the
25109 script is in a file or inlined in @code{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
25111 The following entries are supported:
25114 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_PYTHON_FILE = 1
25115 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_SCHEME_FILE = 3
25116 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_PYTHON_TEXT = 4
25117 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_SCHEME_TEXT = 6
25120 @subsubsection Script File Entries
25122 If the entry specifies a file, @value{GDBN} will look for the file first
25123 in the current directory and then along the source search path
25124 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}),
25125 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched, since the compilation
25126 directory is not relevant to scripts.
25128 File entries can be placed in section @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} with,
25129 for example, this GCC macro for Python scripts.
25132 /* Note: The "MS" section flags are to remove duplicates. */
25133 #define DEFINE_GDB_PY_SCRIPT(script_name) \
25135 .pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n\
25136 .byte 1 /* Python */\n\
25137 .asciz \"" script_name "\"\n\
25143 For Guile scripts, replace @code{.byte 1} with @code{.byte 3}.
25144 Then one can reference the macro in a header or source file like this:
25147 DEFINE_GDB_PY_SCRIPT ("my-app-scripts.py")
25150 The script name may include directories if desired.
25152 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
25153 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
25155 If the macro invocation is put in a header, any application or library
25156 using this header will get a reference to the specified script,
25157 and with the use of @code{"MS"} attributes on the section, the linker
25158 will remove duplicates.
25160 @subsubsection Script Text Entries
25162 Script text entries allow to put the executable script in the entry
25163 itself instead of loading it from a file.
25164 The first line of the entry, everything after the prefix byte and up to
25165 the first newline (@code{0xa}) character, is the script name, and must not
25166 contain any kind of space character, e.g., spaces or tabs.
25167 The rest of the entry, up to the trailing null byte, is the script to
25168 execute in the specified language. The name needs to be unique among
25169 all script names, as @value{GDBN} executes each script only once based
25172 Here is an example from file @file{py-section-script.c} in the @value{GDBN}
25176 #include "symcat.h"
25177 #include "gdb/section-scripts.h"
25179 ".pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n"
25180 ".byte " XSTRING (SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_PYTHON_TEXT) "\n"
25181 ".ascii \"gdb.inlined-script\\n\"\n"
25182 ".ascii \"class test_cmd (gdb.Command):\\n\"\n"
25183 ".ascii \" def __init__ (self):\\n\"\n"
25184 ".ascii \" super (test_cmd, self).__init__ ("
25185 "\\\"test-cmd\\\", gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE)\\n\"\n"
25186 ".ascii \" def invoke (self, arg, from_tty):\\n\"\n"
25187 ".ascii \" print (\\\"test-cmd output, arg = %s\\\" % arg)\\n\"\n"
25188 ".ascii \"test_cmd ()\\n\"\n"
25194 Loading of inlined scripts requires a properly configured
25195 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
25196 The path to specify in @code{auto-load safe-path} is the path of the file
25197 containing the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section.
25199 @node Which flavor to choose?
25200 @subsection Which flavor to choose?
25202 Given the multiple ways of auto-loading extensions, it might not always
25203 be clear which one to choose. This section provides some guidance.
25206 Benefits of the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} way:
25210 Can be used with file formats that don't support multiple sections.
25213 Ease of finding scripts for public libraries.
25215 Scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section are searched for
25216 in the source search path.
25217 For publicly installed libraries, e.g., @file{libstdc++}, there typically
25218 isn't a source directory in which to find the script.
25221 Doesn't require source code additions.
25225 Benefits of the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} way:
25229 Works with static linking.
25231 Scripts for libraries done the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} way require an objfile to
25232 trigger their loading. When an application is statically linked the only
25233 objfile available is the executable, and it is cumbersome to attach all the
25234 scripts from all the input libraries to the executable's
25235 @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} script.
25238 Works with classes that are entirely inlined.
25240 Some classes can be entirely inlined, and thus there may not be an associated
25241 shared library to attach a @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} script to.
25244 Scripts needn't be copied out of the source tree.
25246 In some circumstances, apps can be built out of large collections of internal
25247 libraries, and the build infrastructure necessary to install the
25248 @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} scripts in a place where @value{GDBN} can find them is
25249 cumbersome. It may be easier to specify the scripts in the
25250 @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section as relative paths, and add a path to the
25251 top of the source tree to the source search path.
25254 @node Multiple Extension Languages
25255 @section Multiple Extension Languages
25257 The Guile and Python extension languages do not share any state,
25258 and generally do not interfere with each other.
25259 There are some things to be aware of, however.
25261 @subsection Python comes first
25263 Python was @value{GDBN}'s first extension language, and to avoid breaking
25264 existing behaviour Python comes first. This is generally solved by the
25265 ``first one wins'' principle. @value{GDBN} maintains a list of enabled
25266 extension languages, and when it makes a call to an extension language,
25267 (say to pretty-print a value), it tries each in turn until an extension
25268 language indicates it has performed the request (e.g., has returned the
25269 pretty-printed form of a value).
25270 This extends to errors while performing such requests: If an error happens
25271 while, for example, trying to pretty-print an object then the error is
25272 reported and any following extension languages are not tried.
25275 @section Creating new spellings of existing commands
25276 @cindex aliases for commands
25278 It is often useful to define alternate spellings of existing commands.
25279 For example, if a new @value{GDBN} command defined in Python has
25280 a long name to type, it is handy to have an abbreviated version of it
25281 that involves less typing.
25283 @value{GDBN} itself uses aliases. For example @samp{s} is an alias
25284 of the @samp{step} command even though it is otherwise an ambiguous
25285 abbreviation of other commands like @samp{set} and @samp{show}.
25287 Aliases are also used to provide shortened or more common versions
25288 of multi-word commands. For example, @value{GDBN} provides the
25289 @samp{tty} alias of the @samp{set inferior-tty} command.
25291 You can define a new alias with the @samp{alias} command.
25296 @item alias [-a] [--] @var{ALIAS} = @var{COMMAND}
25300 @var{ALIAS} specifies the name of the new alias.
25301 Each word of @var{ALIAS} must consist of letters, numbers, dashes and
25304 @var{COMMAND} specifies the name of an existing command
25305 that is being aliased.
25307 The @samp{-a} option specifies that the new alias is an abbreviation
25308 of the command. Abbreviations are not shown in command
25309 lists displayed by the @samp{help} command.
25311 The @samp{--} option specifies the end of options,
25312 and is useful when @var{ALIAS} begins with a dash.
25314 Here is a simple example showing how to make an abbreviation
25315 of a command so that there is less to type.
25316 Suppose you were tired of typing @samp{disas}, the current
25317 shortest unambiguous abbreviation of the @samp{disassemble} command
25318 and you wanted an even shorter version named @samp{di}.
25319 The following will accomplish this.
25322 (gdb) alias -a di = disas
25325 Note that aliases are different from user-defined commands.
25326 With a user-defined command, you also need to write documentation
25327 for it with the @samp{document} command.
25328 An alias automatically picks up the documentation of the existing command.
25330 Here is an example where we make @samp{elms} an abbreviation of
25331 @samp{elements} in the @samp{set print elements} command.
25332 This is to show that you can make an abbreviation of any part
25336 (gdb) alias -a set print elms = set print elements
25337 (gdb) alias -a show print elms = show print elements
25338 (gdb) set p elms 20
25340 Limit on string chars or array elements to print is 200.
25343 Note that if you are defining an alias of a @samp{set} command,
25344 and you want to have an alias for the corresponding @samp{show}
25345 command, then you need to define the latter separately.
25347 Unambiguously abbreviated commands are allowed in @var{COMMAND} and
25348 @var{ALIAS}, just as they are normally.
25351 (gdb) alias -a set pr elms = set p ele
25354 Finally, here is an example showing the creation of a one word
25355 alias for a more complex command.
25356 This creates alias @samp{spe} of the command @samp{set print elements}.
25359 (gdb) alias spe = set print elements
25364 @chapter Command Interpreters
25365 @cindex command interpreters
25367 @value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
25368 infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
25369 between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
25371 @value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
25372 interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
25373 and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
25374 describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
25376 By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
25377 However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
25378 interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
25379 startup options. Defined interpreters include:
25383 @cindex console interpreter
25384 The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
25385 used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
25386 @value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
25389 @cindex mi interpreter
25390 The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
25391 by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
25392 or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
25396 @cindex mi2 interpreter
25397 The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
25400 @cindex mi1 interpreter
25401 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
25405 @cindex invoke another interpreter
25407 @kindex interpreter-exec
25408 You may execute commands in any interpreter from the current
25409 interpreter using the appropriate command. If you are running the
25410 console interpreter, simply use the @code{interpreter-exec} command:
25413 interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
25416 @sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
25417 @value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
25419 Note that @code{interpreter-exec} only changes the interpreter for the
25420 duration of the specified command. It does not change the interpreter
25423 @cindex start a new independent interpreter
25425 Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, it is
25426 possible to run an independent interpreter on a specified input/output
25427 device (usually a tty).
25429 For example, consider a debugger GUI or IDE that wants to provide a
25430 @value{GDBN} console view. It may do so by embedding a terminal
25431 emulator widget in its GUI, starting @value{GDBN} in the traditional
25432 command-line mode with stdin/stdout/stderr redirected to that
25433 terminal, and then creating an MI interpreter running on a specified
25434 input/output device. The console interpreter created by @value{GDBN}
25435 at startup handles commands the user types in the terminal widget,
25436 while the GUI controls and synchronizes state with @value{GDBN} using
25437 the separate MI interpreter.
25439 To start a new secondary @dfn{user interface} running MI, use the
25440 @code{new-ui} command:
25443 @cindex new user interface
25445 new-ui @var{interpreter} @var{tty}
25448 The @var{interpreter} parameter specifies the interpreter to run.
25449 This accepts the same values as the @code{interpreter-exec} command.
25450 For example, @samp{console}, @samp{mi}, @samp{mi2}, etc. The
25451 @var{tty} parameter specifies the name of the bidirectional file the
25452 interpreter uses for input/output, usually the name of a
25453 pseudoterminal slave on Unix systems. For example:
25456 (@value{GDBP}) new-ui mi /dev/pts/9
25460 runs an MI interpreter on @file{/dev/pts/9}.
25463 @chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
25465 @cindex Text User Interface
25468 * TUI Overview:: TUI overview
25469 * TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
25470 * TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
25471 * TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
25472 * TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
25475 The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
25476 interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
25477 file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
25478 commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
25479 on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
25482 The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
25483 @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
25484 You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
25485 using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @command{tui
25486 enable} or @kbd{C-x C-a}. @xref{TUI Commands, ,TUI Commands}, and
25487 @ref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
25490 @section TUI Overview
25492 In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
25496 This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
25497 prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
25498 managed using readline.
25501 The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
25502 line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
25505 The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
25508 This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
25509 when their values change.
25512 The source and assembly windows show the current program position
25513 by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
25514 Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
25515 indicates the breakpoint type:
25519 Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
25522 Breakpoint which was never hit.
25525 Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
25528 Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
25531 The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
25535 Breakpoint is enabled.
25538 Breakpoint is disabled.
25541 The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
25542 thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
25545 These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
25546 window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
25557 source and assembly,
25560 source and registers, or
25563 assembly and registers.
25566 A status line above the command window shows the following information:
25570 Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
25571 (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
25574 Gives the current process or thread number.
25575 When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
25578 Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
25579 The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
25580 When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
25581 the string @code{??} is displayed.
25584 Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
25585 When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
25588 Indicates the current program counter address.
25592 @section TUI Key Bindings
25593 @cindex TUI key bindings
25595 The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
25596 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
25597 (@pxref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library}).
25599 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
25600 (@pxref{Command Line Editing}).
25602 The following key bindings are installed for both TUI mode and the
25603 @value{GDBN} standard mode.
25612 Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
25613 the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
25614 its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
25615 the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
25616 The screen is then refreshed.
25620 Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
25621 either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
25622 is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
25624 Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
25628 Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
25629 layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
25630 When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
25631 previous layout and the new one.
25633 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
25637 Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
25638 (like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
25639 gives the focus to the next TUI window.
25641 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
25645 Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
25646 keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
25649 The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
25654 Scroll the active window one page up.
25658 Scroll the active window one page down.
25662 Scroll the active window one line up.
25666 Scroll the active window one line down.
25670 Scroll the active window one column left.
25674 Scroll the active window one column right.
25678 Refresh the screen.
25681 Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
25682 are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
25683 window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
25684 other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
25685 and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
25687 @node TUI Single Key Mode
25688 @section TUI Single Key Mode
25689 @cindex TUI single key mode
25691 The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
25692 frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
25693 switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
25696 @kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25700 @kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25704 @kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25708 @kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25712 @kindex o @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25714 nexti. The shortcut letter @samp{o} stands for ``step Over''.
25716 @kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25718 exit the SingleKey mode.
25720 @kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25724 @kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25728 @kindex i @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25730 stepi. The shortcut letter @samp{i} stands for ``step Into''.
25732 @kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25736 @kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25740 @kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
25745 Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
25746 The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
25747 it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
25748 with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
25749 SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
25750 this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
25754 @section TUI-specific Commands
25755 @cindex TUI commands
25757 The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
25758 These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
25759 the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
25760 of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
25762 Note that if @value{GDBN}'s @code{stdout} is not connected to a
25763 terminal, or @value{GDBN} has been started with the machine interface
25764 interpreter (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}), most of
25765 these commands will fail with an error, because it would not be
25766 possible or desirable to enable curses window management.
25771 Activate TUI mode. The last active TUI window layout will be used if
25772 TUI mode has prevsiouly been used in the current debugging session,
25773 otherwise a default layout is used.
25776 @kindex tui disable
25777 Disable TUI mode, returning to the console interpreter.
25781 List and give the size of all displayed windows.
25783 @item layout @var{name}
25785 Changes which TUI windows are displayed. In each layout the command
25786 window is always displayed, the @var{name} parameter controls which
25787 additional windows are displayed, and can be any of the following:
25791 Display the next layout.
25794 Display the previous layout.
25797 Display the source and command windows.
25800 Display the assembly and command windows.
25803 Display the source, assembly, and command windows.
25806 When in @code{src} layout display the register, source, and command
25807 windows. When in @code{asm} or @code{split} layout display the
25808 register, assembler, and command windows.
25811 @item focus @var{name}
25813 Changes which TUI window is currently active for scrolling. The
25814 @var{name} parameter can be any of the following:
25818 Make the next window active for scrolling.
25821 Make the previous window active for scrolling.
25824 Make the source window active for scrolling.
25827 Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
25830 Make the register window active for scrolling.
25833 Make the command window active for scrolling.
25838 Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
25840 @item tui reg @var{group}
25842 Changes the register group displayed in the tui register window to
25843 @var{group}. If the register window is not currently displayed this
25844 command will cause the register window to be displayed. The list of
25845 register groups, as well as their order is target specific. The
25846 following groups are available on most targets:
25849 Repeatedly selecting this group will cause the display to cycle
25850 through all of the available register groups.
25853 Repeatedly selecting this group will cause the display to cycle
25854 through all of the available register groups in the reverse order to
25858 Display the general registers.
25860 Display the floating point registers.
25862 Display the system registers.
25864 Display the vector registers.
25866 Display all registers.
25871 Update the source window and the current execution point.
25873 @item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
25874 @itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
25876 Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
25877 lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
25878 decrease it. The @var{name} parameter can be one of @code{src} (the
25879 source window), @code{cmd} (the command window), @code{asm} (the
25880 disassembly window), or @code{regs} (the register display window).
25882 @item tabset @var{nchars}
25884 Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters. This
25885 setting affects the display of TAB characters in the source and
25889 @node TUI Configuration
25890 @section TUI Configuration Variables
25891 @cindex TUI configuration variables
25893 Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
25896 @item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
25897 @kindex set tui border-kind
25898 Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
25899 The possible values are the following:
25902 Use a space character to draw the border.
25905 Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
25908 Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
25909 drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
25912 @item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
25913 @kindex set tui border-mode
25914 @itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
25915 @kindex set tui active-border-mode
25916 Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
25917 or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
25920 Use normal attributes to display the border.
25926 Use reverse video mode.
25929 Use half bright mode.
25931 @item half-standout
25932 Use half bright and standout mode.
25935 Use extra bright or bold mode.
25937 @item bold-standout
25938 Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
25943 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
25946 @cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
25947 A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
25948 edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
25951 To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
25952 executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
25953 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
25954 created Emacs buffer.
25955 @c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
25957 Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
25962 All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
25965 This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
25966 and output done by the program you are debugging.
25968 This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
25969 commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
25972 All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
25973 with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
25974 way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
25978 @value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
25980 Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
25981 source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
25982 left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
25983 source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
25986 Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
25987 usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
25990 We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
25991 a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
25992 that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
25993 @xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
25995 If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
25996 gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
25997 your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
25998 sets your current working directory to the directory associated
25999 with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
26000 program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
26001 some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
26002 @value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
26003 buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
26005 The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
26006 line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
26007 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
26008 ,Commands to Specify Files}.
26010 By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
26011 need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
26012 keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
26013 customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
26016 In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
26017 addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
26021 Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
26024 Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
26025 update the display window to show the current file and location.
26028 Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
26029 calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
26030 to show the current file and location.
26033 Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
26034 display window accordingly.
26037 Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
26038 @code{finish} command.
26041 Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
26045 Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
26046 (@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
26047 like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
26050 Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
26051 @value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
26054 In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
26055 tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
26057 In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
26058 separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
26059 Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
26060 become the current frame and display the associated source in the
26061 source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
26062 selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
26063 speedbar displays watch expressions.
26065 If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
26066 it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
26067 request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
26068 the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
26071 The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
26072 which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
26073 the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
26074 communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
26075 delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
26076 to correspond properly with the code.
26078 A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
26079 given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
26083 @chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
26085 @unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
26087 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
26088 @sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
26089 @value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
26090 @option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
26091 is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
26092 use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
26094 This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
26095 in the form of a reference manual.
26097 Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
26098 features described below are incomplete and subject to change
26099 (@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
26101 @unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
26103 @cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
26104 This chapter uses the following notation:
26108 @code{|} separates two alternatives.
26111 @code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
26112 it may or may not be given.
26115 @code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
26116 may repeat zero or more times.
26119 @code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
26120 may repeat one or more times.
26123 @code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
26127 @heading Dependencies
26131 * GDB/MI General Design::
26132 * GDB/MI Command Syntax::
26133 * GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
26134 * GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
26135 * GDB/MI Output Records::
26136 * GDB/MI Simple Examples::
26137 * GDB/MI Command Description Format::
26138 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
26139 * GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
26140 * GDB/MI Program Context::
26141 * GDB/MI Thread Commands::
26142 * GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands::
26143 * GDB/MI Program Execution::
26144 * GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
26145 * GDB/MI Variable Objects::
26146 * GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
26147 * GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
26148 * GDB/MI Symbol Query::
26149 * GDB/MI File Commands::
26151 * GDB/MI Kod Commands::
26152 * GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
26153 * GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
26155 * GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
26156 * GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
26157 * GDB/MI Ada Exceptions Commands::
26158 * GDB/MI Support Commands::
26159 * GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
26162 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26163 @node GDB/MI General Design
26164 @section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
26165 @cindex GDB/MI General Design
26167 Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
26168 parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
26169 and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
26170 indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
26171 For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
26172 requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
26173 response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
26174 Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
26175 target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
26176 a command and reported as part of that command response.
26178 The important examples of notifications are:
26182 Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
26183 target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
26184 be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
26185 commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
26186 different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
26187 happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
26188 command itself was successfully executed.
26191 Console output, and status notifications. Console output
26192 notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
26193 diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
26194 report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
26195 this information in command response would mean no output is produced
26196 until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
26199 General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
26200 the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
26201 a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
26202 be included in command response, using notification allows for more
26203 orthogonal frontend design.
26207 There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
26208 @value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
26209 the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
26210 processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
26211 we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
26212 the user interface.
26216 * Context management::
26217 * Asynchronous and non-stop modes::
26221 @node Context management
26222 @subsection Context management
26224 @subsubsection Threads and Frames
26226 In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
26227 done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
26228 Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
26229 be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
26230 and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
26231 because a command line user would not want to specify that information
26232 explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
26233 @value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
26234 to what thread and frame are the current ones.
26236 In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
26237 useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
26238 itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
26239 each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
26240 want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
26241 increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
26242 frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
26243 should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
26244 make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
26245 @samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} global
26246 identifier for thread and frame to operate on.
26248 Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
26249 a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
26250 operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
26251 current thread or frame be changed. For example, when stopping on a
26252 breakpoint it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is
26253 hit. For another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} or
26254 @samp{frame} commands via the frontend, it is desirable to change the
26255 frontend's selection to the one specified by user. @value{GDBN}
26256 communicates the suggestion to change current thread and frame using the
26257 @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
26259 Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
26260 frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
26261 right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
26262 simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
26263 before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
26264 to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
26265 if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
26266 thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
26267 optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
26268 sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
26269 selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
26270 change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
26271 problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
26272 all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
26273 right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
26274 @samp{--frame} options.
26276 @subsubsection Language
26278 The execution of several commands depends on which language is selected.
26279 By default, the current language (@pxref{show language}) is used.
26280 But for commands known to be language-sensitive, it is recommended
26281 to use the @samp{--language} option. This option takes one argument,
26282 which is the name of the language to use while executing the command.
26286 -data-evaluate-expression --language c "sizeof (void*)"
26291 The valid language names are the same names accepted by the
26292 @samp{set language} command (@pxref{Manually}), excluding @samp{auto},
26293 @samp{local} or @samp{unknown}.
26295 @node Asynchronous and non-stop modes
26296 @subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
26298 On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
26299 even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
26300 command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
26301 specify a preferrence for asynchronous execution using the
26302 @code{-gdb-set mi-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
26303 either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
26304 frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
26305 find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
26306 @code{-list-target-features} command.
26309 @item -gdb-set mi-async on
26310 @item -gdb-set mi-async off
26311 Set whether MI is in asynchronous mode.
26313 When @code{off}, which is the default, MI execution commands (e.g.,
26314 @code{-exec-continue}) are foreground commands, and @value{GDBN} waits
26315 for the program to stop before processing further commands.
26317 When @code{on}, MI execution commands are background execution
26318 commands (e.g., @code{-exec-continue} becomes the equivalent of the
26319 @code{c&} CLI command), and so @value{GDBN} is capable of processing
26320 MI commands even while the target is running.
26322 @item -gdb-show mi-async
26323 Show whether MI asynchronous mode is enabled.
26326 Note: In @value{GDBN} version 7.7 and earlier, this option was called
26327 @code{target-async} instead of @code{mi-async}, and it had the effect
26328 of both putting MI in asynchronous mode and making CLI background
26329 commands possible. CLI background commands are now always possible
26330 ``out of the box'' if the target supports them. The old spelling is
26331 kept as a deprecated alias for backwards compatibility.
26333 Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
26334 many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
26335 running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
26336 when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
26337 it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
26340 When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
26341 target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
26342 some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
26343 stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
26344 modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
26345 that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
26346 @code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
26347 context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
26348 stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
26349 @samp{--thread} option).
26351 Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
26352 highly target dependent. However, the two commands
26353 @code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
26354 to find the state of a thread, will always work.
26356 @node Thread groups
26357 @subsection Thread groups
26358 @value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
26359 On some platfroms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
26360 hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
26361 processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
26362 mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
26364 The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
26365 target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
26366 accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
26367 thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
26368 neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
26369 current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
26370 that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
26373 To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
26374 hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
26375 @dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
26376 thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
26377 and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
26378 command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
26379 thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
26380 debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
26381 to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
26382 the members of specific thread group.
26384 To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
26385 wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
26386 introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
26387 @value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
26388 @code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
26389 groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
26390 In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
26391 after attaching to that thread group.
26393 Thread groups are related to inferiors (@pxref{Inferiors and
26394 Programs}). Each inferior corresponds to a thread group of a special
26395 type @samp{process}, and some additional operations are permitted on
26396 such thread groups.
26398 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26399 @node GDB/MI Command Syntax
26400 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
26403 * GDB/MI Input Syntax::
26404 * GDB/MI Output Syntax::
26407 @node GDB/MI Input Syntax
26408 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
26410 @cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
26411 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
26413 @item @var{command} @expansion{}
26414 @code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
26416 @item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
26417 @code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
26418 @var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
26420 @item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
26421 @code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
26422 @code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
26424 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
26425 "any sequence of digits"
26427 @item @var{option} @expansion{}
26428 @code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
26430 @item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
26431 @code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
26433 @item @var{operation} @expansion{}
26434 @emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
26436 @item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
26437 @emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
26438 "-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
26440 @item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
26441 @code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
26443 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
26452 The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
26453 output is described below.
26456 The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
26460 Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
26461 list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
26462 followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
26463 parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
26464 @samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
26471 We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
26474 We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
26477 @node GDB/MI Output Syntax
26478 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
26480 @cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
26481 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
26482 The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
26483 followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
26484 is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
26485 terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
26487 If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
26488 corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
26492 @item @var{output} @expansion{}
26493 @code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
26495 @item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
26496 @code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
26498 @item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
26499 @code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
26501 @item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
26502 @code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
26504 @item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
26505 @code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output nl}}
26507 @item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
26508 @code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output nl}}
26510 @item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
26511 @code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output nl}}
26513 @item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
26514 @code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )*}
26516 @item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
26517 @code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
26519 @item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
26520 @code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
26521 depending on the needs---this is still in development).
26523 @item @var{result} @expansion{}
26524 @code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
26526 @item @var{variable} @expansion{}
26527 @code{ @var{string} }
26529 @item @var{value} @expansion{}
26530 @code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
26532 @item @var{const} @expansion{}
26533 @code{@var{c-string}}
26535 @item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
26536 @code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
26538 @item @var{list} @expansion{}
26539 @code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
26540 @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
26542 @item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
26543 @code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
26545 @item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
26546 @code{"~" @var{c-string nl}}
26548 @item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
26549 @code{"@@" @var{c-string nl}}
26551 @item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
26552 @code{"&" @var{c-string nl}}
26554 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
26557 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
26558 @emph{any sequence of digits}.
26566 All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
26569 The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
26570 for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
26571 may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
26572 output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
26573 all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
26574 target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
26578 @cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26579 @var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
26580 progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
26581 prefixed by @samp{+}.
26584 @cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26585 @var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
26586 (stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
26590 @cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26591 @var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
26592 client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
26593 output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
26596 @cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26597 @var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
26598 console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
26599 output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
26602 @cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26603 @var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
26604 All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
26607 @cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26608 @var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
26609 instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
26610 the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
26613 @cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
26614 New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
26620 @xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
26621 details about the various output records.
26623 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26624 @node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
26625 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
26627 @cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
26628 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
26630 For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
26631 but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
26632 that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
26633 command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
26634 @code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
26635 @samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
26637 This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
26638 recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
26639 (@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
26641 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26642 @node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
26643 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
26644 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
26646 The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
26647 program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
26649 Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
26650 by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
26651 to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
26652 section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
26655 Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
26656 for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
26657 list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
26658 parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
26662 New MI commands may be added.
26665 New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
26668 The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
26669 @code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
26671 @c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
26672 @c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
26674 @c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
26675 @c resolve inconsistencies.
26678 If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
26679 will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
26680 output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
26681 @value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
26682 responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
26684 @c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
26687 The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
26688 end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
26689 follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
26690 @email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
26691 @cindex mailing lists
26693 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26694 @node GDB/MI Output Records
26695 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
26698 * GDB/MI Result Records::
26699 * GDB/MI Stream Records::
26700 * GDB/MI Async Records::
26701 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Information::
26702 * GDB/MI Frame Information::
26703 * GDB/MI Thread Information::
26704 * GDB/MI Ada Exception Information::
26707 @node GDB/MI Result Records
26708 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
26710 @cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
26711 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
26712 In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
26713 @sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
26717 @item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
26718 The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
26723 This result record is equivalent to @samp{^done}. Historically, it
26724 was output instead of @samp{^done} if the command has resumed the
26725 target. This behaviour is maintained for backward compatibility, but
26726 all frontends should treat @samp{^done} and @samp{^running}
26727 identically and rely on the @samp{*running} output record to determine
26728 which threads are resumed.
26732 @value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
26734 @item "^error" "," "msg=" @var{c-string} [ "," "code=" @var{c-string} ]
26736 The operation failed. The @code{msg=@var{c-string}} variable contains
26737 the corresponding error message.
26739 If present, the @code{code=@var{c-string}} variable provides an error
26740 code on which consumers can rely on to detect the corresponding
26741 error condition. At present, only one error code is defined:
26744 @item "undefined-command"
26745 Indicates that the command causing the error does not exist.
26750 @value{GDBN} has terminated.
26754 @node GDB/MI Stream Records
26755 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
26757 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
26758 @cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
26759 @value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
26760 target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
26761 funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
26763 Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
26764 identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
26765 Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
26766 @code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
26767 line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
26770 @item "~" @var{string-output}
26771 The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
26772 CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
26774 @item "@@" @var{string-output}
26775 The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
26776 target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
26777 asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
26779 @item "&" @var{string-output}
26780 The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
26784 @node GDB/MI Async Records
26785 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
26787 @cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
26788 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
26789 @dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
26790 additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
26791 consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
26792 target activity (e.g., target stopped).
26794 The following is the list of possible async records:
26798 @item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
26799 The target is now running. The @var{thread} field can be the global
26800 thread ID of the the thread that is now running, and it can be
26801 @samp{all} if all threads are running. The frontend should assume
26802 that no interaction with a running thread is possible after this
26803 notification is produced. The frontend should not assume that this
26804 notification is output only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may
26805 emit this notification several times, either for different threads,
26806 because it cannot resume all threads together, or even for a single
26807 thread, if the thread must be stepped though some code before letting
26810 @item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}",core="@var{core}"
26811 The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
26815 @item breakpoint-hit
26816 A breakpoint was reached.
26817 @item watchpoint-trigger
26818 A watchpoint was triggered.
26819 @item read-watchpoint-trigger
26820 A read watchpoint was triggered.
26821 @item access-watchpoint-trigger
26822 An access watchpoint was triggered.
26823 @item function-finished
26824 An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
26825 @item location-reached
26826 An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
26827 @item watchpoint-scope
26828 A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
26829 @item end-stepping-range
26830 An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
26831 similar CLI command was accomplished.
26832 @item exited-signalled
26833 The inferior exited because of a signal.
26835 The inferior exited.
26836 @item exited-normally
26837 The inferior exited normally.
26838 @item signal-received
26839 A signal was received by the inferior.
26841 The inferior has stopped due to a library being loaded or unloaded.
26842 This can happen when @code{stop-on-solib-events} (@pxref{Files}) is
26843 set or when a @code{catch load} or @code{catch unload} catchpoint is
26844 in use (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}).
26846 The inferior has forked. This is reported when @code{catch fork}
26847 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
26849 The inferior has vforked. This is reported in when @code{catch vfork}
26850 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
26851 @item syscall-entry
26852 The inferior entered a system call. This is reported when @code{catch
26853 syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
26854 @item syscall-return
26855 The inferior returned from a system call. This is reported when
26856 @code{catch syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
26858 The inferior called @code{exec}. This is reported when @code{catch exec}
26859 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
26862 The @var{id} field identifies the global thread ID of the thread
26863 that directly caused the stop -- for example by hitting a breakpoint.
26864 Depending on whether all-stop
26865 mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
26866 stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
26867 If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
26868 value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
26869 field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
26870 always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
26871 several threads in the list. The @var{core} field reports the
26872 processor core on which the stop event has happened. This field may be absent
26873 if such information is not available.
26875 @item =thread-group-added,id="@var{id}"
26876 @itemx =thread-group-removed,id="@var{id}"
26877 A thread group was either added or removed. The @var{id} field
26878 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. When a thread
26879 group is added, it generally might not be associated with a running
26880 process. When a thread group is removed, its id becomes invalid and
26881 cannot be used in any way.
26883 @item =thread-group-started,id="@var{id}",pid="@var{pid}"
26884 A thread group became associated with a running program,
26885 either because the program was just started or the thread group
26886 was attached to a program. The @var{id} field contains the
26887 @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. The @var{pid} field
26888 contains process identifier, specific to the operating system.
26890 @item =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"[,exit-code="@var{code}"]
26891 A thread group is no longer associated with a running program,
26892 either because the program has exited, or because it was detached
26893 from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
26894 thread group. The @var{code} field is the exit code of the inferior; it exists
26895 only when the inferior exited with some code.
26897 @item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
26898 @itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
26899 A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
26900 contains the global @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
26901 field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
26903 @item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"[,frame="@var{frame}"]
26904 Informs that the selected thread or frame were changed. This notification
26905 is not emitted as result of the @code{-thread-select} or
26906 @code{-stack-select-frame} commands, but is emitted whenever an MI command
26907 that is not documented to change the selected thread and frame actually
26908 changes them. In particular, invoking, directly or indirectly
26909 (via user-defined command), the CLI @code{thread} or @code{frame} commands,
26910 will generate this notification. Changing the thread or frame from another
26911 user interface (see @ref{Interpreters}) will also generate this notification.
26913 The @var{frame} field is only present if the newly selected thread is
26914 stopped. See @ref{GDB/MI Frame Information} for the format of its value.
26916 We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
26917 highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
26920 @item =library-loaded,...
26921 Reports that a new library file was loaded by the program. This
26922 notification has 5 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name},
26923 @var{host-name}, @var{symbols-loaded} and @var{ranges}. The @var{id} field is an
26924 opaque identifier of the library. For remote debugging case,
26925 @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} fields give the name of the
26926 library file on the target, and on the host respectively. For native
26927 debugging, both those fields have the same value. The
26928 @var{symbols-loaded} field is emitted only for backward compatibility
26929 and should not be relied on to convey any useful information. The
26930 @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the thread
26931 group in whose context the library was loaded. If the field is
26932 absent, it means the library was loaded in the context of all present
26933 thread groups. The @var{ranges} field specifies the ranges of addresses belonging
26936 @item =library-unloaded,...
26937 Reports that a library was unloaded by the program. This notification
26938 has 3 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} with
26939 the same meaning as for the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
26940 The @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the
26941 thread group in whose context the library was unloaded. If the field is
26942 absent, it means the library was unloaded in the context of all present
26945 @item =traceframe-changed,num=@var{tfnum},tracepoint=@var{tpnum}
26946 @itemx =traceframe-changed,end
26947 Reports that the trace frame was changed and its new number is
26948 @var{tfnum}. The number of the tracepoint associated with this trace
26949 frame is @var{tpnum}.
26951 @item =tsv-created,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}
26952 Reports that the new trace state variable @var{name} is created with
26953 initial value @var{initial}.
26955 @item =tsv-deleted,name=@var{name}
26956 @itemx =tsv-deleted
26957 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is deleted or all
26958 trace state variables are deleted.
26960 @item =tsv-modified,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}[,current=@var{current}]
26961 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is modified with
26962 the initial value @var{initial}. The current value @var{current} of
26963 trace state variable is optional and is reported if the current
26964 value of trace state variable is known.
26966 @item =breakpoint-created,bkpt=@{...@}
26967 @itemx =breakpoint-modified,bkpt=@{...@}
26968 @itemx =breakpoint-deleted,id=@var{number}
26969 Reports that a breakpoint was created, modified, or deleted,
26970 respectively. Only user-visible breakpoints are reported to the MI
26973 The @var{bkpt} argument is of the same form as returned by the various
26974 breakpoint commands; @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}. The
26975 @var{number} is the ordinal number of the breakpoint.
26977 Note that if a breakpoint is emitted in the result record of a
26978 command, then it will not also be emitted in an async record.
26980 @item =record-started,thread-group="@var{id}",method="@var{method}"[,format="@var{format}"]
26981 @itemx =record-stopped,thread-group="@var{id}"
26982 Execution log recording was either started or stopped on an
26983 inferior. The @var{id} is the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread
26984 group corresponding to the affected inferior.
26986 The @var{method} field indicates the method used to record execution. If the
26987 method in use supports multiple recording formats, @var{format} will be present
26988 and contain the currently used format. @xref{Process Record and Replay},
26989 for existing method and format values.
26991 @item =cmd-param-changed,param=@var{param},value=@var{value}
26992 Reports that a parameter of the command @code{set @var{param}} is
26993 changed to @var{value}. In the multi-word @code{set} command,
26994 the @var{param} is the whole parameter list to @code{set} command.
26995 For example, In command @code{set check type on}, @var{param}
26996 is @code{check type} and @var{value} is @code{on}.
26998 @item =memory-changed,thread-group=@var{id},addr=@var{addr},len=@var{len}[,type="code"]
26999 Reports that bytes from @var{addr} to @var{data} + @var{len} were
27000 written in an inferior. The @var{id} is the identifier of the
27001 thread group corresponding to the affected inferior. The optional
27002 @code{type="code"} part is reported if the memory written to holds
27006 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Information
27007 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Information
27009 When @value{GDBN} reports information about a breakpoint, a
27010 tracepoint, a watchpoint, or a catchpoint, it uses a tuple with the
27015 The breakpoint number. For a breakpoint that represents one location
27016 of a multi-location breakpoint, this will be a dotted pair, like
27020 The type of the breakpoint. For ordinary breakpoints this will be
27021 @samp{breakpoint}, but many values are possible.
27024 If the type of the breakpoint is @samp{catchpoint}, then this
27025 indicates the exact type of catchpoint.
27028 This is the breakpoint disposition---either @samp{del}, meaning that
27029 the breakpoint will be deleted at the next stop, or @samp{keep},
27030 meaning that the breakpoint will not be deleted.
27033 This indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled, in which case the
27034 value is @samp{y}, or disabled, in which case the value is @samp{n}.
27035 Note that this is not the same as the field @code{enable}.
27038 The address of the breakpoint. This may be a hexidecimal number,
27039 giving the address; or the string @samp{<PENDING>}, for a pending
27040 breakpoint; or the string @samp{<MULTIPLE>}, for a breakpoint with
27041 multiple locations. This field will not be present if no address can
27042 be determined. For example, a watchpoint does not have an address.
27045 If known, the function in which the breakpoint appears.
27046 If not known, this field is not present.
27049 The name of the source file which contains this function, if known.
27050 If not known, this field is not present.
27053 The full file name of the source file which contains this function, if
27054 known. If not known, this field is not present.
27057 The line number at which this breakpoint appears, if known.
27058 If not known, this field is not present.
27061 If the source file is not known, this field may be provided. If
27062 provided, this holds the address of the breakpoint, possibly followed
27066 If this breakpoint is pending, this field is present and holds the
27067 text used to set the breakpoint, as entered by the user.
27070 Where this breakpoint's condition is evaluated, either @samp{host} or
27074 If this is a thread-specific breakpoint, then this identifies the
27075 thread in which the breakpoint can trigger.
27078 If this breakpoint is restricted to a particular Ada task, then this
27079 field will hold the task identifier.
27082 If the breakpoint is conditional, this is the condition expression.
27085 The ignore count of the breakpoint.
27088 The enable count of the breakpoint.
27090 @item traceframe-usage
27093 @item static-tracepoint-marker-string-id
27094 For a static tracepoint, the name of the static tracepoint marker.
27097 For a masked watchpoint, this is the mask.
27100 A tracepoint's pass count.
27102 @item original-location
27103 The location of the breakpoint as originally specified by the user.
27104 This field is optional.
27107 The number of times the breakpoint has been hit.
27110 This field is only given for tracepoints. This is either @samp{y},
27111 meaning that the tracepoint is installed, or @samp{n}, meaning that it
27115 Some extra data, the exact contents of which are type-dependent.
27119 For example, here is what the output of @code{-break-insert}
27120 (@pxref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}) might be:
27123 -> -break-insert main
27124 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
27125 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
27126 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
27131 @node GDB/MI Frame Information
27132 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
27134 Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
27135 frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
27140 The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
27141 zero. This field is always present.
27144 The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
27145 be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
27148 The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
27151 The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
27152 address. This field may be absent.
27155 The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
27159 The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
27160 corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
27164 @node GDB/MI Thread Information
27165 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Information
27167 Whenever @value{GDBN} has to report an information about a thread, it
27168 uses a tuple with the following fields. The fields are always present unless
27173 The global numeric id assigned to the thread by @value{GDBN}.
27176 The target-specific string identifying the thread.
27179 Additional information about the thread provided by the target.
27180 It is supposed to be human-readable and not interpreted by the
27181 frontend. This field is optional.
27184 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using the
27185 @code{thread name} command, then this name is given. Otherwise, if
27186 @value{GDBN} can extract the thread name from the target, then that
27187 name is given. If @value{GDBN} cannot find the thread name, then this
27191 The execution state of the thread, either @samp{stopped} or @samp{running},
27192 depending on whether the thread is presently running.
