1 \input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
2 @c Copyright (C) 1988--2022 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{} 1988-2022 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 @*
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) 1988-2022 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 * Debuginfod:: Download debugging resources with @code{debuginfod}
188 * Man Pages:: Manual pages
189 * Copying:: GNU General Public License says
190 how you can copy and share GDB
191 * GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation
192 * Concept Index:: Index of @value{GDBN} concepts
193 * Command and Variable Index:: Index of @value{GDBN} commands, variables,
194 functions, and Python data types
202 @unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
204 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
205 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
206 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
208 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
209 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
213 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
216 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
219 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
222 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
223 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
226 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C and C@t{++}.
227 For more information, see @ref{Supported Languages,,Supported Languages}.
228 For more information, see @ref{C,,C and C++}.
230 Support for D is partial. For information on D, see
234 Support for Modula-2 is partial. For information on Modula-2, see
235 @ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}.
237 Support for OpenCL C is partial. For information on OpenCL C, see
238 @ref{OpenCL C,,OpenCL C}.
241 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
242 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
243 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
247 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, although
248 it may be necessary to refer to some variables with a trailing
251 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Objective-C,
252 using either the Apple/NeXT or the GNU Objective-C runtime.
255 * Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
256 * Free Documentation:: Free Software Needs Free Documentation
257 * Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
261 @unnumberedsec Free Software
263 @value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the @sc{gnu}
264 General Public License
265 (GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
266 program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
267 freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
268 the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
269 Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
270 Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
272 Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
273 you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
276 @node Free Documentation
277 @unnumberedsec Free Software Needs Free Documentation
279 The biggest deficiency in the free software community today is not in
280 the software---it is the lack of good free documentation that we can
281 include with the free software. Many of our most important
282 programs do not come with free reference manuals and free introductory
283 texts. Documentation is an essential part of any software package;
284 when an important free software package does not come with a free
285 manual and a free tutorial, that is a major gap. We have many such
288 Consider Perl, for instance. The tutorial manuals that people
289 normally use are non-free. How did this come about? Because the
290 authors of those manuals published them with restrictive terms---no
291 copying, no modification, source files not available---which exclude
292 them from the free software world.
294 That wasn't the first time this sort of thing happened, and it was far
295 from the last. Many times we have heard a GNU user eagerly describe a
296 manual that he is writing, his intended contribution to the community,
297 only to learn that he had ruined everything by signing a publication
298 contract to make it non-free.
300 Free documentation, like free software, is a matter of freedom, not
301 price. The problem with the non-free manual is not that publishers
302 charge a price for printed copies---that in itself is fine. (The Free
303 Software Foundation sells printed copies of manuals, too.) The
304 problem is the restrictions on the use of the manual. Free manuals
305 are available in source code form, and give you permission to copy and
306 modify. Non-free manuals do not allow this.
308 The criteria of freedom for a free manual are roughly the same as for
309 free software. Redistribution (including the normal kinds of
310 commercial redistribution) must be permitted, so that the manual can
311 accompany every copy of the program, both on-line and on paper.
313 Permission for modification of the technical content is crucial too.
314 When people modify the software, adding or changing features, if they
315 are conscientious they will change the manual too---so they can
316 provide accurate and clear documentation for the modified program. A
317 manual that leaves you no choice but to write a new manual to document
318 a changed version of the program is not really available to our
321 Some kinds of limits on the way modification is handled are
322 acceptable. For example, requirements to preserve the original
323 author's copyright notice, the distribution terms, or the list of
324 authors, are ok. It is also no problem to require modified versions
325 to include notice that they were modified. Even entire sections that
326 may not be deleted or changed are acceptable, as long as they deal
327 with nontechnical topics (like this one). These kinds of restrictions
328 are acceptable because they don't obstruct the community's normal use
331 However, it must be possible to modify all the @emph{technical}
332 content of the manual, and then distribute the result in all the usual
333 media, through all the usual channels. Otherwise, the restrictions
334 obstruct the use of the manual, it is not free, and we need another
335 manual to replace it.
337 Please spread the word about this issue. Our community continues to
338 lose manuals to proprietary publishing. If we spread the word that
339 free software needs free reference manuals and free tutorials, perhaps
340 the next person who wants to contribute by writing documentation will
341 realize, before it is too late, that only free manuals contribute to
342 the free software community.
344 If you are writing documentation, please insist on publishing it under
345 the GNU Free Documentation License or another free documentation
346 license. Remember that this decision requires your approval---you
347 don't have to let the publisher decide. Some commercial publishers
348 will use a free license if you insist, but they will not propose the
349 option; it is up to you to raise the issue and say firmly that this is
350 what you want. If the publisher you are dealing with refuses, please
351 try other publishers. If you're not sure whether a proposed license
352 is free, write to @email{licensing@@gnu.org}.
354 You can encourage commercial publishers to sell more free, copylefted
355 manuals and tutorials by buying them, and particularly by buying
356 copies from the publishers that paid for their writing or for major
357 improvements. Meanwhile, try to avoid buying non-free documentation
358 at all. Check the distribution terms of a manual before you buy it,
359 and insist that whoever seeks your business must respect your freedom.
360 Check the history of the book, and try to reward the publishers that
361 have paid or pay the authors to work on it.
363 The Free Software Foundation maintains a list of free documentation
364 published by other publishers, at
365 @url{http://www.fsf.org/doc/other-free-books.html}.
368 @unnumberedsec Contributors to @value{GDBN}
370 Richard Stallman was the original author of @value{GDBN}, and of many
371 other @sc{gnu} programs. Many others have contributed to its
372 development. This section attempts to credit major contributors. One
373 of the virtues of free software is that everyone is free to contribute
374 to it; with regret, we cannot actually acknowledge everyone here. The
375 file @file{ChangeLog} in the @value{GDBN} distribution approximates a
376 blow-by-blow account.
378 Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
381 @emph{Plea:} Additions to this section are particularly welcome. If you
382 or your friends (or enemies, to be evenhanded) have been unfairly
383 omitted from this list, we would like to add your names!
386 So that they may not regard their many labors as thankless, we
387 particularly thank those who shepherded @value{GDBN} through major
389 Andrew Cagney (releases 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 6.0, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0);
390 Jim Blandy (release 4.18);
391 Jason Molenda (release 4.17);
392 Stan Shebs (release 4.14);
393 Fred Fish (releases 4.16, 4.15, 4.13, 4.12, 4.11, 4.10, and 4.9);
394 Stu Grossman and John Gilmore (releases 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, and 4.4);
395 John Gilmore (releases 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.9);
396 Jim Kingdon (releases 3.5, 3.4, and 3.3);
397 and Randy Smith (releases 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0).
399 Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Peter TerMaat, Chris
400 Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
402 Michael Tiemann is the author of most of the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} support
403 in @value{GDBN}, with significant additional contributions from Per
404 Bothner and Daniel Berlin. James Clark wrote the @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
405 demangler. Early work on C@t{++} was by Peter TerMaat (who also did
406 much general update work leading to release 3.0).
408 @value{GDBN} uses the BFD subroutine library to examine multiple
409 object-file formats; BFD was a joint project of David V.
410 Henkel-Wallace, Rich Pixley, Steve Chamberlain, and John Gilmore.
412 David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
413 the original support for encapsulated COFF.
415 Brent Benson of Harris Computer Systems contributed DWARF 2 support.
417 Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
418 Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
420 Jean-Daniel Fekete contributed Sun 386i support.
421 Chris Hanson improved the HP9000 support.
422 Noboyuki Hikichi and Tomoyuki Hasei contributed Sony/News OS 3 support.
423 David Johnson contributed Encore Umax support.
424 Jyrki Kuoppala contributed Altos 3068 support.
425 Jeff Law contributed HP PA and SOM support.
426 Keith Packard contributed NS32K support.
427 Doug Rabson contributed Acorn Risc Machine support.
428 Bob Rusk contributed Harris Nighthawk CX-UX support.
429 Chris Smith contributed Convex support (and Fortran debugging).
430 Jonathan Stone contributed Pyramid support.
431 Michael Tiemann contributed SPARC support.
432 Tim Tucker contributed support for the Gould NP1 and Gould Powernode.
433 Pace Willison contributed Intel 386 support.
434 Jay Vosburgh contributed Symmetry support.
435 Marko Mlinar contributed OpenRISC 1000 support.
437 Andreas Schwab contributed M68K @sc{gnu}/Linux support.
439 Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
442 Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that @value{GDBN} and GAS agree
443 about several machine instruction sets.
445 Patrick Duval, Ted Goldstein, Vikram Koka and Glenn Engel helped develop
446 remote debugging. Intel Corporation, Wind River Systems, AMD, and ARM
447 contributed remote debugging modules for the i960, VxWorks, A29K UDI,
448 and RDI targets, respectively.
450 Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
451 command-line editing and command history.
453 Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code, the
454 Modula-2 support, and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
456 Fred Fish wrote most of the support for Unix System Vr4.
457 He also enhanced the command-completion support to cover C@t{++} overloaded
460 Hitachi America (now Renesas America), Ltd. sponsored the support for
461 H8/300, H8/500, and Super-H processors.
463 NEC sponsored the support for the v850, Vr4xxx, and Vr5xxx processors.
465 Mitsubishi (now Renesas) sponsored the support for D10V, D30V, and M32R/D
468 Toshiba sponsored the support for the TX39 Mips processor.
470 Matsushita sponsored the support for the MN10200 and MN10300 processors.
472 Fujitsu sponsored the support for SPARClite and FR30 processors.
474 Kung Hsu, Jeff Law, and Rick Sladkey added support for hardware
477 Michael Snyder added support for tracepoints.
479 Stu Grossman wrote gdbserver.
481 Jim Kingdon, Peter Schauer, Ian Taylor, and Stu Grossman made
482 nearly innumerable bug fixes and cleanups throughout @value{GDBN}.
484 The following people at the Hewlett-Packard Company contributed
485 support for the PA-RISC 2.0 architecture, HP-UX 10.20, 10.30, and 11.0
486 (narrow mode), HP's implementation of kernel threads, HP's aC@t{++}
487 compiler, and the Text User Interface (nee Terminal User Interface):
488 Ben Krepp, Richard Title, John Bishop, Susan Macchia, Kathy Mann,
489 Satish Pai, India Paul, Steve Rehrauer, and Elena Zannoni. Kim Haase
490 provided HP-specific information in this manual.
492 DJ Delorie ported @value{GDBN} to MS-DOS, for the DJGPP project.
493 Robert Hoehne made significant contributions to the DJGPP port.
495 Cygnus Solutions has sponsored @value{GDBN} maintenance and much of its
496 development since 1991. Cygnus engineers who have worked on @value{GDBN}
497 fulltime include Mark Alexander, Jim Blandy, Per Bothner, Kevin
498 Buettner, Edith Epstein, Chris Faylor, Fred Fish, Martin Hunt, Jim
499 Ingham, John Gilmore, Stu Grossman, Kung Hsu, Jim Kingdon, John Metzler,
500 Fernando Nasser, Geoffrey Noer, Dawn Perchik, Rich Pixley, Zdenek
501 Radouch, Keith Seitz, Stan Shebs, David Taylor, and Elena Zannoni. In
502 addition, Dave Brolley, Ian Carmichael, Steve Chamberlain, Nick Clifton,
503 JT Conklin, Stan Cox, DJ Delorie, Ulrich Drepper, Frank Eigler, Doug
504 Evans, Sean Fagan, David Henkel-Wallace, Richard Henderson, Jeff
505 Holcomb, Jeff Law, Jim Lemke, Tom Lord, Bob Manson, Michael Meissner,
506 Jason Merrill, Catherine Moore, Drew Moseley, Ken Raeburn, Gavin
507 Romig-Koch, Rob Savoye, Jamie Smith, Mike Stump, Ian Taylor, Angela
508 Thomas, Michael Tiemann, Tom Tromey, Ron Unrau, Jim Wilson, and David
509 Zuhn have made contributions both large and small.
511 Andrew Cagney, Fernando Nasser, and Elena Zannoni, while working for
512 Cygnus Solutions, implemented the original @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
514 Jim Blandy added support for preprocessor macros, while working for Red
517 Andrew Cagney designed @value{GDBN}'s architecture vector. Many
518 people including Andrew Cagney, Stephane Carrez, Randolph Chung, Nick
519 Duffek, Richard Henderson, Mark Kettenis, Grace Sainsbury, Kei
520 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Andreas Schwab, Jason
521 Thorpe, Corinna Vinschen, Ulrich Weigand, and Elena Zannoni, helped
522 with the migration of old architectures to this new framework.
524 Andrew Cagney completely re-designed and re-implemented @value{GDBN}'s
525 unwinder framework, this consisting of a fresh new design featuring
526 frame IDs, independent frame sniffers, and the sentinel frame. Mark
527 Kettenis implemented the @sc{dwarf 2} unwinder, Jeff Johnston the
528 libunwind unwinder, and Andrew Cagney the dummy, sentinel, tramp, and
529 trad unwinders. The architecture-specific changes, each involving a
530 complete rewrite of the architecture's frame code, were carried out by
531 Jim Blandy, Joel Brobecker, Kevin Buettner, Andrew Cagney, Stephane
532 Carrez, Randolph Chung, Orjan Friberg, Richard Henderson, Daniel
533 Jacobowitz, Jeff Johnston, Mark Kettenis, Theodore A. Roth, Kei
534 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Corinna Vinschen, and Ulrich
537 Christian Zankel, Ross Morley, Bob Wilson, and Maxim Grigoriev from
538 Tensilica, Inc.@: contributed support for Xtensa processors. Others
539 who have worked on the Xtensa port of @value{GDBN} in the past include
540 Steve Tjiang, John Newlin, and Scott Foehner.
542 Michael Eager and staff of Xilinx, Inc., contributed support for the
543 Xilinx MicroBlaze architecture.
545 Initial support for the FreeBSD/mips target and native configuration
546 was developed by SRI International and the University of Cambridge
547 Computer Laboratory under DARPA/AFRL contract FA8750-10-C-0237
548 ("CTSRD"), as part of the DARPA CRASH research programme.
550 Initial support for the FreeBSD/riscv target and native configuration
551 was developed by SRI International and the University of Cambridge
552 Computer Laboratory (Department of Computer Science and Technology)
553 under DARPA contract HR0011-18-C-0016 ("ECATS"), as part of the DARPA
554 SSITH research programme.
556 The original port to the OpenRISC 1000 is believed to be due to
557 Alessandro Forin and Per Bothner. More recent ports have been the work
558 of Jeremy Bennett, Franck Jullien, Stefan Wallentowitz and
561 Weimin Pan, David Faust and Jose E. Marchesi contributed support for
562 the Linux kernel BPF virtual architecture. This work was sponsored by
566 @chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
568 You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
569 However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
570 debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
573 In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
574 to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
577 @c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
578 @c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
580 One of the preliminary versions of @sc{gnu} @code{m4} (a generic macro
581 processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
582 quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
583 definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
584 session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
585 then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
586 same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
587 @code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
588 procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
597 @b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
601 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
603 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
606 m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
610 Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
613 $ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
614 @c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
615 @c FIXME... format to come out better.
616 @value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
617 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
619 There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
622 @value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
627 @value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the
628 rest when needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly.
629 We now tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so
630 that examples fit in this manual.
633 (@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
637 We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
638 Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
639 @code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
640 @code{break} command.
643 (@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
644 Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
648 Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
649 control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
650 subroutine, the program runs as usual:
653 (@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
654 Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
662 To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
663 suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
664 context where it stops.
667 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
669 Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
671 879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
675 Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
676 the next line of the current function.
680 882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
685 @code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
686 by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
687 @code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
688 subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
692 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
694 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
698 The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
699 suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
700 shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
701 command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
702 in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
703 stack frame for each active subroutine.
706 (@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
707 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
709 #1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
711 #2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
712 #3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
714 #4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
715 #5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
719 We step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
720 times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
721 falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
725 0x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
727 0x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
728 def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
730 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
733 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
737 The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
738 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
739 and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
740 (@code{print}) to see their values.
743 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
744 $1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
745 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
746 $2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
750 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
751 To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
752 surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
758 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
760 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
763 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
764 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
771 Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
772 @code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
776 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
779 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
781 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
786 That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
787 @code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
788 @code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
789 the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
790 any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
794 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
796 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
801 Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
802 @code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
803 executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
804 example that caused trouble initially:
810 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
817 Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
818 problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
819 lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
823 Program exited normally.
827 The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
828 indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
829 session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
832 (@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
836 @chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
838 This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
842 type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
844 type @kbd{quit}, @kbd{exit} or @kbd{Ctrl-d} to exit.
848 * Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
849 * Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
850 * Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
851 * Logging Output:: How to log @value{GDBN}'s output to a file
855 @section Invoking @value{GDBN}
857 Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
858 @value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
860 You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
861 to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
863 The command-line options described here are designed
864 to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
865 options may effectively be unavailable.
867 The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
868 specifying an executable program:
871 @value{GDBP} @var{program}
875 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
879 @value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
882 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument or use option
883 @code{-p}, if you want to debug a running process:
886 @value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
891 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234}. With option @option{-p} you
892 can omit the @var{program} filename.
894 Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
895 complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote
896 debugger attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of
897 ``process'', and there is often no way to get a core dump. @value{GDBN}
898 will warn you if it is unable to attach or to read core dumps.
900 You can optionally have @code{@value{GDBP}} pass any arguments after the
901 executable file to the inferior using @code{--args}. This option stops
904 @value{GDBP} --args gcc -O2 -c foo.c
906 This will cause @code{@value{GDBP}} to debug @code{gcc}, and to set
907 @code{gcc}'s command-line arguments (@pxref{Arguments}) to @samp{-O2 -c foo.c}.
909 You can run @code{@value{GDBP}} without printing the front material, which describes
910 @value{GDBN}'s non-warranty, by specifying @code{--silent}
911 (or @code{-q}/@code{--quiet}):
914 @value{GDBP} --silent
918 You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
919 options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
929 to display all available options and briefly describe their use
930 (@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
932 All options and command line arguments you give are processed
933 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
934 @samp{-x} option is used.
938 * File Options:: Choosing files
939 * Mode Options:: Choosing modes
940 * Startup:: What @value{GDBN} does during startup
941 * Initialization Files:: Initialization Files
945 @subsection Choosing Files
947 When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
948 specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
949 the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
950 @samp{-c} (or @samp{-p}) options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the
951 first argument that does not have an associated option flag as
952 equivalent to the @samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the
953 second argument that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as
954 equivalent to the @samp{-c}/@samp{-p} option followed by that argument.)
955 If the second argument begins with a decimal digit, @value{GDBN} will
956 first attempt to attach to it as a process, and if that fails, attempt
957 to open it as a corefile. If you have a corefile whose name begins with
958 a digit, you can prevent @value{GDBN} from treating it as a pid by
959 prefixing it with @file{./}, e.g.@: @file{./12345}.
961 If @value{GDBN} has not been configured to included core file support,
962 such as for most embedded targets, then it will complain about a second
963 argument and ignore it.
965 For the @samp{-s}, @samp{-e}, and @samp{-se} options, and their long
966 form equivalents, the method used to search the file system for the
967 symbol and/or executable file is the same as that used by the
968 @code{file} command. @xref{Files, ,file}.
970 Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
971 following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
972 them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
973 (If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
974 than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
976 @c NOTE: the @cindex entries here use double dashes ON PURPOSE. This
977 @c way, both those who look for -foo and --foo in the index, will find
981 @item -symbols @var{file}
983 @cindex @code{--symbols}
985 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
987 @item -exec @var{file}
989 @cindex @code{--exec}
991 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when appropriate,
992 and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core dump.
996 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
999 @item -core @var{file}
1000 @itemx -c @var{file}
1001 @cindex @code{--core}
1003 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
1005 @item -pid @var{number}
1006 @itemx -p @var{number}
1007 @cindex @code{--pid}
1009 Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command.
1011 @item -command @var{file}
1012 @itemx -x @var{file}
1013 @cindex @code{--command}
1015 Execute commands from file @var{file}. The contents of this file is
1016 evaluated exactly as the @code{source} command would.
1017 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
1019 @item -eval-command @var{command}
1020 @itemx -ex @var{command}
1021 @cindex @code{--eval-command}
1023 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command.
1025 This option may be used multiple times to call multiple commands. It may
1026 also be interleaved with @samp{-command} as required.
1029 @value{GDBP} -ex 'target sim' -ex 'load' \
1030 -x setbreakpoints -ex 'run' a.out
1033 @item -init-command @var{file}
1034 @itemx -ix @var{file}
1035 @cindex @code{--init-command}
1037 Execute commands from file @var{file} before loading the inferior (but
1038 after loading gdbinit files).
1041 @item -init-eval-command @var{command}
1042 @itemx -iex @var{command}
1043 @cindex @code{--init-eval-command}
1045 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command before loading the inferior (but
1046 after loading gdbinit files).
1049 @item -early-init-command @var{file}
1050 @itemx -eix @var{file}
1051 @cindex @code{--early-init-command}
1053 Execute commands from @var{file} very early in the initialization
1054 process, before any output is produced. @xref{Startup}.
1056 @item -early-init-eval-command @var{command}
1057 @itemx -eiex @var{command}
1058 @cindex @code{--early-init-eval-command}
1059 @cindex @code{-eiex}
1060 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command very early in the initialization
1061 process, before any output is produced.
1063 @item -directory @var{directory}
1064 @itemx -d @var{directory}
1065 @cindex @code{--directory}
1067 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
1071 @cindex @code{--readnow}
1073 Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
1074 the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
1075 This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
1078 @anchor{--readnever}
1079 @cindex @code{--readnever}, command-line option
1080 Do not read each symbol file's symbolic debug information. This makes
1081 startup faster but at the expense of not being able to perform
1082 symbolic debugging. DWARF unwind information is also not read,
1083 meaning backtraces may become incomplete or inaccurate. One use of
1084 this is when a user simply wants to do the following sequence: attach,
1085 dump core, detach. Loading the debugging information in this case is
1086 an unnecessary cause of delay.
1090 @subsection Choosing Modes
1092 You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
1093 batch mode or quiet mode.
1101 Do not execute commands found in any initialization files
1102 (@pxref{Initialization Files}).
1107 Do not execute commands found in any home directory initialization
1108 file (@pxref{Initialization Files,,Home directory initialization
1109 file}). The system wide and current directory initialization files
1115 @cindex @code{--quiet}
1116 @cindex @code{--silent}
1118 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1119 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
1121 @kindex set startup-quietly
1122 @kindex show startup-quietly
1123 This can also be enabled using @code{set startup-quietly on}. The
1124 default is @code{off}. Use @code{show startup-quietly} to see the
1125 current setting. Place @code{set startup-quietly on} into your early
1126 initialization file (@pxref{Initialization Files,,Initialization
1127 Files}) to have future @value{GDBN} sessions startup quietly.
1130 @cindex @code{--batch}
1131 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
1132 command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
1133 initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
1134 nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
1135 in the command files. Batch mode also disables pagination, sets unlimited
1136 terminal width and height @pxref{Screen Size}, and acts as if @kbd{set confirm
1137 off} were in effect (@pxref{Messages/Warnings}).
1139 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
1140 example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
1141 make this more useful, the message
1144 Program exited normally.
1148 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1149 @value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
1153 @cindex @code{--batch-silent}
1154 Run in batch mode exactly like @samp{-batch}, but totally silently. All
1155 @value{GDBN} output to @code{stdout} is prevented (@code{stderr} is
1156 unaffected). This is much quieter than @samp{-silent} and would be useless
1157 for an interactive session.
1159 This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1160 messages, for example.
1162 Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to
1163 writing directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
1165 @item -return-child-result
1166 @cindex @code{--return-child-result}
1167 The return code from @value{GDBN} will be the return code from the child
1168 process (the process being debugged), with the following exceptions:
1172 @value{GDBN} exits abnormally. E.g., due to an incorrect argument or an
1173 internal error. In this case the exit code is the same as it would have been
1174 without @samp{-return-child-result}.
1176 The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1178 The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1179 the exit code will be -1.
1182 This option is useful in conjunction with @samp{-batch} or @samp{-batch-silent},
1183 when @value{GDBN} is being used as a remote program loader or simulator
1188 @cindex @code{--nowindows}
1190 ``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
1191 (GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
1192 interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
1196 @cindex @code{--windows}
1198 If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1201 @item -cd @var{directory}
1203 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1204 instead of the current directory.
1206 @item -data-directory @var{directory}
1207 @itemx -D @var{directory}
1208 @cindex @code{--data-directory}
1210 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its data directory.
1211 The data directory is where @value{GDBN} searches for its
1212 auxiliary files. @xref{Data Files}.
1216 @cindex @code{--fullname}
1218 @sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
1219 subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
1220 number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
1221 displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
1222 recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
1223 the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
1224 and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
1225 @samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
1228 @item -annotate @var{level}
1229 @cindex @code{--annotate}
1230 This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
1231 effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
1232 (@pxref{Annotations}). The annotation @var{level} controls how much
1233 information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt, values of
1234 expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0 is the
1235 normal, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of
1236 @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable for programs
1237 that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 has been deprecated.
1239 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
1243 @cindex @code{--args}
1244 Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following the
1245 executable file are passed as command line arguments to the inferior.
1246 This option stops option processing.
1248 @item -baud @var{bps}
1250 @cindex @code{--baud}
1252 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1253 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1255 @item -l @var{timeout}
1257 Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1258 for remote debugging.
1260 @item -tty @var{device}
1261 @itemx -t @var{device}
1262 @cindex @code{--tty}
1264 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1265 @c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1267 @c resolve the situation of these eventually
1269 @cindex @code{--tui}
1270 Activate the @dfn{Text User Interface} when starting. The Text User
1271 Interface manages several text windows on the terminal, showing
1272 source, assembly, registers and @value{GDBN} command outputs
1273 (@pxref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}). Do not use this
1274 option if you run @value{GDBN} from Emacs (@pxref{Emacs, ,
1275 Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1277 @item -interpreter @var{interp}
1278 @cindex @code{--interpreter}
1279 Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1280 program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1281 communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end.
1282 @xref{Interpreters, , Command Interpreters}.
1284 @samp{--interpreter=mi} (or @samp{--interpreter=mi3}) causes
1285 @value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{@sc{gdb/mi} interface} version 3 (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,
1286 The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}) included since @value{GDBN} version 9.1. @sc{gdb/mi}
1287 version 2 (@code{mi2}), included in @value{GDBN} 6.0 and version 1 (@code{mi1}),
1288 included in @value{GDBN} 5.3, are also available. Earlier @sc{gdb/mi}
1289 interfaces are no longer supported.
1292 @cindex @code{--write}
1293 Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1294 is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1298 @cindex @code{--statistics}
1299 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1300 memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1303 @cindex @code{--version}
1304 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1305 no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1307 @item -configuration
1308 @cindex @code{--configuration}
1309 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print details about its build-time
1310 configuration parameters, and then exit. These details can be
1311 important when reporting @value{GDBN} bugs (@pxref{GDB Bugs}).
1316 @subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1317 @cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1319 Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1324 Performs minimal setup required to initialize basic internal state.
1327 @cindex early initialization file
1328 Reads commands from the early initialization file (if any) in your
1329 home directory. Only a restricted set of commands can be placed into
1330 an early initialization file, see @ref{Initialization Files}, for
1334 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-eiex} and
1335 @samp{-eix} command line options in their specified order. Only a
1336 restricted set of commands can be used with @samp{-eiex} and
1337 @samp{eix}, see @ref{Initialization Files}, for details.
1340 Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1341 (@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
1345 Reads the system wide initialization file and the files from the
1346 system wide initialization directory, @pxref{System Wide Init Files}.
1349 Reads the initialization file (if any) in your home directory and
1350 executes all the commands in that file, @pxref{Home Directory Init
1353 @anchor{Option -init-eval-command}
1355 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-iex} and
1356 @samp{-ix} options in their specified order. Usually you should use the
1357 @samp{-ex} and @samp{-x} options instead, but this way you can apply
1358 settings before @value{GDBN} init files get executed and before inferior
1362 Processes command line options and operands.
1365 Reads and executes the commands from the initialization file (if any)
1366 in the current working directory as long as @samp{set auto-load
1367 local-gdbinit} is set to @samp{on} (@pxref{Init File in the Current
1368 Directory}). This is only done if the current directory is different
1369 from your home directory. Thus, you can have more than one init file,
1370 one generic in your home directory, and another, specific to the
1371 program you are debugging, in the directory where you invoke
1372 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Init File in the Current Directory during
1376 If the command line specified a program to debug, or a process to
1377 attach to, or a core file, @value{GDBN} loads any auto-loaded
1378 scripts provided for the program or for its loaded shared libraries.
1379 @xref{Auto-loading}.
1381 If you wish to disable the auto-loading during startup,
1382 you must do something like the following:
1385 $ gdb -iex "set auto-load python-scripts off" myprogram
1388 Option @samp{-ex} does not work because the auto-loading is then turned
1392 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-ex} and
1393 @samp{-x} options in their specified order. @xref{Command Files}, for
1394 more details about @value{GDBN} command files.
1397 Reads the command history recorded in the @dfn{history file}.
1398 @xref{Command History}, for more details about the command history and the
1399 files where @value{GDBN} records it.
1402 @node Initialization Files
1403 @subsection Initialization Files
1404 @cindex init file name
1406 During startup (@pxref{Startup}) @value{GDBN} will execute commands
1407 from several initialization files. These initialization files use the
1408 same syntax as @dfn{command files} (@pxref{Command Files}) and are
1409 processed by @value{GDBN} in the same way.
1411 To display the list of initialization files loaded by @value{GDBN} at
1412 startup, in the order they will be loaded, you can use @kbd{gdb
1415 @cindex early initialization
1416 The @dfn{early initialization} file is loaded very early in
1417 @value{GDBN}'s initialization process, before the interpreter
1418 (@pxref{Interpreters}) has been initialized, and before the default
1419 target (@pxref{Targets}) is initialized. Only @code{set} or
1420 @code{source} commands should be placed into an early initialization
1421 file, and the only @code{set} commands that can be used are those that
1422 control how @value{GDBN} starts up.
1424 Commands that can be placed into an early initialization file will be
1425 documented as such throughout this manual. Any command that is not
1426 documented as being suitable for an early initialization file should
1427 instead be placed into a general initialization file. Command files
1428 passed to @code{--early-init-command} or @code{-eix} are also early
1429 initialization files, with the same command restrictions. Only
1430 commands that can appear in an early initialization file should be
1431 passed to @code{--early-init-eval-command} or @code{-eiex}.
1433 @cindex general initialization
1434 In contrast, the @dfn{general initialization} files are processed
1435 later, after @value{GDBN} has finished its own internal initialization
1436 process, any valid command can be used in these files.
1438 @cindex initialization file
1439 Throughout the rest of this document the term @dfn{initialization
1440 file} refers to one of the general initialization files, not the early
1441 initialization file. Any discussion of the early initialization file
1442 will specifically mention that it is the early initialization file
1445 As the system wide and home directory initialization files are
1446 processed before most command line options, changes to settings
1447 (e.g.@: @samp{set complaints}) can affect subsequent processing of
1448 command line options and operands.
1450 The following sections describe where @value{GDBN} looks for the early
1451 initialization and initialization files, and the order that the files
1454 @subsubsection Home directory early initialization files
1456 @value{GDBN} initially looks for an early initialization file in the
1457 users home directory@footnote{On DOS/Windows systems, the home
1458 directory is the one pointed to by the @env{HOME} environment
1459 variable.}. There are a number of locations that @value{GDBN} will
1460 search in the home directory, these locations are searched in order
1461 and @value{GDBN} will load the first file that it finds, and
1462 subsequent locations will not be checked.
1464 On non-macOS hosts the locations searched are:
1467 The file @file{gdb/gdbearlyinit} within the directory pointed to by the
1468 environment variable @env{XDG_CONFIG_HOME}, if it is defined.
1470 The file @file{.config/gdb/gdbearlyinit} within the directory pointed to
1471 by the environment variable @env{HOME}, if it is defined.
1473 The file @file{.gdbearlyinit} within the directory pointed to by the
1474 environment variable @env{HOME}, if it is defined.
1477 By contrast, on macOS hosts the locations searched are:
1480 The file @file{Library/Preferences/gdb/gdbearlyinit} within the
1481 directory pointed to by the environment variable @env{HOME}, if it is
1484 The file @file{.gdbearlyinit} within the directory pointed to by the
1485 environment variable @env{HOME}, if it is defined.
1488 It is possible to prevent the home directory early initialization file
1489 from being loaded using the @samp{-nx} or @samp{-nh} command line
1490 options, @pxref{Mode Options,,Choosing Modes}.
1492 @anchor{System Wide Init Files}
1493 @subsubsection System wide initialization files
1495 There are two locations that are searched for system wide
1496 initialization files. Both of these locations are always checked:
1500 @item @file{system.gdbinit}
1501 This is a single system-wide initialization file. Its location is
1502 specified with the @code{--with-system-gdbinit} configure option
1503 (@pxref{System-wide configuration}). It is loaded first when
1504 @value{GDBN} starts, before command line options have been processed.
1506 @item @file{system.gdbinit.d}
1507 This is the system-wide initialization directory. Its location is
1508 specified with the @code{--with-system-gdbinit-dir} configure option
1509 (@pxref{System-wide configuration}). Files in this directory are
1510 loaded in alphabetical order immediately after @file{system.gdbinit}
1511 (if enabled) when @value{GDBN} starts, before command line options
1512 have been processed. Files need to have a recognized scripting
1513 language extension (@file{.py}/@file{.scm}) or be named with a
1514 @file{.gdb} extension to be interpreted as regular @value{GDBN}
1515 commands. @value{GDBN} will not recurse into any subdirectories of
1520 It is possible to prevent the system wide initialization files from
1521 being loaded using the @samp{-nx} command line option, @pxref{Mode
1522 Options,,Choosing Modes}.
1524 @anchor{Home Directory Init File}
1525 @subsubsection Home directory initialization file
1526 @cindex @file{gdbinit}
1527 @cindex @file{.gdbinit}
1528 @cindex @file{gdb.ini}
1530 After loading the system wide initialization files @value{GDBN} will
1531 look for an initialization file in the users home
1532 directory@footnote{On DOS/Windows systems, the home directory is the
1533 one pointed to by the @env{HOME} environment variable.}. There are a
1534 number of locations that @value{GDBN} will search in the home
1535 directory, these locations are searched in order and @value{GDBN} will
1536 load the first file that it finds, and subsequent locations will not
1539 On non-Apple hosts the locations searched are:
1541 @item $XDG_CONFIG_HOME/gdb/gdbinit
1542 @item $HOME/.config/gdb/gdbinit
1543 @item $HOME/.gdbinit
1546 While on Apple hosts the locations searched are:
1548 @item $HOME/Library/Preferences/gdb/gdbinit
1549 @item $HOME/.gdbinit
1552 It is possible to prevent the home directory initialization file from
1553 being loaded using the @samp{-nx} or @samp{-nh} command line options,
1554 @pxref{Mode Options,,Choosing Modes}.
1556 The DJGPP port of @value{GDBN} uses the name @file{gdb.ini} instead of
1557 @file{.gdbinit} or @file{gdbinit}, due to the limitations of file
1558 names imposed by DOS filesystems. The Windows port of @value{GDBN}
1559 uses the standard name, but if it finds a @file{gdb.ini} file in your
1560 home directory, it warns you about that and suggests to rename the
1561 file to the standard name.
1563 @anchor{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}
1564 @subsubsection Local directory initialization file
1566 @value{GDBN} will check the current directory for a file called
1567 @file{.gdbinit}. It is loaded last, after command line options
1568 other than @samp{-x} and @samp{-ex} have been processed. The command
1569 line options @samp{-x} and @samp{-ex} are processed last, after
1570 @file{.gdbinit} has been loaded, @pxref{File Options,,Choosing
1573 If the file in the current directory was already loaded as the home
1574 directory initialization file then it will not be loaded a second
1577 It is possible to prevent the local directory initialization file from
1578 being loaded using the @samp{-nx} command line option, @pxref{Mode
1579 Options,,Choosing Modes}.
1582 @section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1583 @cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1584 @cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1587 @kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1588 @kindex exit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1589 @kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1590 @item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1591 @itemx exit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1593 To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1594 @code{q}), the @code{exit} command, or type an end-of-file
1595 character (usually @kbd{Ctrl-d}). If you do not supply @var{expression},
1596 @value{GDBN} will terminate normally; otherwise it will terminate using
1597 the result of @var{expression} as the error code.
1601 An interrupt (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1602 terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1603 returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1604 character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1605 until a time when it is safe.
1607 If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1608 device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1609 (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
1611 @node Shell Commands
1612 @section Shell Commands
1614 If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1615 debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1616 just use the @code{shell} command.
1621 @cindex shell escape
1622 @item shell @var{command-string}
1623 @itemx !@var{command-string}
1624 Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command-string}.
1625 Note that no space is needed between @code{!} and @var{command-string}.
1626 On GNU and Unix systems, the environment variable @env{SHELL}, if it
1627 exists, determines which shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses
1628 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on GNU and Unix systems,
1629 @file{cmd.exe} on MS-Windows, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1632 The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1633 You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1638 @cindex calling make
1639 @item make @var{make-args}
1640 Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1641 arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1647 @cindex send the output of a gdb command to a shell command
1649 @item pipe [@var{command}] | @var{shell_command}
1650 @itemx | [@var{command}] | @var{shell_command}
1651 @itemx pipe -d @var{delim} @var{command} @var{delim} @var{shell_command}
1652 @itemx | -d @var{delim} @var{command} @var{delim} @var{shell_command}
1653 Executes @var{command} and sends its output to @var{shell_command}.
1654 Note that no space is needed around @code{|}.
1655 If no @var{command} is provided, the last command executed is repeated.
1657 In case the @var{command} contains a @code{|}, the option @code{-d @var{delim}}
1658 can be used to specify an alternate delimiter string @var{delim} that separates
1659 the @var{command} from the @var{shell_command}.
1692 (gdb) | -d ! echo this contains a | char\n ! sed -e 's/|/PIPE/'
1693 this contains a PIPE char
1694 (gdb) | -d xxx echo this contains a | char!\n xxx sed -e 's/|/PIPE/'
1695 this contains a PIPE char!
1701 The convenience variables @code{$_shell_exitcode} and @code{$_shell_exitsignal}
1702 can be used to examine the exit status of the last shell command launched
1703 by @code{shell}, @code{make}, @code{pipe} and @code{|}.
1704 @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}.
1706 @node Logging Output
1707 @section Logging Output
1708 @cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1709 @cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
1711 You may want to save the output of @value{GDBN} commands to a file.
1712 There are several commands to control @value{GDBN}'s logging.
1715 @kindex set logging enabled
1716 @item set logging enabled [on|off]
1717 Enable or disable logging.
1718 @cindex logging file name
1719 @item set logging file @var{file}
1720 Change the name of the current logfile. The default logfile is @file{gdb.txt}.
1721 @item set logging overwrite [on|off]
1722 By default, @value{GDBN} will append to the logfile. Set @code{overwrite} if
1723 you want @code{set logging enabled on} to overwrite the logfile instead.
1724 @item set logging redirect [on|off]
1725 By default, @value{GDBN} output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1726 Set @code{redirect} if you want output to go only to the log file.
1727 @item set logging debugredirect [on|off]
1728 By default, @value{GDBN} debug output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1729 Set @code{debugredirect} if you want debug output to go only to the log file.
1730 @kindex show logging
1732 Show the current values of the logging settings.
1735 You can also redirect the output of a @value{GDBN} command to a
1736 shell command. @xref{pipe}.
1738 @chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1740 You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1741 name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1742 @value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1743 key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1744 show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1747 * Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1748 * Command Settings:: How to change default behavior of commands
1749 * Completion:: Command completion
1750 * Command Options:: Command options
1751 * Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1754 @node Command Syntax
1755 @section Command Syntax
1757 A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1758 how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1759 arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1760 command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1761 step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1762 with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1764 @cindex abbreviation
1765 @value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1766 unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1767 documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1768 abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1769 equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1770 names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1771 arguments to the @code{help} command.
1773 @cindex repeating commands
1774 @kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1775 A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1776 repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1777 will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1778 repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1779 repeat. User-defined commands can disable this feature; see
1780 @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
1782 The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1783 @key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1784 exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1786 @value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1787 output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1788 (@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen Size}). Since it is easy to press one
1789 @key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1790 repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1792 @kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1794 Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1795 nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1796 Files,,Command Files}).
1798 @cindex repeating command sequences
1799 @kindex Ctrl-o @r{(operate-and-get-next)}
1800 The @kbd{Ctrl-o} binding is useful for repeating a complex sequence of
1801 commands. This command accepts the current line, like @key{RET}, and
1802 then fetches the next line relative to the current line from the history
1806 @node Command Settings
1807 @section Command Settings
1808 @cindex default behavior of commands, changing
1809 @cindex default settings, changing
1811 Many commands change their behavior according to command-specific
1812 variables or settings. These settings can be changed with the
1813 @code{set} subcommands. For example, the @code{print} command
1814 (@pxref{Data, ,Examining Data}) prints arrays differently depending on
1815 settings changeable with the commands @code{set print elements
1816 NUMBER-OF-ELEMENTS} and @code{set print array-indexes}, among others.
1818 You can change these settings to your preference in the gdbinit files
1819 loaded at @value{GDBN} startup. @xref{Startup}.
1821 The settings can also be changed interactively during the debugging
1822 session. For example, to change the limit of array elements to print,
1823 you can do the following:
1825 (@value{GDBN}) set print elements 10
1826 (@value{GDBN}) print some_array
1827 $1 = @{0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90...@}
1830 The above @code{set print elements 10} command changes the number of
1831 elements to print from the default of 200 to 10. If you only intend
1832 this limit of 10 to be used for printing @code{some_array}, then you
1833 must restore the limit back to 200, with @code{set print elements
1836 Some commands allow overriding settings with command options. For
1837 example, the @code{print} command supports a number of options that
1838 allow overriding relevant global print settings as set by @code{set
1839 print} subcommands. @xref{print options}. The example above could be
1842 (@value{GDBN}) print -elements 10 -- some_array
1843 $1 = @{0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90...@}
1846 Alternatively, you can use the @code{with} command to change a setting
1847 temporarily, for the duration of a command invocation.
1850 @kindex with command
1851 @kindex w @r{(@code{with})}
1853 @cindex temporarily change settings
1854 @item with @var{setting} [@var{value}] [-- @var{command}]
1855 @itemx w @var{setting} [@var{value}] [-- @var{command}]
1856 Temporarily set @var{setting} to @var{value} for the duration of
1859 @var{setting} is any setting you can change with the @code{set}
1860 subcommands. @var{value} is the value to assign to @code{setting}
1861 while running @code{command}.
1863 If no @var{command} is provided, the last command executed is
1866 If a @var{command} is provided, it must be preceded by a double dash
1867 (@code{--}) separator. This is required because some settings accept
1868 free-form arguments, such as expressions or filenames.
1870 For example, the command
1872 (@value{GDBN}) with print array on -- print some_array
1875 is equivalent to the following 3 commands:
1877 (@value{GDBN}) set print array on
1878 (@value{GDBN}) print some_array
1879 (@value{GDBN}) set print array off
1882 The @code{with} command is particularly useful when you want to
1883 override a setting while running user-defined commands, or commands
1884 defined in Python or Guile. @xref{Extending GDB,, Extending GDB}.
1887 (@value{GDBN}) with print pretty on -- my_complex_command
1890 To change several settings for the same command, you can nest
1891 @code{with} commands. For example, @code{with language ada -- with
1892 print elements 10} temporarily changes the language to Ada and sets a
1893 limit of 10 elements to print for arrays and strings.
1898 @section Command Completion
1901 @cindex word completion
1902 @value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1903 only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1904 are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1905 commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, command options, and the names of symbols
1908 Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1909 of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1910 word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1911 enter it). For example, if you type
1913 @c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1914 @c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1915 @c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1916 @c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1918 (@value{GDBP}) info bre@key{TAB}
1922 @value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1923 the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1926 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1930 You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1931 breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1932 @samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1933 were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1934 might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1935 to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1937 If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1938 @key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1939 characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1940 @value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1941 example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1942 begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1943 just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1944 function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1948 (@value{GDBP}) b make_@key{TAB}
1949 @exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1950 make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1951 make_abs_section make_function_type
1952 make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1953 make_cleanup make_reference_type
1954 make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1955 (@value{GDBP}) b make_
1959 After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1960 partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1963 If the command you are trying to complete expects either a keyword or a
1964 number to follow, then @samp{NUMBER} will be shown among the available
1965 completions, for example:
1968 (@value{GDBP}) print -elements @key{TAB}@key{TAB}
1970 (@value{GDBP}) print -elements@tie{}
1974 Here, the option expects a number (e.g., @code{100}), not literal
1975 @code{NUMBER}. Such metasyntactical arguments are always presented in
1978 If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1979 can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1980 means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1981 key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1982 one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1984 If the number of possible completions is large, @value{GDBN} will
1985 print as much of the list as it has collected, as well as a message
1986 indicating that the list may be truncated.
1989 (@value{GDBP}) b m@key{TAB}@key{TAB}
1991 <... the rest of the possible completions ...>
1992 *** List may be truncated, max-completions reached. ***
1997 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands:
2000 @kindex set max-completions
2001 @item set max-completions @var{limit}
2002 @itemx set max-completions unlimited
2003 Set the maximum number of completion candidates. @value{GDBN} will
2004 stop looking for more completions once it collects this many candidates.
2005 This is useful when completing on things like function names as collecting
2006 all the possible candidates can be time consuming.
2007 The default value is 200. A value of zero disables tab-completion.
2008 Note that setting either no limit or a very large limit can make
2010 @kindex show max-completions
2011 @item show max-completions
2012 Show the maximum number of candidates that @value{GDBN} will collect and show
2016 @cindex quotes in commands
2017 @cindex completion of quoted strings
2018 Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
2019 parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
2020 its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
2021 situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
2022 @value{GDBN} commands.
2024 A likely situation where you might need this is in typing an
2025 expression that involves a C@t{++} symbol name with template
2026 parameters. This is because when completing expressions, GDB treats
2027 the @samp{<} character as word delimiter, assuming that it's the
2028 less-than comparison operator (@pxref{C Operators, , C and C@t{++}
2031 For example, when you want to call a C@t{++} template function
2032 interactively using the @code{print} or @code{call} commands, you may
2033 need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name} that
2034 was specialized for @code{int}, @code{name<int>()}, or the version
2035 that was specialized for @code{float}, @code{name<float>()}. To use
2036 the word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
2037 @code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
2038 @value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
2039 when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
2042 (@value{GDBP}) p 'func<@kbd{M-?}
2043 func<int>() func<float>()
2044 (@value{GDBP}) p 'func<
2047 When setting breakpoints however (@pxref{Location Specifications}), you don't
2048 usually need to type a quote before the function name, because
2049 @value{GDBN} understands that you want to set a breakpoint on a
2053 (@value{GDBP}) b func<@kbd{M-?}
2054 func<int>() func<float>()
2055 (@value{GDBP}) b func<
2058 This is true even in the case of typing the name of C@t{++} overloaded
2059 functions (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished by
2060 argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
2061 don't need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
2062 that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
2063 that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}.
2066 (@value{GDBP}) b bubble(@kbd{M-?}
2067 bubble(int) bubble(double)
2068 (@value{GDBP}) b bubble(dou@kbd{M-?}
2072 See @ref{quoting names} for a description of other scenarios that
2075 For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
2076 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
2077 overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
2078 see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
2080 @cindex completion of structure field names
2081 @cindex structure field name completion
2082 @cindex completion of union field names
2083 @cindex union field name completion
2084 When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
2085 structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
2086 confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
2087 examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
2088 limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
2092 (@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
2093 magic to_fputs to_rewind
2094 to_data to_isatty to_write
2095 to_delete to_put to_write_async_safe
2100 This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
2101 @code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
2108 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
2109 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
2110 ui_file_write_async_safe_ftype *to_write_async_safe;
2111 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
2112 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
2113 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
2114 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
2115 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
2116 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
2121 @node Command Options
2122 @section Command options
2124 @cindex command options
2125 Some commands accept options starting with a leading dash. For
2126 example, @code{print -pretty}. Similarly to command names, you can
2127 abbreviate a @value{GDBN} option to the first few letters of the
2128 option name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous, and you can also use
2129 the @key{TAB} key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word
2130 in an option (or to show you the alternatives available, if there is
2131 more than one possibility).
2133 @cindex command options, raw input
2134 Some commands take raw input as argument. For example, the print
2135 command processes arbitrary expressions in any of the languages
2136 supported by @value{GDBN}. With such commands, because raw input may
2137 start with a leading dash that would be confused with an option or any
2138 of its abbreviations, e.g.@: @code{print -p} (short for @code{print
2139 -pretty} or printing negative @code{p}?), if you specify any command
2140 option, then you must use a double-dash (@code{--}) delimiter to
2141 indicate the end of options.
2143 @cindex command options, boolean
2145 Some options are described as accepting an argument which can be
2146 either @code{on} or @code{off}. These are known as @dfn{boolean
2147 options}. Similarly to boolean settings commands---@code{on} and
2148 @code{off} are the typical values, but any of @code{1}, @code{yes} and
2149 @code{enable} can also be used as ``true'' value, and any of @code{0},
2150 @code{no} and @code{disable} can also be used as ``false'' value. You
2151 can also omit a ``true'' value, as it is implied by default.
2153 For example, these are equivalent:
2156 (@value{GDBP}) print -object on -pretty off -element unlimited -- *myptr
2157 (@value{GDBP}) p -o -p 0 -e u -- *myptr
2160 You can discover the set of options some command accepts by completing
2161 on @code{-} after the command name. For example:
2164 (@value{GDBP}) print -@key{TAB}@key{TAB}
2165 -address -max-depth -object -static-members
2166 -array -memory-tag-violations -pretty -symbol
2167 -array-indexes -nibbles -raw-values -union
2168 -elements -null-stop -repeats -vtbl
2171 Completion will in some cases guide you with a suggestion of what kind
2172 of argument an option expects. For example:
2175 (@value{GDBP}) print -elements @key{TAB}@key{TAB}
2180 Here, the option expects a number (e.g., @code{100}), not literal
2181 @code{NUMBER}. Such metasyntactical arguments are always presented in
2184 (For more on using the @code{print} command, see @ref{Data, ,Examining
2188 @section Getting Help
2189 @cindex online documentation
2192 You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
2193 using the command @code{help}.
2196 @kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
2199 You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
2200 display a short list of named classes of commands:
2204 List of classes of commands:
2206 aliases -- User-defined aliases of other commands
2207 breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
2208 data -- Examining data
2209 files -- Specifying and examining files
2210 internals -- Maintenance commands
2211 obscure -- Obscure features
2212 running -- Running the program
2213 stack -- Examining the stack
2214 status -- Status inquiries
2215 support -- Support facilities
2216 tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
2217 stopping the program
2218 user-defined -- User-defined commands
2220 Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
2221 commands in that class.
2222 Type "help" followed by command name for full
2224 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
2227 @c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
2229 @item help @var{class}
2230 Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
2231 list of the individual commands in that class. If a command has
2232 aliases, the aliases are given after the command name, separated by
2233 commas. If an alias has default arguments, the full definition of
2234 the alias is given after the first line.
2235 For example, here is the help display for the class @code{status}:
2238 (@value{GDBP}) help status
2243 @c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
2244 @c to fit in smallbook page size.
2245 info, inf, i -- Generic command for showing things
2246 about the program being debugged
2247 info address, iamain -- Describe where symbol SYM is stored.
2248 alias iamain = info address main
2249 info all-registers -- List of all registers and their contents,
2250 for selected stack frame.
2252 show, info set -- Generic command for showing things
2255 Type "help" followed by command name for full
2257 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
2261 @item help @var{command}
2262 With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
2263 short paragraph on how to use that command. If that command has
2264 one or more aliases, @value{GDBN} will display a first line with
2265 the command name and all its aliases separated by commas.
2266 This first line will be followed by the full definition of all aliases
2267 having default arguments.
2268 When asking the help for an alias, the documentation for the aliased
2271 A user-defined alias can optionally be documented using the
2272 @code{document} command (@pxref{Define, document}). @value{GDBN} then
2273 considers this alias as different from the aliased command: this alias
2274 is not listed in the aliased command help output, and asking help for
2275 this alias will show the documentation provided for the alias instead of
2276 the documentation of the aliased command.
2279 @item apropos [-v] @var{regexp}
2280 The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
2281 commands and aliases, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
2282 @var{args}. It prints out all matches found. The optional flag @samp{-v},
2283 which stands for @samp{verbose}, indicates to output the full documentation
2284 of the matching commands and highlight the parts of the documentation
2285 matching @var{regexp}. For example:
2296 alias -- Define a new command that is an alias of an existing command
2297 aliases -- User-defined aliases of other commands
2305 apropos -v cut.*thread apply
2309 results in the below output, where @samp{cut for 'thread apply}
2310 is highlighted if styling is enabled.
2314 taas -- Apply a command to all threads (ignoring errors
2317 shortcut for 'thread apply all -s COMMAND'
2319 tfaas -- Apply a command to all frames of all threads
2320 (ignoring errors and empty output).
2321 Usage: tfaas COMMAND
2322 shortcut for 'thread apply all -s frame apply all -s COMMAND'
2327 @item complete @var{args}
2328 The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
2329 for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
2330 command you want completed. For example:
2336 @noindent results in:
2347 @noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
2350 In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
2351 and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
2352 of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
2353 manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
2354 under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Command, Variable, and
2355 Function Index point to all the sub-commands. @xref{Command and Variable
2361 @kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
2363 This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
2364 program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
2365 with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
2366 registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
2367 You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
2368 @w{@code{help info}}.
2372 You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
2373 @code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
2374 @code{set prompt $}.
2378 In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
2379 @value{GDBN} itself.
2380 You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
2381 related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
2382 system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
2383 which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
2386 To display all the settable parameters and their current
2387 values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
2388 @code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
2389 @c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
2390 @c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
2391 @c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
2395 Here are several miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
2396 exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
2399 @kindex show version
2400 @cindex @value{GDBN} version number
2402 Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
2403 information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
2404 @value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
2405 version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
2406 commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
2407 system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
2408 variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
2409 The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
2412 @kindex show copying
2413 @kindex info copying
2414 @cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
2417 Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
2419 @kindex show warranty
2420 @kindex info warranty
2422 @itemx info warranty
2423 Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
2424 if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
2426 @kindex show configuration
2427 @item show configuration
2428 Display detailed information about the way @value{GDBN} was configured
2429 when it was built. This displays the optional arguments passed to the
2430 @file{configure} script and also configuration parameters detected
2431 automatically by @command{configure}. When reporting a @value{GDBN}
2432 bug (@pxref{GDB Bugs}), it is important to include this information in
2438 @chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
2440 When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
2441 debugging information when you compile it.
2443 You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
2444 of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
2445 your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
2446 kill a child process.
2449 * Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
2450 * Starting:: Starting your program
2451 * Arguments:: Your program's arguments
2452 * Environment:: Your program's environment
2454 * Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
2455 * Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
2456 * Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
2457 * Kill Process:: Killing the child process
2458 * Inferiors Connections and Programs:: Debugging multiple inferiors
2459 connections and programs
2460 * Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
2461 * Forks:: Debugging forks
2462 * Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
2466 @section Compiling for Debugging
2468 In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
2469 debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
2470 is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
2471 variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
2472 and addresses in the executable code.
2474 To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
2477 Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
2478 optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, some
2479 compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
2480 together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
2481 executables containing debugging information.
2483 @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
2484 without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
2485 recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
2486 program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
2487 in pushing your luck. For more information, see @ref{Optimized Code}.
2489 Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
2490 @w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
2491 format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
2493 @value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
2494 expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
2495 about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
2496 the @option{-g} flag alone. Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC},
2497 the @sc{gnu} C compiler, provides macro information if you are using
2498 the DWARF debugging format, and specify the option @option{-g3}.
2500 @xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
2501 gcc, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}, for more
2502 information on @value{NGCC} options affecting debug information.
2504 You will have the best debugging experience if you use the latest
2505 version of the DWARF debugging format that your compiler supports.
2506 DWARF is currently the most expressive and best supported debugging
2507 format in @value{GDBN}.
2511 @section Starting your Program
2517 @kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
2520 Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
2521 You must first specify the program name with an argument to
2522 @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
2523 @value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file}
2524 command (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
2528 If you are running your program in an execution environment that
2529 supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
2530 that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
2531 @code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
2532 like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
2533 message like this one:
2536 The "remote" target does not support "run".
2537 Try "help target" or "continue".
2541 then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
2542 first (@pxref{load}).
2544 The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
2545 receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
2546 information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
2547 can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
2548 your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
2549 divided into four categories:
2552 @item The @emph{arguments.}
2553 Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
2554 @code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
2555 is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
2556 (such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
2558 In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
2559 @env{SHELL} environment variable. If you do not define @env{SHELL},
2560 @value{GDBN} uses the default shell (@file{/bin/sh}). You can disable
2561 use of any shell with the @code{set startup-with-shell} command (see
2564 @item The @emph{environment.}
2565 Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
2566 use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
2567 environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
2568 your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
2570 @item The @emph{working directory.}
2571 You can set your program's working directory with the command
2572 @kbd{set cwd}. If you do not set any working directory with this
2573 command, your program will inherit @value{GDBN}'s working directory if
2574 native debugging, or the remote server's working directory if remote
2575 debugging. @xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working
2578 @item The @emph{standard input and output.}
2579 Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
2580 standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
2581 in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
2582 set a different device for your program.
2583 @xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
2586 @emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
2587 pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
2588 program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
2592 When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
2593 immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
2594 of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
2595 stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
2596 or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
2598 If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
2599 time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
2600 table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
2601 your current breakpoints.
2606 @cindex run to main procedure
2607 The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
2608 With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
2609 other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
2610 main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
2611 execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
2612 procedure, depending on the language used.
2614 The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
2615 breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
2616 the @samp{run} command.
2618 @cindex elaboration phase
2619 Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
2620 executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
2621 languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
2622 constructors for static and global objects are executed before
2623 @code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
2624 before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
2625 will remain to halt execution.
2627 Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
2628 @samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
2629 underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
2630 reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
2631 @samp{start} or @samp{run}.
2633 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
2634 these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution
2635 of your program too late, as the program would have already completed
2636 the elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, either insert
2637 breakpoints in your elaboration code before running your program or
2638 use the @code{starti} command.
2642 @cindex run to first instruction
2643 The @samp{starti} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
2644 breakpoint at the first instruction of a program's execution and then
2645 invoking the @samp{run} command. For programs containing an
2646 elaboration phase, the @code{starti} command will stop execution at
2647 the start of the elaboration phase.
2649 @anchor{set exec-wrapper}
2650 @kindex set exec-wrapper
2651 @item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
2652 @itemx show exec-wrapper
2653 @itemx unset exec-wrapper
2654 When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
2655 launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
2656 with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
2657 @var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
2658 arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
2659 appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
2660 your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
2662 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
2663 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
2664 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
2665 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
2667 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
2668 the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
2672 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
2676 This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
2677 @sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
2679 @kindex set startup-with-shell
2680 @anchor{set startup-with-shell}
2681 @item set startup-with-shell
2682 @itemx set startup-with-shell on
2683 @itemx set startup-with-shell off
2684 @itemx show startup-with-shell
2685 On Unix systems, by default, if a shell is available on your target,
2686 @value{GDBN}) uses it to start your program. Arguments of the
2687 @code{run} command are passed to the shell, which does variable
2688 substitution, expands wildcard characters and performs redirection of
2689 I/O. In some circumstances, it may be useful to disable such use of a
2690 shell, for example, when debugging the shell itself or diagnosing
2691 startup failures such as:
2695 Starting program: ./a.out
2696 During startup program terminated with signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
2700 which indicates the shell or the wrapper specified with
2701 @samp{exec-wrapper} crashed, not your program. Most often, this is
2702 caused by something odd in your shell's non-interactive mode
2703 initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell,
2704 $@file{.zshenv} for the Z shell, or the file specified in the
2705 @env{BASH_ENV} environment variable for BASH.
2707 @anchor{set auto-connect-native-target}
2708 @kindex set auto-connect-native-target
2709 @item set auto-connect-native-target
2710 @itemx set auto-connect-native-target on
2711 @itemx set auto-connect-native-target off
2712 @itemx show auto-connect-native-target
2714 By default, if the current inferior is not connected to any target yet
2715 (e.g., with @code{target remote}), the @code{run} command starts your
2716 program as a native process under @value{GDBN}, on your local machine.
2717 If you're sure you don't want to debug programs on your local machine,
2718 you can tell @value{GDBN} to not connect to the native target
2719 automatically with the @code{set auto-connect-native-target off}
2722 If @code{on}, which is the default, and if the current inferior is not
2723 connected to a target already, the @code{run} command automaticaly
2724 connects to the native target, if one is available.
2726 If @code{off}, and if the current inferior is not connected to a
2727 target already, the @code{run} command fails with an error:
2731 Don't know how to run. Try "help target".
2734 If the current inferior is already connected to a target, @value{GDBN}
2735 always uses it with the @code{run} command.
2737 In any case, you can explicitly connect to the native target with the
2738 @code{target native} command. For example,
2741 (@value{GDBP}) set auto-connect-native-target off
2743 Don't know how to run. Try "help target".
2744 (@value{GDBP}) target native
2746 Starting program: ./a.out
2747 [Inferior 1 (process 10421) exited normally]
2750 In case you connected explicitly to the @code{native} target,
2751 @value{GDBN} remains connected even if all inferiors exit, ready for
2752 the next @code{run} command. Use the @code{disconnect} command to
2755 Examples of other commands that likewise respect the
2756 @code{auto-connect-native-target} setting: @code{attach}, @code{info
2757 proc}, @code{info os}.
2759 @kindex set disable-randomization
2760 @item set disable-randomization
2761 @itemx set disable-randomization on
2762 This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
2763 randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
2764 is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2765 reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2767 This feature is implemented only on certain targets, including @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2768 On @sc{gnu}/Linux you can get the same behavior using
2771 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2774 @item set disable-randomization off
2775 Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2776 ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2777 disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2778 @value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2779 as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2780 disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2782 On targets where it is available, virtual address space randomization
2783 protects the programs against certain kinds of security attacks. In these
2784 cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2785 code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2786 a code at its expected addresses.
2788 Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2789 makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2790 having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2791 library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2792 misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2793 random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2794 startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2795 a randomly chosen address.
2797 Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2798 similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2799 a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2800 already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2801 executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2803 Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2804 (as long as the randomization is enabled).
2806 @item show disable-randomization
2807 Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2808 the virtual address space of the started program.
2813 @section Your Program's Arguments
2815 @cindex arguments (to your program)
2816 The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2818 They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2819 performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2820 @env{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2821 @value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @env{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2822 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2824 On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2825 @value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2826 calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2827 the program, not by the shell.
2829 @code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2830 @code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2835 Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2836 @code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2837 with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2838 using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2839 it again without arguments.
2843 Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2847 @section Your Program's Environment
2849 @cindex environment (of your program)
2850 The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2851 their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2852 your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2853 path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2854 the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2855 debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2856 environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2860 @item path @var{directory}
2861 Add @var{directory} to the front of the @env{PATH} environment variable
2862 (the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2863 The value of @env{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2864 You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2865 system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2866 MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2867 is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2869 You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2870 working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2871 use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2872 @code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2873 @var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2874 @var{directory} to the search path.
2875 @c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2876 @c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2880 Display the list of search paths for executables (the @env{PATH}
2881 environment variable).
2883 @kindex show environment
2884 @item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2885 Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2886 your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2887 print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2888 your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2890 @kindex set environment
2891 @anchor{set environment}
2892 @item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2893 Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2894 changes for your program (and the shell @value{GDBN} uses to launch
2895 it), not for @value{GDBN} itself. The @var{value} may be any string; the
2896 values of environment variables are just strings, and any
2897 interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2898 parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2900 @c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2901 @c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2903 For example, this command:
2910 tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2911 @samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2912 are not actually required.)
2914 Note that on Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program via a shell,
2915 which also inherits the environment set with @code{set environment}.
2916 If necessary, you can avoid that by using the @samp{env} program as a
2917 wrapper instead of using @code{set environment}. @xref{set
2918 exec-wrapper}, for an example doing just that.
2920 Environment variables that are set by the user are also transmitted to
2921 @command{gdbserver} to be used when starting the remote inferior.
2922 @pxref{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}.
2924 @kindex unset environment
2925 @anchor{unset environment}
2926 @item unset environment @var{varname}
2927 Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2928 program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2929 @code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2930 rather than assigning it an empty value.
2932 Environment variables that are unset by the user are also unset on
2933 @command{gdbserver} when starting the remote inferior.
2934 @pxref{QEnvironmentUnset}.