27195 The stack frame currently executing in the thread. This field is only present
27196 if the thread is stopped. Its format is documented in
27197 @ref{GDB/MI Frame Information}.
27200 The value of this field is an integer number of the processor core the
27201 thread was last seen on. This field is optional.
27204 @node GDB/MI Ada Exception Information
27205 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Exception Information
27207 Whenever a @code{*stopped} record is emitted because the program
27208 stopped after hitting an exception catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}),
27209 @value{GDBN} provides the name of the exception that was raised via
27210 the @code{exception-name} field. Also, for exceptions that were raised
27211 with an exception message, @value{GDBN} provides that message via
27212 the @code{exception-message} field.
27214 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27215 @node GDB/MI Simple Examples
27216 @section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
27217 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
27219 This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
27220 the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
27221 following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
27222 the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
27224 Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
27225 readability, they don't appear in the real output.
27227 @subheading Setting a Breakpoint
27229 Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
27230 information of the breakpoint.
27233 -> -break-insert main
27234 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
27235 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
27236 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
27241 @subheading Program Execution
27243 Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
27244 reason that execution stopped.
27250 <- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
27251 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
27252 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
27253 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68"@}
27258 <- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
27262 @subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
27264 Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
27272 Please note that @samp{^exit} is printed immediately, but it might
27273 take some time for @value{GDBN} to actually exit. During that time, @value{GDBN}
27274 performs necessary cleanups, including killing programs being debugged
27275 or disconnecting from debug hardware, so the frontend should wait till
27276 @value{GDBN} exits and should only forcibly kill @value{GDBN} if it
27277 fails to exit in reasonable time.
27279 @subheading A Bad Command
27281 Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
27285 <- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
27290 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27291 @node GDB/MI Command Description Format
27292 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
27294 The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
27295 commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
27297 @subheading Motivation
27299 The motivation for this collection of commands.
27301 @subheading Introduction
27303 A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
27305 @subheading Commands
27307 For each command in the block, the following is described:
27309 @subsubheading Synopsis
27312 -command @var{args}@dots{}
27315 @subsubheading Result
27317 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27319 The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
27321 @subsubheading Example
27323 Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
27324 not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
27327 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27328 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
27329 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
27331 @cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
27332 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
27333 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
27336 @subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
27337 @findex -break-after
27339 @subsubheading Synopsis
27342 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
27345 The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
27346 hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
27347 the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
27348 @samp{-break-list} command below.
27350 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27352 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
27354 @subsubheading Example
27359 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
27360 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
27361 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
27369 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
27370 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27371 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27372 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27373 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27374 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27375 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27376 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27377 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
27378 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
27383 @subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
27384 @findex -break-catch
27387 @subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
27388 @findex -break-commands
27390 @subsubheading Synopsis
27393 -break-commands @var{number} [ @var{command1} ... @var{commandN} ]
27396 Specifies the CLI commands that should be executed when breakpoint
27397 @var{number} is hit. The parameters @var{command1} to @var{commandN}
27398 are the commands. If no command is specified, any previously-set
27399 commands are cleared. @xref{Break Commands}. Typical use of this
27400 functionality is tracing a program, that is, printing of values of
27401 some variables whenever breakpoint is hit and then continuing.
27403 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27405 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{commands}.
27407 @subsubheading Example
27412 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
27413 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
27414 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
27417 -break-commands 1 "print v" "continue"
27422 @subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
27423 @findex -break-condition
27425 @subsubheading Synopsis
27428 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
27431 Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
27432 @var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
27433 @samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
27436 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27438 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
27440 @subsubheading Example
27444 -break-condition 1 1
27448 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
27449 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27450 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27451 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27452 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27453 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27454 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27455 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27456 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
27457 line="5",cond="1",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
27461 @subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
27462 @findex -break-delete
27464 @subsubheading Synopsis
27467 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
27470 Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
27471 list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
27473 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27475 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
27477 @subsubheading Example
27485 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
27486 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27487 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27488 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27489 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27490 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27491 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27496 @subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
27497 @findex -break-disable
27499 @subsubheading Synopsis
27502 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
27505 Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
27506 break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
27508 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27510 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
27512 @subsubheading Example
27520 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
27521 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27522 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27523 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27524 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27525 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27526 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27527 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
27528 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
27529 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
27533 @subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
27534 @findex -break-enable
27536 @subsubheading Synopsis
27539 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
27542 Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
27544 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27546 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
27548 @subsubheading Example
27556 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
27557 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27558 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27559 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27560 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27561 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27562 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27563 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27564 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
27565 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
27569 @subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
27570 @findex -break-info
27572 @subsubheading Synopsis
27575 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
27579 Get information about a single breakpoint.
27581 The result is a table of breakpoints. @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint
27582 Information}, for details on the format of each breakpoint in the
27585 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27587 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
27589 @subsubheading Example
27592 @subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
27593 @findex -break-insert
27594 @anchor{-break-insert}
27596 @subsubheading Synopsis
27599 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ] [ -d ] [ -a ]
27600 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
27601 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{location} ]
27605 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
27608 @item linespec location
27609 A linespec location. @xref{Linespec Locations}.
27611 @item explicit location
27612 An explicit location. @sc{gdb/mi} explicit locations are
27613 analogous to the CLI's explicit locations using the option names
27614 listed below. @xref{Explicit Locations}.
27617 @item --source @var{filename}
27618 The source file name of the location. This option requires the use
27619 of either @samp{--function} or @samp{--line}.
27621 @item --function @var{function}
27622 The name of a function or method.
27624 @item --label @var{label}
27625 The name of a label.
27627 @item --line @var{lineoffset}
27628 An absolute or relative line offset from the start of the location.
27631 @item address location
27632 An address location, *@var{address}. @xref{Address Locations}.
27636 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
27640 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
27642 Insert a hardware breakpoint.
27644 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
27645 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
27646 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
27647 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
27650 Create a disabled breakpoint.
27652 Create a tracepoint. @xref{Tracepoints}. When this parameter
27653 is used together with @samp{-h}, a fast tracepoint is created.
27654 @item -c @var{condition}
27655 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
27656 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
27657 Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
27658 @item -p @var{thread-id}
27659 Restrict the breakpoint to the thread with the specified global
27663 @subsubheading Result
27665 @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Information}, for details on the format of the
27666 resulting breakpoint.
27668 Note: this format is open to change.
27669 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
27671 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27673 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
27674 @samp{hbreak}, and @samp{thbreak}. @c and @samp{rbreak}.
27676 @subsubheading Example
27681 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
27682 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
27685 -break-insert -t foo
27686 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
27687 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
27691 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
27692 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27693 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27694 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27695 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27696 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27697 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27698 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27699 addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
27700 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
27702 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
27703 addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
27704 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
27707 @c -break-insert -r foo.*
27708 @c ~int foo(int, int);
27709 @c ^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
27710 @c "fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
27715 @subheading The @code{-dprintf-insert} Command
27716 @findex -dprintf-insert
27718 @subsubheading Synopsis
27721 -dprintf-insert [ -t ] [ -f ] [ -d ]
27722 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
27723 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{location} ] [ @var{format} ]
27728 If supplied, @var{location} may be specified the same way as for
27729 the @code{-break-insert} command. @xref{-break-insert}.
27731 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
27735 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
27737 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example, if it
27738 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
27739 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
27740 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
27743 Create a disabled breakpoint.
27744 @item -c @var{condition}
27745 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
27746 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
27747 Set the ignore count of the breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ignore count})
27748 to @var{ignore-count}.
27749 @item -p @var{thread-id}
27750 Restrict the breakpoint to the thread with the specified global
27754 @subsubheading Result
27756 @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Information}, for details on the format of the
27757 resulting breakpoint.
27759 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
27761 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27763 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dprintf}.
27765 @subsubheading Example
27769 4-dprintf-insert foo "At foo entry\n"
27770 4^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="dprintf",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27771 addr="0x000000000040061b",func="foo",file="mi-dprintf.c",
27772 fullname="mi-dprintf.c",line="25",thread-groups=["i1"],
27773 times="0",script=@{"printf \"At foo entry\\n\"","continue"@},
27774 original-location="foo"@}
27776 5-dprintf-insert 26 "arg=%d, g=%d\n" arg g
27777 5^done,bkpt=@{number="2",type="dprintf",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27778 addr="0x000000000040062a",func="foo",file="mi-dprintf.c",
27779 fullname="mi-dprintf.c",line="26",thread-groups=["i1"],
27780 times="0",script=@{"printf \"arg=%d, g=%d\\n\", arg, g","continue"@},
27781 original-location="mi-dprintf.c:26"@}
27785 @subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
27786 @findex -break-list
27788 @subsubheading Synopsis
27794 Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
27798 number of the breakpoint
27800 type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
27802 should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
27805 is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
27807 memory location at which the breakpoint is set
27809 logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
27811 @item Thread-groups
27812 list of thread groups to which this breakpoint applies
27814 number of times the breakpoint has been hit
27817 If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
27818 @code{body} field is an empty list.
27820 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27822 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
27824 @subsubheading Example
27829 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
27830 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27831 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27832 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27833 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27834 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27835 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27836 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27837 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
27839 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27840 addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
27841 line="13",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
27845 Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
27850 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
27851 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27852 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27853 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27854 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27855 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27856 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27861 @subheading The @code{-break-passcount} Command
27862 @findex -break-passcount
27864 @subsubheading Synopsis
27867 -break-passcount @var{tracepoint-number} @var{passcount}
27870 Set the passcount for tracepoint @var{tracepoint-number} to
27871 @var{passcount}. If the breakpoint referred to by @var{tracepoint-number}
27872 is not a tracepoint, error is emitted. This corresponds to CLI
27873 command @samp{passcount}.
27875 @subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
27876 @findex -break-watch
27878 @subsubheading Synopsis
27881 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
27884 Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
27885 @dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
27886 read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
27887 option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
27888 trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
27889 either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
27890 i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
27891 @xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
27893 Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
27894 breakpoints inserted.
27896 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27898 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
27901 @subsubheading Example
27903 Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
27908 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
27913 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
27914 value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
27915 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
27916 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5"@}
27920 Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
27921 the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
27922 for the watchpoint going out of scope.
27927 ^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
27932 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
27933 wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
27934 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
27935 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27936 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
27941 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
27942 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
27943 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
27944 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27945 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
27949 Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
27950 execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
27956 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
27959 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
27960 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27961 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27962 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27963 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27964 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27965 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27966 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27967 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
27968 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27969 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
27971 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
27972 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
27977 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
27978 value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
27979 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
27980 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27981 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
27984 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
27985 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
27986 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
27987 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
27988 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
27989 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
27990 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
27991 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
27992 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
27993 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27994 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
27996 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
27997 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="-5"@}]@}
28001 ^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
28002 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
28003 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
28004 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28005 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
28008 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
28009 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
28010 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
28011 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
28012 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
28013 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
28014 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
28015 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
28016 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
28017 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28018 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
28019 thread-groups=["i1"],times="1"@}]@}
28024 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28025 @node GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
28026 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoint Commands
28028 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
28032 * Shared Library GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
28033 * Ada Exception GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
28036 @node Shared Library GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
28037 @subsection Shared Library @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoints
28039 @subheading The @code{-catch-load} Command
28040 @findex -catch-load
28042 @subsubheading Synopsis
28045 -catch-load [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
28048 Add a catchpoint for library load events. If the @samp{-t} option is used,
28049 the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
28050 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is created
28051 in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
28052 expression used to match the name of the loaded library.
28055 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28057 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch load}.
28059 @subsubheading Example
28062 -catch-load -t foo.so
28063 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="catchpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
28064 what="load of library matching foo.so",catch-type="load",times="0"@}
28069 @subheading The @code{-catch-unload} Command
28070 @findex -catch-unload
28072 @subsubheading Synopsis
28075 -catch-unload [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
28078 Add a catchpoint for library unload events. If the @samp{-t} option is
28079 used, the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
28080 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is
28081 created in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
28082 expression used to match the name of the unloaded library.
28084 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28086 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch unload}.
28088 @subsubheading Example
28091 -catch-unload -d bar.so
28092 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",type="catchpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
28093 what="load of library matching bar.so",catch-type="unload",times="0"@}
28097 @node Ada Exception GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
28098 @subsection Ada Exception @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoints
28100 The following @sc{gdb/mi} commands can be used to create catchpoints
28101 that stop the execution when Ada exceptions are being raised.
28103 @subheading The @code{-catch-assert} Command
28104 @findex -catch-assert
28106 @subsubheading Synopsis
28109 -catch-assert [ -c @var{condition}] [ -d ] [ -t ]
28112 Add a catchpoint for failed Ada assertions.
28114 The possible optional parameters for this command are:
28117 @item -c @var{condition}
28118 Make the catchpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
28120 Create a disabled catchpoint.
28122 Create a temporary catchpoint.
28125 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28127 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch assert}.
28129 @subsubheading Example
28133 ^done,bkptno="5",bkpt=@{number="5",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
28134 enabled="y",addr="0x0000000000404888",what="failed Ada assertions",
28135 thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",
28136 original-location="__gnat_debug_raise_assert_failure"@}
28140 @subheading The @code{-catch-exception} Command
28141 @findex -catch-exception
28143 @subsubheading Synopsis
28146 -catch-exception [ -c @var{condition}] [ -d ] [ -e @var{exception-name} ]
28150 Add a catchpoint stopping when Ada exceptions are raised.
28151 By default, the command stops the program when any Ada exception
28152 gets raised. But it is also possible, by using some of the
28153 optional parameters described below, to create more selective
28156 The possible optional parameters for this command are:
28159 @item -c @var{condition}
28160 Make the catchpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
28162 Create a disabled catchpoint.
28163 @item -e @var{exception-name}
28164 Only stop when @var{exception-name} is raised. This option cannot
28165 be used combined with @samp{-u}.
28167 Create a temporary catchpoint.
28169 Stop only when an unhandled exception gets raised. This option
28170 cannot be used combined with @samp{-e}.
28173 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28175 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{catch exception}
28176 and @samp{catch exception unhandled}.
28178 @subsubheading Example
28181 -catch-exception -e Program_Error
28182 ^done,bkptno="4",bkpt=@{number="4",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
28183 enabled="y",addr="0x0000000000404874",
28184 what="`Program_Error' Ada exception", thread-groups=["i1"],
28185 times="0",original-location="__gnat_debug_raise_exception"@}
28189 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28190 @node GDB/MI Program Context
28191 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
28193 @subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
28194 @findex -exec-arguments
28197 @subsubheading Synopsis
28200 -exec-arguments @var{args}
28203 Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
28206 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28208 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
28210 @subsubheading Example
28214 -exec-arguments -v word
28221 @subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
28222 @findex -exec-show-arguments
28224 @subsubheading Synopsis
28227 -exec-show-arguments
28230 Print the arguments of the program.
28232 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28234 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
28236 @subsubheading Example
28241 @subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
28242 @findex -environment-cd
28244 @subsubheading Synopsis
28247 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
28250 Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
28252 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28254 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
28256 @subsubheading Example
28260 -environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
28266 @subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
28267 @findex -environment-directory
28269 @subsubheading Synopsis
28272 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
28275 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
28276 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
28277 search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
28278 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
28280 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
28281 multiple directories in a single command
28282 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
28283 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
28284 If blanks are needed as
28285 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
28286 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
28287 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
28288 character must not be used
28289 in any directory name.
28290 If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
28292 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28294 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
28296 @subsubheading Example
28300 -environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
28301 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
28303 -environment-directory ""
28304 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
28306 -environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
28307 ^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
28309 -environment-directory -r
28310 ^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
28315 @subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
28316 @findex -environment-path
28318 @subsubheading Synopsis
28321 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
28324 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
28325 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
28326 search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
28327 supplied in addition to the
28328 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
28330 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
28331 multiple directories in a single command
28332 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
28333 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
28334 If blanks are needed as
28335 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
28336 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
28337 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
28338 character must not be used
28339 in any directory name.
28340 If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
28343 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28345 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
28347 @subsubheading Example
28352 ^done,path="/usr/bin"
28354 -environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
28355 ^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
28357 -environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
28358 ^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
28363 @subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
28364 @findex -environment-pwd
28366 @subsubheading Synopsis
28372 Show the current working directory.
28374 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28376 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
28378 @subsubheading Example
28383 ^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
28387 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28388 @node GDB/MI Thread Commands
28389 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
28392 @subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
28393 @findex -thread-info
28395 @subsubheading Synopsis
28398 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
28401 Reports information about either a specific thread, if the
28402 @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all threads.
28403 @var{thread-id} is the thread's global thread ID. When printing
28404 information about all threads, also reports the global ID of the
28407 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28409 The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
28412 @subsubheading Result
28414 The result contains the following attributes:
28418 A list of threads. The format of the elements of the list is described in
28419 @ref{GDB/MI Thread Information}.
28421 @item current-thread-id
28422 The global id of the currently selected thread. This field is omitted if there
28423 is no selected thread (for example, when the selected inferior is not running,
28424 and therefore has no threads) or if a @var{thread-id} argument was passed to
28429 @subsubheading Example
28434 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
28435 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",
28436 args=[]@},state="running"@},
28437 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
28438 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",
28439 args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
28440 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},
28441 state="running"@}],
28442 current-thread-id="1"
28446 @subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
28447 @findex -thread-list-ids
28449 @subsubheading Synopsis
28455 Produces a list of the currently known global @value{GDBN} thread ids.
28456 At the end of the list it also prints the total number of such
28459 This command is retained for historical reasons, the
28460 @code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
28462 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28464 Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
28466 @subsubheading Example
28471 ^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
28472 current-thread-id="1",number-of-threads="3"
28477 @subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
28478 @findex -thread-select
28480 @subsubheading Synopsis
28483 -thread-select @var{thread-id}
28486 Make thread with global thread number @var{thread-id} the current
28487 thread. It prints the number of the new current thread, and the
28488 topmost frame for that thread.
28490 This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
28491 @samp{--thread} option to each command.
28493 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28495 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
28497 @subsubheading Example
28504 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
28505 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
28509 thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
28510 number-of-threads="3"
28513 ^done,new-thread-id="3",
28514 frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
28515 args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
28516 @{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31"@}
28520 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28521 @node GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands
28522 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Tasking Commands
28524 @subheading The @code{-ada-task-info} Command
28525 @findex -ada-task-info
28527 @subsubheading Synopsis
28530 -ada-task-info [ @var{task-id} ]
28533 Reports information about either a specific Ada task, if the
28534 @var{task-id} parameter is present, or about all Ada tasks.
28536 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28538 The @samp{info tasks} command prints the same information
28539 about all Ada tasks (@pxref{Ada Tasks}).
28541 @subsubheading Result
28543 The result is a table of Ada tasks. The following columns are
28544 defined for each Ada task:
28548 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
28551 The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the Ada task.
28554 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the Ada task.
28557 The global thread identifier of the thread corresponding to the Ada
28560 This field should always exist, as Ada tasks are always implemented
28561 on top of a thread. But if @value{GDBN} cannot find this corresponding
28562 thread for any reason, the field is omitted.
28565 This field exists only when the task was created by another task.
28566 In this case, it provides the ID of the parent task.
28569 The base priority of the task.
28572 The current state of the task. For a detailed description of the
28573 possible states, see @ref{Ada Tasks}.
28576 The name of the task.
28580 @subsubheading Example
28584 ^done,tasks=@{nr_rows="3",nr_cols="8",
28585 hdr=[@{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr=""@},
28586 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="id",colhdr="ID"@},
28587 @{width="9",alignment="1",col_name="task-id",colhdr="TID"@},
28588 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="thread-id",colhdr=""@},
28589 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="parent-id",colhdr="P-ID"@},
28590 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="priority",colhdr="Pri"@},
28591 @{width="22",alignment="-1",col_name="state",colhdr="State"@},
28592 @{width="1",alignment="2",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@}],
28593 body=[@{current="*",id="1",task-id=" 644010",thread-id="1",priority="48",
28594 state="Child Termination Wait",name="main_task"@}]@}
28598 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28599 @node GDB/MI Program Execution
28600 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
28602 These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
28603 record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
28604 asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
28607 @subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
28608 @findex -exec-continue
28610 @subsubheading Synopsis
28613 -exec-continue [--reverse] [--all|--thread-group N]
28616 Resumes the execution of the inferior program, which will continue
28617 to execute until it reaches a debugger stop event. If the
28618 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, execution resumes in reverse until
28619 it reaches a stop event. Stop events may include
28622 breakpoints or watchpoints
28624 signals or exceptions
28626 the end of the process (or its beginning under @samp{--reverse})
28628 the end or beginning of a replay log if one is being used.
28630 In all-stop mode (@pxref{All-Stop
28631 Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads, depending on the
28632 value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. If @samp{--all} is
28633 specified, all threads (in all inferiors) will be resumed. The @samp{--all} option is
28634 ignored in all-stop mode. If the @samp{--thread-group} options is
28635 specified, then all threads in that thread group are resumed.
28637 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28639 The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
28641 @subsubheading Example
28648 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
28649 func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
28655 @subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
28656 @findex -exec-finish
28658 @subsubheading Synopsis
28661 -exec-finish [--reverse]
28664 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
28665 function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
28666 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes the reverse
28667 execution of the inferior program until the point where current
28668 function was called.
28670 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28672 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
28674 @subsubheading Example
28676 Function returning @code{void}.
28683 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
28684 file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7"@}
28688 Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
28689 @value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
28696 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
28697 args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
28698 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
28699 gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
28704 @subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
28705 @findex -exec-interrupt
28707 @subsubheading Synopsis
28710 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
28713 Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
28714 associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
28715 that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
28716 appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
28717 interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
28719 Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
28720 asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
28721 @samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
28722 reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
28724 In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
28725 All threads (in all inferiors) will be interrupted if the
28726 @samp{--all} option is specified. If the @samp{--thread-group}
28727 option is specified, all threads in that group will be interrupted.
28729 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28731 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
28733 @subsubheading Example
28744 111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
28745 frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
28746 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13"@}
28751 ^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
28755 @subheading The @code{-exec-jump} Command
28758 @subsubheading Synopsis
28761 -exec-jump @var{location}
28764 Resumes execution of the inferior program at the location specified by
28765 parameter. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
28766 different forms of @var{location}.
28768 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28770 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{jump}.
28772 @subsubheading Example
28775 -exec-jump foo.c:10
28776 *running,thread-id="all"
28781 @subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
28784 @subsubheading Synopsis
28787 -exec-next [--reverse]
28790 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
28791 of the next source line is reached.
28793 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
28794 of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the previous
28795 source line. If you issue this command on the first line of a
28796 function, it will take you back to the caller of that function, to the
28797 source line where the function was called.
28800 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28802 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
28804 @subsubheading Example
28810 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
28815 @subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
28816 @findex -exec-next-instruction
28818 @subsubheading Synopsis
28821 -exec-next-instruction [--reverse]
28824 Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
28825 call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
28826 instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
28829 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
28830 of the inferior program, stopping at the previous instruction. If the
28831 previously executed instruction was a return from another function,
28832 it will continue to execute in reverse until the call to that function
28833 (from the current stack frame) is reached.
28835 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28837 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
28839 @subsubheading Example
28843 -exec-next-instruction
28847 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
28848 addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
28853 @subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
28854 @findex -exec-return
28856 @subsubheading Synopsis
28862 Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
28863 Displays the new current frame.
28865 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28867 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
28869 @subsubheading Example
28873 200-break-insert callee4
28874 200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
28875 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
28880 000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
28881 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
28882 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28883 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
28889 111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
28890 args=[@{name="strarg",
28891 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
28892 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
28893 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
28898 @subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
28901 @subsubheading Synopsis
28904 -exec-run [ --all | --thread-group N ] [ --start ]
28907 Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
28908 executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
28909 exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
28910 the program has exited exceptionally.
28912 When neither the @samp{--all} nor the @samp{--thread-group} option
28913 is specified, the current inferior is started. If the
28914 @samp{--thread-group} option is specified, it should refer to a thread
28915 group of type @samp{process}, and that thread group will be started.
28916 If the @samp{--all} option is specified, then all inferiors will be started.
28918 Using the @samp{--start} option instructs the debugger to stop
28919 the execution at the start of the inferior's main subprogram,
28920 following the same behavior as the @code{start} command
28921 (@pxref{Starting}).
28923 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28925 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
28927 @subsubheading Examples
28932 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
28937 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
28938 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
28939 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}
28944 Program exited normally:
28952 *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
28957 Program exited exceptionally:
28965 *stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
28969 Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
28970 @code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
28974 *stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
28975 signal-meaning="Interrupt"
28979 @c @subheading -exec-signal
28982 @subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
28985 @subsubheading Synopsis
28988 -exec-step [--reverse]
28991 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
28992 of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
28993 function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
28994 function. If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse
28995 execution of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the
28996 previously executed source line.
28998 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29000 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
29002 @subsubheading Example
29004 Stepping into a function:
29010 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
29011 frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
29012 @{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
29013 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@}
29023 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
29028 @subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
29029 @findex -exec-step-instruction
29031 @subsubheading Synopsis
29034 -exec-step-instruction [--reverse]
29037 Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. If the
29038 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution of the
29039 inferior program, stopping at the previously executed instruction.
29040 The output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on
29041 whether we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the
29042 former case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed
29045 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29047 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
29049 @subsubheading Example
29053 -exec-step-instruction
29057 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
29058 frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
29059 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
29061 -exec-step-instruction
29065 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
29066 frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
29067 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
29072 @subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
29073 @findex -exec-until
29075 @subsubheading Synopsis
29078 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
29081 Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
29082 argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
29083 until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
29084 reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
29086 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29088 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
29090 @subsubheading Example
29094 -exec-until recursive2.c:6
29098 *stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
29099 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6"@}
29104 @subheading -file-clear
29105 Is this going away????
29108 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29109 @node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
29110 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
29112 @subheading The @code{-enable-frame-filters} Command
29113 @findex -enable-frame-filters
29116 -enable-frame-filters
29119 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based frame filters to affect the output of
29120 the MI commands relating to stack traces. As there is no way to
29121 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
29122 request that this functionality be enabled.
29124 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
29126 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
29127 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
29129 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
29130 @findex -stack-info-frame
29132 @subsubheading Synopsis
29138 Get info on the selected frame.
29140 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29142 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
29143 (without arguments).
29145 @subsubheading Example
29150 ^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
29151 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29152 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@}
29156 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
29157 @findex -stack-info-depth
29159 @subsubheading Synopsis
29162 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
29165 Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
29166 is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
29168 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29170 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
29172 @subsubheading Example
29174 For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
29181 -stack-info-depth 4
29184 -stack-info-depth 12
29187 -stack-info-depth 11
29190 -stack-info-depth 13
29195 @anchor{-stack-list-arguments}
29196 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
29197 @findex -stack-list-arguments
29199 @subsubheading Synopsis
29202 -stack-list-arguments [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
29203 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
29206 Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
29207 and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
29208 @var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
29209 call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
29210 at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
29211 larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
29212 @var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
29213 which case only existing frames will be returned.
29215 If @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
29216 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
29217 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
29218 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
29219 structures and unions. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is
29220 supplied, then Python frame filters will not be executed.
29222 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, arguments that
29223 are not available are not listed. Partially available arguments
29224 are still displayed, however.
29226 Use of this command to obtain arguments in a single frame is
29227 deprecated in favor of the @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
29229 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29231 @value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
29232 @samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
29233 functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
29235 @subsubheading Example
29242 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
29243 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29244 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@},
29245 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
29246 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29247 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@},
29248 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
29249 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29250 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22"@},
29251 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
29252 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29253 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27"@},
29254 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
29255 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
29256 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32"@}]
29258 -stack-list-arguments 0
29261 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
29262 frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
29263 frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
29264 frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
29265 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
29267 -stack-list-arguments 1
29270 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
29272 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
29273 frame=@{level="2",args=[
29274 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
29275 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
29276 @{frame=@{level="3",args=[
29277 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
29278 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
29279 @{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
29280 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
29282 -stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
29283 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
29285 -stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
29286 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
29287 args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
29288 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
29292 @c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
29295 @anchor{-stack-list-frames}
29296 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
29297 @findex -stack-list-frames
29299 @subsubheading Synopsis
29302 -stack-list-frames [ --no-frame-filters @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
29305 List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
29310 The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
29312 The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
29316 File name of the source file where the function lives.
29317 @item @var{fullname}
29318 The full file name of the source file where the function lives.
29320 Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
29322 The shared library where this function is defined. This is only given
29323 if the frame's function is not known.
29326 If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
29327 whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
29328 levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
29329 are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
29330 an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
29331 frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
29332 actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be
29333 returned. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is supplied, then
29334 Python frame filters will not be executed.
29336 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29338 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
29340 @subsubheading Example
29342 Full stack backtrace:
29348 [frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
29349 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@},
29350 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29351 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29352 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29353 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29354 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29355 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29356 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29357 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29358 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29359 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29360 frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29361 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29362 frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29363 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29364 frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29365 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29366 frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29367 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29368 frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29369 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29370 frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
29371 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}]
29375 Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
29379 -stack-list-frames 3 5
29381 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29382 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29383 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29384 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
29385 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29386 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
29390 Show a single frame:
29394 -stack-list-frames 3 3
29396 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
29397 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
29402 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
29403 @findex -stack-list-locals
29404 @anchor{-stack-list-locals}
29406 @subsubheading Synopsis
29409 -stack-list-locals [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
29412 Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
29413 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
29414 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
29415 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
29416 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
29417 structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
29418 display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
29419 other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
29420 more detail. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is supplied, then
29421 Python frame filters will not be executed.
29423 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, local variables
29424 that are not available are not listed. Partially available local
29425 variables are still displayed, however.
29427 This command is deprecated in favor of the
29428 @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
29430 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29432 @samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
29434 @subsubheading Example
29438 -stack-list-locals 0
29439 ^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
29441 -stack-list-locals --all-values
29442 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
29443 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
29444 -stack-list-locals --simple-values
29445 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
29446 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
29450 @anchor{-stack-list-variables}
29451 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-variables} Command
29452 @findex -stack-list-variables
29454 @subsubheading Synopsis
29457 -stack-list-variables [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
29460 Display the names of local variables and function arguments for the selected frame. If
29461 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
29462 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
29463 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
29464 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
29465 structures and unions. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is
29466 supplied, then Python frame filters will not be executed.
29468 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, local variables
29469 and arguments that are not available are not listed. Partially
29470 available arguments and local variables are still displayed, however.
29472 @subsubheading Example
29476 -stack-list-variables --thread 1 --frame 0 --all-values
29477 ^done,variables=[@{name="x",value="11"@},@{name="s",value="@{a = 1, b = 2@}"@}]
29482 @subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
29483 @findex -stack-select-frame
29485 @subsubheading Synopsis
29488 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
29491 Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
29494 This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
29495 option to every command.
29497 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29499 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
29500 @samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
29502 @subsubheading Example
29506 -stack-select-frame 2
29511 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29512 @node GDB/MI Variable Objects
29513 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
29517 @subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
29519 For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
29520 expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
29521 used by @code{Insight}.
29523 The two main reasons for that are:
29527 It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
29530 It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
29534 The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
29535 slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
29536 describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
29537 hints about their use.
29539 @emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
29540 expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
29541 least, the following operations:
29544 @item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
29545 @item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
29546 @item @code{-stack-list-locals}
29547 @item @code{-stack-select-frame}
29552 @subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
29554 @cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
29556 Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
29557 changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
29558 work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
29559 simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
29560 is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
29561 frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
29562 expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
29563 expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
29564 variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
29565 operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
29566 object, or to change display format.
29568 Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
29569 that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
29570 a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
29571 element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
29572 children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
29573 leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
29574 objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
29575 is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
29576 child will be created.
29578 For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
29579 string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
29580 obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
29581 that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
29582 contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
29584 A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
29585 the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
29586 variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
29587 operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
29588 be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
29589 objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
29590 real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
29591 variables that frontend has created.
29593 The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
29594 might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
29595 and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
29596 relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
29597 to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
29598 visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
29599 called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
29600 implicitly updated.
29602 Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
29603 fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
29604 object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
29605 variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
29606 variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
29607 expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
29608 frame. Consider this example:
29613 struct work_state state;
29620 If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
29621 this function, and we enter the recursive call, the variable
29622 object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
29623 @code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
29624 object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
29626 If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
29627 refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
29628 thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
29629 variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
29630 thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
29631 and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
29633 The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
29634 access this functionality:
29636 @multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
29637 @item @strong{Operation}
29638 @tab @strong{Description}
29640 @item @code{-enable-pretty-printing}
29641 @tab enable Python-based pretty-printing
29642 @item @code{-var-create}
29643 @tab create a variable object
29644 @item @code{-var-delete}
29645 @tab delete the variable object and/or its children
29646 @item @code{-var-set-format}
29647 @tab set the display format of this variable
29648 @item @code{-var-show-format}
29649 @tab show the display format of this variable
29650 @item @code{-var-info-num-children}
29651 @tab tells how many children this object has
29652 @item @code{-var-list-children}
29653 @tab return a list of the object's children
29654 @item @code{-var-info-type}
29655 @tab show the type of this variable object
29656 @item @code{-var-info-expression}
29657 @tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
29658 @item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
29659 @tab print full expression that this variable object represents
29660 @item @code{-var-show-attributes}
29661 @tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
29662 @item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
29663 @tab get the value of this variable
29664 @item @code{-var-assign}
29665 @tab set the value of this variable
29666 @item @code{-var-update}
29667 @tab update the variable and its children
29668 @item @code{-var-set-frozen}
29669 @tab set frozeness attribute
29670 @item @code{-var-set-update-range}
29671 @tab set range of children to display on update
29674 In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
29675 how it can be used.
29677 @subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
29679 @subheading The @code{-enable-pretty-printing} Command
29680 @findex -enable-pretty-printing
29683 -enable-pretty-printing
29686 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based visualizers to affect the output of the
29687 MI variable object commands. However, because there was no way to
29688 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
29689 request that this functionality be enabled.
29691 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
29693 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
29694 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
29696 This feature is currently (as of @value{GDBN} 7.0) experimental, and
29697 may work differently in future versions of @value{GDBN}.
29699 @subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
29700 @findex -var-create
29702 @subsubheading Synopsis
29705 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
29706 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
29709 This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
29710 a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
29713 The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
29714 referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
29715 system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
29716 unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
29717 The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
29719 The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
29720 specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
29721 frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
29722 object must be created.
29724 @var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
29725 begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
29729 @samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
29732 @samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
29735 @samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
29738 @cindex dynamic varobj
29739 A varobj's contents may be provided by a Python-based pretty-printer. In this
29740 case the varobj is known as a @dfn{dynamic varobj}. Dynamic varobjs
29741 have slightly different semantics in some cases. If the
29742 @code{-enable-pretty-printing} command is not sent, then @value{GDBN}
29743 will never create a dynamic varobj. This ensures backward
29744 compatibility for existing clients.
29746 @subsubheading Result
29748 This operation returns attributes of the newly-created varobj. These
29753 The name of the varobj.
29756 The number of children of the varobj. This number is not necessarily
29757 reliable for a dynamic varobj. Instead, you must examine the
29758 @samp{has_more} attribute.
29761 The varobj's scalar value. For a varobj whose type is some sort of
29762 aggregate (e.g., a @code{struct}), or for a dynamic varobj, this value
29763 will not be interesting.
29766 The varobj's type. This is a string representation of the type, as
29767 would be printed by the @value{GDBN} CLI. If @samp{print object}
29768 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
29769 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
29770 @emph{declared} one.
29773 If a variable object is bound to a specific thread, then this is the
29774 thread's global identifier.
29777 For a dynamic varobj, this indicates whether there appear to be any
29778 children available. For a non-dynamic varobj, this will be 0.
29781 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
29782 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
29783 then this attribute will not be present.
29786 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
29787 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
29788 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
29791 Typical output will look like this:
29794 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}",
29795 has_more="@var{has_more}"
29799 @subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
29800 @findex -var-delete
29802 @subsubheading Synopsis
29805 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
29808 Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
29809 With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
29811 Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
29814 @subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
29815 @findex -var-set-format
29817 @subsubheading Synopsis
29820 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
29823 Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
29826 @anchor{-var-set-format}
29827 The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
29830 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
29831 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural | zero-hexadecimal@}
29834 The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
29835 based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
29836 for pointers, etc.).
29838 The zero-hexadecimal format has a representation similar to hexadecimal
29839 but with padding zeroes to the left of the value. For example, a 32-bit
29840 hexadecimal value of 0x1234 would be represented as 0x00001234 in the
29841 zero-hexadecimal format.
29843 For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
29844 variable itself, and the children are not affected.
29846 @subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
29847 @findex -var-show-format
29849 @subsubheading Synopsis
29852 -var-show-format @var{name}
29855 Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
29858 @var{format} @expansion{}
29863 @subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
29864 @findex -var-info-num-children
29866 @subsubheading Synopsis
29869 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
29872 Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
29878 Note that this number is not completely reliable for a dynamic varobj.
29879 It will return the current number of children, but more children may
29883 @subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
29884 @findex -var-list-children
29886 @subsubheading Synopsis
29889 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name} [@var{from} @var{to}]
29891 @anchor{-var-list-children}
29893 Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
29894 create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
29895 a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value of 0 or
29896 @code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
29897 @var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
29898 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
29899 value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
29902 @var{from} and @var{to}, if specified, indicate the range of children
29903 to report. If @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is
29904 reset and all children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting
29905 at @var{from} (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be
29908 If a child range is requested, it will only affect the current call to
29909 @code{-var-list-children}, but not future calls to @code{-var-update}.
29910 For this, you must instead use @code{-var-set-update-range}. The
29911 intent of this approach is to enable a front end to implement any
29912 update approach it likes; for example, scrolling a view may cause the
29913 front end to request more children with @code{-var-list-children}, and
29914 then the front end could call @code{-var-set-update-range} with a
29915 different range to ensure that future updates are restricted to just
29918 For each child the following results are returned:
29923 Name of the variable object created for this child.
29926 The expression to be shown to the user by the front end to designate this child.
29927 For example this may be the name of a structure member.
29929 For a dynamic varobj, this value cannot be used to form an
29930 expression. There is no way to do this at all with a dynamic varobj.
29932 For C/C@t{++} structures there are several pseudo children returned to
29933 designate access qualifiers. For these pseudo children @var{exp} is
29934 @samp{public}, @samp{private}, or @samp{protected}. In this case the
29935 type and value are not present.
29937 A dynamic varobj will not report the access qualifying
29938 pseudo-children, regardless of the language. This information is not
29939 available at all with a dynamic varobj.
29942 Number of children this child has. For a dynamic varobj, this will be
29946 The type of the child. If @samp{print object}
29947 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
29948 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
29949 @emph{declared} one.
29952 If values were requested, this is the value.
29955 If this variable object is associated with a thread, this is the
29956 thread's global thread id. Otherwise this result is not present.
29959 If the variable object is frozen, this variable will be present with a value of 1.
29962 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
29963 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
29964 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
29967 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
29968 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
29969 then this attribute will not be present.
29973 The result may have its own attributes:
29977 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
29978 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
29979 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
29982 This is an integer attribute which is nonzero if there are children
29983 remaining after the end of the selected range.
29986 @subsubheading Example
29990 -var-list-children n
29991 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
29992 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
29994 -var-list-children --all-values n
29995 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
29996 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
30000 @subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
30001 @findex -var-info-type
30003 @subsubheading Synopsis
30006 -var-info-type @var{name}
30009 Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
30010 returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
30014 type=@var{typename}
30018 @subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
30019 @findex -var-info-expression
30021 @subsubheading Synopsis
30024 -var-info-expression @var{name}
30027 Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
30028 variable object in user interface. The string is generally
30029 not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
30031 For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
30032 @code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
30035 (gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
30036 ^done,lang="C",exp="1"
30040 Here, the value of @code{lang} is the language name, which can be
30041 found in @ref{Supported Languages}.
30043 Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
30044 includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
30047 @subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
30048 @findex -var-info-path-expression
30050 @subsubheading Synopsis
30053 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
30056 Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
30057 context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
30058 Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
30059 result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
30060 the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
30061 watchpoint from a variable object.
30063 This command is currently not valid for children of a dynamic varobj,
30064 and will give an error when invoked on one.