2937 @emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2938 the shell indicated by your @env{SHELL} environment variable if it
2939 exists (or @code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @env{SHELL} variable
2940 names a shell that runs an initialization file when started
2941 non-interactively---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, $@file{.zshenv}
2942 for the Z shell, or the file specified in the @env{BASH_ENV}
2943 environment variable for BASH---any variables you set in that file
2944 affect your program. You may wish to move setting of environment
2945 variables to files that are only run when you sign on, such as
2946 @file{.login} or @file{.profile}.
2948 @node Working Directory
2949 @section Your Program's Working Directory
2951 @cindex working directory (of your program)
2952 Each time you start your program with @code{run}, the inferior will be
2953 initialized with the current working directory specified by the
2954 @kbd{set cwd} command. If no directory has been specified by this
2955 command, then the inferior will inherit @value{GDBN}'s current working
2956 directory as its working directory if native debugging, or it will
2957 inherit the remote server's current working directory if remote
2962 @cindex change inferior's working directory
2963 @anchor{set cwd command}
2964 @item set cwd @r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
2965 Set the inferior's working directory to @var{directory}, which will be
2966 @code{glob}-expanded in order to resolve tildes (@file{~}). If no
2967 argument has been specified, the command clears the setting and resets
2968 it to an empty state. This setting has no effect on @value{GDBN}'s
2969 working directory, and it only takes effect the next time you start
2970 the inferior. The @file{~} in @var{directory} is a short for the
2971 @dfn{home directory}, usually pointed to by the @env{HOME} environment
2972 variable. On MS-Windows, if @env{HOME} is not defined, @value{GDBN}
2973 uses the concatenation of @env{HOMEDRIVE} and @env{HOMEPATH} as
2976 You can also change @value{GDBN}'s current working directory by using
2977 the @code{cd} command.
2981 @cindex show inferior's working directory
2983 Show the inferior's working directory. If no directory has been
2984 specified by @kbd{set cwd}, then the default inferior's working
2985 directory is the same as @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
2988 @cindex change @value{GDBN}'s working directory
2990 @item cd @r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
2991 Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}. If not
2992 given, @var{directory} uses @file{'~'}.
2994 The @value{GDBN} working directory serves as a default for the
2995 commands that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on.
2996 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
2997 @xref{set cwd command}.
3001 Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
3004 It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
3005 the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
3006 during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} supports
3007 the @code{info proc} command (@pxref{Process Information}), you can
3008 use the @code{info proc} command to find out the
3009 current working directory of the debuggee.
3012 @section Your Program's Input and Output
3017 By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
3018 the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
3019 to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
3020 modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
3021 running your program.
3024 @kindex info terminal
3026 Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
3030 You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
3031 redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
3038 starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
3041 @cindex controlling terminal
3042 Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
3043 with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
3044 argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
3045 commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
3046 process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
3053 directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
3054 default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
3055 that as their controlling terminal.
3057 An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
3058 effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
3061 When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
3062 command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
3063 for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
3064 for @code{set inferior-tty}.
3066 @cindex inferior tty
3067 @cindex set inferior controlling terminal
3068 You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
3069 display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
3073 @item set inferior-tty [ @var{tty} ]
3074 @kindex set inferior-tty
3075 Set the tty for the program being debugged to @var{tty}. Omitting @var{tty}
3076 restores the default behavior, which is to use the same terminal as
3079 @item show inferior-tty
3080 @kindex show inferior-tty
3081 Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
3085 @section Debugging an Already-running Process
3090 @item attach @var{process-id}
3091 This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
3092 outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
3093 targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
3094 find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
3095 or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
3097 @code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
3098 executing the command.
3101 To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
3102 which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
3103 programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
3104 also have permission to send the process a signal.
3106 When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
3107 the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
3108 the program is not found) by using the source file search path
3109 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
3110 the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
3113 @anchor{set exec-file-mismatch}
3114 If the debugger can determine that the executable file running in the
3115 process it is attaching to does not match the current exec-file loaded
3116 by @value{GDBN}, the option @code{exec-file-mismatch} specifies how to
3117 handle the mismatch. @value{GDBN} tries to compare the files by
3118 comparing their build IDs (@pxref{build ID}), if available.
3121 @kindex exec-file-mismatch
3122 @cindex set exec-file-mismatch
3123 @item set exec-file-mismatch @samp{ask|warn|off}
3125 Whether to detect mismatch between the current executable file loaded
3126 by @value{GDBN} and the executable file used to start the process. If
3127 @samp{ask}, the default, display a warning and ask the user whether to
3128 load the process executable file; if @samp{warn}, just display a
3129 warning; if @samp{off}, don't attempt to detect a mismatch.
3130 If the user confirms loading the process executable file, then its symbols
3131 will be loaded as well.
3133 @cindex show exec-file-mismatch
3134 @item show exec-file-mismatch
3135 Show the current value of @code{exec-file-mismatch}.
3139 The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
3140 process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
3141 with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
3142 you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
3143 can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
3144 process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
3145 attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
3150 When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
3151 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
3152 the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
3153 that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
3154 are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
3155 @code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
3156 executing the command.
3159 If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
3160 that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
3161 By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
3162 things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
3163 @code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
3167 @section Killing the Child Process
3172 Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
3175 This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
3176 running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
3179 On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
3180 while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
3181 @code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
3182 outside the debugger.
3184 The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
3185 relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
3186 executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
3187 next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
3188 reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
3189 breakpoint settings).
3191 @node Inferiors Connections and Programs
3192 @section Debugging Multiple Inferiors Connections and Programs
3194 @value{GDBN} lets you run and debug multiple programs in a single
3195 session. In addition, @value{GDBN} on some systems may let you run
3196 several programs simultaneously (otherwise you have to exit from one
3197 before starting another). On some systems @value{GDBN} may even let
3198 you debug several programs simultaneously on different remote systems.
3199 In the most general case, you can have multiple threads of execution
3200 in each of multiple processes, launched from multiple executables,
3201 running on different machines.
3204 @value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
3205 object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
3206 a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
3207 have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
3208 may be retained after a process exits. Inferiors have unique
3209 identifiers that are different from process ids. Usually each
3210 inferior will also have its own distinct address space, although some
3211 embedded targets may have several inferiors running in different parts
3212 of a single address space. Each inferior may in turn have multiple
3213 threads running in it.
3215 To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @w{@code{info
3219 @kindex info inferiors [ @var{id}@dots{} ]
3220 @item info inferiors
3221 Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
3222 By default all inferiors are printed, but the argument @var{id}@dots{}
3223 -- a space separated list of inferior numbers -- can be used to limit
3224 the display to just the requested inferiors.
3226 @value{GDBN} displays for each inferior (in this order):
3230 the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}
3233 the target system's inferior identifier
3236 the target connection the inferior is bound to, including the unique
3237 connection number assigned by @value{GDBN}, and the protocol used by
3241 the name of the executable the inferior is running.
3246 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} inferior number
3247 indicates the current inferior.
3251 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
3254 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3255 Num Description Connection Executable
3256 * 1 process 3401 1 (native) goodbye
3257 2 process 2307 2 (extended-remote host:10000) hello
3260 To get informations about the current inferior, use @code{inferior}:
3265 Shows information about the current inferior.
3269 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
3272 (@value{GDBP}) inferior
3273 [Current inferior is 1 [process 3401] (helloworld)]
3276 To find out what open target connections exist at any moment, use
3277 @w{@code{info connections}}:
3280 @kindex info connections [ @var{id}@dots{} ]
3281 @item info connections
3282 Print a list of all open target connections currently being managed by
3283 @value{GDBN}. By default all connections are printed, but the
3284 argument @var{id}@dots{} -- a space separated list of connections
3285 numbers -- can be used to limit the display to just the requested
3288 @value{GDBN} displays for each connection (in this order):
3292 the connection number assigned by @value{GDBN}.
3295 the protocol used by the connection.
3298 a textual description of the protocol used by the connection.
3303 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the connection number indicates the
3304 connection of the current inferior.
3308 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
3311 (@value{GDBP}) info connections
3312 Num What Description
3313 * 1 extended-remote host:10000 Extended remote serial target in gdb-specific protocol
3314 2 native Native process
3315 3 core Local core dump file
3318 To switch focus between inferiors, use the @code{inferior} command:
3321 @kindex inferior @var{infno}
3322 @item inferior @var{infno}
3323 Make inferior number @var{infno} the current inferior. The argument
3324 @var{infno} is the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}, as shown
3325 in the first field of the @samp{info inferiors} display.
3328 @vindex $_inferior@r{, convenience variable}
3329 The debugger convenience variable @samp{$_inferior} contains the
3330 number of the current inferior. You may find this useful in writing
3331 breakpoint conditional expressions, command scripts, and so forth.
3332 @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for general
3333 information on convenience variables.
3335 You can get multiple executables into a debugging session via the
3336 @code{add-inferior} and @w{@code{clone-inferior}} commands. On some
3337 systems @value{GDBN} can add inferiors to the debug session
3338 automatically by following calls to @code{fork} and @code{exec}. To
3339 remove inferiors from the debugging session use the
3340 @w{@code{remove-inferiors}} command.
3343 @anchor{add_inferior_cli}
3344 @kindex add-inferior
3345 @item add-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ -exec @var{executable} ] [-no-connection ]
3346 Adds @var{n} inferiors to be run using @var{executable} as the
3347 executable; @var{n} defaults to 1. If no executable is specified,
3348 the inferiors begins empty, with no program. You can still assign or
3349 change the program assigned to the inferior at any time by using the
3350 @code{file} command with the executable name as its argument.
3352 By default, the new inferior begins connected to the same target
3353 connection as the current inferior. For example, if the current
3354 inferior was connected to @code{gdbserver} with @code{target remote},
3355 then the new inferior will be connected to the same @code{gdbserver}
3356 instance. The @samp{-no-connection} option starts the new inferior
3357 with no connection yet. You can then for example use the @code{target
3358 remote} command to connect to some other @code{gdbserver} instance,
3359 use @code{run} to spawn a local program, etc.
3361 @kindex clone-inferior
3362 @item clone-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ @var{infno} ]
3363 Adds @var{n} inferiors ready to execute the same program as inferior
3364 @var{infno}; @var{n} defaults to 1, and @var{infno} defaults to the
3365 number of the current inferior. This command copies the values of the
3366 @var{args}, @w{@var{inferior-tty}} and @var{cwd} properties from the
3367 current inferior to the new one. It also propagates changes the user
3368 made to environment variables using the @w{@code{set environment}} and
3369 @w{@code{unset environment}} commands. This is a convenient command
3370 when you want to run another instance of the inferior you are debugging.
3373 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3374 Num Description Connection Executable
3375 * 1 process 29964 1 (native) helloworld
3376 (@value{GDBP}) clone-inferior
3379 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3380 Num Description Connection Executable
3381 * 1 process 29964 1 (native) helloworld
3382 2 <null> 1 (native) helloworld
3385 You can now simply switch focus to inferior 2 and run it.
3387 @kindex remove-inferiors
3388 @item remove-inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
3389 Removes the inferior or inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}. It is not
3390 possible to remove an inferior that is running with this command. For
3391 those, use the @code{kill} or @code{detach} command first.
3395 To quit debugging one of the running inferiors that is not the current
3396 inferior, you can either detach from it by using the @w{@code{detach
3397 inferior}} command (allowing it to run independently), or kill it
3398 using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}} command:
3401 @kindex detach inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
3402 @item detach inferior @var{infno}@dots{}
3403 Detach from the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN}
3404 inferior number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry
3405 still stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors},
3406 but its Description will show @samp{<null>}.
3408 @kindex kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
3409 @item kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
3410 Kill the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN} inferior
3411 number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry still
3412 stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors}, but its
3413 Description will show @samp{<null>}.
3416 After the successful completion of a command such as @code{detach},
3417 @code{detach inferiors}, @code{kill} or @code{kill inferiors}, or after
3418 a normal process exit, the inferior is still valid and listed with
3419 @code{info inferiors}, ready to be restarted.
3422 To be notified when inferiors are started or exit under @value{GDBN}'s
3423 control use @w{@code{set print inferior-events}}:
3426 @kindex set print inferior-events
3427 @cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
3428 @item set print inferior-events
3429 @itemx set print inferior-events on
3430 @itemx set print inferior-events off
3431 The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
3432 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
3433 inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
3434 detached. By default, these messages will be printed.
3436 @kindex show print inferior-events
3437 @item show print inferior-events
3438 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
3439 inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
3442 Many commands will work the same with multiple programs as with a
3443 single program: e.g., @code{print myglobal} will simply display the
3444 value of @code{myglobal} in the current inferior.
3447 Occasionally, when debugging @value{GDBN} itself, it may be useful to
3448 get more info about the relationship of inferiors, programs, address
3449 spaces in a debug session. You can do that with the @w{@code{maint
3450 info program-spaces}} command.
3453 @kindex maint info program-spaces
3454 @item maint info program-spaces
3455 Print a list of all program spaces currently being managed by
3458 @value{GDBN} displays for each program space (in this order):
3462 the program space number assigned by @value{GDBN}
3465 the name of the executable loaded into the program space, with e.g.,
3466 the @code{file} command.
3471 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} program space number
3472 indicates the current program space.
3474 In addition, below each program space line, @value{GDBN} prints extra
3475 information that isn't suitable to display in tabular form. For
3476 example, the list of inferiors bound to the program space.
3479 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
3483 Bound inferiors: ID 1 (process 21561)
3486 Here we can see that no inferior is running the program @code{hello},
3487 while @code{process 21561} is running the program @code{goodbye}. On
3488 some targets, it is possible that multiple inferiors are bound to the
3489 same program space. The most common example is that of debugging both
3490 the parent and child processes of a @code{vfork} call. For example,
3493 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
3496 Bound inferiors: ID 2 (process 18050), ID 1 (process 18045)
3499 Here, both inferior 2 and inferior 1 are running in the same program
3500 space as a result of inferior 1 having executed a @code{vfork} call.
3504 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
3506 @cindex threads of execution
3507 @cindex multiple threads
3508 @cindex switching threads
3509 In some operating systems, such as GNU/Linux and Solaris, a single program
3510 may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
3511 of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
3512 the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
3513 that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
3514 modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
3515 registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
3517 @value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
3521 @item automatic notification of new threads
3522 @item @samp{thread @var{thread-id}}, a command to switch among threads
3523 @item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
3524 @item @samp{thread apply [@var{thread-id-list} | all] @var{args}},
3525 a command to apply a command to a list of threads
3526 @item thread-specific breakpoints
3527 @item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
3528 messages on thread start and exit.
3529 @item @samp{set libthread-db-search-path @var{path}}, which lets
3530 the user specify which @code{libthread_db} to use if the default choice
3531 isn't compatible with the program.
3534 @cindex focus of debugging
3535 @cindex current thread
3536 The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
3537 threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
3538 control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
3539 This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
3540 program information from the perspective of the current thread.
3542 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
3543 @cindex thread identifier (system)
3544 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
3545 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
3546 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
3547 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
3548 the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
3549 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}, where @var{systag} is a thread identifier
3550 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
3551 @sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
3554 [New Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 25582)]
3558 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on other systems,
3559 the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
3562 @c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
3563 @c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
3564 @c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
3566 @c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
3567 @c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
3568 @c threads ab initio?
3570 @anchor{thread numbers}
3571 @cindex thread number, per inferior
3572 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
3573 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread number
3574 ---always a single integer---with each thread of an inferior. This
3575 number is unique between all threads of an inferior, but not unique
3576 between threads of different inferiors.
3578 @cindex qualified thread ID
3579 You can refer to a given thread in an inferior using the qualified
3580 @var{inferior-num}.@var{thread-num} syntax, also known as
3581 @dfn{qualified thread ID}, with @var{inferior-num} being the inferior
3582 number and @var{thread-num} being the thread number of the given
3583 inferior. For example, thread @code{2.3} refers to thread number 3 of
3584 inferior 2. If you omit @var{inferior-num} (e.g., @code{thread 3}),
3585 then @value{GDBN} infers you're referring to a thread of the current
3588 Until you create a second inferior, @value{GDBN} does not show the
3589 @var{inferior-num} part of thread IDs, even though you can always use
3590 the full @var{inferior-num}.@var{thread-num} form to refer to threads
3591 of inferior 1, the initial inferior.
3593 @anchor{thread ID lists}
3594 @cindex thread ID lists
3595 Some commands accept a space-separated @dfn{thread ID list} as
3596 argument. A list element can be:
3600 A thread ID as shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads}
3601 display, with or without an inferior qualifier. E.g., @samp{2.1} or
3605 A range of thread numbers, again with or without an inferior
3606 qualifier, as in @var{inf}.@var{thr1}-@var{thr2} or
3607 @var{thr1}-@var{thr2}. E.g., @samp{1.2-4} or @samp{2-4}.
3610 All threads of an inferior, specified with a star wildcard, with or
3611 without an inferior qualifier, as in @var{inf}.@code{*} (e.g.,
3612 @samp{1.*}) or @code{*}. The former refers to all threads of the
3613 given inferior, and the latter form without an inferior qualifier
3614 refers to all threads of the current inferior.
3618 For example, if the current inferior is 1, and inferior 7 has one
3619 thread with ID 7.1, the thread list @samp{1 2-3 4.5 6.7-9 7.*}
3620 includes threads 1 to 3 of inferior 1, thread 5 of inferior 4, threads
3621 7 to 9 of inferior 6 and all threads of inferior 7. That is, in
3622 expanded qualified form, the same as @samp{1.1 1.2 1.3 4.5 6.7 6.8 6.9
3626 @anchor{global thread numbers}
3627 @cindex global thread number
3628 @cindex global thread identifier (GDB)
3629 In addition to a @emph{per-inferior} number, each thread is also
3630 assigned a unique @emph{global} number, also known as @dfn{global
3631 thread ID}, a single integer. Unlike the thread number component of
3632 the thread ID, no two threads have the same global ID, even when
3633 you're debugging multiple inferiors.
3635 From @value{GDBN}'s perspective, a process always has at least one
3636 thread. In other words, @value{GDBN} assigns a thread number to the
3637 program's ``main thread'' even if the program is not multi-threaded.
3639 @vindex $_thread@r{, convenience variable}
3640 @vindex $_gthread@r{, convenience variable}
3641 The debugger convenience variables @samp{$_thread} and
3642 @samp{$_gthread} contain, respectively, the per-inferior thread number
3643 and the global thread number of the current thread. You may find this
3644 useful in writing breakpoint conditional expressions, command scripts,
3645 and so forth. The convenience variable @samp{$_inferior_thread_count}
3646 contains the number of live threads in the current inferior.
3647 @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for general
3648 information on convenience variables.
3650 When running in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}), where new
3651 threads can be created, and existing threads exit, at any time,
3652 @samp{$_inferior_thread_count} could return a different value each
3653 time it is evaluated.
3655 If @value{GDBN} detects the program is multi-threaded, it augments the
3656 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint with the ID and name of
3657 the thread that hit the breakpoint.
3660 Thread 2 "client" hit Breakpoint 1, send_message () at client.c:68
3663 Likewise when the program receives a signal:
3666 Thread 1 "main" received signal SIGINT, Interrupt.
3670 @anchor{info_threads}
3671 @kindex info threads
3672 @item info threads @r{[}@var{thread-id-list}@r{]}
3674 Display information about one or more threads. With no arguments
3675 displays information about all threads. You can specify the list of
3676 threads that you want to display using the thread ID list syntax
3677 (@pxref{thread ID lists}).
3679 @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
3683 the per-inferior thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
3686 the global thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}, if the @samp{-gid}
3687 option was specified
3690 the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
3693 the thread's name, if one is known. A thread can either be named by
3694 the user (see @code{thread name}, below), or, in some cases, by the
3698 the current stack frame summary for that thread
3702 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
3703 indicates the current thread.
3707 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
3710 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
3712 * 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
3713 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3714 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3718 If you're debugging multiple inferiors, @value{GDBN} displays thread
3719 IDs using the qualified @var{inferior-num}.@var{thread-num} format.
3720 Otherwise, only @var{thread-num} is shown.
3722 If you specify the @samp{-gid} option, @value{GDBN} displays a column
3723 indicating each thread's global thread ID:
3726 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
3727 Id GId Target Id Frame
3728 1.1 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
3729 1.2 3 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3730 1.3 4 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
3731 * 2.1 2 process 65 thread 1 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
3734 On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
3735 Solaris-specific command:
3738 @item maint info sol-threads
3739 @kindex maint info sol-threads
3740 @cindex thread info (Solaris)
3741 Display info on Solaris user threads.
3745 @kindex thread @var{thread-id}
3746 @item thread @var{thread-id}
3747 Make thread ID @var{thread-id} the current thread. The command
3748 argument @var{thread-id} is the @value{GDBN} thread ID, as shown in
3749 the first field of the @samp{info threads} display, with or without an
3750 inferior qualifier (e.g., @samp{2.1} or @samp{1}).
3752 @value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the
3753 thread you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
3756 (@value{GDBP}) thread 2
3757 [Switching to thread 2 (Thread 0xb7fdab70 (LWP 12747))]
3758 #0 some_function (ignore=0x0) at example.c:8
3759 8 printf ("hello\n");
3763 As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
3764 @samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
3767 @anchor{thread apply all}
3768 @kindex thread apply
3769 @cindex apply command to several threads
3770 @item thread apply [@var{thread-id-list} | all [-ascending]] [@var{flag}]@dots{} @var{command}
3771 The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
3772 @var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the threads that you
3773 want affected using the thread ID list syntax (@pxref{thread ID
3774 lists}), or specify @code{all} to apply to all threads. To apply a
3775 command to all threads in descending order, type @kbd{thread apply all
3776 @var{command}}. To apply a command to all threads in ascending order,
3777 type @kbd{thread apply all -ascending @var{command}}.
3779 The @var{flag} arguments control what output to produce and how to handle
3780 errors raised when applying @var{command} to a thread. @var{flag}
3781 must start with a @code{-} directly followed by one letter in
3782 @code{qcs}. If several flags are provided, they must be given
3783 individually, such as @code{-c -q}.
3785 By default, @value{GDBN} displays some thread information before the
3786 output produced by @var{command}, and an error raised during the
3787 execution of a @var{command} will abort @code{thread apply}. The
3788 following flags can be used to fine-tune this behavior:
3792 The flag @code{-c}, which stands for @samp{continue}, causes any
3793 errors in @var{command} to be displayed, and the execution of
3794 @code{thread apply} then continues.
3796 The flag @code{-s}, which stands for @samp{silent}, causes any errors
3797 or empty output produced by a @var{command} to be silently ignored.
3798 That is, the execution continues, but the thread information and errors
3801 The flag @code{-q} (@samp{quiet}) disables printing the thread
3805 Flags @code{-c} and @code{-s} cannot be used together.
3808 @cindex apply command to all threads (ignoring errors and empty output)
3809 @item taas [@var{option}]@dots{} @var{command}
3810 Shortcut for @code{thread apply all -s [@var{option}]@dots{} @var{command}}.
3811 Applies @var{command} on all threads, ignoring errors and empty output.
3813 The @code{taas} command accepts the same options as the @code{thread
3814 apply all} command. @xref{thread apply all}.
3817 @cindex apply a command to all frames of all threads (ignoring errors and empty output)
3818 @item tfaas [@var{option}]@dots{} @var{command}
3819 Shortcut for @code{thread apply all -s -- frame apply all -s [@var{option}]@dots{} @var{command}}.
3820 Applies @var{command} on all frames of all threads, ignoring errors
3821 and empty output. Note that the flag @code{-s} is specified twice:
3822 The first @code{-s} ensures that @code{thread apply} only shows the thread
3823 information of the threads for which @code{frame apply} produces
3824 some output. The second @code{-s} is needed to ensure that @code{frame
3825 apply} shows the frame information of a frame only if the
3826 @var{command} successfully produced some output.
3828 It can for example be used to print a local variable or a function
3829 argument without knowing the thread or frame where this variable or argument
3832 (@value{GDBP}) tfaas p some_local_var_i_do_not_remember_where_it_is
3835 The @code{tfaas} command accepts the same options as the @code{frame
3836 apply} command. @xref{Frame Apply,,frame apply}.
3839 @cindex name a thread
3840 @item thread name [@var{name}]
3841 This command assigns a name to the current thread. If no argument is
3842 given, any existing user-specified name is removed. The thread name
3843 appears in the @samp{info threads} display.
3845 On some systems, such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, @value{GDBN} is able to
3846 determine the name of the thread as given by the OS. On these
3847 systems, a name specified with @samp{thread name} will override the
3848 system-give name, and removing the user-specified name will cause
3849 @value{GDBN} to once again display the system-specified name.
3852 @cindex search for a thread
3853 @item thread find [@var{regexp}]
3854 Search for and display thread ids whose name or @var{systag}
3855 matches the supplied regular expression.
3857 As well as being the complement to the @samp{thread name} command,
3858 this command also allows you to identify a thread by its target
3859 @var{systag}. For instance, on @sc{gnu}/Linux, the target @var{systag}
3863 (@value{GDBN}) thread find 26688
3864 Thread 4 has target id 'Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688)'
3865 (@value{GDBN}) info thread 4
3867 4 Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688) 0x00000031ca6cd372 in select ()
3870 @kindex set print thread-events
3871 @cindex print messages on thread start and exit
3872 @item set print thread-events
3873 @itemx set print thread-events on
3874 @itemx set print thread-events off
3875 The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
3876 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
3877 started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
3878 be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
3879 Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
3881 @kindex show print thread-events
3882 @item show print thread-events
3883 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
3884 have started and exited.
3887 @xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
3888 more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
3889 programs with multiple threads.
3891 @xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
3892 watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
3894 @anchor{set libthread-db-search-path}
3896 @kindex set libthread-db-search-path
3897 @cindex search path for @code{libthread_db}
3898 @item set libthread-db-search-path @r{[}@var{path}@r{]}
3899 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
3900 directories @value{GDBN} will use to search for @code{libthread_db}.
3901 If you omit @var{path}, @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to
3902 its default value (@code{$sdir:$pdir} on @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems).
3903 Internally, the default value comes from the @code{LIBTHREAD_DB_SEARCH_PATH}
3906 On @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems, @value{GDBN} uses a ``helper''
3907 @code{libthread_db} library to obtain information about threads in the
3908 inferior process. @value{GDBN} will use @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
3909 to find @code{libthread_db}. @value{GDBN} also consults first if inferior
3910 specific thread debugging library loading is enabled
3911 by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
3913 A special entry @samp{$sdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
3914 refers to the default system directories that are
3915 normally searched for loading shared libraries. The @samp{$sdir} entry
3916 is the only kind not needing to be enabled by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db}
3917 (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
3919 A special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
3920 refers to the directory from which @code{libpthread}
3921 was loaded in the inferior process.
3923 For any @code{libthread_db} library @value{GDBN} finds in above directories,
3924 @value{GDBN} attempts to initialize it with the current inferior process.
3925 If this initialization fails (which could happen because of a version
3926 mismatch between @code{libthread_db} and @code{libpthread}), @value{GDBN}
3927 will unload @code{libthread_db}, and continue with the next directory.
3928 If none of @code{libthread_db} libraries initialize successfully,
3929 @value{GDBN} will issue a warning and thread debugging will be disabled.
3931 Setting @code{libthread-db-search-path} is currently implemented
3932 only on some platforms.
3934 @kindex show libthread-db-search-path
3935 @item show libthread-db-search-path
3936 Display current libthread_db search path.
3938 @kindex set debug libthread-db
3939 @kindex show debug libthread-db
3940 @cindex debugging @code{libthread_db}
3941 @item set debug libthread-db
3942 @itemx show debug libthread-db
3943 Turns on or off display of @code{libthread_db}-related events.
3944 Use @code{1} to enable, @code{0} to disable.
3946 @kindex set debug threads
3947 @kindex show debug threads
3948 @cindex debugging @code{threads}
3949 @item set debug threads @r{[}on@r{|}off@r{]}
3950 @itemx show debug threads
3951 When @samp{on} @value{GDBN} will print additional messages when
3952 threads are created and deleted.
3956 @section Debugging Forks
3958 @cindex fork, debugging programs which call
3959 @cindex multiple processes
3960 @cindex processes, multiple
3961 On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
3962 programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
3963 function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
3964 parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
3965 set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
3966 will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
3967 will cause it to terminate.
3969 However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
3970 which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
3971 the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
3972 only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
3973 so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
3974 on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
3975 get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
3976 @value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
3977 the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
3978 the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
3980 On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs
3981 that create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork}
3982 functions. On @sc{gnu}/Linux platforms, this feature is supported
3983 with kernel version 2.5.46 and later.
3985 The fork debugging commands are supported in native mode and when
3986 connected to @code{gdbserver} in either @code{target remote} mode or
3987 @code{target extended-remote} mode.
3989 By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
3990 the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
3992 If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
3993 use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
3996 @kindex set follow-fork-mode
3997 @item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
3998 Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
3999 @code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
4000 process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
4004 The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
4005 unimpeded. This is the default.
4008 The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
4013 @kindex show follow-fork-mode
4014 @item show follow-fork-mode
4015 Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
4018 @cindex debugging multiple processes
4019 On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
4020 command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
4023 @kindex set detach-on-fork
4024 @item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
4025 Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
4026 retain debugger control over them both.
4030 The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
4031 @code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
4032 independently. This is the default.
4035 Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
4036 One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
4037 @code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
4042 @kindex show detach-on-fork
4043 @item show detach-on-fork
4044 Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
4047 If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then @value{GDBN}
4048 will retain control of all forked processes (including nested forks).
4049 You can list the forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN} by
4050 using the @w{@code{info inferiors}} command, and switch from one fork
4051 to another by using the @code{inferior} command (@pxref{Inferiors Connections and
4052 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors Connections and Programs}).
4054 To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
4055 from it by using the @w{@code{detach inferiors}} command (allowing it
4056 to run independently), or kill it using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}}
4057 command. @xref{Inferiors Connections and Programs, ,Debugging
4058 Multiple Inferiors Connections and Programs}.
4060 If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
4061 @code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
4062 breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
4063 @code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
4064 the child process's @code{main}.
4066 On some systems, when a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you
4067 cannot debug the child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
4069 If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
4070 call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent
4071 process, use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name
4072 as its argument. By default, after an @code{exec} call executes,
4073 @value{GDBN} discards the symbols of the previous executable image.
4074 You can change this behaviour with the @w{@code{set follow-exec-mode}}
4078 @kindex set follow-exec-mode
4079 @item set follow-exec-mode @var{mode}
4081 Set debugger response to a program call of @code{exec}. An
4082 @code{exec} call replaces the program image of a process.
4084 @code{follow-exec-mode} can be:
4088 @value{GDBN} creates a new inferior and rebinds the process to this
4089 new inferior. The program the process was running before the
4090 @code{exec} call can be restarted afterwards by restarting the
4096 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
4098 Id Description Executable
4101 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
4102 Program exited normally.
4103 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
4104 Id Description Executable
4110 @value{GDBN} keeps the process bound to the same inferior. The new
4111 executable image replaces the previous executable loaded in the
4112 inferior. Restarting the inferior after the @code{exec} call, with
4113 e.g., the @code{run} command, restarts the executable the process was
4114 running after the @code{exec} call. This is the default mode.
4119 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
4120 Id Description Executable
4123 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
4124 Program exited normally.
4125 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
4126 Id Description Executable
4133 @code{follow-exec-mode} is supported in native mode and
4134 @code{target extended-remote} mode.
4136 You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
4137 a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
4138 Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
4140 @node Checkpoint/Restart
4141 @section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
4146 @cindex snapshot of a process
4147 @cindex rewind program state
4149 On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
4150 @sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
4151 program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
4154 Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
4155 happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
4156 includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
4157 system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
4158 moment when the checkpoint was saved.
4160 Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
4161 getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
4162 a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
4163 the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
4164 from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
4165 start again from there.
4167 This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
4168 steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
4170 To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
4175 Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
4176 The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
4177 is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
4179 @kindex info checkpoints
4180 @item info checkpoints
4181 List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
4182 session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
4189 @item Source line, or label
4192 @kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
4193 @item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
4194 Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
4195 @var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
4196 etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
4197 was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
4198 in time when the checkpoint was saved.
4200 Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
4201 are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
4202 only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
4205 @kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
4206 @item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
4207 Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
4211 Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
4212 of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
4213 (OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
4214 a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
4215 so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
4216 opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
4217 previously read data can be read again.
4219 Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
4220 external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
4221 from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
4222 but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
4223 be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
4224 been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
4226 However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
4227 program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
4228 again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
4229 different execution path this time.
4231 @cindex checkpoints and process id
4232 Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
4233 different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
4234 id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
4235 and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
4236 If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
4237 potentially pose a problem.
4239 @subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
4241 On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
4242 is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
4243 difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
4244 absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
4245 absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
4248 A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
4249 Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
4250 and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
4251 process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
4252 your symbols will all stay in the same place.
4255 @chapter Stopping and Continuing
4257 The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
4258 program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
4259 trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
4261 Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
4262 such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
4263 @value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
4264 change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
4265 continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
4266 ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
4267 explicitly request this information at any time.
4270 @kindex info program
4272 Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
4273 running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
4277 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
4278 * Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
4279 * Skipping Over Functions and Files::
4280 Skipping over functions and files
4282 * Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
4286 @section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
4289 A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
4290 the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
4291 control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
4292 breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
4293 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
4294 should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
4297 On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
4298 the executable is run.
4301 @cindex data breakpoints
4302 @cindex memory tracing
4303 @cindex breakpoint on memory address
4304 @cindex breakpoint on variable modification
4305 A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
4306 when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
4307 of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
4308 combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
4309 @dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
4310 watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
4311 from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
4312 enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
4315 You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
4316 whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
4320 @cindex breakpoint on events
4321 A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
4322 when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
4323 exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
4324 different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
4325 Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
4326 other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
4327 @code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
4329 @cindex breakpoint numbers
4330 @cindex numbers for breakpoints
4331 @value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
4332 catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
4333 starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
4334 features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
4335 breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
4336 @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
4339 @cindex breakpoint ranges
4340 @cindex breakpoint lists
4341 @cindex ranges of breakpoints
4342 @cindex lists of breakpoints
4343 Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a space-separated list of breakpoints
4344 on which to operate. A list element can be either a single breakpoint number,
4345 like @samp{5}, or a range of such numbers, like @samp{5-7}.
4346 When a breakpoint list is given to a command, all breakpoints in that list
4350 * Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
4351 * Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
4352 * Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
4353 * Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
4354 * Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
4355 * Conditions:: Break conditions
4356 * Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
4357 * Dynamic Printf:: Dynamic printf
4358 * Save Breakpoints:: How to save breakpoints in a file
4359 * Static Probe Points:: Listing static probe points
4360 * Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
4361 * Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
4365 @subsection Setting Breakpoints
4367 @c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
4368 @c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
4370 @c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
4373 @kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
4374 @vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
4375 @cindex latest breakpoint
4376 Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
4377 @code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
4378 number of the breakpoint you've set most recently:
4381 Breakpoint 1 at 0x11c6: file zeoes.c, line 24.
4386 A breakpoint may be mapped to multiple code locations for example with
4387 inlined functions, Ada generics, C@t{++} templates or overloaded function names.
4388 @value{GDBN} then indicates the number of code locations in the breakpoint
4392 Breakpoint 2 at 0x1179: some_func. (3 locations)
4398 @vindex $_hit_bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
4399 @vindex $_hit_locno@r{, convenience variable}
4400 When your program stops on a breakpoint, the convenience variables
4401 @samp{$_hit_bpnum} and @samp{$_hit_locno} are respectively set to the number of
4402 the encountered breakpoint and the number of the breakpoint's code location:
4404 Thread 1 "zeoes" hit Breakpoint 2.1, some_func () at zeoes.c:8
4405 8 printf("some func\n");
4413 Note that @samp{$_hit_bpnum} and @samp{$bpnum} are not equivalent:
4414 @samp{$_hit_bpnum} is set to the breakpoint number @b{last hit}, while
4415 @samp{$bpnum} is set to the breakpoint number @b{last set}.
4418 If the encountered breakpoint has only one code location, @samp{$_hit_locno}
4421 Breakpoint 1, main (argc=1, argv=0x7fffffffe018) at zeoes.c:24
4430 The @samp{$_hit_bpnum} and @samp{$_hit_locno} variables can typically be used
4431 in a breakpoint command list.
4432 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}). For example, as
4433 part of the breakpoint command list, you can disable completely the
4434 encountered breakpoint using @kbd{disable $_hit_bpnum} or disable the
4435 specific encountered breakpoint location using
4436 @kbd{disable $_hit_bpnum.$_hit_locno}.
4437 If a breakpoint has only one location, @samp{$_hit_locno} is set to 1
4438 and the commands @kbd{disable $_hit_bpnum} and
4439 @kbd{disable $_hit_bpnum.$_hit_locno} both disable the breakpoint.
4441 You can also define aliases to easily disable the last hit location or
4442 last hit breakpoint:
4444 (gdb) alias lld = disable $_hit_bpnum.$_hit_locno
4445 (gdb) alias lbd = disable $_hit_bpnum
4449 @item break @var{locspec}
4450 Set a breakpoint at all the code locations in your program that result
4451 from resolving the given @var{locspec}. @var{locspec} can specify a
4452 function name, a line number, an address of an instruction, and more.
4453 @xref{Location Specifications}, for the various forms of
4454 @var{locspec}. The breakpoint will stop your program just before it
4455 executes the instruction at the address of any of the breakpoint's
4458 When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such
4459 as C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one symbol, and
4460 thus more than one place to break. @xref{Ambiguous
4461 Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of that
4464 It is also possible to insert a breakpoint that will stop the program
4465 only if a specific thread (@pxref{Thread-Specific Breakpoints})
4466 or a specific task (@pxref{Ada Tasks}) hits that breakpoint.
4469 When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
4470 the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
4471 (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
4472 innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
4473 returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
4474 @code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
4475 that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
4476 @code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
4477 the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
4480 @value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
4481 least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
4482 would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
4483 breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
4484 existed when your program stopped.
4486 @item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
4487 Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
4488 @var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
4489 value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
4490 @samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
4491 above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
4492 ,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
4494 The breakpoint may be mapped to multiple locations. If the breakpoint
4495 condition @var{cond} is invalid at some but not all of the locations,
4496 the locations for which the condition is invalid are disabled. For
4497 example, @value{GDBN} reports below that two of the three locations
4501 (@value{GDBP}) break func if a == 10
4502 warning: failed to validate condition at location 0x11ce, disabling:
4503 No symbol "a" in current context.
4504 warning: failed to validate condition at location 0x11b6, disabling:
4505 No symbol "a" in current context.
4506 Breakpoint 1 at 0x11b6: func. (3 locations)
4509 Locations that are disabled because of the condition are denoted by an
4510 uppercase @code{N} in the output of the @code{info breakpoints}
4514 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
4515 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
4516 1 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
4517 stop only if a == 10
4518 1.1 N* 0x00000000000011b6 in ...
4519 1.2 y 0x00000000000011c2 in ...
4520 1.3 N* 0x00000000000011ce in ...
4521 (*): Breakpoint condition is invalid at this location.
4524 If the breakpoint condition @var{cond} is invalid in the context of
4525 @emph{all} the locations of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN} refuses to
4526 define the breakpoint. For example, if variable @code{foo} is an
4530 (@value{GDBP}) break func if foo
4531 No symbol "foo" in current context.
4534 @item break @dots{} -force-condition if @var{cond}
4535 There may be cases where the condition @var{cond} is invalid at all
4536 the current locations, but the user knows that it will be valid at a
4537 future location; for example, because of a library load. In such
4538 cases, by using the @code{-force-condition} keyword before @samp{if},
4539 @value{GDBN} can be forced to define the breakpoint with the given
4540 condition expression instead of refusing it.
4543 (@value{GDBP}) break func -force-condition if foo
4544 warning: failed to validate condition at location 1, disabling:
4545 No symbol "foo" in current context.
4546 warning: failed to validate condition at location 2, disabling:
4547 No symbol "foo" in current context.
4548 warning: failed to validate condition at location 3, disabling:
4549 No symbol "foo" in current context.
4550 Breakpoint 1 at 0x1158: test.c:18. (3 locations)
4553 This causes all the present locations where the breakpoint would
4554 otherwise be inserted, to be disabled, as seen in the example above.
4555 However, if there exist locations at which the condition is valid, the
4556 @code{-force-condition} keyword has no effect.
4559 @item tbreak @var{args}
4560 Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. The @var{args} are the
4561 same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
4562 way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
4563 program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
4566 @cindex hardware breakpoints
4567 @item hbreak @var{args}
4568 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. The @var{args} are the same as for the
4569 @code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
4570 breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
4571 have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
4572 debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
4573 changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
4574 provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
4575 will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
4576 address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
4577 breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
4578 example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
4579 @value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
4580 or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
4581 (@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
4582 @xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
4583 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
4584 breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
4585 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
4588 @item thbreak @var{args}
4589 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. The @var{args}
4590 are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
4591 the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
4592 the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
4593 first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
4594 command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
4595 may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
4596 See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
4599 @cindex regular expression
4600 @cindex breakpoints at functions matching a regexp
4601 @cindex set breakpoints in many functions
4602 @item rbreak @var{regex}
4603 Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
4604 @var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
4605 matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
4606 breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
4607 the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
4608 them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
4610 In programs using different languages, @value{GDBN} chooses the syntax
4611 to print the list of all breakpoints it sets according to the
4612 @samp{set language} value: using @samp{set language auto}
4613 (see @ref{Automatically, ,Set Language Automatically}) means to use the
4614 language of the breakpoint's function, other values mean to use
4615 the manually specified language (see @ref{Manually, ,Set Language Manually}).
4617 The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
4618 like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
4619 shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
4620 an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
4621 @code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
4622 match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
4624 @cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
4625 When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
4626 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
4629 @cindex set breakpoints on all functions
4630 The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
4631 @strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
4634 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
4637 @item rbreak @var{file}:@var{regex}
4638 If @code{rbreak} is called with a filename qualification, it limits
4639 the search for functions matching the given regular expression to the
4640 specified @var{file}. This can be used, for example, to set breakpoints on
4641 every function in a given file:
4644 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak file.c:.
4647 The colon separating the filename qualifier from the regex may
4648 optionally be surrounded by spaces.
4650 @kindex info breakpoints
4651 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
4652 @item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4653 @itemx info break @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
4654 Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
4655 not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
4656 about the specified breakpoint(s) (or watchpoint(s) or catchpoint(s)).
4657 For each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
4660 @item Breakpoint Numbers
4662 Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
4664 Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
4665 @item Enabled or Disabled
4666 Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
4667 that are not enabled.
4669 Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
4670 pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
4671 contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
4672 library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
4673 See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
4674 have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
4676 Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
4677 line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
4678 the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
4679 the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
4683 If a breakpoint is conditional, there are two evaluation modes: ``host'' and
4684 ``target''. If mode is ``host'', breakpoint condition evaluation is done by
4685 @value{GDBN} on the host's side. If it is ``target'', then the condition
4686 is evaluated by the target. The @code{info break} command shows
4687 the condition on the line following the affected breakpoint, together with
4688 its condition evaluation mode in between parentheses.
4690 Breakpoint commands, if any, are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is
4691 allowed to have a condition specified for it. The condition is not parsed for
4692 validity until a shared library is loaded that allows the pending
4693 breakpoint to resolve to a valid location.
4696 @code{info break} with a breakpoint
4697 number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
4698 convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
4699 the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
4700 listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
4703 @code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
4704 has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
4705 @code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
4706 hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
4707 was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
4708 will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
4711 For a breakpoints with an enable count (xref) greater than 1,
4712 @code{info break} also displays that count.
4716 @value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
4717 your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
4718 the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
4719 (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
4721 @cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
4722 @cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
4723 It is possible that a single logical breakpoint is set at several code
4724 locations in your program. @xref{Location Specifications}, for
4727 A breakpoint with multiple code locations is displayed in the
4728 breakpoint table using several rows---one header row, followed by one
4729 row for each code location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in
4730 the address column. Each code location row contains the actual
4731 address, source file, source line and function of its code location.
4732 The number column for a code location is of the form
4733 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
4738 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
4739 1 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
4741 breakpoint already hit 1 time
4742 1.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
4743 1.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
4746 You cannot delete the individual locations from a breakpoint. However,
4747 each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
4748 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
4749 @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. It's also possible to
4750 @code{enable} and @code{disable} a range of @var{location-number}
4751 locations using a @var{breakpoint-number} and two @var{location-number}s,
4752 in increasing order, separated by a hyphen, like
4753 @kbd{@var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number1}-@var{location-number2}},
4754 in which case @value{GDBN} acts on all the locations in the range (inclusive).
4755 Disabling or enabling the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects
4756 all of the locations that belong to that breakpoint.
4758 Locations that are enabled while their parent breakpoint is disabled
4759 won't trigger a break, and are denoted by @code{y-} in the @code{Enb}
4760 column. For example:
4763 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
4764 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
4765 1 breakpoint keep n <MULTIPLE>
4766 1.1 y- 0x00000000000011b6 in ...
4767 1.2 y- 0x00000000000011c2 in ...
4768 1.3 n 0x00000000000011ce in ...
4771 @cindex pending breakpoints
4772 It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
4773 Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
4774 and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
4775 this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
4776 any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
4777 set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
4778 debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
4779 symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
4780 breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
4781 a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
4782 is not yet resolved.
4784 After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
4785 @value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
4786 shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
4787 pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
4788 ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
4789 that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
4791 This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
4792 example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
4793 a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
4794 a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
4796 Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
4797 differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
4798 enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
4800 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
4801 happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve the location spec
4802 to any code location in your program (@pxref{Location
4805 @kindex set breakpoint pending
4806 @kindex show breakpoint pending
4808 @item set breakpoint pending auto
4809 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot resolve the
4810 location spec, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be
4813 @item set breakpoint pending on
4814 This indicates that when @value{GDBN} cannot resolve the location
4815 spec, it should create a pending breakpoint without confirmation.
4817 @item set breakpoint pending off
4818 This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. If
4819 @value{GDBN} cannot resolve the location spec, it aborts the
4820 breakpoint creation with an error. This setting does not affect any
4821 pending breakpoints previously created.
4823 @item show breakpoint pending
4824 Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
4827 The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
4828 variants. Once a breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
4829 as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
4831 @cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
4832 For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
4833 software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
4834 breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
4835 breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
4836 breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
4837 breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
4840 You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands:
4842 @kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
4843 @kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
4845 @item set breakpoint auto-hw on
4846 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
4847 will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
4848 breakpoint must be used.
4850 @item set breakpoint auto-hw off
4851 This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
4852 type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
4853 trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
4856 @value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
4857 at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
4858 executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
4859 code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
4860 the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
4861 behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
4862 target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
4863 targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
4864 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
4866 @kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
4867 @kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
4869 @item set breakpoint always-inserted off
4870 All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
4871 the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
4872 removed from the target when it stops. This is the default mode.
4874 @item set breakpoint always-inserted on
4875 Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
4876 the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
4877 breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
4878 removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is deleted.
4881 @value{GDBN} handles conditional breakpoints by evaluating these conditions
4882 when a breakpoint breaks. If the condition is true, then the process being
4883 debugged stops, otherwise the process is resumed.
4885 If the target supports evaluating conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} may
4886 download the breakpoint, together with its conditions, to it.
4888 This feature can be controlled via the following commands:
4890 @kindex set breakpoint condition-evaluation
4891 @kindex show breakpoint condition-evaluation
4893 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation host
4894 This option commands @value{GDBN} to evaluate the breakpoint
4895 conditions on the host's side. Unconditional breakpoints are sent to
4896 the target which in turn receives the triggers and reports them back to GDB
4897 for condition evaluation. This is the standard evaluation mode.
4899 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation target
4900 This option commands @value{GDBN} to download breakpoint conditions
4901 to the target at the moment of their insertion. The target
4902 is responsible for evaluating the conditional expression and reporting
4903 breakpoint stop events back to @value{GDBN} whenever the condition
4904 is true. Due to limitations of target-side evaluation, some conditions
4905 cannot be evaluated there, e.g., conditions that depend on local data
4906 that is only known to the host. Examples include
4907 conditional expressions involving convenience variables, complex types
4908 that cannot be handled by the agent expression parser and expressions
4909 that are too long to be sent over to the target, specially when the
4910 target is a remote system. In these cases, the conditions will be
4911 evaluated by @value{GDBN}.
4913 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation auto
4914 This is the default mode. If the target supports evaluating breakpoint
4915 conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} will download breakpoint conditions to
4916 the target (limitations mentioned previously apply). If the target does
4917 not support breakpoint condition evaluation, then @value{GDBN} will fallback
4918 to evaluating all these conditions on the host's side.
4922 @cindex negative breakpoint numbers
4923 @cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
4924 @value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
4925 special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
4926 programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
4927 starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
4928 You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
4929 @samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
4932 @node Set Watchpoints
4933 @subsection Setting Watchpoints
4935 @cindex setting watchpoints
4936 You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
4937 expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
4938 this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
4939 The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
4940 as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
4944 A reference to the value of a single variable.
4947 An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
4948 @samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
4949 address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
4952 An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
4953 expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
4954 language (@pxref{Languages}).
4957 You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
4958 not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
4959 @samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
4960 @value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
4961 the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
4962 valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
4963 pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
4964 @code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
4965 the expression changes.
4967 @cindex software watchpoints
4968 @cindex hardware watchpoints
4969 Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
4970 hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
4971 program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
4972 times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
4973 catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
4976 On some systems, such as most PowerPC or x86-based targets,
4977 @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware watchpoints, which do not
4978 slow down the running of your program.
4982 @item watch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]} @r{[}task @var{task-id}@r{]}
4983 Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
4984 expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
4985 changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
4986 to watch the value of a single variable:
4989 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo
4992 If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]}}
4993 argument, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
4994 @var{thread-id} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
4995 change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
4996 that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
4997 with Hardware Watchpoints.
4999 Similarly, if the @code{task} argument is given, then the watchpoint
5000 will be specific to the indicated Ada task (@pxref{Ada Tasks}).
5002 Ordinarily a watchpoint respects the scope of variables in @var{expr}
5003 (see below). The @code{-location} argument tells @value{GDBN} to
5004 instead watch the memory referred to by @var{expr}. In this case,
5005 @value{GDBN} will evaluate @var{expr}, take the address of the result,
5006 and watch the memory at that address. The type of the result is used
5007 to determine the size of the watched memory. If the expression's
5008 result does not have an address, then @value{GDBN} will print an
5011 The @code{@r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}} argument allows creation
5012 of masked watchpoints, if the current architecture supports this
5013 feature (e.g., PowerPC Embedded architecture, see @ref{PowerPC
5014 Embedded}.) A @dfn{masked watchpoint} specifies a mask in addition
5015 to an address to watch. The mask specifies that some bits of an address
5016 (the bits which are reset in the mask) should be ignored when matching
5017 the address accessed by the inferior against the watchpoint address.
5018 Thus, a masked watchpoint watches many addresses simultaneously---those
5019 addresses whose unmasked bits are identical to the unmasked bits in the
5020 watchpoint address. The @code{mask} argument implies @code{-location}.
5024 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo mask 0xffff00ff
5025 (@value{GDBP}) watch *0xdeadbeef mask 0xffffff00
5029 @item rwatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
5030 Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
5034 @item awatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{thread-id}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
5035 Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
5036 or written into by the program.
5038 @kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
5039 @item info watchpoints @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
5040 This command prints a list of watchpoints, using the same format as
5041 @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
5044 If you watch for a change in a numerically entered address you need to
5045 dereference it, as the address itself is just a constant number which will
5046 never change. @value{GDBN} refuses to create a watchpoint that watches
5047 a never-changing value:
5050 (@value{GDBP}) watch 0x600850
5051 Cannot watch constant value 0x600850.
5052 (@value{GDBP}) watch *(int *) 0x600850
5053 Watchpoint 1: *(int *) 6293584
5056 @value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
5057 watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
5058 value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
5059 cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
5060 executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
5061 @emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
5063 @cindex use only software watchpoints
5064 You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
5065 @kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
5066 zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
5067 the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
5068 watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
5069 @code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
5070 mechanism of watching expression values.)
5073 @item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
5074 @kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
5075 Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
5077 @item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
5078 @kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
5079 Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
5082 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
5083 watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
5084 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
5086 When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
5089 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
5093 if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
5095 Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
5096 hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
5097 value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
5098 every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
5099 that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
5100 hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
5101 will print a message like this:
5104 Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
5107 Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
5108 data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
5109 watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
5110 can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
5111 cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
5112 double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
5113 wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
5114 into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
5116 If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
5117 to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
5118 Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
5119 time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
5120 able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
5121 warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
5124 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
5128 If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
5130 Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
5131 exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
5132 That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
5133 expression with separately allocated resources.
5135 If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
5136 any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
5137 kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
5139 @value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
5140 (automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
5141 they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
5142 which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
5143 being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
5144 and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
5145 rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
5146 way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
5147 @code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
5149 @cindex watchpoints and threads
5150 @cindex threads and watchpoints
5151 In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
5152 watched expression from every thread.
5155 @emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
5156 have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
5157 watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
5158 single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
5159 change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
5160 confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
5161 software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
5162 when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
5163 watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
5166 @xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
5168 @node Set Catchpoints
5169 @subsection Setting Catchpoints
5170 @cindex catchpoints, setting
5171 @cindex exception handlers
5172 @cindex event handling
5174 You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
5175 kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
5176 shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
5180 @item catch @var{event}
5181 Stop when @var{event} occurs. The @var{event} can be any of the following:
5184 @item throw @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
5185 @itemx rethrow @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
5186 @itemx catch @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
5188 @kindex catch rethrow
5190 @cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
5191 The throwing, re-throwing, or catching of a C@t{++} exception.
5193 If @var{regexp} is given, then only exceptions whose type matches the
5194 regular expression will be caught.
5196 @vindex $_exception@r{, convenience variable}
5197 The convenience variable @code{$_exception} is available at an
5198 exception-related catchpoint, on some systems. This holds the
5199 exception being thrown.
5201 There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling in
5206 The support for these commands is system-dependent. Currently, only
5207 systems using the @samp{gnu-v3} C@t{++} ABI (@pxref{ABI}) are
5211 The regular expression feature and the @code{$_exception} convenience
5212 variable rely on the presence of some SDT probes in @code{libstdc++}.
5213 If these probes are not present, then these features cannot be used.
5214 These probes were first available in the GCC 4.8 release, but whether
5215 or not they are available in your GCC also depends on how it was
5219 The @code{$_exception} convenience variable is only valid at the
5220 instruction at which an exception-related catchpoint is set.
5223 When an exception-related catchpoint is hit, @value{GDBN} stops at a
5224 location in the system library which implements runtime exception
5225 support for C@t{++}, usually @code{libstdc++}. You can use @code{up}
5226 (@pxref{Selection}) to get to your code.
5229 If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
5230 control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
5231 raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
5232 returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
5233 simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
5234 that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
5235 you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
5236 disabled within interactive calls. @xref{Calling}, for information on
5237 controlling this with @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception}.
5240 You cannot raise an exception interactively.
5243 You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
5246 @item exception @r{[}@var{name}@r{]}
5247 @kindex catch exception
5248 @cindex Ada exception catching
5249 @cindex catch Ada exceptions
5250 An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
5251 at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
5252 the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
5253 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
5255 When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
5256 name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
5257 fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
5258 @value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
5259 rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
5260 called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
5261 the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
5262 Pck.Constraint_Error}.
5264 @vindex $_ada_exception@r{, convenience variable}
5265 The convenience variable @code{$_ada_exception} holds the address of
5266 the exception being thrown. This can be useful when setting a
5267 condition for such a catchpoint.
5269 @item exception unhandled
5270 @kindex catch exception unhandled
5271 An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program. The
5272 convenience variable @code{$_ada_exception} is set as for @code{catch
5275 @item handlers @r{[}@var{name}@r{]}
5276 @kindex catch handlers
5277 @cindex Ada exception handlers catching
5278 @cindex catch Ada exceptions when handled
5279 An Ada exception being handled. If an exception name is
5280 specified at the end of the command
5281 (eg @kbd{catch handlers Program_Error}), the debugger will stop
5282 only when this specific exception is handled.
5283 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is handled.
5285 When inserting a handlers catchpoint on a user-defined
5286 exception whose name is identical to one of the exceptions
5287 defined by the language, the fully qualified name must be used
5288 as the exception name. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will assume that it
5289 should stop on the pre-defined exception rather than the
5290 user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception called
5291 @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then the
5292 command to use to catch such exceptions handling is
5293 @kbd{catch handlers Pck.Constraint_Error}.
5295 The convenience variable @code{$_ada_exception} is set as for
5296 @code{catch exception}.
5299 @kindex catch assert
5300 A failed Ada assertion. Note that the convenience variable
5301 @code{$_ada_exception} is @emph{not} set by this catchpoint.
5305 @cindex break on fork/exec
5306 A call to @code{exec}.
5308 @anchor{catch syscall}
5310 @itemx syscall @r{[}@var{name} @r{|} @var{number} @r{|} @r{group:}@var{groupname} @r{|} @r{g:}@var{groupname}@r{]} @dots{}
5311 @kindex catch syscall
5312 @cindex break on a system call.
5313 A call to or return from a system call, a.k.a.@: @dfn{syscall}. A
5314 syscall is a mechanism for application programs to request a service
5315 from the operating system (OS) or one of the OS system services.
5316 @value{GDBN} can catch some or all of the syscalls issued by the
5317 debuggee, and show the related information for each syscall. If no
5318 argument is specified, calls to and returns from all system calls
5321 @var{name} can be any system call name that is valid for the
5322 underlying OS. Just what syscalls are valid depends on the OS. On
5323 GNU and Unix systems, you can find the full list of valid syscall
5324 names on @file{/usr/include/asm/unistd.h}.
5326 @c For MS-Windows, the syscall names and the corresponding numbers
5327 @c can be found, e.g., on this URL:
5328 @c http://www.metasploit.com/users/opcode/syscalls.html
5329 @c but we don't support Windows syscalls yet.
5331 Normally, @value{GDBN} knows in advance which syscalls are valid for
5332 each OS, so you can use the @value{GDBN} command-line completion
5333 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
5336 You may also specify the system call numerically. A syscall's
5337 number is the value passed to the OS's syscall dispatcher to
5338 identify the requested service. When you specify the syscall by its
5339 name, @value{GDBN} uses its database of syscalls to convert the name
5340 into the corresponding numeric code, but using the number directly
5341 may be useful if @value{GDBN}'s database does not have the complete
5342 list of syscalls on your system (e.g., because @value{GDBN} lags
5343 behind the OS upgrades).
5345 You may specify a group of related syscalls to be caught at once using
5346 the @code{group:} syntax (@code{g:} is a shorter equivalent). For
5347 instance, on some platforms @value{GDBN} allows you to catch all
5348 network related syscalls, by passing the argument @code{group:network}
5349 to @code{catch syscall}. Note that not all syscall groups are
5350 available in every system. You can use the command completion
5351 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
5352 syscall groups available on your environment.
5354 The example below illustrates how this command works if you don't provide
5358 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
5359 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
5361 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
5363 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'close'), \
5364 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
5368 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'close'), \
5369 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
5373 Here is an example of catching a system call by name:
5376 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall chroot
5377 Catchpoint 1 (syscall 'chroot' [61])
5379 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
5381 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'chroot'), \
5382 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
5386 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'chroot'), \
5387 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
5391 An example of specifying a system call numerically. In the case
5392 below, the syscall number has a corresponding entry in the XML
5393 file, so @value{GDBN} finds its name and prints it:
5396 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
5397 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 'exit_group')
5399 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
5401 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'exit_group'), \
5402 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
5406 Program exited normally.
5410 Here is an example of catching a syscall group:
5413 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall group:process
5414 Catchpoint 1 (syscalls 'exit' [1] 'fork' [2] 'waitpid' [7]
5415 'execve' [11] 'wait4' [114] 'clone' [120] 'vfork' [190]
5416 'exit_group' [252] 'waitid' [284] 'unshare' [310])
5418 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
5420 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall fork), 0x00007ffff7df4e27 in open64 ()
5421 from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
5427 However, there can be situations when there is no corresponding name
5428 in XML file for that syscall number. In this case, @value{GDBN} prints
5429 a warning message saying that it was not able to find the syscall name,
5430 but the catchpoint will be set anyway. See the example below:
5433 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 764
5434 warning: The number '764' does not represent a known syscall.
5435 Catchpoint 2 (syscall 764)
5439 If you configure @value{GDBN} using the @samp{--without-expat} option,
5440 it will not be able to display syscall names. Also, if your
5441 architecture does not have an XML file describing its system calls,
5442 you will not be able to see the syscall names. It is important to
5443 notice that these two features are used for accessing the syscall
5444 name database. In either case, you will see a warning like this:
5447 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
5448 warning: Could not open "syscalls/i386-linux.xml"
5449 warning: Could not load the syscall XML file 'syscalls/i386-linux.xml'.
5450 GDB will not be able to display syscall names.
5451 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
5455 Of course, the file name will change depending on your architecture and system.
5457 Still using the example above, you can also try to catch a syscall by its
5458 number. In this case, you would see something like:
5461 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
5462 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 252)
5465 Again, in this case @value{GDBN} would not be able to display syscall's names.
5469 A call to @code{fork}.
5473 A call to @code{vfork}.
5475 @item load @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
5476 @itemx unload @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
5478 @kindex catch unload
5479 The loading or unloading of a shared library. If @var{regexp} is
5480 given, then the catchpoint will stop only if the regular expression
5481 matches one of the affected libraries.
5483 @item signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
5484 @kindex catch signal
5485 The delivery of a signal.
5487 With no arguments, this catchpoint will catch any signal that is not
5488 used internally by @value{GDBN}, specifically, all signals except
5489 @samp{SIGTRAP} and @samp{SIGINT}.
5491 With the argument @samp{all}, all signals, including those used by
5492 @value{GDBN}, will be caught. This argument cannot be used with other
5495 Otherwise, the arguments are a list of signal names as given to
5496 @code{handle} (@pxref{Signals}). Only signals specified in this list
5499 One reason that @code{catch signal} can be more useful than
5500 @code{handle} is that you can attach commands and conditions to the
5503 When a signal is caught by a catchpoint, the signal's @code{stop} and
5504 @code{print} settings, as specified by @code{handle}, are ignored.
5505 However, whether the signal is still delivered to the inferior depends
5506 on the @code{pass} setting; this can be changed in the catchpoint's
5511 @item tcatch @var{event}
5513 Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
5514 automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
5518 Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
5522 @subsection Deleting Breakpoints
5524 @cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
5525 @cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
5526 It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
5527 catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
5528 to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
5529 breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
5531 With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
5532 where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
5533 delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
5534 their breakpoint numbers.
5536 It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
5537 automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
5538 when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
5543 Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
5544 selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
5545 the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
5546 breakpoint where your program just stopped.
5548 @item clear @var{locspec}
5549 Delete any breakpoint with a code location that corresponds to
5550 @var{locspec}. @xref{Location Specifications}, for the various forms
5551 of @var{locspec}. Which code locations correspond to @var{locspec}
5552 depends on the form used in the location specification @var{locspec}:
5556 @itemx @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
5557 @itemx -line @var{linenum}
5558 @itemx -source @var{filename} -line @var{linenum}
5559 If @var{locspec} specifies a line number, with or without a file name,
5560 the command deletes any breakpoint with a code location that is at or
5561 within the specified line @var{linenum} in files that match the
5562 specified @var{filename}. If @var{filename} is omitted, it defaults
5563 to the current source file.
5565 @item *@var{address}
5566 If @var{locspec} specifies an address, the command deletes any
5567 breakpoint with a code location that is at the given @var{address}.
5569 @item @var{function}
5570 @itemx -function @var{function}
5571 If @var{locspec} specifies a function, the command deletes any
5572 breakpoint with a code location that is at the entry to any function
5573 whose name matches @var{function}.
5576 Ambiguity in names of files and functions can be resolved as described
5577 in @ref{Location Specifications}.
5579 @cindex delete breakpoints
5581 @kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
5582 @item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
5583 Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
5584 list specified as argument. If no argument is specified, delete all
5585 breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
5586 confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
5590 @subsection Disabling Breakpoints
5592 @cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
5593 Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
5594 prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
5595 it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
5596 that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
5598 You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
5599 the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying
5600 one or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} to
5601 print a list of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints if you
5602 do not know which numbers to use.
5604 Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
5605 affects all of its locations.
5607 A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of several
5608 different states of enablement:
5612 Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
5613 with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
5615 Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
5617 Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
5620 Enabled for a count. The breakpoint stops your program for the next
5621 N times, then becomes disabled.
5623 Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
5624 immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
5625 set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
5628 You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
5629 watchpoints, and catchpoints:
5633 @kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
5634 @item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
5635 Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
5636 listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
5637 options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
5638 case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
5639 @code{disable} as @code{dis}.
5642 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
5643 Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
5644 become effective once again in stopping your program.