30066 For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
30067 @code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
30068 @code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
30069 @code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
30070 @code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
30072 (gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
30073 ^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
30076 @subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
30077 @findex -var-show-attributes
30079 @subsubheading Synopsis
30082 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
30085 List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
30088 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
30092 where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
30094 @subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
30095 @findex -var-evaluate-expression
30097 @subsubheading Synopsis
30100 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
30103 Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
30104 object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
30105 can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
30106 this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
30107 (@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
30108 the current display format will be used. The current display format
30109 can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
30115 Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
30116 before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
30118 @subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
30119 @findex -var-assign
30121 @subsubheading Synopsis
30124 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
30127 Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
30128 by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
30129 value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
30130 subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
30132 @subsubheading Example
30140 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
30144 @subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
30145 @findex -var-update
30147 @subsubheading Synopsis
30150 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
30153 Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
30154 @var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
30155 list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
30156 be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
30157 @code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
30158 @code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
30159 object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
30160 for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
30161 @var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
30162 names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
30163 as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
30164 recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
30165 number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
30167 With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
30168 currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
30171 If @code{-var-set-update-range} was previously used on a varobj, then
30172 only the selected range of children will be reported.
30174 @code{-var-update} reports all the changed varobjs in a tuple named
30177 Each item in the change list is itself a tuple holding:
30181 The name of the varobj.
30184 If values were requested for this update, then this field will be
30185 present and will hold the value of the varobj.
30188 @anchor{-var-update}
30189 This field is a string which may take one of three values:
30193 The variable object's current value is valid.
30196 The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
30197 hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
30201 The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
30202 This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
30203 either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
30204 command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
30208 In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
30209 be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
30212 This is only present if the varobj is still valid. If the type
30213 changed, then this will be the string @samp{true}; otherwise it will
30216 When a varobj's type changes, its children are also likely to have
30217 become incorrect. Therefore, the varobj's children are automatically
30218 deleted when this attribute is @samp{true}. Also, the varobj's update
30219 range, when set using the @code{-var-set-update-range} command, is
30223 If the varobj's type changed, then this field will be present and will
30226 @item new_num_children
30227 For a dynamic varobj, if the number of children changed, or if the
30228 type changed, this will be the new number of children.
30230 The @samp{numchild} field in other varobj responses is generally not
30231 valid for a dynamic varobj -- it will show the number of children that
30232 @value{GDBN} knows about, but because dynamic varobjs lazily
30233 instantiate their children, this will not reflect the number of
30234 children which may be available.
30236 The @samp{new_num_children} attribute only reports changes to the
30237 number of children known by @value{GDBN}. This is the only way to
30238 detect whether an update has removed children (which necessarily can
30239 only happen at the end of the update range).
30242 The display hint, if any.
30245 This is an integer value, which will be 1 if there are more children
30246 available outside the varobj's update range.
30249 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
30250 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
30251 then this attribute will not be present.
30254 If new children were added to a dynamic varobj within the selected
30255 update range (as set by @code{-var-set-update-range}), then they will
30256 be listed in this attribute.
30259 @subsubheading Example
30266 -var-update --all-values var1
30267 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
30268 type_changed="false"@}]
30272 @subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
30273 @findex -var-set-frozen
30274 @anchor{-var-set-frozen}
30276 @subsubheading Synopsis
30279 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
30282 Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
30283 @var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
30284 frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
30285 frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
30286 implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
30287 a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
30288 @code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
30289 values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
30290 implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
30291 Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
30292 @code{-var-update} does.
30294 @subsubheading Example
30298 -var-set-frozen V 1
30303 @subheading The @code{-var-set-update-range} command
30304 @findex -var-set-update-range
30305 @anchor{-var-set-update-range}
30307 @subsubheading Synopsis
30310 -var-set-update-range @var{name} @var{from} @var{to}
30313 Set the range of children to be returned by future invocations of
30314 @code{-var-update}.
30316 @var{from} and @var{to} indicate the range of children to report. If
30317 @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is reset and all
30318 children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting at @var{from}
30319 (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be reported.
30321 @subsubheading Example
30325 -var-set-update-range V 1 2
30329 @subheading The @code{-var-set-visualizer} command
30330 @findex -var-set-visualizer
30331 @anchor{-var-set-visualizer}
30333 @subsubheading Synopsis
30336 -var-set-visualizer @var{name} @var{visualizer}
30339 Set a visualizer for the variable object @var{name}.
30341 @var{visualizer} is the visualizer to use. The special value
30342 @samp{None} means to disable any visualizer in use.
30344 If not @samp{None}, @var{visualizer} must be a Python expression.
30345 This expression must evaluate to a callable object which accepts a
30346 single argument. @value{GDBN} will call this object with the value of
30347 the varobj @var{name} as an argument (this is done so that the same
30348 Python pretty-printing code can be used for both the CLI and MI).
30349 When called, this object must return an object which conforms to the
30350 pretty-printing interface (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}).
30352 The pre-defined function @code{gdb.default_visualizer} may be used to
30353 select a visualizer by following the built-in process
30354 (@pxref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}). This is done automatically when
30355 a varobj is created, and so ordinarily is not needed.
30357 This feature is only available if Python support is enabled. The MI
30358 command @code{-list-features} (@pxref{GDB/MI Support Commands})
30359 can be used to check this.
30361 @subsubheading Example
30363 Resetting the visualizer:
30367 -var-set-visualizer V None
30371 Reselecting the default (type-based) visualizer:
30375 -var-set-visualizer V gdb.default_visualizer
30379 Suppose @code{SomeClass} is a visualizer class. A lambda expression
30380 can be used to instantiate this class for a varobj:
30384 -var-set-visualizer V "lambda val: SomeClass()"
30388 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30389 @node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
30390 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
30392 @cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
30393 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
30394 This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
30395 examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
30397 For details about what an addressable memory unit is,
30398 @pxref{addressable memory unit}.
30400 @c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
30401 @c @subheading -data-assign
30402 @c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
30403 @c @subsubheading GDB Command
30405 @c @subsubheading Example
30408 @subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
30409 @findex -data-disassemble
30411 @subsubheading Synopsis
30415 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
30416 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
30424 @item @var{start-addr}
30425 is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
30426 @item @var{end-addr}
30428 @item @var{filename}
30429 is the name of the file to disassemble
30430 @item @var{linenum}
30431 is the line number to disassemble around
30433 is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
30434 the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
30435 specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
30436 @var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
30437 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
30438 displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
30439 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
30444 @item 0 disassembly only
30445 @item 1 mixed source and disassembly (deprecated)
30446 @item 2 disassembly with raw opcodes
30447 @item 3 mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes (deprecated)
30448 @item 4 mixed source and disassembly
30449 @item 5 mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes
30452 Modes 1 and 3 are deprecated. The output is ``source centric''
30453 which hasn't proved useful in practice.
30454 @xref{Machine Code}, for a discussion of the difference between
30455 @code{/m} and @code{/s} output of the @code{disassemble} command.
30458 @subsubheading Result
30460 The result of the @code{-data-disassemble} command will be a list named
30461 @samp{asm_insns}, the contents of this list depend on the @var{mode}
30462 used with the @code{-data-disassemble} command.
30464 For modes 0 and 2 the @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples with the
30469 The address at which this instruction was disassembled.
30472 The name of the function this instruction is within.
30475 The decimal offset in bytes from the start of @samp{func-name}.
30478 The text disassembly for this @samp{address}.
30481 This field is only present for modes 2, 3 and 5. This contains the raw opcode
30482 bytes for the @samp{inst} field.
30486 For modes 1, 3, 4 and 5 the @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples named
30487 @samp{src_and_asm_line}, each of which has the following fields:
30491 The line number within @samp{file}.
30494 The file name from the compilation unit. This might be an absolute
30495 file name or a relative file name depending on the compile command
30499 Absolute file name of @samp{file}. It is converted to a canonical form
30500 using the source file search path
30501 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories})
30502 and after resolving all the symbolic links.
30504 If the source file is not found this field will contain the path as
30505 present in the debug information.
30507 @item line_asm_insn
30508 This is a list of tuples containing the disassembly for @samp{line} in
30509 @samp{file}. The fields of each tuple are the same as for
30510 @code{-data-disassemble} in @var{mode} 0 and 2, so @samp{address},
30511 @samp{func-name}, @samp{offset}, @samp{inst}, and optionally
30516 Note that whatever included in the @samp{inst} field, is not
30517 manipulated directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to
30520 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30522 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disassemble}.
30524 @subsubheading Example
30526 Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
30530 -data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
30533 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
30534 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
30535 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
30536 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
30537 @{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
30538 inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
30539 @{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
30540 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
30541 @{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
30542 inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
30546 Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
30550 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
30552 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
30553 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
30554 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
30555 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
30556 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
30557 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
30559 @{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
30560 @{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
30564 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
30568 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
30570 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
30571 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
30572 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
30573 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
30574 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
30575 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
30579 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
30583 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
30585 src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
30586 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30587 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30588 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107bc",
30589 func-name="main",offset="0",inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
30590 src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
30591 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30592 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30593 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107c0",
30594 func-name="main",offset="4",inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
30595 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
30596 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
30601 @subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
30602 @findex -data-evaluate-expression
30604 @subsubheading Synopsis
30607 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
30610 Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
30611 inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
30612 If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
30614 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30616 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
30617 @samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
30618 @samp{gdb_eval} command.
30620 @subsubheading Example
30622 In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
30623 @dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
30624 Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
30628 211-data-evaluate-expression A
30631 311-data-evaluate-expression &A
30632 311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
30634 411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
30637 511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
30643 @subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
30644 @findex -data-list-changed-registers
30646 @subsubheading Synopsis
30649 -data-list-changed-registers
30652 Display a list of the registers that have changed.
30654 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30656 @value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
30657 has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
30659 @subsubheading Example
30661 On a PPC MBX board:
30669 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
30670 func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
30673 -data-list-changed-registers
30674 ^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
30675 "10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
30676 "24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
30681 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
30682 @findex -data-list-register-names
30684 @subsubheading Synopsis
30687 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
30690 Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
30691 are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
30692 integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
30693 names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
30694 consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
30695 include empty register names.
30697 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30699 @value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
30700 @samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
30701 corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
30703 @subsubheading Example
30705 For the PPC MBX board:
30708 -data-list-register-names
30709 ^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
30710 "r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
30711 "r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
30712 "r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
30713 "f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
30714 "f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
30715 "", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
30717 -data-list-register-names 1 2 3
30718 ^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
30722 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
30723 @findex -data-list-register-values
30725 @subsubheading Synopsis
30728 -data-list-register-values
30729 [ @code{--skip-unavailable} ] @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
30732 Display the registers' contents. The format according to which the
30733 registers' contents are to be returned is given by @var{fmt}, followed
30734 by an optional list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A
30735 missing list of numbers indicates that the contents of all the
30736 registers must be returned. The @code{--skip-unavailable} option
30737 indicates that only the available registers are to be returned.
30739 Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
30756 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30758 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
30759 all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
30761 @subsubheading Example
30763 For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
30764 don't appear in the actual output):
30768 -data-list-register-values r 64 65
30769 ^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
30770 @{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
30772 -data-list-register-values x
30773 ^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
30774 @{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
30775 @{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
30776 @{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
30777 @{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
30778 @{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
30779 @{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
30780 @{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
30781 @{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
30782 @{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
30783 @{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
30784 @{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
30785 @{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
30786 @{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
30787 @{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
30788 @{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
30789 @{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
30790 @{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
30791 @{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
30792 @{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
30793 @{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
30794 @{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
30795 @{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
30796 @{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
30797 @{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
30798 @{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
30799 @{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
30800 @{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
30801 @{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
30802 @{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
30803 @{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
30804 @{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
30805 @{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
30806 @{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
30807 @{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
30808 @{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
30813 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
30814 @findex -data-read-memory
30816 This command is deprecated, use @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} instead.
30818 @subsubheading Synopsis
30821 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
30822 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
30823 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
30830 @item @var{address}
30831 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
30832 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
30833 quoted using the C convention.
30835 @item @var{word-format}
30836 The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
30837 same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
30840 @item @var{word-size}
30841 The size of each memory word in bytes.
30843 @item @var{nr-rows}
30844 The number of rows in the output table.
30846 @item @var{nr-cols}
30847 The number of columns in the output table.
30850 If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
30851 value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
30852 member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
30853 characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
30855 @item @var{byte-offset}
30856 An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
30859 This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
30860 @var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
30861 @code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
30862 (returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
30863 of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
30864 using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
30865 in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
30868 The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
30869 @samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
30872 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30874 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
30875 @samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
30877 @subsubheading Example
30879 Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
30880 @code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
30881 word. Display each word in hex.
30885 9-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
30886 9^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
30887 next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
30888 prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
30889 @{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
30890 @{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
30891 @{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
30895 Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
30896 display as a single word formatted in decimal.
30900 5-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
30901 5^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
30902 next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
30903 next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
30904 @{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
30908 Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
30909 as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
30910 used as the non-printable character.
30914 4-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
30915 4^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
30916 next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
30917 next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
30918 @{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
30919 @{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
30920 @{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
30921 @{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
30922 @{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
30923 @{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
30924 @{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
30925 @{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
30929 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} Command
30930 @findex -data-read-memory-bytes
30932 @subsubheading Synopsis
30935 -data-read-memory-bytes [ -o @var{offset} ]
30936 @var{address} @var{count}
30943 @item @var{address}
30944 An expression specifying the address of the first addressable memory unit
30945 to be read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
30946 quoted using the C convention.
30949 The number of addressable memory units to read. This should be an integer
30953 The offset relative to @var{address} at which to start reading. This
30954 should be an integer literal. This option is provided so that a frontend
30955 is not required to first evaluate address and then perform address
30956 arithmetics itself.
30960 This command attempts to read all accessible memory regions in the
30961 specified range. First, all regions marked as unreadable in the memory
30962 map (if one is defined) will be skipped. @xref{Memory Region
30963 Attributes}. Second, @value{GDBN} will attempt to read the remaining
30964 regions. For each one, if reading full region results in an errors,
30965 @value{GDBN} will try to read a subset of the region.
30967 In general, every single memory unit in the region may be readable or not,
30968 and the only way to read every readable unit is to try a read at
30969 every address, which is not practical. Therefore, @value{GDBN} will
30970 attempt to read all accessible memory units at either beginning or the end
30971 of the region, using a binary division scheme. This heuristic works
30972 well for reading accross a memory map boundary. Note that if a region
30973 has a readable range that is neither at the beginning or the end,
30974 @value{GDBN} will not read it.
30976 The result record (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}) that is output of
30977 the command includes a field named @samp{memory} whose content is a
30978 list of tuples. Each tuple represent a successfully read memory block
30979 and has the following fields:
30983 The start address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
30986 The end address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
30989 The offset of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal, relative to
30990 the start address passed to @code{-data-read-memory-bytes}.
30993 The contents of the memory block, in hex.
30999 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31001 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}.
31003 @subsubheading Example
31007 -data-read-memory-bytes &a 10
31008 ^done,memory=[@{begin="0xbffff154",offset="0x00000000",
31010 contents="01000000020000000300"@}]
31015 @subheading The @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} Command
31016 @findex -data-write-memory-bytes
31018 @subsubheading Synopsis
31021 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents}
31022 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents} @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
31029 @item @var{address}
31030 An expression specifying the address of the first addressable memory unit
31031 to be written. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should
31032 be quoted using the C convention.
31034 @item @var{contents}
31035 The hex-encoded data to write. It is an error if @var{contents} does
31036 not represent an integral number of addressable memory units.
31039 Optional argument indicating the number of addressable memory units to be
31040 written. If @var{count} is greater than @var{contents}' length,
31041 @value{GDBN} will repeatedly write @var{contents} until it fills
31042 @var{count} memory units.
31046 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31048 There's no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
31050 @subsubheading Example
31054 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd"
31061 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd" 16e
31066 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31067 @node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
31068 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
31070 The commands defined in this section implement MI support for
31071 tracepoints. For detailed introduction, see @ref{Tracepoints}.
31073 @subheading The @code{-trace-find} Command
31074 @findex -trace-find
31076 @subsubheading Synopsis
31079 -trace-find @var{mode} [@var{parameters}@dots{}]
31082 Find a trace frame using criteria defined by @var{mode} and
31083 @var{parameters}. The following table lists permissible
31084 modes and their parameters. For details of operation, see @ref{tfind}.
31089 No parameters are required. Stops examining trace frames.
31092 An integer is required as parameter. Selects tracepoint frame with
31095 @item tracepoint-number
31096 An integer is required as parameter. Finds next
31097 trace frame that corresponds to tracepoint with the specified number.
31100 An address is required as parameter. Finds
31101 next trace frame that corresponds to any tracepoint at the specified
31104 @item pc-inside-range
31105 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds next trace
31106 frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address inside the
31107 specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
31109 @item pc-outside-range
31110 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds
31111 next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address outside
31112 the specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
31115 Line specification is required as parameter. @xref{Specify Location}.
31116 Finds next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at
31117 the specified location.
31121 If @samp{none} was passed as @var{mode}, the response does not
31122 have fields. Otherwise, the response may have the following fields:
31126 This field has either @samp{0} or @samp{1} as the value, depending
31127 on whether a matching tracepoint was found.
31130 The index of the found traceframe. This field is present iff
31131 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
31134 The index of the found tracepoint. This field is present iff
31135 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
31138 The information about the frame corresponding to the found trace
31139 frame. This field is present only if a trace frame was found.
31140 @xref{GDB/MI Frame Information}, for description of this field.
31144 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31146 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tfind}.
31148 @subheading -trace-define-variable
31149 @findex -trace-define-variable
31151 @subsubheading Synopsis
31154 -trace-define-variable @var{name} [ @var{value} ]
31157 Create trace variable @var{name} if it does not exist. If
31158 @var{value} is specified, sets the initial value of the specified
31159 trace variable to that value. Note that the @var{name} should start
31160 with the @samp{$} character.
31162 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31164 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariable}.
31166 @subheading The @code{-trace-frame-collected} Command
31167 @findex -trace-frame-collected
31169 @subsubheading Synopsis
31172 -trace-frame-collected
31173 [--var-print-values @var{var_pval}]
31174 [--comp-print-values @var{comp_pval}]
31175 [--registers-format @var{regformat}]
31176 [--memory-contents]
31179 This command returns the set of collected objects, register names,
31180 trace state variable names, memory ranges and computed expressions
31181 that have been collected at a particular trace frame. The optional
31182 parameters to the command affect the output format in different ways.
31183 See the output description table below for more details.
31185 The reported names can be used in the normal manner to create
31186 varobjs and inspect the objects themselves. The items returned by
31187 this command are categorized so that it is clear which is a variable,
31188 which is a register, which is a trace state variable, which is a
31189 memory range and which is a computed expression.
31191 For instance, if the actions were
31193 collect myVar, myArray[myIndex], myObj.field, myPtr->field, myCount + 2
31194 collect *(int*)0xaf02bef0@@40
31198 the object collected in its entirety would be @code{myVar}. The
31199 object @code{myArray} would be partially collected, because only the
31200 element at index @code{myIndex} would be collected. The remaining
31201 objects would be computed expressions.
31203 An example output would be:
31207 -trace-frame-collected
31209 explicit-variables=[@{name="myVar",value="1"@}],
31210 computed-expressions=[@{name="myArray[myIndex]",value="0"@},
31211 @{name="myObj.field",value="0"@},
31212 @{name="myPtr->field",value="1"@},
31213 @{name="myCount + 2",value="3"@},
31214 @{name="$tvar1 + 1",value="43970027"@}],
31215 registers=[@{number="0",value="0x7fe2c6e79ec8"@},
31216 @{number="1",value="0x0"@},
31217 @{number="2",value="0x4"@},
31219 @{number="125",value="0x0"@}],
31220 tvars=[@{name="$tvar1",current="43970026"@}],
31221 memory=[@{address="0x0000000000602264",length="4"@},
31222 @{address="0x0000000000615bc0",length="4"@}]
31229 @item explicit-variables
31230 The set of objects that have been collected in their entirety (as
31231 opposed to collecting just a few elements of an array or a few struct
31232 members). For each object, its name and value are printed.
31233 The @code{--var-print-values} option affects how or whether the value
31234 field is output. If @var{var_pval} is 0, then print only the names;
31235 if it is 1, print also their values; and if it is 2, print the name,
31236 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for
31237 arrays, structures and unions.
31239 @item computed-expressions
31240 The set of computed expressions that have been collected at the
31241 current trace frame. The @code{--comp-print-values} option affects
31242 this set like the @code{--var-print-values} option affects the
31243 @code{explicit-variables} set. See above.
31246 The registers that have been collected at the current trace frame.
31247 For each register collected, the name and current value are returned.
31248 The value is formatted according to the @code{--registers-format}
31249 option. See the @command{-data-list-register-values} command for a
31250 list of the allowed formats. The default is @samp{x}.
31253 The trace state variables that have been collected at the current
31254 trace frame. For each trace state variable collected, the name and
31255 current value are returned.
31258 The set of memory ranges that have been collected at the current trace
31259 frame. Its content is a list of tuples. Each tuple represents a
31260 collected memory range and has the following fields:
31264 The start address of the memory range, as hexadecimal literal.
31267 The length of the memory range, as decimal literal.
31270 The contents of the memory block, in hex. This field is only present
31271 if the @code{--memory-contents} option is specified.
31277 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31279 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
31281 @subsubheading Example
31283 @subheading -trace-list-variables
31284 @findex -trace-list-variables
31286 @subsubheading Synopsis
31289 -trace-list-variables
31292 Return a table of all defined trace variables. Each element of the
31293 table has the following fields:
31297 The name of the trace variable. This field is always present.
31300 The initial value. This is a 64-bit signed integer. This
31301 field is always present.
31304 The value the trace variable has at the moment. This is a 64-bit
31305 signed integer. This field is absent iff current value is
31306 not defined, for example if the trace was never run, or is
31311 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31313 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariables}.
31315 @subsubheading Example
31319 -trace-list-variables
31320 ^done,trace-variables=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="3",
31321 hdr=[@{width="15",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
31322 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="initial",colhdr="Initial"@},
31323 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr="Current"@}],
31324 body=[variable=@{name="$trace_timestamp",initial="0"@}
31325 variable=@{name="$foo",initial="10",current="15"@}]@}
31329 @subheading -trace-save
31330 @findex -trace-save
31332 @subsubheading Synopsis
31335 -trace-save [ -r ] [ -ctf ] @var{filename}
31338 Saves the collected trace data to @var{filename}. Without the
31339 @samp{-r} option, the data is downloaded from the target and saved
31340 in a local file. With the @samp{-r} option the target is asked
31341 to perform the save.
31343 By default, this command will save the trace in the tfile format. You can
31344 supply the optional @samp{-ctf} argument to save it the CTF format. See
31345 @ref{Trace Files} for more information about CTF.
31347 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31349 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tsave}.
31352 @subheading -trace-start
31353 @findex -trace-start
31355 @subsubheading Synopsis
31361 Starts a tracing experiment. The result of this command does not
31364 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31366 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstart}.
31368 @subheading -trace-status
31369 @findex -trace-status
31371 @subsubheading Synopsis
31377 Obtains the status of a tracing experiment. The result may include
31378 the following fields:
31383 May have a value of either @samp{0}, when no tracing operations are
31384 supported, @samp{1}, when all tracing operations are supported, or
31385 @samp{file} when examining trace file. In the latter case, examining
31386 of trace frame is possible but new tracing experiement cannot be
31387 started. This field is always present.
31390 May have a value of either @samp{0} or @samp{1} depending on whether
31391 tracing experiement is in progress on target. This field is present
31392 if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
31395 Report the reason why the tracing was stopped last time. This field
31396 may be absent iff tracing was never stopped on target yet. The
31397 value of @samp{request} means the tracing was stopped as result of
31398 the @code{-trace-stop} command. The value of @samp{overflow} means
31399 the tracing buffer is full. The value of @samp{disconnection} means
31400 tracing was automatically stopped when @value{GDBN} has disconnected.
31401 The value of @samp{passcount} means tracing was stopped when a
31402 tracepoint was passed a maximal number of times for that tracepoint.
31403 This field is present if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
31405 @item stopping-tracepoint
31406 The number of tracepoint whose passcount as exceeded. This field is
31407 present iff the @samp{stop-reason} field has the value of
31411 @itemx frames-created
31412 The @samp{frames} field is a count of the total number of trace frames
31413 in the trace buffer, while @samp{frames-created} is the total created
31414 during the run, including ones that were discarded, such as when a
31415 circular trace buffer filled up. Both fields are optional.
31419 These fields tell the current size of the tracing buffer and the
31420 remaining space. These fields are optional.
31423 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
31424 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
31425 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
31429 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
31430 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
31431 that the trace run will stop.
31434 The filename of the trace file being examined. This field is
31435 optional, and only present when examining a trace file.
31439 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31441 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstatus}.
31443 @subheading -trace-stop
31444 @findex -trace-stop
31446 @subsubheading Synopsis
31452 Stops a tracing experiment. The result of this command has the same
31453 fields as @code{-trace-status}, except that the @samp{supported} and
31454 @samp{running} fields are not output.
31456 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31458 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstop}.
31461 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31462 @node GDB/MI Symbol Query
31463 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
31467 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
31468 @findex -symbol-info-address
31470 @subsubheading Synopsis
31473 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
31476 Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
31478 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31480 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
31482 @subsubheading Example
31486 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
31487 @findex -symbol-info-file
31489 @subsubheading Synopsis
31495 Show the file for the symbol.
31497 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31499 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
31500 @samp{gdb_find_file}.
31502 @subsubheading Example
31506 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
31507 @findex -symbol-info-function
31509 @subsubheading Synopsis
31512 -symbol-info-function
31515 Show which function the symbol lives in.
31517 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31519 @samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
31521 @subsubheading Example
31525 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
31526 @findex -symbol-info-line
31528 @subsubheading Synopsis
31534 Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
31536 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31538 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
31539 @code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
31541 @subsubheading Example
31545 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
31546 @findex -symbol-info-symbol
31548 @subsubheading Synopsis
31551 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
31554 Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
31556 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31558 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
31560 @subsubheading Example
31564 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
31565 @findex -symbol-list-functions
31567 @subsubheading Synopsis
31570 -symbol-list-functions
31573 List the functions in the executable.
31575 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31577 @samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
31578 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
31580 @subsubheading Example
31585 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
31586 @findex -symbol-list-lines
31588 @subsubheading Synopsis
31591 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
31594 Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
31595 addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
31596 ascending PC order.
31598 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31600 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
31602 @subsubheading Example
31605 -symbol-list-lines basics.c
31606 ^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
31612 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
31613 @findex -symbol-list-types
31615 @subsubheading Synopsis
31621 List all the type names.
31623 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31625 The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
31626 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
31628 @subsubheading Example
31632 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
31633 @findex -symbol-list-variables
31635 @subsubheading Synopsis
31638 -symbol-list-variables
31641 List all the global and static variable names.
31643 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31645 @samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
31647 @subsubheading Example
31651 @subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
31652 @findex -symbol-locate
31654 @subsubheading Synopsis
31660 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31662 @samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
31664 @subsubheading Example
31668 @subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
31669 @findex -symbol-type
31671 @subsubheading Synopsis
31674 -symbol-type @var{variable}
31677 Show type of @var{variable}.
31679 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31681 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
31682 @samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
31684 @subsubheading Example
31689 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31690 @node GDB/MI File Commands
31691 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
31693 This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
31694 and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
31696 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
31697 @findex -file-exec-and-symbols
31699 @subsubheading Synopsis
31702 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
31705 Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
31706 which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
31707 command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
31708 are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
31709 error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
31712 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31714 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
31716 @subsubheading Example
31720 -file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
31726 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
31727 @findex -file-exec-file
31729 @subsubheading Synopsis
31732 -file-exec-file @var{file}
31735 Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
31736 @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
31737 from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
31738 about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
31741 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31743 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
31745 @subsubheading Example
31749 -file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
31756 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
31757 @findex -file-list-exec-sections
31759 @subsubheading Synopsis
31762 -file-list-exec-sections
31765 List the sections of the current executable file.
31767 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31769 The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
31770 information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
31771 @samp{gdb_load_info}.
31773 @subsubheading Example
31778 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
31779 @findex -file-list-exec-source-file
31781 @subsubheading Synopsis
31784 -file-list-exec-source-file
31787 List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
31788 to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
31789 information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
31790 whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
31792 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31794 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
31796 @subsubheading Example
31800 123-file-list-exec-source-file
31801 123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
31806 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
31807 @findex -file-list-exec-source-files
31809 @subsubheading Synopsis
31812 -file-list-exec-source-files
31815 List the source files for the current executable.
31817 It will always output both the filename and fullname (absolute file
31818 name) of a source file.
31820 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31822 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
31823 @code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
31825 @subsubheading Example
31828 -file-list-exec-source-files
31830 @{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
31831 @{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
31832 @{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
31836 @subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
31837 @findex -file-list-shared-libraries
31839 @subsubheading Synopsis
31842 -file-list-shared-libraries [ @var{regexp} ]
31845 List the shared libraries in the program.
31846 With a regular expression @var{regexp}, only those libraries whose
31847 names match @var{regexp} are listed.
31849 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31851 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}. The fields
31852 have a similar meaning to the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
31853 The @code{ranges} field specifies the multiple segments belonging to this
31854 library. Each range has the following fields:
31858 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the segment.
31860 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the segment.
31863 @subsubheading Example
31866 -file-list-exec-source-files
31867 ^done,shared-libraries=[
31868 @{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"@}]@},
31869 @{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"@}]@}]
31875 @subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
31876 @findex -file-list-symbol-files
31878 @subsubheading Synopsis
31881 -file-list-symbol-files
31886 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31888 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
31890 @subsubheading Example
31895 @subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
31896 @findex -file-symbol-file
31898 @subsubheading Synopsis
31901 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
31904 Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
31905 used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
31906 produced, except for a completion notification.
31908 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31910 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
31912 @subsubheading Example
31916 -file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
31922 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31923 @node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
31924 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
31926 The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
31928 @c @subheading -overlay-auto
31930 @c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
31932 @c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
31934 @c @subheading -overlay-map
31936 @c @subheading -overlay-off
31938 @c @subheading -overlay-on
31940 @c @subheading -overlay-unmap
31942 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31943 @node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
31944 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
31946 Signal handling commands are not implemented.
31948 @c @subheading -signal-handle
31950 @c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
31952 @c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
31956 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31957 @node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
31958 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
31961 @subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
31962 @findex -target-attach
31964 @subsubheading Synopsis
31967 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
31970 Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
31971 @value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
31972 group, the id previously returned by
31973 @samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
31975 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31977 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
31979 @subsubheading Example
31983 =thread-created,id="1"
31984 *stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
31990 @subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
31991 @findex -target-compare-sections
31993 @subsubheading Synopsis
31996 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
31999 Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
32000 Without the argument, all sections are compared.
32002 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32004 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
32006 @subsubheading Example
32011 @subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
32012 @findex -target-detach
32014 @subsubheading Synopsis
32017 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
32020 Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
32021 If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
32022 the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
32024 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32026 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
32028 @subsubheading Example
32038 @subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
32039 @findex -target-disconnect
32041 @subsubheading Synopsis
32047 Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
32048 generally not resumed.
32050 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32052 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
32054 @subsubheading Example
32064 @subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
32065 @findex -target-download
32067 @subsubheading Synopsis
32073 Loads the executable onto the remote target.
32074 It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
32078 The name of the section.
32080 The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
32082 The size of the section.
32084 The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
32086 The size of the overall executable to download.
32090 Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
32091 @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
32093 In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
32094 downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
32098 The name of the section.
32100 The size of the section.
32102 The size of the overall executable to download.
32106 At the end, a summary is printed.
32108 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32110 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
32112 @subsubheading Example
32114 Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
32115 have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
32120 +download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
32121 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
32122 total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
32123 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
32124 total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
32125 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
32126 total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
32127 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
32128 total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
32129 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
32130 total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
32131 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
32132 total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
32133 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
32134 total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
32135 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
32136 total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
32137 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
32138 total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
32139 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
32140 total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
32141 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
32142 total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
32143 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
32144 total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
32145 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
32146 total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
32147 +download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
32148 +download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
32149 +download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
32150 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
32151 total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
32152 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
32153 total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
32154 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
32155 total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
32156 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
32157 total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
32158 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
32159 total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
32160 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
32161 total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
32162 ^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
32169 @subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
32170 @findex -target-exec-status
32172 @subsubheading Synopsis
32175 -target-exec-status
32178 Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
32179 not, for instance).
32181 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32183 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
32185 @subsubheading Example
32189 @subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
32190 @findex -target-list-available-targets
32192 @subsubheading Synopsis
32195 -target-list-available-targets
32198 List the possible targets to connect to.
32200 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32202 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
32204 @subsubheading Example
32208 @subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
32209 @findex -target-list-current-targets
32211 @subsubheading Synopsis
32214 -target-list-current-targets
32217 Describe the current target.
32219 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32221 The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
32224 @subsubheading Example
32228 @subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
32229 @findex -target-list-parameters
32231 @subsubheading Synopsis
32234 -target-list-parameters
32240 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32244 @subsubheading Example
32247 @subheading The @code{-target-flash-erase} Command
32248 @findex -target-flash-erase
32250 @subsubheading Synopsis
32253 -target-flash-erase
32256 Erases all known flash memory regions on the target.
32258 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{flash-erase}.
32260 The output is a list of flash regions that have been erased, with starting
32261 addresses and memory region sizes.
32265 -target-flash-erase
32266 ^done,erased-regions=@{address="0x0",size="0x40000"@}
32270 @subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
32271 @findex -target-select
32273 @subsubheading Synopsis
32276 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
32279 Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
32283 The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
32284 @item @var{parameters}
32285 Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
32286 Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
32289 The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
32290 which the target program is, in the following form:
32293 ^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
32294 args=[@var{arg list}]
32297 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32299 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
32301 @subsubheading Example
32305 -target-select remote /dev/ttya
32306 ^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
32310 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32311 @node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
32312 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
32315 @subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
32316 @findex -target-file-put
32318 @subsubheading Synopsis
32321 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
32324 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
32325 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
32327 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32329 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
32331 @subsubheading Example
32335 -target-file-put localfile remotefile
32341 @subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
32342 @findex -target-file-get
32344 @subsubheading Synopsis
32347 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
32350 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
32351 on the host system.
32353 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32355 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
32357 @subsubheading Example
32361 -target-file-get remotefile localfile
32367 @subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
32368 @findex -target-file-delete
32370 @subsubheading Synopsis
32373 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
32376 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
32378 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32380 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
32382 @subsubheading Example
32386 -target-file-delete remotefile
32392 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32393 @node GDB/MI Ada Exceptions Commands
32394 @section Ada Exceptions @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
32396 @subheading The @code{-info-ada-exceptions} Command
32397 @findex -info-ada-exceptions
32399 @subsubheading Synopsis
32402 -info-ada-exceptions [ @var{regexp}]
32405 List all Ada exceptions defined within the program being debugged.
32406 With a regular expression @var{regexp}, only those exceptions whose
32407 names match @var{regexp} are listed.
32409 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32411 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info exceptions}.
32413 @subsubheading Result
32415 The result is a table of Ada exceptions. The following columns are
32416 defined for each exception:
32420 The name of the exception.
32423 The address of the exception.
32427 @subsubheading Example
32430 -info-ada-exceptions aint
32431 ^done,ada-exceptions=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="2",
32432 hdr=[@{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
32433 @{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="address",colhdr="Address"@}],
32434 body=[@{name="constraint_error",address="0x0000000000613da0"@},
32435 @{name="const.aint_global_e",address="0x0000000000613b00"@}]@}
32438 @subheading Catching Ada Exceptions
32440 The commands describing how to ask @value{GDBN} to stop when a program
32441 raises an exception are described at @ref{Ada Exception GDB/MI
32442 Catchpoint Commands}.
32445 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32446 @node GDB/MI Support Commands
32447 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Support Commands
32449 Since new commands and features get regularly added to @sc{gdb/mi},
32450 some commands are available to help front-ends query the debugger
32451 about support for these capabilities. Similarly, it is also possible
32452 to query @value{GDBN} about target support of certain features.
32454 @subheading The @code{-info-gdb-mi-command} Command
32455 @cindex @code{-info-gdb-mi-command}
32456 @findex -info-gdb-mi-command
32458 @subsubheading Synopsis
32461 -info-gdb-mi-command @var{cmd_name}
32464 Query support for the @sc{gdb/mi} command named @var{cmd_name}.
32466 Note that the dash (@code{-}) starting all @sc{gdb/mi} commands
32467 is technically not part of the command name (@pxref{GDB/MI Input
32468 Syntax}), and thus should be omitted in @var{cmd_name}. However,
32469 for ease of use, this command also accepts the form with the leading
32472 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32474 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
32476 @subsubheading Result
32478 The result is a tuple. There is currently only one field:
32482 This field is equal to @code{"true"} if the @sc{gdb/mi} command exists,
32483 @code{"false"} otherwise.
32487 @subsubheading Example
32489 Here is an example where the @sc{gdb/mi} command does not exist:
32492 -info-gdb-mi-command unsupported-command
32493 ^done,command=@{exists="false"@}
32497 And here is an example where the @sc{gdb/mi} command is known
32501 -info-gdb-mi-command symbol-list-lines
32502 ^done,command=@{exists="true"@}
32505 @subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
32506 @findex -list-features
32507 @cindex supported @sc{gdb/mi} features, list
32509 Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
32510 this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
32511 or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
32512 important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
32513 of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
32516 The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
32517 available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
32518 have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
32524 (gdb) -list-features
32525 ^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
32528 The current list of features is:
32531 @item frozen-varobjs
32532 Indicates support for the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
32533 as possible presense of the @code{frozen} field in the output
32534 of @code{-varobj-create}.
32535 @item pending-breakpoints
32536 Indicates support for the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert}
32539 Indicates Python scripting support, Python-based
32540 pretty-printing commands, and possible presence of the
32541 @samp{display_hint} field in the output of @code{-var-list-children}
32543 Indicates support for the @code{-thread-info} command.
32544 @item data-read-memory-bytes
32545 Indicates support for the @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} and the
32546 @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} commands.
32547 @item breakpoint-notifications
32548 Indicates that changes to breakpoints and breakpoints created via the
32549 CLI will be announced via async records.
32550 @item ada-task-info
32551 Indicates support for the @code{-ada-task-info} command.
32552 @item language-option
32553 Indicates that all @sc{gdb/mi} commands accept the @option{--language}
32554 option (@pxref{Context management}).
32555 @item info-gdb-mi-command
32556 Indicates support for the @code{-info-gdb-mi-command} command.
32557 @item undefined-command-error-code
32558 Indicates support for the "undefined-command" error code in error result
32559 records, produced when trying to execute an undefined @sc{gdb/mi} command
32560 (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}).
32561 @item exec-run-start-option
32562 Indicates that the @code{-exec-run} command supports the @option{--start}
32563 option (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}).
32566 @subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
32567 @findex -list-target-features
32569 Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
32570 target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
32571 unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
32572 features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
32573 a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
32574 @code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
32575 may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
32579 (gdb) -list-target-features
32580 ^done,result=["async"]
32583 The current list of features is:
32587 Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
32588 execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
32589 while the target is running.
32592 Indicates that the target is capable of reverse execution.
32593 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
32597 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32598 @node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
32599 @section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
32601 @c @subheading -gdb-complete
32603 @subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
32606 @subsubheading Synopsis
32612 Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
32614 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32616 Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
32618 @subsubheading Example
32628 @subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
32629 @findex -exec-abort
32631 @subsubheading Synopsis
32637 Kill the inferior running program.
32639 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32641 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
32643 @subsubheading Example
32648 @subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
32651 @subsubheading Synopsis
32657 Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
32658 @c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
32660 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32662 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
32664 @subsubheading Example
32674 @subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
32677 @subsubheading Synopsis
32683 Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
32685 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32687 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
32689 @subsubheading Example
32698 @c @subheading -gdb-source
32701 @subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
32702 @findex -gdb-version
32704 @subsubheading Synopsis
32710 Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
32712 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32714 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
32715 default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
32717 @subsubheading Example
32719 @c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
32725 ~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
32726 ~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
32727 ~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
32728 ~ certain conditions.
32729 ~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
32730 ~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
32732 ~This GDB was configured as
32733 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
32738 @subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
32739 @findex -list-thread-groups
32741 @subheading Synopsis
32744 -list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ --recurse 1 ] [ @var{group} ... ]
32747 Lists thread groups (@pxref{Thread groups}). When a single thread
32748 group is passed as the argument, lists the children of that group.
32749 When several thread group are passed, lists information about those
32750 thread groups. Without any parameters, lists information about all
32751 top-level thread groups.
32753 Normally, thread groups that are being debugged are reported.
32754 With the @samp{--available} option, @value{GDBN} reports thread groups
32755 available on the target.
32757 The output of this command may have either a @samp{threads} result or
32758 a @samp{groups} result. The @samp{thread} result has a list of tuples
32759 as value, with each tuple describing a thread (@pxref{GDB/MI Thread
32760 Information}). The @samp{groups} result has a list of tuples as value,
32761 each tuple describing a thread group. If top-level groups are
32762 requested (that is, no parameter is passed), or when several groups
32763 are passed, the output always has a @samp{groups} result. The format
32764 of the @samp{group} result is described below.