5646 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{list}@dots{}
5647 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
5648 of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
5650 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} count @var{count} @var{list}@dots{}
5651 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} records
5652 @var{count} with each of the specified breakpoints, and decrements a
5653 breakpoint's count when it is hit. When any count reaches 0,
5654 @value{GDBN} disables that breakpoint. If a breakpoint has an ignore
5655 count (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}), that will be
5656 decremented to 0 before @var{count} is affected.
5658 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{list}@dots{}
5659 Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
5660 deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
5661 Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
5664 @c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
5665 @c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
5666 Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
5667 ,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
5668 subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
5669 the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
5670 breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
5671 breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
5675 @subsection Break Conditions
5676 @cindex conditional breakpoints
5677 @cindex breakpoint conditions
5679 @c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
5680 @c in particular for a watchpoint?
5681 The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
5682 specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
5683 breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
5684 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
5685 a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
5686 and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
5688 This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
5689 situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
5690 when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
5691 by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
5692 @samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
5694 Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
5695 since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
5696 it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
5697 and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
5700 Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
5701 your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
5702 that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
5703 format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
5704 unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
5705 that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
5706 program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
5707 breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
5709 purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
5710 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
5712 Breakpoint conditions can also be evaluated on the target's side if
5713 the target supports it. Instead of evaluating the conditions locally,
5714 @value{GDBN} encodes the expression into an agent expression
5715 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) suitable for execution on the target,
5716 independently of @value{GDBN}. Global variables become raw memory
5717 locations, locals become stack accesses, and so forth.
5719 In this case, @value{GDBN} will only be notified of a breakpoint trigger
5720 when its condition evaluates to true. This mechanism may provide faster
5721 response times depending on the performance characteristics of the target
5722 since it does not need to keep @value{GDBN} informed about
5723 every breakpoint trigger, even those with false conditions.
5725 Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
5726 @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
5727 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
5728 with the @code{condition} command.
5730 You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
5731 The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
5732 @code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
5737 @item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
5738 Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
5739 watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
5740 breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
5741 @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
5742 @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
5743 syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
5744 referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
5745 symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
5746 prints an error message:
5749 No symbol "foo" in current context.
5754 not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
5755 command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
5756 @code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
5758 @item condition -force @var{bnum} @var{expression}
5759 When the @code{-force} flag is used, define the condition even if
5760 @var{expression} is invalid at all the current locations of breakpoint
5761 @var{bnum}. This is similar to the @code{-force-condition} option
5762 of the @code{break} command.
5764 @item condition @var{bnum}
5765 Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
5766 an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
5769 @cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
5770 A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
5771 breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
5772 useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
5773 count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
5774 is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
5775 therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
5776 ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
5777 the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
5778 value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
5779 your program reaches it.
5783 @item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
5784 Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
5785 The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
5786 execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
5789 To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
5792 When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
5793 breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
5794 @code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
5795 Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
5797 If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
5798 condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
5799 @value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
5801 You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
5802 as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
5803 is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
5807 Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
5810 @node Break Commands
5811 @subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
5813 @cindex breakpoint commands
5814 You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
5815 commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
5816 example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
5817 enable other breakpoints.
5821 @kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
5822 @item commands @r{[}@var{list}@dots{}@r{]}
5823 @itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
5825 Specify a list of commands for the given breakpoints. The commands
5826 themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
5827 @code{end} to terminate the commands.
5829 To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
5830 follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
5832 With no argument, @code{commands} refers to the last breakpoint,
5833 watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most recently
5834 encountered). If the most recent breakpoints were set with a single
5835 command, then the @code{commands} will apply to all the breakpoints
5836 set by that command. This applies to breakpoints set by
5837 @code{rbreak}, and also applies when a single @code{break} command
5838 creates multiple breakpoints (@pxref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous
5842 Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
5843 disabled within a @var{command-list}.
5845 Inside a command list, you can use the command
5846 @kbd{disable $_hit_bpnum} to disable the encountered breakpoint.
5848 If your breakpoint has several code locations, the command
5849 @kbd{disable $_hit_bpnum.$_hit_locno} will disable the specific breakpoint
5850 code location encountered. If the breakpoint has only one location,
5851 this command will disable the encountered breakpoint.
5853 You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
5854 use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
5855 that resumes execution.
5857 Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
5858 execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
5859 (even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
5860 another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
5861 ambiguities about which list to execute.
5864 If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
5865 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
5866 be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
5867 then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
5868 see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
5869 meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
5871 The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
5872 print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
5873 breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
5875 For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
5876 value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
5882 printf "x is %d\n",x
5887 One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
5888 you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
5889 of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
5890 erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
5891 to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
5892 so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
5893 command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
5904 @node Dynamic Printf
5905 @subsection Dynamic Printf
5907 @cindex dynamic printf
5909 The dynamic printf command @code{dprintf} combines a breakpoint with
5910 formatted printing of your program's data to give you the effect of
5911 inserting @code{printf} calls into your program on-the-fly, without
5912 having to recompile it.
5914 In its most basic form, the output goes to the GDB console. However,
5915 you can set the variable @code{dprintf-style} for alternate handling.
5916 For instance, you can ask to format the output by calling your
5917 program's @code{printf} function. This has the advantage that the
5918 characters go to the program's output device, so they can recorded in
5919 redirects to files and so forth.
5921 If you are doing remote debugging with a stub or agent, you can also
5922 ask to have the printf handled by the remote agent. In addition to
5923 ensuring that the output goes to the remote program's device along
5924 with any other output the program might produce, you can also ask that
5925 the dprintf remain active even after disconnecting from the remote
5926 target. Using the stub/agent is also more efficient, as it can do
5927 everything without needing to communicate with @value{GDBN}.
5931 @item dprintf @var{locspec},@var{template},@var{expression}[,@var{expression}@dots{}]
5932 Whenever execution reaches a code location that results from resolving
5933 @var{locspec}, print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under
5934 the control of the string @var{template}. To print several values,
5935 separate them with commas.
5937 @item set dprintf-style @var{style}
5938 Set the dprintf output to be handled in one of several different
5939 styles enumerated below. A change of style affects all existing
5940 dynamic printfs immediately. (If you need individual control over the
5941 print commands, simply define normal breakpoints with
5942 explicitly-supplied command lists.)
5946 @kindex dprintf-style gdb
5947 Handle the output using the @value{GDBN} @code{printf} command.
5950 @kindex dprintf-style call
5951 Handle the output by calling a function in your program (normally
5955 @kindex dprintf-style agent
5956 Have the remote debugging agent (such as @code{gdbserver}) handle
5957 the output itself. This style is only available for agents that
5958 support running commands on the target.
5961 @item set dprintf-function @var{function}
5962 Set the function to call if the dprintf style is @code{call}. By
5963 default its value is @code{printf}. You may set it to any expression.
5964 that @value{GDBN} can evaluate to a function, as per the @code{call}
5967 @item set dprintf-channel @var{channel}
5968 Set a ``channel'' for dprintf. If set to a non-empty value,
5969 @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as an expression and pass the result as
5970 a first argument to the @code{dprintf-function}, in the manner of
5971 @code{fprintf} and similar functions. Otherwise, the dprintf format
5972 string will be the first argument, in the manner of @code{printf}.
5974 As an example, if you wanted @code{dprintf} output to go to a logfile
5975 that is a standard I/O stream assigned to the variable @code{mylog},
5976 you could do the following:
5979 (gdb) set dprintf-style call
5980 (gdb) set dprintf-function fprintf
5981 (gdb) set dprintf-channel mylog
5982 (gdb) dprintf 25,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob
5983 Dprintf 1 at 0x123456: file main.c, line 25.
5985 1 dprintf keep y 0x00123456 in main at main.c:25
5986 call (void) fprintf (mylog,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob)
5991 Note that the @code{info break} displays the dynamic printf commands
5992 as normal breakpoint commands; you can thus easily see the effect of
5993 the variable settings.
5995 @item set disconnected-dprintf on
5996 @itemx set disconnected-dprintf off
5997 @kindex set disconnected-dprintf
5998 Choose whether @code{dprintf} commands should continue to run if
5999 @value{GDBN} has disconnected from the target. This only applies
6000 if the @code{dprintf-style} is @code{agent}.
6002 @item show disconnected-dprintf off
6003 @kindex show disconnected-dprintf
6004 Show the current choice for disconnected @code{dprintf}.
6008 @value{GDBN} does not check the validity of function and channel,
6009 relying on you to supply values that are meaningful for the contexts
6010 in which they are being used. For instance, the function and channel
6011 may be the values of local variables, but if that is the case, then
6012 all enabled dynamic prints must be at locations within the scope of
6013 those locals. If evaluation fails, @value{GDBN} will report an error.
6015 @node Save Breakpoints
6016 @subsection How to save breakpoints to a file
6018 To save breakpoint definitions to a file use the @w{@code{save
6019 breakpoints}} command.
6022 @kindex save breakpoints
6023 @cindex save breakpoints to a file for future sessions
6024 @item save breakpoints [@var{filename}]
6025 This command saves all current breakpoint definitions together with
6026 their commands and ignore counts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
6027 suitable for use in a later debugging session. This includes all
6028 types of breakpoints (breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints,
6029 tracepoints). To read the saved breakpoint definitions, use the
6030 @code{source} command (@pxref{Command Files}). Note that watchpoints
6031 with expressions involving local variables may fail to be recreated
6032 because it may not be possible to access the context where the
6033 watchpoint is valid anymore. Because the saved breakpoint definitions
6034 are simply a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands that recreate the
6035 breakpoints, you can edit the file in your favorite editing program,
6036 and remove the breakpoint definitions you're not interested in, or
6037 that can no longer be recreated.
6040 @node Static Probe Points
6041 @subsection Static Probe Points
6043 @cindex static probe point, SystemTap
6044 @cindex static probe point, DTrace
6045 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{SDT} probes in the code. @acronym{SDT} stands
6046 for Statically Defined Tracing, and the probes are designed to have a tiny
6047 runtime code and data footprint, and no dynamic relocations.
6049 Currently, the following types of probes are supported on
6050 ELF-compatible systems:
6054 @item @code{SystemTap} (@uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/})
6055 @acronym{SDT} probes@footnote{See
6056 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/AddingUserSpaceProbingToApps}
6057 for more information on how to add @code{SystemTap} @acronym{SDT}
6058 probes in your applications.}. @code{SystemTap} probes are usable
6059 from assembly, C and C@t{++} languages@footnote{See
6060 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/UserSpaceProbeImplementation}
6061 for a good reference on how the @acronym{SDT} probes are implemented.}.
6063 @item @code{DTrace} (@uref{http://oss.oracle.com/projects/DTrace})
6064 @acronym{USDT} probes. @code{DTrace} probes are usable from C and
6068 @cindex semaphores on static probe points
6069 Some @code{SystemTap} probes have an associated semaphore variable;
6070 for instance, this happens automatically if you defined your probe
6071 using a DTrace-style @file{.d} file. If your probe has a semaphore,
6072 @value{GDBN} will automatically enable it when you specify a
6073 breakpoint using the @samp{-probe-stap} notation. But, if you put a
6074 breakpoint at a probe's location by some other method (e.g.,
6075 @code{break file:line}), then @value{GDBN} will not automatically set
6076 the semaphore. @code{DTrace} probes do not support semaphores.
6078 You can examine the available static static probes using @code{info
6079 probes}, with optional arguments:
6083 @item info probes @r{[}@var{type}@r{]} @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
6084 If given, @var{type} is either @code{stap} for listing
6085 @code{SystemTap} probes or @code{dtrace} for listing @code{DTrace}
6086 probes. If omitted all probes are listed regardless of their types.
6088 If given, @var{provider} is a regular expression used to match against provider
6089 names when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probes by all
6090 probes from all providers are listed.
6092 If given, @var{name} is a regular expression to match against probe names
6093 when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probe names are not
6094 considered when deciding whether to display them.
6096 If given, @var{objfile} is a regular expression used to select which
6097 object files (executable or shared libraries) to examine. If not
6098 given, all object files are considered.
6100 @item info probes all
6101 List the available static probes, from all types.
6104 @cindex enabling and disabling probes
6105 Some probe points can be enabled and/or disabled. The effect of
6106 enabling or disabling a probe depends on the type of probe being
6107 handled. Some @code{DTrace} probes can be enabled or
6108 disabled, but @code{SystemTap} probes cannot be disabled.
6110 You can enable (or disable) one or more probes using the following
6111 commands, with optional arguments:
6114 @kindex enable probes
6115 @item enable probes @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
6116 If given, @var{provider} is a regular expression used to match against
6117 provider names when selecting which probes to enable. If omitted,
6118 all probes from all providers are enabled.
6120 If given, @var{name} is a regular expression to match against probe
6121 names when selecting which probes to enable. If omitted, probe names
6122 are not considered when deciding whether to enable them.
6124 If given, @var{objfile} is a regular expression used to select which
6125 object files (executable or shared libraries) to examine. If not
6126 given, all object files are considered.
6128 @kindex disable probes
6129 @item disable probes @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
6130 See the @code{enable probes} command above for a description of the
6131 optional arguments accepted by this command.
6134 @vindex $_probe_arg@r{, convenience variable}
6135 A probe may specify up to twelve arguments. These are available at the
6136 point at which the probe is defined---that is, when the current PC is
6137 at the probe's location. The arguments are available using the
6138 convenience variables (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
6139 @code{$_probe_arg0}@dots{}@code{$_probe_arg11}. In @code{SystemTap}
6140 probes each probe argument is an integer of the appropriate size;
6141 types are not preserved. In @code{DTrace} probes types are preserved
6142 provided that they are recognized as such by @value{GDBN}; otherwise
6143 the value of the probe argument will be a long integer. The
6144 convenience variable @code{$_probe_argc} holds the number of arguments
6145 at the current probe point.
6147 These variables are always available, but attempts to access them at
6148 any location other than a probe point will cause @value{GDBN} to give
6152 @c @ifclear BARETARGET
6153 @node Error in Breakpoints
6154 @subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
6156 If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
6157 watchpoints, you will see this error message:
6159 @c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
6160 @c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
6162 Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
6163 You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
6167 This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
6168 only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
6169 watchpoints it needs to insert.
6171 When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
6172 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
6174 @node Breakpoint-related Warnings
6175 @subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
6176 @cindex breakpoint address adjusted
6178 Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
6179 which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
6180 @value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
6181 with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
6183 One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
6184 a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
6185 bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
6186 constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
6187 bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
6188 honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
6189 first in the bundle.
6191 It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
6192 instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
6193 a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
6194 another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
6195 breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
6196 printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
6199 A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
6200 that's been subject to address adjustment:
6203 warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
6206 Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
6207 internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
6208 verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
6209 desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
6210 other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
6211 E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
6212 instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
6213 cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
6215 @value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
6216 adjusted breakpoints:
6219 warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
6223 When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
6224 action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
6225 frequently than expected.
6227 @node Continuing and Stepping
6228 @section Continuing and Stepping
6232 @cindex resuming execution
6233 @dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
6234 completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
6235 one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
6236 line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
6237 particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
6238 your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
6239 it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
6240 @samp{signal 0} to resume execution (@pxref{Signals, ,Signals}),
6241 or you may step into the signal's handler (@pxref{stepping and signal
6246 @kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
6247 @kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
6248 @item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6249 @itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6250 @itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6251 Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
6252 any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
6253 @var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
6254 ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
6255 @code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
6257 The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
6258 stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
6259 @code{continue} is ignored.
6261 The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
6262 debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
6263 purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
6267 To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
6268 (@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
6269 calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
6270 Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
6272 A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
6273 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
6274 beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
6275 is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
6276 and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
6277 interesting, until you see the problem happen.
6281 @kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
6283 Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
6284 line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
6285 abbreviated @code{s}.
6288 @c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
6289 @c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
6290 @c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
6291 @c distinction here.
6292 @emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
6293 within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
6294 execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
6295 debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
6296 is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
6297 without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
6301 The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
6302 line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
6303 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
6304 to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
6305 the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
6306 called within the line.
6308 Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
6309 number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
6310 @code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
6311 on @acronym{MIPS} machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
6312 was any debugging information about the routine.
6314 @item step @var{count}
6315 Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
6316 breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
6317 @var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
6320 @kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
6321 @item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6322 Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
6323 This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
6324 the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
6325 control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
6326 that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
6327 is abbreviated @code{n}.
6329 An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
6332 @c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
6333 @c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
6335 @c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
6336 @c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
6337 @c function are executed without stopping.
6339 The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
6340 source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
6341 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
6343 @kindex set step-mode
6345 @cindex functions without line info, and stepping
6346 @cindex stepping into functions with no line info
6347 @itemx set step-mode on
6348 The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
6349 stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
6350 information rather than stepping over it.
6352 This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
6353 machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
6354 want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
6356 @item set step-mode off
6357 Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
6358 debug information. This is the default.
6360 @item show step-mode
6361 Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
6362 source line debug information.
6365 @kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
6367 Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
6368 returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
6369 abbreviated as @code{fin}.
6371 Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
6372 ,Returning from a Function}).
6374 @kindex set print finish
6375 @kindex show print finish
6376 @item set print finish @r{[}on|off@r{]}
6377 @itemx show print finish
6378 By default the @code{finish} command will show the value that is
6379 returned by the function. This can be disabled using @code{set print
6380 finish off}. When disabled, the value is still entered into the value
6381 history (@pxref{Value History}), but not displayed.
6384 @kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
6385 @cindex run until specified location
6388 Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
6389 current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
6390 stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
6391 command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
6392 automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
6393 than the address of the jump.
6395 This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
6396 though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
6397 exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
6398 simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
6399 through the next iteration.
6401 @code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
6404 @code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
6405 of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
6406 example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
6407 (@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
6408 @code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
6412 #0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
6414 (@value{GDBP}) until
6415 195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
6418 This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
6419 generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
6420 start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
6421 written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
6422 to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
6423 expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
6424 statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
6426 @code{until} with no argument works by means of single
6427 instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
6430 @item until @var{locspec}
6431 @itemx u @var{locspec}
6432 Continue running your program until either it reaches a code location
6433 that results from resolving @var{locspec}, or the current stack frame
6434 returns. @var{locspec} is any of the forms described in @ref{Location
6436 This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
6437 hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
6438 location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
6439 implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
6440 invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
6441 line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
6442 line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
6443 invocations have returned.
6446 94 int factorial (int value)
6448 96 if (value > 1) @{
6449 97 value *= factorial (value - 1);
6456 @kindex advance @var{locspec}
6457 @item advance @var{locspec}
6458 Continue running your program until either it reaches a code location
6459 that results from resolving @var{locspec}, or the current stack frame
6460 returns. @var{locspec} is any of the forms described in @ref{Location
6461 Specifications}. This command is similar to @code{until}, but
6462 @code{advance} will not skip over recursive function calls, and the
6463 target code location doesn't have to be in the same frame as the
6468 @kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
6470 @itemx stepi @var{arg}
6472 Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
6474 It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
6475 instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
6476 instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
6477 Display,, Automatic Display}.
6479 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
6483 @kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
6485 @itemx nexti @var{arg}
6487 Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
6488 proceed until the function returns.
6490 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
6494 @anchor{range stepping}
6495 @cindex range stepping
6496 @cindex target-assisted range stepping
6497 By default, and if available, @value{GDBN} makes use of
6498 target-assisted @dfn{range stepping}. In other words, whenever you
6499 use a stepping command (e.g., @code{step}, @code{next}), @value{GDBN}
6500 tells the target to step the corresponding range of instruction
6501 addresses instead of issuing multiple single-steps. This speeds up
6502 line stepping, particularly for remote targets. Ideally, there should
6503 be no reason you would want to turn range stepping off. However, it's
6504 possible that a bug in the debug info, a bug in the remote stub (for
6505 remote targets), or even a bug in @value{GDBN} could make line
6506 stepping behave incorrectly when target-assisted range stepping is
6507 enabled. You can use the following command to turn off range stepping
6511 @kindex set range-stepping
6512 @kindex show range-stepping
6513 @item set range-stepping
6514 @itemx show range-stepping
6515 Control whether range stepping is enabled.
6517 If @code{on}, and the target supports it, @value{GDBN} tells the
6518 target to step a range of addresses itself, instead of issuing
6519 multiple single-steps. If @code{off}, @value{GDBN} always issues
6520 single-steps, even if range stepping is supported by the target. The
6521 default is @code{on}.
6525 @node Skipping Over Functions and Files
6526 @section Skipping Over Functions and Files
6527 @cindex skipping over functions and files
6529 The program you are debugging may contain some functions which are
6530 uninteresting to debug. The @code{skip} command lets you tell @value{GDBN} to
6531 skip a function, all functions in a file or a particular function in
6532 a particular file when stepping.
6534 For example, consider the following C function:
6545 Suppose you wish to step into the functions @code{foo} and @code{bar}, but you
6546 are not interested in stepping through @code{boring}. If you run @code{step}
6547 at line 103, you'll enter @code{boring()}, but if you run @code{next}, you'll
6548 step over both @code{foo} and @code{boring}!
6550 One solution is to @code{step} into @code{boring} and use the @code{finish}
6551 command to immediately exit it. But this can become tedious if @code{boring}
6552 is called from many places.
6554 A more flexible solution is to execute @kbd{skip boring}. This instructs
6555 @value{GDBN} never to step into @code{boring}. Now when you execute
6556 @code{step} at line 103, you'll step over @code{boring} and directly into
6559 Functions may be skipped by providing either a function name, linespec
6560 (@pxref{Location Specifications}), regular expression that matches the function's
6561 name, file name or a @code{glob}-style pattern that matches the file name.
6563 On Posix systems the form of the regular expression is
6564 ``Extended Regular Expressions''. See for example @samp{man 7 regex}
6565 on @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. On non-Posix systems the form of the regular
6566 expression is whatever is provided by the @code{regcomp} function of
6567 the underlying system.
6568 See for example @samp{man 7 glob} on @sc{gnu}/Linux systems for a
6569 description of @code{glob}-style patterns.
6573 @item skip @r{[}@var{options}@r{]}
6574 The basic form of the @code{skip} command takes zero or more options
6575 that specify what to skip.
6576 The @var{options} argument is any useful combination of the following:
6579 @item -file @var{file}
6580 @itemx -fi @var{file}
6581 Functions in @var{file} will be skipped over when stepping.
6583 @item -gfile @var{file-glob-pattern}
6584 @itemx -gfi @var{file-glob-pattern}
6585 @cindex skipping over files via glob-style patterns
6586 Functions in files matching @var{file-glob-pattern} will be skipped
6590 (gdb) skip -gfi utils/*.c
6593 @item -function @var{linespec}
6594 @itemx -fu @var{linespec}
6595 Functions named by @var{linespec} or the function containing the line
6596 named by @var{linespec} will be skipped over when stepping.
6597 @xref{Location Specifications}.
6599 @item -rfunction @var{regexp}
6600 @itemx -rfu @var{regexp}
6601 @cindex skipping over functions via regular expressions
6602 Functions whose name matches @var{regexp} will be skipped over when stepping.
6604 This form is useful for complex function names.
6605 For example, there is generally no need to step into C@t{++} @code{std::string}
6606 constructors or destructors. Plus with C@t{++} templates it can be hard to
6607 write out the full name of the function, and often it doesn't matter what
6608 the template arguments are. Specifying the function to be skipped as a
6609 regular expression makes this easier.
6612 (gdb) skip -rfu ^std::(allocator|basic_string)<.*>::~?\1 *\(
6615 If you want to skip every templated C@t{++} constructor and destructor
6616 in the @code{std} namespace you can do:
6619 (gdb) skip -rfu ^std::([a-zA-z0-9_]+)<.*>::~?\1 *\(
6623 If no options are specified, the function you're currently debugging
6626 @kindex skip function
6627 @item skip function @r{[}@var{linespec}@r{]}
6628 After running this command, the function named by @var{linespec} or the
6629 function containing the line named by @var{linespec} will be skipped over when
6630 stepping. @xref{Location Specifications}.
6632 If you do not specify @var{linespec}, the function you're currently debugging
6635 (If you have a function called @code{file} that you want to skip, use
6636 @kbd{skip function file}.)
6639 @item skip file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
6640 After running this command, any function whose source lives in @var{filename}
6641 will be skipped over when stepping.
6644 (gdb) skip file boring.c
6645 File boring.c will be skipped when stepping.
6648 If you do not specify @var{filename}, functions whose source lives in the file
6649 you're currently debugging will be skipped.
6652 Skips can be listed, deleted, disabled, and enabled, much like breakpoints.
6653 These are the commands for managing your list of skips:
6657 @item info skip @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
6658 Print details about the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified,
6659 print a table with details about all functions and files marked for skipping.
6660 @code{info skip} prints the following information about each skip:
6664 A number identifying this skip.
6665 @item Enabled or Disabled
6666 Enabled skips are marked with @samp{y}.
6667 Disabled skips are marked with @samp{n}.
6669 If the file name is a @samp{glob} pattern this is @samp{y}.
6670 Otherwise it is @samp{n}.
6672 The name or @samp{glob} pattern of the file to be skipped.
6673 If no file is specified this is @samp{<none>}.
6675 If the function name is a @samp{regular expression} this is @samp{y}.
6676 Otherwise it is @samp{n}.
6678 The name or regular expression of the function to skip.
6679 If no function is specified this is @samp{<none>}.
6683 @item skip delete @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
6684 Delete the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, delete all
6688 @item skip enable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
6689 Enable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, enable all
6692 @kindex skip disable
6693 @item skip disable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
6694 Disable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, disable all
6697 @kindex set debug skip
6698 @item set debug skip @r{[}on|off@r{]}
6699 Set whether to print the debug output about skipping files and functions.
6701 @kindex show debug skip
6702 @item show debug skip
6703 Show whether the debug output about skipping files and functions is printed.
6711 A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
6712 operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
6713 kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
6714 signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
6715 @code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
6716 memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
6717 the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
6718 requested an alarm).
6720 @cindex fatal signals
6721 Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
6722 functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
6723 errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
6724 program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
6725 @code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
6726 fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
6728 @value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
6729 program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
6732 @cindex handling signals
6733 Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
6734 @code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
6735 (so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
6736 but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
6737 You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
6740 @kindex info signals
6744 Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
6745 handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
6746 the defined types of signals.
6748 @item info signals @var{sig}
6749 Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
6751 @code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
6753 @item catch signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
6754 Set a catchpoint for the indicated signals. @xref{Set Catchpoints},
6755 for details about this command.
6758 @item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
6759 Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. The @var{signal}
6760 can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
6761 @samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
6762 @samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
6763 known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
6764 say what change to make.
6768 The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
6769 Their full names are:
6773 @value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
6774 still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
6777 @value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
6778 the @code{print} keyword as well.
6781 @value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
6784 @value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
6785 implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
6789 @value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
6790 can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
6791 and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
6795 @value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
6796 @code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
6800 When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
6802 continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
6803 effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
6804 after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
6805 command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
6806 program sees that signal when you continue.
6808 The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
6809 non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
6810 @code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
6813 You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
6814 seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
6815 or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
6816 due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
6817 values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
6818 execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
6819 a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
6820 you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
6823 @cindex stepping and signal handlers
6824 @anchor{stepping and signal handlers}
6826 @value{GDBN} optimizes for stepping the mainline code. If a signal
6827 that has @code{handle nostop} and @code{handle pass} set arrives while
6828 a stepping command (e.g., @code{stepi}, @code{step}, @code{next}) is
6829 in progress, @value{GDBN} lets the signal handler run and then resumes
6830 stepping the mainline code once the signal handler returns. In other
6831 words, @value{GDBN} steps over the signal handler. This prevents
6832 signals that you've specified as not interesting (with @code{handle
6833 nostop}) from changing the focus of debugging unexpectedly. Note that
6834 the signal handler itself may still hit a breakpoint, stop for another
6835 signal that has @code{handle stop} in effect, or for any other event
6836 that normally results in stopping the stepping command sooner. Also
6837 note that @value{GDBN} still informs you that the program received a
6838 signal if @code{handle print} is set.
6840 @anchor{stepping into signal handlers}
6842 If you set @code{handle pass} for a signal, and your program sets up a
6843 handler for it, then issuing a stepping command, such as @code{step}
6844 or @code{stepi}, when your program is stopped due to the signal will
6845 step @emph{into} the signal handler (if the target supports that).
6847 Likewise, if you use the @code{queue-signal} command to queue a signal
6848 to be delivered to the current thread when execution of the thread
6849 resumes (@pxref{Signaling, ,Giving your Program a Signal}), then a
6850 stepping command will step into the signal handler.
6852 Here's an example, using @code{stepi} to step to the first instruction
6853 of @code{SIGUSR1}'s handler:
6856 (@value{GDBP}) handle SIGUSR1
6857 Signal Stop Print Pass to program Description
6858 SIGUSR1 Yes Yes Yes User defined signal 1
6862 Program received signal SIGUSR1, User defined signal 1.
6863 main () sigusr1.c:28
6866 sigusr1_handler () at sigusr1.c:9
6870 The same, but using @code{queue-signal} instead of waiting for the
6871 program to receive the signal first:
6876 (@value{GDBP}) queue-signal SIGUSR1
6878 sigusr1_handler () at sigusr1.c:9
6883 @cindex extra signal information
6884 @anchor{extra signal information}
6886 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can inspect extra signal information
6887 associated with the intercepted signal, before it is actually
6888 delivered to the program being debugged. This information is exported
6889 by the convenience variable @code{$_siginfo}, and consists of data
6890 that is passed by the kernel to the signal handler at the time of the
6891 receipt of a signal. The data type of the information itself is
6892 target dependent. You can see the data type using the @code{ptype
6893 $_siginfo} command. On Unix systems, it typically corresponds to the
6894 standard @code{siginfo_t} type, as defined in the @file{signal.h}
6897 Here's an example, on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, printing the stray
6898 referenced address that raised a segmentation fault.
6902 (@value{GDBP}) continue
6903 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
6904 0x0000000000400766 in main ()
6906 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo
6913 struct @{...@} _kill;
6914 struct @{...@} _timer;
6916 struct @{...@} _sigchld;
6917 struct @{...@} _sigfault;
6918 struct @{...@} _sigpoll;
6921 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault
6925 (@value{GDBP}) p $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault.si_addr
6926 $1 = (void *) 0x7ffff7ff7000
6930 Depending on target support, @code{$_siginfo} may also be writable.
6932 @cindex Intel MPX boundary violations
6933 @cindex boundary violations, Intel MPX
6934 On some targets, a @code{SIGSEGV} can be caused by a boundary
6935 violation, i.e., accessing an address outside of the allowed range.
6936 In those cases @value{GDBN} may displays additional information,
6937 depending on how @value{GDBN} has been told to handle the signal.
6938 With @code{handle stop SIGSEGV}, @value{GDBN} displays the violation
6939 kind: "Upper" or "Lower", the memory address accessed and the
6940 bounds, while with @code{handle nostop SIGSEGV} no additional
6941 information is displayed.
6943 The usual output of a segfault is:
6945 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault
6946 0x0000000000400d7c in upper () at i386-mpx-sigsegv.c:68
6947 68 value = *(p + len);
6950 While a bound violation is presented as:
6952 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault
6953 Upper bound violation while accessing address 0x7fffffffc3b3
6954 Bounds: [lower = 0x7fffffffc390, upper = 0x7fffffffc3a3]
6955 0x0000000000400d7c in upper () at i386-mpx-sigsegv.c:68
6956 68 value = *(p + len);
6960 @section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
6962 @cindex stopped threads
6963 @cindex threads, stopped
6965 @cindex continuing threads
6966 @cindex threads, continuing
6968 @value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
6969 (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
6970 are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
6971 debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
6972 when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
6973 or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
6974 @value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
6975 @dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
6976 you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
6979 * All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
6980 * Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
6981 * Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
6982 * Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
6983 * Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
6984 * Observer Mode:: GDB does not alter program behavior
6988 @subsection All-Stop Mode
6990 @cindex all-stop mode
6992 In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
6993 @emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
6994 allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
6995 switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
6998 Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
6999 executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
7000 like @code{step} or @code{next}.
7002 In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
7003 Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
7004 system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
7005 execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
7006 single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
7007 statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
7010 You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
7011 continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
7012 thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
7013 first thread completes whatever you requested.
7015 @cindex automatic thread selection
7016 @cindex switching threads automatically
7017 @cindex threads, automatic switching
7018 Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
7019 signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
7020 signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
7021 message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
7024 On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
7025 locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
7028 @item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
7029 @cindex scheduler locking mode
7030 @cindex lock scheduler
7031 Set the scheduler locking mode. It applies to normal execution,
7032 record mode, and replay mode. @var{mode} can be one of
7037 There is no locking and any thread may run at any time.
7040 Only the current thread may run when the inferior is resumed.
7043 Behaves like @code{on} when stepping, and @code{off} otherwise.
7044 Threads other than the current never get a chance to run when you
7045 step, and they are completely free to run when you use commands like
7046 @samp{continue}, @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}.
7048 This mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other threads
7049 from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so that the
7050 focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly. However, unless
7051 another thread hits a breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN}
7052 does not change the current thread away from the thread that you are
7056 Behaves like @code{on} in replay mode, and @code{off} in either record
7057 mode or during normal execution. This is the default mode.
7060 @item show scheduler-locking
7061 Display the current scheduler locking mode.
7064 @cindex resume threads of multiple processes simultaneously
7065 By default, when you issue one of the execution commands such as
7066 @code{continue}, @code{next} or @code{step}, @value{GDBN} allows only
7067 threads of the current inferior to run. For example, if @value{GDBN}
7068 is attached to two inferiors, each with two threads, the
7069 @code{continue} command resumes only the two threads of the current
7070 inferior. This is useful, for example, when you debug a program that
7071 forks and you want to hold the parent stopped (so that, for instance,
7072 it doesn't run to exit), while you debug the child. In other
7073 situations, you may not be interested in inspecting the current state
7074 of any of the processes @value{GDBN} is attached to, and you may want
7075 to resume them all until some breakpoint is hit. In the latter case,
7076 you can instruct @value{GDBN} to allow all threads of all the
7077 inferiors to run with the @w{@code{set schedule-multiple}} command.
7080 @kindex set schedule-multiple
7081 @item set schedule-multiple
7082 Set the mode for allowing threads of multiple processes to be resumed
7083 when an execution command is issued. When @code{on}, all threads of
7084 all processes are allowed to run. When @code{off}, only the threads
7085 of the current process are resumed. The default is @code{off}. The
7086 @code{scheduler-locking} mode takes precedence when set to @code{on},
7087 or while you are stepping and set to @code{step}.
7089 @item show schedule-multiple
7090 Display the current mode for resuming the execution of threads of
7095 @subsection Non-Stop Mode
7097 @cindex non-stop mode
7099 @c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
7100 @c with more details.
7102 For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
7103 mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
7104 the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
7105 minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
7106 where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
7107 respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
7109 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
7110 @emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
7111 threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
7112 execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
7113 only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
7114 in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
7115 ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
7116 one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
7117 one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
7118 independently and simultaneously.
7120 To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
7121 or attach to your program:
7124 # If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
7127 # Finally, turn it on!
7131 You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
7134 @kindex set non-stop
7135 @item set non-stop on
7136 Enable selection of non-stop mode.
7137 @item set non-stop off
7138 Disable selection of non-stop mode.
7139 @kindex show non-stop
7141 Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
7144 Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
7145 not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
7146 In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
7147 @value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
7148 not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
7149 since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
7150 non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
7153 In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
7154 by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
7155 To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
7157 You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
7158 (@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
7159 while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
7160 The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
7161 always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
7163 Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
7164 running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
7165 In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
7166 but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
7167 To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
7169 Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
7171 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
7172 that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
7173 thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
7174 command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
7175 changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
7176 previously current thread.
7178 @node Background Execution
7179 @subsection Background Execution
7181 @cindex foreground execution
7182 @cindex background execution
7183 @cindex asynchronous execution
7184 @cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
7186 @value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
7187 foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
7188 (asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
7189 the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
7190 another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
7191 a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
7193 If the target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error
7194 message if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
7196 @cindex @code{&}, background execution of commands
7197 To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
7198 the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
7199 just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
7205 @xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
7209 @xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
7213 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
7217 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
7221 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
7225 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, nexti}.
7229 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
7233 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
7237 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
7241 Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
7242 mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
7243 However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
7244 the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
7245 previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
7246 mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
7248 You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
7249 using the @code{interrupt} command.
7256 Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
7257 @code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
7258 only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
7259 use @code{interrupt -a}.
7262 @node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
7263 @subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
7265 When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
7266 Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
7267 breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
7270 @cindex breakpoints and threads
7271 @cindex thread breakpoints
7272 @kindex break @dots{} thread @var{thread-id}
7273 @item break @var{locspec} thread @var{thread-id}
7274 @itemx break @var{locspec} thread @var{thread-id} if @dots{}
7275 @var{locspec} specifies a code location or locations in your program.
7276 @xref{Location Specifications}, for details.
7278 Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{thread-id}} with a breakpoint command
7279 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
7280 particular thread reaches this breakpoint. The @var{thread-id} specifier
7281 is one of the thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown
7282 in the first column of the @samp{info threads} display.
7284 If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{thread-id}} when you set a
7285 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
7288 You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
7289 well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{thread-id}} before or
7290 after the breakpoint condition, like this:
7293 (@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
7298 Thread-specific breakpoints are automatically deleted when
7299 @value{GDBN} detects the corresponding thread is no longer in the
7300 thread list. For example:
7304 Thread-specific breakpoint 3 deleted - thread 28 no longer in the thread list.
7307 There are several ways for a thread to disappear, such as a regular
7308 thread exit, but also when you detach from the process with the
7309 @code{detach} command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running
7310 Process}), or if @value{GDBN} loses the remote connection
7311 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), etc. Note that with some targets,
7312 @value{GDBN} is only able to detect a thread has exited when the user
7313 explictly asks for the thread list with the @code{info threads}
7316 @node Interrupted System Calls
7317 @subsection Interrupted System Calls
7319 @cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
7320 @cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
7321 @cindex premature return from system calls
7322 There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
7323 multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
7324 breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
7325 system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
7326 consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
7327 that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
7330 To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
7331 each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
7334 For example, do not write code like this:
7340 The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
7341 at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
7343 Instead, write this:
7348 unslept = sleep (unslept);
7351 A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
7352 conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
7353 multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
7356 Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
7357 monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
7358 When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
7359 prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
7362 @subsection Observer Mode
7364 If you want to build on non-stop mode and observe program behavior
7365 without any chance of disruption by @value{GDBN}, you can set
7366 variables to disable all of the debugger's attempts to modify state,
7367 whether by writing memory, inserting breakpoints, etc. These operate
7368 at a low level, intercepting operations from all commands.
7370 When all of these are set to @code{off}, then @value{GDBN} is said to
7371 be @dfn{observer mode}. As a convenience, the variable
7372 @code{observer} can be set to disable these, plus enable non-stop
7375 Note that @value{GDBN} will not prevent you from making nonsensical
7376 combinations of these settings. For instance, if you have enabled
7377 @code{may-insert-breakpoints} but disabled @code{may-write-memory},
7378 then breakpoints that work by writing trap instructions into the code
7379 stream will still not be able to be placed.
7384 @item set observer on
7385 @itemx set observer off
7386 When set to @code{on}, this disables all the permission variables
7387 below (except for @code{insert-fast-tracepoints}), plus enables
7388 non-stop debugging. Setting this to @code{off} switches back to
7389 normal debugging, though remaining in non-stop mode.
7392 Show whether observer mode is on or off.
7394 @kindex may-write-registers
7395 @item set may-write-registers on
7396 @itemx set may-write-registers off
7397 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the values of
7398 registers, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}, or the
7399 @code{jump} command. It defaults to @code{on}.
7401 @item show may-write-registers
7402 Show the current permission to write registers.
7404 @kindex may-write-memory
7405 @item set may-write-memory on
7406 @itemx set may-write-memory off
7407 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the contents
7408 of memory, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}. It
7409 defaults to @code{on}.
7411 @item show may-write-memory
7412 Show the current permission to write memory.
7414 @kindex may-insert-breakpoints
7415 @item set may-insert-breakpoints on
7416 @itemx set may-insert-breakpoints off
7417 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert breakpoints.
7418 This affects all breakpoints, including internal breakpoints defined
7419 by @value{GDBN}. It defaults to @code{on}.
7421 @item show may-insert-breakpoints
7422 Show the current permission to insert breakpoints.
7424 @kindex may-insert-tracepoints
7425 @item set may-insert-tracepoints on
7426 @itemx set may-insert-tracepoints off
7427 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert (regular)
7428 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
7429 non-fast tracepoints, fast tracepoints being under the control of
7430 @code{may-insert-fast-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
7432 @item show may-insert-tracepoints
7433 Show the current permission to insert tracepoints.
7435 @kindex may-insert-fast-tracepoints
7436 @item set may-insert-fast-tracepoints on
7437 @itemx set may-insert-fast-tracepoints off
7438 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert fast
7439 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
7440 fast tracepoints, regular (non-fast) tracepoints being under the
7441 control of @code{may-insert-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
7443 @item show may-insert-fast-tracepoints
7444 Show the current permission to insert fast tracepoints.
7446 @kindex may-interrupt
7447 @item set may-interrupt on
7448 @itemx set may-interrupt off
7449 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to interrupt or stop
7450 program execution. When this variable is @code{off}, the
7451 @code{interrupt} command will have no effect, nor will
7452 @kbd{Ctrl-c}. It defaults to @code{on}.
7454 @item show may-interrupt
7455 Show the current permission to interrupt or stop the program.
7459 @node Reverse Execution
7460 @chapter Running programs backward
7461 @cindex reverse execution
7462 @cindex running programs backward
7464 When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
7465 you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
7466 If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
7467 ``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
7469 A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
7470 to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
7471 program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
7472 revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
7473 deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
7474 all target environments can support reverse execution.
7476 When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
7477 have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
7478 order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
7479 thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
7480 the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
7481 instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
7482 a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
7483 should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
7484 prior values@footnote{
7485 Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
7486 memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
7487 targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
7489 The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
7490 requires only that the target do something reasonable when
7491 @value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
7492 results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
7493 @value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
7494 assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
7495 consistent state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
7498 On some platforms, @value{GDBN} has built-in support for reverse
7499 execution, activated with the @code{record} or @code{record btrace}
7500 commands. @xref{Process Record and Replay}. Some remote targets,
7501 typically full system emulators, support reverse execution directly
7502 without requiring any special command.
7504 If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
7505 reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
7508 @kindex reverse-continue
7509 @kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
7510 @item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
7511 @itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
7512 Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
7513 in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
7514 exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
7515 asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
7517 @kindex reverse-step
7518 @kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
7519 @item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
7520 Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
7521 different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
7523 Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
7524 at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
7525 executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
7526 debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
7527 the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
7528 statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
7530 Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
7531 called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
7533 @kindex reverse-stepi
7534 @kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
7535 @item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
7536 Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
7537 to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
7538 counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
7539 if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
7540 back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
7542 @kindex reverse-next
7543 @kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
7544 @item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
7545 Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
7546 the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
7547 calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
7548 the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
7549 to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
7550 just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
7551 line of a function back to its return to its caller
7552 @footnote{Unless the code is too heavily optimized.}.
7554 @kindex reverse-nexti
7555 @kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
7556 @item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
7557 Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
7558 in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
7559 That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
7560 another function, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
7561 in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
7564 @kindex reverse-finish
7565 @item reverse-finish
7566 Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
7567 current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
7568 where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
7569 function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
7571 @kindex set exec-direction
7572 @item set exec-direction
7573 Set the direction of target execution.
7574 @item set exec-direction reverse
7575 @cindex execute forward or backward in time
7576 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
7577 exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
7578 @code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
7579 command cannot be used in reverse mode.
7580 @item set exec-direction forward
7581 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
7582 This is the default.
7586 @node Process Record and Replay
7587 @chapter Recording Inferior's Execution and Replaying It
7588 @cindex process record and replay
7589 @cindex recording inferior's execution and replaying it
7591 On some platforms, @value{GDBN} provides a special @dfn{process record
7592 and replay} target that can record a log of the process execution, and
7593 replay it later with both forward and reverse execution commands.
7596 When this target is in use, if the execution log includes the record
7597 for the next instruction, @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{replay
7598 mode}. In the replay mode, the inferior does not really execute code
7599 instructions. Instead, all the events that normally happen during
7600 code execution are taken from the execution log. While code is not
7601 really executed in replay mode, the values of registers (including the
7602 program counter register) and the memory of the inferior are still
7603 changed as they normally would. Their contents are taken from the
7607 If the record for the next instruction is not in the execution log,
7608 @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{record mode}. In this mode, the
7609 inferior executes normally, and @value{GDBN} records the execution log
7612 The process record and replay target supports reverse execution
7613 (@pxref{Reverse Execution}), even if the platform on which the
7614 inferior runs does not. However, the reverse execution is limited in
7615 this case by the range of the instructions recorded in the execution
7616 log. In other words, reverse execution on platforms that don't
7617 support it directly can only be done in the replay mode.
7619 When debugging in the reverse direction, @value{GDBN} will work in
7620 replay mode as long as the execution log includes the record for the
7621 previous instruction; otherwise, it will work in record mode, if the
7622 platform supports reverse execution, or stop if not.
7624 Currently, process record and replay is supported on ARM, Aarch64,
7625 Moxie, PowerPC, PowerPC64, S/390, and x86 (i386/amd64) running
7626 GNU/Linux. Process record and replay can be used both when native
7627 debugging, and when remote debugging via @code{gdbserver}.
7629 For architecture environments that support process record and replay,
7630 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands:
7633 @kindex target record
7634 @kindex target record-full
7635 @kindex target record-btrace
7638 @kindex record btrace
7639 @kindex record btrace bts
7640 @kindex record btrace pt
7646 @kindex rec btrace bts
7647 @kindex rec btrace pt
7650 @item record @var{method}
7651 This command starts the process record and replay target. The
7652 recording method can be specified as parameter. Without a parameter
7653 the command uses the @code{full} recording method. The following
7654 recording methods are available:
7658 Full record/replay recording using @value{GDBN}'s software record and
7659 replay implementation. This method allows replaying and reverse
7662 @item btrace @var{format}
7663 Hardware-supported instruction recording, supported on Intel
7664 processors. This method does not record data. Further, the data is
7665 collected in a ring buffer so old data will be overwritten when the
7666 buffer is full. It allows limited reverse execution. Variables and
7667 registers are not available during reverse execution. In remote
7668 debugging, recording continues on disconnect. Recorded data can be
7669 inspected after reconnecting. The recording may be stopped using
7672 The recording format can be specified as parameter. Without a parameter
7673 the command chooses the recording format. The following recording
7674 formats are available:
7678 @cindex branch trace store
7679 Use the @dfn{Branch Trace Store} (@acronym{BTS}) recording format. In
7680 this format, the processor stores a from/to record for each executed
7681 branch in the btrace ring buffer.
7684 @cindex Intel Processor Trace
7685 Use the @dfn{Intel Processor Trace} recording format. In this
7686 format, the processor stores the execution trace in a compressed form
7687 that is afterwards decoded by @value{GDBN}.
7689 The trace can be recorded with very low overhead. The compressed
7690 trace format also allows small trace buffers to already contain a big
7691 number of instructions compared to @acronym{BTS}.
7693 Decoding the recorded execution trace, on the other hand, is more
7694 expensive than decoding @acronym{BTS} trace. This is mostly due to the
7695 increased number of instructions to process. You should increase the
7696 buffer-size with care.
7699 Not all recording formats may be available on all processors.
7702 The process record and replay target can only debug a process that is
7703 already running. Therefore, you need first to start the process with
7704 the @kbd{run} or @kbd{start} commands, and then start the recording
7705 with the @kbd{record @var{method}} command.
7707 @cindex displaced stepping, and process record and replay
7708 Displaced stepping (@pxref{Maintenance Commands,, displaced stepping})
7709 will be automatically disabled when process record and replay target
7710 is started. That's because the process record and replay target
7711 doesn't support displaced stepping.
7713 @cindex non-stop mode, and process record and replay
7714 @cindex asynchronous execution, and process record and replay
7715 If the inferior is in the non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) or in
7716 the asynchronous execution mode (@pxref{Background Execution}), not
7717 all recording methods are available. The @code{full} recording method
7718 does not support these two modes.
7723 Stop the process record and replay target. When process record and
7724 replay target stops, the entire execution log will be deleted and the
7725 inferior will either be terminated, or will remain in its final state.
7727 When you stop the process record and replay target in record mode (at
7728 the end of the execution log), the inferior will be stopped at the
7729 next instruction that would have been recorded. In other words, if
7730 you record for a while and then stop recording, the inferior process
7731 will be left in the same state as if the recording never happened.
7733 On the other hand, if the process record and replay target is stopped
7734 while in replay mode (that is, not at the end of the execution log,
7735 but at some earlier point), the inferior process will become ``live''
7736 at that earlier state, and it will then be possible to continue the
7737 usual ``live'' debugging of the process from that state.
7739 When the inferior process exits, or @value{GDBN} detaches from it,
7740 process record and replay target will automatically stop itself.
7744 Go to a specific location in the execution log. There are several
7745 ways to specify the location to go to:
7748 @item record goto begin
7749 @itemx record goto start
7750 Go to the beginning of the execution log.
7752 @item record goto end
7753 Go to the end of the execution log.
7755 @item record goto @var{n}
7756 Go to instruction number @var{n} in the execution log.
7760 @item record save @var{filename}
7761 Save the execution log to a file @file{@var{filename}}.
7762 Default filename is @file{gdb_record.@var{process_id}}, where
7763 @var{process_id} is the process ID of the inferior.
7765 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
7767 @kindex record restore
7768 @item record restore @var{filename}
7769 Restore the execution log from a file @file{@var{filename}}.
7770 File must have been created with @code{record save}.
7772 @kindex set record full
7773 @item set record full insn-number-max @var{limit}
7774 @itemx set record full insn-number-max unlimited
7775 Set the limit of instructions to be recorded for the @code{full}
7776 recording method. Default value is 200000.
7778 If @var{limit} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will start
7779 deleting instructions from the log once the number of the record
7780 instructions becomes greater than @var{limit}. For every new recorded
7781 instruction, @value{GDBN} will delete the earliest recorded
7782 instruction to keep the number of recorded instructions at the limit.
7783 (Since deleting recorded instructions loses information, @value{GDBN}
7784 lets you control what happens when the limit is reached, by means of
7785 the @code{stop-at-limit} option, described below.)
7787 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will never
7788 delete recorded instructions from the execution log. The number of
7789 recorded instructions is limited only by the available memory.
7791 @kindex show record full
7792 @item show record full insn-number-max
7793 Show the limit of instructions to be recorded with the @code{full}
7796 @item set record full stop-at-limit
7797 Control the behavior of the @code{full} recording method when the
7798 number of recorded instructions reaches the limit. If ON (the
7799 default), @value{GDBN} will stop when the limit is reached for the
7800 first time and ask you whether you want to stop the inferior or
7801 continue running it and recording the execution log. If you decide
7802 to continue recording, each new recorded instruction will cause the
7803 oldest one to be deleted.
7805 If this option is OFF, @value{GDBN} will automatically delete the
7806 oldest record to make room for each new one, without asking.
7808 @item show record full stop-at-limit
7809 Show the current setting of @code{stop-at-limit}.
7811 @item set record full memory-query
7812 Control the behavior when @value{GDBN} is unable to record memory
7813 changes caused by an instruction for the @code{full} recording method.
7814 If ON, @value{GDBN} will query whether to stop the inferior in that
7817 If this option is OFF (the default), @value{GDBN} will automatically
7818 ignore the effect of such instructions on memory. Later, when
7819 @value{GDBN} replays this execution log, it will mark the log of this
7820 instruction as not accessible, and it will not affect the replay
7823 @item show record full memory-query
7824 Show the current setting of @code{memory-query}.
7826 @kindex set record btrace
7827 The @code{btrace} record target does not trace data. As a
7828 convenience, when replaying, @value{GDBN} reads read-only memory off
7829 the live program directly, assuming that the addresses of the
7830 read-only areas don't change. This for example makes it possible to
7831 disassemble code while replaying, but not to print variables.
7832 In some cases, being able to inspect variables might be useful.
7833 You can use the following command for that:
7835 @item set record btrace replay-memory-access
7836 Control the behavior of the @code{btrace} recording method when
7837 accessing memory during replay. If @code{read-only} (the default),
7838 @value{GDBN} will only allow accesses to read-only memory.
7839 If @code{read-write}, @value{GDBN} will allow accesses to read-only
7840 and to read-write memory. Beware that the accessed memory corresponds
7841 to the live target and not necessarily to the current replay
7844 @item set record btrace cpu @var{identifier}
7845 Set the processor to be used for enabling workarounds for processor
7846 errata when decoding the trace.
7848 Processor errata are defects in processor operation, caused by its
7849 design or manufacture. They can cause a trace not to match the
7850 specification. This, in turn, may cause trace decode to fail.
7851 @value{GDBN} can detect erroneous trace packets and correct them, thus
7852 avoiding the decoding failures. These corrections are known as
7853 @dfn{errata workarounds}, and are enabled based on the processor on
7854 which the trace was recorded.
7856 By default, @value{GDBN} attempts to detect the processor
7857 automatically, and apply the necessary workarounds for it. However,
7858 you may need to specify the processor if @value{GDBN} does not yet
7859 support it. This command allows you to do that, and also allows to
7860 disable the workarounds.
7862 The argument @var{identifier} identifies the @sc{cpu} and is of the
7863 form: @code{@var{vendor}:@var{processor identifier}}. In addition,
7864 there are two special identifiers, @code{none} and @code{auto}
7867 The following vendor identifiers and corresponding processor
7868 identifiers are currently supported:
7870 @multitable @columnfractions .1 .9
7873 @tab @var{family}/@var{model}[/@var{stepping}]
7877 On GNU/Linux systems, the processor @var{family}, @var{model}, and
7878 @var{stepping} can be obtained from @code{/proc/cpuinfo}.
7880 If @var{identifier} is @code{auto}, enable errata workarounds for the
7881 processor on which the trace was recorded. If @var{identifier} is
7882 @code{none}, errata workarounds are disabled.
7884 For example, when using an old @value{GDBN} on a new system, decode
7885 may fail because @value{GDBN} does not support the new processor. It
7886 often suffices to specify an older processor that @value{GDBN}
7891 Active record target: record-btrace
7892 Recording format: Intel Processor Trace.
7894 Failed to configure the Intel Processor Trace decoder: unknown cpu.
7895 (gdb) set record btrace cpu intel:6/158
7897 Active record target: record-btrace
7898 Recording format: Intel Processor Trace.
7900 Recorded 84872 instructions in 3189 functions (0 gaps) for thread 1 (...).
7903 @kindex show record btrace
7904 @item show record btrace replay-memory-access
7905 Show the current setting of @code{replay-memory-access}.
7907 @item show record btrace cpu
7908 Show the processor to be used for enabling trace decode errata
7911 @kindex set record btrace bts
7912 @item set record btrace bts buffer-size @var{size}
7913 @itemx set record btrace bts buffer-size unlimited
7914 Set the requested ring buffer size for branch tracing in @acronym{BTS}
7915 format. Default is 64KB.
7917 If @var{size} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will try to
7918 allocate a buffer of at least @var{size} bytes for each new thread
7919 that uses the btrace recording method and the @acronym{BTS} format.
7920 The actually obtained buffer size may differ from the requested
7921 @var{size}. Use the @code{info record} command to see the actual
7922 buffer size for each thread that uses the btrace recording method and
7923 the @acronym{BTS} format.
7925 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will try to
7926 allocate a buffer of 4MB.
7928 Bigger buffers mean longer traces. On the other hand, @value{GDBN} will
7929 also need longer to process the branch trace data before it can be used.
7931 @item show record btrace bts buffer-size @var{size}
7932 Show the current setting of the requested ring buffer size for branch
7933 tracing in @acronym{BTS} format.
7935 @kindex set record btrace pt
7936 @item set record btrace pt buffer-size @var{size}
7937 @itemx set record btrace pt buffer-size unlimited
7938 Set the requested ring buffer size for branch tracing in Intel
7939 Processor Trace format. Default is 16KB.
7941 If @var{size} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will try to
7942 allocate a buffer of at least @var{size} bytes for each new thread
7943 that uses the btrace recording method and the Intel Processor Trace
7944 format. The actually obtained buffer size may differ from the
7945 requested @var{size}. Use the @code{info record} command to see the
7946 actual buffer size for each thread.
7948 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will try to
7949 allocate a buffer of 4MB.
7951 Bigger buffers mean longer traces. On the other hand, @value{GDBN} will
7952 also need longer to process the branch trace data before it can be used.
7954 @item show record btrace pt buffer-size @var{size}
7955 Show the current setting of the requested ring buffer size for branch
7956 tracing in Intel Processor Trace format.
7960 Show various statistics about the recording depending on the recording
7965 For the @code{full} recording method, it shows the state of process
7966 record and its in-memory execution log buffer, including:
7970 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
7972 Lowest recorded instruction number (counting from when the current execution log started recording instructions).
7974 Highest recorded instruction number.
7976 Current instruction about to be replayed (if in replay mode).
7978 Number of instructions contained in the execution log.
7980 Maximum number of instructions that may be contained in the execution log.
7984 For the @code{btrace} recording method, it shows:
7990 Number of instructions that have been recorded.
7992 Number of blocks of sequential control-flow formed by the recorded
7995 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
7998 For the @code{bts} recording format, it also shows:
8001 Size of the perf ring buffer.
8004 For the @code{pt} recording format, it also shows:
8007 Size of the perf ring buffer.
8011 @kindex record delete
8014 When record target runs in replay mode (``in the past''), delete the
8015 subsequent execution log and begin to record a new execution log starting
8016 from the current address. This means you will abandon the previously
8017 recorded ``future'' and begin recording a new ``future''.
8019 @kindex record instruction-history
8020 @kindex rec instruction-history
8021 @item record instruction-history
8022 Disassembles instructions from the recorded execution log. By
8023 default, ten instructions are disassembled. This can be changed using
8024 the @code{set record instruction-history-size} command. Instructions
8025 are printed in execution order.
8027 It can also print mixed source+disassembly if you specify the the
8028 @code{/m} or @code{/s} modifier, and print the raw instructions in hex
8029 as well as in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r} or @code{/b}
8030 modifier. The behaviour of the @code{/m}, @code{/s}, @code{/r}, and
8031 @code{/b} modifiers are the same as for the @kbd{disassemble} command
8032 (@pxref{disassemble,,@kbd{disassemble}}).
8034 The current position marker is printed for the instruction at the
8035 current program counter value. This instruction can appear multiple
8036 times in the trace and the current position marker will be printed
8037 every time. To omit the current position marker, specify the
8040 To better align the printed instructions when the trace contains
8041 instructions from more than one function, the function name may be
8042 omitted by specifying the @code{/f} modifier.
8044 Speculatively executed instructions are prefixed with @samp{?}. This
8045 feature is not available for all recording formats.
8047 There are several ways to specify what part of the execution log to
8051 @item record instruction-history @var{insn}
8052 Disassembles ten instructions starting from instruction number
8055 @item record instruction-history @var{insn}, +/-@var{n}
8056 Disassembles @var{n} instructions around instruction number
8057 @var{insn}. If @var{n} is preceded with @code{+}, disassembles
8058 @var{n} instructions after instruction number @var{insn}. If
8059 @var{n} is preceded with @code{-}, disassembles @var{n}
8060 instructions before instruction number @var{insn}.
8062 @item record instruction-history
8063 Disassembles ten more instructions after the last disassembly.
8065 @item record instruction-history -
8066 Disassembles ten more instructions before the last disassembly.
8068 @item record instruction-history @var{begin}, @var{end}
8069 Disassembles instructions beginning with instruction number
8070 @var{begin} until instruction number @var{end}. The instruction
8071 number @var{end} is included.
8074 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
8077 @item set record instruction-history-size @var{size}
8078 @itemx set record instruction-history-size unlimited
8079 Define how many instructions to disassemble in the @code{record
8080 instruction-history} command. The default value is 10.
8081 A @var{size} of @code{unlimited} means unlimited instructions.
8084 @item show record instruction-history-size
8085 Show how many instructions to disassemble in the @code{record
8086 instruction-history} command.
8088 @kindex record function-call-history
8089 @kindex rec function-call-history
8090 @item record function-call-history
8091 Prints the execution history at function granularity. For each sequence
8092 of instructions that belong to the same function, it prints the name of
8093 that function, the source lines for this instruction sequence (if the
8094 @code{/l} modifier is specified), and the instructions numbers that form
8095 the sequence (if the @code{/i} modifier is specified). The function names
8096 are indented to reflect the call stack depth if the @code{/c} modifier is
8097 specified. The @code{/l}, @code{/i}, and @code{/c} modifiers can be given
8101 (@value{GDBP}) @b{list 1, 10}
8112 (@value{GDBP}) @b{record function-call-history /ilc}
8113 1 bar inst 1,4 at foo.c:6,8
8114 2 foo inst 5,10 at foo.c:2,3
8115 3 bar inst 11,13 at foo.c:9,10
8118 By default, ten functions are printed. This can be changed using the
8119 @code{set record function-call-history-size} command. Functions are
8120 printed in execution order. There are several ways to specify what
8124 @item record function-call-history @var{func}
8125 Prints ten functions starting from function number @var{func}.
8127 @item record function-call-history @var{func}, +/-@var{n}
8128 Prints @var{n} functions around function number @var{func}. If
8129 @var{n} is preceded with @code{+}, prints @var{n} functions after
8130 function number @var{func}. If @var{n} is preceded with @code{-},
8131 prints @var{n} functions before function number @var{func}.
8133 @item record function-call-history
8134 Prints ten more functions after the last ten-function print.
8136 @item record function-call-history -
8137 Prints ten more functions before the last ten-function print.
8139 @item record function-call-history @var{begin}, @var{end}
8140 Prints functions beginning with function number @var{begin} until
8141 function number @var{end}. The function number @var{end} is included.
8144 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
8146 @item set record function-call-history-size @var{size}
8147 @itemx set record function-call-history-size unlimited
8148 Define how many functions to print in the
8149 @code{record function-call-history} command. The default value is 10.
8150 A size of @code{unlimited} means unlimited functions.
8152 @item show record function-call-history-size
8153 Show how many functions to print in the
8154 @code{record function-call-history} command.
8159 @chapter Examining the Stack
8161 When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
8162 stopped and how it got there.
8165 Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
8167 That information includes the location of the call in your program,
8168 the arguments of the call,
8169 and the local variables of the function being called.
8170 The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
8171 The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
8174 When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
8175 stack allow you to see all of this information.
8177 @cindex selected frame
8178 One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
8179 @value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
8180 particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
8181 your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
8182 special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
8183 interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
8185 When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
8186 currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
8187 @code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
8190 * Frames:: Stack frames
8191 * Backtrace:: Backtraces
8192 * Selection:: Selecting a frame
8193 * Frame Info:: Information on a frame
8194 * Frame Apply:: Applying a command to several frames
8195 * Frame Filter Management:: Managing frame filters
8200 @section Stack Frames
8202 @cindex frame, definition
8204 The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
8205 frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
8206 with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
8207 to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
8208 which the function is executing.
8210 @cindex initial frame
8211 @cindex outermost frame
8212 @cindex innermost frame
8213 When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
8214 function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
8215 @dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
8216 made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
8217 is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
8218 the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
8219 actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
8220 recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
8222 @cindex frame pointer
8223 Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
8224 stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
8225 kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
8226 address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
8227 in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
8228 (@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
8231 @cindex frame number
8232 @value{GDBN} labels each existing stack frame with a @dfn{level}, a
8233 number that is zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that
8234 called it, and so on upward. These level numbers give you a way of
8235 designating stack frames in @value{GDBN} commands. The terms
8236 @dfn{frame number} and @dfn{frame level} can be used interchangeably to
8237 describe this number.
8239 @c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
8240 @c underflow problems.
8241 @cindex frameless execution
8242 Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
8243 without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
8245 @samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
8247 generates functions without a frame.)
8248 This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
8249 the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
8250 with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
8251 has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
8252 it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
8253 correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
8254 no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
8260 @cindex call stack traces
8261 A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
8262 line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
8263 frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
8266 @anchor{backtrace-command}
8268 @kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
8269 To print a backtrace of the entire stack, use the @code{backtrace}
8270 command, or its alias @code{bt}. This command will print one line per
8271 frame for frames in the stack. By default, all stack frames are
8272 printed. You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system
8273 interrupt character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
8276 @item backtrace [@var{option}]@dots{} [@var{qualifier}]@dots{} [@var{count}]
8277 @itemx bt [@var{option}]@dots{} [@var{qualifier}]@dots{} [@var{count}]
8278 Print the backtrace of the entire stack.
8280 The optional @var{count} can be one of the following:
8285 Print only the innermost @var{n} frames, where @var{n} is a positive
8290 Print only the outermost @var{n} frames, where @var{n} is a positive
8298 Print the values of the local variables also. This can be combined
8299 with the optional @var{count} to limit the number of frames shown.
8302 Do not run Python frame filters on this backtrace. @xref{Frame
8303 Filter API}, for more information. Additionally use @ref{disable
8304 frame-filter all} to turn off all frame filters. This is only
8305 relevant when @value{GDBN} has been configured with @code{Python}
8309 A Python frame filter might decide to ``elide'' some frames. Normally
8310 such elided frames are still printed, but they are indented relative
8311 to the filtered frames that cause them to be elided. The @code{-hide}
8312 option causes elided frames to not be printed at all.
8315 The @code{backtrace} command also supports a number of options that
8316 allow overriding relevant global print settings as set by @code{set
8317 backtrace} and @code{set print} subcommands:
8320 @item -past-main [@code{on}|@code{off}]
8321 Set whether backtraces should continue past @code{main}. Related setting:
8322 @ref{set backtrace past-main}.
8324 @item -past-entry [@code{on}|@code{off}]
8325 Set whether backtraces should continue past the entry point of a program.
8326 Related setting: @ref{set backtrace past-entry}.
8328 @item -entry-values @code{no}|@code{only}|@code{preferred}|@code{if-needed}|@code{both}|@code{compact}|@code{default}
8329 Set printing of function arguments at function entry.
8330 Related setting: @ref{set print entry-values}.
8332 @item -frame-arguments @code{all}|@code{scalars}|@code{none}
8333 Set printing of non-scalar frame arguments.
8334 Related setting: @ref{set print frame-arguments}.
8336 @item -raw-frame-arguments [@code{on}|@code{off}]
8337 Set whether to print frame arguments in raw form.
8338 Related setting: @ref{set print raw-frame-arguments}.
8340 @item -frame-info @code{auto}|@code{source-line}|@code{location}|@code{source-and-location}|@code{location-and-address}|@code{short-location}
8341 Set printing of frame information.
8342 Related setting: @ref{set print frame-info}.
8345 The optional @var{qualifier} is maintained for backward compatibility.
8346 It can be one of the following:
8350 Equivalent to the @code{-full} option.
8353 Equivalent to the @code{-no-filters} option.
8356 Equivalent to the @code{-hide} option.
8363 The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
8364 are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
8366 @cindex multiple threads, backtrace
8367 In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
8368 backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
8369 several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
8370 (@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
8371 apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
8372 the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
8373 multi-threaded program.
8375 Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
8376 The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
8377 print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
8378 line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
8379 counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
8382 Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
8383 @samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
8387 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
8389 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600, data=...) at macro.c:242
8390 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
8392 (More stack frames follow...)
8397 The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
8398 value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
8399 code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
8402 The value of parameter @code{data} in frame 1 has been replaced by
8403 @code{@dots{}}. By default, @value{GDBN} prints the value of a parameter
8404 only if it is a scalar (integer, pointer, enumeration, etc). See command
8405 @kbd{set print frame-arguments} in @ref{Print Settings} for more details
8406 on how to configure the way function parameter values are printed.
8407 The command @kbd{set print frame-info} (@pxref{Print Settings}) controls
8408 what frame information is printed.
8410 @cindex optimized out, in backtrace
8411 @cindex function call arguments, optimized out
8412 If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
8413 optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
8414 never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
8415 passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
8416 in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
8417 arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
8418 such a backtrace might look like:
8422 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
8424 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<optimized out>) at macro.c:242
8425 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
8427 (More stack frames follow...)
8432 The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
8433 shown as @samp{<optimized out>}.
8435 If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
8436 either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
8437 you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
8439 @cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
8440 @cindex program entry point
8441 @cindex startup code, and backtrace
8442 Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
8443 libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
8444 @code{main}@footnote{
8445 Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
8446 environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
8447 entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
8448 When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
8449 it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
8450 system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
8452 If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
8453 in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
8456 @item set backtrace past-main
8457 @itemx set backtrace past-main on
8458 @anchor{set backtrace past-main}
8459 @kindex set backtrace
8460 Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
8462 @item set backtrace past-main off
8463 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
8466 @item show backtrace past-main
8467 @kindex show backtrace
8468 Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
8470 @item set backtrace past-entry
8471 @itemx set backtrace past-entry on
8472 @anchor{set backtrace past-entry}
8473 Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
8474 This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
8475 and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
8477 @item set backtrace past-entry off
8478 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
8479 application. This is the default.
8481 @item show backtrace past-entry
8482 Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
8484 @item set backtrace limit @var{n}
8485 @itemx set backtrace limit 0
8486 @itemx set backtrace limit unlimited
8487 @anchor{set backtrace limit}
8488 @cindex backtrace limit
8489 Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of @code{unlimited}
8490 or zero means unlimited levels.
8492 @item show backtrace limit
8493 Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
8496 You can control how file names are displayed.
8499 @item set filename-display
8500 @itemx set filename-display relative
8501 @cindex filename-display
8502 Display file names relative to the compilation directory. This is the default.
8504 @item set filename-display basename
8505 Display only basename of a filename.
8507 @item set filename-display absolute
8508 Display an absolute filename.
8510 @item show filename-display
8511 Show the current way to display filenames.
8515 @section Selecting a Frame
8517 Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
8518 whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
8519 selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
8520 of the stack frame just selected.
8523 @kindex frame@r{, selecting}
8524 @kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
8525 @item frame @r{[} @var{frame-selection-spec} @r{]}
8526 @item f @r{[} @var{frame-selection-spec} @r{]}
8527 The @command{frame} command allows different stack frames to be
8528 selected. The @var{frame-selection-spec} can be any of the following:
8533 @item level @var{num}
8534 Select frame level @var{num}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
8535 (currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
8536 innermost one, and so on. The highest level frame is usually the one
8539 As this is the most common method of navigating the frame stack, the
8540 string @command{level} can be omitted. For example, the following two
8541 commands are equivalent:
8544 (@value{GDBP}) frame 3
8545 (@value{GDBP}) frame level 3
8548 @kindex frame address
8549 @item address @var{stack-address}
8550 Select the frame with stack address @var{stack-address}. The
8551 @var{stack-address} for a frame can be seen in the output of
8552 @command{info frame}, for example:
8556 Stack level 1, frame at 0x7fffffffda30:
8557 rip = 0x40066d in b (amd64-entry-value.cc:59); saved rip 0x4004c5
8558 tail call frame, caller of frame at 0x7fffffffda30
8559 source language c++.
8560 Arglist at unknown address.
8561 Locals at unknown address, Previous frame's sp is 0x7fffffffda30
8564 The @var{stack-address} for this frame is @code{0x7fffffffda30} as
8565 indicated by the line:
8568 Stack level 1, frame at 0x7fffffffda30:
8571 @kindex frame function
8572 @item function @var{function-name}
8573 Select the stack frame for function @var{function-name}. If there are
8574 multiple stack frames for function @var{function-name} then the inner
8575 most stack frame is selected.
8578 @item view @var{stack-address} @r{[} @var{pc-addr} @r{]}
8579 View a frame that is not part of @value{GDBN}'s backtrace. The frame
8580 viewed has stack address @var{stack-addr}, and optionally, a program
8581 counter address of @var{pc-addr}.
8583 This is useful mainly if the chaining of stack frames has been
8584 damaged by a bug, making it impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign
8585 numbers properly to all frames. In addition, this can be useful
8586 when your program has multiple stacks and switches between them.
8588 When viewing a frame outside the current backtrace using
8589 @command{frame view} then you can always return to the original
8590 stack using one of the previous stack frame selection instructions,
8591 for example @command{frame level 0}.
8597 Move @var{n} frames up the stack; @var{n} defaults to 1. For positive
8598 numbers @var{n}, this advances toward the outermost frame, to higher
8599 frame numbers, to frames that have existed longer.
8602 @kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
8604 Move @var{n} frames down the stack; @var{n} defaults to 1. For
8605 positive numbers @var{n}, this advances toward the innermost frame, to
8606 lower frame numbers, to frames that were created more recently.
8607 You may abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
8610 All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
8611 frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
8612 arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
8613 frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
8621 #1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
8623 10 read_input_file (argv[i]);
8627 After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
8628 prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
8629 You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
8630 editing program by typing @code{edit}.
8631 @xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
8635 @kindex select-frame
8636 @item select-frame @r{[} @var{frame-selection-spec} @r{]}
8637 The @code{select-frame} command is a variant of @code{frame} that does
8638 not display the new frame after selecting it. This command is
8639 intended primarily for use in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the
8640 output might be unnecessary and distracting. The
8641 @var{frame-selection-spec} is as for the @command{frame} command
8642 described in @ref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
8644 @kindex down-silently
8646 @item up-silently @var{n}
8647 @itemx down-silently @var{n}
8648 These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
8649 respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
8650 causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
8651 in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
8656 @section Information About a Frame
8658 There are several other commands to print information about the selected
8664 When used without any argument, this command does not change which
8665 frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
8666 selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
8667 argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
8668 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
8671 @kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
8674 This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
8679 the address of the frame
8681 the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
8683 the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
8685 the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
8687 the address of the frame's arguments
8689 the address of the frame's local variables
8691 the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
8693 which registers were saved in the frame
8696 @noindent The verbose description is useful when
8697 something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
8698 the usual conventions.
8700 @item info frame @r{[} @var{frame-selection-spec} @r{]}
8701 @itemx info f @r{[} @var{frame-selection-spec} @r{]}
8702 Print a verbose description of the frame selected by
8703 @var{frame-selection-spec}. The @var{frame-selection-spec} is the
8704 same as for the @command{frame} command (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting
8705 a Frame}). The selected frame remains unchanged by this command.
8708 @item info args [-q]
8709 Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
8711 The optional flag @samp{-q}, which stands for @samp{quiet}, disables
8712 printing header information and messages explaining why no argument
8715 @item info args [-q] [-t @var{type_regexp}] [@var{regexp}]
8716 Like @kbd{info args}, but only print the arguments selected
8717 with the provided regexp(s).
8719 If @var{regexp} is provided, print only the arguments whose names
8720 match the regular expression @var{regexp}.
8722 If @var{type_regexp} is provided, print only the arguments whose
8723 types, as printed by the @code{whatis} command, match
8724 the regular expression @var{type_regexp}.
8725 If @var{type_regexp} contains space(s), it should be enclosed in
8726 quote characters. If needed, use backslash to escape the meaning
8727 of special characters or quotes.
8729 If both @var{regexp} and @var{type_regexp} are provided, an argument
8730 is printed only if its name matches @var{regexp} and its type matches
8733 @item info locals [-q]
8735 Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
8736 line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
8737 accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
8739 The optional flag @samp{-q}, which stands for @samp{quiet}, disables
8740 printing header information and messages explaining why no local variables
8743 @item info locals [-q] [-t @var{type_regexp}] [@var{regexp}]
8744 Like @kbd{info locals}, but only print the local variables selected
8745 with the provided regexp(s).
8747 If @var{regexp} is provided, print only the local variables whose names
8748 match the regular expression @var{regexp}.
8750 If @var{type_regexp} is provided, print only the local variables whose
8751 types, as printed by the @code{whatis} command, match
8752 the regular expression @var{type_regexp}.
8753 If @var{type_regexp} contains space(s), it should be enclosed in
8754 quote characters. If needed, use backslash to escape the meaning
8755 of special characters or quotes.
8757 If both @var{regexp} and @var{type_regexp} are provided, a local variable
8758 is printed only if its name matches @var{regexp} and its type matches
8761 The command @kbd{info locals -q -t @var{type_regexp}} can usefully be
8762 combined with the commands @kbd{frame apply} and @kbd{thread apply}.
8763 For example, your program might use Resource Acquisition Is
8764 Initialization types (RAII) such as @code{lock_something_t}: each
8765 local variable of type @code{lock_something_t} automatically places a
8766 lock that is destroyed when the variable goes out of scope. You can
8767 then list all acquired locks in your program by doing
8769 thread apply all -s frame apply all -s info locals -q -t lock_something_t
8772 or the equivalent shorter form
8774 tfaas i lo -q -t lock_something_t
8780 @section Applying a Command to Several Frames.
8782 @cindex apply command to several frames
8784 @item frame apply [all | @var{count} | @var{-count} | level @var{level}@dots{}] [@var{option}]@dots{} @var{command}
8785 The @code{frame apply} command allows you to apply the named
8786 @var{command} to one or more frames.
8790 Specify @code{all} to apply @var{command} to all frames.
8793 Use @var{count} to apply @var{command} to the innermost @var{count}
8794 frames, where @var{count} is a positive number.
8797 Use @var{-count} to apply @var{command} to the outermost @var{count}
8798 frames, where @var{count} is a positive number.
8801 Use @code{level} to apply @var{command} to the set of frames identified
8802 by the @var{level} list. @var{level} is a frame level or a range of frame
8803 levels as @var{level1}-@var{level2}. The frame level is the number shown
8804 in the first field of the @samp{backtrace} command output.
8805 E.g., @samp{2-4 6-8 3} indicates to apply @var{command} for the frames
8806 at levels 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and then again on frame at level 3.
8810 Note that the frames on which @code{frame apply} applies a command are
8811 also influenced by the @code{set backtrace} settings such as @code{set
8812 backtrace past-main} and @code{set backtrace limit N}.
8813 @xref{Backtrace,,Backtraces}.
8815 The @code{frame apply} command also supports a number of options that
8816 allow overriding relevant @code{set backtrace} settings:
8819 @item -past-main [@code{on}|@code{off}]
8820 Whether backtraces should continue past @code{main}.
8821 Related setting: @ref{set backtrace past-main}.
8823 @item -past-entry [@code{on}|@code{off}]
8824 Whether backtraces should continue past the entry point of a program.
8825 Related setting: @ref{set backtrace past-entry}.
8828 By default, @value{GDBN} displays some frame information before the
8829 output produced by @var{command}, and an error raised during the
8830 execution of a @var{command} will abort @code{frame apply}. The
8831 following options can be used to fine-tune these behaviors:
8835 The flag @code{-c}, which stands for @samp{continue}, causes any
8836 errors in @var{command} to be displayed, and the execution of
8837 @code{frame apply} then continues.
8839 The flag @code{-s}, which stands for @samp{silent}, causes any errors
8840 or empty output produced by a @var{command} to be silently ignored.
8841 That is, the execution continues, but the frame information and errors
8844 The flag @code{-q} (@samp{quiet}) disables printing the frame
8848 The following example shows how the flags @code{-c} and @code{-s} are
8849 working when applying the command @code{p j} to all frames, where
8850 variable @code{j} can only be successfully printed in the outermost
8851 @code{#1 main} frame.
8855 (gdb) frame apply all p j
8856 #0 some_function (i=5) at fun.c:4
8857 No symbol "j" in current context.
8858 (gdb) frame apply all -c p j
8859 #0 some_function (i=5) at fun.c:4
8860 No symbol "j" in current context.
8861 #1 0x565555fb in main (argc=1, argv=0xffffd2c4) at fun.c:11
8863 (gdb) frame apply all -s p j
8864 #1 0x565555fb in main (argc=1, argv=0xffffd2c4) at fun.c:11
8870 By default, @samp{frame apply}, prints the frame location
8871 information before the command output:
8875 (gdb) frame apply all p $sp
8876 #0 some_function (i=5) at fun.c:4
8877 $4 = (void *) 0xffffd1e0
8878 #1 0x565555fb in main (argc=1, argv=0xffffd2c4) at fun.c:11
8879 $5 = (void *) 0xffffd1f0
8884 If the flag @code{-q} is given, no frame information is printed:
8887 (gdb) frame apply all -q p $sp
8888 $12 = (void *) 0xffffd1e0
8889 $13 = (void *) 0xffffd1f0
8899 @cindex apply a command to all frames (ignoring errors and empty output)
8900 @item faas @var{command}
8901 Shortcut for @code{frame apply all -s @var{command}}.
8902 Applies @var{command} on all frames, ignoring errors and empty output.
8904 It can for example be used to print a local variable or a function
8905 argument without knowing the frame where this variable or argument
8908 (@value{GDBP}) faas p some_local_var_i_do_not_remember_where_it_is
8911 The @code{faas} command accepts the same options as the @code{frame
8912 apply} command. @xref{Frame Apply,,frame apply}.
8914 Note that the command @code{tfaas @var{command}} applies @var{command}
8915 on all frames of all threads. See @xref{Threads,,Threads}.
8919 @node Frame Filter Management
8920 @section Management of Frame Filters.
8921 @cindex managing frame filters
8923 Frame filters are Python based utilities to manage and decorate the
8924 output of frames. @xref{Frame Filter API}, for further information.
8926 Managing frame filters is performed by several commands available
8927 within @value{GDBN}, detailed here.
8930 @kindex info frame-filter
8931 @item info frame-filter
8932 Print a list of installed frame filters from all dictionaries, showing
8933 their name, priority and enabled status.
8935 @kindex disable frame-filter
8936 @anchor{disable frame-filter all}
8937 @item disable frame-filter @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
8938 Disable a frame filter in the dictionary matching
8939 @var{filter-dictionary} and @var{filter-name}. The
8940 @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{all}, @code{global},
8941 @code{progspace}, or the name of the object file where the frame filter
8942 dictionary resides. When @code{all} is specified, all frame filters
8943 across all dictionaries are disabled. The @var{filter-name} is the name
8944 of the frame filter and is used when @code{all} is not the option for
8945 @var{filter-dictionary}. A disabled frame-filter is not deleted, it
8946 may be enabled again later.
8948 @kindex enable frame-filter
8949 @item enable frame-filter @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
8950 Enable a frame filter in the dictionary matching
8951 @var{filter-dictionary} and @var{filter-name}. The
8952 @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{all}, @code{global},
8953 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
8954 dictionary resides. When @code{all} is specified, all frame filters across
8955 all dictionaries are enabled. The @var{filter-name} is the name of the frame
8956 filter and is used when @code{all} is not the option for
8957 @var{filter-dictionary}.
8962 (gdb) info frame-filter
8964 global frame-filters:
8965 Priority Enabled Name
8966 1000 No PrimaryFunctionFilter
8969 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
8970 Priority Enabled Name
8971 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
8973 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
8974 Priority Enabled Name
8975 999 Yes BuildProgramFilter
8977 (gdb) disable frame-filter /build/test BuildProgramFilter
8978 (gdb) info frame-filter
8980 global frame-filters:
8981 Priority Enabled Name
8982 1000 No PrimaryFunctionFilter
8985 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
8986 Priority Enabled Name
8987 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
8989 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
8990 Priority Enabled Name
8991 999 No BuildProgramFilter
8993 (gdb) enable frame-filter global PrimaryFunctionFilter
8994 (gdb) info frame-filter
8996 global frame-filters:
8997 Priority Enabled Name
8998 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
9001 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
9002 Priority Enabled Name
9003 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
9005 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
9006 Priority Enabled Name
9007 999 No BuildProgramFilter
9010 @kindex set frame-filter priority
9011 @item set frame-filter priority @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name} @var{priority}
9012 Set the @var{priority} of a frame filter in the dictionary matching
9013 @var{filter-dictionary}, and the frame filter name matching
9014 @var{filter-name}. The @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{global},
9015 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
9016 dictionary resides. The @var{priority} is an integer.
9018 @kindex show frame-filter priority
9019 @item show frame-filter priority @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
9020 Show the @var{priority} of a frame filter in the dictionary matching
9021 @var{filter-dictionary}, and the frame filter name matching
9022 @var{filter-name}. The @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{global},
9023 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
9029 (gdb) info frame-filter
9031 global frame-filters:
9032 Priority Enabled Name
9033 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
9036 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
9037 Priority Enabled Name
9038 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
9040 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
9041 Priority Enabled Name
9042 999 No BuildProgramFilter
9044 (gdb) set frame-filter priority global Reverse 50
9045 (gdb) info frame-filter
9047 global frame-filters:
9048 Priority Enabled Name
9049 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
9052 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
9053 Priority Enabled Name
9054 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
9056 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
9057 Priority Enabled Name
9058 999 No BuildProgramFilter
9063 @chapter Examining Source Files
9065 @value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
9066 information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
9067 used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
9068 the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
9069 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
9070 execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
9071 source files by explicit command.
9073 If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
9074 prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
9075 @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
9078 * List:: Printing source lines
9079 * Location Specifications:: How to specify code locations
9080 * Edit:: Editing source files
9081 * Search:: Searching source files
9082 * Source Path:: Specifying source directories
9083 * Machine Code:: Source and machine code
9084 * Disable Reading Source:: Disable Reading Source Code
9088 @section Printing Source Lines
9091 @kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
9092 To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
9093 (abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
9094 There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
9095 print; see @ref{Location Specifications}, for the full list.
9097 Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
9100 @item list @var{linenum}
9101 Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
9102 current source file.
9104 @item list @var{function}
9105 Print lines centered around the beginning of function
9109 Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
9110 @code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
9111 printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
9112 as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
9113 Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
9116 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
9119 @cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
9120 By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
9121 the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
9124 @kindex set listsize
9125 @item set listsize @var{count}
9126 @itemx set listsize unlimited
9127 Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
9128 the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
9129 Setting @var{count} to @code{unlimited} or 0 means there's no limit.
9131 @kindex show listsize
9133 Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
9136 Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
9137 so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
9138 than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
9139 argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
9140 each repetition moves up in the source file.
9142 In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or
9143 two location specs. These location specs are interpreted to resolve
9144 to source code lines; there are several ways of writing them
9145 (@pxref{Location Specifications}), but the effect is always to resolve
9146 to some source lines to display.
9148 Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
9151 @item list @var{locspec}
9152 Print lines centered around the line or lines of all the code
9153 locations that result from resolving @var{locspec}.
9155 @item list @var{first},@var{last}
9156 Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
9157 location specs. When a @code{list} command has two location specs,
9158 and the source file of the second location spec is omitted, this
9159 refers to the same source file as the first location spec. If either
9160 @var{first} or @var{last} resolve to more than one source line in the
9161 program, then the list command shows the list of resolved source
9162 lines and does not proceed with the source code listing.
9164 @item list ,@var{last}
9165 Print lines ending with @var{last}.
9167 Likewise, if @var{last} resolves to more than one source line in the
9168 program, then the list command prints the list of resolved source
9169 lines and does not proceed with the source code listing.
9171 @item list @var{first},
9172 Print lines starting with @var{first}.
9175 Print lines just after the lines last printed.
9178 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
9181 As described in the preceding table.
9184 @node Location Specifications
9185 @section Location Specifications
9186 @cindex specifying location
9188 @cindex source location
9189 @cindex code location
9191 @cindex location spec
9192 Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
9193 or locations of your program's code. Many times locations are
9194 specified using a source line number, but they can also be specified
9195 by a function name, an address, a label, etc. The different
9196 forms of specifying a location that @value{GDBN} recognizes are
9197 collectively known as forms of @dfn{location specification}, or
9198 @dfn{location spec}. This section documents the forms of specifying
9199 locations that @value{GDBN} recognizes.
9201 @cindex location resolution
9202 @cindex resolution of location spec
9203 When you specify a location, @value{GDBN} needs to find the place in
9204 your program, known as @dfn{code location}, that corresponds to the
9205 given location spec. We call this process of finding actual code
9206 locations corresponding to a location spec @dfn{location resolution}.
9208 A concrete code location in your program is uniquely identifiable by a
9209 set of several attributes: its source line number, the name of its
9210 source file, the fully-qualified and prototyped function in which it
9211 is defined, and an instruction address. Because each inferior has its
9212 own address space, the inferior number is also a necessary part of
9215 By contrast, location specs you type will many times omit some of
9216 these attributes. For example, it is customary to specify just the
9217 source line number to mean a line in the current source file, or
9218 specify just the basename of the file, omitting its directories. In
9219 other words, a location spec is usually incomplete, a kind of
9220 blueprint, and @value{GDBN} needs to complete the missing attributes
9221 by using the implied defaults, and by considering the source code and
9222 the debug information available to it. This is what location
9223 resolution is about.
9225 The resolution of an incomplete location spec can produce more than a
9226 single code location, if the spec doesn't allow distinguishing between
9227 them. Here are some examples of situations that result in a location
9228 spec matching multiple code locations in your program:
9232 The location spec specifies a function name, and there are several
9233 functions in the program which have that name. (To distinguish
9234 between them, you can specify a fully-qualified and prototyped
9235 function name, such as @code{A::func(int)} instead of just
9239 The location spec specifies a source file name, and there are several
9240 source files in the program that share the same name, for example
9241 several files with the same basename in different subdirectories. (To
9242 distinguish between them, specify enough leading directories with the
9246 For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
9247 instances of the function body, used in different cases, but their
9248 source-level names are identical.
9251 For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
9252 correspond to any number of instantiations.
9255 For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to several
9256 actual code locations with that function's inlined code.
9259 Resolution of a location spec can also fail to produce a complete code
9260 location, or even fail to produce any code location. Here are some
9261 examples of such situations:
9265 Some parts of the program lack detailed enough debug info, so the
9266 resolved code location lacks some attributes, like source file name
9267 and line number, leaving just the instruction address and perhaps also
9268 a function name. Such an incomplete code location is only usable in
9269 contexts that work with addresses and/or function names. Some
9270 commands can only work with complete code locations.
9273 The location spec specifies a function name, and there are no
9274 functions in the program by that name, or they only exist in a
9275 yet-unloaded shared library.
9278 The location spec specifies a source file name, and there are no
9279 source files in the program by that name, or they only exist in a
9280 yet-unloaded shared library.
9283 The location spec specifies both a source file name and a source line
9284 number, and even though there are source files in the program that
9285 match the file name, none of those files has the specified line
9289 Locations may be specified using three different formats: linespec
9290 locations, explicit locations, or address locations. The following
9291 subsections describe these formats.
9294 * Linespec Locations:: Linespec locations
9295 * Explicit Locations:: Explicit locations
9296 * Address Locations:: Address locations
9299 @node Linespec Locations
9300 @subsection Linespec Locations
9301 @cindex linespec locations
9303 A @dfn{linespec} is a colon-separated list of source location parameters such
9304 as file name, function name, etc. Here are all the different ways of
9305 specifying a linespec:
9309 Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
9312 @itemx +@var{offset}
9313 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
9314 line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
9315 printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
9316 execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
9317 (@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
9318 used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
9319 this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
9322 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
9323 Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
9324 If @var{filename} is a relative file name, then it will match any
9325 source file name with the same trailing components. For example, if
9326 @var{filename} is @samp{gcc/expr.c}, then it will match source file
9327 name of @file{/build/trunk/gcc/expr.c}, but not
9328 @file{/build/trunk/libcpp/expr.c} or @file{/build/trunk/gcc/x-expr.c}.
9330 @item @var{function}
9331 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
9332 For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
9334 By default, in C@t{++} and Ada, @var{function} is interpreted as
9335 specifying all functions named @var{function} in all scopes. For
9336 C@t{++}, this means in all namespaces and classes. For Ada, this
9337 means in all packages.
9339 For example, assuming a program with C@t{++} symbols named
9340 @code{A::B::func} and @code{B::func}, both commands @w{@kbd{break
9341 func}} and @w{@kbd{break B::func}} set a breakpoint on both symbols.
9343 Commands that accept a linespec let you override this with the
9344 @code{-qualified} option. For example, @w{@kbd{break -qualified
9345 func}} sets a breakpoint on a free-function named @code{func} ignoring
9346 any C@t{++} class methods and namespace functions called @code{func}.
9348 @xref{Explicit Locations}.
9350 @item @var{function}:@var{label}
9351 Specifies the line where @var{label} appears in @var{function}.
9353 @item @var{filename}:@var{function}
9354 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
9355 in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
9356 function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
9357 functions in different source files.
9360 Specifies the line at which the label named @var{label} appears
9361 in the function corresponding to the currently selected stack frame.
9362 If there is no current selected stack frame (for instance, if the inferior
9363 is not running), then @value{GDBN} will not search for a label.
9365 @cindex breakpoint at static probe point
9366 @item -pstap|-probe-stap @r{[}@var{objfile}:@r{[}@var{provider}:@r{]}@r{]}@var{name}
9367 The @sc{gnu}/Linux tool @code{SystemTap} provides a way for
9368 applications to embed static probes. @xref{Static Probe Points}, for more
9369 information on finding and using static probes. This form of linespec
9370 specifies the location of such a static probe.
9372 If @var{objfile} is given, only probes coming from that shared library
9373 or executable matching @var{objfile} as a regular expression are considered.
9374 If @var{provider} is given, then only probes from that provider are considered.
9375 If several probes match the spec, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at
9376 each one of those probes.
9379 @node Explicit Locations
9380 @subsection Explicit Locations
9381 @cindex explicit locations
9383 @dfn{Explicit locations} allow the user to directly specify the source
9384 location's parameters using option-value pairs.
9386 Explicit locations are useful when several functions, labels, or
9387 file names have the same name (base name for files) in the program's
9388 sources. In these cases, explicit locations point to the source
9389 line you meant more accurately and unambiguously. Also, using
9390 explicit locations might be faster in large programs.
9392 For example, the linespec @samp{foo:bar} may refer to a function @code{bar}
9393 defined in the file named @file{foo} or the label @code{bar} in a function
9394 named @code{foo}. @value{GDBN} must search either the file system or
9395 the symbol table to know.
9397 The list of valid explicit location options is summarized in the
9401 @item -source @var{filename}
9402 The value specifies the source file name. To differentiate between
9403 files with the same base name, prepend as many directories as is necessary
9404 to uniquely identify the desired file, e.g., @file{foo/bar/baz.c}. Otherwise
9405 @value{GDBN} will use the first file it finds with the given base
9406 name. This option requires the use of either @code{-function} or @code{-line}.
9408 @item -function @var{function}
9409 The value specifies the name of a function. Operations
9410 on function locations unmodified by other options (such as @code{-label}
9411 or @code{-line}) refer to the line that begins the body of the function.
9412 In C, for example, this is the line with the open brace.
9414 By default, in C@t{++} and Ada, @var{function} is interpreted as
9415 specifying all functions named @var{function} in all scopes. For
9416 C@t{++}, this means in all namespaces and classes. For Ada, this
9417 means in all packages.
9419 For example, assuming a program with C@t{++} symbols named
9420 @code{A::B::func} and @code{B::func}, both commands @w{@kbd{break
9421 -function func}} and @w{@kbd{break -function B::func}} set a
9422 breakpoint on both symbols.
9424 You can use the @kbd{-qualified} flag to override this (see below).
9428 This flag makes @value{GDBN} interpret a function name specified with
9429 @kbd{-function} as a complete fully-qualified name.
9431 For example, assuming a C@t{++} program with symbols named
9432 @code{A::B::func} and @code{B::func}, the @w{@kbd{break -qualified
9433 -function B::func}} command sets a breakpoint on @code{B::func}, only.
9435 (Note: the @kbd{-qualified} option can precede a linespec as well
9436 (@pxref{Linespec Locations}), so the particular example above could be
9437 simplified as @w{@kbd{break -qualified B::func}}.)
9439 @item -label @var{label}
9440 The value specifies the name of a label. When the function
9441 name is not specified, the label is searched in the function of the currently
9442 selected stack frame.
9444 @item -line @var{number}
9445 The value specifies a line offset for the location. The offset may either
9446 be absolute (@code{-line 3}) or relative (@code{-line +3}), depending on
9447 the command. When specified without any other options, the line offset is
9448 relative to the current line.
9451 Explicit location options may be abbreviated by omitting any non-unique
9452 trailing characters from the option name, e.g., @w{@kbd{break -s main.c -li 3}}.
9454 @node Address Locations
9455 @subsection Address Locations
9456 @cindex address locations
9458 @dfn{Address locations} indicate a specific program address. They have
9459 the generalized form *@var{address}.
9461 For line-oriented commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this
9462 specifies a source line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and
9463 other breakpoint-oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
9464 parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
9467 Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
9468 language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
9469 address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
9470 semantics of expressions used in locations to cover several situations
9471 that frequently occur during debugging. Here are the various forms
9475 @item @var{expression}
9476 Any expression valid in the current working language.
9478 @item @var{funcaddr}
9479 An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
9480 C@t{++}, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
9481 simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
9482 of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
9483 @code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
9484 (although the Pascal form also works).
9486 This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
9487 before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
9489 @item '@var{filename}':@var{funcaddr}
9490 Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
9491 file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
9492 specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
9493 functions with identical names in different source files.
9497 @section Editing Source Files
9498 @cindex editing source files
9501 @kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
9502 To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
9503 The editing program of your choice
9504 is invoked with the current line set to
9505 the active line in the program.
9506 Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
9507 want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
9510 @item edit @var{locspec}
9511 Edit the source file of the code location that results from resolving
9512 @code{locspec}. Editing starts at the source file and source line
9513 @code{locspec} resolves to.
9514 @xref{Location Specifications}, for all the possible forms of the
9515 @var{locspec} argument.
9517 If @code{locspec} resolves to more than one source line in your
9518 program, then the command prints the list of resolved source lines and
9519 does not proceed with the editing.
9521 Here are the forms of the @code{edit} command most commonly used:
9524 @item edit @var{number}
9525 Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
9527 @item edit @var{function}
9528 Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
9533 @subsection Choosing your Editor
9534 You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
9536 The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
9537 following command-line syntax:
9539 ex +@var{number} file
9541 The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
9542 the file where to start editing.}.
9543 By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
9544 by setting the environment variable @env{EDITOR} before using
9545 @value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
9546 @code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
9552 or in the @code{csh} shell,
9554 setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
9559 @section Searching Source Files
9560 @cindex searching source files
9562 There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
9567 @kindex forward-search
9568 @kindex fo @r{(@code{forward-search})}
9569 @item forward-search @var{regexp}
9570 @itemx search @var{regexp}
9571 The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
9572 starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
9573 @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
9574 synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
9577 @kindex reverse-search
9578 @item reverse-search @var{regexp}
9579 The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
9580 with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
9581 for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
9582 this command as @code{rev}.
9586 @section Specifying Source Directories
9589 @cindex directories for source files
9590 Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
9591 files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
9592 the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
9593 session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
9594 this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
9595 it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
9596 in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
9598 For example, suppose an executable references the file
9599 @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, does not record a compilation
9600 directory, and the @dfn{source path} is @file{/mnt/cross}.
9601 @value{GDBN} would look for the source file in the following
9606 @item @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}
9607 @item @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}
9608 @item @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}
9612 If the source file is not present at any of the above locations then
9613 an error is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
9614 source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
9615 Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
9616 the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
9617 @file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
9618 @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
9620 Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
9621 names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above,
9622 except that non-absolute file names are not looked up literally. If
9623 the @dfn{source path} is @file{/mnt/cross}, the source file is
9624 recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, and no compilation directory is
9625 recorded, then @value{GDBN} will search in the following locations:
9629 @item @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}
9630 @item @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}
9636 @vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
9637 @vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
9638 @cindex compilation directory
9639 @cindex current directory
9640 @cindex working directory
9641 @cindex directory, current
9642 @cindex directory, compilation
9643 The @dfn{source path} will always include two special entries
9644 @samp{$cdir} and @samp{$cwd}, these refer to the compilation directory
9645 (if one is recorded) and the current working directory respectively.
9647 @samp{$cdir} causes @value{GDBN} to search within the compilation
9648 directory, if one is recorded in the debug information. If no
9649 compilation directory is recorded in the debug information then
9650 @samp{$cdir} is ignored.
9652 @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former tracks the
9653 current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
9654 session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
9655 directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
9657 If a compilation directory is recorded in the debug information, and
9658 @value{GDBN} has not found the source file after the first search
9659 using @dfn{source path}, then @value{GDBN} will combine the
9660 compilation directory and the filename, and then search for the source
9661 file again using the @dfn{source path}.
9663 For example, if the executable records the source file as
9664 @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, the compilation directory is
9665 recorded as @file{/project/build}, and the @dfn{source path} is
9666 @file{/mnt/cross:$cdir:$cwd} while the current working directory of
9667 the @value{GDBN} session is @file{/home/user}, then @value{GDBN} will
9668 search for the source file in the following locations:
9672 @item @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}
9673 @item @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}
9674 @item @file{/project/build/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}
9675 @item @file{/home/user/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}
9676 @item @file{/mnt/cross/project/build/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}
9677 @item @file{/project/build/project/build/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}
9678 @item @file{/home/user/project/build/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}
9679 @item @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}
9680 @item @file{/project/build/foo.c}
9681 @item @file{/home/user/foo.c}
9685 If the file name in the previous example had been recorded in the
9686 executable as a relative path rather than an absolute path, then the
9687 first look up would not have occurred, but all of the remaining steps
9690 When searching for source files on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where
9691 absolute paths start with a drive letter (e.g.@:
9692 @file{C:/project/foo.c}), @value{GDBN} will remove the drive letter
9693 from the file name before appending it to a search directory from
9694 @dfn{source path}; for instance if the executable references the
9695 source file @file{C:/project/foo.c} and @dfn{source path} is set to
9696 @file{D:/mnt/cross}, then @value{GDBN} will search in the following
9697 locations for the source file:
9701 @item @file{C:/project/foo.c}
9702 @item @file{D:/mnt/cross/project/foo.c}
9703 @item @file{D:/mnt/cross/foo.c}
9707 Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
9710 Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
9711 any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
9712 each line is in the file.
9716 When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{$cdir}
9717 and @samp{$cwd}, in that order.
9718 To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
9720 The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
9721 script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
9723 In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
9724 that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
9725 rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
9726 debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
9727 directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
9728 two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
9729 the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
9730 In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
9731 @var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
9732 of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
9733 source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
9734 name to look up the sources.
9736 Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
9737 moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
9738 @value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
9739 @file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
9740 @file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
9741 of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
9742 substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
9743 (@pxref{set substitute-path}).
9745 To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
9746 @var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
9747 For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
9748 @file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
9749 not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
9750 is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
9751 not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
9753 In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
9754 command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
9755 the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
9756 subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
9757 subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
9758 preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
9759 allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
9762 @code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
9763 The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
9764 longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
9765 the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
9766 for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
9767 located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
9768 method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
9770 @cindex @samp{--with-relocated-sources}
9771 @cindex default source path substitution
9772 You can configure a default source path substitution rule by
9773 configuring @value{GDBN} with the
9774 @samp{--with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}} option. The @var{dir}
9775 should be the name of a directory under @value{GDBN}'s configured
9776 prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or @samp{--exec-prefix}), and
9777 directory names in debug information under @var{dir} will be adjusted
9778 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
9779 location. This is useful if @value{GDBN}, libraries or executables
9780 with debug information and corresponding source code are being moved
9784 @item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
9785 @item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
9786 Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
9787 directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
9788 (@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
9789 part of absolute file names) or
9790 whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
9791 path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
9793 The special strings @samp{$cdir} (to refer to the compilation
9794 directory, if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} (to refer to the
9795 current working directory) can also be included in the list of
9796 directories @var{dirname}. Though these will already be in the source
9797 path they will be moved forward in the list so @value{GDBN} searches
9801 Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
9803 @c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
9804 @c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
9806 @item set directories @var{path-list}
9807 @kindex set directories
9808 Set the source path to @var{path-list}.
9809 @samp{$cdir:$cwd} are added if missing.
9811 @item show directories
9812 @kindex show directories
9813 Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
9815 @anchor{set substitute-path}
9816 @item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
9817 @kindex set substitute-path
9818 Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
9819 current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
9820 @var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
9822 For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
9823 @file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
9826 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /foo/bar /mnt/cross
9830 will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/foo/bar} with
9831 @samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
9832 @file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
9834 In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
9835 the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
9836 defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
9839 For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
9842 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
9843 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
9847 @value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
9848 @file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
9849 use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
9850 @file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
9853 @item unset substitute-path [path]
9854 @kindex unset substitute-path
9855 If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
9856 for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
9857 A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
9859 If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
9861 @item show substitute-path [path]
9862 @kindex show substitute-path
9863 If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
9864 which would rewrite that path, if any.
9866 If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
9871 If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
9872 interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
9873 versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
9877 Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
9880 Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
9881 directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
9882 directories in one command.
9886 @section Source and Machine Code
9887 @cindex source line and its code address
9889 You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
9890 addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
9891 a range of addresses as machine instructions. You can use the command
9892 @code{set disassemble-next-line} to set whether to disassemble next
9893 source line when execution stops. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
9894 mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
9895 line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
9901 @itemx info line @var{locspec}
9902 Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for the
9903 source lines of the code locations that result from resolving
9904 @var{locspec}. @xref{Location Specifications}, for the various forms
9906 With no @var{locspec}, information about the current source line is
9910 For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
9911 the object code for the first line of function
9912 @code{m4_changequote}:
9915 (@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
9916 Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c <m4_changequote> and \
9917 ends at 0x6350 <m4_changequote+4>.
9921 @cindex code address and its source line
9922 We can also inquire, using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
9923 @var{locspec}, what source line covers a particular address
9926 (@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
9927 Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 <m4_changequote+152> and \
9928 ends at 0x6404 <m4_changequote+184>.
9931 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
9932 @cindex @code{x} command, default address
9933 @kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
9934 After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
9935 is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
9936 sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
9937 ,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
9938 convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
9941 @cindex info line, repeated calls
9942 After @code{info line}, using @code{info line} again without
9943 specifying a location will display information about the next source
9946 @anchor{disassemble}
9949 @cindex assembly instructions
9950 @cindex instructions, assembly
9951 @cindex machine instructions
9952 @cindex listing machine instructions
9954 @itemx disassemble /m
9955 @itemx disassemble /s
9956 @itemx disassemble /r
9957 @itemx disassemble /b
9958 This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
9959 instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
9960 the @code{/m} or @code{/s} modifier and print the raw instructions in
9961 hex as well as in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r} or @code{/b}
9962 modifier. The default memory range is the function surrounding the
9963 program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
9964 command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
9965 surrounding this value. When two arguments are given, they should be
9966 separated by a comma, possibly surrounded by whitespace. The arguments
9967 specify a range of addresses to dump, in one of two forms:
9970 @item @var{start},@var{end}
9971 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to @var{end} (exclusive)
9972 @item @var{start},+@var{length}
9973 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to
9974 @code{@var{start}+@var{length}} (exclusive).
9978 When 2 arguments are specified, the name of the function is also
9979 printed (since there could be several functions in the given range).
9981 The argument(s) can be any expression yielding a numeric value, such as
9982 @samp{0x32c4}, @samp{&main+10} or @samp{$pc - 8}.
9984 If the range of memory being disassembled contains current program counter,
9985 the instruction at that location is shown with a @code{=>} marker.
9988 The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
9989 HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
9992 (@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4, 0x32e4
9993 Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
9994 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
9995 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
9996 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
9997 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
9998 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
9999 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
10000 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
10001 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
10002 End of assembler dump.
10005 The following two examples are for RISC-V, and demonstrates the
10006 difference between the @code{/r} and @code{/b} modifiers. First with
10007 @code{/b}, the bytes of the instruction are printed, in hex, in memory
10011 (@value{GDBP}) disassemble /b 0x00010150,0x0001015c
10012 Dump of assembler code from 0x10150 to 0x1015c:
10013 0x00010150 <call_me+4>: 22 dc sw s0,56(sp)
10014 0x00010152 <call_me+6>: 80 00 addi s0,sp,64
10015 0x00010154 <call_me+8>: 23 26 a4 fe sw a0,-20(s0)
10016 0x00010158 <call_me+12>: 23 24 b4 fe sw a1,-24(s0)
10017 End of assembler dump.
10020 In contrast, with @code{/r} the bytes of the instruction are displayed
10021 in the instruction order, for RISC-V this means that the bytes have been
10022 swapped to little-endian order:
10025 (@value{GDBP}) disassemble /r 0x00010150,0x0001015c
10026 Dump of assembler code from 0x10150 to 0x1015c:
10027 0x00010150 <call_me+4>: dc22 sw s0,56(sp)
10028 0x00010152 <call_me+6>: 0080 addi s0,sp,64
10029 0x00010154 <call_me+8>: fea42623 sw a0,-20(s0)
10030 0x00010158 <call_me+12>: feb42423 sw a1,-24(s0)
10031 End of assembler dump.
10034 Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86
10035 with @code{/m} or @code{/s}, when the program is stopped just after
10036 function prologue in a non-optimized function with no inline code.
10039 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
10040 Dump of assembler code for function main:
10042 0x08048330 <+0>: push %ebp
10043 0x08048331 <+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
10044 0x08048333 <+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
10045 0x08048336 <+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
10046 0x08048339 <+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
10048 6 printf ("Hello.\n");
10049 => 0x0804833c <+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
10050 0x08048343 <+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
10054 0x08048348 <+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
10055 0x0804834d <+29>: leave
10056 0x0804834e <+30>: ret
10058 End of assembler dump.
10061 The @code{/m} option is deprecated as its output is not useful when
10062 there is either inlined code or re-ordered code.
10063 The @code{/s} option is the preferred choice.
10064 Here is an example for AMD x86-64 showing the difference between
10065 @code{/m} output and @code{/s} output.
10066 This example has one inline function defined in a header file,
10067 and the code is compiled with @samp{-O2} optimization.
10068 Note how the @code{/m} output is missing the disassembly of
10069 several instructions that are present in the @code{/s} output.
10099 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
10100 Dump of assembler code for function main:
10104 0x0000000000400400 <+0>: mov 0x200c2e(%rip),%eax # 0x601034 <y>
10105 0x0000000000400417 <+23>: mov %eax,0x200c13(%rip) # 0x601030 <x>
10109 0x000000000040041d <+29>: xor %eax,%eax
10110 0x000000000040041f <+31>: retq
10111 0x0000000000400420 <+32>: add %eax,%eax
10112 0x0000000000400422 <+34>: jmp 0x400417 <main+23>
10114 End of assembler dump.
10115 (@value{GDBP}) disas /s main
10116 Dump of assembler code for function main:
10120 0x0000000000400400 <+0>: mov 0x200c2e(%rip),%eax # 0x601034 <y>
10124 0x0000000000400406 <+6>: test %eax,%eax
10125 0x0000000000400408 <+8>: js 0x400420 <main+32>
10130 0x000000000040040a <+10>: lea 0xa(%rax),%edx
10131 0x000000000040040d <+13>: test %eax,%eax
10132 0x000000000040040f <+15>: mov $0x1,%eax
10133 0x0000000000400414 <+20>: cmovne %edx,%eax
10137 0x0000000000400417 <+23>: mov %eax,0x200c13(%rip) # 0x601030 <x>
10141 0x000000000040041d <+29>: xor %eax,%eax
10142 0x000000000040041f <+31>: retq
10146 0x0000000000400420 <+32>: add %eax,%eax
10147 0x0000000000400422 <+34>: jmp 0x400417 <main+23>
10148 End of assembler dump.
10151 Here is another example showing raw instructions in hex for AMD x86-64,
10154 (gdb) disas /r 0x400281,+10
10155 Dump of assembler code from 0x400281 to 0x40028b:
10156 0x0000000000400281: 38 36 cmp %dh,(%rsi)
10157 0x0000000000400283: 2d 36 34 2e 73 sub $0x732e3436,%eax
10158 0x0000000000400288: 6f outsl %ds:(%rsi),(%dx)
10159 0x0000000000400289: 2e 32 00 xor %cs:(%rax),%al
10160 End of assembler dump.
10163 Note that the @samp{disassemble} command's address arguments are
10164 specified using expressions in your programming language
10165 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), not location specs
10166 (@pxref{Location Specifications}). So, for example, if you want to
10167 disassemble function @code{bar} in file @file{foo.c}, you must type
10168 @samp{disassemble 'foo.c'::bar} and not @samp{disassemble foo.c:bar}.
10170 Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
10171 mnemonics or other syntax.
10173 For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
10174 instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
10175 libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
10176 location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
10177 might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
10180 @kindex set disassembler-options
10181 @cindex disassembler options
10182 @item set disassembler-options @var{option1}[,@var{option2}@dots{}]
10183 This command controls the passing of target specific information to
10184 the disassembler. For a list of valid options, please refer to the
10185 @code{-M}/@code{--disassembler-options} section of the @samp{objdump}
10186 manual and/or the output of @kbd{objdump --help}
10187 (@pxref{objdump,,objdump,binutils,The GNU Binary Utilities}).
10188 The default value is the empty string.
10190 If it is necessary to specify more than one disassembler option, then
10191 multiple options can be placed together into a comma separated list.
10192 Currently this command is only supported on targets ARC, ARM, MIPS,
10195 @kindex show disassembler-options
10196 @item show disassembler-options
10197 Show the current setting of the disassembler options.
10201 @kindex set disassembly-flavor
10202 @cindex Intel disassembly flavor
10203 @cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
10204 @item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
10205 Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
10206 program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
10208 Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
10209 can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
10210 The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
10211 assemblers for x86-based targets.
10213 @kindex show disassembly-flavor
10214 @item show disassembly-flavor
10215 Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
10219 @kindex set disassemble-next-line
10220 @kindex show disassemble-next-line
10221 @item set disassemble-next-line
10222 @itemx show disassemble-next-line
10223 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will disassemble the next source
10224 line or instruction when execution stops. If ON, @value{GDBN} will
10225 display disassembly of the next source line when execution of the
10226 program being debugged stops. This is @emph{in addition} to
10227 displaying the source line itself, which @value{GDBN} always does if
10228 possible. If the next source line cannot be displayed for some reason
10229 (e.g., if @value{GDBN} cannot find the source file, or there's no line
10230 info in the debug info), @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of the
10231 next @emph{instruction} instead of showing the next source line. If
10232 AUTO, @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of next instruction only
10233 if the source line cannot be displayed. This setting causes
10234 @value{GDBN} to display some feedback when you step through a function
10235 with no line info or whose source file is unavailable. The default is
10236 OFF, which means never display the disassembly of the next line or
10240 @node Disable Reading Source
10241 @section Disable Reading Source Code
10242 @cindex source code, disable access
10244 In some cases it can be desirable to prevent @value{GDBN} from
10245 accessing source code files. One case where this might be desirable
10246 is if the source code files are located over a slow network
10249 The following command can be used to control whether @value{GDBN}
10250 should access source code files or not:
10253 @kindex set source open
10254 @kindex show source open
10255 @item set source open @r{[}on@r{|}off@r{]}
10256 @itemx show source open
10257 When this option is @code{on}, which is the default, @value{GDBN} will
10258 access source code files when needed, for example to print source
10259 lines when @value{GDBN} stops, or in response to the @code{list}
10262 When this option is @code{off}, @value{GDBN} will not access source
10267 @chapter Examining Data
10269 @cindex printing data
10270 @cindex examining data
10273 The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
10274 command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
10275 evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
10276 program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
10277 Different Languages}). It may also print the expression using a
10278 Python-based pretty-printer (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
10281 @item print [[@var{options}] --] @var{expr}
10282 @itemx print [[@var{options}] --] /@var{f} @var{expr}
10283 @var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
10284 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
10285 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
10286 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
10289 @anchor{print options}
10290 The @code{print} command supports a number of options that allow
10291 overriding relevant global print settings as set by @code{set print}
10295 @item -address [@code{on}|@code{off}]
10296 Set printing of addresses.
10297 Related setting: @ref{set print address}.
10299 @item -array [@code{on}|@code{off}]
10300 Pretty formatting of arrays.
10301 Related setting: @ref{set print array}.
10303 @item -array-indexes [@code{on}|@code{off}]
10304 Set printing of array indexes.
10305 Related setting: @ref{set print array-indexes}.
10307 @item -elements @var{number-of-elements}|@code{unlimited}
10308 Set limit on string chars or array elements to print. The value
10309 @code{unlimited} causes there to be no limit. Related setting:
10310 @ref{set print elements}.
10312 @item -max-depth @var{depth}|@code{unlimited}
10313 Set the threshold after which nested structures are replaced with
10314 ellipsis. Related setting: @ref{set print max-depth}.
10316 @item -nibbles [@code{on}|@code{off}]
10317 Set whether to print binary values in groups of four bits, known
10318 as ``nibbles''. @xref{set print nibbles}.
10320 @item -memory-tag-violations [@code{on}|@code{off}]
10321 Set printing of additional information about memory tag violations.
10322 @xref{set print memory-tag-violations}.
10324 @item -null-stop [@code{on}|@code{off}]
10325 Set printing of char arrays to stop at first null char. Related
10326 setting: @ref{set print null-stop}.
10328 @item -object [@code{on}|@code{off}]
10329 Set printing C@t{++} virtual function tables. Related setting:
10330 @ref{set print object}.
10332 @item -pretty [@code{on}|@code{off}]
10333 Set pretty formatting of structures. Related setting: @ref{set print
10336 @item -raw-values [@code{on}|@code{off}]
10337 Set whether to print values in raw form, bypassing any
10338 pretty-printers for that value. Related setting: @ref{set print
10341 @item -repeats @var{number-of-repeats}|@code{unlimited}
10342 Set threshold for repeated print elements. @code{unlimited} causes
10343 all elements to be individually printed. Related setting: @ref{set
10346 @item -static-members [@code{on}|@code{off}]
10347 Set printing C@t{++} static members. Related setting: @ref{set print
10350 @item -symbol [@code{on}|@code{off}]
10351 Set printing of symbol names when printing pointers. Related setting:
10352 @ref{set print symbol}.
10354 @item -union [@code{on}|@code{off}]
10355 Set printing of unions interior to structures. Related setting:
10356 @ref{set print union}.
10358 @item -vtbl [@code{on}|@code{off}]
10359 Set printing of C++ virtual function tables. Related setting:
10360 @ref{set print vtbl}.
10363 Because the @code{print} command accepts arbitrary expressions which
10364 may look like options (including abbreviations), if you specify any
10365 command option, then you must use a double dash (@code{--}) to mark
10366 the end of option processing.
10368 For example, this prints the value of the @code{-p} expression:
10371 (@value{GDBP}) print -p
10374 While this repeats the last value in the value history (see below)
10375 with the @code{-pretty} option in effect:
10378 (@value{GDBP}) print -p --
10381 Here is an example including both on option and an expression:
10385 (@value{GDBP}) print -pretty -- *myptr
10397 @item print [@var{options}]
10398 @itemx print [@var{options}] /@var{f}
10399 @cindex reprint the last value
10400 If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
10401 @dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
10402 conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
10405 If the architecture supports memory tagging, the @code{print} command will
10406 display pointer/memory tag mismatches if what is being printed is a pointer
10407 or reference type. @xref{Memory Tagging}.
10409 A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
10410 It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
10411 specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
10413 If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
10414 fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{expr}}
10415 command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
10418 @cindex exploring hierarchical data structures
10420 Another way of examining values of expressions and type information is
10421 through the Python extension command @code{explore} (available only if
10422 the @value{GDBN} build is configured with @code{--with-python}). It
10423 offers an interactive way to start at the highest level (or, the most
10424 abstract level) of the data type of an expression (or, the data type
10425 itself) and explore all the way down to leaf scalar values/fields
10426 embedded in the higher level data types.
10429 @item explore @var{arg}
10430 @var{arg} is either an expression (in the source language), or a type
10431 visible in the current context of the program being debugged.
10434 The working of the @code{explore} command can be illustrated with an
10435 example. If a data type @code{struct ComplexStruct} is defined in your
10439 struct SimpleStruct
10445 struct ComplexStruct
10447 struct SimpleStruct *ss_p;
10453 followed by variable declarations as
10456 struct SimpleStruct ss = @{ 10, 1.11 @};
10457 struct ComplexStruct cs = @{ &ss, @{ 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 @} @};
10461 then, the value of the variable @code{cs} can be explored using the
10462 @code{explore} command as follows.
10466 The value of `cs' is a struct/class of type `struct ComplexStruct' with
10467 the following fields:
10469 ss_p = <Enter 0 to explore this field of type `struct SimpleStruct *'>
10470 arr = <Enter 1 to explore this field of type `int [10]'>
10472 Enter the field number of choice:
10476 Since the fields of @code{cs} are not scalar values, you are being
10477 prompted to chose the field you want to explore. Let's say you choose
10478 the field @code{ss_p} by entering @code{0}. Then, since this field is a
10479 pointer, you will be asked if it is pointing to a single value. From
10480 the declaration of @code{cs} above, it is indeed pointing to a single
10481 value, hence you enter @code{y}. If you enter @code{n}, then you will
10482 be asked if it were pointing to an array of values, in which case this
10483 field will be explored as if it were an array.
10486 `cs.ss_p' is a pointer to a value of type `struct SimpleStruct'
10487 Continue exploring it as a pointer to a single value [y/n]: y
10488 The value of `*(cs.ss_p)' is a struct/class of type `struct
10489 SimpleStruct' with the following fields:
10491 i = 10 .. (Value of type `int')
10492 d = 1.1100000000000001 .. (Value of type `double')
10494 Press enter to return to parent value:
10498 If the field @code{arr} of @code{cs} was chosen for exploration by
10499 entering @code{1} earlier, then since it is as array, you will be
10500 prompted to enter the index of the element in the array that you want
10504 `cs.arr' is an array of `int'.
10505 Enter the index of the element you want to explore in `cs.arr': 5
10507 `(cs.arr)[5]' is a scalar value of type `int'.
10511 Press enter to return to parent value:
10514 In general, at any stage of exploration, you can go deeper towards the
10515 leaf values by responding to the prompts appropriately, or hit the
10516 return key to return to the enclosing data structure (the @i{higher}
10517 level data structure).
10519 Similar to exploring values, you can use the @code{explore} command to
10520 explore types. Instead of specifying a value (which is typically a
10521 variable name or an expression valid in the current context of the
10522 program being debugged), you specify a type name. If you consider the
10523 same example as above, your can explore the type
10524 @code{struct ComplexStruct} by passing the argument
10525 @code{struct ComplexStruct} to the @code{explore} command.
10528 (gdb) explore struct ComplexStruct
10532 By responding to the prompts appropriately in the subsequent interactive
10533 session, you can explore the type @code{struct ComplexStruct} in a
10534 manner similar to how the value @code{cs} was explored in the above
10537 The @code{explore} command also has two sub-commands,
10538 @code{explore value} and @code{explore type}. The former sub-command is
10539 a way to explicitly specify that value exploration of the argument is
10540 being invoked, while the latter is a way to explicitly specify that type
10541 exploration of the argument is being invoked.
10544 @item explore value @var{expr}
10545 @cindex explore value
10546 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the value of the
10547 expression @var{expr} (if @var{expr} is an expression valid in the
10548 current context of the program being debugged). The behavior of this
10549 command is identical to that of the behavior of the @code{explore}
10550 command being passed the argument @var{expr}.
10552 @item explore type @var{arg}
10553 @cindex explore type
10554 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the type of @var{arg} (if
10555 @var{arg} is a type visible in the current context of program being
10556 debugged), or the type of the value/expression @var{arg} (if @var{arg}
10557 is an expression valid in the current context of the program being
10558 debugged). If @var{arg} is a type, then the behavior of this command is
10559 identical to that of the @code{explore} command being passed the
10560 argument @var{arg}. If @var{arg} is an expression, then the behavior of
10561 this command will be identical to that of the @code{explore} command
10562 being passed the type of @var{arg} as the argument.
10566 * Expressions:: Expressions
10567 * Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
10568 * Variables:: Program variables
10569 * Arrays:: Artificial arrays
10570 * Output Formats:: Output formats
10571 * Memory:: Examining memory
10572 * Memory Tagging:: Memory Tagging
10573 * Auto Display:: Automatic display
10574 * Print Settings:: Print settings
10575 * Pretty Printing:: Python pretty printing
10576 * Value History:: Value history
10577 * Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
10578 * Convenience Funs:: Convenience functions
10579 * Registers:: Registers
10580 * Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
10581 * Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
10582 * OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
10583 * Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
10584 * Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
10585 * Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
10586 * Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
10587 character set than GDB does
10588 * Caching Target Data:: Data caching for targets
10589 * Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
10590 * Value Sizes:: Managing memory allocated for values
10594 @section Expressions
10596 @cindex expressions
10597 @code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
10598 compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
10599 by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
10600 @value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
10601 casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
10602 you compiled your program to include this information; see
10605 @cindex arrays in expressions
10606 @value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
10607 the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
10608 you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
10609 of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
10610 to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
10611 is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
10613 Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
10614 this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
10615 Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
10618 In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
10619 expressions regardless of your programming language.
10621 @cindex casts, in expressions
10622 Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
10623 useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
10624 at that address in memory.
10625 @c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
10627 @value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
10628 to programming languages:
10632 @samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
10633 @xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
10636 @samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
10637 function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
10639 @cindex @{@var{type}@}
10640 @cindex type casting memory
10641 @cindex memory, viewing as typed object
10642 @cindex casts, to view memory
10643 @item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
10644 Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
10645 memory. The address @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is
10646 an integer or pointer (but parentheses are required around binary
10647 operators, just as in a cast). This construct is allowed regardless
10648 of what kind of data is normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
10651 @node Ambiguous Expressions
10652 @section Ambiguous Expressions
10653 @cindex ambiguous expressions
10655 Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
10656 some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
10657 a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
10658 different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
10659 involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
10660 templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
10661 the same function name being defined in different contexts.
10663 In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
10664 the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
10665 can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
10666 @kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
10667 qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
10670 When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
10671 has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
10672 possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
10673 The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
10674 aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
10675 used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
10676 menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
10679 For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
10680 breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
10681 We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
10683 @c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
10686 (@value{GDBP}) b String::after
10689 [2] file:String.cc; line number:867
10690 [3] file:String.cc; line number:860
10691 [4] file:String.cc; line number:875
10692 [5] file:String.cc; line number:853
10693 [6] file:String.cc; line number:846
10694 [7] file:String.cc; line number:735
10696 Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
10697 Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
10698 Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
10699 Multiple breakpoints were set.
10700 Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
10707 @kindex set multiple-symbols
10708 @item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
10709 @cindex multiple-symbols menu
10711 This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
10714 By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
10715 the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
10716 automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
10717 a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
10718 inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
10719 then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
10720 For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
10721 in the use of the menu.
10723 When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
10724 when an ambiguity is detected.
10726 Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
10727 an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
10729 @kindex show multiple-symbols
10730 @item show multiple-symbols
10731 Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
10735 @section Program Variables
10737 The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
10740 Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
10741 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
10745 global (or file-static)
10752 visible according to the scope rules of the
10753 programming language from the point of execution in that frame
10756 @noindent This means that in the function
10771 you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
10772 executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
10773 examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
10774 the block where @code{b} is declared.
10776 @cindex variable name conflict
10777 There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
10778 scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
10779 in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
10780 function with the same name (in different source files). If that
10781 happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
10782 you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file by
10783 using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
10785 @cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
10787 @c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
10788 @cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
10791 @var{file}::@var{variable}
10792 @var{function}::@var{variable}
10796 Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
10797 static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
10798 make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
10799 to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
10802 (@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
10805 The @code{::} notation is normally used for referring to
10806 static variables, since you typically disambiguate uses of local variables
10807 in functions by selecting the appropriate frame and using the
10808 simple name of the variable. However, you may also use this notation
10809 to refer to local variables in frames enclosing the selected frame:
10818 process (a); /* Stop here */
10829 For example, if there is a breakpoint at the commented line,
10830 here is what you might see
10831 when the program stops after executing the call @code{bar(0)}:
10836 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
10838 (@value{GDBP}) up 2
10839 #2 0x080483d0 in foo (a=5) at foobar.c:12
10842 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
10846 @cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
10847 These uses of @samp{::} are very rarely in conflict with the very
10848 similar use of the same notation in C@t{++}. When they are in
10849 conflict, the C@t{++} meaning takes precedence; however, this can be
10850 overridden by quoting the file or function name with single quotes.
10852 For example, suppose the program is stopped in a method of a class
10853 that has a field named @code{includefile}, and there is also an
10854 include file named @file{includefile} that defines a variable,
10855 @code{some_global}.
10858 (@value{GDBP}) p includefile
10860 (@value{GDBP}) p includefile::some_global
10861 A syntax error in expression, near `'.
10862 (@value{GDBP}) p 'includefile'::some_global
10866 @cindex wrong values
10867 @cindex variable values, wrong
10868 @cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
10869 @cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
10871 @emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
10872 wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
10873 scope, and just before exit.
10875 You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
10876 This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
10877 set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
10878 stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
10879 values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
10880 also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
10881 after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
10882 variable definitions may be gone.
10884 This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
10885 To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
10888 @cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
10889 Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
10890 unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
10891 opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
10892 offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
10893 might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
10894 happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
10897 No symbol "foo" in current context.
10900 To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
10901 different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
10902 formats. @xref{Compilation}, for more information on choosing compiler
10903 options. @xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug
10904 info formats that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
10906 If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
10907 @value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
10908 by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
10909 type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
10911 @cindex no debug info variables
10912 If you try to examine or use the value of a (global) variable for
10913 which @value{GDBN} has no type information, e.g., because the program
10914 includes no debug information, @value{GDBN} displays an error message.
10915 @xref{Symbols, unknown type}, for more about unknown types. If you
10916 cast the variable to its declared type, @value{GDBN} gets the
10917 variable's value using the cast-to type as the variable's type. For
10918 example, in a C program:
10921 (@value{GDBP}) p var
10922 'var' has unknown type; cast it to its declared type
10923 (@value{GDBP}) p (float) var
10927 If you append @kbd{@@entry} string to a function parameter name you get its
10928 value at the time the function got called. If the value is not available an
10929 error message is printed. Entry values are available only with some compilers.