32766 To reduce the number of roundtrips it's possible to list thread groups
32767 together with their children, by passing the @samp{--recurse} option
32768 and the recursion depth. Presently, only recursion depth of 1 is
32769 permitted. If this option is present, then every reported thread group
32770 will also include its children, either as @samp{group} or
32771 @samp{threads} field.
32773 In general, any combination of option and parameters is permitted, with
32774 the following caveats:
32778 When a single thread group is passed, the output will typically
32779 be the @samp{threads} result. Because threads may not contain
32780 anything, the @samp{recurse} option will be ignored.
32783 When the @samp{--available} option is passed, limited information may
32784 be available. In particular, the list of threads of a process might
32785 be inaccessible. Further, specifying specific thread groups might
32786 not give any performance advantage over listing all thread groups.
32787 The frontend should assume that @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}
32788 is always an expensive operation and cache the results.
32792 The @samp{groups} result is a list of tuples, where each tuple may
32793 have the following fields:
32797 Identifier of the thread group. This field is always present.
32798 The identifier is an opaque string; frontends should not try to
32799 convert it to an integer, even though it might look like one.
32802 The type of the thread group. At present, only @samp{process} is a
32806 The target-specific process identifier. This field is only present
32807 for thread groups of type @samp{process} and only if the process exists.
32810 The exit code of this group's last exited thread, formatted in octal.
32811 This field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process} and
32812 only if the process is not running.
32815 The number of children this thread group has. This field may be
32816 absent for an available thread group.
32819 This field has a list of tuples as value, each tuple describing a
32820 thread. It may be present if the @samp{--recurse} option is
32821 specified, and it's actually possible to obtain the threads.
32824 This field is a list of integers, each identifying a core that one
32825 thread of the group is running on. This field may be absent if
32826 such information is not available.
32829 The name of the executable file that corresponds to this thread group.
32830 The field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process},
32831 and only if there is a corresponding executable file.
32835 @subheading Example
32839 -list-thread-groups
32840 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
32841 -list-thread-groups 17
32842 ^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
32843 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
32844 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
32845 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
32846 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}]]
32847 -list-thread-groups --available
32848 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2]@}]
32849 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1
32850 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
32851 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
32852 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},..]
32853 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1 17 18
32854 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
32855 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
32856 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},...]
32859 @subheading The @code{-info-os} Command
32862 @subsubheading Synopsis
32865 -info-os [ @var{type} ]
32868 If no argument is supplied, the command returns a table of available
32869 operating-system-specific information types. If one of these types is
32870 supplied as an argument @var{type}, then the command returns a table
32871 of data of that type.
32873 The types of information available depend on the target operating
32876 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32878 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info os}.
32880 @subsubheading Example
32882 When run on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, the output will look something
32888 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="10",nr_cols="3",
32889 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="Type"@},
32890 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="Description"@},
32891 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="Title"@}],
32892 body=[item=@{col0="cpus",col1="Listing of all cpus/cores on the system",
32894 item=@{col0="files",col1="Listing of all file descriptors",
32895 col2="File descriptors"@},
32896 item=@{col0="modules",col1="Listing of all loaded kernel modules",
32897 col2="Kernel modules"@},
32898 item=@{col0="msg",col1="Listing of all message queues",
32899 col2="Message queues"@},
32900 item=@{col0="processes",col1="Listing of all processes",
32901 col2="Processes"@},
32902 item=@{col0="procgroups",col1="Listing of all process groups",
32903 col2="Process groups"@},
32904 item=@{col0="semaphores",col1="Listing of all semaphores",
32905 col2="Semaphores"@},
32906 item=@{col0="shm",col1="Listing of all shared-memory regions",
32907 col2="Shared-memory regions"@},
32908 item=@{col0="sockets",col1="Listing of all internet-domain sockets",
32910 item=@{col0="threads",col1="Listing of all threads",
32914 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="190",nr_cols="4",
32915 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="pid"@},
32916 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="user"@},
32917 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="command"@},
32918 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col3",colhdr="cores"@}],
32919 body=[item=@{col0="1",col1="root",col2="/sbin/init",col3="0"@},
32920 item=@{col0="2",col1="root",col2="[kthreadd]",col3="1"@},
32921 item=@{col0="3",col1="root",col2="[ksoftirqd/0]",col3="0"@},
32923 item=@{col0="26446",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="0"@},
32924 item=@{col0="28152",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="1"@}]@}
32928 (Note that the MI output here includes a @code{"Title"} column that
32929 does not appear in command-line @code{info os}; this column is useful
32930 for MI clients that want to enumerate the types of data, such as in a
32931 popup menu, but is needless clutter on the command line, and
32932 @code{info os} omits it.)
32934 @subheading The @code{-add-inferior} Command
32935 @findex -add-inferior
32937 @subheading Synopsis
32943 Creates a new inferior (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). The created
32944 inferior is not associated with any executable. Such association may
32945 be established with the @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols} command
32946 (@pxref{GDB/MI File Commands}). The command response has a single
32947 field, @samp{inferior}, whose value is the identifier of the
32948 thread group corresponding to the new inferior.
32950 @subheading Example
32955 ^done,inferior="i3"
32958 @subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
32959 @findex -interpreter-exec
32961 @subheading Synopsis
32964 -interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
32966 @anchor{-interpreter-exec}
32968 Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
32970 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
32972 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
32974 @subheading Example
32978 -interpreter-exec console "break main"
32979 &"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
32980 &"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
32981 ~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
32986 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
32987 @findex -inferior-tty-set
32989 @subheading Synopsis
32992 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
32995 Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
32997 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
32999 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
33001 @subheading Example
33005 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
33010 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
33011 @findex -inferior-tty-show
33013 @subheading Synopsis
33019 Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
33021 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
33023 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
33025 @subheading Example
33029 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
33033 ^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
33037 @subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
33038 @findex -enable-timings
33040 @subheading Synopsis
33043 -enable-timings [yes | no]
33046 Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
33047 command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
33048 developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
33049 equivalent to @samp{yes}.
33051 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
33055 @subheading Example
33063 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
33064 addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
33065 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",thread-groups=["i1"],
33067 time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
33075 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
33076 frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
33077 @{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
33078 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73"@}
33083 @chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
33085 This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
33086 designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
33087 similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
33088 relatively high level.
33090 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
33094 This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
33098 * Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
33099 * Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
33100 * Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
33101 * Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
33102 * Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
33103 * Annotations for Running::
33104 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
33105 * Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
33108 @node Annotations Overview
33109 @section What is an Annotation?
33110 @cindex annotations
33112 Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
33113 characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
33114 information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
33115 is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
33116 information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
33117 additional information, and a newline. The additional information
33118 cannot contain newline characters.
33120 Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
33121 characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
33122 no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
33123 @samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
33124 annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
33125 means those three characters as output.
33127 The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
33128 @option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
33129 how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
33130 values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
33131 is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
33132 subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
33133 for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
33134 been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
33135 Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
33138 @kindex set annotate
33139 @item set annotate @var{level}
33140 The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
33141 annotations to the specified @var{level}.
33143 @item show annotate
33144 @kindex show annotate
33145 Show the current annotation level.
33148 This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
33150 A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
33153 $ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
33155 Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
33156 GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
33157 and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
33158 under certain conditions.
33159 Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
33160 There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
33162 This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
33173 Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
33174 @value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
33175 denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
33176 output from @value{GDBN}.
33178 @node Server Prefix
33179 @section The Server Prefix
33180 @cindex server prefix
33182 If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
33183 the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
33184 command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
33185 means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
33186 a transparent manner.
33188 The @code{server } prefix does not affect the recording of values into
33189 the value history; to print a value without recording it into the
33190 value history, use the @code{output} command instead of the
33191 @code{print} command.
33193 Using this prefix also disables confirmation requests
33194 (@pxref{confirmation requests}).
33197 @section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
33199 @cindex annotations for prompts
33200 When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
33201 to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
33204 Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
33205 input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
33206 denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
33207 annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
33208 annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
33209 associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
33210 features the following annotations:
33218 The input types are
33221 @findex pre-prompt annotation
33222 @findex prompt annotation
33223 @findex post-prompt annotation
33225 When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
33227 @findex pre-commands annotation
33228 @findex commands annotation
33229 @findex post-commands annotation
33231 When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
33232 command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
33234 @findex pre-overload-choice annotation
33235 @findex overload-choice annotation
33236 @findex post-overload-choice annotation
33237 @item overload-choice
33238 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
33240 @findex pre-query annotation
33241 @findex query annotation
33242 @findex post-query annotation
33244 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
33246 @findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
33247 @findex prompt-for-continue annotation
33248 @findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
33249 @item prompt-for-continue
33250 When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
33251 expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
33252 prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
33253 presence of annotations.
33258 @cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
33260 @findex quit annotation
33265 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
33267 @findex error annotation
33272 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
33274 Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
33275 in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
33276 @code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
33277 cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
33278 cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
33279 does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
33282 @findex error-begin annotation
33283 A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
33289 Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
33292 Warning messages are not yet annotated.
33293 @c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
33294 @c range_error(), and possibly other places.
33297 @section Invalidation Notices
33299 @cindex annotations for invalidation messages
33300 The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
33304 @findex frames-invalid annotation
33305 @item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
33307 The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
33310 @findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
33311 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
33313 The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
33314 deleted a breakpoint.
33317 @node Annotations for Running
33318 @section Running the Program
33319 @cindex annotations for running programs
33321 @findex starting annotation
33322 @findex stopping annotation
33323 When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
33324 @code{step} or @code{continue},
33330 is output. When the program stops,
33336 is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
33337 annotations describe how the program stopped.
33340 @findex exited annotation
33341 @item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
33342 The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
33343 successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
33345 @findex signalled annotation
33346 @findex signal-name annotation
33347 @findex signal-name-end annotation
33348 @findex signal-string annotation
33349 @findex signal-string-end annotation
33350 @item ^Z^Zsignalled
33351 The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
33352 annotation continues:
33358 ^Z^Zsignal-name-end
33362 ^Z^Zsignal-string-end
33367 where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
33368 @code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
33369 as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}. The arguments
33370 @var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
33371 user's benefit and have no particular format.
33373 @findex signal annotation
33375 The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
33376 just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
33377 terminated with it.
33379 @findex breakpoint annotation
33380 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
33381 The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
33383 @findex watchpoint annotation
33384 @item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
33385 The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
33388 @node Source Annotations
33389 @section Displaying Source
33390 @cindex annotations for source display
33392 @findex source annotation
33393 The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
33396 ^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
33399 where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
33400 file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
33401 first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
33402 within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
33403 debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
33404 @var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
33405 line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
33406 @var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
33407 source which is being displayed. The @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
33408 followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
33409 depend on the language).
33411 @node JIT Interface
33412 @chapter JIT Compilation Interface
33413 @cindex just-in-time compilation
33414 @cindex JIT compilation interface
33416 This chapter documents @value{GDBN}'s @dfn{just-in-time} (JIT) compilation
33417 interface. A JIT compiler is a program or library that generates native
33418 executable code at runtime and executes it, usually in order to achieve good
33419 performance while maintaining platform independence.
33421 Programs that use JIT compilation are normally difficult to debug because
33422 portions of their code are generated at runtime, instead of being loaded from
33423 object files, which is where @value{GDBN} normally finds the program's symbols
33424 and debug information. In order to debug programs that use JIT compilation,
33425 @value{GDBN} has an interface that allows the program to register in-memory
33426 symbol files with @value{GDBN} at runtime.
33428 If you are using @value{GDBN} to debug a program that uses this interface, then
33429 it should work transparently so long as you have not stripped the binary. If
33430 you are developing a JIT compiler, then the interface is documented in the rest
33431 of this chapter. At this time, the only known client of this interface is the
33434 Broadly speaking, the JIT interface mirrors the dynamic loader interface. The
33435 JIT compiler communicates with @value{GDBN} by writing data into a global
33436 variable and calling a fuction at a well-known symbol. When @value{GDBN}
33437 attaches, it reads a linked list of symbol files from the global variable to
33438 find existing code, and puts a breakpoint in the function so that it can find
33439 out about additional code.
33442 * Declarations:: Relevant C struct declarations
33443 * Registering Code:: Steps to register code
33444 * Unregistering Code:: Steps to unregister code
33445 * Custom Debug Info:: Emit debug information in a custom format
33449 @section JIT Declarations
33451 These are the relevant struct declarations that a C program should include to
33452 implement the interface:
33462 struct jit_code_entry
33464 struct jit_code_entry *next_entry;
33465 struct jit_code_entry *prev_entry;
33466 const char *symfile_addr;
33467 uint64_t symfile_size;
33470 struct jit_descriptor
33473 /* This type should be jit_actions_t, but we use uint32_t
33474 to be explicit about the bitwidth. */
33475 uint32_t action_flag;
33476 struct jit_code_entry *relevant_entry;
33477 struct jit_code_entry *first_entry;
33480 /* GDB puts a breakpoint in this function. */
33481 void __attribute__((noinline)) __jit_debug_register_code() @{ @};
33483 /* Make sure to specify the version statically, because the
33484 debugger may check the version before we can set it. */
33485 struct jit_descriptor __jit_debug_descriptor = @{ 1, 0, 0, 0 @};
33488 If the JIT is multi-threaded, then it is important that the JIT synchronize any
33489 modifications to this global data properly, which can easily be done by putting
33490 a global mutex around modifications to these structures.
33492 @node Registering Code
33493 @section Registering Code
33495 To register code with @value{GDBN}, the JIT should follow this protocol:
33499 Generate an object file in memory with symbols and other desired debug
33500 information. The file must include the virtual addresses of the sections.
33503 Create a code entry for the file, which gives the start and size of the symbol
33507 Add it to the linked list in the JIT descriptor.
33510 Point the relevant_entry field of the descriptor at the entry.
33513 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_REGISTER} and call
33514 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
33517 When @value{GDBN} is attached and the breakpoint fires, @value{GDBN} uses the
33518 @code{relevant_entry} pointer so it doesn't have to walk the list looking for
33519 new code. However, the linked list must still be maintained in order to allow
33520 @value{GDBN} to attach to a running process and still find the symbol files.
33522 @node Unregistering Code
33523 @section Unregistering Code
33525 If code is freed, then the JIT should use the following protocol:
33529 Remove the code entry corresponding to the code from the linked list.
33532 Point the @code{relevant_entry} field of the descriptor at the code entry.
33535 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_UNREGISTER} and call
33536 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
33539 If the JIT frees or recompiles code without unregistering it, then @value{GDBN}
33540 and the JIT will leak the memory used for the associated symbol files.
33542 @node Custom Debug Info
33543 @section Custom Debug Info
33544 @cindex custom JIT debug info
33545 @cindex JIT debug info reader
33547 Generating debug information in platform-native file formats (like ELF
33548 or COFF) may be an overkill for JIT compilers; especially if all the
33549 debug info is used for is displaying a meaningful backtrace. The
33550 issue can be resolved by having the JIT writers decide on a debug info
33551 format and also provide a reader that parses the debug info generated
33552 by the JIT compiler. This section gives a brief overview on writing
33553 such a parser. More specific details can be found in the source file
33554 @file{gdb/jit-reader.in}, which is also installed as a header at
33555 @file{@var{includedir}/gdb/jit-reader.h} for easy inclusion.
33557 The reader is implemented as a shared object (so this functionality is
33558 not available on platforms which don't allow loading shared objects at
33559 runtime). Two @value{GDBN} commands, @code{jit-reader-load} and
33560 @code{jit-reader-unload} are provided, to be used to load and unload
33561 the readers from a preconfigured directory. Once loaded, the shared
33562 object is used the parse the debug information emitted by the JIT
33566 * Using JIT Debug Info Readers:: How to use supplied readers correctly
33567 * Writing JIT Debug Info Readers:: Creating a debug-info reader
33570 @node Using JIT Debug Info Readers
33571 @subsection Using JIT Debug Info Readers
33572 @kindex jit-reader-load
33573 @kindex jit-reader-unload
33575 Readers can be loaded and unloaded using the @code{jit-reader-load}
33576 and @code{jit-reader-unload} commands.
33579 @item jit-reader-load @var{reader}
33580 Load the JIT reader named @var{reader}, which is a shared
33581 object specified as either an absolute or a relative file name. In
33582 the latter case, @value{GDBN} will try to load the reader from a
33583 pre-configured directory, usually @file{@var{libdir}/gdb/} on a UNIX
33584 system (here @var{libdir} is the system library directory, often
33585 @file{/usr/local/lib}).
33587 Only one reader can be active at a time; trying to load a second
33588 reader when one is already loaded will result in @value{GDBN}
33589 reporting an error. A new JIT reader can be loaded by first unloading
33590 the current one using @code{jit-reader-unload} and then invoking
33591 @code{jit-reader-load}.
33593 @item jit-reader-unload
33594 Unload the currently loaded JIT reader.
33598 @node Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
33599 @subsection Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
33600 @cindex writing JIT debug info readers
33602 As mentioned, a reader is essentially a shared object conforming to a
33603 certain ABI. This ABI is described in @file{jit-reader.h}.
33605 @file{jit-reader.h} defines the structures, macros and functions
33606 required to write a reader. It is installed (along with
33607 @value{GDBN}), in @file{@var{includedir}/gdb} where @var{includedir} is
33608 the system include directory.
33610 Readers need to be released under a GPL compatible license. A reader
33611 can be declared as released under such a license by placing the macro
33612 @code{GDB_DECLARE_GPL_COMPATIBLE_READER} in a source file.
33614 The entry point for readers is the symbol @code{gdb_init_reader},
33615 which is expected to be a function with the prototype
33617 @findex gdb_init_reader
33619 extern struct gdb_reader_funcs *gdb_init_reader (void);
33622 @cindex @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs}
33624 @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs} contains a set of pointers to callback
33625 functions. These functions are executed to read the debug info
33626 generated by the JIT compiler (@code{read}), to unwind stack frames
33627 (@code{unwind}) and to create canonical frame IDs
33628 (@code{get_Frame_id}). It also has a callback that is called when the
33629 reader is being unloaded (@code{destroy}). The struct looks like this
33632 struct gdb_reader_funcs
33634 /* Must be set to GDB_READER_INTERFACE_VERSION. */
33635 int reader_version;
33637 /* For use by the reader. */
33640 gdb_read_debug_info *read;
33641 gdb_unwind_frame *unwind;
33642 gdb_get_frame_id *get_frame_id;
33643 gdb_destroy_reader *destroy;
33647 @cindex @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks}
33648 @cindex @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}
33650 The callbacks are provided with another set of callbacks by
33651 @value{GDBN} to do their job. For @code{read}, these callbacks are
33652 passed in a @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} and for @code{unwind}
33653 and @code{get_frame_id}, in a @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}.
33654 @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} has callbacks to create new object
33655 files and new symbol tables inside those object files. @code{struct
33656 gdb_unwind_callbacks} has callbacks to read registers off the current
33657 frame and to write out the values of the registers in the previous
33658 frame. Both have a callback (@code{target_read}) to read bytes off the
33659 target's address space.
33661 @node In-Process Agent
33662 @chapter In-Process Agent
33663 @cindex debugging agent
33664 The traditional debugging model is conceptually low-speed, but works fine,
33665 because most bugs can be reproduced in debugging-mode execution. However,
33666 as multi-core or many-core processors are becoming mainstream, and
33667 multi-threaded programs become more and more popular, there should be more
33668 and more bugs that only manifest themselves at normal-mode execution, for
33669 example, thread races, because debugger's interference with the program's
33670 timing may conceal the bugs. On the other hand, in some applications,
33671 it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt the program's execution
33672 long enough for the developer to learn anything helpful about its behavior.
33673 If the program's correctness depends on its real-time behavior, delays
33674 introduced by a debugger might cause the program to fail, even when the
33675 code itself is correct. It is useful to be able to observe the program's
33676 behavior without interrupting it.
33678 Therefore, traditional debugging model is too intrusive to reproduce
33679 some bugs. In order to reduce the interference with the program, we can
33680 reduce the number of operations performed by debugger. The
33681 @dfn{In-Process Agent}, a shared library, is running within the same
33682 process with inferior, and is able to perform some debugging operations
33683 itself. As a result, debugger is only involved when necessary, and
33684 performance of debugging can be improved accordingly. Note that
33685 interference with program can be reduced but can't be removed completely,
33686 because the in-process agent will still stop or slow down the program.
33688 The in-process agent can interpret and execute Agent Expressions
33689 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) during performing debugging operations. The
33690 agent expressions can be used for different purposes, such as collecting
33691 data in tracepoints, and condition evaluation in breakpoints.
33693 @anchor{Control Agent}
33694 You can control whether the in-process agent is used as an aid for
33695 debugging with the following commands:
33698 @kindex set agent on
33700 Causes the in-process agent to perform some operations on behalf of the
33701 debugger. Just which operations requested by the user will be done
33702 by the in-process agent depends on the its capabilities. For example,
33703 if you request to evaluate breakpoint conditions in the in-process agent,
33704 and the in-process agent has such capability as well, then breakpoint
33705 conditions will be evaluated in the in-process agent.
33707 @kindex set agent off
33708 @item set agent off
33709 Disables execution of debugging operations by the in-process agent. All
33710 of the operations will be performed by @value{GDBN}.
33714 Display the current setting of execution of debugging operations by
33715 the in-process agent.
33719 * In-Process Agent Protocol::
33722 @node In-Process Agent Protocol
33723 @section In-Process Agent Protocol
33724 @cindex in-process agent protocol
33726 The in-process agent is able to communicate with both @value{GDBN} and
33727 GDBserver (@pxref{In-Process Agent}). This section documents the protocol
33728 used for communications between @value{GDBN} or GDBserver and the IPA.
33729 In general, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver sends commands
33730 (@pxref{IPA Protocol Commands}) and data to in-process agent, and then
33731 in-process agent replies back with the return result of the command, or
33732 some other information. The data sent to in-process agent is composed
33733 of primitive data types, such as 4-byte or 8-byte type, and composite
33734 types, which are called objects (@pxref{IPA Protocol Objects}).
33737 * IPA Protocol Objects::
33738 * IPA Protocol Commands::
33741 @node IPA Protocol Objects
33742 @subsection IPA Protocol Objects
33743 @cindex ipa protocol objects
33745 The commands sent to and results received from agent may contain some
33746 complex data types called @dfn{objects}.
33748 The in-process agent is running on the same machine with @value{GDBN}
33749 or GDBserver, so it doesn't have to handle as much differences between
33750 two ends as remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}) tries to handle.
33751 However, there are still some differences of two ends in two processes:
33755 word size. On some 64-bit machines, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver can be
33756 compiled as a 64-bit executable, while in-process agent is a 32-bit one.
33758 ABI. Some machines may have multiple types of ABI, @value{GDBN} or
33759 GDBserver is compiled with one, and in-process agent is compiled with
33763 Here are the IPA Protocol Objects:
33767 agent expression object. It represents an agent expression
33768 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}).
33769 @anchor{agent expression object}
33771 tracepoint action object. It represents a tracepoint action
33772 (@pxref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}) to collect registers,
33773 memory, static trace data and to evaluate expression.
33774 @anchor{tracepoint action object}
33776 tracepoint object. It represents a tracepoint (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
33777 @anchor{tracepoint object}
33781 The following table describes important attributes of each IPA protocol
33784 @multitable @columnfractions .30 .20 .50
33785 @headitem Name @tab Size @tab Description
33786 @item @emph{agent expression object} @tab @tab
33787 @item length @tab 4 @tab length of bytes code
33788 @item byte code @tab @var{length} @tab contents of byte code
33789 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting memory} @tab @tab
33790 @item 'M' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33791 @item addr @tab 8 @tab if @var{basereg} is @samp{-1}, @var{addr} is the
33792 address of the lowest byte to collect, otherwise @var{addr} is the offset
33793 of @var{basereg} for memory collecting.
33794 @item len @tab 8 @tab length of memory for collecting
33795 @item basereg @tab 4 @tab the register number containing the starting
33796 memory address for collecting.
33797 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting registers} @tab @tab
33798 @item 'R' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33799 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting static trace data} @tab @tab
33800 @item 'L' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33801 @item @emph{tracepoint action for expression evaluation} @tab @tab
33802 @item 'X' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
33803 @item agent expression @tab length of @tab @ref{agent expression object}
33804 @item @emph{tracepoint object} @tab @tab
33805 @item number @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint
33806 @item address @tab 8 @tab address of tracepoint inserted on
33807 @item type @tab 4 @tab type of tracepoint
33808 @item enabled @tab 1 @tab enable or disable of tracepoint
33809 @item step_count @tab 8 @tab step
33810 @item pass_count @tab 8 @tab pass
33811 @item numactions @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint actions
33812 @item hit count @tab 8 @tab hit count
33813 @item trace frame usage @tab 8 @tab trace frame usage
33814 @item compiled_cond @tab 8 @tab compiled condition
33815 @item orig_size @tab 8 @tab orig size
33816 @item condition @tab 4 if condition is NULL otherwise length of
33817 @ref{agent expression object}
33818 @tab zero if condition is NULL, otherwise is
33819 @ref{agent expression object}
33820 @item actions @tab variable
33821 @tab numactions number of @ref{tracepoint action object}
33824 @node IPA Protocol Commands
33825 @subsection IPA Protocol Commands
33826 @cindex ipa protocol commands
33828 The spaces in each command are delimiters to ease reading this commands
33829 specification. They don't exist in real commands.
33833 @item FastTrace:@var{tracepoint_object} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}
33834 Installs a new fast tracepoint described by @var{tracepoint_object}
33835 (@pxref{tracepoint object}). The @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}, 8-byte long, is the
33836 head of @dfn{jumppad}, which is used to jump to data collection routine
33841 @item OK @var{target_address} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} @var{fjump_size} @var{fjump}
33842 @var{target_address} is address of tracepoint in the inferior.
33843 The @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} is updated head of jumppad. Both of
33844 @var{target_address} and @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} are 8-byte long.
33845 The @var{fjump} contains a sequence of instructions jump to jumppad entry.
33846 The @var{fjump_size}, 4-byte long, is the size of @var{fjump}.
33853 Closes the in-process agent. This command is sent when @value{GDBN} or GDBserver
33854 is about to kill inferiors.
33862 @item probe_marker_at:@var{address}
33863 Asks in-process agent to probe the marker at @var{address}.
33870 @item unprobe_marker_at:@var{address}
33871 Asks in-process agent to unprobe the marker at @var{address}.
33875 @chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
33876 @cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
33877 @cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
33879 Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
33881 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
33882 may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
33883 the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
33884 reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
33886 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
33887 information that enables us to fix the bug.
33890 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
33891 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
33895 @section Have You Found a Bug?
33896 @cindex bug criteria
33898 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
33901 @cindex fatal signal
33902 @cindex debugger crash
33903 @cindex crash of debugger
33905 If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
33906 @value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
33908 @cindex error on valid input
33910 If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
33911 bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
33912 somewhere in the connection to the target.)
33914 @cindex invalid input
33916 If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
33917 that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
33918 ``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
33919 for traditional practice''.
33922 If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
33923 for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
33926 @node Bug Reporting
33927 @section How to Report Bugs
33928 @cindex bug reports
33929 @cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
33931 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
33932 If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
33933 contact that organization first.
33935 You can find contact information for many support companies and
33936 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
33938 @c should add a web page ref...
33941 @ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
33942 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
33943 @value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
33944 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
33945 page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
33948 @strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
33949 @samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
33950 not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
33953 The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
33954 serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
33955 the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
33956 newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
33957 problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
33958 path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
33959 we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
33960 bug reports to the mailing list.
33962 @ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
33963 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
33964 @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
33968 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
33969 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
33970 fact or leave it out, state it!
33972 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
33973 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
33974 assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
33975 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
33976 stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
33977 name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
33978 of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
33979 the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
33980 easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
33982 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
33983 bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
33984 you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
33987 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
33988 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
33989 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
33992 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
33996 The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
33997 with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
34000 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
34001 the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
34004 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
34008 The details of the @value{GDBN} build-time configuration.
34009 @value{GDBN} shows these details if you invoke it with the
34010 @option{--configuration} command-line option, or if you type
34011 @code{show configuration} at @value{GDBN}'s prompt.
34014 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
34015 ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
34018 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
34019 debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
34020 C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
34021 to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
34025 The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
34026 observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
34027 you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
34028 Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
34030 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
34031 and then we might not encounter the bug.
34034 A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
34038 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
34039 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
34041 Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
34042 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
34043 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
34044 a chance to make a mistake.
34046 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
34047 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
34048 copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
34049 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
34050 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
34051 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
34052 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
34053 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
34056 @cindex recording a session script
34057 To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
34058 such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
34059 Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
34060 include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
34062 Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
34063 inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
34066 If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
34067 diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
34068 it by context, not by line number.
34070 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
34071 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
34075 Here are some things that are not necessary:
34079 A description of the envelope of the bug.
34081 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
34082 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
34083 changes will not affect it.
34085 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
34086 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
34087 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
34088 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
34090 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
34091 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
34092 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
34093 less time, and so on.
34095 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
34096 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
34099 A patch for the bug.
34101 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
34102 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
34103 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
34104 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
34106 Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
34107 construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
34108 through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
34109 to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
34111 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
34112 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
34113 help us to understand.
34116 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
34118 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
34119 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
34122 @c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
34123 @c and consists of the two following files:
34126 @c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
34127 @c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
34128 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
34129 @include rluser.texi
34130 @include hsuser.texi
34134 @appendix In Memoriam
34136 The @value{GDBN} project mourns the loss of the following long-time
34141 Fred was a long-standing contributor to @value{GDBN} (1991-2006), and
34142 to Free Software in general. Outside of @value{GDBN}, he was known in
34143 the Amiga world for his series of Fish Disks, and the GeekGadget project.
34145 @item Michael Snyder
34146 Michael was one of the Global Maintainers of the @value{GDBN} project,
34147 with contributions recorded as early as 1996, until 2011. In addition
34148 to his day to day participation, he was a large driving force behind
34149 adding Reverse Debugging to @value{GDBN}.
34152 Beyond their technical contributions to the project, they were also
34153 enjoyable members of the Free Software Community. We will miss them.
34155 @node Formatting Documentation
34156 @appendix Formatting Documentation
34158 @cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
34159 @cindex reference card
34160 The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
34161 for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
34162 subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
34163 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
34164 release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
34165 you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
34167 The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
34168 can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
34174 The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
34175 mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
34176 that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
34177 high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
34178 your @sc{dvi} output program.
34180 @cindex documentation
34182 All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
34183 distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
34184 a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
34185 on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
34186 formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
34187 and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
34189 @value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
34190 version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
34191 file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
34192 subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
34193 necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
34194 but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
34195 Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
34196 @sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
34198 If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
34199 Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
34202 If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
34203 @value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
34204 version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
34211 If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
34212 a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
34213 Texinfo definitions file.
34215 @TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
34216 produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
34217 document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
34218 has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
34219 command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
34220 (for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
34221 require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
34223 @TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
34224 @file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
34225 written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
34226 typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
34227 and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
34230 If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
34231 typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
34232 subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
34233 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
34239 Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
34241 @node Installing GDB
34242 @appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
34243 @cindex installation
34246 * Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
34247 * Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
34248 * Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
34249 * Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
34250 * Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
34251 * System-wide configuration:: Having a system-wide init file
34255 @section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
34256 @cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
34258 Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
34259 Other packages will be used only if they are found.
34261 @heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
34263 @item ISO C90 compiler
34264 @value{GDBN} is written in ISO C90. It should be buildable with any
34265 working C90 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
34269 @heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
34273 @value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
34274 included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
34275 can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
34276 The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
34277 standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
34278 use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
34284 Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
34286 Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
34288 Remote shared library lists (@xref{Library List Format},
34289 or alternatively @pxref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets})
34291 MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
34293 Traceframe info (@pxref{Traceframe Info Format})
34295 Branch trace (@pxref{Branch Trace Format},
34296 @pxref{Branch Trace Configuration Format})
34301 @value{GDBN} can use the GNU MPFR multiple-precision floating-point
34302 library. This library may be included with your operating system
34303 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
34304 @url{http://www.mpfr.org}. The @file{configure} script will search
34305 for this library in several standard locations; if it is installed
34306 in an unusual path, you can use the @option{--with-libmpfr-prefix}
34307 option to specify its location.
34309 GNU MPFR is used to emulate target floating-point arithmetic during
34310 expression evaluation when the target uses different floating-point
34311 formats than the host. If GNU MPFR it is not available, @value{GDBN}
34312 will fall back to using host floating-point arithmetic.
34315 @cindex compressed debug sections
34316 @value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
34317 compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
34318 of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
34319 is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
34320 information in such binaries.
34322 The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
34323 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
34324 @url{http://zlib.net}.
34327 @value{GDBN}'s features related to character sets (@pxref{Character
34328 Sets}) require a functioning @code{iconv} implementation. If you are
34329 on a GNU system, then this is provided by the GNU C Library. Some
34330 other systems also provide a working @code{iconv}.
34332 If @value{GDBN} is using the @code{iconv} program which is installed
34333 in a non-standard place, you will need to tell @value{GDBN} where to find it.
34334 This is done with @option{--with-iconv-bin} which specifies the
34335 directory that contains the @code{iconv} program.
34337 On systems without @code{iconv}, you can install GNU Libiconv. If you
34338 have previously installed Libiconv, you can use the
34339 @option{--with-libiconv-prefix} option to configure.
34341 @value{GDBN}'s top-level @file{configure} and @file{Makefile} will
34342 arrange to build Libiconv if a directory named @file{libiconv} appears
34343 in the top-most source directory. If Libiconv is built this way, and
34344 if the operating system does not provide a suitable @code{iconv}
34345 implementation, then the just-built library will automatically be used
34346 by @value{GDBN}. One easy way to set this up is to download GNU
34347 Libiconv, unpack it, and then rename the directory holding the
34348 Libiconv source code to @samp{libiconv}.
34351 @node Running Configure
34352 @section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
34353 @cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
34354 @value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
34355 of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
34356 build the @code{gdb} program.
34358 @c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
34359 @footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
34360 look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
34361 installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
34364 The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
34365 @value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
34366 appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
34368 For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
34369 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
34372 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
34373 script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
34375 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
34376 the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
34378 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
34379 source for the Binary File Descriptor library
34381 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
34382 @sc{gnu} include files
34384 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
34385 source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
34387 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
34388 source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
34390 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
34391 source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
34393 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
34394 source for the @sc{gnu} filename pattern-matching subroutine
34396 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
34397 source for the @sc{gnu} memory-mapped malloc package
34400 The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
34401 from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
34402 this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
34404 First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
34405 if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
34406 identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
34412 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
34413 ./configure @var{host}
34418 where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
34419 @samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where @value{GDBN} will run.
34420 (You can often leave off @var{host}; @file{configure} tries to guess the
34421 correct value by examining your system.)
34423 Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
34424 @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
34425 libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
34426 binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
34429 @file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
34430 system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
34431 shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
34434 sh configure @var{host}
34437 If you run @file{configure} from a directory that contains source
34438 directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
34439 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN},
34441 creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
34442 you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
34444 You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
34445 source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
34446 @file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
34447 that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
34448 if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
34449 of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
34450 configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
34451 directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
34452 about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
34454 You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
34455 However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
34456 the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
34457 that @value{GDBN} uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
34458 let @value{GDBN} debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
34460 @node Separate Objdir
34461 @section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
34463 If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
34464 you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
34465 host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
34466 allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
34467 rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
34468 handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
34469 @code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
34470 program specified there.
34472 To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
34473 with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
34474 (You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
34475 itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
34476 would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
34477 the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
34479 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
34480 separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
34484 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
34487 ../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
34492 When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
34493 directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
34494 (and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
34495 the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
34496 directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
34497 @file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
34499 Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
34500 instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
34501 like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
34502 one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
34503 build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
34505 One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
34506 directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
34507 @value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
34508 programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
34509 You specify a cross-debugging target by
34510 giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
34512 When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
34513 it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
34514 called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
34516 The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
34517 directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
34518 directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
34519 directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
34520 will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
34522 When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
34523 directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
34524 if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
34528 @section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
34530 The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
34531 script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
34532 aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
34533 of information in the following pattern:
34536 @var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
34539 For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
34540 or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
34541 option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
34543 The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
34544 any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
34545 aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
34546 @code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
34547 script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
34548 abbreviations---for example:
34551 % sh config.sub i386-linux
34553 % sh config.sub alpha-linux
34554 alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
34555 % sh config.sub hp9k700
34557 % sh config.sub sun4
34558 sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
34559 % sh config.sub sun3
34560 m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
34561 % sh config.sub i986v
34562 Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
34566 @code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
34567 directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
34569 @node Configure Options
34570 @section @file{configure} Options
34572 Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
34573 are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure} also has
34574 several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
34575 Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @file{configure}.
34578 configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
34579 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
34580 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
34581 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
34582 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
34583 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
34588 You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
34589 @samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
34594 Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
34596 @item --prefix=@var{dir}
34597 Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
34600 @item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
34601 Configure the source to install programs under directory
34604 @c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
34606 @item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
34607 @strong{Warning: using this option requires @sc{gnu} @code{make}, or another
34608 @code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
34609 Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
34610 @value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
34611 build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
34612 directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
34613 the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
34614 directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
34615 the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
34618 @item --norecursion
34619 Configure only the directory level where @file{configure} is executed; do not
34620 propagate configuration to subdirectories.
34622 @item --target=@var{target}
34623 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
34624 @var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
34625 programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
34627 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
34629 @item @var{host} @dots{}
34630 Configure @value{GDBN} to run on the specified @var{host}.
34632 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
34635 There are many other options available as well, but they are generally
34636 needed for special purposes only.
34638 @node System-wide configuration
34639 @section System-wide configuration and settings
34640 @cindex system-wide init file
34642 @value{GDBN} can be configured to have a system-wide init file;
34643 this file will be read and executed at startup (@pxref{Startup, , What
34644 @value{GDBN} does during startup}).
34646 Here is the corresponding configure option:
34649 @item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
34650 Specify that the default location of the system-wide init file is
34654 If @value{GDBN} has been configured with the option @option{--prefix=$prefix},
34655 it may be subject to relocation. Two possible cases:
34659 If the default location of this init file contains @file{$prefix},
34660 it will be subject to relocation. Suppose that the configure options
34661 are @option{--prefix=$prefix --with-system-gdbinit=$prefix/etc/gdbinit};
34662 if @value{GDBN} is moved from @file{$prefix} to @file{$install}, the system
34663 init file is looked for as @file{$install/etc/gdbinit} instead of
34664 @file{$prefix/etc/gdbinit}.
34667 By contrast, if the default location does not contain the prefix,
34668 it will not be relocated. E.g.@: if @value{GDBN} has been configured with
34669 @option{--prefix=/usr/local --with-system-gdbinit=/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
34670 then @value{GDBN} will always look for @file{/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
34671 wherever @value{GDBN} is installed.
34674 If the configured location of the system-wide init file (as given by the
34675 @option{--with-system-gdbinit} option at configure time) is in the
34676 data-directory (as specified by @option{--with-gdb-datadir} at configure
34677 time) or in one of its subdirectories, then @value{GDBN} will look for the
34678 system-wide init file in the directory specified by the
34679 @option{--data-directory} command-line option.
34680 Note that the system-wide init file is only read once, during @value{GDBN}
34681 initialization. If the data-directory is changed after @value{GDBN} has
34682 started with the @code{set data-directory} command, the file will not be
34686 * System-wide Configuration Scripts:: Installed System-wide Configuration Scripts
34689 @node System-wide Configuration Scripts
34690 @subsection Installed System-wide Configuration Scripts
34691 @cindex system-wide configuration scripts
34693 The @file{system-gdbinit} directory, located inside the data-directory
34694 (as specified by @option{--with-gdb-datadir} at configure time) contains
34695 a number of scripts which can be used as system-wide init files. To
34696 automatically source those scripts at startup, @value{GDBN} should be
34697 configured with @option{--with-system-gdbinit}. Otherwise, any user
34698 should be able to source them by hand as needed.
34700 The following scripts are currently available:
34703 @item @file{elinos.py}
34705 @cindex ELinOS system-wide configuration script
34706 This script is useful when debugging a program on an ELinOS target.
34707 It takes advantage of the environment variables defined in a standard
34708 ELinOS environment in order to determine the location of the system
34709 shared libraries, and then sets the @samp{solib-absolute-prefix}
34710 and @samp{solib-search-path} variables appropriately.
34712 @item @file{wrs-linux.py}
34713 @pindex wrs-linux.py
34714 @cindex Wind River Linux system-wide configuration script
34715 This script is useful when debugging a program on a target running
34716 Wind River Linux. It expects the @env{ENV_PREFIX} to be set to
34717 the host-side sysroot used by the target system.
34721 @node Maintenance Commands
34722 @appendix Maintenance Commands
34723 @cindex maintenance commands
34724 @cindex internal commands
34726 In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
34727 includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
34728 that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
34729 provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
34730 messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
34733 @kindex maint agent
34734 @kindex maint agent-eval
34735 @item maint agent @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
34736 @itemx maint agent-eval @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
34737 Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
34738 This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
34739 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}). The @samp{agent} version produces an
34740 expression useful for data collection, such as by tracepoints, while
34741 @samp{maint agent-eval} produces an expression that evaluates directly
34742 to a result. For instance, a collection expression for @code{globa +
34743 globb} will include bytecodes to record four bytes of memory at each
34744 of the addresses of @code{globa} and @code{globb}, while discarding
34745 the result of the addition, while an evaluation expression will do the
34746 addition and return the sum.
34747 If @code{-at} is given, generate remote agent bytecode for @var{location}.
34748 If not, generate remote agent bytecode for current frame PC address.
34750 @kindex maint agent-printf
34751 @item maint agent-printf @var{format},@var{expr},...
34752 Translate the given format string and list of argument expressions
34753 into remote agent bytecodes and display them as a disassembled list.
34754 This command is useful for debugging the agent version of dynamic
34755 printf (@pxref{Dynamic Printf}).
34757 @kindex maint info breakpoints
34758 @item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
34759 Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
34760 breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
34761 internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
34762 breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
34767 Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
34770 Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
34773 Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
34774 @code{longjmp} calls.
34776 @item longjmp resume
34777 Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
34780 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
34783 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
34786 Shared library events.
34790 @kindex maint info btrace
34791 @item maint info btrace
34792 Pint information about raw branch tracing data.
34794 @kindex maint btrace packet-history
34795 @item maint btrace packet-history
34796 Print the raw branch trace packets that are used to compute the
34797 execution history for the @samp{record btrace} command. Both the
34798 information and the format in which it is printed depend on the btrace
34803 For the BTS recording format, print a list of blocks of sequential
34804 code. For each block, the following information is printed:
34808 Newer blocks have higher numbers. The oldest block has number zero.
34809 @item Lowest @samp{PC}
34810 @item Highest @samp{PC}
34814 For the Intel Processor Trace recording format, print a list of
34815 Intel Processor Trace packets. For each packet, the following
34816 information is printed:
34819 @item Packet number
34820 Newer packets have higher numbers. The oldest packet has number zero.
34822 The packet's offset in the trace stream.
34823 @item Packet opcode and payload
34827 @kindex maint btrace clear-packet-history
34828 @item maint btrace clear-packet-history
34829 Discards the cached packet history printed by the @samp{maint btrace
34830 packet-history} command. The history will be computed again when
34833 @kindex maint btrace clear
34834 @item maint btrace clear
34835 Discard the branch trace data. The data will be fetched anew and the
34836 branch trace will be recomputed when needed.
34838 This implicitly truncates the branch trace to a single branch trace
34839 buffer. When updating branch trace incrementally, the branch trace
34840 available to @value{GDBN} may be bigger than a single branch trace
34843 @kindex maint set btrace pt skip-pad
34844 @item maint set btrace pt skip-pad
34845 @kindex maint show btrace pt skip-pad
34846 @item maint show btrace pt skip-pad
34847 Control whether @value{GDBN} will skip PAD packets when computing the
34850 @kindex set displaced-stepping
34851 @kindex show displaced-stepping
34852 @cindex displaced stepping support
34853 @cindex out-of-line single-stepping
34854 @item set displaced-stepping
34855 @itemx show displaced-stepping
34856 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
34857 if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
34858 over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
34859 an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
34860 breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
34863 @item set displaced-stepping on
34864 If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
34865 displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
34867 @item set displaced-stepping off
34868 @value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
34869 even if such is supported by the target architecture.
34871 @cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
34872 @item set displaced-stepping auto
34873 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
34874 only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
34875 architecture supports displaced stepping.
34878 @kindex maint check-psymtabs
34879 @item maint check-psymtabs
34880 Check the consistency of currently expanded psymtabs versus symtabs.
34881 Use this to check, for example, whether a symbol is in one but not the other.
34883 @kindex maint check-symtabs
34884 @item maint check-symtabs
34885 Check the consistency of currently expanded symtabs.
34887 @kindex maint expand-symtabs
34888 @item maint expand-symtabs [@var{regexp}]
34889 Expand symbol tables.
34890 If @var{regexp} is specified, only expand symbol tables for file
34891 names matching @var{regexp}.
34893 @kindex maint set catch-demangler-crashes
34894 @kindex maint show catch-demangler-crashes
34895 @cindex demangler crashes
34896 @item maint set catch-demangler-crashes [on|off]
34897 @itemx maint show catch-demangler-crashes
34898 Control whether @value{GDBN} should attempt to catch crashes in the
34899 symbol name demangler. The default is to attempt to catch crashes.
34900 If enabled, the first time a crash is caught, a core file is created,
34901 the offending symbol is displayed and the user is presented with the
34902 option to terminate the current session.
34904 @kindex maint cplus first_component
34905 @item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
34906 Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
34908 @kindex maint cplus namespace
34909 @item maint cplus namespace
34910 Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
34912 @kindex maint deprecate
34913 @kindex maint undeprecate
34914 @cindex deprecated commands
34915 @item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
34916 @itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
34917 Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
34918 cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
34919 argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
34920 favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
34921 the replacement as part of the warning.
34923 @kindex maint dump-me
34924 @item maint dump-me
34925 @cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
34926 Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
34927 This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
34928 with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
34930 @kindex maint internal-error
34931 @kindex maint internal-warning
34932 @kindex maint demangler-warning
34933 @cindex demangler crashes
34934 @item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
34935 @itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
34936 @itemx maint demangler-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
34938 Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error},
34939 @code{internal_warning} or @code{demangler_warning} and hence behave
34940 as though an internal problem has been detected. In addition to
34941 reporting the internal problem, these functions give the user the
34942 opportunity to either quit @value{GDBN} or (for @code{internal_error}
34943 and @code{internal_warning}) create a core file of the current
34944 @value{GDBN} session.
34946 These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
34947 used as the text of the error or warning message.
34949 Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
34952 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
34953 @dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
34954 A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
34955 debugging may prove unreliable.
34956 Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
34957 Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
34961 @cindex @value{GDBN} internal error
34962 @cindex internal errors, control of @value{GDBN} behavior
34963 @cindex demangler crashes
34965 @kindex maint set internal-error
34966 @kindex maint show internal-error
34967 @kindex maint set internal-warning
34968 @kindex maint show internal-warning
34969 @kindex maint set demangler-warning
34970 @kindex maint show demangler-warning
34971 @item maint set internal-error @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
34972 @itemx maint show internal-error @var{action}
34973 @itemx maint set internal-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
34974 @itemx maint show internal-warning @var{action}
34975 @itemx maint set demangler-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
34976 @itemx maint show demangler-warning @var{action}
34977 When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it
34978 gives the user the opportunity to both quit @value{GDBN} and create a
34979 core file of the current @value{GDBN} session. These commands let you
34980 override the default behaviour for each particular @var{action},
34981 described in the table below.
34985 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
34986 quit. The default is to ask the user what to do.
34989 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
34990 create a core file. The default is to ask the user what to do. Note
34991 that there is no @code{corefile} option for @code{demangler-warning}:
34992 demangler warnings always create a core file and this cannot be
34996 @kindex maint packet
34997 @item maint packet @var{text}
34998 If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
34999 then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
35000 displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
35001 @samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
35004 @kindex maint print architecture
35005 @item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35006 Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
35007 @var{file} names the file where the output goes.
35009 @kindex maint print c-tdesc @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35010 @item maint print c-tdesc
35011 Print the target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
35012 a C source file. By default, the target description is for the current
35013 target, but if the optional argument @var{file} is provided, that file
35014 is used to produce the description. The @var{file} should be an XML
35015 document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description Format}.
35016 The created source file is built into @value{GDBN} when @value{GDBN} is
35017 built again. This command is used by developers after they add or
35018 modify XML target descriptions.
35020 @kindex maint check xml-descriptions
35021 @item maint check xml-descriptions @var{dir}
35022 Check that the target descriptions dynamically created by @value{GDBN}
35023 equal the descriptions created from XML files found in @var{dir}.
35025 @kindex maint print dummy-frames
35026 @item maint print dummy-frames
35027 Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
35030 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
35032 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
35033 Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
35035 The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
35037 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
35038 0xa8206d8: id=@{stack=0xbfffe734,code=0xbfffe73f,!special@}, ptid=process 9353
35042 Takes an optional file parameter.
35044 @kindex maint print registers
35045 @kindex maint print raw-registers
35046 @kindex maint print cooked-registers
35047 @kindex maint print register-groups
35048 @kindex maint print remote-registers
35049 @item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35050 @itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35051 @itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35052 @itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35053 @itemx maint print remote-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35054 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
35056 The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
35057 the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print
35058 cooked-registers} includes the (cooked) value of all registers,
35059 including registers which aren't available on the target nor visible
35060 to user; the command @code{maint print register-groups} includes the
35061 groups that each register is a member of; and the command @code{maint
35062 print remote-registers} includes the remote target's register numbers
35063 and offsets in the `G' packets.
35065 These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
35066 write the information.
35068 @kindex maint print reggroups
35069 @item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
35070 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
35071 optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
35074 The register groups info looks like this:
35077 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
35090 This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
35092 @kindex maint print objfiles
35093 @cindex info for known object files
35094 @item maint print objfiles @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
35095 Print a dump of all known object files.
35096 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print object files whose names
35097 match @var{regexp}. For each object file, this command prints its name,
35098 address in memory, and all of its psymtabs and symtabs.
35100 @kindex maint print user-registers
35101 @cindex user registers
35102 @item maint print user-registers
35103 List all currently available @dfn{user registers}. User registers
35104 typically provide alternate names for actual hardware registers. They
35105 include the four ``standard'' registers @code{$fp}, @code{$pc},
35106 @code{$sp}, and @code{$ps}. @xref{standard registers}. User
35107 registers can be used in expressions in the same way as the canonical
35108 register names, but only the latter are listed by the @code{info
35109 registers} and @code{maint print registers} commands.
35111 @kindex maint print section-scripts
35112 @cindex info for known .debug_gdb_scripts-loaded scripts
35113 @item maint print section-scripts [@var{regexp}]
35114 Print a dump of scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_section} section.
35115 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print scripts loaded by object files
35116 matching @var{regexp}.
35117 For each script, this command prints its name as specified in the objfile,
35118 and the full path if known.
35119 @xref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}.
35121 @kindex maint print statistics
35122 @cindex bcache statistics
35123 @item maint print statistics
35124 This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
35125 about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
35126 statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
35127 of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
35128 defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
35129 the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
35130 used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
35131 sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
35132 average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
35133 savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
35136 @kindex maint print target-stack
35137 @cindex target stack description
35138 @item maint print target-stack
35139 A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
35140 kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
35141 so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
35142 In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
35143 until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
35146 This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
35147 the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
35149 @kindex maint print type
35150 @cindex type chain of a data type
35151 @item maint print type @var{expr}
35152 Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
35153 can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
35154 that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
35155 a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
35156 data structures, including its flags and contained types.
35158 @kindex maint selftest
35160 @item maint selftest @r{[}@var{filter}@r{]}
35161 Run any self tests that were compiled in to @value{GDBN}. This will
35162 print a message showing how many tests were run, and how many failed.
35163 If a @var{filter} is passed, only the tests with @var{filter} in their
35166 @kindex "maint info selftests"
35168 @item maint info selftests
35169 List the selftests compiled in to @value{GDBN}.
35171 @kindex maint set dwarf always-disassemble
35172 @kindex maint show dwarf always-disassemble
35173 @item maint set dwarf always-disassemble
35174 @item maint show dwarf always-disassemble
35175 Control the behavior of @code{info address} when using DWARF debugging
35178 The default is @code{off}, which means that @value{GDBN} should try to
35179 describe a variable's location in an easily readable format. When
35180 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will instead display the DWARF location
35181 expression in an assembly-like format. Note that some locations are
35182 too complex for @value{GDBN} to describe simply; in this case you will
35183 always see the disassembly form.
35185 Here is an example of the resulting disassembly:
35188 (gdb) info addr argc
35189 Symbol "argc" is a complex DWARF expression:
35193 For more information on these expressions, see
35194 @uref{http://www.dwarfstd.org/, the DWARF standard}.
35196 @kindex maint set dwarf max-cache-age
35197 @kindex maint show dwarf max-cache-age
35198 @item maint set dwarf max-cache-age
35199 @itemx maint show dwarf max-cache-age
35200 Control the DWARF compilation unit cache.
35202 @cindex DWARF compilation units cache
35203 In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
35204 produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF
35205 reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
35206 This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
35207 cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
35208 compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
35209 memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
35210 slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
35212 @kindex maint set profile
35213 @kindex maint show profile
35214 @cindex profiling GDB
35215 @item maint set profile
35216 @itemx maint show profile
35217 Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
35219 Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
35220 command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
35221 collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
35222 exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
35223 if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
35224 (often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
35225 data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
35227 Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
35228 compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
35230 @kindex maint set show-debug-regs
35231 @kindex maint show show-debug-regs
35232 @cindex hardware debug registers
35233 @item maint set show-debug-regs
35234 @itemx maint show show-debug-regs
35235 Control whether to show variables that mirror the hardware debug
35236 registers. Use @code{on} to enable, @code{off} to disable. If
35237 enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
35238 removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
35239 triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
35241 @kindex maint set show-all-tib
35242 @kindex maint show show-all-tib
35243 @item maint set show-all-tib
35244 @itemx maint show show-all-tib
35245 Control whether to show all non zero areas within a 1k block starting
35246 at thread local base, when using the @samp{info w32 thread-information-block}
35249 @kindex maint set target-async
35250 @kindex maint show target-async
35251 @item maint set target-async
35252 @itemx maint show target-async
35253 This controls whether @value{GDBN} targets operate in synchronous or
35254 asynchronous mode (@pxref{Background Execution}). Normally the
35255 default is asynchronous, if it is available; but this can be changed
35256 to more easily debug problems occurring only in synchronous mode.
35258 @kindex maint set target-non-stop @var{mode} [on|off|auto]
35259 @kindex maint show target-non-stop
35260 @item maint set target-non-stop
35261 @itemx maint show target-non-stop
35263 This controls whether @value{GDBN} targets always operate in non-stop
35264 mode even if @code{set non-stop} is @code{off} (@pxref{Non-Stop
35265 Mode}). The default is @code{auto}, meaning non-stop mode is enabled
35266 if supported by the target.
35269 @item maint set target-non-stop auto
35270 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} controls the target in
35271 non-stop mode if the target supports it.
35273 @item maint set target-non-stop on
35274 @value{GDBN} controls the target in non-stop mode even if the target
35275 does not indicate support.
35277 @item maint set target-non-stop off
35278 @value{GDBN} does not control the target in non-stop mode even if the
35279 target supports it.
35282 @kindex maint set per-command
35283 @kindex maint show per-command
35284 @item maint set per-command
35285 @itemx maint show per-command
35286 @cindex resources used by commands
35288 @value{GDBN} can display the resources used by each command.
35289 This is useful in debugging performance problems.
35292 @item maint set per-command space [on|off]
35293 @itemx maint show per-command space
35294 Enable or disable the printing of the memory used by GDB for each command.
35295 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
35296 took, following the command's own output.
35297 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
35298 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
35300 @item maint set per-command time [on|off]
35301 @itemx maint show per-command time
35302 Enable or disable the printing of the execution time of @value{GDBN}
35304 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
35305 took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
35306 Both CPU time and wallclock time are printed.
35307 Printing both is useful when trying to determine whether the cost is
35308 CPU or, e.g., disk/network latency.
35309 Note that the CPU time printed is for @value{GDBN} only, it does not include
35310 the execution time of the inferior because there's no mechanism currently
35311 to compute how much time was spent by @value{GDBN} and how much time was
35312 spent by the program been debugged.
35313 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
35314 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
35316 @item maint set per-command symtab [on|off]
35317 @itemx maint show per-command symtab
35318 Enable or disable the printing of basic symbol table statistics
35320 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display the following information:
35324 number of symbol tables
35326 number of primary symbol tables
35328 number of blocks in the blockvector
35332 @kindex maint space
35333 @cindex memory used by commands
35334 @item maint space @var{value}
35335 An alias for @code{maint set per-command space}.
35336 A non-zero value enables it, zero disables it.
35339 @cindex time of command execution
35340 @item maint time @var{value}
35341 An alias for @code{maint set per-command time}.
35342 A non-zero value enables it, zero disables it.
35344 @kindex maint translate-address
35345 @item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
35346 Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
35347 @var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
35348 @value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
35349 the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
35350 the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
35351 command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
35353 If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
35354 is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
35355 executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
35359 The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
35360 @value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
35363 @item set watchdog @var{nsec}
35364 @kindex set watchdog
35365 @cindex watchdog timer
35366 @cindex timeout for commands
35367 Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
35368 target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
35369 reports and error and the command is aborted.
35371 @item show watchdog
35372 Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
35375 @node Remote Protocol
35376 @appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
35381 * Stop Reply Packets::
35382 * General Query Packets::
35383 * Architecture-Specific Protocol Details::
35384 * Tracepoint Packets::
35385 * Host I/O Packets::
35387 * Notification Packets::
35388 * Remote Non-Stop::
35389 * Packet Acknowledgment::
35391 * File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
35392 * Library List Format::
35393 * Library List Format for SVR4 Targets::
35394 * Memory Map Format::
35395 * Thread List Format::
35396 * Traceframe Info Format::
35397 * Branch Trace Format::
35398 * Branch Trace Configuration Format::
35404 There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
35405 protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
35406 machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
35407 recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
35409 In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
35410 transmitted and received data, respectively.
35412 @cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
35413 @cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
35414 @cindex remote serial protocol
35415 All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
35416 and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
35417 @var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
35418 @samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
35419 @samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
35422 @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
35426 @cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
35428 The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
35429 characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
35430 eight bit unsigned checksum).
35432 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
35433 specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
35436 @code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
35439 @cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
35441 That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
35442 has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
35443 since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
35445 When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
35446 response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
35447 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
35451 -> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
35456 The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
35457 once a connection is established.
35458 @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
35460 The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
35461 debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
35462 the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
35463 when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
35464 threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
35465 behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
35466 execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
35468 @var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
35469 exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
35472 @cindex remote protocol, field separator
35473 Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
35474 @samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
35475 @sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
35477 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
35478 @samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
35479 would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
35481 @cindex remote protocol, binary data
35482 @anchor{Binary Data}
35483 Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
35484 digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
35485 protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
35486 Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
35487 connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
35490 The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
35491 as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
35492 character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
35493 For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
35494 bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
35495 @code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
35496 @samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
35497 must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
35498 is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
35501 Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
35502 Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
35503 instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
35504 repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
35505 binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
35506 @code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
35507 produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
35508 code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
35509 encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
35510 @samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
35511 after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
35514 The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
35515 greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
35516 seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
35517 five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
35520 The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
35521 error number. That number is not well defined.
35523 @cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
35524 For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
35525 (@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
35526 protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
35529 At a minimum, a stub is required to support the @samp{g} and @samp{G}
35530 commands for register access, and the @samp{m} and @samp{M} commands
35531 for memory access. Stubs that only control single-threaded targets
35532 can implement run control with the @samp{c} (continue), and @samp{s}
35533 (step) commands. Stubs that support multi-threading targets should
35534 support the @samp{vCont} command. All other commands are optional.
35539 The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
35540 @var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
35541 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
35542 I/O extension of the remote protocol.
35544 Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
35545 syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
35546 include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
35547 part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
35548 separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
35549 @var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
35550 bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
35551 @var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
35552 @samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
35555 @cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
35556 @anchor{thread-id syntax}
35557 Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
35558 a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
35559 interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
35560 can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
35563 In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
35564 which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
35565 process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
35566 The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
35567 format described above: a positive number with target-specific
35568 interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
35569 to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
35570 indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
35571 @samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
35572 error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
35573 @samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
35574 for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
35575 ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
35577 The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
35578 @value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
35579 feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
35582 Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
35583 letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
35585 Here are the packet descriptions.
35590 @cindex @samp{!} packet
35591 @anchor{extended mode}
35592 Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
35593 persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
35599 The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
35603 @cindex @samp{?} packet
35605 Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
35606 step and continue. This packet has a special interpretation when the
35607 target is in non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
35610 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35612 @item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
35613 @cindex @samp{A} packet
35614 Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
35615 specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
35616 @var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
35621 The arguments were set.
35627 @cindex @samp{b} packet
35628 (Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
35629 Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
35631 JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
35632 received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
35633 problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
35635 Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
35636 it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
35637 some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
35638 switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
35639 of view, nothing actually happened.}
35641 @item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
35642 @cindex @samp{B} packet
35643 Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
35644 breakpoint at @var{addr}.
35646 Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
35647 (@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
35649 @cindex @samp{bc} packet
35652 Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
35653 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
35656 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35658 @cindex @samp{bs} packet
35661 Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
35662 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
35665 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35667 @item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
35668 @cindex @samp{c} packet
35669 Continue at @var{addr}, which is the address to resume. If @var{addr}
35670 is omitted, resume at current address.
35672 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
35676 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35678 @item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
35679 @cindex @samp{C} packet
35680 Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
35681 @samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
35683 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
35687 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35690 @cindex @samp{d} packet
35693 Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
35694 (@pxref{General Query Packets}).
35698 @cindex @samp{D} packet
35699 The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
35700 remote system. It is sent to the remote target
35701 before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
35703 The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
35704 protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
35705 detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
35706 big-endian hex string.
35716 @item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
35717 @cindex @samp{F} packet
35718 A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
35719 This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
35720 Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
35723 @anchor{read registers packet}
35724 @cindex @samp{g} packet
35725 Read general registers.
35729 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
35730 Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
35731 with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
35732 each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
35733 determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
35734 @code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}.
35736 When reading registers from a trace frame (@pxref{Analyze Collected
35737 Data,,Using the Collected Data}), the stub may also return a string of
35738 literal @samp{x}'s in place of the register data digits, to indicate
35739 that the corresponding register has not been collected, thus its value
35740 is unavailable. For example, for an architecture with 4 registers of
35741 4 bytes each, the following reply indicates to @value{GDBN} that
35742 registers 0 and 2 have not been collected, while registers 1 and 3
35743 have been collected, and both have zero value:
35747 <- @code{xxxxxxxx00000000xxxxxxxx00000000}
35754 @item G @var{XX@dots{}}
35755 @cindex @samp{G} packet
35756 Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
35757 description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
35767 @item H @var{op} @var{thread-id}
35768 @cindex @samp{H} packet
35769 Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
35770 @samp{G}, et.al.). Depending on the operation to be performed, @var{op}
35771 should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations (note that this
35772 is deprecated, supporting the @samp{vCont} command is a better
35773 option), and @samp{g} for other operations. The thread designator
35774 @var{thread-id} has the format and interpretation described in
35775 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
35786 @c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
35787 @c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
35788 @c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
35789 @c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
35790 @c described. For example:
35792 @c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
35793 @c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
35794 @c otherwise returns current registers.
35796 @c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
35797 @c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
35798 @c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
35800 @item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
35801 @anchor{cycle step packet}
35802 @cindex @samp{i} packet
35803 Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
35804 present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
35805 step starting at that address.
35808 @cindex @samp{I} packet
35809 Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
35813 @cindex @samp{k} packet
35816 The exact effect of this packet is not specified.
35818 For a bare-metal target, it may power cycle or reset the target
35819 system. For that reason, the @samp{k} packet has no reply.
35821 For a single-process target, it may kill that process if possible.
35823 A multiple-process target may choose to kill just one process, or all
35824 that are under @value{GDBN}'s control. For more precise control, use
35825 the vKill packet (@pxref{vKill packet}).
35827 If the target system immediately closes the connection in response to
35828 @samp{k}, @value{GDBN} does not consider the lack of packet
35829 acknowledgment to be an error, and assumes the kill was successful.
35831 If connected using @kbd{target extended-remote}, and the target does
35832 not close the connection in response to a kill request, @value{GDBN}
35833 probes the target state as if a new connection was opened
35834 (@pxref{? packet}).
35836 @item m @var{addr},@var{length}
35837 @cindex @samp{m} packet
35838 Read @var{length} addressable memory units starting at address @var{addr}
35839 (@pxref{addressable memory unit}). Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to
35840 any particular boundary.
35842 The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
35843 data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
35844 and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
35845 use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
35846 suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
35847 @cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
35848 @cindex size of remote memory accesses
35849 @cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
35853 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
35854 Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal number.
35855 The reply may contain fewer addressable memory units than requested if the
35856 server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
35861 @item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
35862 @cindex @samp{M} packet
35863 Write @var{length} addressable memory units starting at address @var{addr}
35864 (@pxref{addressable memory unit}). The data is given by @var{XX@dots{}}; each
35865 byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal number.
35872 for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
35877 @cindex @samp{p} packet
35878 Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
35879 @xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
35880 register value is encoded.
35884 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
35885 the register's value
35889 Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
35892 @item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
35893 @anchor{write register packet}
35894 @cindex @samp{P} packet
35895 Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
35896 number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
35897 digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
35907 @item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
35908 @itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
35909 @cindex @samp{q} packet
35910 @cindex @samp{Q} packet
35911 General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
35912 described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
35915 @cindex @samp{r} packet
35916 Reset the entire system.
35918 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
35921 @cindex @samp{R} packet
35922 Restart the program being debugged. The @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
35923 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
35925 The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
35927 @item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
35928 @cindex @samp{s} packet
35929 Single step, resuming at @var{addr}. If
35930 @var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
35932 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
35936 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35938 @item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
35939 @anchor{step with signal packet}
35940 @cindex @samp{S} packet
35941 Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
35942 requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
35944 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
35948 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
35950 @item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
35951 @cindex @samp{t} packet
35952 Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
35953 @var{PP} and mask @var{MM}, both of which are are 4 byte long.
35954 There must be at least 3 digits in @var{addr}.
35956 @item T @var{thread-id}
35957 @cindex @samp{T} packet
35958 Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
35963 thread is still alive
35969 Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
35970 up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
35972 @item vAttach;@var{pid}
35973 @cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
35974 Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
35975 The process ID is a
35976 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
35977 threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
35978 attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
35980 @c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
35981 @c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
35982 @c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
35983 @c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
35984 @c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
35985 @c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
35986 @c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
35987 @c stopping or restarting threads.
35989 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
35995 @item @r{Any stop packet}
35996 for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
35998 for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
36001 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
36002 @cindex @samp{vCont} packet
36003 @anchor{vCont packet}
36004 Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
36006 For each inferior thread, the leftmost action with a matching
36007 @var{thread-id} is applied. Threads that don't match any action
36008 remain in their current state. Thread IDs are specified using the
36009 syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}. If multiprocess
36010 extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}) are supported, actions
36011 can be specified to match all threads in a process by using the
36012 @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the @var{thread-id}. An action with no
36013 @var{thread-id} matches all threads. Specifying no actions is an
36016 Currently supported actions are:
36022 Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
36026 Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
36029 @item r @var{start},@var{end}
36030 Step once, and then keep stepping as long as the thread stops at
36031 addresses between @var{start} (inclusive) and @var{end} (exclusive).
36032 The remote stub reports a stop reply when either the thread goes out
36033 of the range or is stopped due to an unrelated reason, such as hitting
36034 a breakpoint. @xref{range stepping}.
36036 If the range is empty (@var{start} == @var{end}), then the action
36037 becomes equivalent to the @samp{s} action. In other words,
36038 single-step once, and report the stop (even if the stepped instruction
36039 jumps to @var{start}).
36041 (A stop reply may be sent at any point even if the PC is still within
36042 the stepping range; for example, it is valid to implement this packet
36043 in a degenerate way as a single instruction step operation.)
36047 The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
36048 @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
36049 not supported in @samp{vCont}.
36051 The @samp{t} action is only relevant in non-stop mode
36052 (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
36053 A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
36054 When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
36055 the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
36056 signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
36057 as an implementation detail.
36059 The server must ignore @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, @samp{S}, and
36060 @samp{r} actions for threads that are already running. Conversely,
36061 the server must ignore @samp{t} actions for threads that are already
36064 @emph{Note:} In non-stop mode, a thread is considered running until
36065 @value{GDBN} acknowleges an asynchronous stop notification for it with
36066 the @samp{vStopped} packet (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}).
36068 The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
36069 multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}).
36072 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
36075 @cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
36076 Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
36080 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
36081 The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
36082 command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
36084 The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
36087 @anchor{vCtrlC packet}
36089 @cindex @samp{vCtrlC} packet
36090 Interrupt remote target as if a control-C was pressed on the remote
36091 terminal. This is the equivalent to reacting to the @code{^C}
36092 (@samp{\003}, the control-C character) character in all-stop mode
36093 while the target is running, except this works in non-stop mode.
36094 @xref{interrupting remote targets}, for more info on the all-stop
36105 @item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
36106 @cindex @samp{vFile} packet
36107 Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
36108 see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
36110 @item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
36111 @cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
36112 Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
36113 @var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
36114 its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
36115 flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
36116 Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
36117 together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
36118 stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
36119 packet is received.
36129 @item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
36130 @cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
36131 Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
36132 is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
36133 packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
36134 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
36135 not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
36136 (although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
36137 have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
36138 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
36139 neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
36140 target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
36148 for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
36154 @cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
36155 Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
36156 The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
36157 @samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
36158 @samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
36159 regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
36160 request is completed.
36162 @item vKill;@var{pid}
36163 @cindex @samp{vKill} packet
36164 @anchor{vKill packet}
36165 Kill the process with the specified process ID @var{pid}, which is a
36166 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
36167 preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
36168 supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
36178 @item vMustReplyEmpty
36179 @cindex @samp{vMustReplyEmpty} packet
36180 The correct reply to an unknown @samp{v} packet is to return the empty
36181 string, however, some older versions of @command{gdbserver} would
36182 incorrectly return @samp{OK} for unknown @samp{v} packets.
36184 The @samp{vMustReplyEmpty} is used as a feature test to check how
36185 @command{gdbserver} handles unknown packets, it is important that this
36186 packet be handled in the same way as other unknown @samp{v} packets.
36187 If this packet is handled differently to other unknown @samp{v}
36188 packets then it is possile that @value{GDBN} may run into problems in
36189 other areas, specifically around use of @samp{vFile:setfs:}.
36191 @item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
36192 @cindex @samp{vRun} packet
36193 Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
36194 command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
36195 @var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
36196 (e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
36199 @c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
36201 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
36207 @item @r{Any stop packet}
36208 for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
36212 @cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
36213 @xref{Notification Packets}.
36215 @item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
36217 @cindex @samp{X} packet
36218 Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
36219 Memory is specified by its address @var{addr} and number of addressable memory
36220 units @var{length} (@pxref{addressable memory unit});
36221 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
36231 @item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
36232 @itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
36233 @anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
36234 @cindex @samp{z} packet
36235 @cindex @samp{Z} packets
36236 Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
36237 watchpoint starting at address @var{address} of kind @var{kind}.
36239 Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
36242 @emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
36243 for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
36244 remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
36245 @samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
36246 avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
36247 be implemented in an idempotent way.}
36249 @item z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36250 @itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}@r{[};cmds:@var{persist},@var{cmd_list}@dots{}@r{]}
36251 @cindex @samp{z0} packet
36252 @cindex @samp{Z0} packet
36253 Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a software breakpoint at address
36254 @var{addr} of type @var{kind}.
36256 A software breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
36257 @var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
36258 @var{kind} is target-specific and typically indicates the size of the
36259 breakpoint in bytes that should be inserted. E.g., the @sc{arm} and
36260 @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint. Some
36261 architectures have additional meanings for @var{kind}
36262 (@pxref{Architecture-Specific Protocol Details}); if no
36263 architecture-specific value is being used, it should be @samp{0}.
36264 @var{kind} is hex-encoded. @var{cond_list} is an optional list of
36265 conditional expressions in bytecode form that should be evaluated on
36266 the target's side. These are the conditions that should be taken into
36267 consideration when deciding if the breakpoint trigger should be
36268 reported back to @value{GDBN}.
36270 See also the @samp{swbreak} stop reason (@pxref{swbreak stop reason})
36271 for how to best report a software breakpoint event to @value{GDBN}.
36273 The @var{cond_list} parameter is comprised of a series of expressions,
36274 concatenated without separators. Each expression has the following form:
36278 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
36279 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
36280 actual conditional expression in bytecode form.
36284 The optional @var{cmd_list} parameter introduces commands that may be
36285 run on the target, rather than being reported back to @value{GDBN}.
36286 The parameter starts with a numeric flag @var{persist}; if the flag is
36287 nonzero, then the breakpoint may remain active and the commands
36288 continue to be run even when @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target.
36289 Following this flag is a series of expressions concatenated with no
36290 separators. Each expression has the following form:
36294 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
36295 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
36296 actual commands expression in bytecode form.
36300 @emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
36301 code that contains software breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
36302 overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
36303 target, is not defined.}
36315 @item z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36316 @itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}@r{[};cmds:@var{persist},@var{cmd_list}@dots{}@r{]}
36317 @cindex @samp{z1} packet
36318 @cindex @samp{Z1} packet
36319 Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
36320 address @var{addr}.
36322 A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
36323 dependent on being able to modify the target's memory. The
36324 @var{kind}, @var{cond_list}, and @var{cmd_list} arguments have the
36325 same meaning as in @samp{Z0} packets.
36327 @emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
36340 @item z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36341 @itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36342 @cindex @samp{z2} packet
36343 @cindex @samp{Z2} packet
36344 Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint at @var{addr}.
36345 The number of bytes to watch is specified by @var{kind}.
36357 @item z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36358 @itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36359 @cindex @samp{z3} packet
36360 @cindex @samp{Z3} packet
36361 Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint at @var{addr}.
36362 The number of bytes to watch is specified by @var{kind}.
36374 @item z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36375 @itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
36376 @cindex @samp{z4} packet
36377 @cindex @samp{Z4} packet
36378 Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint at @var{addr}.
36379 The number of bytes to watch is specified by @var{kind}.
36393 @node Stop Reply Packets
36394 @section Stop Reply Packets
36395 @cindex stop reply packets
36397 The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
36398 @samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
36399 receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
36400 and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
36401 when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
36402 number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
36403 @value{GDBN} source code.
36405 In non-stop mode, the server will simply reply @samp{OK} to commands
36406 such as @samp{vCont}; any stop will be the subject of a future
36407 notification. @xref{Remote Non-Stop}.
36409 As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
36410 reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
36411 syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
36417 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
36418 number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
36419 @var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
36421 @item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
36422 @cindex @samp{T} packet reply
36423 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
36424 number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
36425 @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
36426 and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
36427 round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
36428 this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
36432 If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
36433 corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. The data @var{r} is a
36434 series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
36435 two-digit hex number.
36438 If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the @var{thread-id} of
36439 the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
36442 If @var{n} is @samp{core}, then @var{r} is the hexadecimal number of
36443 the core on which the stop event was detected.
36446 If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
36447 specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
36448 reasons are listed below. The @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
36449 signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
36452 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
36453 and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
36457 The currently defined stop reasons are:
36463 The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
36466 @item syscall_entry
36467 @itemx syscall_return
36468 The packet indicates a syscall entry or return, and @var{r} is the
36469 syscall number, in hex.
36471 @cindex shared library events, remote reply
36473 The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
36474 @value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
36475 list of loaded libraries. The @var{r} part is ignored.
36477 @cindex replay log events, remote reply
36479 The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
36480 logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
36481 beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
36482 will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
36483 for more information.
36486 @anchor{swbreak stop reason}
36487 The packet indicates a software breakpoint instruction was executed,
36488 irrespective of whether it was @value{GDBN} that planted the
36489 breakpoint or the breakpoint is hardcoded in the program. The @var{r}
36490 part must be left empty.
36492 On some architectures, such as x86, at the architecture level, when a
36493 breakpoint instruction executes the program counter points at the
36494 breakpoint address plus an offset. On such targets, the stub is
36495 responsible for adjusting the PC to point back at the breakpoint
36498 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
36499 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
36500 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
36501 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
36502 indicating support.
36504 This packet is required for correct non-stop mode operation.
36507 The packet indicates the target stopped for a hardware breakpoint.
36508 The @var{r} part must be left empty.
36510 The same remarks about @samp{qSupported} and non-stop mode above
36513 @cindex fork events, remote reply
36515 The packet indicates that @code{fork} was called, and @var{r}
36516 is the thread ID of the new child process. Refer to
36517 @ref{thread-id syntax} for the format of the @var{thread-id}
36518 field. This packet is only applicable to targets that support
36521 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
36522 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
36523 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
36524 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
36525 indicating support.
36527 @cindex vfork events, remote reply
36529 The packet indicates that @code{vfork} was called, and @var{r}
36530 is the thread ID of the new child process. Refer to
36531 @ref{thread-id syntax} for the format of the @var{thread-id}
36532 field. This packet is only applicable to targets that support
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.
36541 @cindex vforkdone events, remote reply
36543 The packet indicates that a child process created by a vfork
36544 has either called @code{exec} or terminated, so that the
36545 address spaces of the parent and child process are no longer
36546 shared. The @var{r} part is ignored. This packet is only
36547 applicable to targets that support vforkdone events.
36549 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
36550 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
36551 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
36552 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
36553 indicating support.
36555 @cindex exec events, remote reply
36557 The packet indicates that @code{execve} was called, and @var{r}
36558 is the absolute pathname of the file that was executed, in hex.
36559 This packet is only applicable to targets that support exec events.
36561 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
36562 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
36563 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
36564 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
36565 indicating support.
36567 @cindex thread create event, remote reply
36568 @anchor{thread create event}
36570 The packet indicates that the thread was just created. The new thread
36571 is stopped until @value{GDBN} sets it running with a resumption packet
36572 (@pxref{vCont packet}). This packet should not be sent by default;
36573 @value{GDBN} requests it with the @ref{QThreadEvents} packet. See
36574 also the @samp{w} (@pxref{thread exit event}) remote reply below. The
36575 @var{r} part is ignored.
36580 @itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
36581 The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
36582 applicable to certain targets.
36584 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
36585 exited process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
36586 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
36587 extensions}. Both @var{AA} and @var{pid} are formatted as big-endian
36591 @itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
36592 The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
36594 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
36595 terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
36596 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
36597 extensions}. Both @var{AA} and @var{pid} are formatted as big-endian
36600 @anchor{thread exit event}
36601 @cindex thread exit event, remote reply
36602 @item w @var{AA} ; @var{tid}
36604 The thread exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This response
36605 should not be sent by default; @value{GDBN} requests it with the
36606 @ref{QThreadEvents} packet. See also @ref{thread create event} above.
36607 @var{AA} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
36610 There are no resumed threads left in the target. In other words, even
36611 though the process is alive, the last resumed thread has exited. For
36612 example, say the target process has two threads: thread 1 and thread
36613 2. The client leaves thread 1 stopped, and resumes thread 2, which
36614 subsequently exits. At this point, even though the process is still
36615 alive, and thus no @samp{W} stop reply is sent, no thread is actually
36616 executing either. The @samp{N} stop reply thus informs the client
36617 that it can stop waiting for stop replies. This packet should not be
36618 sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions did not support it.
36619 @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an appropriate
36620 @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The remote stub must
36621 also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature indicating
36624 @item O @var{XX}@dots{}
36625 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
36626 written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
36627 while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
36628 for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
36630 @item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
36631 @var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
36632 be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
36633 correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
36634 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
36637 @samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
36638 this very system call.
36640 The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
36641 call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
36642 with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
36643 reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
36644 or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
36645 Protocol Extension}, for more details.
36649 @node General Query Packets
36650 @section General Query Packets
36651 @cindex remote query requests
36653 Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
36654 packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
36655 query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
36656 sending information to and from the stub.
36658 The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
36659 indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
36660 @value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
36661 definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
36666 The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
36668 Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
36671 The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
36672 lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
36673 the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
36674 foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
36677 The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
36678 parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
36679 separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
36680 full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
36681 in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
36682 with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
36683 packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
36684 for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
36685 are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
36686 existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
36689 Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
36690 has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
36691 explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
36692 templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
36693 @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
36695 Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
36701 Turn on or off the agent as a helper to perform some debugging operations
36702 delegated from @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Control Agent}).