10930 Entry values are normally also printed at the function parameter list according
10931 to @ref{set print entry-values}.
10934 Breakpoint 1, d (i=30) at gdb.base/entry-value.c:29
10940 (gdb) print i@@entry
10944 Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
10945 signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
10946 printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
10947 @code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
10948 defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
10953 signed char var1[] = "A";
10956 You get during debugging
10961 $2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
10965 @section Artificial Arrays
10967 @cindex artificial array
10969 @kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
10970 It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
10971 same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
10972 dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
10975 You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
10976 @dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
10977 operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
10978 and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
10979 of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
10980 the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
10981 argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
10982 following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
10983 example. If a program says
10986 int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
10990 you can print the contents of @code{array} with
10996 The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
10997 with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
10998 subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
10999 Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
11000 (@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
11002 Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
11003 This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
11004 The value need not be in memory:
11006 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
11007 $1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
11010 As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
11011 @samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
11012 the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
11014 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
11015 $2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
11018 Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
11019 moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
11020 actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
11021 of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
11022 to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
11023 Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
11024 interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
11025 instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
11026 structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
11027 in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
11037 @node Output Formats
11038 @section Output Formats
11040 @cindex formatted output
11041 @cindex output formats
11042 By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
11043 this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
11044 in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
11045 at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
11046 these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
11048 The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
11049 already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
11050 @code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
11051 letters supported are:
11055 Print the binary representation of the value in hexadecimal.
11058 Print the binary representation of the value in decimal.
11061 Print the binary representation of the value as an decimal, as if it
11065 Print the binary representation of the value in octal.
11068 Print the binary representation of the value in binary. The letter
11069 @samp{t} stands for ``two''. @footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used
11070 because these format letters are also used with the @code{x} command,
11071 where @samp{b} stands for ``byte''; see @ref{Memory,,Examining
11075 @cindex unknown address, locating
11076 @cindex locate address
11077 Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
11078 the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
11079 where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
11082 (@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
11083 $3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
11087 The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
11088 @xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
11091 Cast the value to an integer (unlike other formats, this does not just
11092 reinterpret the underlying bits) and print it as a character constant.
11093 This prints both the numerical value and its character representation.
11094 The character representation is replaced with the octal escape
11095 @samp{\nnn} for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
11097 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
11098 @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
11099 constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
11103 Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
11104 using typical floating point syntax.
11107 @cindex printing strings
11108 @cindex printing byte arrays
11109 Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
11110 data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
11111 are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
11114 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
11115 @code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
11116 strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
11120 Like @samp{x} formatting, the value is treated as an integer and
11121 printed as hexadecimal, but leading zeros are printed to pad the value
11122 to the size of the integer type.
11125 @cindex raw printing
11126 Print using the @samp{raw} formatting. By default, @value{GDBN} will
11127 use a Python-based pretty-printer, if one is available (@pxref{Pretty
11128 Printing}). This typically results in a higher-level display of the
11129 value's contents. The @samp{r} format bypasses any Python
11130 pretty-printer which might exist.
11133 For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
11140 Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
11141 names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
11143 To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
11144 you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
11145 expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
11148 @section Examining Memory
11150 You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
11151 any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
11153 @cindex examining memory
11155 @kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
11156 @item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
11157 @itemx x @var{addr}
11159 Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
11162 @var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
11163 much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
11164 expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
11165 If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
11166 Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
11169 @item @var{n}, the repeat count
11170 The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
11171 how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display. If a negative
11172 number is specified, memory is examined backward from @var{addr}.
11173 @c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
11176 @item @var{f}, the display format
11177 The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
11178 (@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
11179 @samp{f}, @samp{s}), @samp{i} (for machine instructions) and
11180 @samp{m} (for displaying memory tags).
11181 The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
11182 each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
11184 @item @var{u}, the unit size
11185 The unit size is any of
11191 Halfwords (two bytes).
11193 Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
11195 Giant words (eight bytes).
11198 Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
11199 default unit the next time you use @code{x}. For the @samp{i} format,
11200 the unit size is ignored and is normally not written. For the @samp{s} format,
11201 the unit size defaults to @samp{b}, unless it is explicitly given.
11202 Use @kbd{x /hs} to display 16-bit char strings and @kbd{x /ws} to display
11203 32-bit strings. The next use of @kbd{x /s} will again display 8-bit strings.
11204 Note that the results depend on the programming language of the
11205 current compilation unit. If the language is C, the @samp{s}
11206 modifier will use the UTF-16 encoding while @samp{w} will use
11207 UTF-32. The encoding is set by the programming language and cannot
11210 @item @var{addr}, starting display address
11211 @var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
11212 memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
11213 it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
11214 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
11215 @var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
11216 other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
11217 the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
11218 starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
11219 a value from memory).
11222 For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
11223 (@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
11224 starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
11225 words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
11226 @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
11228 You can also specify a negative repeat count to examine memory backward
11229 from the given address. For example, @samp{x/-3uh 0x54320} prints three
11230 halfwords (@code{h}) at @code{0x5431a}, @code{0x5431c}, and @code{0x5431e}.
11232 Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
11233 letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
11234 unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
11235 specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
11236 (However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
11238 Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
11239 and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
11240 @samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
11241 including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
11242 the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
11243 slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
11244 follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
11245 @code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
11246 instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
11248 If a negative repeat count is specified for the formats @samp{s} or @samp{i},
11249 the command displays null-terminated strings or instructions before the given
11250 address as many as the absolute value of the given number. For the @samp{i}
11251 format, we use line number information in the debug info to accurately locate
11252 instruction boundaries while disassembling backward. If line info is not
11253 available, the command stops examining memory with an error message.
11255 All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
11256 easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
11257 you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
11258 instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
11259 with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
11260 the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
11261 for successive uses of @code{x}.
11263 When examining machine instructions, the instruction at current program
11264 counter is shown with a @code{=>} marker. For example:
11267 (@value{GDBP}) x/5i $pc-6
11268 0x804837f <main+11>: mov %esp,%ebp
11269 0x8048381 <main+13>: push %ecx
11270 0x8048382 <main+14>: sub $0x4,%esp
11271 => 0x8048385 <main+17>: movl $0x8048460,(%esp)
11272 0x804838c <main+24>: call 0x80482d4 <puts@@plt>
11275 If the architecture supports memory tagging, the tags can be displayed by
11276 using @samp{m}. @xref{Memory Tagging}.
11278 The information will be displayed once per granule size
11279 (the amount of bytes a particular memory tag covers). For example, AArch64
11280 has a granule size of 16 bytes, so it will display a tag every 16 bytes.
11282 Due to the way @value{GDBN} prints information with the @code{x} command (not
11283 aligned to a particular boundary), the tag information will refer to the
11284 initial address displayed on a particular line. If a memory tag boundary
11285 is crossed in the middle of a line displayed by the @code{x} command, it
11286 will be displayed on the next line.
11288 The @samp{m} format doesn't affect any other specified formats that were
11289 passed to the @code{x} command.
11291 @cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
11292 The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
11293 in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
11294 would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
11295 subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
11296 @code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
11297 examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
11298 @code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
11299 the convenience variable @code{$__}.
11301 If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
11302 are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
11303 address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
11305 @anchor{addressable memory unit}
11306 @cindex addressable memory unit
11307 Most targets have an addressable memory unit size of 8 bits. This means
11308 that to each memory address are associated 8 bits of data. Some
11309 targets, however, have other addressable memory unit sizes.
11310 Within @value{GDBN} and this document, the term
11311 @dfn{addressable memory unit} (or @dfn{memory unit} for short) is used
11312 when explicitly referring to a chunk of data of that size. The word
11313 @dfn{byte} is used to refer to a chunk of data of 8 bits, regardless of
11314 the addressable memory unit size of the target. For most systems,
11315 addressable memory unit is a synonym of byte.
11317 @cindex remote memory comparison
11318 @cindex target memory comparison
11319 @cindex verify remote memory image
11320 @cindex verify target memory image
11321 When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
11322 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image
11323 in the remote machine's memory against the executable file you
11324 downloaded to the target. Or, on any target, you may want to check
11325 whether the program has corrupted its own read-only sections. The
11326 @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such situations.
11329 @kindex compare-sections
11330 @item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{|}@code{-r}@r{]}
11331 Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
11332 executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
11333 the target machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
11334 arguments, compares all loadable sections. With an argument of
11335 @code{-r}, compares all loadable read-only sections.
11337 Note: for remote targets, this command can be accelerated if the
11338 target supports computing the CRC checksum of a block of memory
11339 (@pxref{qCRC packet}).
11342 @node Memory Tagging
11343 @section Memory Tagging
11345 Memory tagging is a memory protection technology that uses a pair of tags to
11346 validate memory accesses through pointers. The tags are integer values
11347 usually comprised of a few bits, depending on the architecture.
11349 There are two types of tags that are used in this setup: logical and
11350 allocation. A logical tag is stored in the pointers themselves, usually at the
11351 higher bits of the pointers. An allocation tag is the tag associated
11352 with particular ranges of memory in the physical address space, against which
11353 the logical tags from pointers are compared.
11355 The pointer tag (logical tag) must match the memory tag (allocation tag)
11356 for the memory access to be valid. If the logical tag does not match the
11357 allocation tag, that will raise a memory violation.
11359 Allocation tags cover multiple contiguous bytes of physical memory. This
11360 range of bytes is called a memory tag granule and is architecture-specific.
11361 For example, AArch64 has a tag granule of 16 bytes, meaning each allocation
11362 tag spans 16 bytes of memory.
11364 If the underlying architecture supports memory tagging, like AArch64 MTE
11365 or SPARC ADI do, @value{GDBN} can make use of it to validate pointers
11366 against memory allocation tags.
11368 The @code{print} (@pxref{Data}) and @code{x} (@pxref{Memory}) commands will
11369 display tag information when appropriate, and a command prefix of
11370 @code{memory-tag} gives access to the various memory tagging commands.
11372 The @code{memory-tag} commands are the following:
11375 @kindex memory-tag print-logical-tag
11376 @item memory-tag print-logical-tag @var{pointer_expression}
11377 Print the logical tag stored in @var{pointer_expression}.
11378 @kindex memory-tag with-logical-tag
11379 @item memory-tag with-logical-tag @var{pointer_expression} @var{tag_bytes}
11380 Print the pointer given by @var{pointer_expression}, augmented with a logical
11381 tag of @var{tag_bytes}.
11382 @kindex memory-tag print-allocation-tag
11383 @item memory-tag print-allocation-tag @var{address_expression}
11384 Print the allocation tag associated with the memory address given by
11385 @var{address_expression}.
11386 @kindex memory-tag setatag
11387 @item memory-tag setatag @var{starting_address} @var{length} @var{tag_bytes}
11388 Set the allocation tag(s) for memory range @r{[}@var{starting_address},
11389 @var{starting_address} + @var{length}@r{)} to @var{tag_bytes}.
11390 @kindex memory-tag check
11391 @item memory-tag check @var{pointer_expression}
11392 Check if the logical tag in the pointer given by @var{pointer_expression}
11393 matches the allocation tag for the memory referenced by the pointer.
11395 This essentially emulates the hardware validation that is done when tagged
11396 memory is accessed through a pointer, but does not cause a memory fault as
11397 it would during hardware validation.
11399 It can be used to inspect potential memory tagging violations in the running
11400 process, before any faults get triggered.
11404 @section Automatic Display
11405 @cindex automatic display
11406 @cindex display of expressions
11408 If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
11409 (to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
11410 display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
11411 Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
11412 to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
11413 The automatic display looks like this:
11417 3: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
11421 This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
11422 displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
11423 specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
11424 whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
11425 specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
11426 or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
11430 @item display @var{expr}
11431 Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
11432 each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
11434 @code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
11436 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
11437 For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
11438 count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
11439 arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
11440 @xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
11442 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
11443 For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
11444 number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
11445 be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
11446 doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
11449 For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
11450 instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
11451 is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
11454 @kindex delete display
11456 @item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
11457 @itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
11458 Remove items from the list of expressions to display. Specify the
11459 numbers of the displays that you want affected with the command
11460 argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one of the
11461 numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display} display;
11462 or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
11464 @code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
11465 (Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
11467 @kindex disable display
11468 @item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
11469 Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
11470 item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
11471 enabled again later. Specify the numbers of the displays that you
11472 want affected with the command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a
11473 single display number, one of the numbers shown in the first field of
11474 the @samp{info display} display; or it could be a range of display
11475 numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
11477 @kindex enable display
11478 @item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
11479 Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
11480 again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
11481 Specify the numbers of the displays that you want affected with the
11482 command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one
11483 of the numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display}
11484 display; or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
11487 Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
11488 done when your program stops.
11490 @kindex info display
11492 Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
11493 automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
11494 values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
11495 It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
11496 because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
11499 @cindex display disabled out of scope
11500 If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
11501 sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
11502 expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
11503 variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
11504 @code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
11505 @code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
11506 continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
11507 there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
11508 automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
11509 is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
11511 @node Print Settings
11512 @section Print Settings
11514 @cindex format options
11515 @cindex print settings
11516 @value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
11517 and symbols are printed.
11520 These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
11524 @anchor{set print address}
11525 @item set print address
11526 @itemx set print address on
11527 @cindex print/don't print memory addresses
11528 @value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
11529 traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
11530 even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
11531 is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
11532 @code{set print address on}:
11537 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
11539 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
11543 @item set print address off
11544 Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
11545 this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
11549 (@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
11551 #0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
11552 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
11556 You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
11557 dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
11558 @code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
11559 all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
11562 @item show print address
11563 Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
11566 When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
11567 closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
11568 identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
11569 source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
11570 @code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
11571 you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
11572 it prints a symbolic address:
11575 @item set print symbol-filename on
11576 @cindex source file and line of a symbol
11577 @cindex symbol, source file and line
11578 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
11579 symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
11581 @item set print symbol-filename off
11582 Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
11585 @item show print symbol-filename
11586 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
11587 line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
11590 Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
11591 numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
11592 number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
11594 Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
11595 printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
11598 @item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
11599 @itemx set print max-symbolic-offset unlimited
11600 @cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
11601 Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
11602 offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
11603 @var{max-offset}. The default is @code{unlimited}, which tells @value{GDBN}
11604 to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes
11605 it. Zero is equivalent to @code{unlimited}.
11607 @item show print max-symbolic-offset
11608 Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
11612 @cindex wild pointer, interpreting
11613 @cindex pointer, finding referent
11614 If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
11615 @samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
11616 and source file location of the variable where it points, using
11617 @samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
11618 For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
11619 at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
11622 (@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
11623 (@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
11624 $4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
11628 @emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
11629 does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
11630 the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
11633 You can also enable @samp{/a}-like formatting all the time using
11634 @samp{set print symbol on}:
11636 @anchor{set print symbol}
11638 @item set print symbol on
11639 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the symbol corresponding to an address, if
11642 @item set print symbol off
11643 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print the symbol corresponding to an
11644 address. In this mode, @value{GDBN} will still print the symbol
11645 corresponding to pointers to functions. This is the default.
11647 @item show print symbol
11648 Show whether @value{GDBN} will display the symbol corresponding to an
11652 Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
11655 @anchor{set print array}
11656 @item set print array
11657 @itemx set print array on
11658 @cindex pretty print arrays
11659 Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
11660 but uses more space. The default is off.
11662 @item set print array off
11663 Return to compressed format for arrays.
11665 @item show print array
11666 Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
11669 @cindex print array indexes
11670 @anchor{set print array-indexes}
11671 @item set print array-indexes
11672 @itemx set print array-indexes on
11673 Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
11674 convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
11675 index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
11677 @item set print array-indexes off
11678 Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
11680 @item show print array-indexes
11681 Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
11684 @anchor{set print nibbles}
11685 @item set print nibbles
11686 @itemx set print nibbles on
11687 @cindex print binary values in groups of four bits
11688 Print binary values in groups of four bits, known as @dfn{nibbles},
11689 when using the print command of @value{GDBN} with the option @samp{/t}.
11690 For example, this is what it looks like with @code{set print nibbles on}:
11694 (@value{GDBP}) print val_flags
11696 (@value{GDBP}) print/t val_flags
11697 $2 = 0100 1100 1110
11701 @item set print nibbles off
11702 Don't printing binary values in groups. This is the default.
11704 @item show print nibbles
11705 Show whether to print binary values in groups of four bits.
11707 @anchor{set print elements}
11708 @item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
11709 @itemx set print elements unlimited
11710 @cindex number of array elements to print
11711 @cindex limit on number of printed array elements
11712 Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
11713 If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
11714 printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
11715 This limit also applies to the display of strings.
11716 When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
11717 Setting @var{number-of-elements} to @code{unlimited} or zero means
11718 that the number of elements to print is unlimited.
11720 @item show print elements
11721 Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
11723 @anchor{set print frame-arguments}
11724 @item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
11725 @kindex set print frame-arguments
11726 @cindex printing frame argument values
11727 @cindex print all frame argument values
11728 @cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
11729 @cindex do not print frame arguments
11730 This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
11731 when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
11736 The values of all arguments are printed.
11739 Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
11740 complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
11741 by @code{@dots{}}. This is the default. Here is an example where
11742 only scalar arguments are shown:
11745 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
11750 None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
11751 is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
11754 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
11759 Only the presence of arguments is indicated by @code{@dots{}}.
11760 The @code{@dots{}} are not printed for function without any arguments.
11761 None of the argument names and values are printed.
11762 In this case, the example above now becomes:
11765 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (@dots{}) at frame-args.c:23
11770 By default, only scalar arguments are printed. This command can be used
11771 to configure the debugger to print the value of all arguments, regardless
11772 of their type. However, it is often advantageous to not print the value
11773 of more complex parameters. For instance, it reduces the amount of
11774 information printed in each frame, making the backtrace more readable.
11775 Also, it improves performance when displaying Ada frames, because
11776 the computation of large arguments can sometimes be CPU-intensive,
11777 especially in large applications. Setting @code{print frame-arguments}
11778 to @code{scalars} (the default), @code{none} or @code{presence} avoids
11779 this computation, thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
11781 @item show print frame-arguments
11782 Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
11784 @anchor{set print raw-frame-arguments}
11785 @item set print raw-frame-arguments on
11786 Print frame arguments in raw, non pretty-printed, form.
11788 @item set print raw-frame-arguments off
11789 Print frame arguments in pretty-printed form, if there is a pretty-printer
11790 for the value (@pxref{Pretty Printing}),
11791 otherwise print the value in raw form.
11792 This is the default.
11794 @item show print raw-frame-arguments
11795 Show whether to print frame arguments in raw form.
11797 @anchor{set print entry-values}
11798 @item set print entry-values @var{value}
11799 @kindex set print entry-values
11800 Set printing of frame argument values at function entry. In some cases
11801 @value{GDBN} can determine the value of function argument which was passed by
11802 the function caller, even if the value was modified inside the called function
11803 and therefore is different. With optimized code, the current value could be
11804 unavailable, but the entry value may still be known.
11806 The default value is @code{default} (see below for its description). Older
11807 @value{GDBN} behaved as with the setting @code{no}. Compilers not supporting
11808 this feature will behave in the @code{default} setting the same way as with the
11811 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
11812 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_call_site} tags. With
11813 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
11816 The @var{value} parameter can be one of the following:
11820 Print only actual parameter values, never print values from function entry
11824 #0 different (val=6)
11825 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>)
11827 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
11831 Print only parameter values from function entry point. The actual parameter
11832 values are never printed.
11834 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
11835 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
11836 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
11837 #0 born (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
11838 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
11842 Print only parameter values from function entry point. If value from function
11843 entry point is not known while the actual value is known, print the actual
11844 value for such parameter.
11846 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
11847 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
11848 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
11850 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
11854 Print actual parameter values. If actual parameter value is not known while
11855 value from function entry point is known, print the entry point value for such
11859 #0 different (val=6)
11860 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
11862 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
11866 Always print both the actual parameter value and its value from function entry
11867 point, even if values of one or both are not available due to compiler
11870 #0 equal (val=5, val@@entry=5)
11871 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
11872 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
11873 #0 born (val=10, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
11874 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
11878 Print the actual parameter value if it is known and also its value from
11879 function entry point if it is known. If neither is known, print for the actual
11880 value @code{<optimized out>}. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and if both
11881 values are known and identical, print the shortened
11882 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
11884 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
11885 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
11886 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
11888 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
11892 Always print the actual parameter value. Print also its value from function
11893 entry point, but only if it is known. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and
11894 if both values are known and identical, print the shortened
11895 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
11897 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
11898 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
11899 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
11901 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
11905 For analysis messages on possible failures of frame argument values at function
11906 entry resolution see @ref{set debug entry-values}.
11908 @item show print entry-values
11909 Show the method being used for printing of frame argument values at function
11912 @anchor{set print frame-info}
11913 @item set print frame-info @var{value}
11914 @kindex set print frame-info
11915 @cindex printing frame information
11916 @cindex frame information, printing
11917 This command allows to control the information printed when
11918 the debugger prints a frame. See @ref{Frames}, @ref{Backtrace},
11919 for a general explanation about frames and frame information.
11920 Note that some other settings (such as @code{set print frame-arguments}
11921 and @code{set print address}) are also influencing if and how some frame
11922 information is displayed. In particular, the frame program counter is never
11923 printed if @code{set print address} is off.
11925 The possible values for @code{set print frame-info} are:
11927 @item short-location
11928 Print the frame level, the program counter (if not at the
11929 beginning of the location source line), the function, the function
11932 Same as @code{short-location} but also print the source file and source line
11934 @item location-and-address
11935 Same as @code{location} but print the program counter even if located at the
11936 beginning of the location source line.
11938 Print the program counter (if not at the beginning of the location
11939 source line), the line number and the source line.
11940 @item source-and-location
11941 Print what @code{location} and @code{source-line} are printing.
11943 The information printed for a frame is decided automatically
11944 by the @value{GDBN} command that prints a frame.
11945 For example, @code{frame} prints the information printed by
11946 @code{source-and-location} while @code{stepi} will switch between
11947 @code{source-line} and @code{source-and-location} depending on the program
11949 The default value is @code{auto}.
11952 @anchor{set print repeats}
11953 @item set print repeats @var{number-of-repeats}
11954 @itemx set print repeats unlimited
11955 @cindex repeated array elements
11956 Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
11957 elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
11958 array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
11959 @code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
11960 identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
11961 themselves. Setting the threshold to @code{unlimited} or zero will
11962 cause all elements to be individually printed. The default threshold
11965 @item show print repeats
11966 Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
11969 @anchor{set print max-depth}
11970 @item set print max-depth @var{depth}
11971 @item set print max-depth unlimited
11972 @cindex printing nested structures
11973 Set the threshold after which nested structures are replaced with
11974 ellipsis, this can make visualising deeply nested structures easier.
11976 For example, given this C code
11979 typedef struct s1 @{ int a; @} s1;
11980 typedef struct s2 @{ s1 b; @} s2;
11981 typedef struct s3 @{ s2 c; @} s3;
11982 typedef struct s4 @{ s3 d; @} s4;
11984 s4 var = @{ @{ @{ @{ 3 @} @} @} @};
11987 The following table shows how different values of @var{depth} will
11988 effect how @code{var} is printed by @value{GDBN}:
11990 @multitable @columnfractions .3 .7
11991 @headitem @var{depth} setting @tab Result of @samp{p var}
11993 @tab @code{$1 = @{d = @{c = @{b = @{a = 3@}@}@}@}}
11995 @tab @code{$1 = @{...@}}
11997 @tab @code{$1 = @{d = @{...@}@}}
11999 @tab @code{$1 = @{d = @{c = @{...@}@}@}}
12001 @tab @code{$1 = @{d = @{c = @{b = @{...@}@}@}@}}
12003 @tab @code{$1 = @{d = @{c = @{b = @{a = 3@}@}@}@}}
12006 To see the contents of structures that have been hidden the user can
12007 either increase the print max-depth, or they can print the elements of
12008 the structure that are visible, for example
12011 (gdb) set print max-depth 2
12013 $1 = @{d = @{c = @{...@}@}@}
12015 $2 = @{c = @{b = @{...@}@}@}
12017 $3 = @{b = @{a = 3@}@}
12020 The pattern used to replace nested structures varies based on
12021 language, for most languages @code{@{...@}} is used, but Fortran uses
12024 @item show print max-depth
12025 Display the current threshold after which nested structures are
12026 replaces with ellipsis.
12028 @anchor{set print memory-tag-violations}
12029 @cindex printing memory tag violation information
12030 @item set print memory-tag-violations
12031 @itemx set print memory-tag-violations on
12032 Cause @value{GDBN} to display additional information about memory tag violations
12033 when printing pointers and addresses.
12035 @item set print memory-tag-violations off
12036 Stop printing memory tag violation information.
12038 @item show print memory-tag-violations
12039 Show whether memory tag violation information is displayed when printing
12040 pointers and addresses.
12042 @anchor{set print null-stop}
12043 @item set print null-stop
12044 @cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
12045 Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
12046 @sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
12047 contain only short strings.
12048 The default is off.
12050 @item show print null-stop
12051 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
12052 @sc{null} character.
12054 @anchor{set print pretty}
12055 @item set print pretty on
12056 @cindex print structures in indented form
12057 @cindex indentation in structure display
12058 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
12059 per line, like this:
12074 @item set print pretty off
12075 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
12079 $1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
12080 meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
12085 This is the default format.
12087 @item show print pretty
12088 Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
12090 @anchor{set print raw-values}
12091 @item set print raw-values on
12092 Print values in raw form, without applying the pretty
12093 printers for the value.
12095 @item set print raw-values off
12096 Print values in pretty-printed form, if there is a pretty-printer
12097 for the value (@pxref{Pretty Printing}),
12098 otherwise print the value in raw form.
12100 The default setting is ``off''.
12102 @item show print raw-values
12103 Show whether to print values in raw form.
12105 @item set print sevenbit-strings on
12106 @cindex eight-bit characters in strings
12107 @cindex octal escapes in strings
12108 Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
12109 @value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
12110 character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
12111 best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
12112 high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
12114 @item set print sevenbit-strings off
12115 Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
12116 international character sets, and is the default.
12118 @item show print sevenbit-strings
12119 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
12121 @anchor{set print union}
12122 @item set print union on
12123 @cindex unions in structures, printing
12124 Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
12125 and other unions. This is the default setting.
12127 @item set print union off
12128 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
12129 structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
12132 @item show print union
12133 Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
12134 structures and other unions.
12136 For example, given the declarations
12139 typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
12140 typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
12141 typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
12152 struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
12156 with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
12159 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
12163 and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
12166 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
12170 @code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
12176 These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
12179 @cindex demangling C@t{++} names
12180 @item set print demangle
12181 @itemx set print demangle on
12182 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
12183 (``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
12184 linkage. The default is on.
12186 @item show print demangle
12187 Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
12189 @item set print asm-demangle
12190 @itemx set print asm-demangle on
12191 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
12192 in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
12193 The default is off.
12195 @item show print asm-demangle
12196 Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
12199 @cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
12200 @cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
12201 @kindex set demangle-style
12202 @item set demangle-style @var{style}
12203 Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to represent
12204 C@t{++} names. If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible
12205 formats. The default value is @var{auto}, which lets @value{GDBN} choose a
12206 decoding style by inspecting your program.
12208 @item show demangle-style
12209 Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
12211 @anchor{set print object}
12212 @item set print object
12213 @itemx set print object on
12214 @cindex derived type of an object, printing
12215 @cindex display derived types
12216 When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
12217 (derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
12218 the virtual function table. Note that the virtual function table is
12219 required---this feature can only work for objects that have run-time
12220 type identification; a single virtual method in the object's declared
12221 type is sufficient. Note that this setting is also taken into account when
12222 working with variable objects via MI (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
12224 @item set print object off
12225 Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
12226 virtual function table. This is the default setting.
12228 @item show print object
12229 Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
12231 @anchor{set print static-members}
12232 @item set print static-members
12233 @itemx set print static-members on
12234 @cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
12235 Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
12237 @item set print static-members off
12238 Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
12240 @item show print static-members
12241 Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
12243 @item set print pascal_static-members
12244 @itemx set print pascal_static-members on
12245 @cindex static members of Pascal objects
12246 @cindex Pascal objects, static members display
12247 Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
12249 @item set print pascal_static-members off
12250 Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
12252 @item show print pascal_static-members
12253 Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
12255 @c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
12256 @anchor{set print vtbl}
12257 @item set print vtbl
12258 @itemx set print vtbl on
12259 @cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
12260 @cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
12261 @cindex VTBL display
12262 Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
12263 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
12264 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
12266 @item set print vtbl off
12267 Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
12269 @item show print vtbl
12270 Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
12273 @node Pretty Printing
12274 @section Pretty Printing
12276 @value{GDBN} provides a mechanism to allow pretty-printing of values using
12277 Python code. It greatly simplifies the display of complex objects. This
12278 mechanism works for both MI and the CLI.
12281 * Pretty-Printer Introduction:: Introduction to pretty-printers
12282 * Pretty-Printer Example:: An example pretty-printer
12283 * Pretty-Printer Commands:: Pretty-printer commands
12286 @node Pretty-Printer Introduction
12287 @subsection Pretty-Printer Introduction
12289 When @value{GDBN} prints a value, it first sees if there is a pretty-printer
12290 registered for the value. If there is then @value{GDBN} invokes the
12291 pretty-printer to print the value. Otherwise the value is printed normally.
12293 Pretty-printers are normally named. This makes them easy to manage.
12294 The @samp{info pretty-printer} command will list all the installed
12295 pretty-printers with their names.
12296 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
12297 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
12298 Each such subprinter has its own name.
12299 The format of the name is @var{printer-name};@var{subprinter-name}.
12301 Pretty-printers are installed by @dfn{registering} them with @value{GDBN}.
12302 Typically they are automatically loaded and registered when the corresponding
12303 debug information is loaded, thus making them available without having to
12304 do anything special.
12306 There are three places where a pretty-printer can be registered.
12310 Pretty-printers registered globally are available when debugging
12314 Pretty-printers registered with a program space are available only
12315 when debugging that program.
12316 @xref{Progspaces In Python}, for more details on program spaces in Python.
12319 Pretty-printers registered with an objfile are loaded and unloaded
12320 with the corresponding objfile (e.g., shared library).
12321 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for more details on objfiles in Python.
12324 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for further information on how
12325 pretty-printers are selected,
12327 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for implementing pretty printers
12330 @node Pretty-Printer Example
12331 @subsection Pretty-Printer Example
12333 Here is how a C@t{++} @code{std::string} looks without a pretty-printer:
12336 (@value{GDBP}) print s
12338 static npos = 4294967295,
12340 <std::allocator<char>> = @{
12341 <__gnu_cxx::new_allocator<char>> = @{
12342 <No data fields>@}, <No data fields>
12344 members of std::basic_string<char, std::char_traits<char>,
12345 std::allocator<char> >::_Alloc_hider:
12346 _M_p = 0x804a014 "abcd"
12351 With a pretty-printer for @code{std::string} only the contents are printed:
12354 (@value{GDBP}) print s
12358 @node Pretty-Printer Commands
12359 @subsection Pretty-Printer Commands
12360 @cindex pretty-printer commands
12363 @kindex info pretty-printer
12364 @item info pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
12365 Print the list of installed pretty-printers.
12366 This includes disabled pretty-printers, which are marked as such.
12368 @var{object-regexp} is a regular expression matching the objects
12369 whose pretty-printers to list.
12370 Objects can be @code{global}, the program space's file
12371 (@pxref{Progspaces In Python}),
12372 and the object files within that program space (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}).
12373 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for details on how @value{GDBN}
12374 looks up a printer from these three objects.
12376 @var{name-regexp} is a regular expression matching the name of the printers
12379 @kindex disable pretty-printer
12380 @item disable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
12381 Disable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
12382 A disabled pretty-printer is not forgotten, it may be enabled again later.
12384 @kindex enable pretty-printer
12385 @item enable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
12386 Enable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
12391 Suppose we have three pretty-printers installed: one from library1.so
12392 named @code{foo} that prints objects of type @code{foo}, and
12393 another from library2.so named @code{bar} that prints two types of objects,
12394 @code{bar1} and @code{bar2}.
12398 (@value{GDBP}) info pretty-printer
12407 (@value{GDBP}) info pretty-printer library2
12414 (@value{GDBP}) disable pretty-printer library1
12416 2 of 3 printers enabled
12417 (@value{GDBP}) info pretty-printer
12426 (@value{GDBP}) disable pretty-printer library2 bar;bar1
12428 1 of 3 printers enabled
12429 (@value{GDBP}) info pretty-printer library2
12436 (@value{GDBP}) disable pretty-printer library2 bar
12438 0 of 3 printers enabled
12439 (@value{GDBP}) info pretty-printer
12449 Note that for @code{bar} the entire printer can be disabled,
12450 as can each individual subprinter.
12452 Printing values and frame arguments is done by default using
12453 the enabled pretty printers.
12455 The print option @code{-raw-values} and @value{GDBN} setting
12456 @code{set print raw-values} (@pxref{set print raw-values}) can be
12457 used to print values without applying the enabled pretty printers.
12459 Similarly, the backtrace option @code{-raw-frame-arguments} and
12460 @value{GDBN} setting @code{set print raw-frame-arguments}
12461 (@pxref{set print raw-frame-arguments}) can be used to ignore the
12462 enabled pretty printers when printing frame argument values.
12464 @node Value History
12465 @section Value History
12467 @cindex value history
12468 @cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
12469 Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
12470 @dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
12471 Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
12472 (for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
12473 When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
12474 since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
12479 @cindex history number
12480 The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
12481 refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
12482 @code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
12483 printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
12486 To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
12487 history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
12488 remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
12489 the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
12490 @code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
12491 is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
12492 @code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
12494 For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
12495 want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
12501 If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
12502 to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
12509 You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
12510 command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
12512 Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
12513 @code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
12521 then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
12522 remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
12525 @kindex show values
12527 Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
12528 This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
12529 values} does not change the history.
12531 @item show values @var{n}
12532 Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
12534 @item show values +
12535 Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
12536 values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
12539 Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
12540 same effect as @samp{show values +}.
12542 @node Convenience Vars
12543 @section Convenience Variables
12545 @cindex convenience variables
12546 @cindex user-defined variables
12547 @value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
12548 @value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
12549 exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
12550 setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
12551 of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
12553 Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
12554 @samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
12555 the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
12556 (Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
12557 by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
12559 You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
12560 expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
12564 set $foo = *object_ptr
12568 would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
12571 Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
12572 value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
12573 value with another assignment at any time.
12575 Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
12576 variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
12577 that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
12578 variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
12581 @kindex show convenience
12582 @cindex show all user variables and functions
12583 @item show convenience
12584 Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values,
12585 as well as a list of the convenience functions.
12586 Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
12588 @kindex init-if-undefined
12589 @cindex convenience variables, initializing
12590 @item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
12591 Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
12592 for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
12593 to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
12594 convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
12595 override default values used in a command script.
12597 If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
12598 any side-effects do not occur.
12601 One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
12602 incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
12603 a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
12607 print bar[$i++]->contents
12611 Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
12613 Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
12614 values likely to be useful.
12617 @vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
12619 The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
12620 the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
12621 commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
12622 set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
12623 and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
12624 except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
12625 to the type of @code{$__}.
12627 @vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
12629 The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
12630 to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
12631 to match the format in which the data was printed.
12634 @vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
12635 When the program being debugged terminates normally, @value{GDBN}
12636 automatically sets this variable to the exit code of the program, and
12637 resets @code{$_exitsignal} to @code{void}.
12640 @vindex $_exitsignal@r{, convenience variable}
12641 When the program being debugged dies due to an uncaught signal,
12642 @value{GDBN} automatically sets this variable to that signal's number,
12643 and resets @code{$_exitcode} to @code{void}.
12645 To distinguish between whether the program being debugged has exited
12646 (i.e., @code{$_exitcode} is not @code{void}) or signalled (i.e.,
12647 @code{$_exitsignal} is not @code{void}), the convenience function
12648 @code{$_isvoid} can be used (@pxref{Convenience Funs,, Convenience
12649 Functions}). For example, considering the following source code:
12652 #include <signal.h>
12655 main (int argc, char *argv[])
12662 A valid way of telling whether the program being debugged has exited
12663 or signalled would be:
12666 (@value{GDBP}) define has_exited_or_signalled
12667 Type commands for definition of ``has_exited_or_signalled''.
12668 End with a line saying just ``end''.
12669 >if $_isvoid ($_exitsignal)
12670 >echo The program has exited\n
12672 >echo The program has signalled\n
12678 Program terminated with signal SIGALRM, Alarm clock.
12679 The program no longer exists.
12680 (@value{GDBP}) has_exited_or_signalled
12681 The program has signalled
12684 As can be seen, @value{GDBN} correctly informs that the program being
12685 debugged has signalled, since it calls @code{raise} and raises a
12686 @code{SIGALRM} signal. If the program being debugged had not called
12687 @code{raise}, then @value{GDBN} would report a normal exit:
12690 (@value{GDBP}) has_exited_or_signalled
12691 The program has exited
12695 The variable @code{$_exception} is set to the exception object being
12696 thrown at an exception-related catchpoint. @xref{Set Catchpoints}.
12698 @item $_ada_exception
12699 The variable @code{$_ada_exception} is set to the address of the
12700 exception being caught or thrown at an Ada exception-related
12701 catchpoint. @xref{Set Catchpoints}.
12704 @itemx $_probe_arg0@dots{}$_probe_arg11
12705 Arguments to a static probe. @xref{Static Probe Points}.
12708 @vindex $_sdata@r{, inspect, convenience variable}
12709 The variable @code{$_sdata} contains extra collected static tracepoint
12710 data. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}. Note that
12711 @code{$_sdata} could be empty, if not inspecting a trace buffer, or
12712 if extra static tracepoint data has not been collected.
12715 @vindex $_siginfo@r{, convenience variable}
12716 The variable @code{$_siginfo} contains extra signal information
12717 (@pxref{extra signal information}). Note that @code{$_siginfo}
12718 could be empty, if the application has not yet received any signals.
12719 For example, it will be empty before you execute the @code{run} command.
12722 @vindex $_tlb@r{, convenience variable}
12723 The variable @code{$_tlb} is automatically set when debugging
12724 applications running on MS-Windows in native mode or connected to
12725 gdbserver that supports the @code{qGetTIBAddr} request.
12726 @xref{General Query Packets}.
12727 This variable contains the address of the thread information block.
12730 The number of the current inferior. @xref{Inferiors Connections and
12731 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors Connections and Programs}.
12734 The thread number of the current thread. @xref{thread numbers}.
12737 The global number of the current thread. @xref{global thread numbers}.
12739 @item $_inferior_thread_count
12740 The number of live threads in the current inferior. @xref{Threads}.
12744 @vindex $_gdb_major@r{, convenience variable}
12745 @vindex $_gdb_minor@r{, convenience variable}
12746 The major and minor version numbers of the running @value{GDBN}.
12747 Development snapshots and pretest versions have their minor version
12748 incremented by one; thus, @value{GDBN} pretest 9.11.90 will produce
12749 the value 12 for @code{$_gdb_minor}. These variables allow you to
12750 write scripts that work with different versions of @value{GDBN}
12751 without errors caused by features unavailable in some of those
12754 @item $_shell_exitcode
12755 @itemx $_shell_exitsignal
12756 @vindex $_shell_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
12757 @vindex $_shell_exitsignal@r{, convenience variable}
12758 @cindex shell command, exit code
12759 @cindex shell command, exit signal
12760 @cindex exit status of shell commands
12761 @value{GDBN} commands such as @code{shell} and @code{|} are launching
12762 shell commands. When a launched command terminates, @value{GDBN}
12763 automatically maintains the variables @code{$_shell_exitcode}
12764 and @code{$_shell_exitsignal} according to the exit status of the last
12765 launched command. These variables are set and used similarly to
12766 the variables @code{$_exitcode} and @code{$_exitsignal}.
12770 @node Convenience Funs
12771 @section Convenience Functions
12773 @cindex convenience functions
12774 @value{GDBN} also supplies some @dfn{convenience functions}. These
12775 have a syntax similar to convenience variables. A convenience
12776 function can be used in an expression just like an ordinary function;
12777 however, a convenience function is implemented internally to
12780 These functions do not require @value{GDBN} to be configured with
12781 @code{Python} support, which means that they are always available.
12785 @item $_isvoid (@var{expr})
12786 @findex $_isvoid@r{, convenience function}
12787 Return one if the expression @var{expr} is @code{void}. Otherwise it
12790 A @code{void} expression is an expression where the type of the result
12791 is @code{void}. For example, you can examine a convenience variable
12792 (see @ref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}) to check whether
12796 (@value{GDBP}) print $_exitcode
12798 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($_exitcode)
12801 Starting program: ./a.out
12802 [Inferior 1 (process 29572) exited normally]
12803 (@value{GDBP}) print $_exitcode
12805 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($_exitcode)
12809 In the example above, we used @code{$_isvoid} to check whether
12810 @code{$_exitcode} is @code{void} before and after the execution of the
12811 program being debugged. Before the execution there is no exit code to
12812 be examined, therefore @code{$_exitcode} is @code{void}. After the
12813 execution the program being debugged returned zero, therefore
12814 @code{$_exitcode} is zero, which means that it is not @code{void}
12817 The @code{void} expression can also be a call of a function from the
12818 program being debugged. For example, given the following function:
12827 The result of calling it inside @value{GDBN} is @code{void}:
12830 (@value{GDBP}) print foo ()
12832 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid (foo ())
12834 (@value{GDBP}) set $v = foo ()
12835 (@value{GDBP}) print $v
12837 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($v)
12841 @item $_gdb_setting_str (@var{setting})
12842 @findex $_gdb_setting_str@r{, convenience function}
12843 Return the value of the @value{GDBN} @var{setting} as a string.
12844 @var{setting} is any setting that can be used in a @code{set} or
12845 @code{show} command (@pxref{Controlling GDB}).
12848 (@value{GDBP}) show print frame-arguments
12849 Printing of non-scalar frame arguments is "scalars".
12850 (@value{GDBP}) p $_gdb_setting_str("print frame-arguments")
12852 (@value{GDBP}) p $_gdb_setting_str("height")
12857 @item $_gdb_setting (@var{setting})
12858 @findex $_gdb_setting@r{, convenience function}
12859 Return the value of the @value{GDBN} @var{setting}.
12860 The type of the returned value depends on the setting.
12862 The value type for boolean and auto boolean settings is @code{int}.
12863 The boolean values @code{off} and @code{on} are converted to
12864 the integer values @code{0} and @code{1}. The value @code{auto} is
12865 converted to the value @code{-1}.
12867 The value type for integer settings is either @code{unsigned int}
12868 or @code{int}, depending on the setting.
12870 Some integer settings accept an @code{unlimited} value.
12871 Depending on the setting, the @code{set} command also accepts
12872 the value @code{0} or the value @code{@minus{}1} as a synonym for
12874 For example, @code{set height unlimited} is equivalent to
12875 @code{set height 0}.
12877 Some other settings that accept the @code{unlimited} value
12878 use the value @code{0} to literally mean zero.
12879 For example, @code{set history size 0} indicates to not
12880 record any @value{GDBN} commands in the command history.
12881 For such settings, @code{@minus{}1} is the synonym
12882 for @code{unlimited}.
12884 See the documentation of the corresponding @code{set} command for
12885 the numerical value equivalent to @code{unlimited}.
12887 The @code{$_gdb_setting} function converts the unlimited value
12888 to a @code{0} or a @code{@minus{}1} value according to what the
12889 @code{set} command uses.
12893 (@value{GDBP}) p $_gdb_setting_str("height")
12895 (@value{GDBP}) p $_gdb_setting("height")
12897 (@value{GDBP}) set height unlimited
12898 (@value{GDBP}) p $_gdb_setting_str("height")
12900 (@value{GDBP}) p $_gdb_setting("height")
12904 (@value{GDBP}) p $_gdb_setting_str("history size")
12906 (@value{GDBP}) p $_gdb_setting("history size")
12908 (@value{GDBP}) p $_gdb_setting_str("disassemble-next-line")
12910 (@value{GDBP}) p $_gdb_setting("disassemble-next-line")
12916 Other setting types (enum, filename, optional filename, string, string noescape)
12917 are returned as string values.
12920 @item $_gdb_maint_setting_str (@var{setting})
12921 @findex $_gdb_maint_setting_str@r{, convenience function}
12922 Like the @code{$_gdb_setting_str} function, but works with
12923 @code{maintenance set} variables.
12925 @item $_gdb_maint_setting (@var{setting})
12926 @findex $_gdb_maint_setting@r{, convenience function}
12927 Like the @code{$_gdb_setting} function, but works with
12928 @code{maintenance set} variables.
12932 The following functions require @value{GDBN} to be configured with
12933 @code{Python} support.
12937 @item $_memeq(@var{buf1}, @var{buf2}, @var{length})
12938 @findex $_memeq@r{, convenience function}
12939 Returns one if the @var{length} bytes at the addresses given by
12940 @var{buf1} and @var{buf2} are equal.
12941 Otherwise it returns zero.
12943 @item $_regex(@var{str}, @var{regex})
12944 @findex $_regex@r{, convenience function}
12945 Returns one if the string @var{str} matches the regular expression
12946 @var{regex}. Otherwise it returns zero.
12947 The syntax of the regular expression is that specified by @code{Python}'s
12948 regular expression support.
12950 @item $_streq(@var{str1}, @var{str2})
12951 @findex $_streq@r{, convenience function}
12952 Returns one if the strings @var{str1} and @var{str2} are equal.
12953 Otherwise it returns zero.
12955 @item $_strlen(@var{str})
12956 @findex $_strlen@r{, convenience function}
12957 Returns the length of string @var{str}.
12959 @item $_caller_is(@var{name}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
12960 @findex $_caller_is@r{, convenience function}
12961 Returns one if the calling function's name is equal to @var{name}.
12962 Otherwise it returns zero.
12964 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
12965 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
12973 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:21
12974 #1 0x00000000004005a0 in middle_func ()
12975 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:27
12976 #2 0x00000000004005ab in top_func ()
12977 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:33
12978 #3 0x00000000004005b6 in main ()
12979 at testsuite/gdb.python/py-caller-is.c:39
12980 (gdb) print $_caller_is ("middle_func")
12982 (gdb) print $_caller_is ("top_func", 2)
12986 @item $_caller_matches(@var{regexp}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
12987 @findex $_caller_matches@r{, convenience function}
12988 Returns one if the calling function's name matches the regular expression
12989 @var{regexp}. Otherwise it returns zero.
12991 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
12992 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
12995 @item $_any_caller_is(@var{name}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
12996 @findex $_any_caller_is@r{, convenience function}
12997 Returns one if any calling function's name is equal to @var{name}.
12998 Otherwise it returns zero.
13000 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
13001 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
13004 This function differs from @code{$_caller_is} in that this function
13005 checks all stack frames from the immediate caller to the frame specified
13006 by @var{number_of_frames}, whereas @code{$_caller_is} only checks the
13007 frame specified by @var{number_of_frames}.
13009 @item $_any_caller_matches(@var{regexp}@r{[}, @var{number_of_frames}@r{]})
13010 @findex $_any_caller_matches@r{, convenience function}
13011 Returns one if any calling function's name matches the regular expression
13012 @var{regexp}. Otherwise it returns zero.
13014 If the optional argument @var{number_of_frames} is provided,
13015 it is the number of frames up in the stack to look.
13018 This function differs from @code{$_caller_matches} in that this function
13019 checks all stack frames from the immediate caller to the frame specified
13020 by @var{number_of_frames}, whereas @code{$_caller_matches} only checks the
13021 frame specified by @var{number_of_frames}.
13023 @item $_as_string(@var{value})
13024 @findex $_as_string@r{, convenience function}
13025 Return the string representation of @var{value}.
13027 This function is useful to obtain the textual label (enumerator) of an
13028 enumeration value. For example, assuming the variable @var{node} is of
13029 an enumerated type:
13032 (gdb) printf "Visiting node of type %s\n", $_as_string(node)
13033 Visiting node of type NODE_INTEGER
13036 @item $_cimag(@var{value})
13037 @itemx $_creal(@var{value})
13038 @findex $_cimag@r{, convenience function}
13039 @findex $_creal@r{, convenience function}
13040 Return the imaginary (@code{$_cimag}) or real (@code{$_creal}) part of
13041 the complex number @var{value}.
13043 The type of the imaginary or real part depends on the type of the
13044 complex number, e.g., using @code{$_cimag} on a @code{float complex}
13045 will return an imaginary part of type @code{float}.
13049 @value{GDBN} provides the ability to list and get help on
13050 convenience functions.
13053 @item help function
13054 @kindex help function
13055 @cindex show all convenience functions
13056 Print a list of all convenience functions.
13063 You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
13064 with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
13065 for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
13069 @kindex info registers
13070 @item info registers
13071 Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
13072 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
13074 @kindex info all-registers
13075 @cindex floating point registers
13076 @item info all-registers
13077 Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
13078 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
13080 @anchor{info_registers_reggroup}
13081 @item info registers @var{reggroup} @dots{}
13082 Print the name and value of the registers in each of the specified
13083 @var{reggroup}s. The @var{reggroup} can be any of those returned by
13084 @code{maint print reggroups} (@pxref{Maintenance Commands}).
13086 @item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
13087 Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
13088 As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
13089 the selected stack frame. The @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
13090 the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
13093 @anchor{standard registers}
13094 @cindex stack pointer register
13095 @cindex program counter register
13096 @cindex process status register
13097 @cindex frame pointer register
13098 @cindex standard registers
13099 @value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
13100 expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
13101 architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
13102 @code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
13103 the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
13104 pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
13105 register that contains the processor status. For example,
13106 you could print the program counter in hex with
13113 or print the instruction to be executed next with
13120 or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
13121 one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
13122 memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
13123 stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
13124 stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
13125 regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
13126 see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
13132 Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
13133 your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
13134 so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
13135 shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
13136 registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
13137 can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
13138 is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
13140 @value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
13141 integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
13142 special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
13143 registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
13144 to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
13145 (although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
13146 @samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
13148 Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
13149 means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
13150 the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
13151 sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
13152 coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
13153 programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
13154 cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
13155 that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
13156 prints the data in both formats.
13158 @cindex SSE registers (x86)
13159 @cindex MMX registers (x86)
13160 Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
13161 in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
13162 have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
13163 together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
13164 registers in @code{struct} notation:
13167 (@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
13169 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
13170 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
13171 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
13172 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
13173 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
13174 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
13175 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
13180 To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
13181 view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
13182 value to a @code{struct} member:
13185 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
13188 Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
13189 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
13190 value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
13191 were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
13192 true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
13193 frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
13195 @cindex caller-saved registers
13196 @cindex call-clobbered registers
13197 @cindex volatile registers
13198 @cindex <not saved> values
13199 Usually ABIs reserve some registers as not needed to be saved by the
13200 callee (a.k.a.: ``caller-saved'', ``call-clobbered'' or ``volatile''
13201 registers). It may therefore not be possible for @value{GDBN} to know
13202 the value a register had before the call (in other words, in the outer
13203 frame), if the register value has since been changed by the callee.
13204 @value{GDBN} tries to deduce where the inner frame saved
13205 (``callee-saved'') registers, from the debug info, unwind info, or the
13206 machine code generated by your compiler. If some register is not
13207 saved, and @value{GDBN} knows the register is ``caller-saved'' (via
13208 its own knowledge of the ABI, or because the debug/unwind info
13209 explicitly says the register's value is undefined), @value{GDBN}
13210 displays @w{@samp{<not saved>}} as the register's value. With targets
13211 that @value{GDBN} has no knowledge of the register saving convention,
13212 if a register was not saved by the callee, then its value and location
13213 in the outer frame are assumed to be the same of the inner frame.
13214 This is usually harmless, because if the register is call-clobbered,
13215 the caller either does not care what is in the register after the
13216 call, or has code to restore the value that it does care about. Note,
13217 however, that if you change such a register in the outer frame, you
13218 may also be affecting the inner frame. Also, the more ``outer'' the
13219 frame is you're looking at, the more likely a call-clobbered
13220 register's value is to be wrong, in the sense that it doesn't actually
13221 represent the value the register had just before the call.
13223 @node Floating Point Hardware
13224 @section Floating Point Hardware
13225 @cindex floating point
13227 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
13228 you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
13233 Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
13234 point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
13235 floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
13236 the ARM and x86 machines.
13240 @section Vector Unit
13241 @cindex vector unit
13243 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
13244 more information about the status of the vector unit.
13247 @kindex info vector
13249 Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
13250 layout vary depending on the hardware.
13253 @node OS Information
13254 @section Operating System Auxiliary Information
13255 @cindex OS information
13257 @value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
13258 you debug your program.
13260 @cindex auxiliary vector
13261 @cindex vector, auxiliary
13262 Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
13263 startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
13264 specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
13265 binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
13266 hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
13267 identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
13268 Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
13269 @value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
13270 targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
13271 support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
13272 @ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
13277 Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
13278 live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
13279 numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
13280 tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
13281 pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
13282 most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
13283 an unrecognized tag.
13286 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating system-specific
13287 information and show it to you. The types of information available
13288 will differ depending on the type of operating system running on the
13289 target. The mechanism used to fetch the data is described in
13290 @ref{Operating System Information}. For remote targets, this
13291 functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
13292 @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
13296 @item info os @var{infotype}
13298 Display OS information of the requested type.
13300 On @sc{gnu}/Linux, the following values of @var{infotype} are valid:
13302 @anchor{linux info os infotypes}
13304 @kindex info os cpus
13306 Display the list of all CPUs/cores. For each CPU/core, @value{GDBN} prints
13307 the available fields from /proc/cpuinfo. For each supported architecture
13308 different fields are available. Two common entries are processor which gives
13309 CPU number and bogomips; a system constant that is calculated during
13310 kernel initialization.
13312 @kindex info os files
13314 Display the list of open file descriptors on the target. For each
13315 file descriptor, @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process
13316 owning the descriptor, the command of the owning process, the value
13317 of the descriptor, and the target of the descriptor.
13319 @kindex info os modules
13321 Display the list of all loaded kernel modules on the target. For each
13322 module, @value{GDBN} prints the module name, the size of the module in
13323 bytes, the number of times the module is used, the dependencies of the
13324 module, the status of the module, and the address of the loaded module
13327 @kindex info os msg
13329 Display the list of all System V message queues on the target. For each
13330 message queue, @value{GDBN} prints the message queue key, the message
13331 queue identifier, the access permissions, the current number of bytes
13332 on the queue, the current number of messages on the queue, the processes
13333 that last sent and received a message on the queue, the user and group
13334 of the owner and creator of the message queue, the times at which a
13335 message was last sent and received on the queue, and the time at which
13336 the message queue was last changed.
13338 @kindex info os processes
13340 Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
13341 @value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, the
13342 command corresponding to the process, and the list of processor cores
13343 that the process is currently running on. (To understand what these
13344 properties mean, for this and the following info types, please consult
13345 the general @sc{gnu}/Linux documentation.)
13347 @kindex info os procgroups
13349 Display the list of process groups on the target. For each process,
13350 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process group that it belongs
13351 to, the command corresponding to the process group leader, the process
13352 identifier, and the command line of the process. The list is sorted
13353 first by the process group identifier, then by the process identifier,
13354 so that processes belonging to the same process group are grouped together
13355 and the process group leader is listed first.
13357 @kindex info os semaphores
13359 Display the list of all System V semaphore sets on the target. For each
13360 semaphore set, @value{GDBN} prints the semaphore set key, the semaphore
13361 set identifier, the access permissions, the number of semaphores in the
13362 set, the user and group of the owner and creator of the semaphore set,
13363 and the times at which the semaphore set was operated upon and changed.
13365 @kindex info os shm
13367 Display the list of all System V shared-memory regions on the target.
13368 For each shared-memory region, @value{GDBN} prints the region key,
13369 the shared-memory identifier, the access permissions, the size of the
13370 region, the process that created the region, the process that last
13371 attached to or detached from the region, the current number of live
13372 attaches to the region, and the times at which the region was last
13373 attached to, detach from, and changed.
13375 @kindex info os sockets
13377 Display the list of Internet-domain sockets on the target. For each
13378 socket, @value{GDBN} prints the address and port of the local and
13379 remote endpoints, the current state of the connection, the creator of
13380 the socket, the IP address family of the socket, and the type of the
13383 @kindex info os threads
13385 Display the list of threads running on the target. For each thread,
13386 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process that the thread
13387 belongs to, the command of the process, the thread identifier, and the
13388 processor core that it is currently running on. The main thread of a
13389 process is not listed.
13393 If @var{infotype} is omitted, then list the possible values for
13394 @var{infotype} and the kind of OS information available for each
13395 @var{infotype}. If the target does not return a list of possible
13396 types, this command will report an error.
13399 @node Memory Region Attributes
13400 @section Memory Region Attributes
13401 @cindex memory region attributes
13403 @dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
13404 required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
13405 attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
13406 accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
13407 target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
13408 fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
13409 user can override the fetched regions.
13411 Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
13412 memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
13413 accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
13414 been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
13417 When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
13418 to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
13422 @item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
13423 Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
13424 attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
13425 monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
13426 case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
13427 (0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
13430 Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
13431 regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
13434 @item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
13435 Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
13436 monitored by @value{GDBN}.
13438 @kindex disable mem
13439 @item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
13440 Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
13441 A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
13442 It may be enabled again later.
13445 @item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
13446 Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
13450 Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
13454 @item Memory Region Number
13455 @item Enabled or Disabled.
13456 Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
13457 Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
13460 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
13463 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
13466 The list of attributes set for this memory region.
13471 @subsection Attributes
13473 @subsubsection Memory Access Mode
13474 The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
13475 write accesses to a memory region.
13477 While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
13478 memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
13479 etc.@: from accessing memory.
13483 Memory is read only.
13485 Memory is write only.
13487 Memory is read/write. This is the default.
13490 @subsubsection Memory Access Size
13491 The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
13492 accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
13493 require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
13494 specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
13498 Use 8 bit memory accesses.
13500 Use 16 bit memory accesses.
13502 Use 32 bit memory accesses.
13504 Use 64 bit memory accesses.
13507 @c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
13508 @c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
13509 @c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
13510 @c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
13514 @c Always use hardware breakpoints
13515 @c @item swbreak (default)
13518 @subsubsection Data Cache
13519 The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
13520 memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
13521 protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
13522 does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
13527 Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
13529 Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
13532 @subsection Memory Access Checking
13533 @value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
13534 not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
13535 regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
13536 better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
13539 @kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
13540 @item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
13541 If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
13542 explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
13543 to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
13544 memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
13545 treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
13546 The default value is @code{on}.
13547 @kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
13548 @item show mem inaccessible-by-default
13549 Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
13553 @c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
13554 @c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
13555 @c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
13559 @c @item noverify (default)
13562 @node Dump/Restore Files
13563 @section Copy Between Memory and a File
13564 @cindex dump/restore files
13565 @cindex append data to a file
13566 @cindex dump data to a file
13567 @cindex restore data from a file
13569 You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
13570 @code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
13571 @code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
13572 @code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
13573 memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex,
13574 Tektronix Hex, or Verilog Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only
13575 append to binary files, and cannot read from Verilog Hex files.
13580 @item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
13581 @itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
13582 Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
13583 or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
13585 The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
13592 Motorola S-record format.
13594 Tektronix Hex format.
13596 Verilog Hex format.
13599 @value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
13600 @sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
13601 @var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
13605 @item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
13606 @itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
13607 Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
13608 or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
13609 (@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
13612 @item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
13613 Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
13614 @code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
13615 file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
13616 must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
13618 If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
13619 contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
13620 they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
13621 a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
13622 from that location.
13624 If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
13625 file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
13626 These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
13627 the @var{bias} argument is applied.
13631 @node Core File Generation
13632 @section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
13633 @cindex dump core from inferior
13635 A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
13636 image of a running process and its process status (register values
13637 etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
13638 crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
13639 automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
13640 the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
13641 the post-mortem debugging mode.
13643 Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
13644 are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
13645 @value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
13649 @kindex generate-core-file
13650 @item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
13651 @itemx gcore [@var{file}]
13652 Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
13653 @var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
13654 specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
13655 @var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
13657 Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
13658 this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, and S390).
13660 On @sc{gnu}/Linux, this command can take into account the value of the
13661 file @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} when generating the core
13662 dump (@pxref{set use-coredump-filter}), and by default honors the
13663 @code{VM_DONTDUMP} flag for mappings where it is present in the file
13664 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/smaps} (@pxref{set dump-excluded-mappings}).
13666 @kindex set use-coredump-filter
13667 @anchor{set use-coredump-filter}
13668 @item set use-coredump-filter on
13669 @itemx set use-coredump-filter off
13670 Enable or disable the use of the file
13671 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} when generating core dump
13672 files. This file is used by the Linux kernel to decide what types of
13673 memory mappings will be dumped or ignored when generating a core dump
13674 file. @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process.
13676 To make use of this feature, you have to write in the
13677 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} file a value, in hexadecimal,
13678 which is a bit mask representing the memory mapping types. If a bit
13679 is set in the bit mask, then the memory mappings of the corresponding
13680 types will be dumped; otherwise, they will be ignored. This
13681 configuration is inherited by child processes. For more information
13682 about the bits that can be set in the
13683 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/coredump_filter} file, please refer to the
13684 manpage of @code{core(5)}.
13686 By default, this option is @code{on}. If this option is turned
13687 @code{off}, @value{GDBN} does not read the @file{coredump_filter} file
13688 and instead uses the same default value as the Linux kernel in order
13689 to decide which pages will be dumped in the core dump file. This
13690 value is currently @code{0x33}, which means that bits @code{0}
13691 (anonymous private mappings), @code{1} (anonymous shared mappings),
13692 @code{4} (ELF headers) and @code{5} (private huge pages) are active.
13693 This will cause these memory mappings to be dumped automatically.
13695 @kindex set dump-excluded-mappings
13696 @anchor{set dump-excluded-mappings}
13697 @item set dump-excluded-mappings on
13698 @itemx set dump-excluded-mappings off
13699 If @code{on} is specified, @value{GDBN} will dump memory mappings
13700 marked with the @code{VM_DONTDUMP} flag. This flag is represented in
13701 the file @file{/proc/@var{pid}/smaps} with the acronym @code{dd}.
13703 The default value is @code{off}.
13706 @node Character Sets
13707 @section Character Sets
13708 @cindex character sets
13710 @cindex translating between character sets
13711 @cindex host character set
13712 @cindex target character set
13714 If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
13715 represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
13716 @value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
13717 you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
13718 character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
13719 @dfn{target character set}.
13721 For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
13722 uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
13723 remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
13724 running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
13725 then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
13726 @sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
13727 target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
13728 @sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
13729 character and string literals in expressions.
13731 @value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
13732 the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
13733 target-charset} command, described below.
13735 Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
13739 @item set target-charset @var{charset}
13740 @kindex set target-charset
13741 Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. To display the
13742 list of supported target character sets, type
13743 @kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
13745 @item set host-charset @var{charset}
13746 @kindex set host-charset
13747 Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
13749 By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
13750 system it is running on; you can override that default using the
13751 @code{set host-charset} command. On some systems, @value{GDBN} cannot
13752 automatically determine the appropriate host character set. In this
13753 case, @value{GDBN} uses @samp{UTF-8}.
13755 @value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
13756 set. If you type @kbd{@w{set host-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
13757 @value{GDBN} will list the host character sets it supports.
13759 @item set charset @var{charset}
13760 @kindex set charset
13761 Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
13762 above, if you type @kbd{@w{set charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
13763 @value{GDBN} will list the names of the character sets that can be used
13764 for both host and target.
13767 @kindex show charset
13768 Show the names of the current host and target character sets.
13770 @item show host-charset
13771 @kindex show host-charset
13772 Show the name of the current host character set.
13774 @item show target-charset
13775 @kindex show target-charset
13776 Show the name of the current target character set.
13778 @item set target-wide-charset @var{charset}
13779 @kindex set target-wide-charset
13780 Set the current target's wide character set to @var{charset}. This is
13781 the character set used by the target's @code{wchar_t} type. To
13782 display the list of supported wide character sets, type
13783 @kbd{@w{set target-wide-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
13785 @item show target-wide-charset
13786 @kindex show target-wide-charset
13787 Show the name of the current target's wide character set.
13790 Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
13791 Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
13792 @file{charset-test.c}:
13798 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
13799 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
13800 char ibm1047_hello[]
13801 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
13802 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
13806 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
13810 In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
13811 containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
13812 encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
13814 We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
13817 $ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
13818 $ gdb -nw charset-test
13819 GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
13820 Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
13825 We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
13826 @value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
13830 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
13831 The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
13835 For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
13836 initial character set:
13838 (@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
13839 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
13840 The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
13844 Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
13845 host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
13846 characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
13847 them properly. Since our current target character set is also
13848 @sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
13851 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
13852 $1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
13853 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
13858 @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
13859 literals you use in expressions:
13862 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
13867 The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
13870 @value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
13871 target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
13872 character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
13875 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
13876 $4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
13877 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
13882 If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
13883 @value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
13886 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
13887 ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
13888 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
13891 We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
13892 program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
13893 @value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
13894 target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
13895 @sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
13898 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
13899 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
13900 The current host character set is `ASCII'.
13901 The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
13902 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
13903 $6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
13904 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
13906 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
13907 $8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
13908 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
13913 As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
13914 string literals you use in expressions:
13917 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
13922 The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
13925 @node Caching Target Data
13926 @section Caching Data of Targets
13927 @cindex caching data of targets
13929 @value{GDBN} caches data exchanged between the debugger and a target.