36704 @item QAllow:@var{op}:@var{val}@dots{}
36705 @cindex @samp{QAllow} packet
36706 Specify which operations @value{GDBN} expects to request of the
36707 target, as a semicolon-separated list of operation name and value
36708 pairs. Possible values for @var{op} include @samp{WriteReg},
36709 @samp{WriteMem}, @samp{InsertBreak}, @samp{InsertTrace},
36710 @samp{InsertFastTrace}, and @samp{Stop}. @var{val} is either 0,
36711 indicating that @value{GDBN} will not request the operation, or 1,
36712 indicating that it may. (The target can then use this to set up its
36713 own internals optimally, for instance if the debugger never expects to
36714 insert breakpoints, it may not need to install its own trap handler.)
36717 @cindex current thread, remote request
36718 @cindex @samp{qC} packet
36719 Return the current thread ID.
36723 @item QC @var{thread-id}
36724 Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
36725 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
36726 @item @r{(anything else)}
36727 Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
36730 @item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
36731 @cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
36732 @cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
36733 @anchor{qCRC packet}
36734 Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory using CRC-32 defined in
36735 IEEE 802.3. The CRC is computed byte at a time, taking the most
36736 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern code
36737 @code{0xffffffff} is used to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC.
36739 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC used in validating separate debug
36740 files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files, , Debugging Information in Separate
36741 Files}). However the algorithm is slightly different. When validating
36742 separate debug files, the CRC is computed taking the @emph{least}
36743 significant bit of each byte first, and the final result is inverted to
36744 detect trailing zeros.
36749 An error (such as memory fault)
36750 @item C @var{crc32}
36751 The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
36754 @item QDisableRandomization:@var{value}
36755 @cindex disable address space randomization, remote request
36756 @cindex @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet
36757 Some target operating systems will randomize the virtual address space
36758 of the inferior process as a security feature, but provide a feature
36759 to disable such randomization, e.g.@: to allow for a more deterministic
36760 debugging experience. On such systems, this packet with a @var{value}
36761 of 1 directs the target to disable address space randomization for
36762 processes subsequently started via @samp{vRun} packets, while a packet
36763 with a @var{value} of 0 tells the target to enable address space
36766 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
36771 The request succeeded.
36774 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
36777 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QDisableRandomization} is not supported
36781 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36782 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
36783 This should only be done on targets that actually support disabling
36784 address space randomization.
36786 @item QStartupWithShell:@var{value}
36787 @cindex startup with shell, remote request
36788 @cindex @samp{QStartupWithShell} packet
36789 On UNIX-like targets, it is possible to start the inferior using a
36790 shell program. This is the default behavior on both @value{GDBN} and
36791 @command{gdbserver} (@pxref{set startup-with-shell}). This packet is
36792 used to inform @command{gdbserver} whether it should start the
36793 inferior using a shell or not.
36795 If @var{value} is @samp{0}, @command{gdbserver} will not use a shell
36796 to start the inferior. If @var{value} is @samp{1},
36797 @command{gdbserver} will use a shell to start the inferior. All other
36798 values are considered an error.
36800 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
36806 The request succeeded.
36809 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
36812 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36813 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
36814 (@pxref{qSupported}). This should only be done on targets that
36815 actually support starting the inferior using a shell.
36817 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set startup-with-shell}
36818 command; @pxref{set startup-with-shell}.
36820 @item QEnvironmentHexEncoded:@var{hex-value}
36821 @anchor{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}
36822 @cindex set environment variable, remote request
36823 @cindex @samp{QEnvironmentHexEncoded} packet
36824 On UNIX-like targets, it is possible to set environment variables that
36825 will be passed to the inferior during the startup process. This
36826 packet is used to inform @command{gdbserver} of an environment
36827 variable that has been defined by the user on @value{GDBN} (@pxref{set
36830 The packet is composed by @var{hex-value}, an hex encoded
36831 representation of the @var{name=value} format representing an
36832 environment variable. The name of the environment variable is
36833 represented by @var{name}, and the value to be assigned to the
36834 environment variable is represented by @var{value}. If the variable
36835 has no value (i.e., the value is @code{null}), then @var{value} will
36838 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
36844 The request succeeded.
36847 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36848 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
36849 (@pxref{qSupported}). This should only be done on targets that
36850 actually support passing environment variables to the starting
36853 This packet is related to the @code{set environment} command;
36854 @pxref{set environment}.
36856 @item QEnvironmentUnset:@var{hex-value}
36857 @anchor{QEnvironmentUnset}
36858 @cindex unset environment variable, remote request
36859 @cindex @samp{QEnvironmentUnset} packet
36860 On UNIX-like targets, it is possible to unset environment variables
36861 before starting the inferior in the remote target. This packet is
36862 used to inform @command{gdbserver} of an environment variable that has
36863 been unset by the user on @value{GDBN} (@pxref{unset environment}).
36865 The packet is composed by @var{hex-value}, an hex encoded
36866 representation of the name of the environment variable to be unset.
36868 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
36874 The request succeeded.
36877 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36878 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
36879 (@pxref{qSupported}). This should only be done on targets that
36880 actually support passing environment variables to the starting
36883 This packet is related to the @code{unset environment} command;
36884 @pxref{unset environment}.
36886 @item QEnvironmentReset
36887 @anchor{QEnvironmentReset}
36888 @cindex reset environment, remote request
36889 @cindex @samp{QEnvironmentReset} packet
36890 On UNIX-like targets, this packet is used to reset the state of
36891 environment variables in the remote target before starting the
36892 inferior. In this context, reset means unsetting all environment
36893 variables that were previously set by the user (i.e., were not
36894 initially present in the environment). It is sent to
36895 @command{gdbserver} before the @samp{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}
36896 (@pxref{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}) and the @samp{QEnvironmentUnset}
36897 (@pxref{QEnvironmentUnset}) packets.
36899 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
36905 The request succeeded.
36908 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
36909 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
36910 (@pxref{qSupported}). This should only be done on targets that
36911 actually support passing environment variables to the starting
36914 @item QSetWorkingDir:@r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
36915 @anchor{QSetWorkingDir packet}
36916 @cindex set working directory, remote request
36917 @cindex @samp{QSetWorkingDir} packet
36918 This packet is used to inform the remote server of the intended
36919 current working directory for programs that are going to be executed.
36921 The packet is composed by @var{directory}, an hex encoded
36922 representation of the directory that the remote inferior will use as
36923 its current working directory. If @var{directory} is an empty string,
36924 the remote server should reset the inferior's current working
36925 directory to its original, empty value.
36927 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
36933 The request succeeded.
36937 @itemx qsThreadInfo
36938 @cindex list active threads, remote request
36939 @cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
36940 @cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
36941 Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
36942 may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
36943 works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
36944 obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
36945 be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
36946 sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
36948 NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
36952 @item m @var{thread-id}
36954 @item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
36955 a comma-separated list of thread IDs
36957 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
36960 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
36961 more thread IDs, separated by commas.
36962 @value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
36963 ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
36964 with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for @dfn{last}).
36965 Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
36968 @emph{Note: @value{GDBN} will send the @code{qfThreadInfo} query during the
36969 initial connection with the remote target, and the very first thread ID
36970 mentioned in the reply will be stopped by @value{GDBN} in a subsequent
36971 message. Therefore, the stub should ensure that the first thread ID in
36972 the @code{qfThreadInfo} reply is suitable for being stopped by @value{GDBN}.}
36974 @item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
36975 @cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
36976 @cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
36977 Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
36978 by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
36980 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
36981 thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
36983 @var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
36984 thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
36985 information associated with the variable.)
36987 @var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
36988 load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
36989 a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
36990 object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
36991 Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
36992 differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
36996 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
36997 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
36998 local storage requested.
37001 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
37004 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
37007 @item qGetTIBAddr:@var{thread-id}
37008 @cindex get thread information block address
37009 @cindex @samp{qGetTIBAddr} packet
37010 Fetch address of the Windows OS specific Thread Information Block.
37012 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the thread.
37016 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
37017 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the linear address of the
37018 thread information block.
37021 An error occured. This means that either the thread was not found, or the
37022 address could not be retrieved.
37025 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTIBAddr} is not supported by the stub.
37028 @item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
37029 Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
37030 digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
37031 subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
37032 number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
37033 (eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
37034 returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
37036 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
37040 @item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
37041 Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
37042 returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
37043 and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
37044 digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
37045 is a sequence of thread IDs, @var{threadid} (eight hex
37046 digits), from the target. See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
37050 @cindex section offsets, remote request
37051 @cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
37052 Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
37057 @item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
37058 Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
37059 Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
37060 If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
37061 @samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
37062 segments by the supplied offsets.
37064 @emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
37065 @value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
37066 to the @code{Bss} section.}
37068 @item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
37069 Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
37070 contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
37071 @samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
37072 conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
37073 @var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
37074 does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
37075 as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
37076 kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
37079 @item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
37080 @cindex thread information, remote request
37081 @cindex @samp{qP} packet
37082 Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
37083 encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
37084 (@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
37086 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
37089 Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
37093 @cindex non-stop mode, remote request
37094 @cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
37096 Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
37097 @xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
37102 The request succeeded.
37105 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
37108 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
37112 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37113 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37114 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
37115 @pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
37117 @item QCatchSyscalls:1 @r{[};@var{sysno}@r{]}@dots{}
37118 @itemx QCatchSyscalls:0
37119 @cindex catch syscalls from inferior, remote request
37120 @cindex @samp{QCatchSyscalls} packet
37121 @anchor{QCatchSyscalls}
37122 Enable (@samp{QCatchSyscalls:1}) or disable (@samp{QCatchSyscalls:0})
37123 catching syscalls from the inferior process.
37125 For @samp{QCatchSyscalls:1}, each listed syscall @var{sysno} (encoded
37126 in hex) should be reported to @value{GDBN}. If no syscall @var{sysno}
37127 is listed, every system call should be reported.
37129 Note that if a syscall not in the list is reported, @value{GDBN} will
37130 still filter the event according to its own list from all corresponding
37131 @code{catch syscall} commands. However, it is more efficient to only
37132 report the requested syscalls.
37134 Multiple @samp{QCatchSyscalls:1} packets do not combine; any earlier
37135 @samp{QCatchSyscalls:1} list is completely replaced by the new list.
37137 If the inferior process execs, the state of @samp{QCatchSyscalls} is
37138 kept for the new process too. On targets where exec may affect syscall
37139 numbers, for example with exec between 32 and 64-bit processes, the
37140 client should send a new packet with the new syscall list.
37145 The request succeeded.
37148 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
37151 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QCatchSyscalls} is not supported by
37155 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote catch-syscalls}
37156 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote catch-syscalls}).
37157 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37158 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37160 @item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
37161 @cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
37162 @cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
37163 @anchor{QPassSignals}
37164 Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
37165 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
37166 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
37167 strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
37168 the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
37169 reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
37170 combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
37171 new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
37172 @var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
37177 The request succeeded.
37180 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
37183 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
37187 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
37188 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
37189 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37190 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37192 @item QProgramSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
37193 @cindex signals the inferior may see, remote request
37194 @cindex @samp{QProgramSignals} packet
37195 @anchor{QProgramSignals}
37196 Each listed @var{signal} may be delivered to the inferior process.
37197 Others should be silently discarded.
37199 In some cases, the remote stub may need to decide whether to deliver a
37200 signal to the program or not without @value{GDBN} involvement. One
37201 example of that is while detaching --- the program's threads may have
37202 stopped for signals that haven't yet had a chance of being reported to
37203 @value{GDBN}, and so the remote stub can use the signal list specified
37204 by this packet to know whether to deliver or ignore those pending
37207 This does not influence whether to deliver a signal as requested by a
37208 resumption packet (@pxref{vCont packet}).
37210 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
37211 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
37212 strictly greater than the previous item. Multiple
37213 @samp{QProgramSignals} packets do not combine; any earlier
37214 @samp{QProgramSignals} list is completely replaced by the new list.
37219 The request succeeded.
37222 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
37225 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QProgramSignals} is not supported
37229 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote program-signals}
37230 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote program-signals}).
37231 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
37232 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
37234 @anchor{QThreadEvents}
37235 @item QThreadEvents:1
37236 @itemx QThreadEvents:0
37237 @cindex thread create/exit events, remote request
37238 @cindex @samp{QThreadEvents} packet
37240 Enable (@samp{QThreadEvents:1}) or disable (@samp{QThreadEvents:0})
37241 reporting of thread create and exit events. @xref{thread create
37242 event}, for the reply specifications. For example, this is used in
37243 non-stop mode when @value{GDBN} stops a set of threads and
37244 synchronously waits for the their corresponding stop replies. Without
37245 exit events, if one of the threads exits, @value{GDBN} would hang
37246 forever not knowing that it should no longer expect a stop for that
37247 same thread. @value{GDBN} does not enable this feature unless the
37248 stub reports that it supports it by including @samp{QThreadEvents+} in
37249 its @samp{qSupported} reply.
37254 The request succeeded.
37257 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
37260 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QThreadEvents} is not supported by
37264 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote thread-events}
37265 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote thread-events}).
37267 @item qRcmd,@var{command}
37268 @cindex execute remote command, remote request
37269 @cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
37270 @var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
37271 execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
37272 string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
37273 with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
37274 packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
37275 stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
37280 A command response with no output.
37282 A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
37284 Indicate a badly formed request.
37286 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
37289 (Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
37290 command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
37291 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
37294 @item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
37295 @cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
37297 @cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
37299 @cindex @samp{qSearch memory} packet
37300 @anchor{qSearch memory}
37301 Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
37302 Both @var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex;
37303 @var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, also hex encoded.
37308 The pattern was not found.
37310 The pattern was found at @var{address}.
37312 A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
37314 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
37317 @item QStartNoAckMode
37318 @cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
37319 @anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
37320 Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
37321 protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
37326 The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
37327 @value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
37328 but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
37329 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
37331 An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
37334 @item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
37335 @cindex supported packets, remote query
37336 @cindex features of the remote protocol
37337 @cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
37338 @anchor{qSupported}
37339 Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
37340 query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
37341 @value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
37342 features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
37343 at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
37344 packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
37345 high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
37346 be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
37347 stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
37348 automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
37349 reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
37350 unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
37351 helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
37352 versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
37356 @item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
37357 The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
37358 depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
37361 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
37362 or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
37365 The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
37366 @samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
37370 @item @var{name}=@var{value}
37371 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
37372 with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
37373 on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
37375 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
37376 need an associated value.
37378 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
37380 The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
37381 @value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
37382 needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
37383 but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
37386 Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
37387 supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
37388 request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
37389 state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
37390 a different version of @value{GDBN}.
37392 The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
37397 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
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{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
37401 @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
37404 This feature indicates that @value{GDBN} supports the XML target
37405 description. If the stub sees @samp{xmlRegisters=} with target
37406 specific strings separated by a comma, it will report register
37410 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the
37411 @samp{qRelocInsn} packet (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
37412 instruction reply packet}).
37415 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the swbreak stop
37416 reason in stop replies. @xref{swbreak stop reason}, for details.
37419 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the hwbreak stop
37420 reason in stop replies. @xref{swbreak stop reason}, for details.
37423 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports fork event
37424 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
37425 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
37426 including @samp{fork-events+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
37429 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports vfork event
37430 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
37431 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
37432 including @samp{vfork-events+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
37435 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports exec event
37436 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
37437 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
37438 including @samp{exec-events+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
37440 @item vContSupported
37441 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} wants to know the
37442 supported actions in the reply to @samp{vCont?} packet.
37445 Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
37446 @var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
37447 packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
37448 versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
37449 for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
37450 advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
37451 improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
37452 an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
37453 of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
37454 describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
37455 all the features it supports.
37457 Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
37458 responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
37460 Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
37461 should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
37462 require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
37465 Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
37466 @samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
37467 in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
37468 stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
37470 Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
37471 mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
37472 architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
37473 about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
37474 stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
37476 These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
37478 @multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
37479 @c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
37480 @c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
37482 @tab Value Required
37486 @item @samp{PacketSize}
37491 @item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
37496 @item @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
37501 @item @samp{qXfer:btrace-conf:read}
37506 @item @samp{qXfer:exec-file:read}
37511 @item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
37516 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
37521 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read}
37526 @item @samp{augmented-libraries-svr4-read}
37531 @item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
37536 @item @samp{qXfer:sdata:read}
37541 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
37546 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
37551 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read}
37556 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write}
37561 @item @samp{qXfer:threads:read}
37566 @item @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
37571 @item @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
37576 @item @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
37581 @item @samp{Qbtrace:off}
37586 @item @samp{Qbtrace:bts}
37591 @item @samp{Qbtrace:pt}
37596 @item @samp{Qbtrace-conf:bts:size}
37601 @item @samp{Qbtrace-conf:pt:size}
37606 @item @samp{QNonStop}
37611 @item @samp{QCatchSyscalls}
37616 @item @samp{QPassSignals}
37621 @item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
37626 @item @samp{multiprocess}
37631 @item @samp{ConditionalBreakpoints}
37636 @item @samp{ConditionalTracepoints}
37641 @item @samp{ReverseContinue}
37646 @item @samp{ReverseStep}
37651 @item @samp{TracepointSource}
37656 @item @samp{QAgent}
37661 @item @samp{QAllow}
37666 @item @samp{QDisableRandomization}
37671 @item @samp{EnableDisableTracepoints}
37676 @item @samp{QTBuffer:size}
37681 @item @samp{tracenz}
37686 @item @samp{BreakpointCommands}
37691 @item @samp{swbreak}
37696 @item @samp{hwbreak}
37701 @item @samp{fork-events}
37706 @item @samp{vfork-events}
37711 @item @samp{exec-events}
37716 @item @samp{QThreadEvents}
37721 @item @samp{no-resumed}
37728 These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
37731 @cindex packet size, remote protocol
37732 @item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
37733 The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
37734 length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
37735 transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
37736 data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
37737 There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
37738 stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
37739 byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
37740 @value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
37742 @item qXfer:auxv:read
37743 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
37744 (@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
37746 @item qXfer:btrace:read
37747 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
37748 packet (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}).
37750 @item qXfer:btrace-conf:read
37751 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:btrace-conf:read}
37752 packet (@pxref{qXfer btrace-conf read}).
37754 @item qXfer:exec-file:read
37755 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:exec-file:read} packet
37756 (@pxref{qXfer executable filename read}).
37758 @item qXfer:features:read
37759 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
37760 (@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
37762 @item qXfer:libraries:read
37763 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
37764 (@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
37766 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read
37767 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
37768 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
37770 @item augmented-libraries-svr4-read
37771 The remote stub understands the augmented form of the
37772 @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
37773 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
37775 @item qXfer:memory-map:read
37776 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
37777 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
37779 @item qXfer:sdata:read
37780 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:sdata:read} packet
37781 (@pxref{qXfer sdata read}).
37783 @item qXfer:spu:read
37784 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
37785 (@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
37787 @item qXfer:spu:write
37788 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
37789 (@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
37791 @item qXfer:siginfo:read
37792 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read} packet
37793 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo read}).
37795 @item qXfer:siginfo:write
37796 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write} packet
37797 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo write}).
37799 @item qXfer:threads:read
37800 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
37801 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}).
37803 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read
37804 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
37805 packet (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}).
37807 @item qXfer:uib:read
37808 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
37809 packet (@pxref{qXfer unwind info block}).
37811 @item qXfer:fdpic:read
37812 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
37813 packet (@pxref{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}).
37816 The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
37817 (@pxref{QNonStop}).
37819 @item QCatchSyscalls
37820 The remote stub understands the @samp{QCatchSyscalls} packet
37821 (@pxref{QCatchSyscalls}).
37824 The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
37825 (@pxref{QPassSignals}).
37827 @item QStartNoAckMode
37828 The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
37829 prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
37832 @anchor{multiprocess extensions}
37833 @cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
37834 The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
37835 protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
37836 thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
37837 add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
37838 replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
37839 syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
37840 debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
37841 multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
37842 indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
37844 @item qXfer:osdata:read
37845 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
37846 ((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
37848 @item ConditionalBreakpoints
37849 The target accepts and implements evaluation of conditional expressions
37850 defined for breakpoints. The target will only report breakpoint triggers
37851 when such conditions are true (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
37853 @item ConditionalTracepoints
37854 The remote stub accepts and implements conditional expressions defined
37855 for tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoint Conditions}).
37857 @item ReverseContinue
37858 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse continue packet
37862 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse step packet
37865 @item TracepointSource
37866 The remote stub understands the @samp{QTDPsrc} packet that supplies
37867 the source form of tracepoint definitions.
37870 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAgent} packet.
37873 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAllow} packet.
37875 @item QDisableRandomization
37876 The remote stub understands the @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet.
37878 @item StaticTracepoint
37879 @cindex static tracepoints, in remote protocol
37880 The remote stub supports static tracepoints.
37882 @item InstallInTrace
37883 @anchor{install tracepoint in tracing}
37884 The remote stub supports installing tracepoint in tracing.
37886 @item EnableDisableTracepoints
37887 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTEnable} (@pxref{QTEnable}) and
37888 @samp{QTDisable} (@pxref{QTDisable}) packets that allow tracepoints
37889 to be enabled and disabled while a trace experiment is running.
37891 @item QTBuffer:size
37892 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTBuffer:size} (@pxref{QTBuffer-size})
37893 packet that allows to change the size of the trace buffer.
37896 @cindex string tracing, in remote protocol
37897 The remote stub supports the @samp{tracenz} bytecode for collecting strings.
37898 See @ref{Bytecode Descriptions} for details about the bytecode.
37900 @item BreakpointCommands
37901 @cindex breakpoint commands, in remote protocol
37902 The remote stub supports running a breakpoint's command list itself,
37903 rather than reporting the hit to @value{GDBN}.
37906 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:off} packet.
37909 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:bts} packet.
37912 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:pt} packet.
37914 @item Qbtrace-conf:bts:size
37915 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace-conf:bts:size} packet.
37917 @item Qbtrace-conf:pt:size
37918 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace-conf:pt:size} packet.
37921 The remote stub reports the @samp{swbreak} stop reason for memory
37925 The remote stub reports the @samp{hwbreak} stop reason for hardware
37929 The remote stub reports the @samp{fork} stop reason for fork events.
37932 The remote stub reports the @samp{vfork} stop reason for vfork events
37933 and vforkdone events.
37936 The remote stub reports the @samp{exec} stop reason for exec events.
37938 @item vContSupported
37939 The remote stub reports the supported actions in the reply to
37940 @samp{vCont?} packet.
37942 @item QThreadEvents
37943 The remote stub understands the @samp{QThreadEvents} packet.
37946 The remote stub reports the @samp{N} stop reply.
37951 @cindex symbol lookup, remote request
37952 @cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
37953 Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
37954 requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
37959 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
37960 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
37961 The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
37962 @value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
37963 @samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
37967 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
37968 Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
37970 @var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
37971 target has previously requested.
37973 @var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
37974 @value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
37980 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
37981 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
37982 The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
37983 encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
37984 (if available), until the target ceases to request them.
37989 @itemx QTDisconnected
37996 @itemx qTMinFTPILen
37998 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
38000 @item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
38001 @cindex thread attributes info, remote request
38002 @cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
38003 Obtain from the target OS a printable string description of thread
38004 attributes for the thread @var{thread-id}; see @ref{thread-id syntax},
38005 for the forms of @var{thread-id}. This
38006 string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
38007 for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
38008 displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
38009 examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
38010 @samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
38014 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
38015 Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
38016 comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
38017 the thread's attributes.
38020 (Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
38021 the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
38022 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
38041 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
38043 @item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38044 @cindex read special object, remote request
38045 @cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
38046 @anchor{qXfer read}
38047 Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
38048 identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
38049 starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
38050 encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
38051 additional details about what data to access.
38056 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
38057 target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
38058 it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
38059 block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
38060 It is possible for @var{data} to have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
38064 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
38065 There is no more data to be read. It is possible for @var{data} to
38066 have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the request.
38069 The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
38070 There is no more data to be read.
38073 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
38076 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
38077 The @var{nn} part is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
38080 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
38081 the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
38084 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All the
38085 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
38086 formats, listed above.
38089 @item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
38090 @anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
38091 Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
38092 auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
38094 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38095 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38097 @item qXfer:btrace:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38098 @anchor{qXfer btrace read}
38100 Return a description of the current branch trace.
38101 @xref{Branch Trace Format}. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer}
38102 packet may have one of the following values:
38106 Returns all available branch trace.
38109 Returns all available branch trace if the branch trace changed since
38110 the last read request.
38113 Returns the new branch trace since the last read request. Adds a new
38114 block to the end of the trace that begins at zero and ends at the source
38115 location of the first branch in the trace buffer. This extra block is
38116 used to stitch traces together.
38118 If the trace buffer overflowed, returns an error indicating the overflow.
38121 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it
38122 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38124 @item qXfer:btrace-conf:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
38125 @anchor{qXfer btrace-conf read}
38127 Return a description of the current branch trace configuration.
38128 @xref{Branch Trace Configuration Format}.
38130 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it
38131 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38133 @item qXfer:exec-file:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38134 @anchor{qXfer executable filename read}
38135 Return the full absolute name of the file that was executed to create
38136 a process running on the remote system. The annex specifies the
38137 numeric process ID of the process to query, encoded as a hexadecimal
38138 number. If the annex part is empty the remote stub should return the
38139 filename corresponding to the currently executing process.
38141 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38142 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38144 @item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38145 @anchor{qXfer target description read}
38146 Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
38147 annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
38148 always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
38150 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38151 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38153 @item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38154 @anchor{qXfer library list read}
38155 Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
38156 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
38157 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
38159 Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
38160 not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
38161 the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
38163 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38164 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38166 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38167 @anchor{qXfer svr4 library list read}
38168 Access the target's list of loaded libraries when the target is an SVR4
38169 platform. @xref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets}. The annex part
38170 of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty unless the remote
38171 stub indicated it supports the augmented form of this packet
38172 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
38173 (@pxref{qXfer read}, @ref{qSupported}).
38175 This packet is optional for better performance on SVR4 targets.
38176 @value{GDBN} uses memory read packets to read the SVR4 library list otherwise.
38178 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38179 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38181 If the remote stub indicates it supports the augmented form of this
38182 packet then the annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet may
38183 contain a semicolon-separated list of @samp{@var{name}=@var{value}}
38184 arguments. The currently supported arguments are:
38187 @item start=@var{address}
38188 A hexadecimal number specifying the address of the @samp{struct
38189 link_map} to start reading the library list from. If unset or zero
38190 then the first @samp{struct link_map} in the library list will be
38191 chosen as the starting point.
38193 @item prev=@var{address}
38194 A hexadecimal number specifying the address of the @samp{struct
38195 link_map} immediately preceding the @samp{struct link_map}
38196 specified by the @samp{start} argument. If unset or zero then
38197 the remote stub will expect that no @samp{struct link_map}
38198 exists prior to the starting point.
38202 Arguments that are not understood by the remote stub will be silently
38205 @item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
38206 @anchor{qXfer memory map read}
38207 Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
38208 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
38209 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
38211 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38212 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38214 @item qXfer:sdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
38215 @anchor{qXfer sdata read}
38217 Read contents of the extra collected static tracepoint marker
38218 information. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must
38219 be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}). @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint
38222 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38223 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
38224 (@pxref{qSupported}).
38226 @item qXfer:siginfo:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
38227 @anchor{qXfer siginfo read}
38228 Read contents of the extra signal information on the target
38229 system. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
38230 empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
38232 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38233 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
38234 (@pxref{qSupported}).
38236 @item qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38237 @anchor{qXfer spu read}
38238 Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
38239 annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
38240 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
38241 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
38242 in that context to be accessed.
38244 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38245 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
38246 (@pxref{qSupported}).
38248 @item qXfer:threads:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
38249 @anchor{qXfer threads read}
38250 Access the list of threads on target. @xref{Thread List Format}. The
38251 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
38252 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
38254 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38255 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38257 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
38258 @anchor{qXfer traceframe info read}
38260 Return a description of the current traceframe's contents.
38261 @xref{Traceframe Info Format}. The annex part of the generic
38262 @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
38264 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38265 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38267 @item qXfer:uib:read:@var{pc}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38268 @anchor{qXfer unwind info block}
38270 Return the unwind information block for @var{pc}. This packet is used
38271 on OpenVMS/ia64 to ask the kernel unwind information.
38273 This packet is not probed by default.
38275 @item qXfer:fdpic:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
38276 @anchor{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}
38277 Read contents of @code{loadmap}s on the target system. The
38278 annex, either @samp{exec} or @samp{interp}, specifies which @code{loadmap},
38279 executable @code{loadmap} or interpreter @code{loadmap} to read.
38281 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38282 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38284 @item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
38285 @anchor{qXfer osdata read}
38286 Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
38287 @xref{Operating System Information}.
38291 @item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
38292 @cindex write data into object, remote request
38293 @anchor{qXfer write}
38294 Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
38295 identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
38296 into the data. The binary-encoded data (@pxref{Binary Data}) to be
38297 written is given by @var{data}@dots{}. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
38298 is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
38304 @var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
38305 This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
38308 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
38311 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
38312 The @var{nn} part is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
38315 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
38316 recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
38319 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All the
38320 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
38321 formats, listed above.
38324 @item qXfer:siginfo:write::@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
38325 @anchor{qXfer siginfo write}
38326 Write @var{data} to the extra signal information on the target system.
38327 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
38328 empty (@pxref{qXfer write}).
38330 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38331 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
38332 (@pxref{qSupported}).
38334 @item qXfer:spu:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
38335 @anchor{qXfer spu write}
38336 Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
38337 annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
38338 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
38339 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
38340 in that context to be accessed.
38342 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38343 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38346 @item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
38347 Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
38348 not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
38349 @var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
38350 must respond with an empty packet.
38352 @item qAttached:@var{pid}
38353 @cindex query attached, remote request
38354 @cindex @samp{qAttached} packet
38355 Return an indication of whether the remote server attached to an
38356 existing process or created a new process. When the multiprocess
38357 protocol extensions are supported (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}),
38358 @var{pid} is an integer in hexadecimal format identifying the target
38359 process. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will omit the @var{pid} field and
38360 the query packet will be simplified as @samp{qAttached}.
38362 This query is used, for example, to know whether the remote process
38363 should be detached or killed when a @value{GDBN} session is ended with
38364 the @code{quit} command.
38369 The remote server attached to an existing process.
38371 The remote server created a new process.
38373 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
38377 Enable branch tracing for the current thread using Branch Trace Store.
38382 Branch tracing has been enabled.
38384 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
38388 Enable branch tracing for the current thread using Intel Processor Trace.
38393 Branch tracing has been enabled.
38395 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
38399 Disable branch tracing for the current thread.
38404 Branch tracing has been disabled.
38406 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
38409 @item Qbtrace-conf:bts:size=@var{value}
38410 Set the requested ring buffer size for new threads that use the
38411 btrace recording method in bts format.
38416 The ring buffer size has been set.
38418 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
38421 @item Qbtrace-conf:pt:size=@var{value}
38422 Set the requested ring buffer size for new threads that use the
38423 btrace recording method in pt format.
38428 The ring buffer size has been set.
38430 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
38435 @node Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
38436 @section Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
38438 This section describes how the remote protocol is applied to specific
38439 target architectures. Also see @ref{Standard Target Features}, for
38440 details of XML target descriptions for each architecture.
38443 * ARM-Specific Protocol Details::
38444 * MIPS-Specific Protocol Details::
38447 @node ARM-Specific Protocol Details
38448 @subsection @acronym{ARM}-specific Protocol Details
38451 * ARM Breakpoint Kinds::
38454 @node ARM Breakpoint Kinds
38455 @subsubsection @acronym{ARM} Breakpoint Kinds
38456 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{ARM}
38458 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
38463 16-bit Thumb mode breakpoint.
38466 32-bit Thumb mode (Thumb-2) breakpoint.
38469 32-bit @acronym{ARM} mode breakpoint.
38473 @node MIPS-Specific Protocol Details
38474 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}-specific Protocol Details
38477 * MIPS Register packet Format::
38478 * MIPS Breakpoint Kinds::
38481 @node MIPS Register packet Format
38482 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Register Packet Format
38483 @cindex register packet format, @acronym{MIPS}
38485 The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
38486 In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
38487 sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
38488 to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
38489 byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
38490 most-significant -- least-significant.
38495 All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
38496 32 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
38497 registers; fsr; fir; fp.
38500 All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
38501 thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
38506 @node MIPS Breakpoint Kinds
38507 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Breakpoint Kinds
38508 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{MIPS}
38510 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
38515 16-bit @acronym{MIPS16} mode breakpoint.
38518 16-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
38521 32-bit standard @acronym{MIPS} mode breakpoint.
38524 32-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
38528 @node Tracepoint Packets
38529 @section Tracepoint Packets
38530 @cindex tracepoint packets
38531 @cindex packets, tracepoint
38533 Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
38534 tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
38538 @item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}[:F@var{flen}][:X@var{len},@var{bytes}]@r{[}-@r{]}
38539 @cindex @samp{QTDP} packet
38540 Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
38541 is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
38542 the tracepoint is disabled. The @var{step} gives the tracepoint's step
38543 count, and @var{pass} gives its pass count. If an @samp{F} is present,
38544 then the tracepoint is to be a fast tracepoint, and the @var{flen} is
38545 the number of bytes that the target should copy elsewhere to make room
38546 for the tracepoint. If an @samp{X} is present, it introduces a
38547 tracepoint condition, which consists of a hexadecimal length, followed
38548 by a comma and hex-encoded bytes, in a manner similar to action
38549 encodings as described below. If the trailing @samp{-} is present,
38550 further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this tracepoint's
38556 The packet was understood and carried out.
38558 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
38560 The packet was not recognized.
38563 @item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
38564 Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. The @var{n} and
38565 @var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
38566 this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
38567 another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
38568 trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
38569 specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
38571 In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
38572 can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
38573 is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
38574 actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
38575 taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
38576 @samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
38577 tracepoint actions.
38579 The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
38580 actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
38586 Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask},
38587 a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
38588 @var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
38589 zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
38590 not fit in a 32-bit word.
38592 @item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
38593 Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
38594 number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
38595 @samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
38596 address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
38597 @var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
38598 values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
38600 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
38601 Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
38602 it directs. The agent expression @var{expr} is as described in
38603 @ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
38604 two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
38605 in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
38610 Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
38611 packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
38612 length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
38613 action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
38614 actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
38615 must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
38616 ``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
38617 separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
38622 The packet was understood and carried out.
38624 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
38626 The packet was not recognized.
38629 @item QTDPsrc:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{type}:@var{start}:@var{slen}:@var{bytes}
38630 @cindex @samp{QTDPsrc} packet
38631 Specify a source string of tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr}.
38632 This is useful to get accurate reproduction of the tracepoints
38633 originally downloaded at the beginning of the trace run. The @var{type}
38634 is the name of the tracepoint part, such as @samp{cond} for the
38635 tracepoint's conditional expression (see below for a list of types), while
38636 @var{bytes} is the string, encoded in hexadecimal.
38638 @var{start} is the offset of the @var{bytes} within the overall source
38639 string, while @var{slen} is the total length of the source string.
38640 This is intended for handling source strings that are longer than will
38641 fit in a single packet.
38642 @c Add detailed example when this info is moved into a dedicated
38643 @c tracepoint descriptions section.
38645 The available string types are @samp{at} for the location,
38646 @samp{cond} for the conditional, and @samp{cmd} for an action command.
38647 @value{GDBN} sends a separate packet for each command in the action
38648 list, in the same order in which the commands are stored in the list.
38650 The target does not need to do anything with source strings except
38651 report them back as part of the replies to the @samp{qTfP}/@samp{qTsP}
38654 Although this packet is optional, and @value{GDBN} will only send it
38655 if the target replies with @samp{TracepointSource} @xref{General
38656 Query Packets}, it makes both disconnected tracing and trace files
38657 much easier to use. Otherwise the user must be careful that the
38658 tracepoints in effect while looking at trace frames are identical to
38659 the ones in effect during the trace run; even a small discrepancy
38660 could cause @samp{tdump} not to work, or a particular trace frame not
38663 @item QTDV:@var{n}:@var{value}:@var{builtin}:@var{name}
38664 @cindex define trace state variable, remote request
38665 @cindex @samp{QTDV} packet
38666 Create a new trace state variable, number @var{n}, with an initial
38667 value of @var{value}, which is a 64-bit signed integer. Both @var{n}
38668 and @var{value} are encoded as hexadecimal values. @value{GDBN} has
38669 the option of not using this packet for initial values of zero; the
38670 target should simply create the trace state variables as they are
38671 mentioned in expressions. The value @var{builtin} should be 1 (one)
38672 if the trace state variable is builtin and 0 (zero) if it is not builtin.
38673 @value{GDBN} only sets @var{builtin} to 1 if a previous @samp{qTfV} or
38674 @samp{qTsV} packet had it set. The contents of @var{name} is the
38675 hex-encoded name (without the leading @samp{$}) of the trace state
38678 @item QTFrame:@var{n}
38679 @cindex @samp{QTFrame} packet
38680 Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
38681 register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
38682 request packets from @value{GDBN}.
38684 A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
38685 requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
38686 without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
38687 one of the following forms:
38691 The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
38692 @var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
38693 was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
38696 The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
38697 @var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
38701 @item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
38702 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
38703 currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
38704 @var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
38706 @item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
38707 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
38708 currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
38709 is a hexadecimal number.
38711 @item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
38712 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
38713 currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
38714 and @var{end} (inclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
38717 @item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
38718 Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
38719 frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses (exclusive).
38722 @cindex @samp{qTMinFTPILen} packet
38723 This packet requests the minimum length of instruction at which a fast
38724 tracepoint (@pxref{Set Tracepoints}) may be placed. For instance, on
38725 the 32-bit x86 architecture, it is possible to use a 4-byte jump, but
38726 it depends on the target system being able to create trampolines in
38727 the first 64K of memory, which might or might not be possible for that
38728 system. So the reply to this packet will be 4 if it is able to
38735 The minimum instruction length is currently unknown.
38737 The minimum instruction length is @var{length}, where @var{length}
38738 is a hexadecimal number greater or equal to 1. A reply
38739 of 1 means that a fast tracepoint may be placed on any instruction
38740 regardless of size.
38742 An error has occurred.
38744 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the stub.
38748 @cindex @samp{QTStart} packet
38749 Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from
38750 tracepoint hits in the trace frame buffer. This packet supports the
38751 @samp{qRelocInsn} reply (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
38752 instruction reply packet}).
38755 @cindex @samp{QTStop} packet
38756 End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
38758 @item QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
38760 @cindex @samp{QTEnable} packet
38761 Enable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
38762 experiment. If the tracepoint was previously disabled, then collection
38763 of data from it will resume.
38765 @item QTDisable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
38767 @cindex @samp{QTDisable} packet
38768 Disable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
38769 experiment. No more data will be collected from the tracepoint unless
38770 @samp{QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}} is subsequently issued.
38773 @cindex @samp{QTinit} packet
38774 Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
38776 @item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
38777 @cindex @samp{QTro} packet
38778 Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
38779 will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
38780 if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
38782 @value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
38783 containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
38784 still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
38785 there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
38787 @item QTDisconnected:@var{value}
38788 @cindex @samp{QTDisconnected} packet
38789 Set the choice to what to do with the tracing run when @value{GDBN}
38790 disconnects from the target. A @var{value} of 1 directs the target to
38791 continue the tracing run, while 0 tells the target to stop tracing if
38792 @value{GDBN} is no longer in the picture.
38795 @cindex @samp{qTStatus} packet
38796 Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
38798 The reply has the form:
38802 @item T@var{running}@r{[};@var{field}@r{]}@dots{}
38803 @var{running} is a single digit @code{1} if the trace is presently
38804 running, or @code{0} if not. It is followed by semicolon-separated
38805 optional fields that an agent may use to report additional status.
38809 If the trace is not running, the agent may report any of several
38810 explanations as one of the optional fields:
38815 No trace has been run yet.
38817 @item tstop[:@var{text}]:0
38818 The trace was stopped by a user-originated stop command. The optional
38819 @var{text} field is a user-supplied string supplied as part of the
38820 stop command (for instance, an explanation of why the trace was
38821 stopped manually). It is hex-encoded.
38824 The trace stopped because the trace buffer filled up.
38826 @item tdisconnected:0
38827 The trace stopped because @value{GDBN} disconnected from the target.
38829 @item tpasscount:@var{tpnum}
38830 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} exceeded its pass count.
38832 @item terror:@var{text}:@var{tpnum}
38833 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} had an error. The
38834 string @var{text} is available to describe the nature of the error
38835 (for instance, a divide by zero in the condition expression); it
38839 The trace stopped for some other reason.
38843 Additional optional fields supply statistical and other information.
38844 Although not required, they are extremely useful for users monitoring
38845 the progress of a trace run. If a trace has stopped, and these
38846 numbers are reported, they must reflect the state of the just-stopped
38851 @item tframes:@var{n}
38852 The number of trace frames in the buffer.
38854 @item tcreated:@var{n}
38855 The total number of trace frames created during the run. This may
38856 be larger than the trace frame count, if the buffer is circular.