13930 Each cache is associated with the address space of the inferior.
13931 @xref{Inferiors Connections and Programs}, about inferior and address space.
13932 Such caching generally improves performance in remote debugging
13933 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), because it reduces the overhead of the
13934 remote protocol by bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks.
13935 Unfortunately, simply caching everything would lead to incorrect results,
13936 since @value{GDBN} does not necessarily know anything about volatile
13937 values, memory-mapped I/O addresses, etc. Furthermore, in non-stop mode
13938 (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) memory can be changed @emph{while} a gdb command
13940 Therefore, by default, @value{GDBN} only caches data
13941 known to be on the stack@footnote{In non-stop mode, it is moderately
13942 rare for a running thread to modify the stack of a stopped thread
13943 in a way that would interfere with a backtrace, and caching of
13944 stack reads provides a significant speed up of remote backtraces.} or
13945 in the code segment.
13946 Other regions of memory can be explicitly marked as
13947 cacheable; @pxref{Memory Region Attributes}.
13950 @kindex set remotecache
13951 @item set remotecache on
13952 @itemx set remotecache off
13953 This option no longer does anything; it exists for compatibility
13956 @kindex show remotecache
13957 @item show remotecache
13958 Show the current state of the obsolete remotecache flag.
13960 @kindex set stack-cache
13961 @item set stack-cache on
13962 @itemx set stack-cache off
13963 Enable or disable caching of stack accesses. When @code{on}, use
13964 caching. By default, this option is @code{on}.
13966 @kindex show stack-cache
13967 @item show stack-cache
13968 Show the current state of data caching for memory accesses.
13970 @kindex set code-cache
13971 @item set code-cache on
13972 @itemx set code-cache off
13973 Enable or disable caching of code segment accesses. When @code{on},
13974 use caching. By default, this option is @code{on}. This improves
13975 performance of disassembly in remote debugging.
13977 @kindex show code-cache
13978 @item show code-cache
13979 Show the current state of target memory cache for code segment
13982 @kindex info dcache
13983 @item info dcache @r{[}line@r{]}
13984 Print the information about the performance of data cache of the
13985 current inferior's address space. The information displayed
13986 includes the dcache width and depth, and for each cache line, its
13987 number, address, and how many times it was referenced. This
13988 command is useful for debugging the data cache operation.
13990 If a line number is specified, the contents of that line will be
13993 @item set dcache size @var{size}
13994 @cindex dcache size
13995 @kindex set dcache size
13996 Set maximum number of entries in dcache (dcache depth above).
13998 @item set dcache line-size @var{line-size}
13999 @cindex dcache line-size
14000 @kindex set dcache line-size
14001 Set number of bytes each dcache entry caches (dcache width above).
14002 Must be a power of 2.
14004 @item show dcache size
14005 @kindex show dcache size
14006 Show maximum number of dcache entries. @xref{Caching Target Data, info dcache}.
14008 @item show dcache line-size
14009 @kindex show dcache line-size
14010 Show default size of dcache lines.
14012 @item maint flush dcache
14013 @cindex dcache, flushing
14014 @kindex maint flush dcache
14015 Flush the contents (if any) of the dcache. This maintainer command is
14016 useful when debugging the dcache implementation.
14020 @node Searching Memory
14021 @section Search Memory
14022 @cindex searching memory
14024 Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
14025 @code{find} command.
14029 @item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
14030 @itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
14031 Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
14032 etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
14033 @var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
14036 @var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
14037 They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
14040 @item @var{s}, search query size
14041 The size of each search query value.
14047 halfwords (two bytes)
14051 giant words (eight bytes)
14054 All values are interpreted in the current language.
14055 This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
14056 then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
14057 The null terminator can be removed from searching by using casts,
14058 e.g.: @samp{@{char[5]@}"hello"}.
14060 If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
14061 value's type in the current language.
14062 This is useful when one wants to specify the search
14063 pattern as a mixture of types.
14064 Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
14065 a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
14066 which is typically four bytes.
14068 @item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
14069 The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
14072 You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
14074 The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
14075 regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
14077 The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
14078 number of matches found.
14080 The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
14082 A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
14084 For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
14090 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
14091 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
14092 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
14093 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
14094 printf ("%s\n", hello);
14099 you get during debugging:
14102 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
14103 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
14105 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
14106 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
14107 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
14109 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), @{char[5]@}"hello"
14110 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
14111 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
14113 (gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
14114 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
14116 (gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
14117 0x8049560 <mixed.1625>
14119 (gdb) print $numfound
14122 $2 = (void *) 0x8049560
14126 @section Value Sizes
14128 Whenever @value{GDBN} prints a value memory will be allocated within
14129 @value{GDBN} to hold the contents of the value. It is possible in
14130 some languages with dynamic typing systems, that an invalid program
14131 may indicate a value that is incorrectly large, this in turn may cause
14132 @value{GDBN} to try and allocate an overly large amount of memory.
14135 @kindex set max-value-size
14136 @item set max-value-size @var{bytes}
14137 @itemx set max-value-size unlimited
14138 Set the maximum size of memory that @value{GDBN} will allocate for the
14139 contents of a value to @var{bytes}, trying to display a value that
14140 requires more memory than that will result in an error.
14142 Setting this variable does not effect values that have already been
14143 allocated within @value{GDBN}, only future allocations.
14145 There's a minimum size that @code{max-value-size} can be set to in
14146 order that @value{GDBN} can still operate correctly, this minimum is
14147 currently 16 bytes.
14149 The limit applies to the results of some subexpressions as well as to
14150 complete expressions. For example, an expression denoting a simple
14151 integer component, such as @code{x.y.z}, may fail if the size of
14152 @var{x.y} is dynamic and exceeds @var{bytes}. On the other hand,
14153 @value{GDBN} is sometimes clever; the expression @code{A[i]}, where
14154 @var{A} is an array variable with non-constant size, will generally
14155 succeed regardless of the bounds on @var{A}, as long as the component
14156 size is less than @var{bytes}.
14158 The default value of @code{max-value-size} is currently 64k.
14160 @kindex show max-value-size
14161 @item show max-value-size
14162 Show the maximum size of memory, in bytes, that @value{GDBN} will
14163 allocate for the contents of a value.
14166 @node Optimized Code
14167 @chapter Debugging Optimized Code
14168 @cindex optimized code, debugging
14169 @cindex debugging optimized code
14171 Almost all compilers support optimization. With optimization
14172 disabled, the compiler generates assembly code that corresponds
14173 directly to your source code, in a simplistic way. As the compiler
14174 applies more powerful optimizations, the generated assembly code
14175 diverges from your original source code. With help from debugging
14176 information generated by the compiler, @value{GDBN} can map from
14177 the running program back to constructs from your original source.
14179 @value{GDBN} is more accurate with optimization disabled. If you
14180 can recompile without optimization, it is easier to follow the
14181 progress of your program during debugging. But, there are many cases
14182 where you may need to debug an optimized version.
14184 When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
14185 optimizer has rearranged your code; the debugger shows you what is
14186 really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
14187 exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
14188 variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
14189 variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
14191 Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
14192 @samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
14193 doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
14194 please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
14195 @xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
14198 * Inline Functions:: How @value{GDBN} presents inlining
14199 * Tail Call Frames:: @value{GDBN} analysis of jumps to functions
14202 @node Inline Functions
14203 @section Inline Functions
14204 @cindex inline functions, debugging
14206 @dfn{Inlining} is an optimization that inserts a copy of the function
14207 body directly at each call site, instead of jumping to a shared
14208 routine. @value{GDBN} displays inlined functions just like
14209 non-inlined functions. They appear in backtraces. You can view their
14210 arguments and local variables, step into them with @code{step}, skip
14211 them with @code{next}, and escape from them with @code{finish}.
14212 You can check whether a function was inlined by using the
14213 @code{info frame} command.
14215 For @value{GDBN} to support inlined functions, the compiler must
14216 record information about inlining in the debug information ---
14217 @value{NGCC} using the @sc{dwarf 2} format does this, and several
14218 other compilers do also. @value{GDBN} only supports inlined functions
14219 when using @sc{dwarf 2}. Versions of @value{NGCC} before 4.1
14220 do not emit two required attributes (@samp{DW_AT_call_file} and
14221 @samp{DW_AT_call_line}); @value{GDBN} does not display inlined
14222 function calls with earlier versions of @value{NGCC}. It instead
14223 displays the arguments and local variables of inlined functions as
14224 local variables in the caller.
14226 The body of an inlined function is directly included at its call site;
14227 unlike a non-inlined function, there are no instructions devoted to
14228 the call. @value{GDBN} still pretends that the call site and the
14229 start of the inlined function are different instructions. Stepping to
14230 the call site shows the call site, and then stepping again shows
14231 the first line of the inlined function, even though no additional
14232 instructions are executed.
14234 This makes source-level debugging much clearer; you can see both the
14235 context of the call and then the effect of the call. Only stepping by
14236 a single instruction using @code{stepi} or @code{nexti} does not do
14237 this; single instruction steps always show the inlined body.
14239 There are some ways that @value{GDBN} does not pretend that inlined
14240 function calls are the same as normal calls:
14244 Setting breakpoints at the call site of an inlined function may not
14245 work, because the call site does not contain any code. @value{GDBN}
14246 may incorrectly move the breakpoint to the next line of the enclosing
14247 function, after the call. This limitation will be removed in a future
14248 version of @value{GDBN}; until then, set a breakpoint on an earlier line
14249 or inside the inlined function instead.
14252 @value{GDBN} cannot locate the return value of inlined calls after
14253 using the @code{finish} command. This is a limitation of compiler-generated
14254 debugging information; after @code{finish}, you can step to the next line
14255 and print a variable where your program stored the return value.
14259 @node Tail Call Frames
14260 @section Tail Call Frames
14261 @cindex tail call frames, debugging
14263 Function @code{B} can call function @code{C} in its very last statement. In
14264 unoptimized compilation the call of @code{C} is immediately followed by return
14265 instruction at the end of @code{B} code. Optimizing compiler may replace the
14266 call and return in function @code{B} into one jump to function @code{C}
14267 instead. Such use of a jump instruction is called @dfn{tail call}.
14269 During execution of function @code{C}, there will be no indication in the
14270 function call stack frames that it was tail-called from @code{B}. If function
14271 @code{A} regularly calls function @code{B} which tail-calls function @code{C},
14272 then @value{GDBN} will see @code{A} as the caller of @code{C}. However, in
14273 some cases @value{GDBN} can determine that @code{C} was tail-called from
14274 @code{B}, and it will then create fictitious call frame for that, with the
14275 return address set up as if @code{B} called @code{C} normally.
14277 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
14278 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_call_site} tags. With
14279 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
14282 @kbd{info frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info}) will indicate the tail call frame
14283 kind by text @code{tail call frame} such as in this sample @value{GDBN} output:
14287 0x40066b <b(int, double)+11>: jmp 0x400640 <c(int, double)>
14289 Stack level 1, frame at 0x7fffffffda30:
14290 rip = 0x40066d in b (amd64-entry-value.cc:59); saved rip 0x4004c5
14291 tail call frame, caller of frame at 0x7fffffffda30
14292 source language c++.
14293 Arglist at unknown address.
14294 Locals at unknown address, Previous frame's sp is 0x7fffffffda30
14297 The detection of all the possible code path executions can find them ambiguous.
14298 There is no execution history stored (possible @ref{Reverse Execution} is never
14299 used for this purpose) and the last known caller could have reached the known
14300 callee by multiple different jump sequences. In such case @value{GDBN} still
14301 tries to show at least all the unambiguous top tail callers and all the
14302 unambiguous bottom tail calees, if any.
14305 @anchor{set debug entry-values}
14306 @item set debug entry-values
14307 @kindex set debug entry-values
14308 When set to on, enables printing of analysis messages for both frame argument
14309 values at function entry and tail calls. It will show all the possible valid
14310 tail calls code paths it has considered. It will also print the intersection
14311 of them with the final unambiguous (possibly partial or even empty) code path
14314 @item show debug entry-values
14315 @kindex show debug entry-values
14316 Show the current state of analysis messages printing for both frame argument
14317 values at function entry and tail calls.
14320 The analysis messages for tail calls can for example show why the virtual tail
14321 call frame for function @code{c} has not been recognized (due to the indirect
14322 reference by variable @code{x}):
14325 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void);
14326 void (*x) (void) = c;
14327 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
14328 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ a (); @}
14329 int main (void) @{ x (); return 0; @}
14331 Breakpoint 1, DW_OP_entry_value resolving cannot find
14332 DW_TAG_call_site 0x40039a in main
14334 3 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
14337 #1 0x000000000040039a in main () at t.c:5
14340 Another possibility is an ambiguous virtual tail call frames resolution:
14344 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) f (void) @{ i++; @}
14345 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) e (void) @{ f (); @}
14346 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) d (void) @{ f (); @}
14347 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ d (); @}
14348 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (void)
14349 @{ if (i) c (); else e (); @}
14350 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ b (); @}
14351 int main (void) @{ a (); return 0; @}
14353 tailcall: initial: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004ce(b) 0x4004b2(c) 0x4004a2(d)
14354 tailcall: compare: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004cc(b) 0x400492(e)
14355 tailcall: reduced: 0x4004d2(a) |
14358 #1 0x00000000004004d2 in a () at t.c:8
14359 #2 0x0000000000400395 in main () at t.c:9
14362 @set CALLSEQ1A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}c@value{ARROW}d@value{ARROW}f}
14363 @set CALLSEQ2A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}e@value{ARROW}f}
14365 @c Convert CALLSEQ#A to CALLSEQ#B depending on HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK.
14366 @ifset HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
14367 @set ARROW @click{}
14368 @set CALLSEQ1B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ1A}}
14369 @set CALLSEQ2B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ2A}}
14371 @ifclear HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
14373 @set CALLSEQ1B @value{CALLSEQ1A}
14374 @set CALLSEQ2B @value{CALLSEQ2A}
14377 Frames #0 and #2 are real, #1 is a virtual tail call frame.
14378 The code can have possible execution paths @value{CALLSEQ1B} or
14379 @value{CALLSEQ2B}, @value{GDBN} cannot find which one from the inferior state.
14381 @code{initial:} state shows some random possible calling sequence @value{GDBN}
14382 has found. It then finds another possible calling sequence - that one is
14383 prefixed by @code{compare:}. The non-ambiguous intersection of these two is
14384 printed as the @code{reduced:} calling sequence. That one could have many
14385 further @code{compare:} and @code{reduced:} statements as long as there remain
14386 any non-ambiguous sequence entries.
14388 For the frame of function @code{b} in both cases there are different possible
14389 @code{$pc} values (@code{0x4004cc} or @code{0x4004ce}), therefore this frame is
14390 also ambiguous. The only non-ambiguous frame is the one for function @code{a},
14391 therefore this one is displayed to the user while the ambiguous frames are
14394 There can be also reasons why printing of frame argument values at function
14399 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (int i) @{ v++; @}
14400 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i);
14401 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (int i) @{ a (i); @}
14402 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i)
14403 @{ if (i) b (i - 1); else c (0); @}
14404 int main (void) @{ a (5); return 0; @}
14407 #0 c (i=i@@entry=0) at t.c:2
14408 #1 0x0000000000400428 in a (DW_OP_entry_value resolving has found
14409 function "a" at 0x400420 can call itself via tail calls
14410 i=<optimized out>) at t.c:6
14411 #2 0x000000000040036e in main () at t.c:7
14414 @value{GDBN} cannot find out from the inferior state if and how many times did
14415 function @code{a} call itself (via function @code{b}) as these calls would be
14416 tail calls. Such tail calls would modify the @code{i} variable, therefore
14417 @value{GDBN} cannot be sure the value it knows would be right - @value{GDBN}
14418 prints @code{<optimized out>} instead.
14421 @chapter C Preprocessor Macros
14423 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
14424 ``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
14425 @value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
14426 the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
14427 where it was defined.
14429 You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
14430 with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
14431 include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
14432 with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
14434 A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
14435 and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
14436 points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
14437 no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
14438 uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
14439 @value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
14442 Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
14443 macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
14444 the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
14448 @kindex macro expand
14449 @cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
14450 @cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
14451 @cindex expanding preprocessor macros
14452 @item macro expand @var{expression}
14453 @itemx macro exp @var{expression}
14454 Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
14455 @var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
14456 not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
14457 it can be any string of tokens.
14460 @item macro expand-once @var{expression}
14461 @itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
14462 @cindex expand macro once
14463 @i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
14464 expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
14465 @var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
14466 left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
14467 particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
14468 expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
14469 parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
14470 can be any string of tokens.
14473 @cindex macro definition, showing
14474 @cindex definition of a macro, showing
14475 @cindex macros, from debug info
14476 @item info macro [-a|-all] [--] @var{macro}
14477 Show the current definition or all definitions of the named @var{macro},
14478 and describe the source location or compiler command-line where that
14479 definition was established. The optional double dash is to signify the end of
14480 argument processing and the beginning of @var{macro} for non C-like macros where
14481 the macro may begin with a hyphen.
14483 @kindex info macros
14484 @item info macros @var{locspec}
14485 Show all macro definitions that are in effect at the source line of
14486 the code location that results from resolving @var{locspec}, and
14487 describe the source location or compiler command-line where those
14488 definitions were established.
14490 @kindex macro define
14491 @cindex user-defined macros
14492 @cindex defining macros interactively
14493 @cindex macros, user-defined
14494 @item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
14495 @itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
14496 Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
14497 invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
14498 @var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
14499 ``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
14500 defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
14503 A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
14504 expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
14505 @code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
14506 all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
14507 as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
14509 @kindex macro undef
14510 @item macro undef @var{macro}
14511 Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
14512 This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
14513 define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
14514 in the program being debugged.
14518 List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
14521 @cindex macros, example of debugging with
14522 Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
14523 show our source files:
14528 #include "sample.h"
14531 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
14536 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
14538 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
14540 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
14547 Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
14548 @value{NGCC}. We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2}@footnote{This is the
14549 minimum. Recent versions of @value{NGCC} support @option{-gdwarf-3}
14550 and @option{-gdwarf-4}; we recommend always choosing the most recent
14551 version of DWARF.} @emph{and} @option{-g3} flags to ensure the compiler
14552 includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
14556 $ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
14560 Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
14564 GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
14565 Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
14566 GDB is free software, @dots{}
14570 We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
14571 program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
14572 to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
14575 (@value{GDBP}) list main
14578 5 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
14583 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
14585 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
14586 (@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
14587 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
14588 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
14589 (@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
14590 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
14591 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
14593 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
14594 expands to: (42 + 1)
14595 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
14596 expands to: once (M + 1)
14600 In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
14601 the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
14602 @code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
14603 which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
14605 Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
14606 force at the source line of the current stack frame:
14609 (@value{GDBP}) break main
14610 Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
14612 Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
14614 Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
14615 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
14619 At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
14622 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
14623 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
14625 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
14626 expands to: 28 < 42
14627 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
14632 As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
14633 give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
14634 thereof) in force at each point:
14637 (@value{GDBP}) next
14639 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
14640 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
14641 The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
14642 at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
14643 (@value{GDBP}) next
14645 14 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
14646 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
14647 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
14649 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
14650 expands to: 1729 < 42
14651 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
14656 In addition to source files, macros can be defined on the compilation command
14657 line using the @option{-D@var{name}=@var{value}} syntax. For macros defined in
14658 such a way, @value{GDBN} displays the location of their definition as line zero
14659 of the source file submitted to the compiler.
14662 (@value{GDBP}) info macro __STDC__
14663 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:0
14670 @chapter Tracepoints
14671 @c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
14672 @c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
14674 @cindex tracepoints
14675 In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
14676 the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
14677 anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
14678 depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
14679 might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
14680 fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
14681 to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
14683 Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
14684 specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
14685 arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
14686 Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
14687 those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
14688 expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
14689 for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
14690 a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
14691 in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
14692 values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
14693 unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
14695 The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
14696 targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
14697 how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
14698 remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
14699 support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
14700 packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
14703 It is also possible to get trace data from a file, in a manner reminiscent
14704 of corefiles; you specify the filename, and use @code{tfind} to search
14705 through the file. @xref{Trace Files}, for more details.
14707 This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
14710 * Set Tracepoints::
14711 * Analyze Collected Data::
14712 * Tracepoint Variables::
14716 @node Set Tracepoints
14717 @section Commands to Set Tracepoints
14719 Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
14720 tracepoints can be set. A tracepoint is actually a special type of
14721 breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), so you can manipulate it using
14722 standard breakpoint commands. For instance, as with breakpoints,
14723 tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from one, and many
14724 of the commands associated with tracepoints take the tracepoint number
14725 as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to work on.
14727 For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
14728 of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
14729 it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
14730 local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
14731 commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
14732 tracepoint was hit.
14734 Tracepoints do not support every breakpoint feature. Ignore counts on
14735 tracepoints have no effect, and tracepoints cannot run @value{GDBN}
14736 commands when they are hit. Tracepoints may not be thread-specific
14739 @cindex fast tracepoints
14740 Some targets may support @dfn{fast tracepoints}, which are inserted in
14741 a different way (such as with a jump instead of a trap), that is
14742 faster but possibly restricted in where they may be installed.
14744 @cindex static tracepoints
14745 @cindex markers, static tracepoints
14746 @cindex probing markers, static tracepoints
14747 Regular and fast tracepoints are dynamic tracing facilities, meaning
14748 that they can be used to insert tracepoints at (almost) any location
14749 in the target. Some targets may also support controlling @dfn{static
14750 tracepoints} from @value{GDBN}. With static tracing, a set of
14751 instrumentation points, also known as @dfn{markers}, are embedded in
14752 the target program, and can be activated or deactivated by name or
14753 address. These are usually placed at locations which facilitate
14754 investigating what the target is actually doing. @value{GDBN}'s
14755 support for static tracing includes being able to list instrumentation
14756 points, and attach them with @value{GDBN} defined high level
14757 tracepoints that expose the whole range of convenience of
14758 @value{GDBN}'s tracepoints support. Namely, support for collecting
14759 registers values and values of global or local (to the instrumentation
14760 point) variables; tracepoint conditions and trace state variables.
14761 The act of installing a @value{GDBN} static tracepoint on an
14762 instrumentation point, or marker, is referred to as @dfn{probing} a
14763 static tracepoint marker.
14765 @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints on some target systems.
14766 @xref{Server,,Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}}.
14768 This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
14769 conditions and actions.
14772 * Create and Delete Tracepoints::
14773 * Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
14774 * Tracepoint Passcounts::
14775 * Tracepoint Conditions::
14776 * Trace State Variables::
14777 * Tracepoint Actions::
14778 * Listing Tracepoints::
14779 * Listing Static Tracepoint Markers::
14780 * Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
14781 * Tracepoint Restrictions::
14784 @node Create and Delete Tracepoints
14785 @subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
14788 @cindex set tracepoint
14790 @item trace @var{locspec}
14791 The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
14792 Its argument @var{locspec} can be any valid location specification.
14793 @xref{Location Specifications}. The @code{trace} command defines a tracepoint,
14794 which is a point in the target program where the debugger will briefly stop,
14795 collect some data, and then allow the program to continue. Setting a tracepoint
14796 or changing its actions takes effect immediately if the remote stub
14797 supports the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature (@pxref{install tracepoint
14799 If remote stub doesn't support the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature, all
14800 these changes don't take effect until the next @code{tstart}
14801 command, and once a trace experiment is running, further changes will
14802 not have any effect until the next trace experiment starts. In addition,
14803 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{pending tracepoints}---tracepoints whose
14804 address is not yet resolved. (This is similar to pending breakpoints.)
14805 Pending tracepoints are not downloaded to the target and not installed
14806 until they are resolved. The resolution of pending tracepoints requires
14807 @value{GDBN} support---when debugging with the remote target, and
14808 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the remote stub (@pxref{disconnected
14809 tracing}), pending tracepoints can not be resolved (and downloaded to
14810 the remote stub) while @value{GDBN} is disconnected.
14812 Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
14815 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
14817 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
14819 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
14821 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
14823 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
14827 You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
14829 @item trace @var{locspec} if @var{cond}
14830 Set a tracepoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
14831 @var{cond} each time the tracepoint is reached, and collect data only
14832 if the value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
14833 @xref{Tracepoint Conditions, ,Tracepoint Conditions}, for more
14834 information on tracepoint conditions.
14836 @item ftrace @var{locspec} [ if @var{cond} ]
14837 @cindex set fast tracepoint
14838 @cindex fast tracepoints, setting
14840 The @code{ftrace} command sets a fast tracepoint. For targets that
14841 support them, fast tracepoints will use a more efficient but possibly
14842 less general technique to trigger data collection, such as a jump
14843 instruction instead of a trap, or some sort of hardware support. It
14844 may not be possible to create a fast tracepoint at the desired
14845 location, in which case the command will exit with an explanatory
14848 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{ftrace} exactly as for
14851 On 32-bit x86-architecture systems, fast tracepoints normally need to
14852 be placed at an instruction that is 5 bytes or longer, but can be
14853 placed at 4-byte instructions if the low 64K of memory of the target
14854 program is available to install trampolines. Some Unix-type systems,
14855 such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, exclude low addresses from the program's
14856 address space; but for instance with the Linux kernel it is possible
14857 to let @value{GDBN} use this area by doing a @command{sysctl} command
14858 to set the @code{mmap_min_addr} kernel parameter, as in
14861 sudo sysctl -w vm.mmap_min_addr=32768
14865 which sets the low address to 32K, which leaves plenty of room for
14866 trampolines. The minimum address should be set to a page boundary.
14868 @item strace [@var{locspec} | -m @var{marker}] [ if @var{cond} ]
14869 @cindex set static tracepoint
14870 @cindex static tracepoints, setting
14871 @cindex probe static tracepoint marker
14873 The @code{strace} command sets a static tracepoint. For targets that
14874 support it, setting a static tracepoint probes a static
14875 instrumentation point, or marker, found at the code locations that
14876 result from resolving @var{locspec}. It may not be possible to set a
14877 static tracepoint at the desired code location, in which case the
14878 command will exit with an explanatory message.
14880 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{strace} exactly as for
14881 @code{trace}, with the addition that the user can also specify
14882 @code{-m @var{marker}} instead of a location spec. This probes the marker
14883 identified by the @var{marker} string identifier. This identifier
14884 depends on the static tracepoint backend library your program is
14885 using. You can find all the marker identifiers in the @samp{ID} field
14886 of the @code{info static-tracepoint-markers} command output.
14887 @xref{Listing Static Tracepoint Markers,,Listing Static Tracepoint
14888 Markers}. For example, in the following small program using the UST
14894 trace_mark(ust, bar33, "str %s", "FOOBAZ");
14899 the marker id is composed of joining the first two arguments to the
14900 @code{trace_mark} call with a slash, which translates to:
14903 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
14904 Cnt Enb ID Address What
14905 1 n ust/bar33 0x0000000000400ddc in main at stexample.c:22
14911 so you may probe the marker above with:
14914 (@value{GDBP}) strace -m ust/bar33
14917 Static tracepoints accept an extra collect action --- @code{collect
14918 $_sdata}. This collects arbitrary user data passed in the probe point
14919 call to the tracing library. In the UST example above, you'll see
14920 that the third argument to @code{trace_mark} is a printf-like format
14921 string. The user data is then the result of running that formatting
14922 string against the following arguments. Note that @code{info
14923 static-tracepoint-markers} command output lists that format string in
14924 the @samp{Data:} field.
14926 You can inspect this data when analyzing the trace buffer, by printing
14927 the $_sdata variable like any other variable available to
14928 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}.
14931 @cindex last tracepoint number
14932 @cindex recent tracepoint number
14933 @cindex tracepoint number
14934 The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
14935 of the most recently set tracepoint.
14937 @kindex delete tracepoint
14938 @cindex tracepoint deletion
14939 @item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
14940 Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
14941 default is to delete all tracepoints. Note that the regular
14942 @code{delete} command can remove tracepoints also.
14947 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
14949 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
14953 You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
14956 @node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
14957 @subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
14959 These commands are deprecated; they are equivalent to plain @code{disable} and @code{enable}.
14962 @kindex disable tracepoint
14963 @item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
14964 Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
14965 @var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
14966 a trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
14967 a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
14968 If the command is issued during a trace experiment and the debug target
14969 has support for disabling tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the
14970 change will be effective immediately. Otherwise, it will be applied to the
14971 next trace experiment.
14973 @kindex enable tracepoint
14974 @item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
14975 Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. If this command is
14976 issued during a trace experiment and the debug target supports enabling
14977 tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the enabled tracepoints will
14978 become effective immediately. Otherwise, they will become effective the
14979 next time a trace experiment is run.
14982 @node Tracepoint Passcounts
14983 @subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
14987 @cindex tracepoint pass count
14988 @item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
14989 Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
14990 automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
14991 @var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
14992 the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
14993 @var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
14994 passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
14995 given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
15001 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
15002 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
15004 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
15005 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
15006 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
15007 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
15008 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
15009 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
15010 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
15011 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
15012 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
15013 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
15014 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
15018 @node Tracepoint Conditions
15019 @subsection Tracepoint Conditions
15020 @cindex conditional tracepoints
15021 @cindex tracepoint conditions
15023 The simplest sort of tracepoint collects data every time your program
15024 reaches a specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for
15025 a tracepoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
15026 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A
15027 tracepoint with a condition evaluates the expression each time your
15028 program reaches it, and data collection happens only if the condition
15031 Tracepoint conditions can be specified when a tracepoint is set, by
15032 using @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{trace} command.
15033 @xref{Create and Delete Tracepoints, ,Setting Tracepoints}. They can
15034 also be set or changed at any time with the @code{condition} command,
15035 just as with breakpoints.
15037 Unlike breakpoint conditions, @value{GDBN} does not actually evaluate
15038 the conditional expression itself. Instead, @value{GDBN} encodes the
15039 expression into an agent expression (@pxref{Agent Expressions})
15040 suitable for execution on the target, independently of @value{GDBN}.
15041 Global variables become raw memory locations, locals become stack
15042 accesses, and so forth.
15044 For instance, suppose you have a function that is usually called
15045 frequently, but should not be called after an error has occurred. You
15046 could use the following tracepoint command to collect data about calls
15047 of that function that happen while the error code is propagating
15048 through the program; an unconditional tracepoint could end up
15049 collecting thousands of useless trace frames that you would have to
15053 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{trace normal_operation if errcode > 0}
15056 @node Trace State Variables
15057 @subsection Trace State Variables
15058 @cindex trace state variables
15060 A @dfn{trace state variable} is a special type of variable that is
15061 created and managed by target-side code. The syntax is the same as
15062 that for GDB's convenience variables (a string prefixed with ``$''),
15063 but they are stored on the target. They must be created explicitly,
15064 using a @code{tvariable} command. They are always 64-bit signed
15067 Trace state variables are remembered by @value{GDBN}, and downloaded
15068 to the target along with tracepoint information when the trace
15069 experiment starts. There are no intrinsic limits on the number of
15070 trace state variables, beyond memory limitations of the target.
15072 @cindex convenience variables, and trace state variables
15073 Although trace state variables are managed by the target, you can use
15074 them in print commands and expressions as if they were convenience
15075 variables; @value{GDBN} will get the current value from the target
15076 while the trace experiment is running. Trace state variables share
15077 the same namespace as other ``$'' variables, which means that you
15078 cannot have trace state variables with names like @code{$23} or
15079 @code{$pc}, nor can you have a trace state variable and a convenience
15080 variable with the same name.
15084 @item tvariable $@var{name} [ = @var{expression} ]
15086 The @code{tvariable} command creates a new trace state variable named
15087 @code{$@var{name}}, and optionally gives it an initial value of
15088 @var{expression}. The @var{expression} is evaluated when this command is
15089 entered; the result will be converted to an integer if possible,
15090 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error. A subsequent
15091 @code{tvariable} command specifying the same name does not create a
15092 variable, but instead assigns the supplied initial value to the
15093 existing variable of that name, overwriting any previous initial
15094 value. The default initial value is 0.
15096 @item info tvariables
15097 @kindex info tvariables
15098 List all the trace state variables along with their initial values.
15099 Their current values may also be displayed, if the trace experiment is
15102 @item delete tvariable @r{[} $@var{name} @dots{} @r{]}
15103 @kindex delete tvariable
15104 Delete the given trace state variables, or all of them if no arguments
15109 @node Tracepoint Actions
15110 @subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
15114 @cindex tracepoint actions
15115 @item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
15116 This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
15117 tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
15118 specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
15119 recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
15120 @code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
15121 actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
15122 terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
15123 far, the only defined actions are @code{collect}, @code{teval}, and
15124 @code{while-stepping}.
15126 @code{actions} is actually equivalent to @code{commands} (@pxref{Break
15127 Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}), except that only the defined
15128 actions are allowed; any other @value{GDBN} command is rejected.
15130 @cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
15131 To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
15132 and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
15135 (@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
15137 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
15139 (@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
15142 In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
15143 commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
15144 hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
15145 following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
15146 followed by the list of things to be collected after each step in a
15147 sequence of single steps. The @code{while-stepping} command is
15148 terminated by its own separate @code{end} command. Lastly, the action
15149 list is terminated by an @code{end} command.
15152 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
15153 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
15154 Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
15157 > while-stepping 12
15158 > collect $pc, arr[i]
15163 @kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
15164 @item collect@r{[}/@var{mods}@r{]} @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
15165 Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
15166 This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
15167 In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
15168 special arguments are supported:
15172 Collect all registers.
15175 Collect all function arguments.
15178 Collect all local variables.
15181 Collect the return address. This is helpful if you want to see more
15184 @emph{Note:} The return address location can not always be reliably
15185 determined up front, and the wrong address / registers may end up
15186 collected instead. On some architectures the reliability is higher
15187 for tracepoints at function entry, while on others it's the opposite.
15188 When this happens, backtracing will stop because the return address is
15189 found unavailable (unless another collect rule happened to match it).
15192 Collects the number of arguments from the static probe at which the
15193 tracepoint is located.
15194 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
15196 @item $_probe_arg@var{n}
15197 @var{n} is an integer between 0 and 11. Collects the @var{n}th argument
15198 from the static probe at which the tracepoint is located.
15199 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
15202 @vindex $_sdata@r{, collect}
15203 Collect static tracepoint marker specific data. Only available for
15204 static tracepoints. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action
15205 Lists}. On the UST static tracepoints library backend, an
15206 instrumentation point resembles a @code{printf} function call. The
15207 tracing library is able to collect user specified data formatted to a
15208 character string using the format provided by the programmer that
15209 instrumented the program. Other backends have similar mechanisms.
15210 Here's an example of a UST marker call:
15213 const char master_name[] = "$your_name";
15214 trace_mark(channel1, marker1, "hello %s", master_name)
15217 In this case, collecting @code{$_sdata} collects the string
15218 @samp{hello $yourname}. When analyzing the trace buffer, you can
15219 inspect @samp{$_sdata} like any other variable available to
15223 You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
15224 with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
15225 arguments separated by commas; the effect is the same.
15227 The optional @var{mods} changes the usual handling of the arguments.
15228 @code{s} requests that pointers to chars be handled as strings, in
15229 particular collecting the contents of the memory being pointed at, up
15230 to the first zero. The upper bound is by default the value of the
15231 @code{print elements} variable; if @code{s} is followed by a decimal
15232 number, that is the upper bound instead. So for instance
15233 @samp{collect/s25 mystr} collects as many as 25 characters at
15236 The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
15237 particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
15239 @kindex teval @r{(tracepoints)}
15240 @item teval @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
15241 Evaluate the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit. This
15242 command accepts a comma-separated list of expressions. The results
15243 are discarded, so this is mainly useful for assigning values to trace
15244 state variables (@pxref{Trace State Variables}) without adding those
15245 values to the trace buffer, as would be the case if the @code{collect}
15248 @kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
15249 @item while-stepping @var{n}
15250 Perform @var{n} single-step instruction traces after the tracepoint,
15251 collecting new data after each step. The @code{while-stepping}
15252 command is followed by the list of what to collect while stepping
15253 (followed by its own @code{end} command):
15256 > while-stepping 12
15257 > collect $regs, myglobal
15263 Note that @code{$pc} is not automatically collected by
15264 @code{while-stepping}; you need to explicitly collect that register if
15265 you need it. You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
15268 @item set default-collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
15269 @kindex set default-collect
15270 @cindex default collection action
15271 This variable is a list of expressions to collect at each tracepoint
15272 hit. It is effectively an additional @code{collect} action prepended
15273 to every tracepoint action list. The expressions are parsed
15274 individually for each tracepoint, so for instance a variable named
15275 @code{xyz} may be interpreted as a global for one tracepoint, and a
15276 local for another, as appropriate to the tracepoint's location.
15278 @item show default-collect
15279 @kindex show default-collect
15280 Show the list of expressions that are collected by default at each
15285 @node Listing Tracepoints
15286 @subsection Listing Tracepoints
15289 @kindex info tracepoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
15290 @kindex info tp @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
15291 @cindex information about tracepoints
15292 @item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@dots{}@r{]}
15293 Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't
15294 specify a tracepoint number, displays information about all the
15295 tracepoints defined so far. The format is similar to that used for
15296 @code{info breakpoints}; in fact, @code{info tracepoints} is the same
15297 command, simply restricting itself to tracepoints.
15299 A tracepoint's listing may include additional information specific to
15304 its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
15307 the state about installed on target of each location
15311 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
15312 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
15313 1 tracepoint keep y 0x0804ab57 in foo() at main.cxx:7
15315 collect globfoo, $regs
15320 2 tracepoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
15322 2.1 y 0x0804859c in func4 at change-loc.h:35
15323 installed on target
15324 2.2 y 0xb7ffc480 in func4 at change-loc.h:35
15325 installed on target
15326 2.3 y <PENDING> set_tracepoint
15327 3 tracepoint keep y 0x080485b1 in foo at change-loc.c:29
15328 not installed on target
15333 This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
15336 @node Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
15337 @subsection Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
15340 @kindex info static-tracepoint-markers
15341 @cindex information about static tracepoint markers
15342 @item info static-tracepoint-markers
15343 Display information about all static tracepoint markers defined in the
15346 For each marker, the following columns are printed:
15350 An incrementing counter, output to help readability. This is not a
15353 The marker ID, as reported by the target.
15354 @item Enabled or Disabled
15355 Probed markers are tagged with @samp{y}. @samp{n} identifies marks
15356 that are not enabled.
15358 Where the marker is in your program, as a memory address.
15360 Where the marker is in the source for your program, as a file and line
15361 number. If the debug information included in the program does not
15362 allow @value{GDBN} to locate the source of the marker, this column
15363 will be left blank.
15367 In addition, the following information may be printed for each marker:
15371 User data passed to the tracing library by the marker call. In the
15372 UST backend, this is the format string passed as argument to the
15374 @item Static tracepoints probing the marker
15375 The list of static tracepoints attached to the marker.
15379 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
15380 Cnt ID Enb Address What
15381 1 ust/bar2 y 0x0000000000400e1a in main at stexample.c:25
15382 Data: number1 %d number2 %d
15383 Probed by static tracepoints: #2
15384 2 ust/bar33 n 0x0000000000400c87 in main at stexample.c:24
15390 @node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
15391 @subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
15394 @kindex tstart [ @var{notes} ]
15395 @cindex start a new trace experiment
15396 @cindex collected data discarded
15398 This command starts the trace experiment, and begins collecting data.
15399 It has the side effect of discarding all the data collected in the
15400 trace buffer during the previous trace experiment. If any arguments
15401 are supplied, they are taken as a note and stored with the trace
15402 experiment's state. The notes may be arbitrary text, and are
15403 especially useful with disconnected tracing in a multi-user context;
15404 the notes can explain what the trace is doing, supply user contact
15405 information, and so forth.
15407 @kindex tstop [ @var{notes} ]
15408 @cindex stop a running trace experiment
15410 This command stops the trace experiment. If any arguments are
15411 supplied, they are recorded with the experiment as a note. This is
15412 useful if you are stopping a trace started by someone else, for
15413 instance if the trace is interfering with the system's behavior and
15414 needs to be stopped quickly.
15416 @strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
15417 automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
15418 (@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
15421 @cindex status of trace data collection
15422 @cindex trace experiment, status of
15424 This command displays the status of the current trace data
15428 Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
15431 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
15432 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
15433 Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
15434 > collect $regs,$locals,$args
15435 > while-stepping 11
15439 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
15440 [time passes @dots{}]
15441 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
15444 @anchor{disconnected tracing}
15445 @cindex disconnected tracing
15446 You can choose to continue running the trace experiment even if
15447 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target, voluntarily or
15448 involuntarily. For commands such as @code{detach}, the debugger will
15449 ask what you want to do with the trace. But for unexpected
15450 terminations (@value{GDBN} crash, network outage), it would be
15451 unfortunate to lose hard-won trace data, so the variable
15452 @code{disconnected-tracing} lets you decide whether the trace should
15453 continue running without @value{GDBN}.
15456 @item set disconnected-tracing on
15457 @itemx set disconnected-tracing off
15458 @kindex set disconnected-tracing
15459 Choose whether a tracing run should continue to run if @value{GDBN}
15460 has disconnected from the target. Note that @code{detach} or
15461 @code{quit} will ask you directly what to do about a running trace no
15462 matter what this variable's setting, so the variable is mainly useful
15463 for handling unexpected situations, such as loss of the network.
15465 @item show disconnected-tracing
15466 @kindex show disconnected-tracing
15467 Show the current choice for disconnected tracing.
15471 When you reconnect to the target, the trace experiment may or may not
15472 still be running; it might have filled the trace buffer in the
15473 meantime, or stopped for one of the other reasons. If it is running,
15474 it will continue after reconnection.
15476 Upon reconnection, the target will upload information about the
15477 tracepoints in effect. @value{GDBN} will then compare that
15478 information to the set of tracepoints currently defined, and attempt
15479 to match them up, allowing for the possibility that the numbers may
15480 have changed due to creation and deletion in the meantime. If one of
15481 the target's tracepoints does not match any in @value{GDBN}, the
15482 debugger will create a new tracepoint, so that you have a number with
15483 which to specify that tracepoint. This matching-up process is
15484 necessarily heuristic, and it may result in useless tracepoints being
15485 created; you may simply delete them if they are of no use.
15487 @cindex circular trace buffer
15488 If your target agent supports a @dfn{circular trace buffer}, then you
15489 can run a trace experiment indefinitely without filling the trace
15490 buffer; when space runs out, the agent deletes already-collected trace
15491 frames, oldest first, until there is enough room to continue
15492 collecting. This is especially useful if your tracepoints are being
15493 hit too often, and your trace gets terminated prematurely because the
15494 buffer is full. To ask for a circular trace buffer, simply set
15495 @samp{circular-trace-buffer} to on. You can set this at any time,
15496 including during tracing; if the agent can do it, it will change
15497 buffer handling on the fly, otherwise it will not take effect until
15501 @item set circular-trace-buffer on
15502 @itemx set circular-trace-buffer off
15503 @kindex set circular-trace-buffer
15504 Choose whether a tracing run should use a linear or circular buffer
15505 for trace data. A linear buffer will not lose any trace data, but may
15506 fill up prematurely, while a circular buffer will discard old trace
15507 data, but it will have always room for the latest tracepoint hits.
15509 @item show circular-trace-buffer
15510 @kindex show circular-trace-buffer
15511 Show the current choice for the trace buffer. Note that this may not
15512 match the agent's current buffer handling, nor is it guaranteed to
15513 match the setting that might have been in effect during a past run,
15514 for instance if you are looking at frames from a trace file.
15519 @item set trace-buffer-size @var{n}
15520 @itemx set trace-buffer-size unlimited
15521 @kindex set trace-buffer-size
15522 Request that the target use a trace buffer of @var{n} bytes. Not all
15523 targets will honor the request; they may have a compiled-in size for
15524 the trace buffer, or some other limitation. Set to a value of
15525 @code{unlimited} or @code{-1} to let the target use whatever size it
15526 likes. This is also the default.
15528 @item show trace-buffer-size
15529 @kindex show trace-buffer-size
15530 Show the current requested size for the trace buffer. Note that this
15531 will only match the actual size if the target supports size-setting,
15532 and was able to handle the requested size. For instance, if the
15533 target can only change buffer size between runs, this variable will
15534 not reflect the change until the next run starts. Use @code{tstatus}
15535 to get a report of the actual buffer size.
15539 @item set trace-user @var{text}
15540 @kindex set trace-user
15542 @item show trace-user
15543 @kindex show trace-user
15545 @item set trace-notes @var{text}
15546 @kindex set trace-notes
15547 Set the trace run's notes.
15549 @item show trace-notes
15550 @kindex show trace-notes
15551 Show the trace run's notes.
15553 @item set trace-stop-notes @var{text}
15554 @kindex set trace-stop-notes
15555 Set the trace run's stop notes. The handling of the note is as for
15556 @code{tstop} arguments; the set command is convenient way to fix a
15557 stop note that is mistaken or incomplete.
15559 @item show trace-stop-notes
15560 @kindex show trace-stop-notes
15561 Show the trace run's stop notes.
15565 @node Tracepoint Restrictions
15566 @subsection Tracepoint Restrictions
15568 @cindex tracepoint restrictions
15569 There are a number of restrictions on the use of tracepoints. As
15570 described above, tracepoint data gathering occurs on the target
15571 without interaction from @value{GDBN}. Thus the full capabilities of
15572 the debugger are not available during data gathering, and then at data
15573 examination time, you will be limited by only having what was
15574 collected. The following items describe some common problems, but it
15575 is not exhaustive, and you may run into additional difficulties not
15581 Tracepoint expressions are intended to gather objects (lvalues). Thus
15582 the full flexibility of GDB's expression evaluator is not available.
15583 You cannot call functions, cast objects to aggregate types, access
15584 convenience variables or modify values (except by assignment to trace
15585 state variables). Some language features may implicitly call
15586 functions (for instance Objective-C fields with accessors), and therefore
15587 cannot be collected either.
15590 Collection of local variables, either individually or in bulk with
15591 @code{$locals} or @code{$args}, during @code{while-stepping} may
15592 behave erratically. The stepping action may enter a new scope (for
15593 instance by stepping into a function), or the location of the variable
15594 may change (for instance it is loaded into a register). The
15595 tracepoint data recorded uses the location information for the
15596 variables that is correct for the tracepoint location. When the
15597 tracepoint is created, it is not possible, in general, to determine
15598 where the steps of a @code{while-stepping} sequence will advance the
15599 program---particularly if a conditional branch is stepped.
15602 Collection of an incompletely-initialized or partially-destroyed object
15603 may result in something that @value{GDBN} cannot display, or displays
15604 in a misleading way.
15607 When @value{GDBN} displays a pointer to character it automatically
15608 dereferences the pointer to also display characters of the string
15609 being pointed to. However, collecting the pointer during tracing does
15610 not automatically collect the string. You need to explicitly
15611 dereference the pointer and provide size information if you want to
15612 collect not only the pointer, but the memory pointed to. For example,
15613 @code{*ptr@@50} can be used to collect the 50 element array pointed to
15617 It is not possible to collect a complete stack backtrace at a
15618 tracepoint. Instead, you may collect the registers and a few hundred
15619 bytes from the stack pointer with something like @code{*(unsigned char *)$esp@@300}
15620 (adjust to use the name of the actual stack pointer register on your
15621 target architecture, and the amount of stack you wish to capture).
15622 Then the @code{backtrace} command will show a partial backtrace when
15623 using a trace frame. The number of stack frames that can be examined
15624 depends on the sizes of the frames in the collected stack. Note that
15625 if you ask for a block so large that it goes past the bottom of the
15626 stack, the target agent may report an error trying to read from an
15630 If you do not collect registers at a tracepoint, @value{GDBN} can
15631 infer that the value of @code{$pc} must be the same as the address of
15632 the tracepoint and use that when you are looking at a trace frame
15633 for that tracepoint. However, this cannot work if the tracepoint has
15634 multiple locations (for instance if it was set in a function that was
15635 inlined), or if it has a @code{while-stepping} loop. In those cases
15636 @value{GDBN} will warn you that it can't infer @code{$pc}, and default
15641 @node Analyze Collected Data
15642 @section Using the Collected Data
15644 After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
15645 for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
15646 collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
15647 snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
15648 consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
15649 examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
15650 specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
15651 snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
15652 registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
15653 rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
15654 debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
15655 (@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
15656 behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
15657 when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
15658 the buffer will fail.
15661 * tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
15662 * tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
15663 * save tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
15667 @subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
15670 @cindex select trace snapshot
15671 @cindex find trace snapshot
15672 The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
15673 @code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
15674 counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
15675 snapshot is selected.
15677 Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
15681 Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
15682 @code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
15685 Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
15688 Same as @samp{tfind none}.
15691 No argument means find the next trace snapshot or find the first
15692 one if no trace snapshot is selected.
15695 Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
15696 retracing earlier steps.
15698 @item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
15699 Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
15700 proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
15701 argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
15702 for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
15704 @item tfind pc @var{addr}
15705 Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
15706 program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
15707 snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
15708 snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
15710 @item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
15711 Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
15712 addresses (exclusive).
15714 @item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
15715 Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
15716 @var{addr2} (inclusive).
15718 @item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
15719 Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
15720 the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
15721 that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
15722 trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
15723 next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
15724 @code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
15725 stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
15728 The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
15729 designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
15730 instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
15731 snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
15732 trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
15733 simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
15734 snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
15735 @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
15736 The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
15737 for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
15738 no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
15739 (PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
15740 no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
15741 tracepoint as the current one.
15743 In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
15744 these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
15745 scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
15746 you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
15747 registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
15750 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
15751 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
15752 > printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
15753 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
15757 Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
15758 Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
15759 Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
15760 Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
15761 Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
15762 Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
15763 Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
15764 Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
15765 Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
15766 Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
15767 Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
15770 Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
15774 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
15775 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
15776 > printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
15786 @subsection @code{tdump}
15788 @cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
15789 @cindex tracepoint data, display
15791 This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
15792 the current trace snapshot.
15795 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
15796 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
15797 Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
15798 > collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
15801 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
15803 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
15804 #0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
15806 444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
15808 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
15809 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
15810 d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
15814 d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
15817 d7 0x380035 3670069
15818 a0 0x19e24a 1696330
15819 a1 0x3000668 50333288
15821 a3 0x322000 3284992
15822 a4 0x3000698 50333336
15823 a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
15824 fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
15825 sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
15827 pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
15831 p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
15838 gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
15843 @code{tdump} works by scanning the tracepoint's current collection
15844 actions and printing the value of each expression listed. So
15845 @code{tdump} can fail, if after a run, you change the tracepoint's
15846 actions to mention variables that were not collected during the run.
15848 Also, for tracepoints with @code{while-stepping} loops, @code{tdump}
15849 uses the collected value of @code{$pc} to distinguish between trace
15850 frames that were collected at the tracepoint hit, and frames that were
15851 collected while stepping. This allows it to correctly choose whether
15852 to display the basic list of collections, or the collections from the
15853 body of the while-stepping loop. However, if @code{$pc} was not collected,
15854 then @code{tdump} will always attempt to dump using the basic collection
15855 list, and may fail if a while-stepping frame does not include all the
15856 same data that is collected at the tracepoint hit.
15857 @c This is getting pretty arcane, example would be good.
15859 @node save tracepoints
15860 @subsection @code{save tracepoints @var{filename}}
15861 @kindex save tracepoints
15862 @kindex save-tracepoints
15863 @cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
15865 This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
15866 their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
15867 suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
15868 tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
15869 Files}). The @w{@code{save-tracepoints}} command is a deprecated
15870 alias for @w{@code{save tracepoints}}
15872 @node Tracepoint Variables
15873 @section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
15874 @cindex tracepoint variables
15875 @cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
15878 @vindex $trace_frame
15879 @item (int) $trace_frame
15880 The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
15881 snapshot is selected.
15883 @vindex $tracepoint
15884 @item (int) $tracepoint
15885 The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
15887 @vindex $trace_line
15888 @item (int) $trace_line
15889 The line number for the current trace snapshot.
15891 @vindex $trace_file
15892 @item (char []) $trace_file
15893 The source file for the current trace snapshot.
15895 @vindex $trace_func
15896 @item (char []) $trace_func
15897 The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
15900 Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
15901 use @code{output} instead.
15903 Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
15904 stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
15905 data. Note that these are not the same as trace state variables,
15906 which are managed by the target.
15909 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
15911 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
15912 > output $trace_file
15913 > printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
15919 @section Using Trace Files
15920 @cindex trace files
15922 In some situations, the target running a trace experiment may no
15923 longer be available; perhaps it crashed, or the hardware was needed
15924 for a different activity. To handle these cases, you can arrange to
15925 dump the trace data into a file, and later use that file as a source
15926 of trace data, via the @code{target tfile} command.
15931 @item tsave [ -r ] @var{filename}
15932 @itemx tsave [-ctf] @var{dirname}
15933 Save the trace data to @var{filename}. By default, this command
15934 assumes that @var{filename} refers to the host filesystem, so if
15935 necessary @value{GDBN} will copy raw trace data up from the target and
15936 then save it. If the target supports it, you can also supply the
15937 optional argument @code{-r} (``remote'') to direct the target to save
15938 the data directly into @var{filename} in its own filesystem, which may be
15939 more efficient if the trace buffer is very large. (Note, however, that
15940 @code{target tfile} can only read from files accessible to the host.)
15941 By default, this command will save trace frame in tfile format.
15942 You can supply the optional argument @code{-ctf} to save data in CTF
15943 format. The @dfn{Common Trace Format} (CTF) is proposed as a trace format
15944 that can be shared by multiple debugging and tracing tools. Please go to
15945 @indicateurl{http://www.efficios.com/ctf} to get more information.
15947 @kindex target tfile
15951 @item target tfile @var{filename}
15952 @itemx target ctf @var{dirname}
15953 Use the file named @var{filename} or directory named @var{dirname} as
15954 a source of trace data. Commands that examine data work as they do with
15955 a live target, but it is not possible to run any new trace experiments.
15956 @code{tstatus} will report the state of the trace run at the moment
15957 the data was saved, as well as the current trace frame you are examining.
15958 Both @var{filename} and @var{dirname} must be on a filesystem accessible to
15962 (@value{GDBP}) target ctf ctf.ctf
15963 (@value{GDBP}) tfind
15964 Found trace frame 0, tracepoint 2
15965 39 ++a; /* set tracepoint 1 here */
15966 (@value{GDBP}) tdump
15967 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 0:
15971 c = @{"123", "456", "789", "123", "456", "789"@}
15972 d = @{@{@{a = 1, b = 2@}, @{a = 3, b = 4@}@}, @{@{a = 5, b = 6@}, @{a = 7, b = 8@}@}@}
15980 @chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
15983 If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
15984 memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
15985 problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
15989 * How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
15990 * Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
15991 * Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
15992 mapped by asking the inferior.
15993 * Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
15996 @node How Overlays Work
15997 @section How Overlays Work
15998 @cindex mapped overlays
15999 @cindex unmapped overlays
16000 @cindex load address, overlay's
16001 @cindex mapped address
16002 @cindex overlay area
16004 Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
16005 kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
16006 other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
16007 management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
16008 adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
16010 One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
16011 independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
16012 @dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
16013 their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
16014 instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
16015 largest overlay as well.
16017 Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
16018 overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
16019 for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
16022 @c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
16023 @c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
16024 @c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
16028 Data Instruction Larger
16029 Address Space Address Space Address Space
16030 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
16032 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
16033 | program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
16034 | variables | | program | | +-----------+
16035 | and heap | | | | | |
16036 +-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
16037 | | +-----------+ | | | load address
16038 +-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
16040 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
16041 address | | | | | |
16042 | overlay | <-' | | |
16043 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
16044 | | <---. | | load address
16045 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
16052 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
16056 The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
16057 and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
16058 its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
16059 Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
16060 may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
16061 data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
16062 program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
16063 program and the overlay area.
16065 An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
16066 @dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
16067 instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
16068 in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
16069 is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
16070 the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
16071 called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
16073 Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
16074 program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
16075 global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
16080 Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
16081 must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
16082 return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
16083 overlay, and your program will probably crash.
16086 If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
16087 will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
16088 your program's performance.
16091 The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
16092 overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
16093 mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
16094 and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
16095 You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
16096 addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
16097 ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
16100 The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
16101 to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
16102 instruction and data spaces.
16106 The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
16107 improved in many ways:
16112 If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
16113 hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
16114 contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
16115 This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
16116 area in the usual way.
16119 If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
16120 overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
16123 You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
16124 general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
16125 code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
16126 return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
16127 the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
16128 must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
16129 different data overlay into the same mapped area.
16134 @node Overlay Commands
16135 @section Overlay Commands
16137 To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
16138 correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
16139 virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
16140 mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
16141 @value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
16142 variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
16144 @value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
16145 you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
16150 Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
16151 disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
16152 always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
16153 overlay support is disabled.
16155 @item overlay manual
16156 @cindex manual overlay debugging
16157 Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
16158 relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
16159 using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
16160 commands described below.
16162 @item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
16163 @itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
16164 @cindex map an overlay
16165 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
16166 be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
16167 overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
16168 functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
16169 that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
16170 @var{overlay} are now unmapped.
16172 @item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
16173 @itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
16174 @cindex unmap an overlay
16175 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
16176 must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
16177 When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
16178 overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
16181 Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
16182 consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
16183 to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
16184 Overlay Debugging}.
16186 @item overlay load-target
16187 @itemx overlay load
16188 @cindex reloading the overlay table
16189 Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
16190 re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
16191 stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
16192 overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
16193 useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
16195 @item overlay list-overlays
16196 @itemx overlay list
16197 @cindex listing mapped overlays
16198 Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
16199 addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
16203 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
16204 of the function the address falls in:
16207 (@value{GDBP}) print main
16208 $3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
16211 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
16212 unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
16213 asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
16214 unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
16217 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
16218 No sections are mapped.
16219 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
16220 $5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
16223 When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
16227 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
16228 Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
16229 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
16230 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
16231 $6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
16234 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
16235 address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
16236 overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
16237 @code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
16238 code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
16242 @cindex breakpoints in overlays
16243 @cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
16244 You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
16245 @value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
16247 @value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
16248 unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
16249 overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
16250 you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
16251 breakpoints properly.
16255 @node Automatic Overlay Debugging
16256 @section Automatic Overlay Debugging
16257 @cindex automatic overlay debugging
16259 @value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
16260 are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
16261 inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
16262 @code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
16263 looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
16264 current state of the overlays.
16266 Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
16267 @value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
16271 @item @code{_ovly_table}:
16272 This variable must be an array of the following structures:
16277 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
16280 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
16281 unsigned long size;
16283 /* The overlay's load address. */
16286 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
16288 unsigned long mapped;
16292 @item @code{_novlys}:
16293 This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
16294 number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
16298 To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
16299 looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
16300 @code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
16301 executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
16302 the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
16305 In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
16306 @code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
16307 will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
16308 calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
16309 will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
16310 are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
16311 in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
16312 overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
16313 are not being executed.
16315 @node Overlay Sample Program
16316 @section Overlay Sample Program
16317 @cindex overlay example program
16319 When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
16320 at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
16321 addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
16322 Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
16323 since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
16324 architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
16325 portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
16327 However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
16328 program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
16329 suite. The program consists of the following files from
16330 @file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
16334 The main program file.
16336 A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
16341 Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
16344 Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
16345 and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
16348 You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
16349 cross-compiler like this:
16352 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
16353 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
16354 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
16355 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
16356 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
16357 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
16358 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
16359 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
16362 The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
16363 you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
16364 target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
16368 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
16371 Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
16372 rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
16373 dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
16374 Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
16375 represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
16376 @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
16378 @cindex working language
16379 Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
16380 allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
16381 native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
16382 consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
16383 language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
16387 * Setting:: Switching between source languages
16388 * Show:: Displaying the language
16389 * Checks:: Type and range checks
16390 * Supported Languages:: Supported languages
16391 * Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
16395 @section Switching Between Source Languages
16397 There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
16398 set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
16399 @code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
16400 defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
16401 used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
16404 In addition to the working language, every source file that
16405 @value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
16406 file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
16407 source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
16408 language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
16409 controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
16410 show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
16411 set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
16412 set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
16413 Displaying the Language}.
16415 This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
16416 as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
16417 another language. In that case, make the
16418 program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
16419 @value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
16420 program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
16423 * Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
16424 * Manually:: Setting the working language manually
16425 * Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
16429 @subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
16431 If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
16432 @value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
16450 C@t{++} source file
16456 Objective-C source file
16460 Fortran source file
16463 Modula-2 source file
16467 Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
16468 @value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
16471 In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
16472 extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
16475 @subsection Setting the Working Language
16477 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
16478 expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
16481 @kindex set language
16482 If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
16483 command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
16484 a language, such as
16485 @code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
16486 For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
16488 Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
16489 language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
16490 to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
16491 source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
16492 languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
16493 source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
16501 might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
16502 @code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
16503 printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
16504 @code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
16506 @node Automatically
16507 @subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
16509 To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
16510 @samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
16511 then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
16512 frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
16513 working language to the language recorded for the function in that
16514 frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
16515 or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
16516 does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
16517 not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
16519 This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
16520 entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
16521 written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
16522 a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
16523 case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
16526 @section Displaying the Language
16528 The following commands help you find out which language is the
16529 working language, and also what language source files were written in.
16532 @item show language
16533 @anchor{show language}
16534 @kindex show language
16535 Display the current working language. This is the
16536 language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
16537 build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
16540 @kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
16541 Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
16542 working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
16543 @xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
16544 information listed here.
16547 @kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
16548 Display the source language of this source file.
16549 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
16550 information listed here.
16553 In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
16554 not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
16555 with a language explicitly:
16558 @item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
16559 @kindex set extension-language
16560 Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
16561 assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
16563 @item info extensions
16564 @kindex info extensions
16565 List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
16569 @section Type and Range Checking
16571 Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
16572 errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
16573 checking the type of arguments to functions and operators and making
16574 sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
16575 these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
16576 by eliminating type mismatches and providing active checks for range
16577 errors when your program is running.
16579 By default @value{GDBN} checks for these errors according to the
16580 rules of the current source language. Although @value{GDBN} does not check
16581 the statements in your program, it can check expressions entered directly
16582 into @value{GDBN} for evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example.
16585 * Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
16586 * Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
16589 @cindex type checking
16590 @cindex checks, type
16591 @node Type Checking
16592 @subsection An Overview of Type Checking
16594 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, are strongly typed, meaning that the
16595 arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
16596 otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
16597 errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
16600 int klass::my_method(char *b) @{ return b ? 1 : 2; @}
16602 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0)
16605 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0x1234)
16606 Cannot resolve method klass::my_method to any overloaded instance
16609 The second example fails because in C@t{++} the integer constant
16610 @samp{0x1234} is not type-compatible with the pointer parameter type.
16612 For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
16613 @value{GDBN} to not enforce strict type checking or
16614 to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
16615 When type checking is disabled, @value{GDBN} successfully evaluates
16616 expressions like the second example above.
16618 Even if type checking is off, there may be other reasons
16619 related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
16620 For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
16621 a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
16622 with the language in use and usually arise from expressions which make
16623 little sense to evaluate anyway.
16625 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling type checking:
16627 @kindex set check type
16628 @kindex show check type
16630 @item set check type on
16631 @itemx set check type off
16632 Set strict type checking on or off. If any type mismatches occur in
16633 evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
16634 message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
16636 @item show check type
16637 Show the current setting of type checking and whether @value{GDBN}
16638 is enforcing strict type checking rules.
16641 @cindex range checking
16642 @cindex checks, range
16643 @node Range Checking
16644 @subsection An Overview of Range Checking
16646 In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
16647 bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
16648 checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
16649 computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
16650 not exceed the bounds of the array.
16652 For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
16653 @value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
16654 always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
16655 warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
16657 A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
16658 array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
16659 of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
16660 error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
16661 result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
16662 the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
16665 @var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
16668 This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
16669 specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
16670 Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
16672 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
16674 @kindex set check range
16675 @kindex show check range
16677 @item set check range auto
16678 Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
16679 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
16682 @item set check range on
16683 @itemx set check range off
16684 Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
16685 current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
16686 match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
16687 then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
16689 @item set check range warn
16690 Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
16691 but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
16692 expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
16693 memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
16696 @item show check range
16697 Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
16698 being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
16701 @node Supported Languages
16702 @section Supported Languages
16704 @value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, D, Go, Objective-C, Fortran,
16705 OpenCL C, Pascal, Rust, assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
16706 @c This is false ...
16707 Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
16708 language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
16709 and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
16710 ,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
16713 The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
16714 supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
16715 tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
16716 @value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
16717 formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
16718 books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
16719 language reference or tutorial.