38858 @item tsize:@var{n}
38859 The total size of the trace buffer, in bytes.
38861 @item tfree:@var{n}
38862 The number of bytes still unused in the buffer.
38864 @item circular:@var{n}
38865 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
38866 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
38867 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
38870 @item disconn:@var{n}
38871 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
38872 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
38873 that the trace run will stop.
38877 @item qTP:@var{tp}:@var{addr}
38878 @cindex tracepoint status, remote request
38879 @cindex @samp{qTP} packet
38880 Ask the stub for the current state of tracepoint number @var{tp} at
38881 address @var{addr}.
38885 @item V@var{hits}:@var{usage}
38886 The tracepoint has been hit @var{hits} times so far during the trace
38887 run, and accounts for @var{usage} in the trace buffer. Note that
38888 @code{while-stepping} steps are not counted as separate hits, but the
38889 steps' space consumption is added into the usage number.
38893 @item qTV:@var{var}
38894 @cindex trace state variable value, remote request
38895 @cindex @samp{qTV} packet
38896 Ask the stub for the value of the trace state variable number @var{var}.
38901 The value of the variable is @var{value}. This will be the current
38902 value of the variable if the user is examining a running target, or a
38903 saved value if the variable was collected in the trace frame that the
38904 user is looking at. Note that multiple requests may result in
38905 different reply values, such as when requesting values while the
38906 program is running.
38909 The value of the variable is unknown. This would occur, for example,
38910 if the user is examining a trace frame in which the requested variable
38915 @cindex @samp{qTfP} packet
38917 @cindex @samp{qTsP} packet
38918 These packets request data about tracepoints that are being used by
38919 the target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfP} to get the first piece
38920 of data, and multiple @code{qTsP} to get additional pieces. Replies
38921 to these packets generally take the form of the @code{QTDP} packets
38922 that define tracepoints. (FIXME add detailed syntax)
38925 @cindex @samp{qTfV} packet
38927 @cindex @samp{qTsV} packet
38928 These packets request data about trace state variables that are on the
38929 target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfV} to get the first vari of data,
38930 and multiple @code{qTsV} to get additional variables. Replies to
38931 these packets follow the syntax of the @code{QTDV} packets that define
38932 trace state variables.
38938 @cindex @samp{qTfSTM} packet
38939 @cindex @samp{qTsSTM} packet
38940 These packets request data about static tracepoint markers that exist
38941 in the target program. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfSTM} to get the
38942 first piece of data, and multiple @code{qTsSTM} to get additional
38943 pieces. Replies to these packets take the following form:
38947 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}
38949 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra},@var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}@dots{}
38950 a comma-separated list of markers
38952 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
38954 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
38956 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the
38960 The @var{address} is encoded in hex;
38961 @var{id} and @var{extra} are strings encoded in hex.
38963 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
38964 more markers, separated by commas. @value{GDBN} will respond to each
38965 reply with a request for more markers (using the @samp{qs} form of the
38966 query), until the target responds with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for
38969 @item qTSTMat:@var{address}
38971 @cindex @samp{qTSTMat} packet
38972 This packets requests data about static tracepoint markers in the
38973 target program at @var{address}. Replies to this packet follow the
38974 syntax of the @samp{qTfSTM} and @code{qTsSTM} packets that list static
38975 tracepoint markers.
38977 @item QTSave:@var{filename}
38978 @cindex @samp{QTSave} packet
38979 This packet directs the target to save trace data to the file name
38980 @var{filename} in the target's filesystem. The @var{filename} is encoded
38981 as a hex string; the interpretation of the file name (relative vs
38982 absolute, wild cards, etc) is up to the target.
38984 @item qTBuffer:@var{offset},@var{len}
38985 @cindex @samp{qTBuffer} packet
38986 Return up to @var{len} bytes of the current contents of trace buffer,
38987 starting at @var{offset}. The trace buffer is treated as if it were
38988 a contiguous collection of traceframes, as per the trace file format.
38989 The reply consists as many hex-encoded bytes as the target can deliver
38990 in a packet; it is not an error to return fewer than were asked for.
38991 A reply consisting of just @code{l} indicates that no bytes are
38994 @item QTBuffer:circular:@var{value}
38995 This packet directs the target to use a circular trace buffer if
38996 @var{value} is 1, or a linear buffer if the value is 0.
38998 @item QTBuffer:size:@var{size}
38999 @anchor{QTBuffer-size}
39000 @cindex @samp{QTBuffer size} packet
39001 This packet directs the target to make the trace buffer be of size
39002 @var{size} if possible. A value of @code{-1} tells the target to
39003 use whatever size it prefers.
39005 @item QTNotes:@r{[}@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@r{[};@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@dots{}
39006 @cindex @samp{QTNotes} packet
39007 This packet adds optional textual notes to the trace run. Allowable
39008 types include @code{user}, @code{notes}, and @code{tstop}, the
39009 @var{text} fields are arbitrary strings, hex-encoded.
39013 @subsection Relocate instruction reply packet
39014 When installing fast tracepoints in memory, the target may need to
39015 relocate the instruction currently at the tracepoint address to a
39016 different address in memory. For most instructions, a simple copy is
39017 enough, but, for example, call instructions that implicitly push the
39018 return address on the stack, and relative branches or other
39019 PC-relative instructions require offset adjustment, so that the effect
39020 of executing the instruction at a different address is the same as if
39021 it had executed in the original location.
39023 In response to several of the tracepoint packets, the target may also
39024 respond with a number of intermediate @samp{qRelocInsn} request
39025 packets before the final result packet, to have @value{GDBN} handle
39026 this relocation operation. If a packet supports this mechanism, its
39027 documentation will explicitly say so. See for example the above
39028 descriptions for the @samp{QTStart} and @samp{QTDP} packets. The
39029 format of the request is:
39032 @item qRelocInsn:@var{from};@var{to}
39034 This requests @value{GDBN} to copy instruction at address @var{from}
39035 to address @var{to}, possibly adjusted so that executing the
39036 instruction at @var{to} has the same effect as executing it at
39037 @var{from}. @value{GDBN} writes the adjusted instruction to target
39038 memory starting at @var{to}.
39043 @item qRelocInsn:@var{adjusted_size}
39044 Informs the stub the relocation is complete. The @var{adjusted_size} is
39045 the length in bytes of resulting relocated instruction sequence.
39047 A badly formed request was detected, or an error was encountered while
39048 relocating the instruction.
39051 @node Host I/O Packets
39052 @section Host I/O Packets
39053 @cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
39054 @cindex file transfer, remote protocol
39056 The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
39057 operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
39058 used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
39059 filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
39060 layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
39061 Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
39062 protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
39063 Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
39064 target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
39065 Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
39067 The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
39068 its arguments. They have this format:
39072 @item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
39073 @var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
39074 should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
39075 for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
39076 the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
39077 numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
39078 used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
39079 hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
39080 buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
39084 The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
39088 @item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
39089 @var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
39090 non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
39091 @var{errno} will be included in the result specifying a
39092 value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
39093 operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
39094 binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
39095 normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
39096 documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
39100 An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
39104 These are the supported Host I/O operations:
39107 @item vFile:open: @var{filename}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
39108 Open a file at @var{filename} and return a file descriptor for it, or
39109 return -1 if an error occurs. The @var{filename} is a string,
39110 @var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
39111 (@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
39112 of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
39113 @xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
39115 @item vFile:close: @var{fd}
39116 Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
39117 -1 if an error occurs.
39119 @item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
39120 Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
39121 @var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
39122 relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
39123 common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
39124 condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
39125 returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
39126 @var{count} was zero.
39128 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
39129 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
39130 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
39131 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
39132 some characters were escaped.
39134 @item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
39135 Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
39136 to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
39137 file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
39138 separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
39139 packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
39140 which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
39143 @item vFile:fstat: @var{fd}
39144 Get information about the open file corresponding to @var{fd}.
39145 On success the information is returned as a binary attachment
39146 and the return value is the size of this attachment in bytes.
39147 If an error occurs the return value is -1. The format of the
39148 returned binary attachment is as described in @ref{struct stat}.
39150 @item vFile:unlink: @var{filename}
39151 Delete the file at @var{filename} on the target. Return 0,
39152 or -1 if an error occurs. The @var{filename} is a string.
39154 @item vFile:readlink: @var{filename}
39155 Read value of symbolic link @var{filename} on the target. Return
39156 the number of bytes read, or -1 if an error occurs.
39158 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
39159 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
39160 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
39161 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
39162 some characters were escaped.
39164 @item vFile:setfs: @var{pid}
39165 Select the filesystem on which @code{vFile} operations with
39166 @var{filename} arguments will operate. This is required for
39167 @value{GDBN} to be able to access files on remote targets where
39168 the remote stub does not share a common filesystem with the
39171 If @var{pid} is nonzero, select the filesystem as seen by process
39172 @var{pid}. If @var{pid} is zero, select the filesystem as seen by
39173 the remote stub. Return 0 on success, or -1 if an error occurs.
39174 If @code{vFile:setfs:} indicates success, the selected filesystem
39175 remains selected until the next successful @code{vFile:setfs:}
39181 @section Interrupts
39182 @cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
39183 @anchor{interrupting remote targets}
39185 In all-stop mode, when a program on the remote target is running,
39186 @value{GDBN} may attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C},
39187 @code{BREAK} or a @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}, control of which
39188 is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{interrupt-sequence}.
39190 The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
39191 mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
39192 currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
39193 interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
39194 @code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
39196 @samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
39197 transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
39198 @code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
39199 the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
39200 transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
39201 and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
39202 (@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
39203 @code{0x03} as part of its packet.
39205 @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g} is also known as Magic SysRq g.
39206 When Linux kernel receives this sequence from serial port,
39207 it stops execution and connects to gdb.
39209 In non-stop mode, because packet resumptions are asynchronous
39210 (@pxref{vCont packet}), @value{GDBN} is always free to send a remote
39211 command to the remote stub, even when the target is running. For that
39212 reason, @value{GDBN} instead sends a regular packet (@pxref{vCtrlC
39213 packet}) with the usual packet framing instead of the single byte
39216 Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
39217 precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
39218 implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
39219 threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
39220 currently-executing threads and processes.
39221 If the stub is successful at interrupting the
39222 running program, it should send one of the stop
39223 reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
39224 of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
39225 for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
39226 Interrupts received while the
39227 program is stopped are queued and the program will be interrupted when
39228 it is resumed next time.
39230 @node Notification Packets
39231 @section Notification Packets
39232 @cindex notification packets
39233 @cindex packets, notification
39235 The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
39236 packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
39237 may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
39238 present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
39239 without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
39240 are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
39243 A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
39244 @var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
39245 and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
39246 as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
39247 never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
39248 receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
39249 to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
39251 Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
39252 colon characters, followed by a colon character.
39254 Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
39255 notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
39256 timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
39257 not they understand it.
39259 Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
39260 protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
39261 future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
39262 new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
39265 (Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
39266 the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
39267 transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
39268 are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
39269 assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
39271 Each notification is comprised of three parts:
39273 @item @var{name}:@var{event}
39274 The notification packet is sent by the side that initiates the
39275 exchange (currently, only the stub does that), with @var{event}
39276 carrying the specific information about the notification, and
39277 @var{name} specifying the name of the notification.
39279 The acknowledge sent by the other side, usually @value{GDBN}, to
39280 acknowledge the exchange and request the event.
39283 The purpose of an asynchronous notification mechanism is to report to
39284 @value{GDBN} that something interesting happened in the remote stub.
39286 The remote stub may send notification @var{name}:@var{event}
39287 at any time, but @value{GDBN} acknowledges the notification when
39288 appropriate. The notification event is pending before @value{GDBN}
39289 acknowledges. Only one notification at a time may be pending; if
39290 additional events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
39291 previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
39292 synchronous transmission in response to @var{ack} packets from
39293 @value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
39294 the stub is permitted to resend a notification if it believes
39295 @value{GDBN} may not have received it.
39297 Specifically, notifications may appear when @value{GDBN} is not
39298 otherwise reading input from the stub, or when @value{GDBN} is
39299 expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
39300 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
39301 Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
39302 the stub so there is no ambiguity.
39304 After receiving a notification, @value{GDBN} shall acknowledge it by
39305 sending a @var{ack} packet as a regular, synchronous request to the
39306 stub. Such acknowledgment is not required to happen immediately, as
39307 @value{GDBN} is permitted to send other, unrelated packets to the
39308 stub first, which the stub should process normally.
39310 Upon receiving a @var{ack} packet, if the stub has other queued
39311 events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
39312 normal @var{event}. @value{GDBN} shall then send another @var{ack}
39313 packet to solicit further responses; again, it is permitted to send
39314 other, unrelated packets as well which the stub should process
39317 If the stub receives a @var{ack} packet and there are no additional
39318 @var{event} to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK} response.
39319 At this point, @value{GDBN} has finished processing a notification
39320 and the stub has completed sending any queued events. @value{GDBN}
39321 won't accept any new notifications until the final @samp{OK} is
39322 received . If further notification events occur, the stub shall send
39323 a new notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the notification, and
39324 the process shall be repeated.
39326 The process of asynchronous notification can be illustrated by the
39329 <- @code{%Stop:T0505:98e7ffbf;04:4ce6ffbf;08:b1b6e54c;thread:p7526.7526;core:0;}
39332 <- @code{T0505:68f37db7;04:40f37db7;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7528;core:0;}
39334 <- @code{T0505:68e3fdb6;04:40e3fdb6;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7529;core:0;}
39339 The following notifications are defined:
39340 @multitable @columnfractions 0.12 0.12 0.38 0.38
39349 @tab @var{reply}. The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
39350 described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
39351 for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
39353 @tab Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
39357 @node Remote Non-Stop
39358 @section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
39360 @value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
39361 multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
39362 supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
39363 @samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39365 @value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
39366 establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
39367 does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
39368 must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
39369 all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
39370 probe the target state after a mode change.
39372 In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
39373 would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
39374 asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
39375 inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
39376 in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
39377 mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
39378 when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
39379 of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
39380 affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
39381 to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
39382 threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
39384 In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
39385 follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
39386 sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
39387 sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
39388 it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
39389 stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
39390 subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
39391 using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
39392 asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
39393 If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
39394 or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
39397 If the stub supports non-stop mode, it should also support the
39398 @samp{swbreak} stop reason if software breakpoints are supported, and
39399 the @samp{hwbreak} stop reason if hardware breakpoints are supported
39400 (@pxref{swbreak stop reason}). This is because given the asynchronous
39401 nature of non-stop mode, between the time a thread hits a breakpoint
39402 and the time the event is finally processed by @value{GDBN}, the
39403 breakpoint may have already been removed from the target. Due to
39404 this, @value{GDBN} needs to be able to tell whether a trap stop was
39405 caused by a delayed breakpoint event, which should be ignored, as
39406 opposed to a random trap signal, which should be reported to the user.
39407 Note the @samp{swbreak} feature implies that the target is responsible
39408 for adjusting the PC when a software breakpoint triggers, if
39409 necessary, such as on the x86 architecture.
39411 @node Packet Acknowledgment
39412 @section Packet Acknowledgment
39414 @cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
39415 @cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
39416 By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
39417 the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
39418 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
39419 This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
39420 unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
39422 In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
39423 TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
39424 It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
39425 overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
39426 @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
39428 When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
39429 expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
39430 and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
39431 @ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
39433 If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
39434 no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
39435 by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
39436 @pxref{qSupported}.
39437 If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
39438 disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
39439 (@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
39440 @value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
39441 Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
39442 @value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
39443 response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
39445 Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
39446 between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
39447 it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
39449 Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
39450 new connection is established,
39451 there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
39452 for the current connection, once disabled.
39457 Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
39458 does not get any direct output:
39463 @emph{target restarts}
39466 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
39470 Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
39473 -> @code{G1445@dots{}}
39478 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
39482 <- @code{1455@dots{}}
39486 @node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
39487 @section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
39488 @cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
39491 * File-I/O Overview::
39492 * Protocol Basics::
39493 * The F Request Packet::
39494 * The F Reply Packet::
39495 * The Ctrl-C Message::
39497 * List of Supported Calls::
39498 * Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
39500 * File-I/O Examples::
39503 @node File-I/O Overview
39504 @subsection File-I/O Overview
39505 @cindex file-i/o overview
39507 The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
39508 target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
39509 system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
39510 remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
39511 actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
39512 This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
39514 The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
39515 It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
39516 @value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
39517 translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
39518 protocol representations when data is transmitted.
39520 The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
39521 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
39522 or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
39523 the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
39524 memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
39525 the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
39526 (@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
39528 The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
39529 the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
39530 after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
39531 previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
39532 request from @value{GDBN} is required.
39535 (@value{GDBP}) continue
39536 <- target requests 'system call X'
39537 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
39538 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
39539 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
39540 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
39543 The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
39544 the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
39545 named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
39546 system are not supported by this protocol.
39548 File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
39550 @node Protocol Basics
39551 @subsection Protocol Basics
39552 @cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
39554 The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
39555 as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
39556 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
39557 the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
39558 of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
39559 This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
39560 to call the appropriate host system call:
39564 A unique identifier for the requested system call.
39567 All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
39568 in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
39569 pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
39570 Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
39574 At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
39578 If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
39579 system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
39580 standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
39581 expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
39585 @value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
39586 representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
39589 @value{GDBN} calls the system call.
39592 It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
39595 If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
39596 by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
39597 target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
39598 by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
39603 Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
39604 necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
39611 @code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
39618 After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
39619 the latest continue or step action.
39621 @node The F Request Packet
39622 @subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
39623 @cindex file-i/o request packet
39624 @cindex @code{F} request packet
39626 The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
39629 @item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
39631 @var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
39632 This is just the name of the function.
39634 @var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
39635 Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
39636 of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
39637 datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
39638 of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
39639 comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
39640 string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
39646 @node The F Reply Packet
39647 @subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
39648 @cindex file-i/o reply packet
39649 @cindex @code{F} reply packet
39651 The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
39655 @item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
39657 @var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
39659 @var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
39661 This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
39663 @var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
39664 case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
39665 The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
39672 or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
39679 assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
39684 @node The Ctrl-C Message
39685 @subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
39686 @cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
39688 If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
39689 reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
39690 the target should behave as if it had
39691 gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
39692 interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
39693 (as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
39696 It's important for the target to know in which
39697 state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
39701 The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
39704 The system call on the host has been finished.
39708 These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
39709 returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
39710 call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
39711 on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
39712 system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
39713 as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
39715 @value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
39716 yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
39717 @code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
39718 before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
39719 @value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
39720 The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
39721 or the full action has been completed.
39724 @subsection Console I/O
39725 @cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
39727 By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
39728 descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
39729 on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
39730 (@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
39731 by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
39732 0 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
39737 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
39739 system call is treated as finished.
39742 The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
39746 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
39747 character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
39751 If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
39752 the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
39753 either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
39754 is stopped at the user's request.
39757 @node List of Supported Calls
39758 @subsection List of Supported Calls
39759 @cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
39776 @unnumberedsubsubsec open
39777 @cindex open, file-i/o system call
39782 int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
39783 int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
39787 @samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
39790 @var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
39794 If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
39795 rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
39799 When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
39800 an error and open() fails.
39803 If the file already exists and the open mode allows
39804 writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
39805 truncated to zero length.
39808 The file is opened in append mode.
39811 The file is opened for reading only.
39814 The file is opened for writing only.
39817 The file is opened for reading and writing.
39821 Other bits are silently ignored.
39825 @var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
39829 User has read permission.
39832 User has write permission.
39835 Group has read permission.
39838 Group has write permission.
39841 Others have read permission.
39844 Others have write permission.
39848 Other bits are silently ignored.
39851 @item Return value:
39852 @code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
39859 @var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
39862 @var{pathname} refers to a directory.
39865 The requested access is not allowed.
39868 @var{pathname} was too long.
39871 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
39874 @var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
39877 @var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
39878 write access was requested.
39881 @var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
39884 No space on device to create the file.
39887 The process already has the maximum number of files open.
39890 The limit on the total number of files open on the system
39894 The call was interrupted by the user.
39900 @unnumberedsubsubsec close
39901 @cindex close, file-i/o system call
39910 @samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
39912 @item Return value:
39913 @code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
39919 @var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
39922 The call was interrupted by the user.
39928 @unnumberedsubsubsec read
39929 @cindex read, file-i/o system call
39934 int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
39938 @samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
39940 @item Return value:
39941 On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
39942 Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
39943 returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
39949 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
39953 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
39956 The call was interrupted by the user.
39962 @unnumberedsubsubsec write
39963 @cindex write, file-i/o system call
39968 int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
39972 @samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
39974 @item Return value:
39975 On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
39976 Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
39983 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
39987 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
39990 An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
39991 host-specific maximum file size allowed.
39994 No space on device to write the data.
39997 The call was interrupted by the user.
40003 @unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
40004 @cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
40009 long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
40013 @samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
40015 @var{flag} is one of:
40019 The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
40022 The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
40026 The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
40030 @item Return value:
40031 On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
40032 the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
40033 value of -1 is returned.
40039 @var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
40042 @var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
40045 @var{flag} is not a proper value.
40048 The call was interrupted by the user.
40054 @unnumberedsubsubsec rename
40055 @cindex rename, file-i/o system call
40060 int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
40064 @samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
40066 @item Return value:
40067 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
40073 @var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
40077 @var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
40080 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
40084 An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
40088 A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
40089 path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
40090 and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
40093 @var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
40096 No access to the file or the path of the file.
40100 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
40103 A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
40106 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
40109 The device containing the file has no room for the new
40113 The call was interrupted by the user.
40119 @unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
40120 @cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
40125 int unlink(const char *pathname);
40129 @samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
40131 @item Return value:
40132 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
40138 No access to the file or the path of the file.
40141 The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
40144 The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
40145 being used by another process.
40148 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
40151 @var{pathname} was too long.
40154 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
40157 A component of the path is not a directory.
40160 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
40163 The call was interrupted by the user.
40169 @unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
40170 @cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
40171 @cindex stat, file-i/o system call
40176 int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
40177 int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
40181 @samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
40182 @samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
40184 @item Return value:
40185 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
40191 @var{fd} is not a valid open file.
40194 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
40195 path is an empty string.
40198 A component of the path is not a directory.
40201 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
40204 No access to the file or the path of the file.
40207 @var{pathname} was too long.
40210 The call was interrupted by the user.
40216 @unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
40217 @cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
40222 int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
40226 @samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
40228 @item Return value:
40229 On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
40235 @var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
40238 @var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
40244 @unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
40245 @cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
40250 int isatty(int fd);
40254 @samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
40256 @item Return value:
40257 Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
40263 The call was interrupted by the user.
40268 Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
40269 1 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
40270 to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
40271 would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
40276 @unnumberedsubsubsec system
40277 @cindex system, file-i/o system call
40282 int system(const char *command);
40286 @samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
40288 @item Return value:
40289 If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
40290 available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
40291 For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
40292 return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
40293 command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
40294 return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
40295 @file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
40301 The call was interrupted by the user.
40306 @value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
40307 to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
40308 the host is simplified before it's returned
40309 to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
40310 is discarded, and the return value consists
40311 entirely of the exit status of the called command.
40313 Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
40314 by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
40315 @code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
40318 @item set remote system-call-allowed
40319 @kindex set remote system-call-allowed
40320 Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
40321 protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
40323 @item show remote system-call-allowed
40324 @kindex show remote system-call-allowed
40325 Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
40329 @node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
40330 @subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
40331 @cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
40334 * Integral Datatypes::
40336 * Memory Transfer::
40341 @node Integral Datatypes
40342 @unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
40343 @cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
40345 The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
40346 @code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
40347 @code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
40349 @code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
40350 implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
40352 @code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
40354 @xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
40355 in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
40357 @code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
40359 All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
40360 structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
40363 @node Pointer Values
40364 @unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
40365 @cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
40367 Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
40368 is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
40369 transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
40370 are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
40377 which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
40378 The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
40379 the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
40380 at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
40386 @node Memory Transfer
40387 @unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
40388 @cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
40390 Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
40391 example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
40392 with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
40393 this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
40394 packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
40395 it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
40396 data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
40400 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
40401 @cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
40403 The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
40404 is defined as follows:
40408 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
40409 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
40410 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
40411 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
40412 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
40413 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
40414 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
40415 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
40416 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
40417 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
40418 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
40419 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
40420 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
40424 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
40425 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
40426 structure is of size 64 bytes.
40428 The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
40434 A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
40437 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
40440 Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
40441 bits have currently no meaning for the target.
40446 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
40451 These values have a host and file system dependent
40452 accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
40453 support exact timing values.
40456 The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
40457 responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
40460 Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
40461 representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
40462 get truncated on the target.
40464 @node struct timeval
40465 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
40466 @cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
40468 The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
40469 is defined as follows:
40473 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
40474 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
40478 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
40479 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
40480 structure is of size 8 bytes.
40483 @subsection Constants
40484 @cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
40486 The following values are used for the constants inside of the
40487 protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
40488 values before and after the call as needed.
40499 @unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
40500 @cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
40502 All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
40514 @node mode_t Values
40515 @unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
40516 @cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
40518 All values are given in octal representation.
40535 @unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
40536 @cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
40538 All values are given in decimal representation.
40563 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
40564 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
40567 @unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
40568 @cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
40577 @unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
40578 @cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
40580 All values are given in decimal representation.
40583 INT_MIN -2147483648
40585 UINT_MAX 4294967295
40586 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
40587 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
40588 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
40591 @node File-I/O Examples
40592 @subsection File-I/O Examples
40593 @cindex file-i/o examples
40595 Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
40596 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
40599 <- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
40600 @emph{request memory read from target}
40603 @emph{return "6 bytes written"}
40607 Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
40608 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
40611 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
40612 @emph{request memory write to target}
40613 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
40614 @emph{return "6 bytes read"}
40618 Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
40619 file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
40622 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
40626 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
40630 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
40635 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
40639 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
40640 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
40644 @node Library List Format
40645 @section Library List Format
40646 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
40648 On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
40649 same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
40650 @value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
40651 operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
40652 platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
40653 @value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
40654 through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
40655 packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
40656 queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
40659 The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
40660 lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
40661 associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
40662 which report where the library was loaded in memory.
40664 For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
40665 library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
40666 dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
40667 should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
40668 section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
40669 depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
40671 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40672 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
40674 A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
40675 offset, looks like this:
40679 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
40680 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
40685 Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
40686 allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
40690 <library name="sharedlib.o">
40691 <section address="0x10000000"/>
40692 <section address="0x20000000"/>
40693 <section address="0x30000000"/>
40698 The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
40701 <!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
40702 <!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
40703 <!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
40704 <!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
40705 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
40706 <!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
40707 <!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
40708 <!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
40709 <!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
40712 In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
40713 single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
40714 section for each library.
40716 @node Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
40717 @section Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
40718 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
40720 On SVR4 platforms @value{GDBN} can use the symbol table of a dynamic loader
40721 (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) and normal memory operations to maintain a list of
40722 shared libraries. Still a special library list provided by this packet is
40723 more efficient for the @value{GDBN} remote protocol.
40725 The @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet returns an XML document which lists
40726 loaded libraries and their SVR4 linker parameters. For each library on SVR4
40727 target, the following parameters are reported:
40731 @code{name}, the absolute file name from the @code{l_name} field of
40732 @code{struct link_map}.
40734 @code{lm} with address of @code{struct link_map} used for TLS
40735 (Thread Local Storage) access.
40737 @code{l_addr}, the displacement as read from the field @code{l_addr} of
40738 @code{struct link_map}. For prelinked libraries this is not an absolute
40739 memory address. It is a displacement of absolute memory address against
40740 address the file was prelinked to during the library load.
40742 @code{l_ld}, which is memory address of the @code{PT_DYNAMIC} segment
40745 Additionally the single @code{main-lm} attribute specifies address of
40746 @code{struct link_map} used for the main executable. This parameter is used
40747 for TLS access and its presence is optional.
40749 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40750 SVR4 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
40752 A simple memory map, with two loaded libraries (which do not use prelink),
40756 <library-list-svr4 version="1.0" main-lm="0xe4f8f8">
40757 <library name="/lib/ld-linux.so.2" lm="0xe4f51c" l_addr="0xe2d000"
40759 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6" lm="0xe4fbe8" l_addr="0x154000"
40761 </library-list-svr>
40764 The format of an SVR4 library list is described by this DTD:
40767 <!-- library-list-svr4: Root element with versioning -->
40768 <!ELEMENT library-list-svr4 (library)*>
40769 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
40770 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 main-lm CDATA #IMPLIED>
40771 <!ELEMENT library EMPTY>
40772 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
40773 <!ATTLIST library lm CDATA #REQUIRED>
40774 <!ATTLIST library l_addr CDATA #REQUIRED>
40775 <!ATTLIST library l_ld CDATA #REQUIRED>
40778 @node Memory Map Format
40779 @section Memory Map Format
40780 @cindex memory map format
40782 To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
40783 memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
40786 The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
40787 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
40788 lists memory regions.
40790 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40791 memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
40793 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
40796 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40797 <!DOCTYPE memory-map
40798 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
40799 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
40805 Each region can be either:
40810 A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
40814 <memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
40819 A region of read-only memory:
40822 <memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
40827 A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
40831 <memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
40832 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
40838 Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
40839 by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
40840 packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
40842 The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
40845 <!-- ................................................... -->
40846 <!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
40847 <!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
40848 <!-- .................................... .............. -->
40849 <!-- memory-map.dtd -->
40850 <!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
40851 <!ELEMENT memory-map (memory)*>
40852 <!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
40853 <!ELEMENT memory (property)*>
40854 <!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
40855 and its type, or device. -->
40856 <!ATTLIST memory type (ram|rom|flash) #REQUIRED
40857 start CDATA #REQUIRED
40858 length CDATA #REQUIRED>
40859 <!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
40860 <!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
40861 <!ATTLIST property name (blocksize) #REQUIRED>
40864 @node Thread List Format
40865 @section Thread List Format
40866 @cindex thread list format
40868 To efficiently update the list of threads and their attributes,
40869 @value{GDBN} issues the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
40870 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}) and obtains the XML document with
40871 the following structure:
40874 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40876 <thread id="id" core="0" name="name">
40877 ... description ...
40882 Each @samp{thread} element must have the @samp{id} attribute that
40883 identifies the thread (@pxref{thread-id syntax}). The
40884 @samp{core} attribute, if present, specifies which processor core
40885 the thread was last executing on. The @samp{name} attribute, if
40886 present, specifies the human-readable name of the thread. The content
40887 of the of @samp{thread} element is interpreted as human-readable
40888 auxiliary information. The @samp{handle} attribute, if present,
40889 is a hex encoded representation of the thread handle.
40892 @node Traceframe Info Format
40893 @section Traceframe Info Format
40894 @cindex traceframe info format
40896 To be able to know which objects in the inferior can be examined when
40897 inspecting a tracepoint hit, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of
40898 memory ranges, registers and trace state variables that have been
40899 collected in a traceframe.
40901 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
40902 (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}) packet and is an XML document.
40904 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40905 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
40907 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
40910 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40911 <!DOCTYPE traceframe-info
40912 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
40913 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-traceframe-info.dtd">
40919 Each traceframe block can be either:
40924 A region of collected memory starting at @var{addr} and extending for
40925 @var{length} bytes from there:
40928 <memory start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
40932 A block indicating trace state variable numbered @var{number} has been
40936 <tvar id="@var{number}"/>
40941 The formal DTD for the traceframe info format is given below:
40944 <!ELEMENT traceframe-info (memory | tvar)* >
40945 <!ATTLIST traceframe-info version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
40947 <!ELEMENT memory EMPTY>
40948 <!ATTLIST memory start CDATA #REQUIRED
40949 length CDATA #REQUIRED>
40951 <!ATTLIST tvar id CDATA #REQUIRED>
40954 @node Branch Trace Format
40955 @section Branch Trace Format
40956 @cindex branch trace format
40958 In order to display the branch trace of an inferior thread,
40959 @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of branches. This list is
40960 represented as list of sequential code blocks that are connected via
40961 branches. The code in each block has been executed sequentially.
40963 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
40964 (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}) packet and is an XML document.
40966 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
40967 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
40969 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
40972 <?xml version="1.0"?>
40974 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Branch Trace V1.0//EN"
40975 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-btrace.dtd">
40984 A block of sequentially executed instructions starting at @var{begin}
40985 and ending at @var{end}:
40988 <block begin="@var{begin}" end="@var{end}"/>
40993 The formal DTD for the branch trace format is given below:
40996 <!ELEMENT btrace (block* | pt) >
40997 <!ATTLIST btrace version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
40999 <!ELEMENT block EMPTY>
41000 <!ATTLIST block begin CDATA #REQUIRED
41001 end CDATA #REQUIRED>
41003 <!ELEMENT pt (pt-config?, raw?)>
41005 <!ELEMENT pt-config (cpu?)>
41007 <!ELEMENT cpu EMPTY>
41008 <!ATTLIST cpu vendor CDATA #REQUIRED
41009 family CDATA #REQUIRED
41010 model CDATA #REQUIRED
41011 stepping CDATA #REQUIRED>
41013 <!ELEMENT raw (#PCDATA)>
41016 @node Branch Trace Configuration Format
41017 @section Branch Trace Configuration Format
41018 @cindex branch trace configuration format
41020 For each inferior thread, @value{GDBN} can obtain the branch trace
41021 configuration using the @samp{qXfer:btrace-conf:read}
41022 (@pxref{qXfer btrace-conf read}) packet.
41024 The configuration describes the branch trace format and configuration
41025 settings for that format. The following information is described:
41029 This thread uses the @dfn{Branch Trace Store} (@acronym{BTS}) format.
41032 The size of the @acronym{BTS} ring buffer in bytes.
41035 This thread uses the @dfn{Intel Processor Trace} (@acronym{Intel
41039 The size of the @acronym{Intel PT} ring buffer in bytes.
41043 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
41044 branch trace configuration discovery. @xref{Expat}.
41046 The formal DTD for the branch trace configuration format is given below:
41049 <!ELEMENT btrace-conf (bts?, pt?)>
41050 <!ATTLIST btrace-conf version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
41052 <!ELEMENT bts EMPTY>
41053 <!ATTLIST bts size CDATA #IMPLIED>
41055 <!ELEMENT pt EMPTY>
41056 <!ATTLIST pt size CDATA #IMPLIED>
41059 @include agentexpr.texi
41061 @node Target Descriptions
41062 @appendix Target Descriptions
41063 @cindex target descriptions
41065 One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
41066 is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
41067 architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
41068 a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or @acronym{MIPS}, for example ---
41069 and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
41070 architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
41071 vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
41075 With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
41076 the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
41078 Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
41079 audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
41080 variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
41082 When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
41083 at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
41084 @command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
41087 To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
41088 target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
41089 actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
41090 processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
41091 descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
41093 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
41094 target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
41097 * Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
41098 * Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
41099 * Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
41101 * Enum Target Types:: How to define enum target types.
41102 * Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
41105 @node Retrieving Descriptions
41106 @section Retrieving Descriptions
41108 Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
41109 specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
41110 description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
41111 protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
41112 qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
41113 @samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
41114 XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
41117 Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
41118 If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
41119 specify a file are:
41122 @cindex set tdesc filename
41123 @item set tdesc filename @var{path}
41124 Read the target description from @var{path}.
41126 @cindex unset tdesc filename
41127 @item unset tdesc filename
41128 Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
41129 will use the description supplied by the current target.
41131 @cindex show tdesc filename
41132 @item show tdesc filename
41133 Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
41137 @node Target Description Format
41138 @section Target Description Format
41139 @cindex target descriptions, XML format
41141 A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
41142 document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
41143 the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
41144 means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
41145 check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
41146 However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
41147 their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
41149 Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
41150 and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
41151 sets. They can also identify the OS ABI of the remote target.
41152 @value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
41153 target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
41155 Here is a simple target description:
41158 <target version="1.0">
41159 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
41164 This minimal description only says that the target uses
41165 the x86-64 architecture.
41167 A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
41168 optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
41169 are explained further below.
41172 <?xml version="1.0"?>
41173 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
41174 <target version="1.0">
41175 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
41176 @r{[}@var{osabi}@r{]}
41177 @r{[}@var{compatible}@r{]}
41178 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
41183 The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
41184 breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
41185 declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
41186 (@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
41187 useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
41188 @samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
41189 including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
41190 revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
41191 the version mismatch.
41193 @subsection Inclusion
41194 @cindex target descriptions, inclusion
41197 @cindex <xi:include>
41200 It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
41201 several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
41202 share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
41203 divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
41204 the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
41207 <xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
41211 When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
41212 the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
41213 the contents of that document. If the current description was read
41214 using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
41215 @var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
41216 current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
41217 @var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
41218 original description.
41220 @subsection Architecture
41221 @cindex <architecture>
41223 An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
41226 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
41229 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
41230 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
41233 @cindex @code{<osabi>}
41235 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
41236 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
41238 An @samp{<osabi>} element has this form:
41241 <osabi>@var{abi-name}</osabi>
41244 @var{abi-name} is an OS ABI name from the same selection accepted by
41245 @w{@code{set osabi}} (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
41247 @subsection Compatible Architecture
41248 @cindex @code{<compatible>}
41250 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
41251 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
41253 A @samp{<compatible>} element has this form:
41256 <compatible>@var{arch}</compatible>
41259 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
41260 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
41262 A @samp{<compatible>} element is used to specify that the target
41263 is able to run binaries in some other than the main target architecture
41264 given by the @samp{<architecture>} element. For example, on the
41265 Cell Broadband Engine, the main architecture is @code{powerpc:common}
41266 or @code{powerpc:common64}, but the system is able to run binaries
41267 in the @code{spu} architecture as well. The way to describe this
41268 capability with @samp{<compatible>} is as follows:
41271 <architecture>powerpc:common</architecture>
41272 <compatible>spu</compatible>
41275 @subsection Features
41278 Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
41279 system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
41280 registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
41284 <feature name="@var{name}">
41285 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
41291 Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
41292 of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
41293 knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
41294 should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
41298 Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
41299 interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
41300 but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
41301 Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
41302 Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite
41305 Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
41306 a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
41307 Types must be defined before they are used.
41310 Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
41311 of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
41312 specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
41316 <vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
41320 If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
41321 with a union type containing the useful representations. The
41322 @samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
41323 each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
41326 <union id="@var{id}">
41327 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
41334 If a register's value is composed from several separate values, define
41335 it with either a structure type or a flags type.
41336 A flags type may only contain bitfields.
41337 A structure type may either contain only bitfields or contain no bitfields.
41338 If the value contains only bitfields, its total size in bytes must be
41341 Non-bitfield values have a @var{name} and @var{type}.
41344 <struct id="@var{id}">
41345 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
41350 Both @var{name} and @var{type} values are required.
41351 No implicit padding is added.
41353 Bitfield values have a @var{name}, @var{start}, @var{end} and @var{type}.
41356 <struct id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
41357 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}" type="@var{type}"/>
41363 <flags id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
41364 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}" type="@var{type}"/>
41369 The @var{name} value is required.
41370 Bitfield values may be named with the empty string, @samp{""},
41371 in which case the field is ``filler'' and its value is not printed.
41372 Not all bits need to be specified, so ``filler'' fields are optional.
41374 The @var{start} and @var{end} values are required, and @var{type}
41376 The field's @var{start} must be less than or equal to its @var{end},
41377 and zero represents the least significant bit.
41379 The default value of @var{type} is @code{bool} for single bit fields,
41380 and an unsigned integer otherwise.
41382 Which to choose? Structures or flags?
41384 Registers defined with @samp{flags} have these advantages over
41385 defining them with @samp{struct}:
41389 Arithmetic may be performed on them as if they were integers.
41391 They are printed in a more readable fashion.
41394 Registers defined with @samp{struct} have one advantage over
41395 defining them with @samp{flags}:
41399 One can fetch individual fields like in @samp{C}.
41402 (gdb) print $my_struct_reg.field3
41408 @subsection Registers
41411 Each register is represented as an element with this form:
41414 <reg name="@var{name}"
41415 bitsize="@var{size}"
41416 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
41417 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
41418 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
41419 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
41423 The components are as follows:
41428 The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
41431 The register's size, in bits.
41434 The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
41435 than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
41436 a preceding feature); the first register in the target description
41437 defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
41438 the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
41439 packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
41440 in order of increasing register number.