16722 * C:: C and C@t{++}
16725 * Objective-C:: Objective-C
16726 * OpenCL C:: OpenCL C
16727 * Fortran:: Fortran
16730 * Modula-2:: Modula-2
16735 @subsection C and C@t{++}
16737 @cindex C and C@t{++}
16738 @cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
16740 Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
16741 to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
16745 @cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
16746 @cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
16747 The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
16748 compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
16749 effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
16750 C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
16751 compiler (@code{aCC}).
16754 * C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
16755 * C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
16756 * C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
16757 * C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
16758 * C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
16759 * Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
16760 * Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
16761 * Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
16765 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
16767 @cindex C and C@t{++} operators
16769 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
16770 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
16771 often defined on groups of types.
16773 For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
16778 @emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
16779 specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
16782 @emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
16783 @code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
16786 @emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
16789 @emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
16794 The following operators are supported. They are listed here
16795 in order of increasing precedence:
16799 The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
16800 are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
16801 expression being the last expression evaluated.
16804 Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
16805 assigned. Defined on scalar types.
16808 Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
16809 and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
16810 @w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence. The operator
16811 @var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
16812 @code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
16815 The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
16816 of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. The argument @var{a}
16817 should be of an integral type.
16820 Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
16823 Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
16826 Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
16829 Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
16832 Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
16835 Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
16836 expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
16838 @item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
16839 Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
16840 Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
16841 and non-zero for true.
16844 left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
16847 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
16850 Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
16853 @item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
16854 Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
16855 defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
16859 Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
16860 operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
16861 when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
16862 operation takes place.
16865 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
16869 Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
16871 For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
16872 allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
16873 to examine the address
16874 where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
16878 Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
16879 precedence as @code{++}.
16882 Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
16886 Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
16891 Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
16892 @value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
16893 pointer based on the stored type information.
16894 Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
16897 Dereferences of pointers to members.
16900 Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
16901 @code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
16904 Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
16907 C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
16908 and @code{class} types.
16911 Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
16912 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
16916 If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
16917 attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
16918 predefined meaning.
16921 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
16923 @cindex C and C@t{++} constants
16925 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
16930 Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
16931 specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
16932 by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
16933 @samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
16937 Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
16938 point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
16939 exponent. An exponent is of the form:
16940 @samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
16941 sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
16942 A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
16943 @samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
16944 the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
16945 a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
16949 Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
16950 integral equivalents.
16953 Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
16954 (@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
16955 (usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
16956 be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
16957 the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
16958 of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
16959 @samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
16960 @samp{\n} for newline.
16962 Wide character constants can be written by prefixing a character
16963 constant with @samp{L}, as in C. For example, @samp{L'x'} is the wide
16964 form of @samp{x}. The target wide character set is used when
16965 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
16968 String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
16969 double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
16970 above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
16971 a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
16974 Wide string constants can be written by prefixing a string constant
16975 with @samp{L}, as in C. The target wide character set is used when
16976 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
16979 Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
16980 to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
16983 Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
16984 and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
16985 integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
16986 and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
16989 @node C Plus Plus Expressions
16990 @subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
16992 @cindex expressions in C@t{++}
16993 @value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
16995 @cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
16996 @cindex C@t{++} compilers
16997 @cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
16998 @cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
17000 @emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use
17001 the proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently,
17002 @value{GDBN} works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled
17003 with the most recent version of @value{NGCC} possible. The DWARF
17004 debugging format is preferred; @value{NGCC} defaults to this on most
17005 popular platforms. Other compilers and/or debug formats are likely to
17006 work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug C@t{++}
17007 code. @xref{Compilation}.
17012 @cindex member functions
17014 Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
17017 count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
17020 @vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
17021 @cindex namespace in C@t{++}
17023 While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
17024 expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
17025 that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
17026 pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}. @code{using}
17027 declarations in the current scope are also respected by @value{GDBN}.
17029 @cindex call overloaded functions
17030 @cindex overloaded functions, calling
17031 @cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
17033 You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
17034 call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
17035 perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
17036 calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
17037 in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
17040 It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
17041 promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
17042 class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
17043 functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
17044 number of function arguments.
17046 Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
17047 @code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
17048 ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
17050 You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
17051 explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
17053 p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
17056 The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
17057 see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
17059 @cindex reference declarations
17061 @value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} lvalue or rvalue
17062 references; you can use them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++}
17063 source---they are automatically dereferenced.
17065 In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
17066 reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
17067 avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
17068 The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
17069 you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
17072 @value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
17073 expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
17074 one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
17075 necessary, for example in an expression like
17076 @samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
17077 resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
17078 debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
17081 @value{GDBN} performs argument-dependent lookup, following the C@t{++}
17086 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
17088 @cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
17090 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set range checking automatically, it
17091 defaults to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
17092 C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
17093 selects the working language.
17095 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
17096 recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
17097 @file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
17098 these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
17099 @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
17100 for further details.
17103 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
17105 @cindex C and C@t{++} checks
17107 By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, strict type
17108 checking is used. However, if you turn type checking off, @value{GDBN}
17109 will allow certain non-standard conversions, such as promoting integer
17110 constants to pointers.
17112 Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
17113 indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
17114 that is not itself an array.
17117 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
17119 The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
17120 the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
17121 inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
17122 appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
17124 The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
17125 with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
17128 @node Debugging C Plus Plus
17129 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
17131 @cindex commands for C@t{++}
17133 Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
17134 designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
17137 @cindex break in overloaded functions
17138 @item @r{breakpoint menus}
17139 When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
17140 @value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
17141 locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
17142 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
17144 @cindex overloading in C@t{++}
17145 @item rbreak @var{regex}
17146 Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
17147 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
17149 @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
17151 @cindex C@t{++} exception handling
17153 @itemx catch rethrow
17155 Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
17156 Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
17158 @cindex inheritance
17159 @item ptype @var{typename}
17160 Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
17162 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
17164 @item info vtbl @var{expression}.
17165 The @code{info vtbl} command can be used to display the virtual
17166 method tables of the object computed by @var{expression}. This shows
17167 one entry per virtual table; there may be multiple virtual tables when
17168 multiple inheritance is in use.
17170 @cindex C@t{++} demangling
17171 @item demangle @var{name}
17172 Demangle @var{name}.
17173 @xref{Symbols}, for a more complete description of the @code{demangle} command.
17175 @cindex C@t{++} symbol display
17176 @item set print demangle
17177 @itemx show print demangle
17178 @itemx set print asm-demangle
17179 @itemx show print asm-demangle
17180 Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
17181 displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
17182 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
17184 @item set print object
17185 @itemx show print object
17186 Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
17187 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
17189 @item set print vtbl
17190 @itemx show print vtbl
17191 Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
17192 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
17193 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
17194 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
17196 @kindex set overload-resolution
17197 @cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
17198 @item set overload-resolution on
17199 Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
17200 is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
17201 and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
17202 using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
17203 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
17204 If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
17206 @item set overload-resolution off
17207 Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
17208 overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
17209 chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
17210 symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
17211 overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
17212 searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
17215 @kindex show overload-resolution
17216 @item show overload-resolution
17217 Show the current setting of overload resolution.
17219 @item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
17220 You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
17221 the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
17222 @code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
17223 also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
17224 available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
17225 @xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
17227 @item @r{Breakpoints in template functions}
17229 Similar to how overloaded symbols are handled, @value{GDBN} will ignore
17230 template parameter lists when it encounters a symbol which includes a
17231 C@t{++} template. This permits setting breakpoints on families of template functions
17232 or functions whose parameters include template types.
17234 The @kbd{-qualified} flag may be used to override this behavior, causing
17235 @value{GDBN} to search for a specific function or type.
17237 The @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facility also understands
17238 template parameters and may be used to list available choices or finish
17239 template parameter lists for you. @xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for
17240 details on how to do this.
17242 @item @r{Breakpoints in functions with ABI tags}
17244 The GNU C@t{++} compiler introduced the notion of ABI ``tags'', which
17245 correspond to changes in the ABI of a type, function, or variable that
17246 would not otherwise be reflected in a mangled name. See
17247 @url{https://developers.redhat.com/blog/2015/02/05/gcc5-and-the-c11-abi/}
17250 The ABI tags are visible in C@t{++} demangled names. For example, a
17251 function that returns a std::string:
17254 std::string function(int);
17258 when compiled for the C++11 ABI is marked with the @code{cxx11} ABI
17259 tag, and @value{GDBN} displays the symbol like this:
17262 function[abi:cxx11](int)
17265 You can set a breakpoint on such functions simply as if they had no
17269 (gdb) b function(int)
17270 Breakpoint 2 at 0x40060d: file main.cc, line 10.
17271 (gdb) info breakpoints
17272 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
17273 1 breakpoint keep y 0x0040060d in function[abi:cxx11](int)
17277 On the rare occasion you need to disambiguate between different ABI
17278 tags, you can do so by simply including the ABI tag in the function
17282 (@value{GDBP}) b ambiguous[abi:other_tag](int)
17286 @node Decimal Floating Point
17287 @subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
17288 @cindex decimal floating point format
17290 @value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
17291 decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
17292 @code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
17293 specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
17295 There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
17296 Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
17297 PowerPC and S/390. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the
17300 Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
17301 to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
17302 (using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
17304 In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
17305 point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
17306 underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
17308 In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
17309 to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers.
17310 See @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
17316 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in D and compiled with
17317 GDC, LDC or DMD compilers. Currently @value{GDBN} supports only one D
17318 specific feature --- dynamic arrays.
17323 @cindex Go (programming language)
17324 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Go and compiled with
17325 @file{gccgo} or @file{6g} compilers.
17327 Here is a summary of the Go-specific features and restrictions:
17330 @cindex current Go package
17331 @item The current Go package
17332 The name of the current package does not need to be specified when
17333 specifying global variables and functions.
17335 For example, given the program:
17339 var myglob = "Shall we?"
17345 When stopped inside @code{main} either of these work:
17349 (gdb) p main.myglob
17352 @cindex builtin Go types
17353 @item Builtin Go types
17354 The @code{string} type is recognized by @value{GDBN} and is printed
17357 @cindex builtin Go functions
17358 @item Builtin Go functions
17359 The @value{GDBN} expression parser recognizes the @code{unsafe.Sizeof}
17360 function and handles it internally.
17362 @cindex restrictions on Go expressions
17363 @item Restrictions on Go expressions
17364 All Go operators are supported except @code{&^}.
17365 The Go @code{_} ``blank identifier'' is not supported.
17366 Automatic dereferencing of pointers is not supported.
17370 @subsection Objective-C
17372 @cindex Objective-C
17373 This section provides information about some commands and command
17374 options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
17375 @ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
17376 few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
17379 * Method Names in Commands::
17380 * The Print Command with Objective-C::
17383 @node Method Names in Commands
17384 @subsubsection Method Names in Commands
17386 The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
17387 names as line specifications:
17389 @kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
17390 @kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
17391 @kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
17392 @kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
17393 @kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
17397 @item @code{info line}
17402 A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
17405 -[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
17408 where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
17409 plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
17410 name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
17411 brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
17412 source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
17413 instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
17417 break -[Fruit create]
17420 To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
17424 list +[NSText initialize]
17427 In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
17428 required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
17429 sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
17430 is also possible to specify just a method name:
17436 You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
17437 your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
17438 you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
17439 method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
17442 As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
17443 @code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
17446 clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
17449 @node The Print Command with Objective-C
17450 @subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
17451 @cindex Objective-C, print objects
17452 @kindex print-object
17453 @kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
17455 The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
17458 print -[@var{object} hash]
17461 @cindex print an Objective-C object description
17462 @cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
17464 will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
17465 and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
17466 @code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
17467 the description of an object. However, this command may only work
17468 with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
17469 function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
17472 @subsection OpenCL C
17475 This section provides information about @value{GDBN}s OpenCL C support.
17478 * OpenCL C Datatypes::
17479 * OpenCL C Expressions::
17480 * OpenCL C Operators::
17483 @node OpenCL C Datatypes
17484 @subsubsection OpenCL C Datatypes
17486 @cindex OpenCL C Datatypes
17487 @value{GDBN} supports the builtin scalar and vector datatypes specified
17488 by OpenCL 1.1. In addition the half- and double-precision floating point
17489 data types of the @code{cl_khr_fp16} and @code{cl_khr_fp64} OpenCL
17490 extensions are also known to @value{GDBN}.
17492 @node OpenCL C Expressions
17493 @subsubsection OpenCL C Expressions
17495 @cindex OpenCL C Expressions
17496 @value{GDBN} supports accesses to vector components including the access as
17497 lvalue where possible. Since OpenCL C is based on C99 most C expressions
17498 supported by @value{GDBN} can be used as well.
17500 @node OpenCL C Operators
17501 @subsubsection OpenCL C Operators
17503 @cindex OpenCL C Operators
17504 @value{GDBN} supports the operators specified by OpenCL 1.1 for scalar and
17508 @subsection Fortran
17509 @cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
17511 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran. Note, that not
17512 all Fortran language features are available yet.
17514 @cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
17515 Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
17516 among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
17517 functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
17518 will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
17521 @cindex Fortran Defaults
17522 Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
17523 default uses case-insensitive matching for Fortran symbols. You can
17524 change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
17525 @ref{Symbols}, for the details.
17528 * Fortran Types:: Fortran builtin types
17529 * Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
17530 * Fortran Intrinsics:: Fortran intrinsic functions
17531 * Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
17534 @node Fortran Types
17535 @subsubsection Fortran Types
17537 @cindex Fortran Types
17539 In Fortran the primitive data-types have an associated @code{KIND} type
17540 parameter, written as @samp{@var{type}*@var{kindparam}},
17541 @samp{@var{type}*@var{kindparam}}, or in the @value{GDBN}-only dialect
17542 @samp{@var{type}_@var{kindparam}}. A concrete example would be
17543 @samp{@code{Real*4}}, @samp{@code{Real(kind=4)}}, and @samp{@code{Real_4}}.
17544 The kind of a type can be retrieved by using the intrinsic function
17545 @code{KIND}, see @ref{Fortran Intrinsics}.
17547 Generally, the actual implementation of the @code{KIND} type parameter is
17548 compiler specific. In @value{GDBN} the kind parameter is implemented in
17549 accordance with its use in the @sc{gnu} @command{gfortran} compiler. Here, the
17550 kind parameter for a given @var{type} specifies its size in memory --- a
17551 Fortran @code{Integer*4} or @code{Integer(kind=4)} would be an integer type
17552 occupying 4 bytes of memory. An exception to this rule is the @code{Complex}
17553 type for which the kind of the type does not specify its entire size, but
17554 the size of each of the two @code{Real}'s it is composed of. A
17555 @code{Complex*4} would thus consist of two @code{Real*4}s and occupy 8 bytes
17558 For every type there is also a default kind associated with it, e.g.@
17559 @code{Integer} in @value{GDBN} will internally be an @code{Integer*4} (see the
17560 table below for default types). The default types are the same as in @sc{gnu}
17561 compilers but note, that the @sc{gnu} default types can actually be changed by
17562 compiler flags such as @option{-fdefault-integer-8} and
17563 @option{-fdefault-real-8}.
17565 Not every kind parameter is valid for every type and in @value{GDBN} the
17566 following type kinds are available.
17570 @code{Integer*1}, @code{Integer*2}, @code{Integer*4}, @code{Integer*8}, and
17571 @code{Integer} = @code{Integer*4}.
17574 @code{Logical*1}, @code{Logical*2}, @code{Logical*4}, @code{Logical*8}, and
17575 @code{Logical} = @code{Logical*4}.
17578 @code{Real*4}, @code{Real*8}, @code{Real*16}, and @code{Real} = @code{Real*4}.
17581 @code{Complex*4}, @code{Complex*8}, @code{Complex*16}, and @code{Complex} =
17586 @node Fortran Operators
17587 @subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
17589 @cindex Fortran operators and expressions
17591 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
17592 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
17593 arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
17597 The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
17601 The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
17602 represent a section of array.
17605 The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
17606 types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
17607 this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
17610 The scope operator. Normally used to access variables in modules or
17611 to set breakpoints on subroutines nested in modules or in other
17612 subroutines (internal subroutines).
17615 @node Fortran Intrinsics
17616 @subsubsection Fortran Intrinsics
17618 @cindex Fortran Intrinsics
17620 Fortran provides a large set of intrinsic procedures. @value{GDBN} implements
17621 an incomplete subset of those procedures and their overloads. Some of these
17622 procedures take an optional @code{KIND} parameter, see @ref{Fortran Types}.
17626 Computes the absolute value of its argument @var{a}. Currently not supported
17627 for @code{Complex} arguments.
17629 @item ALLOCATE(@var{array})
17630 Returns whether @var{array} is allocated or not.
17632 @item ASSOCIATED(@var{pointer} [, @var{target}])
17633 Returns the association status of the pointer @var{pointer} or, if @var{target}
17634 is present, whether @var{pointer} is associated with the target @var{target}.
17636 @item CEILING(@var{a} [, @var{kind}])
17637 Computes the least integer greater than or equal to @var{a}. The optional
17638 parameter @var{kind} specifies the kind of the return type
17639 @code{Integer(@var{kind})}.
17641 @item CMPLX(@var{x} [, @var{y} [, @var{kind}]])
17642 Returns a complex number where @var{x} is converted to the real component. If
17643 @var{y} is present it is converted to the imaginary component. If @var{y} is
17644 not present then the imaginary component is set to @code{0.0} except if @var{x}
17645 itself is of @code{Complex} type. The optional parameter @var{kind} specifies
17646 the kind of the return type @code{Complex(@var{kind})}.
17648 @item FLOOR(@var{a} [, @var{kind}])
17649 Computes the greatest integer less than or equal to @var{a}. The optional
17650 parameter @var{kind} specifies the kind of the return type
17651 @code{Integer(@var{kind})}.
17653 @item KIND(@var{a})
17654 Returns the kind value of the argument @var{a}, see @ref{Fortran Types}.
17656 @item LBOUND(@var{array} [, @var{dim} [, @var{kind}]])
17657 Returns the lower bounds of an @var{array}, or a single lower bound along the
17658 @var{dim} dimension if present. The optional parameter @var{kind} specifies
17659 the kind of the return type @code{Integer(@var{kind})}.
17662 Returns the address of @var{x} as an @code{Integer}.
17664 @item MOD(@var{a}, @var{p})
17665 Computes the remainder of the division of @var{a} by @var{p}.
17667 @item MODULO(@var{a}, @var{p})
17668 Computes the @var{a} modulo @var{p}.
17670 @item RANK(@var{a})
17671 Returns the rank of a scalar or array (scalars have rank @code{0}).
17673 @item SHAPE(@var{a})
17674 Returns the shape of a scalar or array (scalars have shape @samp{()}).
17676 @item SIZE(@var{array}[, @var{dim} [, @var{kind}]])
17677 Returns the extent of @var{array} along a specified dimension @var{dim}, or the
17678 total number of elements in @var{array} if @var{dim} is absent. The optional
17679 parameter @var{kind} specifies the kind of the return type
17680 @code{Integer(@var{kind})}.
17682 @item UBOUND(@var{array} [, @var{dim} [, @var{kind}]])
17683 Returns the upper bounds of an @var{array}, or a single upper bound along the
17684 @var{dim} dimension if present. The optional parameter @var{kind} specifies
17685 the kind of the return type @code{Integer(@var{kind})}.
17689 @node Special Fortran Commands
17690 @subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
17692 @cindex Special Fortran commands
17694 @value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
17695 such as displaying common blocks.
17698 @cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
17699 @kindex info common
17700 @item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
17701 This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
17702 block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
17703 all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
17705 @cindex arrays slices (Fortran)
17706 @kindex set fortran repack-array-slices
17707 @kindex show fortran repack-array-slices
17708 @item set fortran repack-array-slices [on|off]
17709 @item show fortran repack-array-slices
17710 When taking a slice from an array, a Fortran compiler can choose to
17711 either produce an array descriptor that describes the slice in place,
17712 or it may repack the slice, copying the elements of the slice into a
17713 new region of memory.
17715 When this setting is on, then @value{GDBN} will also repack array
17716 slices in some situations. When this setting is off, then
17717 @value{GDBN} will create array descriptors for slices that reference
17718 the original data in place.
17720 @value{GDBN} will never repack an array slice if the data for the
17721 slice is contiguous within the original array.
17723 @value{GDBN} will always repack string slices if the data for the
17724 slice is non-contiguous within the original string as @value{GDBN}
17725 does not support printing non-contiguous strings.
17727 The default for this setting is @code{off}.
17733 @cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
17734 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
17735 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
17736 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
17739 The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
17740 controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
17741 @xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
17746 @value{GDBN} supports the @url{https://www.rust-lang.org/, Rust
17747 Programming Language}. Type- and value-printing, and expression
17748 parsing, are reasonably complete. However, there are a few
17749 peculiarities and holes to be aware of.
17753 Linespecs (@pxref{Location Specifications}) are never relative to the
17754 current crate. Instead, they act as if there were a global namespace
17755 of crates, somewhat similar to the way @code{extern crate} behaves.
17757 That is, if @value{GDBN} is stopped at a breakpoint in a function in
17758 crate @samp{A}, module @samp{B}, then @code{break B::f} will attempt
17759 to set a breakpoint in a function named @samp{f} in a crate named
17762 As a consequence of this approach, linespecs also cannot refer to
17763 items using @samp{self::} or @samp{super::}.
17766 Because @value{GDBN} implements Rust name-lookup semantics in
17767 expressions, it will sometimes prepend the current crate to a name.
17768 For example, if @value{GDBN} is stopped at a breakpoint in the crate
17769 @samp{K}, then @code{print ::x::y} will try to find the symbol
17772 However, since it is useful to be able to refer to other crates when
17773 debugging, @value{GDBN} provides the @code{extern} extension to
17774 circumvent this. To use the extension, just put @code{extern} before
17775 a path expression to refer to the otherwise unavailable ``global''
17778 In the above example, if you wanted to refer to the symbol @samp{y} in
17779 the crate @samp{x}, you would use @code{print extern x::y}.
17782 The Rust expression evaluator does not support ``statement-like''
17783 expressions such as @code{if} or @code{match}, or lambda expressions.
17786 Tuple expressions are not implemented.
17789 The Rust expression evaluator does not currently implement the
17790 @code{Drop} trait. Objects that may be created by the evaluator will
17791 never be destroyed.
17794 @value{GDBN} does not implement type inference for generics. In order
17795 to call generic functions or otherwise refer to generic items, you
17796 will have to specify the type parameters manually.
17799 @value{GDBN} currently uses the C@t{++} demangler for Rust. In most
17800 cases this does not cause any problems. However, in an expression
17801 context, completing a generic function name will give syntactically
17802 invalid results. This happens because Rust requires the @samp{::}
17803 operator between the function name and its generic arguments. For
17804 example, @value{GDBN} might provide a completion like
17805 @code{crate::f<u32>}, where the parser would require
17806 @code{crate::f::<u32>}.
17809 As of this writing, the Rust compiler (version 1.8) has a few holes in
17810 the debugging information it generates. These holes prevent certain
17811 features from being implemented by @value{GDBN}:
17815 Method calls cannot be made via traits.
17818 Operator overloading is not implemented.
17821 When debugging in a monomorphized function, you cannot use the generic
17825 The type @code{Self} is not available.
17828 @code{use} statements are not available, so some names may not be
17829 available in the crate.
17834 @subsection Modula-2
17836 @cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
17838 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
17839 output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
17840 developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
17841 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
17842 to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
17845 @cindex expressions in Modula-2
17847 * M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
17848 * Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
17849 * M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
17850 * M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
17851 * M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
17852 * Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
17853 * M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
17854 * M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
17855 * GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
17859 @subsubsection Operators
17860 @cindex Modula-2 operators
17862 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
17863 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
17864 often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
17865 following definitions hold:
17870 @emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
17874 @emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
17877 @emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
17880 @emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
17884 @emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
17887 @emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
17890 @emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
17894 The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
17895 increasing precedence:
17899 Function argument or array index separator.
17902 Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
17906 Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
17910 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
17911 on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
17912 set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
17914 @item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
17915 Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
17916 Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
17917 available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
17921 Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
17922 Same precedence as @code{<}.
17925 Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
17928 Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
17931 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
17934 Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
17935 and difference on set types.
17938 Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
17942 Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
17943 types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
17946 Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
17947 precedence as @code{*}.
17950 Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
17953 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
17956 Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
17960 @code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
17961 precedence as @code{^}.
17964 Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
17967 Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
17971 @value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
17975 @emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
17976 treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
17977 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
17978 @code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
17982 @node Built-In Func/Proc
17983 @subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
17984 @cindex Modula-2 built-ins
17986 Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
17987 In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
17992 represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
17995 represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
17998 represents a variable or constant of integral type.
18001 represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
18002 same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
18003 be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
18006 represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
18009 represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
18015 represents a variable.
18018 represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
18019 explanation of the function for details.
18022 All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
18026 Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
18029 If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
18030 equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
18033 Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
18036 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
18038 @item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
18039 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
18042 @item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
18043 Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
18046 @item FLOAT(@var{i})
18047 Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
18049 @item HIGH(@var{a})
18050 Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
18053 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
18055 @item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
18056 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
18059 @item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
18060 Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
18061 there. Returns the new set.
18064 Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
18067 Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
18070 Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
18073 Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
18074 value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting
18075 the @sc{ascii} character set). The argument @var{x} must be of an
18076 ordered type, which include integral, character and enumerated types.
18078 @item SIZE(@var{x})
18079 Returns the size of its argument. The argument @var{x} can be a
18080 variable or a type.
18082 @item TRUNC(@var{r})
18083 Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
18085 @item TSIZE(@var{x})
18086 Returns the size of its argument. The argument @var{x} can be a
18087 variable or a type.
18089 @item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
18090 Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
18094 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
18095 @value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
18099 @cindex Modula-2 constants
18101 @subsubsection Constants
18103 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
18109 Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
18110 expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
18111 rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
18112 trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
18115 Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
18116 decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
18117 then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
18118 @samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
18119 digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
18123 Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
18124 like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
18125 also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
18126 followed by a @samp{C}.
18129 String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
18130 pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
18131 Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
18132 Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
18136 Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
18139 Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
18143 Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
18146 Set constants are not yet supported.
18150 @subsubsection Modula-2 Types
18151 @cindex Modula-2 types
18153 Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
18154 syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
18155 types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
18156 print the contents of variables declared using these type.
18157 This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
18158 sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
18160 The first example contains the following section of code:
18169 and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
18170 @code{r} and @code{s}.
18173 (@value{GDBP}) print s
18175 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
18177 (@value{GDBP}) print r
18179 (@value{GDBP}) ptype r
18184 Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
18188 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
18192 then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
18195 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
18196 type = SET ['A'..'Z']
18200 Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
18201 expressions using the debugger.
18203 The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
18204 and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
18208 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
18212 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
18213 ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
18216 Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
18217 is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
18218 arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
18221 Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
18225 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
18226 t = [blue..yellow] ;
18234 The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
18235 and value of a variable.
18238 (@value{GDBP}) print s
18240 (@value{GDBP}) ptype t
18241 type = [blue..yellow]
18245 In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
18246 displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
18247 their @code{C} counterparts.
18251 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
18257 (@value{GDBP}) print s
18258 $1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
18259 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
18260 type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
18263 The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
18264 pointer types as shown in this example:
18268 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
18275 and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
18278 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
18279 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
18282 @value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
18283 Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
18294 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
18295 myrange = [-2..2] ;
18297 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
18301 and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
18305 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
18306 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
18309 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
18314 @subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
18315 @cindex Modula-2 defaults
18317 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
18318 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
18319 Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
18320 selected the working language.
18322 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
18323 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
18324 working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
18325 Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
18328 @subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
18329 @cindex Modula-2, deviations from
18331 A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
18332 This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
18336 Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
18337 integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
18338 debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
18339 pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
18340 through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
18341 returned a pointer.)
18344 C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
18345 non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
18346 escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
18347 printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
18350 The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
18354 All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
18358 @subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
18359 @cindex Modula-2 checks
18362 @emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
18365 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
18367 @value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
18371 They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
18372 @var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
18375 They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
18376 @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
18379 As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
18380 whose types are not equivalent is an error.
18382 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
18383 index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
18386 @subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
18388 @cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
18389 @cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
18391 @vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
18392 @c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
18395 @vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
18398 There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
18399 (@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
18404 @var{module} . @var{id}
18405 @var{scope} :: @var{id}
18409 where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
18410 @var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
18411 identifier within your program, except another module.
18413 Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
18414 specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
18415 found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
18416 enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
18418 Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
18419 the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
18420 definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
18421 an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
18422 module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
18426 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
18428 Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
18429 Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
18430 specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
18431 @samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
18432 apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
18433 analogue in Modula-2.
18435 The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
18436 with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
18437 intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
18438 created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
18439 address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
18440 @samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
18442 @cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
18443 In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
18444 interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
18450 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
18451 output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
18452 Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
18453 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
18457 @cindex expressions in Ada
18459 * Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
18460 and semantics supported by Ada mode
18462 * Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
18463 * Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
18464 * Overloading support for Ada:: Support for expressions involving overloaded
18466 * Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
18467 * Ada Exceptions:: Ada Exceptions
18468 * Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
18469 * Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
18470 * Ravenscar Profile:: Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar
18472 * Ada Source Character Set:: Character set of Ada source files.
18473 * Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
18476 @node Ada Mode Intro
18477 @subsubsection Introduction
18478 @cindex Ada mode, general
18480 The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
18481 syntax, with some extensions.
18482 The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
18486 That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
18487 arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
18488 leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
18489 program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
18492 That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
18493 are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
18496 That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
18499 Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
18500 user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
18501 according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
18502 names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
18503 ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
18505 The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
18506 As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
18507 was translated from an Ada source file.
18509 While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
18510 mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
18511 (@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
18512 middle (to allow based literals).
18514 @node Omissions from Ada
18515 @subsubsection Omissions from Ada
18516 @cindex Ada, omissions from
18518 Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
18522 Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
18526 @t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
18527 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
18530 @t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
18533 @t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
18539 @t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
18540 operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
18543 @t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
18544 @t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
18551 The names in @code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available.
18554 Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
18555 equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
18556 for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
18557 They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
18558 types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
18559 (in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
18560 zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
18561 indeterminate values.
18564 The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
18565 @code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
18566 are not implemented.
18569 @cindex array aggregates (Ada)
18570 @cindex record aggregates (Ada)
18571 @cindex aggregates (Ada)
18572 There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
18573 permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
18576 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
18577 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
18578 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
18579 (@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
18580 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
18581 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
18585 discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
18586 undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
18587 However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
18588 them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
18589 aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
18590 declared to have a type such as:
18593 type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
18595 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
18599 you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
18603 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
18604 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
18607 As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
18608 rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
18609 components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
18610 component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
18611 original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
18612 indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
18613 redundant component associations, although which component values are
18614 assigned in such cases is not defined.
18617 Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
18620 The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
18621 than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
18622 which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
18623 looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
18624 function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
18625 the proper resolution.
18628 The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
18631 Entry calls are not implemented.
18634 Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
18635 formats are not supported.
18638 It is not possible to slice a packed array.
18641 The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
18642 are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
18644 Should your program
18645 redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
18646 you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
18649 Based real literals are not implemented.
18652 @node Additions to Ada
18653 @subsubsection Additions to Ada
18654 @cindex Ada, deviations from
18656 As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
18657 extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
18661 If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
18662 a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
18663 then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
18664 @var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
18665 Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
18666 in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
18667 Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
18668 which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
18671 @code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
18672 appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
18673 you must typically surround it in single quotes.
18676 The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
18677 @var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
18680 A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
18681 (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
18684 In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
18685 additions specific to Ada:
18689 The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
18690 its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
18693 (@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
18694 (@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
18698 The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
18699 the value of its right-hand operand.
18700 This allows, for example,
18701 complex conditional breaks:
18704 (@value{GDBP}) break f
18705 (@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
18709 An extension to based literals can be used to specify the exact byte
18710 contents of a floating-point literal. After the base, you can use
18711 from zero to two @samp{l} characters, followed by an @samp{f}. The
18712 number of @samp{l} characters controls the width of the resulting real
18713 constant: zero means @code{Float} is used, one means
18714 @code{Long_Float}, and two means @code{Long_Long_Float}.
18717 (@value{GDBP}) print 16f#41b80000#
18722 Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
18723 characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
18724 which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
18725 @samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
18726 (single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
18727 sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
18728 in strings. For example,
18730 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
18733 contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
18737 The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
18738 @t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
18742 (@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
18746 When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
18747 array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
18748 For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
18749 of 3 might print as
18756 That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
18760 You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
18761 multi-character subsequence of
18762 their names (an exact match gets preference).
18763 For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
18764 in place of @t{a'length}.
18767 @cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
18768 Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
18769 to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
18770 some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
18771 For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
18772 enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
18775 (@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
18779 Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
18780 access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
18781 specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
18782 selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
18787 @node Overloading support for Ada
18788 @subsubsection Overloading support for Ada
18789 @cindex overloading, Ada
18791 The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
18792 the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
18793 actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
18794 the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
18795 procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
18796 functions to procedures elsewhere.
18798 If, after narrowing, the set of matching definitions still contains more than
18799 one definition, @value{GDBN} will display a menu to query which one it should
18803 (@value{GDBP}) print f(1)
18804 Multiple matches for f
18806 [1] foo.f (integer) return boolean at foo.adb:23
18807 [2] foo.f (foo.new_integer) return boolean at foo.adb:28
18811 In this case, just select one menu entry either to cancel expression evaluation
18812 (type @kbd{0} and press @key{RET}) or to continue evaluation with a specific
18813 instance (type the corresponding number and press @key{RET}).
18815 Here are a couple of commands to customize @value{GDBN}'s behavior in this
18820 @kindex set ada print-signatures
18821 @item set ada print-signatures
18822 Control whether parameter types and return types are displayed in overloads
18823 selection menus. It is @code{on} by default.
18824 @xref{Overloading support for Ada}.
18826 @kindex show ada print-signatures
18827 @item show ada print-signatures
18828 Show the current setting for displaying parameter types and return types in
18829 overloads selection menu.
18830 @xref{Overloading support for Ada}.
18834 @node Stopping Before Main Program
18835 @subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
18837 @cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
18838 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
18839 before reaching the main procedure.
18840 As defined in the Ada Reference
18841 Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
18842 @code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
18843 elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
18844 @code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
18846 @node Ada Exceptions
18847 @subsubsection Ada Exceptions
18849 A command is provided to list all Ada exceptions:
18852 @kindex info exceptions
18853 @item info exceptions
18854 @itemx info exceptions @var{regexp}
18855 The @code{info exceptions} command allows you to list all Ada exceptions
18856 defined within the program being debugged, as well as their addresses.
18857 With a regular expression, @var{regexp}, as argument, only those exceptions
18858 whose names match @var{regexp} are listed.
18861 Below is a small example, showing how the command can be used, first
18862 without argument, and next with a regular expression passed as an
18866 (@value{GDBP}) info exceptions
18867 All defined Ada exceptions:
18868 constraint_error: 0x613da0
18869 program_error: 0x613d20
18870 storage_error: 0x613ce0
18871 tasking_error: 0x613ca0
18872 const.aint_global_e: 0x613b00
18873 (@value{GDBP}) info exceptions const.aint
18874 All Ada exceptions matching regular expression "const.aint":
18875 constraint_error: 0x613da0
18876 const.aint_global_e: 0x613b00
18879 It is also possible to ask @value{GDBN} to stop your program's execution
18880 when an exception is raised. For more details, see @ref{Set Catchpoints}.
18883 @subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
18884 @cindex Ada, tasking
18886 Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
18887 @value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
18892 This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
18899 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
18900 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
18901 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
18902 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
18903 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
18904 * 4 80ae800 3 15 Runnable c
18909 In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
18910 task currently being inspected.
18914 Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
18920 The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
18923 The base priority of the task.
18926 Current state of the task.
18930 The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
18934 The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
18935 for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
18938 The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
18939 that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
18940 terminated themselves.
18942 @item Child Activation Wait
18943 The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
18945 @item Accept or Select Term
18946 The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
18948 @item Waiting on entry call
18949 The task is waiting on an entry call.
18951 @item Async Select Wait
18952 The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
18956 The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
18959 @item Child Termination Wait
18960 The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
18961 waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
18962 waiting on a terminate Phase.
18964 @item Wait Child in Term Alt
18965 The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
18966 finish terminating.
18968 @item Asynchronous Hold
18969 The task has been held by @code{Ada.Asynchronous_Task_Control.Hold_Task}.
18972 The task has been created and is being made runnable.
18974 @item Selective Wait
18975 The task is waiting in a selective wait statement.
18977 @item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
18978 The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
18980 @item Waiting on RV with @var{taskno}
18981 The task is waiting for a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
18985 Name of the task in the program.
18989 @kindex info task @var{taskno}
18990 @item info task @var{taskno}
18991 This command shows detailed informations on the specified task, as in
18992 the following example:
18997 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
18998 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
18999 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
19000 * 2 807c468 1 15 Runnable task_1
19001 (@value{GDBP}) info task 2
19002 Ada Task: 0x807c468
19006 Parent: 1 ("main_task")
19012 @kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
19013 @cindex current Ada task ID
19014 This command prints the ID and name of the current task.
19020 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
19021 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
19022 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
19023 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable some_task
19024 (@value{GDBP}) task
19025 [Current task is 2 "some_task"]
19028 @item task @var{taskno}
19029 @cindex Ada task switching
19030 This command is like the @code{thread @var{thread-id}}
19031 command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
19032 from the current task to the given task.
19038 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
19039 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
19040 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
19041 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable some_task
19042 (@value{GDBP}) task 1
19043 [Switching to task 1 "main_task"]
19044 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
19046 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
19047 #1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
19048 #2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
19049 #3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
19050 #4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
19053 @item task apply [@var{task-id-list} | all] [@var{flag}]@dots{} @var{command}
19054 The @code{task apply} command is the Ada tasking analogue of
19055 @code{thread apply} (@pxref{Threads}). It allows you to apply the
19056 named @var{command} to one or more tasks. Specify the tasks that you
19057 want affected using a list of task IDs, or specify @code{all} to apply
19060 The @var{flag} arguments control what output to produce and how to
19061 handle errors raised when applying @var{command} to a task.
19062 @var{flag} must start with a @code{-} directly followed by one letter
19063 in @code{qcs}. If several flags are provided, they must be given
19064 individually, such as @code{-c -q}.
19066 By default, @value{GDBN} displays some task information before the
19067 output produced by @var{command}, and an error raised during the
19068 execution of a @var{command} will abort @code{task apply}. The
19069 following flags can be used to fine-tune this behavior:
19073 The flag @code{-c}, which stands for @samp{continue}, causes any
19074 errors in @var{command} to be displayed, and the execution of
19075 @code{task apply} then continues.
19077 The flag @code{-s}, which stands for @samp{silent}, causes any errors
19078 or empty output produced by a @var{command} to be silently ignored.
19079 That is, the execution continues, but the task information and errors
19082 The flag @code{-q} (@samp{quiet}) disables printing the task
19086 Flags @code{-c} and @code{-s} cannot be used together.
19088 @item break @var{locspec} task @var{taskno}
19089 @itemx break @var{locspec} task @var{taskno} if @dots{}
19090 @cindex breakpoints and tasks, in Ada
19091 @cindex task breakpoints, in Ada
19092 @kindex break @dots{} task @var{taskno}@r{ (Ada)}
19093 These commands are like the @code{break @dots{} thread @dots{}}
19094 command (@pxref{Thread Stops}). @xref{Location Specifications}, for
19095 the various forms of @var{locspec}.
19097 Use the qualifier @samp{task @var{taskno}} with a breakpoint command
19098 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
19099 particular Ada task reaches this breakpoint. The @var{taskno} is one of the
19100 numeric task identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
19101 column of the @samp{info tasks} display.
19103 If you do not specify @samp{task @var{taskno}} when you set a
19104 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} tasks of your
19107 You can use the @code{task} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
19108 well; in this case, place @samp{task @var{taskno}} before the
19109 breakpoint condition (before the @code{if}).
19117 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
19118 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
19119 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
19120 2 140045060 1 15 Accept/Select Wait t2
19121 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
19122 * 4 140056040 1 15 Runnable t3
19123 (@value{GDBP}) b 15 task 2
19124 Breakpoint 5 at 0x120044cb0: file test_task_debug.adb, line 15.
19125 (@value{GDBP}) cont
19130 Breakpoint 5, test_task_debug () at test_task_debug.adb:15
19132 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
19133 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
19134 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
19135 * 2 140045060 1 15 Runnable t2
19136 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
19137 4 140056040 1 15 Delay Sleep t3
19141 @node Ada Tasks and Core Files
19142 @subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
19143 @cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
19145 When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
19146 tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
19147 the platform being used.
19148 For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
19149 switching is not supported.
19151 On certain platforms, the debugger needs to perform some
19152 memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
19153 a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
19154 privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
19155 Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
19156 file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
19158 @node Ravenscar Profile
19159 @subsubsection Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar Profile
19160 @cindex Ravenscar Profile
19162 The @dfn{Ravenscar Profile} is a subset of the Ada tasking features,
19163 specifically designed for systems with safety-critical real-time
19167 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching on
19168 @cindex task switching with program using Ravenscar Profile
19169 @item set ravenscar task-switching on
19170 Allows task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
19171 Profile. This is the default.
19173 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching off
19174 @item set ravenscar task-switching off
19175 Turn off task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
19176 Profile. This is mostly intended to disable the code that adds support
19177 for the Ravenscar Profile, in case a bug in either @value{GDBN} or in
19178 the Ravenscar runtime is preventing @value{GDBN} from working properly.
19179 To be effective, this command should be run before the program is started.
19181 @kindex show ravenscar task-switching
19182 @item show ravenscar task-switching
19183 Show whether it is possible to switch from task to task in a program
19184 using the Ravenscar Profile.
19188 @cindex Ravenscar thread
19189 When Ravenscar task-switching is enabled, Ravenscar tasks are
19190 announced by @value{GDBN} as if they were threads:
19194 [New Ravenscar Thread 0x2b8f0]
19197 Both Ravenscar tasks and the underlying CPU threads will show up in
19198 the output of @code{info threads}:
19203 1 Thread 1 (CPU#0 [running]) simple () at simple.adb:10
19204 2 Thread 2 (CPU#1 [running]) 0x0000000000003d34 in __gnat_initialize_cpu_devices ()
19205 3 Thread 3 (CPU#2 [running]) 0x0000000000003d28 in __gnat_initialize_cpu_devices ()
19206 4 Thread 4 (CPU#3 [halted ]) 0x000000000000c6ec in system.task_primitives.operations.idle ()
19207 * 5 Ravenscar Thread 0x2b8f0 simple () at simple.adb:10
19208 6 Ravenscar Thread 0x2f150 0x000000000000c6ec in system.task_primitives.operations.idle ()
19211 One known limitation of the Ravenscar support in @value{GDBN} is that
19212 it isn't currently possible to single-step through the runtime
19213 initialization sequence. If you need to debug this code, you should
19214 use @code{set ravenscar task-switching off}.
19216 @node Ada Source Character Set
19217 @subsubsection Ada Source Character Set
19218 @cindex Ada, source character set
19220 The GNAT compiler supports a number of character sets for source
19221 files. @xref{Character Set Control, , Character Set Control,
19222 gnat_ugn}. @value{GDBN} includes support for this as well.
19225 @item set ada source-charset @var{charset}
19226 @kindex set ada source-charset
19227 Set the source character set for Ada. The character set must be
19228 supported by GNAT. Because this setting affects the decoding of
19229 symbols coming from the debug information in your program, the setting
19230 should be set as early as possible. The default is @code{ISO-8859-1},
19231 because that is also GNAT's default.
19233 @item show ada source-charset
19234 @kindex show ada source-charset
19235 Show the current source character set for Ada.
19239 @subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
19240 @cindex Ada, problems
19242 Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
19243 we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
19245 some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
19246 and the GNU Ada compiler.
19250 Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
19251 storage are invisible to the debugger.
19254 Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
19255 argument lists are treated as positional).
19258 Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
19261 Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
19262 floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
19266 The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
19267 the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
19268 this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
19269 look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
19270 symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
19271 defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
19272 local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
19273 GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
19274 you can usually resolve the confusion
19275 by qualifying the problematic names with package
19276 @code{Standard} explicitly.
19279 Older versions of the compiler sometimes generate erroneous debugging
19280 information, resulting in the debugger incorrectly printing the value
19281 of affected entities. In some cases, the debugger is able to work
19282 around an issue automatically. In other cases, the debugger is able
19283 to work around the issue, but the work-around has to be specifically
19286 @kindex set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
19287 @kindex show ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
19290 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS on
19291 Configure GDB to strictly follow the GNAT encoding when computing the
19292 value of Ada entities, particularly when @code{PAD} and @code{PAD___XVS}
19293 types are involved (see @code{ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources for
19294 a complete description of the encoding used by the GNAT compiler).
19295 This is the default.
19297 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS off
19298 This is related to the encoding using by the GNAT compiler. If @value{GDBN}
19299 sometimes prints the wrong value for certain entities, changing @code{ada
19300 trust-PAD-over-XVS} to @code{off} activates a work-around which may fix
19301 the issue. It is always safe to set @code{ada trust-PAD-over-XVS} to
19302 @code{off}, but this incurs a slight performance penalty, so it is
19303 recommended to leave this setting to @code{on} unless necessary.
19307 @cindex GNAT descriptive types
19308 @cindex GNAT encoding
19309 Internally, the debugger also relies on the compiler following a number
19310 of conventions known as the @samp{GNAT Encoding}, all documented in
19311 @file{gcc/ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources. This encoding describes
19312 how the debugging information should be generated for certain types.
19313 In particular, this convention makes use of @dfn{descriptive types},
19314 which are artificial types generated purely to help the debugger.
19316 These encodings were defined at a time when the debugging information
19317 format used was not powerful enough to describe some of the more complex
19318 types available in Ada. Since DWARF allows us to express nearly all
19319 Ada features, the long-term goal is to slowly replace these descriptive
19320 types by their pure DWARF equivalent. To facilitate that transition,
19321 a new maintenance option is available to force the debugger to ignore
19322 those descriptive types. It allows the user to quickly evaluate how
19323 well @value{GDBN} works without them.
19327 @kindex maint ada set ignore-descriptive-types
19328 @item maintenance ada set ignore-descriptive-types [on|off]
19329 Control whether the debugger should ignore descriptive types.
19330 The default is not to ignore descriptives types (@code{off}).
19332 @kindex maint ada show ignore-descriptive-types
19333 @item maintenance ada show ignore-descriptive-types
19334 Show if descriptive types are ignored by @value{GDBN}.
19338 @node Unsupported Languages
19339 @section Unsupported Languages
19341 @cindex unsupported languages
19342 @cindex minimal language
19343 In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
19344 @value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
19345 It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
19346 of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
19347 This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
19348 an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
19350 If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
19351 select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
19355 @chapter Examining the Symbol Table
19357 The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
19358 symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
19359 program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
19360 does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
19361 program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
19362 (@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
19363 file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
19365 @cindex symbol names
19366 @cindex names of symbols
19367 @cindex quoting names
19368 @anchor{quoting names}
19369 Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
19370 characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
19371 most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
19372 source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
19373 are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
19374 ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
19375 @samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
19376 @samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
19383 looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
19386 @cindex case-insensitive symbol names
19387 @cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
19388 @kindex set case-sensitive
19389 @item set case-sensitive on
19390 @itemx set case-sensitive off
19391 @itemx set case-sensitive auto
19392 Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
19393 with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
19394 Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
19395 case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
19396 case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
19397 you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
19398 suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
19399 matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
19400 case-insensitive matches.
19402 @kindex show case-sensitive
19403 @item show case-sensitive
19404 This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
19407 @kindex set print type methods
19408 @item set print type methods
19409 @itemx set print type methods on
19410 @itemx set print type methods off
19411 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any methods
19412 declared in that class. You can control this behavior either by
19413 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
19414 print type methods}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
19415 display the methods; this is the default. Specifying @code{off} will
19416 cause @value{GDBN} to omit the methods.
19418 @kindex show print type methods
19419 @item show print type methods
19420 This command shows the current setting of method display when printing
19423 @kindex set print type nested-type-limit
19424 @item set print type nested-type-limit @var{limit}
19425 @itemx set print type nested-type-limit unlimited
19426 Set the limit of displayed nested types that the type printer will
19427 show. A @var{limit} of @code{unlimited} or @code{-1} will show all
19428 nested definitions. By default, the type printer will not show any nested
19429 types defined in classes.
19431 @kindex show print type nested-type-limit
19432 @item show print type nested-type-limit
19433 This command shows the current display limit of nested types when
19436 @kindex set print type typedefs
19437 @item set print type typedefs
19438 @itemx set print type typedefs on
19439 @itemx set print type typedefs off
19441 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any typedefs
19442 defined in that class. You can control this behavior either by
19443 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
19444 print type typedefs}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
19445 display the typedef definitions; this is the default. Specifying
19446 @code{off} will cause @value{GDBN} to omit the typedef definitions.
19447 Note that this controls whether the typedef definition itself is
19448 printed, not whether typedef names are substituted when printing other
19451 @kindex show print type typedefs
19452 @item show print type typedefs
19453 This command shows the current setting of typedef display when
19456 @kindex set print type hex
19457 @item set print type hex
19458 @itemx set print type hex on
19459 @itemx set print type hex off
19461 When @value{GDBN} prints sizes and offsets of struct members, it can use
19462 either the decimal or hexadecimal notation. You can select one or the
19463 other either by passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or by using
19464 the @command{set print type hex} command.
19466 @kindex show print type hex
19467 @item show print type hex
19468 This command shows whether the sizes and offsets of struct members are
19469 printed in decimal or hexadecimal notation.
19471 @kindex info address
19472 @cindex address of a symbol
19473 @item info address @var{symbol}
19474 Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
19475 variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
19476 local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
19479 Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
19480 at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
19481 the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
19483 @kindex info symbol
19484 @cindex symbol from address
19485 @cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
19486 @item info symbol @var{addr}
19487 Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
19488 If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
19489 nearest symbol and an offset from it:
19492 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
19493 _initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
19497 This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
19498 it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
19500 For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
19501 library containing the symbol is also printed:
19504 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
19505 _start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
19506 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
19507 __read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
19512 @item demangle @r{[}-l @var{language}@r{]} @r{[}@var{--}@r{]} @var{name}
19513 Demangle @var{name}.
19514 If @var{language} is provided it is the name of the language to demangle
19515 @var{name} in. Otherwise @var{name} is demangled in the current language.
19517 The @samp{--} option specifies the end of options,
19518 and is useful when @var{name} begins with a dash.
19520 The parameter @code{demangle-style} specifies how to interpret the kind
19521 of mangling used. @xref{Print Settings}.
19524 @item whatis[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
19525 Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression
19526 or a name of a data type. With no argument, print the data type of
19527 @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
19529 If @var{arg} is an expression (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), it
19530 is not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
19531 assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place.
19533 If @var{arg} is a variable or an expression, @code{whatis} prints its
19534 literal type as it is used in the source code. If the type was
19535 defined using a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will @emph{not} print
19536 the data type underlying the @code{typedef}. If the type of the
19537 variable or the expression is a compound data type, such as
19538 @code{struct} or @code{class}, @code{whatis} never prints their
19539 fields or methods. It just prints the @code{struct}/@code{class}
19540 name (a.k.a.@: its @dfn{tag}). If you want to see the members of
19541 such a compound data type, use @code{ptype}.
19543 If @var{arg} is a type name that was defined using @code{typedef},
19544 @code{whatis} @dfn{unrolls} only one level of that @code{typedef}.
19545 Unrolling means that @code{whatis} will show the underlying type used
19546 in the @code{typedef} declaration of @var{arg}. However, if that
19547 underlying type is also a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will not
19550 For C code, the type names may also have the form @samp{class
19551 @var{class-name}}, @samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union
19552 @var{union-tag}} or @samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
19554 @var{flags} can be used to modify how the type is displayed.
19555 Available flags are:
19559 Display in ``raw'' form. Normally, @value{GDBN} substitutes template
19560 parameters and typedefs defined in a class when printing the class'
19561 members. The @code{/r} flag disables this.
19564 Do not print methods defined in the class.
19567 Print methods defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
19568 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type methods}.
19571 Do not print typedefs defined in the class. Note that this controls
19572 whether the typedef definition itself is printed, not whether typedef
19573 names are substituted when printing other types.
19576 Print typedefs defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
19577 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type typedefs}.
19580 Print the offsets and sizes of fields in a struct, similar to what the
19581 @command{pahole} tool does. This option implies the @code{/tm} flags.
19584 Use hexadecimal notation when printing offsets and sizes of fields in a
19588 Use decimal notation when printing offsets and sizes of fields in a
19591 For example, given the following declarations:
19627 Issuing a @kbd{ptype /o struct tuv} command would print:
19630 (@value{GDBP}) ptype /o struct tuv
19631 /* offset | size */ type = struct tuv @{
19632 /* 0 | 4 */ int a1;
19633 /* XXX 4-byte hole */
19634 /* 8 | 8 */ char *a2;
19635 /* 16 | 4 */ int a3;
19637 /* total size (bytes): 24 */
19641 Notice the format of the first column of comments. There, you can
19642 find two parts separated by the @samp{|} character: the @emph{offset},
19643 which indicates where the field is located inside the struct, in
19644 bytes, and the @emph{size} of the field. Another interesting line is
19645 the marker of a @emph{hole} in the struct, indicating that it may be
19646 possible to pack the struct and make it use less space by reorganizing
19649 It is also possible to print offsets inside an union:
19652 (@value{GDBP}) ptype /o union qwe
19653 /* offset | size */ type = union qwe @{
19654 /* 24 */ struct tuv @{
19655 /* 0 | 4 */ int a1;
19656 /* XXX 4-byte hole */
19657 /* 8 | 8 */ char *a2;
19658 /* 16 | 4 */ int a3;
19660 /* total size (bytes): 24 */
19662 /* 40 */ struct xyz @{
19663 /* 0 | 4 */ int f1;
19664 /* 4 | 1 */ char f2;
19665 /* XXX 3-byte hole */
19666 /* 8 | 8 */ void *f3;
19667 /* 16 | 24 */ struct tuv @{
19668 /* 16 | 4 */ int a1;
19669 /* XXX 4-byte hole */
19670 /* 24 | 8 */ char *a2;
19671 /* 32 | 4 */ int a3;
19673 /* total size (bytes): 24 */
19676 /* total size (bytes): 40 */
19679 /* total size (bytes): 40 */
19683 In this case, since @code{struct tuv} and @code{struct xyz} occupy the
19684 same space (because we are dealing with an union), the offset is not
19685 printed for them. However, you can still examine the offset of each
19686 of these structures' fields.
19688 Another useful scenario is printing the offsets of a struct containing
19692 (@value{GDBP}) ptype /o struct tyu
19693 /* offset | size */ type = struct tyu @{
19694 /* 0:31 | 4 */ int a1 : 1;
19695 /* 0:28 | 4 */ int a2 : 3;
19696 /* 0: 5 | 4 */ int a3 : 23;
19697 /* 3: 3 | 1 */ signed char a4 : 2;
19698 /* XXX 3-bit hole */
19699 /* XXX 4-byte hole */
19700 /* 8 | 8 */ int64_t a5;
19701 /* 16: 0 | 4 */ int a6 : 5;
19702 /* 16: 5 | 8 */ int64_t a7 : 3;
19703 /* XXX 7-byte padding */
19705 /* total size (bytes): 24 */
19709 Note how the offset information is now extended to also include the
19710 first bit of the bitfield.
19714 @item ptype[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
19715 @code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
19716 detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
19717 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
19719 Contrary to @code{whatis}, @code{ptype} always unrolls any
19720 @code{typedef}s in its argument declaration, whether the argument is
19721 a variable, expression, or a data type. This means that @code{ptype}
19722 of a variable or an expression will not print literally its type as
19723 present in the source code---use @code{whatis} for that. @code{typedef}s at
19724 the pointer or reference targets are also unrolled. Only @code{typedef}s of
19725 fields, methods and inner @code{class typedef}s of @code{struct}s,
19726 @code{class}es and @code{union}s are not unrolled even with @code{ptype}.
19728 For example, for this variable declaration:
19731 typedef double real_t;
19732 struct complex @{ real_t real; double imag; @};
19733 typedef struct complex complex_t;
19735 real_t *real_pointer_var;
19739 the two commands give this output:
19743 (@value{GDBP}) whatis var
19745 (@value{GDBP}) ptype var
19746 type = struct complex @{
19750 (@value{GDBP}) whatis complex_t
19751 type = struct complex
19752 (@value{GDBP}) whatis struct complex
19753 type = struct complex
19754 (@value{GDBP}) ptype struct complex
19755 type = struct complex @{
19759 (@value{GDBP}) whatis real_pointer_var
19761 (@value{GDBP}) ptype real_pointer_var
19767 As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
19768 the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
19770 @cindex incomplete type
19771 Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
19772 of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
19773 program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
19774 the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
19775 given these declarations:
19779 struct foo *fooptr;
19783 but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
19786 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
19787 $1 = <incomplete type>
19791 ``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
19792 completely specified.
19794 @cindex unknown type
19795 Othertimes, information about a variable's type is completely absent
19796 from the debug information included in the program. This most often
19797 happens when the program or library where the variable is defined
19798 includes no debug information at all. @value{GDBN} knows the variable
19799 exists from inspecting the linker/loader symbol table (e.g., the ELF
19800 dynamic symbol table), but such symbols do not contain type
19801 information. Inspecting the type of a (global) variable for which
19802 @value{GDBN} has no type information shows:
19805 (@value{GDBP}) ptype var
19806 type = <data variable, no debug info>
19809 @xref{Variables, no debug info variables}, for how to print the values
19813 @item info types [-q] [@var{regexp}]
19814 Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
19815 expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
19816 no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
19817 complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
19818 types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
19819 @samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
19820 name is @code{value}.
19822 In programs using different languages, @value{GDBN} chooses the syntax
19823 to print the type description according to the
19824 @samp{set language} value: using @samp{set language auto}
19825 (see @ref{Automatically, ,Set Language Automatically}) means to use the
19826 language of the type, other values mean to use
19827 the manually specified language (see @ref{Manually, ,Set Language Manually}).
19829 This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
19830 @code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
19831 lists all source files and line numbers where a type is defined.
19833 The output from @samp{into types} is proceeded with a header line
19834 describing what types are being listed. The optional flag @samp{-q},
19835 which stands for @samp{quiet}, disables printing this header
19838 @kindex info type-printers
19839 @item info type-printers
19840 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled may
19841 have ``type printers'' available. When using @command{ptype} or
19842 @command{whatis}, these printers are consulted when the name of a type
19843 is needed. @xref{Type Printing API}, for more information on writing
19846 @code{info type-printers} displays all the available type printers.
19848 @kindex enable type-printer
19849 @kindex disable type-printer
19850 @item enable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
19851 @item disable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
19852 These commands can be used to enable or disable type printers.
19855 @cindex local variables
19856 @item info scope @var{locspec}
19857 List all the variables local to the lexical scope of the code location
19858 that results from resolving @var{locspec}. @xref{Location
19859 Specifications}, for details about supported forms of @var{locspec}.
19863 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
19864 Scope for command_line_handler:
19865 Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
19866 Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
19867 Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
19868 Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
19869 Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
19870 Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
19871 Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
19875 This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
19876 during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
19879 @kindex info source
19881 Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
19882 the function containing the current point of execution:
19885 the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
19887 the directory it was compiled in,
19889 its length, in lines,
19891 which programming language it is written in,
19893 if the debug information provides it, the program that compiled the file
19894 (which may include, e.g., the compiler version and command line arguments),
19896 whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
19897 if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
19899 whether the debugging information includes information about
19900 preprocessor macros.
19904 @kindex info sources
19905 @item info sources @r{[}-dirname | -basename@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
19908 With no options @samp{info sources} prints the names of all source
19909 files in your program for which there is debugging information. The
19910 source files are presented based on a list of object files
19911 (executables and libraries) currently loaded into @value{GDBN}. For
19912 each object file all of the associated source files are listed.
19914 Each source file will only be printed once for each object file, but a
19915 single source file can be repeated in the output if it is part of
19916 multiple object files.
19918 If the optional @var{regexp} is provided, then only source files that
19919 match the regular expression will be printed. The matching is
19920 case-sensitive, except on operating systems that have case-insensitive
19921 filesystem (e.g., MS-Windows). @samp{--} can be used before
19922 @var{regexp} to prevent @value{GDBN} interpreting @var{regexp} as a
19923 command option (e.g. if @var{regexp} starts with @samp{-}).
19925 By default, the @var{regexp} is used to match anywhere in the
19926 filename. If @code{-dirname}, only files having a dirname matching
19927 @var{regexp} are shown. If @code{-basename}, only files having a
19928 basename matching @var{regexp} are shown.
19930 It is possible that an object file may be printed in the list with no
19931 associated source files. This can happen when either no source files
19932 match @var{regexp}, or, the object file was compiled without debug
19933 information and so @value{GDBN} is unable to find any source file
19936 @kindex info functions
19937 @item info functions [-q] [-n]
19938 Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
19939 Similarly to @samp{info types}, this command groups its output by source
19940 files and annotates each function definition with its source line
19943 In programs using different languages, @value{GDBN} chooses the syntax
19944 to print the function name and type according to the
19945 @samp{set language} value: using @samp{set language auto}
19946 (see @ref{Automatically, ,Set Language Automatically}) means to use the
19947 language of the function, other values mean to use
19948 the manually specified language (see @ref{Manually, ,Set Language Manually}).
19950 The @samp{-n} flag excludes @dfn{non-debugging symbols} from the
19951 results. A non-debugging symbol is a symbol that comes from the
19952 executable's symbol table, not from the debug information (for
19953 example, DWARF) associated with the executable.
19955 The optional flag @samp{-q}, which stands for @samp{quiet}, disables
19956 printing header information and messages explaining why no functions
19959 @item info functions [-q] [-n] [-t @var{type_regexp}] [@var{regexp}]
19960 Like @samp{info functions}, but only print the names and data types
19961 of the functions selected with the provided regexp(s).
19963 If @var{regexp} is provided, print only the functions whose names
19964 match the regular expression @var{regexp}.
19965 Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose
19966 names include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
19967 start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters that
19968 conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
19969 @samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
19971 If @var{type_regexp} is provided, print only the functions whose
19972 types, as printed by the @code{whatis} command, match
19973 the regular expression @var{type_regexp}.
19974 If @var{type_regexp} contains space(s), it should be enclosed in
19975 quote characters. If needed, use backslash to escape the meaning
19976 of special characters or quotes.
19977 Thus, @samp{info fun -t '^int ('} finds the functions that return
19978 an integer; @samp{info fun -t '(.*int.*'} finds the functions that
19979 have an argument type containing int; @samp{info fun -t '^int (' ^step}
19980 finds the functions whose names start with @code{step} and that return
19983 If both @var{regexp} and @var{type_regexp} are provided, a function
19984 is printed only if its name matches @var{regexp} and its type matches
19988 @kindex info variables
19989 @item info variables [-q] [-n]
19990 Print the names and data types of all variables that are defined
19991 outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
19992 The printed variables are grouped by source files and annotated with
19993 their respective source line numbers.
19995 In programs using different languages, @value{GDBN} chooses the syntax
19996 to print the variable name and type according to the
19997 @samp{set language} value: using @samp{set language auto}
19998 (see @ref{Automatically, ,Set Language Automatically}) means to use the
19999 language of the variable, other values mean to use
20000 the manually specified language (see @ref{Manually, ,Set Language Manually}).
20002 The @samp{-n} flag excludes non-debugging symbols from the results.
20004 The optional flag @samp{-q}, which stands for @samp{quiet}, disables
20005 printing header information and messages explaining why no variables
20008 @item info variables [-q] [-n] [-t @var{type_regexp}] [@var{regexp}]
20009 Like @kbd{info variables}, but only print the variables selected
20010 with the provided regexp(s).
20012 If @var{regexp} is provided, print only the variables whose names
20013 match the regular expression @var{regexp}.
20015 If @var{type_regexp} is provided, print only the variables whose
20016 types, as printed by the @code{whatis} command, match
20017 the regular expression @var{type_regexp}.
20018 If @var{type_regexp} contains space(s), it should be enclosed in
20019 quote characters. If needed, use backslash to escape the meaning
20020 of special characters or quotes.
20022 If both @var{regexp} and @var{type_regexp} are provided, an argument
20023 is printed only if its name matches @var{regexp} and its type matches
20026 @kindex info modules
20028 @item info modules @r{[}-q@r{]} @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
20029 List all Fortran modules in the program, or all modules matching the
20030 optional regular expression @var{regexp}.