41443 Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
41444 calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
41445 @code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
41446 some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
41450 The type of the register. It may be a predefined type, a type
41451 defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
41452 and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
41453 for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
41454 architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
41455 @var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
41458 The register group to which this register belongs. It must
41459 be either @code{general}, @code{float}, or @code{vector}. If no
41460 @var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register
41461 in @code{info registers}.
41465 @node Predefined Target Types
41466 @section Predefined Target Types
41467 @cindex target descriptions, predefined types
41469 Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
41470 from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
41471 standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
41472 types. The currently supported types are:
41477 Boolean type, occupying a single bit.
41484 Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
41491 Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
41495 Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
41496 any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
41497 pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
41498 address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
41499 may be marked as data pointers.
41502 Single precision IEEE floating point.
41505 Double precision IEEE floating point.
41508 The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
41511 The 10-byte extended precision format used by x87 registers.
41514 32bit @sc{eflags} register used by x86.
41517 32bit @sc{mxcsr} register used by x86.
41521 @node Enum Target Types
41522 @section Enum Target Types
41523 @cindex target descriptions, enum types
41525 Enum target types are useful in @samp{struct} and @samp{flags}
41526 register descriptions. @xref{Target Description Format}.
41528 Enum types have a name, size and a list of name/value pairs.
41531 <enum id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
41532 <evalue name="@var{name}" value="@var{value}"/>
41537 Enums must be defined before they are used.
41540 <enum id="levels_type" size="4">
41541 <evalue name="low" value="0"/>
41542 <evalue name="high" value="1"/>
41544 <flags id="flags_type" size="4">
41545 <field name="X" start="0"/>
41546 <field name="LEVEL" start="1" end="1" type="levels_type"/>
41548 <reg name="flags" bitsize="32" type="flags_type"/>
41551 Given that description, a value of 3 for the @samp{flags} register
41552 would be printed as:
41555 (gdb) info register flags
41556 flags 0x3 [ X LEVEL=high ]
41559 @node Standard Target Features
41560 @section Standard Target Features
41561 @cindex target descriptions, standard features
41563 A target description must contain either no registers or all the
41564 target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
41565 @value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
41566 the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
41567 default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
41568 described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
41569 can recognize them.
41571 This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
41572 which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
41573 with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
41574 if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
41575 feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
41576 description. You can add additional registers to any of the
41577 standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
41578 they were added to an unrecognized feature.
41580 This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
41581 Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
41582 @value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
41584 Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
41585 company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
41586 architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
41587 containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
41589 The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
41590 of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
41591 registers using the capitalization used in the description.
41594 * AArch64 Features::
41598 * MicroBlaze Features::
41602 * Nios II Features::
41603 * PowerPC Features::
41604 * S/390 and System z Features::
41610 @node AArch64 Features
41611 @subsection AArch64 Features
41612 @cindex target descriptions, AArch64 features
41614 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.core} feature is required for AArch64
41615 targets. It should contain registers @samp{x0} through @samp{x30},
41616 @samp{sp}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
41618 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.fpu} feature is optional. If present,
41619 it should contain registers @samp{v0} through @samp{v31}, @samp{fpsr},
41623 @subsection ARC Features
41624 @cindex target descriptions, ARC Features
41626 ARC processors are highly configurable, so even core registers and their number
41627 are not completely predetermined. In addition flags and PC registers which are
41628 important to @value{GDBN} are not ``core'' registers in ARC. It is required
41629 that one of the core registers features is present.
41630 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.aux-minimal} feature is mandatory.
41632 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core.v2} feature is required for ARC EM and ARC HS
41633 targets with a normal register file. It should contain registers @samp{r0}
41634 through @samp{r25}, @samp{gp}, @samp{fp}, @samp{sp}, @samp{r30}, @samp{blink},
41635 @samp{lp_count} and @samp{pcl}. This feature may contain register @samp{ilink}
41636 and any of extension core registers @samp{r32} through @samp{r59/acch}.
41637 @samp{ilink} and extension core registers are not available to read/write, when
41638 debugging GNU/Linux applications, thus @samp{ilink} is made optional.
41640 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core-reduced.v2} feature is required for ARC EM and
41641 ARC HS targets with a reduced register file. It should contain registers
41642 @samp{r0} through @samp{r3}, @samp{r10} through @samp{r15}, @samp{gp},
41643 @samp{fp}, @samp{sp}, @samp{r30}, @samp{blink}, @samp{lp_count} and @samp{pcl}.
41644 This feature may contain register @samp{ilink} and any of extension core
41645 registers @samp{r32} through @samp{r59/acch}.
41647 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core.arcompact} feature is required for ARCompact
41648 targets with a normal register file. It should contain registers @samp{r0}
41649 through @samp{r25}, @samp{gp}, @samp{fp}, @samp{sp}, @samp{r30}, @samp{blink},
41650 @samp{lp_count} and @samp{pcl}. This feature may contain registers
41651 @samp{ilink1}, @samp{ilink2} and any of extension core registers @samp{r32}
41652 through @samp{r59/acch}. @samp{ilink1} and @samp{ilink2} and extension core
41653 registers are not available when debugging GNU/Linux applications. The only
41654 difference with @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core.v2} feature is in the names of
41655 @samp{ilink1} and @samp{ilink2} registers and that @samp{r30} is mandatory in
41656 ARC v2, but @samp{ilink2} is optional on ARCompact.
41658 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.aux-minimal} feature is required for all ARC
41659 targets. It should contain registers @samp{pc} and @samp{status32}.
41662 @subsection ARM Features
41663 @cindex target descriptions, ARM features
41665 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for non-M-profile
41667 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
41668 @samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
41670 For M-profile targets (e.g. Cortex-M3), the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}
41671 feature is replaced by @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.m-profile}. It should contain
41672 registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp}, @samp{lr}, @samp{pc},
41675 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
41676 should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
41678 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
41679 it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
41680 @samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
41681 @samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
41683 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} feature is optional. If present, it
41684 should contain at least registers @samp{d0} through @samp{d15}. If
41685 they are present, @samp{d16} through @samp{d31} should also be included.
41686 @value{GDBN} will synthesize the single-precision registers from
41687 halves of the double-precision registers.
41689 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.neon} feature is optional. It does not
41690 need to contain registers; it instructs @value{GDBN} to display the
41691 VFP double-precision registers as vectors and to synthesize the
41692 quad-precision registers from pairs of double-precision registers.
41693 If this feature is present, @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} must also
41694 be present and include 32 double-precision registers.
41696 @node i386 Features
41697 @subsection i386 Features
41698 @cindex target descriptions, i386 features
41700 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.core} feature is required for i386/amd64
41701 targets. It should describe the following registers:
41705 @samp{eax} through @samp{edi} plus @samp{eip} for i386
41707 @samp{rax} through @samp{r15} plus @samp{rip} for amd64
41709 @samp{eflags}, @samp{cs}, @samp{ss}, @samp{ds}, @samp{es},
41710 @samp{fs}, @samp{gs}
41712 @samp{st0} through @samp{st7}
41714 @samp{fctrl}, @samp{fstat}, @samp{ftag}, @samp{fiseg}, @samp{fioff},
41715 @samp{foseg}, @samp{fooff} and @samp{fop}
41718 The register sets may be different, depending on the target.
41720 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature is optional. It should
41721 describe registers:
41725 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm7} for i386
41727 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm15} for amd64
41732 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature is optional and requires the
41733 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature. It should
41734 describe the upper 128 bits of @sc{ymm} registers:
41738 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm7h} for i386
41740 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm15h} for amd64
41743 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.mpx} is an optional feature representing Intel
41744 Memory Protection Extension (MPX). It should describe the following registers:
41748 @samp{bnd0raw} through @samp{bnd3raw} for i386 and amd64.
41750 @samp{bndcfgu} and @samp{bndstatus} for i386 and amd64.
41753 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.linux} feature is optional. It should
41754 describe a single register, @samp{orig_eax}.
41756 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.segments} feature is optional. It should
41757 describe two system registers: @samp{fs_base} and @samp{gs_base}.
41759 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx512} feature is optional and requires the
41760 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature. It should
41761 describe additional @sc{xmm} registers:
41765 @samp{xmm16h} through @samp{xmm31h}, only valid for amd64.
41768 It should describe the upper 128 bits of additional @sc{ymm} registers:
41772 @samp{ymm16h} through @samp{ymm31h}, only valid for amd64.
41776 describe the upper 256 bits of @sc{zmm} registers:
41780 @samp{zmm0h} through @samp{zmm7h} for i386.
41782 @samp{zmm0h} through @samp{zmm15h} for amd64.
41786 describe the additional @sc{zmm} registers:
41790 @samp{zmm16h} through @samp{zmm31h}, only valid for amd64.
41793 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.pkeys} feature is optional. It should
41794 describe a single register, @samp{pkru}. It is a 32-bit register
41795 valid for i386 and amd64.
41797 @node MicroBlaze Features
41798 @subsection MicroBlaze Features
41799 @cindex target descriptions, MicroBlaze features
41801 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.microblaze.core} feature is required for MicroBlaze
41802 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
41803 @samp{rpc}, @samp{rmsr}, @samp{rear}, @samp{resr}, @samp{rfsr}, @samp{rbtr},
41804 @samp{rpvr}, @samp{rpvr1} through @samp{rpvr11}, @samp{redr}, @samp{rpid},
41805 @samp{rzpr}, @samp{rtlbx}, @samp{rtlbsx}, @samp{rtlblo}, and @samp{rtlbhi}.
41807 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.microblaze.stack-protect} feature is optional.
41808 If present, it should contain registers @samp{rshr} and @samp{rslr}
41810 @node MIPS Features
41811 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Features
41812 @cindex target descriptions, @acronym{MIPS} features
41814 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for @acronym{MIPS} targets.
41815 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
41816 @samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
41819 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
41820 contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
41821 registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41823 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
41824 it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
41825 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
41826 @samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41828 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.dsp} feature is optional. It should
41829 contain registers @samp{hi1} through @samp{hi3}, @samp{lo1} through
41830 @samp{lo3}, and @samp{dspctl}. The @samp{dspctl} register should
41831 be 32-bit and the rest may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41833 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
41834 contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
41835 Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
41837 @node M68K Features
41838 @subsection M68K Features
41839 @cindex target descriptions, M68K features
41842 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
41843 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
41844 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
41845 One of those features must be always present.
41846 The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
41847 used. The feature that is present should contain registers
41848 @samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
41849 @samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
41851 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
41852 This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
41853 @samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
41857 @node NDS32 Features
41858 @subsection NDS32 Features
41859 @cindex target descriptions, NDS32 features
41861 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.nds32.core} feature is required for NDS32
41862 targets. It should contain at least registers @samp{r0} through
41863 @samp{r10}, @samp{r15}, @samp{fp}, @samp{gp}, @samp{lp}, @samp{sp},
41866 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.nds32.fpu} feature is optional. If present,
41867 it should contain 64-bit double-precision floating-point registers
41868 @samp{fd0} through @emph{fdN}, which should be @samp{fd3}, @samp{fd7},
41869 @samp{fd15}, or @samp{fd31} based on the FPU configuration implemented.
41871 @emph{Note:} The first sixteen 64-bit double-precision floating-point
41872 registers are overlapped with the thirty-two 32-bit single-precision
41873 floating-point registers. The 32-bit single-precision registers, if
41874 not being listed explicitly, will be synthesized from halves of the
41875 overlapping 64-bit double-precision registers. Listing 32-bit
41876 single-precision registers explicitly is deprecated, and the
41877 support to it could be totally removed some day.
41879 @node Nios II Features
41880 @subsection Nios II Features
41881 @cindex target descriptions, Nios II features
41883 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.nios2.cpu} feature is required for Nios II
41884 targets. It should contain the 32 core registers (@samp{zero},
41885 @samp{at}, @samp{r2} through @samp{r23}, @samp{et} through @samp{ra}),
41886 @samp{pc}, and the 16 control registers (@samp{status} through
41889 @node PowerPC Features
41890 @subsection PowerPC Features
41891 @cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
41893 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
41894 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
41895 @samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
41896 @samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41898 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
41899 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
41901 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
41902 contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
41905 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
41906 contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN}
41907 will combine these registers with the floating point registers
41908 (@samp{f0} through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0}
41909 through @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0}
41910 through @samp{vs63}, the set of vector registers for POWER7.
41912 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
41913 contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
41914 @samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
41915 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
41916 @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
41917 these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
41920 @node S/390 and System z Features
41921 @subsection S/390 and System z Features
41922 @cindex target descriptions, S/390 features
41923 @cindex target descriptions, System z features
41925 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.core} feature is required for S/390 and
41926 System z targets. It should contain the PSW and the 16 general
41927 registers. In particular, System z targets should provide the 64-bit
41928 registers @samp{pswm}, @samp{pswa}, and @samp{r0} through @samp{r15}.
41929 S/390 targets should provide the 32-bit versions of these registers.
41930 A System z target that runs in 31-bit addressing mode should provide
41931 32-bit versions of @samp{pswm} and @samp{pswa}, as well as the general
41932 register's upper halves @samp{r0h} through @samp{r15h}, and their
41933 lower halves @samp{r0l} through @samp{r15l}.
41935 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.fpr} feature is required. It should
41936 contain the 64-bit registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f15}, and
41939 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.acr} feature is required. It should
41940 contain the 32-bit registers @samp{acr0} through @samp{acr15}.
41942 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.linux} feature is optional. It should
41943 contain the register @samp{orig_r2}, which is 64-bit wide on System z
41944 targets and 32-bit otherwise. In addition, the feature may contain
41945 the @samp{last_break} register, whose width depends on the addressing
41946 mode, as well as the @samp{system_call} register, which is always
41949 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.tdb} feature is optional. It should
41950 contain the 64-bit registers @samp{tdb0}, @samp{tac}, @samp{tct},
41951 @samp{atia}, and @samp{tr0} through @samp{tr15}.
41953 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.vx} feature is optional. It should contain
41954 64-bit wide registers @samp{v0l} through @samp{v15l}, which will be
41955 combined by @value{GDBN} with the floating point registers @samp{f0}
41956 through @samp{f15} to present the 128-bit wide vector registers
41957 @samp{v0} through @samp{v15}. In addition, this feature should
41958 contain the 128-bit wide vector registers @samp{v16} through
41961 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.gs} feature is optional. It should contain
41962 the 64-bit wide guarded-storage-control registers @samp{gsd},
41963 @samp{gssm}, and @samp{gsepla}.
41965 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.gsbc} feature is optional. It should contain
41966 the 64-bit wide guarded-storage broadcast control registers
41967 @samp{bc_gsd}, @samp{bc_gssm}, and @samp{bc_gsepla}.
41969 @node Sparc Features
41970 @subsection Sparc Features
41971 @cindex target descriptions, sparc32 features
41972 @cindex target descriptions, sparc64 features
41973 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.sparc.cpu} feature is required for sparc32/sparc64
41974 targets. It should describe the following registers:
41978 @samp{g0} through @samp{g7}
41980 @samp{o0} through @samp{o7}
41982 @samp{l0} through @samp{l7}
41984 @samp{i0} through @samp{i7}
41987 They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
41989 Also the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.sparc.fpu} feature is required for sparc32/sparc64
41990 targets. It should describe the following registers:
41994 @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}
41996 @samp{f32} through @samp{f62} for sparc64
41999 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.sparc.cp0} feature is required for sparc32/sparc64
42000 targets. It should describe the following registers:
42004 @samp{y}, @samp{psr}, @samp{wim}, @samp{tbr}, @samp{pc}, @samp{npc},
42005 @samp{fsr}, and @samp{csr} for sparc32
42007 @samp{pc}, @samp{npc}, @samp{state}, @samp{fsr}, @samp{fprs}, and @samp{y}
42011 @node TIC6x Features
42012 @subsection TMS320C6x Features
42013 @cindex target descriptions, TIC6x features
42014 @cindex target descriptions, TMS320C6x features
42015 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.core} feature is required for TMS320C6x
42016 targets. It should contain registers @samp{A0} through @samp{A15},
42017 registers @samp{B0} through @samp{B15}, @samp{CSR} and @samp{PC}.
42019 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.gp} feature is optional. It should
42020 contain registers @samp{A16} through @samp{A31} and @samp{B16}
42021 through @samp{B31}.
42023 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.c6xp} feature is optional. It should
42024 contain registers @samp{TSR}, @samp{ILC} and @samp{RILC}.
42026 @node Operating System Information
42027 @appendix Operating System Information
42028 @cindex operating system information
42034 Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
42035 the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
42036 processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
42037 mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
42038 target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
42039 on a different aspect of target.
42041 Operating system information is retrived from the target via the
42042 remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
42043 read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
42044 the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
42047 @appendixsection Process list
42048 @cindex operating system information, process list
42050 When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
42051 @samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
42052 an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
42053 @file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
42055 An example document is:
42058 <?xml version="1.0"?>
42059 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
42060 <osdata type="processes">
42062 <column name="pid">1</column>
42063 <column name="user">root</column>
42064 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
42065 <column name="cores">1,2,3</column>
42070 Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
42071 of that column should identify the process on the target. The
42072 @samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
42073 displayed by @value{GDBN}. The @samp{cores} column, if present,
42074 should contain a comma-separated list of cores that this process
42075 is running on. Target may provide additional columns,
42076 which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
42078 @node Trace File Format
42079 @appendix Trace File Format
42080 @cindex trace file format
42082 The trace file comes in three parts: a header, a textual description
42083 section, and a trace frame section with binary data.
42085 The header has the form @code{\x7fTRACE0\n}. The first byte is
42086 @code{0x7f} so as to indicate that the file contains binary data,
42087 while the @code{0} is a version number that may have different values
42090 The description section consists of multiple lines of @sc{ascii} text
42091 separated by newline characters (@code{0xa}). The lines may include a
42092 variety of optional descriptive or context-setting information, such
42093 as tracepoint definitions or register set size. @value{GDBN} will
42094 ignore any line that it does not recognize. An empty line marks the end
42099 Specifies the size of a register block in bytes. This is equal to the
42100 size of a @code{g} packet payload in the remote protocol. @var{size}
42101 is an ascii decimal number. There should be only one such line in
42102 a single trace file.
42104 @item status @var{status}
42105 Trace status. @var{status} has the same format as a @code{qTStatus}
42106 remote packet reply. There should be only one such line in a single trace
42109 @item tp @var{payload}
42110 Tracepoint definition. The @var{payload} has the same format as
42111 @code{qTfP}/@code{qTsP} remote packet reply payload. A single tracepoint
42112 may take multiple lines of definition, corresponding to the multiple
42115 @item tsv @var{payload}
42116 Trace state variable definition. The @var{payload} has the same format as
42117 @code{qTfV}/@code{qTsV} remote packet reply payload. A single variable
42118 may take multiple lines of definition, corresponding to the multiple
42121 @item tdesc @var{payload}
42122 Target description in XML format. The @var{payload} is a single line of
42123 the XML file. All such lines should be concatenated together to get
42124 the original XML file. This file is in the same format as @code{qXfer}
42125 @code{features} payload, and corresponds to the main @code{target.xml}
42126 file. Includes are not allowed.
42130 The trace frame section consists of a number of consecutive frames.
42131 Each frame begins with a two-byte tracepoint number, followed by a
42132 four-byte size giving the amount of data in the frame. The data in
42133 the frame consists of a number of blocks, each introduced by a
42134 character indicating its type (at least register, memory, and trace
42135 state variable). The data in this section is raw binary, not a
42136 hexadecimal or other encoding; its endianness matches the target's
42139 @c FIXME bi-arch may require endianness/arch info in description section
42142 @item R @var{bytes}
42143 Register block. The number and ordering of bytes matches that of a
42144 @code{g} packet in the remote protocol. Note that these are the
42145 actual bytes, in target order, not a hexadecimal encoding.
42147 @item M @var{address} @var{length} @var{bytes}...
42148 Memory block. This is a contiguous block of memory, at the 8-byte
42149 address @var{address}, with a 2-byte length @var{length}, followed by
42150 @var{length} bytes.
42152 @item V @var{number} @var{value}
42153 Trace state variable block. This records the 8-byte signed value
42154 @var{value} of trace state variable numbered @var{number}.
42158 Future enhancements of the trace file format may include additional types
42161 @node Index Section Format
42162 @appendix @code{.gdb_index} section format
42163 @cindex .gdb_index section format
42164 @cindex index section format
42166 This section documents the index section that is created by @code{save
42167 gdb-index} (@pxref{Index Files}). The index section is
42168 DWARF-specific; some knowledge of DWARF is assumed in this
42171 The mapped index file format is designed to be directly
42172 @code{mmap}able on any architecture. In most cases, a datum is
42173 represented using a little-endian 32-bit integer value, called an
42174 @code{offset_type}. Big endian machines must byte-swap the values
42175 before using them. Exceptions to this rule are noted. The data is
42176 laid out such that alignment is always respected.
42178 A mapped index consists of several areas, laid out in order.
42182 The file header. This is a sequence of values, of @code{offset_type}
42183 unless otherwise noted:
42187 The version number, currently 8. Versions 1, 2 and 3 are obsolete.
42188 Version 4 uses a different hashing function from versions 5 and 6.
42189 Version 6 includes symbols for inlined functions, whereas versions 4
42190 and 5 do not. Version 7 adds attributes to the CU indices in the
42191 symbol table. Version 8 specifies that symbols from DWARF type units
42192 (@samp{DW_TAG_type_unit}) refer to the type unit's symbol table and not the
42193 compilation unit (@samp{DW_TAG_comp_unit}) using the type.
42195 @value{GDBN} will only read version 4, 5, or 6 indices
42196 by specifying @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
42197 GDB has a workaround for potentially broken version 7 indices so it is
42198 currently not flagged as deprecated.
42201 The offset, from the start of the file, of the CU list.
42204 The offset, from the start of the file, of the types CU list. Note
42205 that this area can be empty, in which case this offset will be equal
42206 to the next offset.
42209 The offset, from the start of the file, of the address area.
42212 The offset, from the start of the file, of the symbol table.
42215 The offset, from the start of the file, of the constant pool.
42219 The CU list. This is a sequence of pairs of 64-bit little-endian
42220 values, sorted by the CU offset. The first element in each pair is
42221 the offset of a CU in the @code{.debug_info} section. The second
42222 element in each pair is the length of that CU. References to a CU
42223 elsewhere in the map are done using a CU index, which is just the
42224 0-based index into this table. Note that if there are type CUs, then
42225 conceptually CUs and type CUs form a single list for the purposes of
42229 The types CU list. This is a sequence of triplets of 64-bit
42230 little-endian values. In a triplet, the first value is the CU offset,
42231 the second value is the type offset in the CU, and the third value is
42232 the type signature. The types CU list is not sorted.
42235 The address area. The address area consists of a sequence of address
42236 entries. Each address entry has three elements:
42240 The low address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value.
42243 The high address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value. Like
42244 @code{DW_AT_high_pc}, the value is one byte beyond the end.
42247 The CU index. This is an @code{offset_type} value.
42251 The symbol table. This is an open-addressed hash table. The size of
42252 the hash table is always a power of 2.
42254 Each slot in the hash table consists of a pair of @code{offset_type}
42255 values. The first value is the offset of the symbol's name in the
42256 constant pool. The second value is the offset of the CU vector in the
42259 If both values are 0, then this slot in the hash table is empty. This
42260 is ok because while 0 is a valid constant pool index, it cannot be a
42261 valid index for both a string and a CU vector.
42263 The hash value for a table entry is computed by applying an
42264 iterative hash function to the symbol's name. Starting with an
42265 initial value of @code{r = 0}, each (unsigned) character @samp{c} in
42266 the string is incorporated into the hash using the formula depending on the
42271 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + c - 113}.
42273 @item Versions 5 to 7
42274 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + tolower (c) - 113}.
42277 The terminating @samp{\0} is not incorporated into the hash.
42279 The step size used in the hash table is computed via
42280 @code{((hash * 17) & (size - 1)) | 1}, where @samp{hash} is the hash
42281 value, and @samp{size} is the size of the hash table. The step size
42282 is used to find the next candidate slot when handling a hash
42285 The names of C@t{++} symbols in the hash table are canonicalized. We
42286 don't currently have a simple description of the canonicalization
42287 algorithm; if you intend to create new index sections, you must read
42291 The constant pool. This is simply a bunch of bytes. It is organized
42292 so that alignment is correct: CU vectors are stored first, followed by
42295 A CU vector in the constant pool is a sequence of @code{offset_type}
42296 values. The first value is the number of CU indices in the vector.
42297 Each subsequent value is the index and symbol attributes of a CU in
42298 the CU list. This element in the hash table is used to indicate which
42299 CUs define the symbol and how the symbol is used.
42300 See below for the format of each CU index+attributes entry.
42302 A string in the constant pool is zero-terminated.
42305 Attributes were added to CU index values in @code{.gdb_index} version 7.
42306 If a symbol has multiple uses within a CU then there is one
42307 CU index+attributes value for each use.
42309 The format of each CU index+attributes entry is as follows
42315 This is the index of the CU in the CU list.
42317 These bits are reserved for future purposes and must be zero.
42319 The kind of the symbol in the CU.
42323 This value is reserved and should not be used.
42324 By reserving zero the full @code{offset_type} value is backwards compatible
42325 with previous versions of the index.
42327 The symbol is a type.
42329 The symbol is a variable or an enum value.
42331 The symbol is a function.
42333 Any other kind of symbol.
42335 These values are reserved.
42339 This bit is zero if the value is global and one if it is static.
42341 The determination of whether a symbol is global or static is complicated.
42342 The authorative reference is the file @file{dwarf2read.c} in
42343 @value{GDBN} sources.
42347 This pseudo-code describes the computation of a symbol's kind and
42348 global/static attributes in the index.
42351 is_external = get_attribute (die, DW_AT_external);
42352 language = get_attribute (cu_die, DW_AT_language);
42355 case DW_TAG_typedef:
42356 case DW_TAG_base_type:
42357 case DW_TAG_subrange_type:
42361 case DW_TAG_enumerator:
42363 is_static = language != CPLUS;
42365 case DW_TAG_subprogram:
42367 is_static = ! (is_external || language == ADA);
42369 case DW_TAG_constant:
42371 is_static = ! is_external;
42373 case DW_TAG_variable:
42375 is_static = ! is_external;
42377 case DW_TAG_namespace:
42381 case DW_TAG_class_type:
42382 case DW_TAG_interface_type:
42383 case DW_TAG_structure_type:
42384 case DW_TAG_union_type:
42385 case DW_TAG_enumeration_type:
42387 is_static = language != CPLUS;
42395 @appendix Manual pages
42399 * gdb man:: The GNU Debugger man page
42400 * gdbserver man:: Remote Server for the GNU Debugger man page
42401 * gcore man:: Generate a core file of a running program
42402 * gdbinit man:: gdbinit scripts
42408 @c man title gdb The GNU Debugger
42410 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdb
42411 gdb [@option{-help}] [@option{-nh}] [@option{-nx}] [@option{-q}]
42412 [@option{-batch}] [@option{-cd=}@var{dir}] [@option{-f}]
42413 [@option{-b}@w{ }@var{bps}]
42414 [@option{-tty=}@var{dev}] [@option{-s} @var{symfile}]
42415 [@option{-e}@w{ }@var{prog}] [@option{-se}@w{ }@var{prog}]
42416 [@option{-c}@w{ }@var{core}] [@option{-p}@w{ }@var{procID}]
42417 [@option{-x}@w{ }@var{cmds}] [@option{-d}@w{ }@var{dir}]
42418 [@var{prog}|@var{prog} @var{procID}|@var{prog} @var{core}]
42421 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdb
42422 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
42423 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes -- or what another
42424 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
42426 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
42427 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
42431 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
42434 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
42437 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
42440 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
42441 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
42444 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C, C@t{++}, Fortran and
42447 @value{GDBN} is invoked with the shell command @code{gdb}. Once started, it reads
42448 commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit with the @value{GDBN}
42449 command @code{quit}. You can get online help from @value{GDBN} itself
42450 by using the command @code{help}.
42452 You can run @code{gdb} with no arguments or options; but the most
42453 usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument or two, specifying an
42454 executable program as the argument:
42460 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file specified:
42466 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
42467 to debug a running process:
42475 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
42476 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
42477 With option @option{-p} you can omit the @var{program} filename.
42479 Here are some of the most frequently needed @value{GDBN} commands:
42481 @c pod2man highlights the right hand side of the @item lines.
42483 @item break [@var{file}:]@var{function}
42484 Set a breakpoint at @var{function} (in @var{file}).
42486 @item run [@var{arglist}]
42487 Start your program (with @var{arglist}, if specified).
42490 Backtrace: display the program stack.
42492 @item print @var{expr}
42493 Display the value of an expression.
42496 Continue running your program (after stopping, e.g. at a breakpoint).
42499 Execute next program line (after stopping); step @emph{over} any
42500 function calls in the line.
42502 @item edit [@var{file}:]@var{function}
42503 look at the program line where it is presently stopped.
42505 @item list [@var{file}:]@var{function}
42506 type the text of the program in the vicinity of where it is presently stopped.
42509 Execute next program line (after stopping); step @emph{into} any
42510 function calls in the line.
42512 @item help [@var{name}]
42513 Show information about @value{GDBN} command @var{name}, or general information
42514 about using @value{GDBN}.
42517 Exit from @value{GDBN}.
42521 For full details on @value{GDBN},
42522 see @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
42523 by Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch. The same text is available online
42524 as the @code{gdb} entry in the @code{info} program.
42528 @c man begin OPTIONS gdb
42529 Any arguments other than options specify an executable
42530 file and core file (or process ID); that is, the first argument
42531 encountered with no
42532 associated option flag is equivalent to a @option{-se} option, and the second,
42533 if any, is equivalent to a @option{-c} option if it's the name of a file.
42535 both long and short forms; both are shown here. The long forms are also
42536 recognized if you truncate them, so long as enough of the option is
42537 present to be unambiguous. (If you prefer, you can flag option
42538 arguments with @option{+} rather than @option{-}, though we illustrate the
42539 more usual convention.)
42541 All the options and command line arguments you give are processed
42542 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the @option{-x}
42548 List all options, with brief explanations.
42550 @item -symbols=@var{file}
42551 @itemx -s @var{file}
42552 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
42555 Enable writing into executable and core files.
42557 @item -exec=@var{file}
42558 @itemx -e @var{file}
42559 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when
42560 appropriate, and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core
42563 @item -se=@var{file}
42564 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
42567 @item -core=@var{file}
42568 @itemx -c @var{file}
42569 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
42571 @item -command=@var{file}
42572 @itemx -x @var{file}
42573 Execute @value{GDBN} commands from file @var{file}.
42575 @item -ex @var{command}
42576 Execute given @value{GDBN} @var{command}.
42578 @item -directory=@var{directory}
42579 @itemx -d @var{directory}
42580 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source files.
42583 Do not execute commands from @file{~/.gdbinit}.
42587 Do not execute commands from any @file{.gdbinit} initialization files.
42591 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
42592 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
42595 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the command
42596 files specified with @option{-x} (and @file{.gdbinit}, if not inhibited).
42597 Exit with nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN}
42598 commands in the command files.
42600 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for example to
42601 download and run a program on another computer; in order to make this
42602 more useful, the message
42605 Program exited normally.
42609 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under @value{GDBN} control
42610 terminates) is not issued when running in batch mode.
42612 @item -cd=@var{directory}
42613 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
42614 instead of the current directory.
42618 Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells
42619 @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line number in a standard,
42620 recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is displayed (which
42621 includes each time the program stops). This recognizable format looks
42622 like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by the file name, line number
42623 and character position separated by colons, and a newline. The
42624 Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two @samp{\032}
42625 characters as a signal to display the source code for the frame.
42628 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
42629 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
42631 @item -tty=@var{device}
42632 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
42636 @c man begin SEEALSO gdb
42638 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
42639 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
42640 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
42647 should give you access to the complete manual.
42649 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
42650 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
42654 @node gdbserver man
42655 @heading gdbserver man
42657 @c man title gdbserver Remote Server for the GNU Debugger
42659 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdbserver
42660 gdbserver @var{comm} @var{prog} [@var{args}@dots{}]
42662 gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
42664 gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
42668 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdbserver
42669 @command{gdbserver} is a program that allows you to run @value{GDBN} on a different machine
42670 than the one which is running the program being debugged.
42673 @subheading Usage (server (target) side)
42676 Usage (server (target) side):
42679 First, you need to have a copy of the program you want to debug put onto
42680 the target system. The program can be stripped to save space if needed, as
42681 @command{gdbserver} doesn't care about symbols. All symbol handling is taken care of by
42682 the @value{GDBN} running on the host system.
42684 To use the server, you log on to the target system, and run the @command{gdbserver}
42685 program. You must tell it (a) how to communicate with @value{GDBN}, (b) the name of
42686 your program, and (c) its arguments. The general syntax is:
42689 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [@var{args} ...]
42692 For example, using a serial port, you might say:
42696 @c @file would wrap it as F</dev/com1>.
42697 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
42700 target> gdbserver @file{/dev/com1} emacs foo.txt
42704 This tells @command{gdbserver} to debug emacs with an argument of foo.txt, and
42705 to communicate with @value{GDBN} via @file{/dev/com1}. @command{gdbserver} now
42706 waits patiently for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate with it.
42708 To use a TCP connection, you could say:
42711 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
42714 This says pretty much the same thing as the last example, except that we are
42715 going to communicate with the @code{host} @value{GDBN} via TCP. The @code{host:2345} argument means
42716 that we are expecting to see a TCP connection from @code{host} to local TCP port
42717 2345. (Currently, the @code{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number you
42718 want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any existing TCP
42719 ports on the target system. This same port number must be used in the host
42720 @value{GDBN}s @code{target remote} command, which will be described shortly. Note that if
42721 you chose a port number that conflicts with another service, @command{gdbserver} will
42722 print an error message and exit.
42724 @command{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
42725 This is accomplished via the @option{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
42728 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
42731 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
42732 necessary to point @command{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
42734 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
42735 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
42736 In such case you should connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} to start
42737 the program you want to debug.
42740 target> gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
42744 @subheading Usage (host side)
42750 You need an unstripped copy of the target program on your host system, since
42751 @value{GDBN} needs to examine it's symbol tables and such. Start up @value{GDBN} as you normally
42752 would, with the target program as the first argument. (You may need to use the
42753 @option{--baud} option if the serial line is running at anything except 9600 baud.)
42754 That is @code{gdb TARGET-PROG}, or @code{gdb --baud BAUD TARGET-PROG}. After that, the only
42755 new command you need to know about is @code{target remote}
42756 (or @code{target extended-remote}). Its argument is either
42757 a device name (usually a serial device, like @file{/dev/ttyb}), or a @code{HOST:PORT}
42758 descriptor. For example:
42762 @c @file would wrap it as F</dev/ttyb>.
42763 (gdb) target remote /dev/ttyb
42766 (gdb) target remote @file{/dev/ttyb}
42771 communicates with the server via serial line @file{/dev/ttyb}, and:
42774 (gdb) target remote the-target:2345
42778 communicates via a TCP connection to port 2345 on host `the-target', where
42779 you previously started up @command{gdbserver} with the same port number. Note that for
42780 TCP connections, you must start up @command{gdbserver} prior to using the `target remote'
42781 command, otherwise you may get an error that looks something like
42782 `Connection refused'.
42784 @command{gdbserver} can also debug multiple inferiors at once,
42787 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Inferiors and Programs}
42788 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'Inferiors and Programs'}.
42791 @ref{Inferiors and Programs}.
42793 In such case use the @code{extended-remote} @value{GDBN} command variant:
42796 (gdb) target extended-remote the-target:2345
42799 The @command{gdbserver} option @option{--multi} may or may not be used in such
42803 @c man begin OPTIONS gdbserver
42804 There are three different modes for invoking @command{gdbserver}:
42809 Debug a specific program specified by its program name:
42812 gdbserver @var{comm} @var{prog} [@var{args}@dots{}]
42815 The @var{comm} parameter specifies how should the server communicate
42816 with @value{GDBN}; it is either a device name (to use a serial line),
42817 a TCP port number (@code{:1234}), or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
42818 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}. Specify the name of the program to
42819 debug in @var{prog}. Any remaining arguments will be passed to the
42820 program verbatim. When the program exits, @value{GDBN} will close the
42821 connection, and @code{gdbserver} will exit.
42824 Debug a specific program by specifying the process ID of a running
42828 gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
42831 The @var{comm} parameter is as described above. Supply the process ID
42832 of a running program in @var{pid}; @value{GDBN} will do everything
42833 else. Like with the previous mode, when the process @var{pid} exits,
42834 @value{GDBN} will close the connection, and @code{gdbserver} will exit.
42837 Multi-process mode -- debug more than one program/process:
42840 gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
42843 In this mode, @value{GDBN} can instruct @command{gdbserver} which
42844 command(s) to run. Unlike the other 2 modes, @value{GDBN} will not
42845 close the connection when a process being debugged exits, so you can
42846 debug several processes in the same session.
42849 In each of the modes you may specify these options:
42854 List all options, with brief explanations.
42857 This option causes @command{gdbserver} to print its version number and exit.
42860 @command{gdbserver} will attach to a running program. The syntax is:
42863 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
42866 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
42867 necessary to point @command{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
42870 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
42871 or process ID to attach, use this command line option.
42872 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
42873 the program you want to debug. The syntax is:
42876 target> gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
42880 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to display extra status information about the debugging
42882 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
42885 @item --remote-debug
42886 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to display remote protocol debug output.
42887 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
42890 @item --debug-format=option1@r{[},option2,...@r{]}
42891 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to include extra information in each line
42892 of debugging output.
42893 @xref{Other Command-Line Arguments for gdbserver}.
42896 Specify a wrapper to launch programs
42897 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
42898 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
42899 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
42902 By default, @command{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
42903 additional connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
42904 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
42905 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session.
42907 @c --disable-packet is not documented for users.
42909 @c --disable-randomization and --no-disable-randomization are superseded by
42910 @c QDisableRandomization.
42915 @c man begin SEEALSO gdbserver
42917 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
42918 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
42919 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
42925 should give you access to the complete manual.
42927 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
42928 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
42935 @c man title gcore Generate a core file of a running program
42938 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gcore
42939 gcore [-o @var{filename}] @var{pid}
42943 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gcore
42944 Generate a core dump of a running program with process ID @var{pid}.
42945 Produced file is equivalent to a kernel produced core file as if the process
42946 crashed (and if @kbd{ulimit -c} were used to set up an appropriate core dump
42947 limit). Unlike after a crash, after @command{gcore} the program remains
42948 running without any change.
42951 @c man begin OPTIONS gcore
42953 @item -o @var{filename}
42954 The optional argument
42955 @var{filename} specifies the file name where to put the core dump.
42956 If not specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}},
42957 where @var{pid} is the running program process ID.
42961 @c man begin SEEALSO gcore
42963 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
42964 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
42965 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
42972 should give you access to the complete manual.
42974 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
42975 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
42982 @c man title gdbinit GDB initialization scripts
42985 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdbinit
42986 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT
42987 @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT}
42996 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdbinit
42997 These files contain @value{GDBN} commands to automatically execute during
42998 @value{GDBN} startup. The lines of contents are canned sequences of commands,
43001 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Sequences}
43002 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n Sequences}.
43008 Please read more in
43010 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Startup}
43011 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n Startup}.
43018 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT
43019 @item @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT}
43021 @ifclear SYSTEM_GDBINIT
43022 @item (not enabled with @code{--with-system-gdbinit} during compilation)
43024 System-wide initialization file. It is executed unless user specified
43025 @value{GDBN} option @code{-nx} or @code{-n}.
43028 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{System-wide configuration}
43029 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'System-wide configuration'}.
43032 @ref{System-wide configuration}.
43036 User initialization file. It is executed unless user specified
43037 @value{GDBN} options @code{-nx}, @code{-n} or @code{-nh}.
43040 Initialization file for current directory. It may need to be enabled with
43041 @value{GDBN} security command @code{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
43044 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Init File in the Current Directory}
43045 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'Init File in the Current Directory'}.
43048 @ref{Init File in the Current Directory}.
43053 @c man begin SEEALSO gdbinit
43055 gdb(1), @code{info -f gdb -n Startup}
43057 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
43058 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
43059 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
43065 should give you access to the complete manual.
43067 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
43068 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
43074 @node GNU Free Documentation License
43075 @appendix GNU Free Documentation License
43078 @node Concept Index
43079 @unnumbered Concept Index
43083 @node Command and Variable Index
43084 @unnumbered Command, Variable, and Function Index
43089 % I think something like @@colophon should be in texinfo. In the
43091 \long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
43092 \centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
43093 \centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
43094 \centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
43095 \centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
43096 \centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
43097 \centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
43098 \centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
43099 \centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
43101 % Blame: doc@@cygnus.com, 1991.