20032 The optional flag @samp{-q}, which stands for @samp{quiet}, disables
20033 printing header information and messages explaining why no modules
20036 @kindex info module
20037 @cindex Fortran modules, information about
20038 @cindex functions and variables by Fortran module
20039 @cindex module functions and variables
20040 @item info module functions @r{[}-q@r{]} @r{[}-m @var{module-regexp}@r{]} @r{[}-t @var{type-regexp}@r{]} @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
20041 @itemx info module variables @r{[}-q@r{]} @r{[}-m @var{module-regexp}@r{]} @r{[}-t @var{type-regexp}@r{]} @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
20042 List all functions or variables within all Fortran modules. The set
20043 of functions or variables listed can be limited by providing some or
20044 all of the optional regular expressions. If @var{module-regexp} is
20045 provided, then only Fortran modules matching @var{module-regexp} will
20046 be searched. Only functions or variables whose type matches the
20047 optional regular expression @var{type-regexp} will be listed. And
20048 only functions or variables whose name matches the optional regular
20049 expression @var{regexp} will be listed.
20051 The optional flag @samp{-q}, which stands for @samp{quiet}, disables
20052 printing header information and messages explaining why no functions
20053 or variables have been printed.
20055 @kindex info classes
20056 @cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
20058 @itemx info classes @var{regexp}
20059 Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
20060 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
20063 @kindex info selectors
20064 @item info selectors
20065 @itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
20066 Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
20067 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
20071 This was never implemented.
20072 @kindex info methods
20074 @itemx info methods @var{regexp}
20075 The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
20076 methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
20077 specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
20078 C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
20079 from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
20080 @code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
20081 which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
20084 @cindex opaque data types
20085 @kindex set opaque-type-resolution
20086 @item set opaque-type-resolution on
20087 Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
20088 declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
20089 @code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
20090 source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
20091 another source file. The default is on.
20093 A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
20094 the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
20096 @item set opaque-type-resolution off
20097 Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
20098 is printed as follows:
20100 @{<no data fields>@}
20103 @kindex show opaque-type-resolution
20104 @item show opaque-type-resolution
20105 Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
20107 @kindex set print symbol-loading
20108 @cindex print messages when symbols are loaded
20109 @item set print symbol-loading
20110 @itemx set print symbol-loading full
20111 @itemx set print symbol-loading brief
20112 @itemx set print symbol-loading off
20113 The @code{set print symbol-loading} command allows you to control the
20114 printing of messages when @value{GDBN} loads symbol information.
20115 By default a message is printed for the executable and one for each
20116 shared library, and normally this is what you want. However, when
20117 debugging apps with large numbers of shared libraries these messages
20119 When set to @code{brief} a message is printed for each executable,
20120 and when @value{GDBN} loads a collection of shared libraries at once
20121 it will only print one message regardless of the number of shared
20122 libraries. When set to @code{off} no messages are printed.
20124 @kindex show print symbol-loading
20125 @item show print symbol-loading
20126 Show whether messages will be printed when a @value{GDBN} command
20127 entered from the keyboard causes symbol information to be loaded.
20129 @kindex maint print symbols
20130 @cindex symbol dump
20131 @kindex maint print psymbols
20132 @cindex partial symbol dump
20133 @kindex maint print msymbols
20134 @cindex minimal symbol dump
20135 @item maint print symbols @r{[}-pc @var{address}@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
20136 @itemx maint print symbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}-source @var{source}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
20137 @itemx maint print psymbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}-pc @var{address}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
20138 @itemx maint print psymbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}-source @var{source}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
20139 @itemx maint print msymbols @r{[}-objfile @var{objfile}@r{]} @r{[}--@r{]} @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
20140 Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename} or
20141 the terminal if @var{filename} is unspecified.
20142 If @code{-objfile @var{objfile}} is specified, only dump symbols for
20144 If @code{-pc @var{address}} is specified, only dump symbols for the file
20145 with code at that address. Note that @var{address} may be a symbol like
20147 If @code{-source @var{source}} is specified, only dump symbols for that
20150 These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code.
20151 These commands do not modify internal @value{GDBN} state, therefore
20152 @samp{maint print symbols} will only print symbols for already expanded symbol
20154 You can use the command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are.
20155 If you use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information
20156 about symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols
20157 defined in files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely.
20158 Finally, @samp{maint print msymbols} just dumps ``minimal symbols'', e.g.,
20161 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
20162 @value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
20164 @kindex maint info symtabs
20165 @kindex maint info psymtabs
20166 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
20167 @cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
20168 @cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
20169 @cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
20170 @item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
20171 @itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
20173 List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
20174 structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
20175 given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
20176 copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
20177 structure in more detail. For example:
20180 (@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
20181 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
20182 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
20183 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
20184 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
20187 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
20188 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
20189 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
20190 dependencies (none)
20193 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
20197 We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
20198 the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
20199 and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
20200 If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
20201 read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
20204 (@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
20205 Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
20207 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
20208 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
20209 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
20210 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
20211 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
20214 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
20215 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
20216 debugformat DWARF 2
20222 @kindex maint info line-table
20223 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal line tables
20224 @cindex line tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
20225 @item maint info line-table @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
20227 List the @code{struct linetable} from all @code{struct symtab}
20228 instances whose name matches @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
20229 given, list the @code{struct linetable} from all @code{struct symtab}.
20233 (@value{GDBP}) maint info line-table
20234 objfile: /home/gnu/build/a.out ((struct objfile *) 0x6120000e0d40)
20235 compunit_symtab: simple.cpp ((struct compunit_symtab *) 0x6210000ff450)
20236 symtab: /home/gnu/src/simple.cpp ((struct symtab *) 0x6210000ff4d0)
20237 linetable: ((struct linetable *) 0x62100012b760):
20238 INDEX LINE ADDRESS IS-STMT PROLOGUE-END
20239 0 3 0x0000000000401110 Y
20240 1 4 0x0000000000401114 Y Y
20241 2 9 0x0000000000401120 Y
20242 3 10 0x0000000000401124 Y Y
20243 4 10 0x0000000000401129
20244 5 15 0x0000000000401130 Y
20245 6 16 0x0000000000401134 Y Y
20246 7 16 0x0000000000401139
20247 8 21 0x0000000000401140 Y
20248 9 22 0x000000000040114f Y Y
20249 10 22 0x0000000000401154
20250 11 END 0x000000000040115a Y
20253 The @samp{IS-STMT} column indicates if the address is a recommended breakpoint
20254 location to represent a line or a statement. The @samp{PROLOGUE-END} column
20255 indicates that a given address is an adequate place to set a breakpoint at the
20256 first instruction following a function prologue.
20258 @kindex maint set symbol-cache-size
20259 @cindex symbol cache size
20260 @item maint set symbol-cache-size @var{size}
20261 Set the size of the symbol cache to @var{size}.
20262 The default size is intended to be good enough for debugging
20263 most applications. This option exists to allow for experimenting
20264 with different sizes.
20266 @kindex maint show symbol-cache-size
20267 @item maint show symbol-cache-size
20268 Show the size of the symbol cache.
20270 @kindex maint print symbol-cache
20271 @cindex symbol cache, printing its contents
20272 @item maint print symbol-cache
20273 Print the contents of the symbol cache.
20274 This is useful when debugging symbol cache issues.
20276 @kindex maint print symbol-cache-statistics
20277 @cindex symbol cache, printing usage statistics
20278 @item maint print symbol-cache-statistics
20279 Print symbol cache usage statistics.
20280 This helps determine how well the cache is being utilized.
20282 @kindex maint flush symbol-cache
20283 @kindex maint flush-symbol-cache
20284 @cindex symbol cache, flushing
20285 @item maint flush symbol-cache
20286 @itemx maint flush-symbol-cache
20287 Flush the contents of the symbol cache, all entries are removed. This
20288 command is useful when debugging the symbol cache. It is also useful
20289 when collecting performance data. The command @code{maint
20290 flush-symbol-cache} is deprecated in favor of @code{maint flush
20293 @kindex maint set ignore-prologue-end-flag
20294 @cindex prologue-end
20295 @item maint set ignore-prologue-end-flag [on|off]
20296 Enable or disable the use of the @samp{PROLOGUE-END} flag from the line-table.
20297 When @samp{off} (the default), @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{PROLOGUE-END} flag
20298 to place breakpoints past the end of a function prologue. When @samp{on},
20299 @value{GDBN} ignores the flag and relies on prologue analyzers to skip function
20302 @kindex maint show ignore-prologue-end-flag
20303 @item maint show ignore-prologue-end-flag
20304 Show whether @value{GDBN} will ignore the @samp{PROLOGUE-END} flag.
20309 @chapter Altering Execution
20311 Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
20312 find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
20313 correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
20314 experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
20317 For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
20318 locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
20319 address, or even return prematurely from a function.
20322 * Assignment:: Assignment to variables
20323 * Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
20324 * Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
20325 * Returning:: Returning from a function
20326 * Calling:: Calling your program's functions
20327 * Patching:: Patching your program
20328 * Compiling and Injecting Code:: Compiling and injecting code in @value{GDBN}
20332 @section Assignment to Variables
20335 @cindex setting variables
20336 To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
20337 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
20344 stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
20345 value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
20346 @xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
20347 information on operators in supported languages.
20349 @kindex set variable
20350 @cindex variables, setting
20351 If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
20352 @code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
20353 really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
20354 not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
20355 ,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
20357 If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
20358 appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
20359 variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
20360 to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
20361 program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
20362 a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
20363 command @code{set width}:
20366 (@value{GDBP}) whatis width
20368 (@value{GDBP}) p width
20370 (@value{GDBP}) set width=47
20371 Invalid syntax in expression.
20375 The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
20376 order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
20379 (@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
20382 Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
20383 with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
20384 @code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
20385 your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
20386 to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
20387 the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
20391 (@value{GDBP}) whatis g
20395 (@value{GDBP}) set g=4
20399 The program being debugged has been started already.
20400 Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
20401 Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
20402 "/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
20403 Invalid bfd target.
20404 (@value{GDBP}) show g
20405 The current BFD target is "=4".
20410 The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
20411 @code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
20415 (@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
20418 @value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
20419 freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
20420 and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
20421 same length or shorter.
20422 @comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
20425 To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
20426 construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
20427 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
20428 to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
20429 and representation in memory), and
20432 set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
20436 stores the value 4 into that memory location.
20439 @section Continuing at a Different Address
20441 Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
20442 it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
20443 an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
20447 @kindex j @r{(@code{jump})}
20448 @item jump @var{locspec}
20449 @itemx j @var{locspec}
20450 Resume execution at the address of the code location that results from
20451 resolving @var{locspec}.
20452 @xref{Location Specifications}, for a description of the different
20453 forms of @var{locspec}. If @var{locspec} resolves to more than one
20454 address, the command aborts before jumping.
20455 Execution stops again immediately if there is a breakpoint there. It
20456 is common practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction
20457 with @code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
20459 The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
20460 the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
20461 register other than the program counter. If @var{locspec} resolves to
20462 an address in a different function from the one currently executing, the
20463 results may be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns
20464 of arguments or of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump}
20465 command requests confirmation if the jump address is not in the
20466 function currently executing. However, even bizarre results are
20467 predictable if you are well acquainted with the machine-language code
20471 On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
20472 command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
20473 difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
20474 changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
20482 makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
20483 address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
20484 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
20486 The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
20487 up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
20488 that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
20493 @section Giving your Program a Signal
20494 @cindex deliver a signal to a program
20498 @item signal @var{signal}
20499 Resume execution where your program is stopped, but immediately give it the
20500 signal @var{signal}. The @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
20501 signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
20502 SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
20504 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
20505 giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
20506 a signal and would ordinarily see the signal when resumed with the
20507 @code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
20510 @emph{Note:} When resuming a multi-threaded program, @var{signal} is
20511 delivered to the currently selected thread, not the thread that last
20512 reported a stop. This includes the situation where a thread was
20513 stopped due to a signal. So if you want to continue execution
20514 suppressing the signal that stopped a thread, you should select that
20515 same thread before issuing the @samp{signal 0} command. If you issue
20516 the @samp{signal 0} command with another thread as the selected one,
20517 @value{GDBN} detects that and asks for confirmation.
20519 Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
20520 @code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
20521 causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
20522 the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
20523 passes the signal directly to your program.
20525 @code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
20526 after executing the command.
20528 @kindex queue-signal
20529 @item queue-signal @var{signal}
20530 Queue @var{signal} to be delivered immediately to the current thread
20531 when execution of the thread resumes. The @var{signal} can be the name or
20532 the number of a signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and
20533 @code{signal SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
20534 The handling of the signal must be set to pass the signal to the program,
20535 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error.
20536 You can control the handling of signals from @value{GDBN} with the
20537 @code{handle} command (@pxref{Signals}).
20539 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, any currently queued signal
20540 for the current thread is discarded and when execution resumes no signal
20541 will be delivered. This is useful when your program stopped on account
20542 of a signal and would ordinarily see the signal when resumed with the
20543 @code{continue} command.
20545 This command differs from the @code{signal} command in that the signal
20546 is just queued, execution is not resumed. And @code{queue-signal} cannot
20547 be used to pass a signal whose handling state has been set to @code{nopass}
20552 @xref{stepping into signal handlers}, for information on how stepping
20553 commands behave when the thread has a signal queued.
20556 @section Returning from a Function
20559 @cindex returning from a function
20562 @itemx return @var{expression}
20563 You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
20564 command. If you give an
20565 @var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
20569 When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
20570 (and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
20571 discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
20572 be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
20574 This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
20575 Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
20576 innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
20577 specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
20580 The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
20581 program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
20582 returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
20583 and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
20584 selected stack frame returns naturally.
20586 @value{GDBN} needs to know how the @var{expression} argument should be set for
20587 the inferior. The concrete registers assignment depends on the OS ABI and the
20588 type being returned by the selected stack frame. For example it is common for
20589 OS ABI to return floating point values in FPU registers while integer values in
20590 CPU registers. Still some ABIs return even floating point values in CPU
20591 registers. Larger integer widths (such as @code{long long int}) also have
20592 specific placement rules. @value{GDBN} already knows the OS ABI from its
20593 current target so it needs to find out also the type being returned to make the
20594 assignment into the right register(s).
20596 Normally, the selected stack frame has debug info. @value{GDBN} will always
20597 use the debug info instead of the implicit type of @var{expression} when the
20598 debug info is available. For example, if you type @kbd{return -1}, and the
20599 function in the current stack frame is declared to return a @code{long long
20600 int}, @value{GDBN} transparently converts the implicit @code{int} value of -1
20601 into a @code{long long int}:
20604 Breakpoint 1, func () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:29
20606 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
20607 Make func return now? (y or n) y
20608 #0 0x004004f6 in main () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:43
20609 43 printf ("result=%lld\n", func ());
20613 However, if the selected stack frame does not have a debug info, e.g., if the
20614 function was compiled without debug info, @value{GDBN} has to find out the type
20615 to return from user. Specifying a different type by mistake may set the value
20616 in different inferior registers than the caller code expects. For example,
20617 typing @kbd{return -1} with its implicit type @code{int} would set only a part
20618 of a @code{long long int} result for a debug info less function (on 32-bit
20619 architectures). Therefore the user is required to specify the return type by
20620 an appropriate cast explicitly:
20623 Breakpoint 2, 0x0040050b in func ()
20624 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
20625 Return value type not available for selected stack frame.
20626 Please use an explicit cast of the value to return.
20627 (@value{GDBP}) return (long long int) -1
20628 Make selected stack frame return now? (y or n) y
20629 #0 0x00400526 in main ()
20634 @section Calling Program Functions
20637 @cindex calling functions
20638 @cindex inferior functions, calling
20639 @item print @var{expr}
20640 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
20641 The expression may include calls to functions in the program being
20645 @item call @var{expr}
20646 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
20649 You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
20650 execute a function from your program that does not return anything
20651 (a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
20652 with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
20653 print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
20657 It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
20658 @code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
20659 the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
20660 in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
20662 Similarly, with a C@t{++} program it is possible for the function you
20663 call via the @code{print} or @code{call} command to generate an
20664 exception that is not handled due to the constraints of the dummy
20665 frame. In this case, any exception that is raised in the frame, but has
20666 an out-of-frame exception handler will not be found. GDB builds a
20667 dummy-frame for the inferior function call, and the unwinder cannot
20668 seek for exception handlers outside of this dummy-frame. What happens
20669 in that case is controlled by the
20670 @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception} command.
20673 @item set unwindonsignal
20674 @kindex set unwindonsignal
20675 @cindex unwind stack in called functions
20676 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding
20677 Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
20678 that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
20679 @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
20680 the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
20681 default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
20684 @item show unwindonsignal
20685 @kindex show unwindonsignal
20686 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
20689 @item set unwind-on-terminating-exception
20690 @kindex set unwind-on-terminating-exception
20691 @cindex unwind stack in called functions with unhandled exceptions
20692 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding on unhandled exception.
20693 Set unwinding of the stack if a C@t{++} exception is raised, but left
20694 unhandled while in a function that @value{GDBN} called in the program being
20695 debugged. If set to on (the default), @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack
20696 it created for the call and restores the context to what it was before
20697 the call. If set to off, @value{GDBN} the exception is delivered to
20698 the default C@t{++} exception handler and the inferior terminated.
20700 @item show unwind-on-terminating-exception
20701 @kindex show unwind-on-terminating-exception
20702 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
20705 @item set may-call-functions
20706 @kindex set may-call-functions
20707 @cindex disabling calling functions in the program
20708 @cindex calling functions in the program, disabling
20709 Set permission to call functions in the program.
20710 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to call functions in
20711 the program, such as with expressions in the @code{print} command. It
20712 defaults to @code{on}.
20714 To call a function in the program, @value{GDBN} has to temporarily
20715 modify the state of the inferior. This has potentially undesired side
20716 effects. Also, having @value{GDBN} call nested functions is likely to
20717 be erroneous and may even crash the program being debugged. You can
20718 avoid such hazards by forbidding @value{GDBN} from calling functions
20719 in the program being debugged. If calling functions in the program
20720 is forbidden, GDB will throw an error when a command (such as printing
20721 an expression) starts a function call in the program.
20723 @item show may-call-functions
20724 @kindex show may-call-functions
20725 Show permission to call functions in the program.
20729 @subsection Calling functions with no debug info
20731 @cindex no debug info functions
20732 Sometimes, a function you wish to call is missing debug information.
20733 In such case, @value{GDBN} does not know the type of the function,
20734 including the types of the function's parameters. To avoid calling
20735 the inferior function incorrectly, which could result in the called
20736 function functioning erroneously and even crash, @value{GDBN} refuses
20737 to call the function unless you tell it the type of the function.
20739 For prototyped (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) functions, there are two ways
20740 to do that. The simplest is to cast the call to the function's
20741 declared return type. For example:
20744 (@value{GDBP}) p getenv ("PATH")
20745 'getenv' has unknown return type; cast the call to its declared return type
20746 (@value{GDBP}) p (char *) getenv ("PATH")
20747 $1 = 0x7fffffffe7ba "/usr/local/bin:/"...
20750 Casting the return type of a no-debug function is equivalent to
20751 casting the function to a pointer to a prototyped function that has a
20752 prototype that matches the types of the passed-in arguments, and
20753 calling that. I.e., the call above is equivalent to:
20756 (@value{GDBP}) p ((char * (*) (const char *)) getenv) ("PATH")
20760 and given this prototyped C or C++ function with float parameters:
20763 float multiply (float v1, float v2) @{ return v1 * v2; @}
20767 these calls are equivalent:
20770 (@value{GDBP}) p (float) multiply (2.0f, 3.0f)
20771 (@value{GDBP}) p ((float (*) (float, float)) multiply) (2.0f, 3.0f)
20774 If the function you wish to call is declared as unprototyped (i.e.@:
20775 old K&R style), you must use the cast-to-function-pointer syntax, so
20776 that @value{GDBN} knows that it needs to apply default argument
20777 promotions (promote float arguments to double). @xref{ABI, float
20778 promotion}. For example, given this unprototyped C function with
20779 float parameters, and no debug info:
20783 multiply_noproto (v1, v2)
20791 you call it like this:
20794 (@value{GDBP}) p ((float (*) ()) multiply_noproto) (2.0f, 3.0f)
20798 @section Patching Programs
20800 @cindex patching binaries
20801 @cindex writing into executables
20802 @cindex writing into corefiles
20804 By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
20805 executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
20806 alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
20807 patching your program's binary.
20809 If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
20810 explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
20811 want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
20817 @itemx set write off
20818 If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
20819 core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
20820 off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
20822 If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
20823 @code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
20824 write}, for your new setting to take effect.
20828 Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
20829 as well as reading.
20832 @node Compiling and Injecting Code
20833 @section Compiling and injecting code in @value{GDBN}
20834 @cindex injecting code
20835 @cindex writing into executables
20836 @cindex compiling code
20838 @value{GDBN} supports on-demand compilation and code injection into
20839 programs running under @value{GDBN}. GCC 5.0 or higher built with
20840 @file{libcc1.so} must be installed for this functionality to be enabled.
20841 This functionality is implemented with the following commands.
20844 @kindex compile code
20845 @item compile code @var{source-code}
20846 @itemx compile code -raw @var{--} @var{source-code}
20847 Compile @var{source-code} with the compiler language found as the current
20848 language in @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Languages}). If compilation and
20849 injection is not supported with the current language specified in
20850 @value{GDBN}, or the compiler does not support this feature, an error
20851 message will be printed. If @var{source-code} compiles and links
20852 successfully, @value{GDBN} will load the object-code emitted,
20853 and execute it within the context of the currently selected inferior.
20854 It is important to note that the compiled code is executed immediately.
20855 After execution, the compiled code is removed from @value{GDBN} and any
20856 new types or variables you have defined will be deleted.
20858 The command allows you to specify @var{source-code} in two ways.
20859 The simplest method is to provide a single line of code to the command.
20863 compile code printf ("hello world\n");
20866 If you specify options on the command line as well as source code, they
20867 may conflict. The @samp{--} delimiter can be used to separate options
20868 from actual source code. E.g.:
20871 compile code -r -- printf ("hello world\n");
20874 Alternatively you can enter source code as multiple lines of text. To
20875 enter this mode, invoke the @samp{compile code} command without any text
20876 following the command. This will start the multiple-line editor and
20877 allow you to type as many lines of source code as required. When you
20878 have completed typing, enter @samp{end} on its own line to exit the
20883 >printf ("hello\n");
20884 >printf ("world\n");
20888 Specifying @samp{-raw}, prohibits @value{GDBN} from wrapping the
20889 provided @var{source-code} in a callable scope. In this case, you must
20890 specify the entry point of the code by defining a function named
20891 @code{_gdb_expr_}. The @samp{-raw} code cannot access variables of the
20892 inferior. Using @samp{-raw} option may be needed for example when
20893 @var{source-code} requires @samp{#include} lines which may conflict with
20894 inferior symbols otherwise.
20896 @kindex compile file
20897 @item compile file @var{filename}
20898 @itemx compile file -raw @var{filename}
20899 Like @code{compile code}, but take the source code from @var{filename}.
20902 compile file /home/user/example.c
20907 @item compile print [[@var{options}] --] @var{expr}
20908 @itemx compile print [[@var{options}] --] /@var{f} @var{expr}
20909 Compile and execute @var{expr} with the compiler language found as the
20910 current language in @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Languages}). By default the
20911 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
20912 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
20913 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
20914 Formats}. The @code{compile print} command accepts the same options
20915 as the @code{print} command; see @ref{print options}.
20917 @item compile print [[@var{options}] --]
20918 @itemx compile print [[@var{options}] --] /@var{f}
20919 @cindex reprint the last value
20920 Alternatively you can enter the expression (source code producing it) as
20921 multiple lines of text. To enter this mode, invoke the @samp{compile print}
20922 command without any text following the command. This will start the
20923 multiple-line editor.
20927 The process of compiling and injecting the code can be inspected using:
20930 @anchor{set debug compile}
20931 @item set debug compile
20932 @cindex compile command debugging info
20933 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} process of compiling and
20934 injecting the code. The default is off.
20936 @item show debug compile
20937 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} process of
20938 compiling and injecting the code.
20940 @anchor{set debug compile-cplus-types}
20941 @item set debug compile-cplus-types
20942 @cindex compile C@t{++} type conversion
20943 Turns on or off the display of C@t{++} type conversion debugging information.
20944 The default is off.
20946 @item show debug compile-cplus-types
20947 Displays the current state of displaying debugging information for
20948 C@t{++} type conversion.
20951 @subsection Compilation options for the @code{compile} command
20953 @value{GDBN} needs to specify the right compilation options for the code
20954 to be injected, in part to make its ABI compatible with the inferior
20955 and in part to make the injected code compatible with @value{GDBN}'s
20959 The options used, in increasing precedence:
20962 @item target architecture and OS options (@code{gdbarch})
20963 These options depend on target processor type and target operating
20964 system, usually they specify at least 32-bit (@code{-m32}) or 64-bit
20965 (@code{-m64}) compilation option.
20967 @item compilation options recorded in the target
20968 @value{NGCC} (since version 4.7) stores the options used for compilation
20969 into @code{DW_AT_producer} part of DWARF debugging information according
20970 to the @value{NGCC} option @code{-grecord-gcc-switches}. One has to
20971 explicitly specify @code{-g} during inferior compilation otherwise
20972 @value{NGCC} produces no DWARF. This feature is only relevant for
20973 platforms where @code{-g} produces DWARF by default, otherwise one may
20974 try to enforce DWARF by using @code{-gdwarf-4}.
20976 @item compilation options set by @code{set compile-args}
20980 You can override compilation options using the following command:
20983 @item set compile-args
20984 @cindex compile command options override
20985 Set compilation options used for compiling and injecting code with the
20986 @code{compile} commands. These options override any conflicting ones
20987 from the target architecture and/or options stored during inferior
20990 @item show compile-args
20991 Displays the current state of compilation options override.
20992 This does not show all the options actually used during compilation,
20993 use @ref{set debug compile} for that.
20996 @subsection Caveats when using the @code{compile} command
20998 There are a few caveats to keep in mind when using the @code{compile}
20999 command. As the caveats are different per language, the table below
21000 highlights specific issues on a per language basis.
21003 @item C code examples and caveats
21004 When the language in @value{GDBN} is set to @samp{C}, the compiler will
21005 attempt to compile the source code with a @samp{C} compiler. The source
21006 code provided to the @code{compile} command will have much the same
21007 access to variables and types as it normally would if it were part of
21008 the program currently being debugged in @value{GDBN}.
21010 Below is a sample program that forms the basis of the examples that
21011 follow. This program has been compiled and loaded into @value{GDBN},
21012 much like any other normal debugging session.
21015 void function1 (void)
21018 printf ("function 1\n");
21021 void function2 (void)
21036 For the purposes of the examples in this section, the program above has
21037 been compiled, loaded into @value{GDBN}, stopped at the function
21038 @code{main}, and @value{GDBN} is awaiting input from the user.
21040 To access variables and types for any program in @value{GDBN}, the
21041 program must be compiled and packaged with debug information. The
21042 @code{compile} command is not an exception to this rule. Without debug
21043 information, you can still use the @code{compile} command, but you will
21044 be very limited in what variables and types you can access.
21046 So with that in mind, the example above has been compiled with debug
21047 information enabled. The @code{compile} command will have access to
21048 all variables and types (except those that may have been optimized
21049 out). Currently, as @value{GDBN} has stopped the program in the
21050 @code{main} function, the @code{compile} command would have access to
21051 the variable @code{k}. You could invoke the @code{compile} command
21052 and type some source code to set the value of @code{k}. You can also
21053 read it, or do anything with that variable you would normally do in
21054 @code{C}. Be aware that changes to inferior variables in the
21055 @code{compile} command are persistent. In the following example:
21058 compile code k = 3;
21062 the variable @code{k} is now 3. It will retain that value until
21063 something else in the example program changes it, or another
21064 @code{compile} command changes it.
21066 Normal scope and access rules apply to source code compiled and
21067 injected by the @code{compile} command. In the example, the variables
21068 @code{j} and @code{k} are not accessible yet, because the program is
21069 currently stopped in the @code{main} function, where these variables
21070 are not in scope. Therefore, the following command
21073 compile code j = 3;
21077 will result in a compilation error message.
21079 Once the program is continued, execution will bring these variables in
21080 scope, and they will become accessible; then the code you specify via
21081 the @code{compile} command will be able to access them.
21083 You can create variables and types with the @code{compile} command as
21084 part of your source code. Variables and types that are created as part
21085 of the @code{compile} command are not visible to the rest of the program for
21086 the duration of its run. This example is valid:
21089 compile code int ff = 5; printf ("ff is %d\n", ff);
21092 However, if you were to type the following into @value{GDBN} after that
21093 command has completed:
21096 compile code printf ("ff is %d\n'', ff);
21100 a compiler error would be raised as the variable @code{ff} no longer
21101 exists. Object code generated and injected by the @code{compile}
21102 command is removed when its execution ends. Caution is advised
21103 when assigning to program variables values of variables created by the
21104 code submitted to the @code{compile} command. This example is valid:
21107 compile code int ff = 5; k = ff;
21110 The value of the variable @code{ff} is assigned to @code{k}. The variable
21111 @code{k} does not require the existence of @code{ff} to maintain the value
21112 it has been assigned. However, pointers require particular care in
21113 assignment. If the source code compiled with the @code{compile} command
21114 changed the address of a pointer in the example program, perhaps to a
21115 variable created in the @code{compile} command, that pointer would point
21116 to an invalid location when the command exits. The following example
21117 would likely cause issues with your debugged program:
21120 compile code int ff = 5; p = &ff;
21123 In this example, @code{p} would point to @code{ff} when the
21124 @code{compile} command is executing the source code provided to it.
21125 However, as variables in the (example) program persist with their
21126 assigned values, the variable @code{p} would point to an invalid
21127 location when the command exists. A general rule should be followed
21128 in that you should either assign @code{NULL} to any assigned pointers,
21129 or restore a valid location to the pointer before the command exits.
21131 Similar caution must be exercised with any structs, unions, and typedefs
21132 defined in @code{compile} command. Types defined in the @code{compile}
21133 command will no longer be available in the next @code{compile} command.
21134 Therefore, if you cast a variable to a type defined in the
21135 @code{compile} command, care must be taken to ensure that any future
21136 need to resolve the type can be achieved.
21139 (gdb) compile code static struct a @{ int a; @} v = @{ 42 @}; argv = &v;
21140 (gdb) compile code printf ("%d\n", ((struct a *) argv)->a);
21141 gdb command line:1:36: error: dereferencing pointer to incomplete type ‘struct a’
21142 Compilation failed.
21143 (gdb) compile code struct a @{ int a; @}; printf ("%d\n", ((struct a *) argv)->a);
21147 Variables that have been optimized away by the compiler are not
21148 accessible to the code submitted to the @code{compile} command.
21149 Access to those variables will generate a compiler error which @value{GDBN}
21150 will print to the console.
21153 @subsection Compiler search for the @code{compile} command
21155 @value{GDBN} needs to find @value{NGCC} for the inferior being debugged
21156 which may not be obvious for remote targets of different architecture
21157 than where @value{GDBN} is running. Environment variable @env{PATH} on
21158 @value{GDBN} host is searched for @value{NGCC} binary matching the
21159 target architecture and operating system. This search can be overriden
21160 by @code{set compile-gcc} @value{GDBN} command below. @env{PATH} is
21161 taken from shell that executed @value{GDBN}, it is not the value set by
21162 @value{GDBN} command @code{set environment}). @xref{Environment}.
21165 Specifically @env{PATH} is searched for binaries matching regular expression
21166 @code{@var{arch}(-[^-]*)?-@var{os}-gcc} according to the inferior target being
21167 debugged. @var{arch} is processor name --- multiarch is supported, so for
21168 example both @code{i386} and @code{x86_64} targets look for pattern
21169 @code{(x86_64|i.86)} and both @code{s390} and @code{s390x} targets look
21170 for pattern @code{s390x?}. @var{os} is currently supported only for
21171 pattern @code{linux(-gnu)?}.
21173 On Posix hosts the compiler driver @value{GDBN} needs to find also
21174 shared library @file{libcc1.so} from the compiler. It is searched in
21175 default shared library search path (overridable with usual environment
21176 variable @env{LD_LIBRARY_PATH}), unrelated to @env{PATH} or @code{set
21177 compile-gcc} settings. Contrary to it @file{libcc1plugin.so} is found
21178 according to the installation of the found compiler --- as possibly
21179 specified by the @code{set compile-gcc} command.
21182 @item set compile-gcc
21183 @cindex compile command driver filename override
21184 Set compilation command used for compiling and injecting code with the
21185 @code{compile} commands. If this option is not set (it is set to
21186 an empty string), the search described above will occur --- that is the
21189 @item show compile-gcc
21190 Displays the current compile command @value{NGCC} driver filename.
21191 If set, it is the main command @command{gcc}, found usually for example
21192 under name @file{x86_64-linux-gnu-gcc}.
21196 @chapter @value{GDBN} Files
21198 @value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
21199 both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
21200 program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
21201 @value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
21204 * Files:: Commands to specify files
21205 * File Caching:: Information about @value{GDBN}'s file caching
21206 * Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
21207 * MiniDebugInfo:: Debugging information in a special section
21208 * Index Files:: Index files speed up GDB
21209 * Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
21210 * Data Files:: GDB data files
21214 @section Commands to Specify Files
21216 @cindex symbol table
21217 @cindex core dump file
21219 You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
21220 way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
21221 @value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
21222 Out of @value{GDBN}}).
21224 Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
21225 @value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
21226 specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
21227 via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
21228 Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
21229 new files are useful.
21232 @cindex executable file
21234 @item file @var{filename}
21235 Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
21236 symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
21237 executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
21238 directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
21239 @value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @env{PATH} as a list of
21240 directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
21241 to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
21242 and your program, using the @code{path} command.
21244 @cindex unlinked object files
21245 @cindex patching object files
21246 You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
21247 the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
21248 file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
21249 if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
21250 @kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
21251 that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
21252 case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
21253 the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
21256 @code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
21257 has on both executable file and the symbol table.
21260 @item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
21261 Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
21262 in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @env{PATH}
21263 if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
21264 discard information on the executable file.
21266 @kindex symbol-file
21267 @item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{[} -o @var{offset} @r{]]}
21268 Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @env{PATH} is
21269 searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
21270 table and program to run from the same file.
21272 If an optional @var{offset} is specified, it is added to the start
21273 address of each section in the symbol file. This is useful if the
21274 program is relocated at runtime, such as the Linux kernel with kASLR
21277 @code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
21278 program's symbol table.
21280 The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
21281 some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
21282 contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
21283 which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
21286 @code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
21289 When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
21290 understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
21291 generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
21292 other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
21293 Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
21294 using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
21297 For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
21298 using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
21299 symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
21300 quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
21301 details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
21303 The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
21304 start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
21305 occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
21306 file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
21307 pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
21308 Warnings and Messages}.)
21310 We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
21311 symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
21312 symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
21313 still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
21317 @cindex reading symbols immediately
21318 @cindex symbols, reading immediately
21319 @item symbol-file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
21320 @itemx file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
21321 You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
21322 tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
21323 load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
21324 entire symbol table available.
21326 @cindex @code{-readnever}, option for symbol-file command
21327 @cindex never read symbols
21328 @cindex symbols, never read
21329 @item symbol-file @r{[} -readnever @r{]} @var{filename}
21330 @itemx file @r{[} -readnever @r{]} @var{filename}
21331 You can instruct @value{GDBN} to never read the symbolic information
21332 contained in @var{filename} by using the @samp{-readnever} option.
21333 @xref{--readnever}.
21335 @c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
21336 @c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
21337 @c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
21338 @c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
21339 @c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
21340 @c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
21344 @item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
21346 Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
21347 of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
21348 address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
21349 executable file itself for other parts.
21351 @code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
21354 Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
21355 under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
21356 wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
21357 the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
21358 (@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
21360 @kindex add-symbol-file
21361 @cindex dynamic linking
21362 @item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @r{[} -readnow @r{|} -readnever @r{]} @r{[} -o @var{offset} @r{]} @r{[} @var{textaddress} @r{]} @r{[} -s @var{section} @var{address} @dots{} @r{]}
21363 The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
21364 information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
21365 when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
21366 into the program that is running. The @var{textaddress} parameter gives
21367 the memory address at which the file's text section has been loaded.
21368 You can additionally specify the base address of other sections using
21369 an arbitrary number of @samp{-s @var{section} @var{address}} pairs.
21370 If a section is omitted, @value{GDBN} will use its default addresses
21371 as found in @var{filename}. Any @var{address} or @var{textaddress}
21372 can be given as an expression.
21374 If an optional @var{offset} is specified, it is added to the start
21375 address of each section, except those for which the address was
21376 specified explicitly.
21378 The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
21379 originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
21380 @code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
21381 thus read is kept in addition to the old.
21383 Changes can be reverted using the command @code{remove-symbol-file}.
21385 @cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
21386 @cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
21387 @cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
21388 @cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
21389 @cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
21390 Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
21391 executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
21392 relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
21393 information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
21397 the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
21398 that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
21400 every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
21401 been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
21403 you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
21404 provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
21408 Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
21409 relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
21410 typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
21411 important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
21412 procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
21413 assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
21414 general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
21415 relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
21416 as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
21419 @code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
21421 @kindex remove-symbol-file
21422 @item remove-symbol-file @var{filename}
21423 @item remove-symbol-file -a @var{address}
21424 Remove a symbol file added via the @code{add-symbol-file} command. The
21425 file to remove can be identified by its @var{filename} or by an @var{address}
21426 that lies within the boundaries of this symbol file in memory. Example:
21429 (gdb) add-symbol-file /home/user/gdb/mylib.so 0x7ffff7ff9480
21430 add symbol table from file "/home/user/gdb/mylib.so" at
21431 .text_addr = 0x7ffff7ff9480
21433 Reading symbols from /home/user/gdb/mylib.so...
21434 (gdb) remove-symbol-file -a 0x7ffff7ff9480
21435 Remove symbol table from file "/home/user/gdb/mylib.so"? (y or n) y
21440 @code{remove-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
21442 @kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
21443 @cindex @code{syscall DSO}
21444 @cindex load symbols from memory
21445 @item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
21446 Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
21447 object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
21448 For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
21449 process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
21450 some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
21451 evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
21452 For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
21453 @code{exec-file} commands in advance.
21456 @item section @var{section} @var{addr}
21457 The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
21458 @var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
21459 exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
21460 @code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
21461 itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
21462 @code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
21466 @kindex info target
21469 @code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
21470 current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
21471 including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
21472 use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
21473 command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
21476 @kindex maint info sections
21477 @item maint info sections @r{[}-all-objects@r{]} @r{[}@var{filter-list}@r{]}
21478 Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
21479 is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
21480 displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
21481 offset of each section in the executable and core dump files.
21483 When @samp{-all-objects} is passed then sections from all loaded object
21484 files, including shared libraries, are printed.
21486 The optional @var{filter-list} is a space separated list of filter
21487 keywords. Sections that match any one of the filter criteria will be
21488 printed. There are two types of filter:
21491 @item @var{section-name}
21492 Display information about any section named @var{section-name}.
21493 @item @var{section-flag}
21494 Display information for any section with @var{section-flag}. The
21495 section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
21498 Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
21499 Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
21501 Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
21502 Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
21504 Section needs to be relocated before loading.
21506 Section cannot be modified by the child process.
21508 Section contains executable code only.
21510 Section contains data only (no executable code).
21512 Section will reside in ROM.
21514 Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
21516 Section is not empty.
21518 An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
21519 @item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
21520 A notification to the linker that the section contains
21521 COFF shared library information.
21523 Section contains common symbols.
21527 @kindex maint info target-sections
21528 @item maint info target-sections
21529 This command prints @value{GDBN}'s internal section table. For each
21530 target @value{GDBN} maintains a table containing the allocatable
21531 sections from all currently mapped objects, along with information
21532 about where the section is mapped.
21534 @kindex set trust-readonly-sections
21535 @cindex read-only sections
21536 @item set trust-readonly-sections on
21537 Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
21538 really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
21539 In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
21540 out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
21541 For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
21542 enhancement to debugging performance.
21544 The default is off.
21546 @item set trust-readonly-sections off
21547 Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
21548 the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
21549 and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
21551 @item show trust-readonly-sections
21552 Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
21555 All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
21556 as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
21557 name and remembers it that way.
21559 @cindex shared libraries
21560 @anchor{Shared Libraries}
21561 @value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, SunOS,
21562 Darwin/Mach-O, SVr4, IBM RS/6000 AIX, QNX Neutrino, FDPIC (FR-V), and
21563 DSBT (TIC6X) shared libraries.
21565 On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
21566 shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
21568 @value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
21569 when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
21570 (Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
21571 references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
21572 debugging a core file).
21574 @c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
21575 @c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
21576 @c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
21578 There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
21579 symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
21580 particularly large or there are many of them.
21582 To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
21586 @kindex set auto-solib-add
21587 @item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
21588 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
21589 will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
21590 attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
21591 informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
21592 is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
21593 @code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
21595 @cindex memory used for symbol tables
21596 If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
21597 takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
21598 memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
21599 symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
21600 auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
21601 library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
21602 @var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
21603 the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
21605 @kindex show auto-solib-add
21606 @item show auto-solib-add
21607 Display the current autoloading mode.
21610 @cindex load shared library
21611 To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
21615 @kindex info sharedlibrary
21617 @item info share @var{regex}
21618 @itemx info sharedlibrary @var{regex}
21619 Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded
21620 that match @var{regex}. If @var{regex} is omitted then print
21621 all shared libraries that are loaded.
21624 @item info dll @var{regex}
21625 This is an alias of @code{info sharedlibrary}.
21627 @kindex sharedlibrary
21629 @item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
21630 @itemx share @var{regex}
21631 Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
21632 Unix regular expression.
21633 As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
21634 required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
21635 @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
21638 @item nosharedlibrary
21639 @kindex nosharedlibrary
21640 @cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
21641 Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
21642 that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
21643 libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
21647 Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
21648 when any of shared library events happen. The best way to do this is
21649 to use @code{catch load} and @code{catch unload} (@pxref{Set
21652 @value{GDBN} also supports the @code{set stop-on-solib-events}
21653 command for this. This command exists for historical reasons. It is
21654 less useful than setting a catchpoint, because it does not allow for
21655 conditions or commands as a catchpoint does.
21658 @item set stop-on-solib-events
21659 @kindex set stop-on-solib-events
21660 This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
21661 when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
21662 The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
21665 @item show stop-on-solib-events
21666 @kindex show stop-on-solib-events
21667 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
21668 library events happen.
21671 Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
21672 configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
21673 this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
21674 on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
21675 libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
21676 provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
21677 copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
21680 @cindex where to look for shared libraries
21681 For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
21682 libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
21683 may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
21684 to specify the search directories for target libraries.
21687 @cindex prefix for executable and shared library file names
21688 @cindex system root, alternate
21689 @kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
21690 @kindex set sysroot
21691 @item set sysroot @var{path}
21692 Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
21693 absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
21694 runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
21695 target program's memory. When starting processes remotely, and when
21696 attaching to already-running processes (local or remote), their
21697 executable filenames will be prefixed with @var{path} if reported to
21698 @value{GDBN} as absolute by the operating system. If you use
21699 @code{set sysroot} to find executables and shared libraries, they need
21700 to be laid out in the same way that they are on the target, with
21701 e.g.@: a @file{/bin}, @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy under
21704 If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{target:} and the target
21705 system is remote then @value{GDBN} will retrieve the target binaries
21706 from the remote system. This is only supported when using a remote
21707 target that supports the @code{remote get} command (@pxref{File
21708 Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}). The part of @var{path}
21709 following the initial @file{target:} (if present) is used as system
21710 root prefix on the remote file system. If @var{path} starts with the
21711 sequence @file{remote:} this is converted to the sequence
21712 @file{target:} by @code{set sysroot}@footnote{Historically the
21713 functionality to retrieve binaries from the remote system was
21714 provided by prefixing @var{path} with @file{remote:}}. If you want
21715 to specify a local system root using a directory that happens to be
21716 named @file{target:} or @file{remote:}, you need to use some
21717 equivalent variant of the name like @file{./target:}.
21719 For targets with an MS-DOS based filesystem, such as MS-Windows,
21720 @value{GDBN} tries prefixing a few variants of the target
21721 absolute file name with @var{path}. But first, on Unix hosts,
21722 @value{GDBN} converts all backslash directory separators into forward
21723 slashes, because the backslash is not a directory separator on Unix:
21726 c:\foo\bar.dll @result{} c:/foo/bar.dll
21729 Then, @value{GDBN} attempts prefixing the target file name with
21730 @var{path}, and looks for the resulting file name in the host file
21734 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c:/foo/bar.dll
21737 If that does not find the binary, @value{GDBN} tries removing
21738 the @samp{:} character from the drive spec, both for convenience, and,
21739 for the case of the host file system not supporting file names with
21743 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c/foo/bar.dll
21746 This makes it possible to have a system root that mirrors a target
21747 with more than one drive. E.g., you may want to setup your local
21748 copies of the target system shared libraries like so (note @samp{c} vs
21752 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/foo.dll}
21753 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/bar.dll}
21754 @file{/path/to/sysroot/z/sys/bin/bar.dll}
21758 and point the system root at @file{/path/to/sysroot}, so that
21759 @value{GDBN} can find the correct copies of both
21760 @file{c:\sys\bin\foo.dll}, and @file{z:\sys\bin\bar.dll}.
21762 If that still does not find the binary, @value{GDBN} tries
21763 removing the whole drive spec from the target file name:
21766 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/foo/bar.dll
21769 This last lookup makes it possible to not care about the drive name,
21770 if you don't want or need to.
21772 The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
21775 @cindex default system root
21776 @cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
21777 You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
21778 @samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
21779 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
21780 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
21781 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
21784 @kindex show sysroot
21786 Display the current executable and shared library prefix.
21788 @kindex set solib-search-path
21789 @item set solib-search-path @var{path}
21790 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
21791 directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
21792 is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
21793 path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
21794 use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
21795 @samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
21796 finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
21797 it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
21798 of shared library symbols.
21800 @kindex show solib-search-path
21801 @item show solib-search-path
21802 Display the current shared library search path.
21804 @cindex DOS file-name semantics of file names.
21805 @kindex set target-file-system-kind (unix|dos-based|auto)
21806 @kindex show target-file-system-kind
21807 @item set target-file-system-kind @var{kind}
21808 Set assumed file system kind for target reported file names.
21810 Shared library file names as reported by the target system may not
21811 make sense as is on the system @value{GDBN} is running on. For
21812 example, when remote debugging a target that has MS-DOS based file
21813 system semantics, from a Unix host, the target may be reporting to
21814 @value{GDBN} a list of loaded shared libraries with file names such as
21815 @file{c:\Windows\kernel32.dll}. On Unix hosts, there's no concept of
21816 drive letters, so the @samp{c:\} prefix is not normally understood as
21817 indicating an absolute file name, and neither is the backslash
21818 normally considered a directory separator character. In that case,
21819 the native file system would interpret this whole absolute file name
21820 as a relative file name with no directory components. This would make
21821 it impossible to point @value{GDBN} at a copy of the remote target's
21822 shared libraries on the host using @code{set sysroot}, and impractical
21823 with @code{set solib-search-path}. Setting
21824 @code{target-file-system-kind} to @code{dos-based} tells @value{GDBN}
21825 to interpret such file names similarly to how the target would, and to
21826 map them to file names valid on @value{GDBN}'s native file system
21827 semantics. The value of @var{kind} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition
21828 to one of the supported file system kinds. In that case, @value{GDBN}
21829 tries to determine the appropriate file system variant based on the
21830 current target's operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the
21831 Current ABI}). The supported file system settings are:
21835 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is of Unix
21836 kind. Only file names starting the forward slash (@samp{/}) character
21837 are considered absolute, and the directory separator character is also
21841 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is DOS based.
21842 File names starting with either a forward slash, or a drive letter
21843 followed by a colon (e.g., @samp{c:}), are considered absolute, and
21844 both the slash (@samp{/}) and the backslash (@samp{\\}) characters are
21845 considered directory separators.
21848 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the file system kind associated with the
21849 target operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
21850 This is the default.
21854 @cindex file name canonicalization
21855 @cindex base name differences
21856 When processing file names provided by the user, @value{GDBN}
21857 frequently needs to compare them to the file names recorded in the
21858 program's debug info. Normally, @value{GDBN} compares just the
21859 @dfn{base names} of the files as strings, which is reasonably fast
21860 even for very large programs. (The base name of a file is the last
21861 portion of its name, after stripping all the leading directories.)
21862 This shortcut in comparison is based upon the assumption that files
21863 cannot have more than one base name. This is usually true, but
21864 references to files that use symlinks or similar filesystem
21865 facilities violate that assumption. If your program records files
21866 using such facilities, or if you provide file names to @value{GDBN}
21867 using symlinks etc., you can set @code{basenames-may-differ} to
21868 @code{true} to instruct @value{GDBN} to completely canonicalize each
21869 pair of file names it needs to compare. This will make file-name
21870 comparisons accurate, but at a price of a significant slowdown.
21873 @item set basenames-may-differ
21874 @kindex set basenames-may-differ
21875 Set whether a source file may have multiple base names.
21877 @item show basenames-may-differ
21878 @kindex show basenames-may-differ
21879 Show whether a source file may have multiple base names.
21883 @section File Caching
21884 @cindex caching of opened files
21885 @cindex caching of bfd objects
21887 To speed up file loading, and reduce memory usage, @value{GDBN} will
21888 reuse the @code{bfd} objects used to track open files. @xref{Top, ,
21889 BFD, bfd, The Binary File Descriptor Library}. The following commands
21890 allow visibility and control of the caching behavior.
21893 @kindex maint info bfds
21894 @item maint info bfds
21895 This prints information about each @code{bfd} object that is known to
21898 @kindex maint set bfd-sharing
21899 @kindex maint show bfd-sharing
21900 @kindex bfd caching
21901 @item maint set bfd-sharing
21902 @item maint show bfd-sharing
21903 Control whether @code{bfd} objects can be shared. When sharing is
21904 enabled @value{GDBN} reuses already open @code{bfd} objects rather
21905 than reopening the same file. Turning sharing off does not cause
21906 already shared @code{bfd} objects to be unshared, but all future files
21907 that are opened will create a new @code{bfd} object. Similarly,
21908 re-enabling sharing does not cause multiple existing @code{bfd}
21909 objects to be collapsed into a single shared @code{bfd} object.
21911 @kindex set debug bfd-cache @var{level}
21912 @kindex bfd caching
21913 @item set debug bfd-cache @var{level}
21914 Turns on debugging of the bfd cache, setting the level to @var{level}.
21916 @kindex show debug bfd-cache
21917 @kindex bfd caching
21918 @item show debug bfd-cache
21919 Show the current debugging level of the bfd cache.
21922 @node Separate Debug Files
21923 @section Debugging Information in Separate Files
21924 @cindex separate debugging information files
21925 @cindex debugging information in separate files
21926 @cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
21927 @cindex debugging information directory, global
21928 @cindex global debugging information directories
21929 @cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
21930 @cindex @file{.build-id} directory
21932 @value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
21933 file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
21934 @value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
21935 Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
21936 than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
21937 information for their executables in separate files, which users can
21938 install only when they need to debug a problem.
21940 @value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
21945 The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
21946 the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
21947 usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
21948 name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
21949 (e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
21950 debug link specifies a 32-bit @dfn{Cyclic Redundancy Check} (CRC)
21951 checksum for the debug file, which @value{GDBN} uses to validate that
21952 the executable and the debug file came from the same build.
21956 The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
21957 also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
21958 only on some operating systems, when using the ELF or PE file formats
21959 for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
21960 this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
21961 command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld,
21962 The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
21963 explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
21967 Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
21968 uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
21972 For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
21973 the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
21974 directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under each one of the
21975 global debug directories, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to
21976 the leading directories of the executable's absolute file name. (On
21977 MS-Windows/MS-DOS, the drive letter of the executable's leading
21978 directories is converted to a one-letter subdirectory, i.e.@:
21979 @file{d:/usr/bin/} is converted to @file{/d/usr/bin/}, because Windows
21980 filesystems disallow colons in file names.)
21983 For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
21984 @file{.build-id} subdirectory of each one of the global debug directories for
21985 a file named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
21986 first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
21987 are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
21988 hex characters, not 10.) @value{GDBN} can automatically query
21989 @code{debuginfod} servers using build IDs in order to download separate debug
21990 files that cannot be found locally. For more information see @ref{Debuginfod}.
21993 So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
21994 @file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
21995 file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
21996 @code{abcdef1234}. If the list of the global debug directories includes
21997 @file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
21998 debug information files, in the indicated order:
22002 @file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
22004 @file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
22006 @file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
22008 @file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
22011 If the debug file still has not been found and @code{debuginfod}
22012 (@pxref{Debuginfod}) is enabled, @value{GDBN} will attempt to download the
22013 file from @code{debuginfod} servers.
22015 @anchor{debug-file-directory}
22016 Global debugging info directories default to what is set by @value{GDBN}
22017 configure option @option{--with-separate-debug-dir}. During @value{GDBN} run
22018 you can also set the global debugging info directories, and view the list
22019 @value{GDBN} is currently using.
22023 @kindex set debug-file-directory
22024 @item set debug-file-directory @var{directories}
22025 Set the directories which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
22026 information files to @var{directory}. Multiple path components can be set
22027 concatenating them by a path separator.
22029 @kindex show debug-file-directory
22030 @item show debug-file-directory
22031 Show the directories @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
22036 @cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
22037 @cindex debug link sections
22038 A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
22039 @code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
22043 A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
22046 zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
22047 boundary within the section, and
22049 a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
22050 executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
22051 information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
22052 zero as the @var{crc} argument.
22055 Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
22056 contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
22059 @cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
22060 @cindex build ID sections
22061 The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
22062 ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
22063 often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
22064 It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
22065 the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
22066 algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
22067 content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
22068 value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
22069 stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
22071 The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
22072 executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
22073 debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
22074 should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
22075 but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
22076 in an ordinary executable.
22078 The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
22079 @samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
22080 the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
22081 following commands:
22084 @kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
22089 These commands remove the debugging
22090 information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
22091 @file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
22096 The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
22097 behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
22100 @kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
22103 Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
22104 a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
22105 foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
22106 the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
22109 Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
22110 the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
22111 compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
22112 utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
22117 @cindex CRC algorithm definition
22118 The CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink} is the CRC-32 defined in
22119 IEEE 802.3 using the polynomial:
22121 @c TexInfo requires naked braces for multi-digit exponents for Tex
22122 @c output, but this causes HTML output to barf. HTML has to be set using
22123 @c raw commands. So we end up having to specify this equation in 2
22128 <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>
22129 + <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
22135 @math{x^{32} + x^{26} + x^{23} + x^{22} + x^{16} + x^{12} + x^{11}}
22136 @math{+ x^{10} + x^8 + x^7 + x^5 + x^4 + x^2 + x + 1}
22140 The function is computed byte at a time, taking the least
22141 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern
22142 @code{0xffffffff} is used, to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC and
22143 the final result is inverted to ensure trailing zeros also affect the
22146 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC polynomial as used in handling the
22147 @dfn{Remote Serial Protocol} @code{qCRC} packet (@pxref{qCRC packet}).
22148 However in the case of the Remote Serial Protocol, the CRC is computed
22149 @emph{most} significant bit first, and the result is not inverted, so
22150 trailing zeros have no effect on the CRC value.
22152 To complete the description, we show below the code of the function
22153 which produces the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}. Inverting the
22154 initially supplied @code{crc} argument means that an initial call to
22155 this function passing in zero will start computing the CRC using
22158 @kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
22161 gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
22162 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
22164 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
22166 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
22167 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
22168 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
22169 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
22170 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
22171 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
22172 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
22173 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
22174 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
22175 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
22176 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
22177 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
22178 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
22179 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
22180 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
22181 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
22182 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
22183 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
22184 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
22185 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
22186 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
22187 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
22188 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
22189 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
22190 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
22191 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
22192 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
22193 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
22194 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
22195 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
22196 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
22197 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
22198 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
22199 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
22200 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
22201 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
22202 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
22203 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
22204 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
22205 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
22206 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
22207 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
22208 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
22209 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
22210 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
22211 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
22212 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
22213 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
22214 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
22215 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
22216 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
22219 unsigned char *end;
22221 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
22222 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
22223 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
22224 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
22229 This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
22231 @node MiniDebugInfo
22232 @section Debugging information in a special section
22233 @cindex separate debug sections
22234 @cindex @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section
22236 Some systems ship pre-built executables and libraries that have a
22237 special @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section. This feature is called
22238 @dfn{MiniDebugInfo}. This section holds an LZMA-compressed object and
22239 is used to supply extra symbols for backtraces.
22241 The intent of this section is to provide extra minimal debugging
22242 information for use in simple backtraces. It is not intended to be a
22243 replacement for full separate debugging information (@pxref{Separate
22244 Debug Files}). The example below shows the intended use; however,
22245 @value{GDBN} does not currently put restrictions on what sort of
22246 debugging information might be included in the section.
22248 @value{GDBN} has support for this extension. If the section exists,
22249 then it is used provided that no other source of debugging information
22250 can be found, and that @value{GDBN} was configured with LZMA support.
22252 This section can be easily created using @command{objcopy} and other
22253 standard utilities:
22256 # Extract the dynamic symbols from the main binary, there is no need
22257 # to also have these in the normal symbol table.
22258 nm -D @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
22259 | awk '@{ print $1 @}' | sort > dynsyms
22261 # Extract all the text (i.e. function) symbols from the debuginfo.
22262 # (Note that we actually also accept "D" symbols, for the benefit
22263 # of platforms like PowerPC64 that use function descriptors.)
22264 nm @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
22265 | awk '@{ if ($2 == "T" || $2 == "t" || $2 == "D") print $1 @}' \
22268 # Keep all the function symbols not already in the dynamic symbol
22270 comm -13 dynsyms funcsyms > keep_symbols
22272 # Separate full debug info into debug binary.
22273 objcopy --only-keep-debug @var{binary} debug
22275 # Copy the full debuginfo, keeping only a minimal set of symbols and
22276 # removing some unnecessary sections.
22277 objcopy -S --remove-section .gdb_index --remove-section .comment \
22278 --keep-symbols=keep_symbols debug mini_debuginfo
22280 # Drop the full debug info from the original binary.
22281 strip --strip-all -R .comment @var{binary}
22283 # Inject the compressed data into the .gnu_debugdata section of the
22286 objcopy --add-section .gnu_debugdata=mini_debuginfo.xz @var{binary}
22290 @section Index Files Speed Up @value{GDBN}
22291 @cindex index files
22292 @cindex @samp{.gdb_index} section
22294 When @value{GDBN} finds a symbol file, it scans the symbols in the
22295 file in order to construct an internal symbol table. This lets most
22296 @value{GDBN} operations work quickly---at the cost of a delay early
22297 on. For large programs, this delay can be quite lengthy, so
22298 @value{GDBN} provides a way to build an index, which speeds up
22301 For convenience, @value{GDBN} comes with a program,
22302 @command{gdb-add-index}, which can be used to add the index to a
22303 symbol file. It takes the symbol file as its only argument:
22306 $ gdb-add-index symfile
22309 @xref{gdb-add-index}.
22311 It is also possible to do the work manually. Here is what
22312 @command{gdb-add-index} does behind the curtains.
22314 The index is stored as a section in the symbol file. @value{GDBN} can
22315 write the index to a file, then you can put it into the symbol file
22316 using @command{objcopy}.
22318 To create an index file, use the @code{save gdb-index} command:
22321 @item save gdb-index [-dwarf-5] @var{directory}
22322 @kindex save gdb-index
22323 Create index files for all symbol files currently known by
22324 @value{GDBN}. For each known @var{symbol-file}, this command by
22325 default creates it produces a single file
22326 @file{@var{symbol-file}.gdb-index}. If you invoke this command with
22327 the @option{-dwarf-5} option, it produces 2 files:
22328 @file{@var{symbol-file}.debug_names} and
22329 @file{@var{symbol-file}.debug_str}. The files are created in the
22330 given @var{directory}.
22333 Once you have created an index file you can merge it into your symbol
22334 file, here named @file{symfile}, using @command{objcopy}:
22337 $ objcopy --add-section .gdb_index=symfile.gdb-index \
22338 --set-section-flags .gdb_index=readonly symfile symfile
22341 Or for @code{-dwarf-5}:
22344 $ objcopy --dump-section .debug_str=symfile.debug_str.new symfile
22345 $ cat symfile.debug_str >>symfile.debug_str.new
22346 $ objcopy --add-section .debug_names=symfile.gdb-index \
22347 --set-section-flags .debug_names=readonly \
22348 --update-section .debug_str=symfile.debug_str.new symfile symfile
22351 @value{GDBN} will normally ignore older versions of @file{.gdb_index}
22352 sections that have been deprecated. Usually they are deprecated because
22353 they are missing a new feature or have performance issues.
22354 To tell @value{GDBN} to use a deprecated index section anyway
22355 specify @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
22356 The default is @code{off}.
22357 This can speed up startup, but may result in some functionality being lost.
22358 @xref{Index Section Format}.
22360 @emph{Warning:} Setting @code{use-deprecated-index-sections} to @code{on}
22361 must be done before gdb reads the file. The following will not work:
22364 $ gdb -ex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
22367 Instead you must do, for example,
22370 $ gdb -iex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
22373 Indices only work when using DWARF debugging information, not stabs.
22375 @subsection Automatic symbol index cache
22377 @cindex automatic symbol index cache
22378 It is possible for @value{GDBN} to automatically save a copy of this index in a
22379 cache on disk and retrieve it from there when loading the same binary in the
22380 future. This feature can be turned on with @kbd{set index-cache enabled on}.
22381 The following commands can be used to tweak the behavior of the index cache.
22385 @kindex set index-cache
22386 @item set index-cache enabled on
22387 @itemx set index-cache enabled off
22388 Enable or disable the use of the symbol index cache.
22390 @item set index-cache directory @var{directory}
22391 @kindex show index-cache
22392 @itemx show index-cache directory
22393 Set/show the directory where index files will be saved.
22395 The default value for this directory depends on the host platform. On
22396 most systems, the index is cached in the @file{gdb} subdirectory of
22397 the directory pointed to by the @env{XDG_CACHE_HOME} environment
22398 variable, if it is defined, else in the @file{.cache/gdb} subdirectory
22399 of your home directory. However, on some systems, the default may
22400 differ according to local convention.
22402 There is no limit on the disk space used by index cache. It is perfectly safe
22403 to delete the content of that directory to free up disk space.
22405 @item show index-cache stats
22406 Print the number of cache hits and misses since the launch of @value{GDBN}.
22410 @node Symbol Errors
22411 @section Errors Reading Symbol Files
22413 While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
22414 such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
22415 output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
22416 they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
22417 debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
22418 about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
22419 only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
22420 times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
22421 to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
22422 complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
22425 The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
22428 @item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
22430 The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
22431 (such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
22432 error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
22433 in its outer scope blocks.
22435 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
22436 the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
22437 may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
22440 @item block at @var{address} out of order
22442 The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
22443 order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
22446 @value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
22447 locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
22448 can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
22449 @code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
22452 @item bad block start address patched
22454 The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
22455 smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
22456 to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
22458 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
22459 starting on the previous source line.
22461 @item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
22464 Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
22465 larger than the size of the string table.
22467 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
22468 name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
22471 @item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
22473 The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
22474 not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
22475 uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
22477 @value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
22478 This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
22479 are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
22480 debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
22481 on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
22482 and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
22484 @item stub type has NULL name
22486 @value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
22488 @item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
22489 The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
22490 information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
22493 @item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
22495 @value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
22500 @section GDB Data Files
22502 @cindex prefix for data files
22503 @value{GDBN} will sometimes read an auxiliary data file. These files
22504 are kept in a directory known as the @dfn{data directory}.
22506 You can set the data directory's name, and view the name @value{GDBN}
22507 is currently using.
22510 @kindex set data-directory
22511 @item set data-directory @var{directory}
22512 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files
22513 to @var{directory}.
22515 @kindex show data-directory
22516 @item show data-directory
22517 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files.
22520 @cindex default data directory
22521 @cindex @samp{--with-gdb-datadir}
22522 You can set the default data directory by using the configure-time
22523 @samp{--with-gdb-datadir} option. If the data directory is inside
22524 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
22525 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default data directory will be updated
22526 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
22529 The data directory may also be specified with the
22530 @code{--data-directory} command line option.
22531 @xref{Mode Options}.
22534 @chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
22536 @cindex debugging target
22537 A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
22539 Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
22540 in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
22541 you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
22542 flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
22543 host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
22544 realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
22545 command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
22546 (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
22548 @cindex target architecture
22549 It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
22550 architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
22551 one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
22555 @kindex set architecture
22556 @kindex show architecture
22557 @item set architecture @var{arch}
22558 This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
22559 value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
22560 supported architectures.
22562 @item show architecture
22563 Show the current target architecture.
22565 @item set processor
22567 @kindex set processor
22568 @kindex show processor
22569 These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
22570 and @code{show architecture}.
22574 * Active Targets:: Active targets
22575 * Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
22576 * Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
22579 @node Active Targets
22580 @section Active Targets
22582 @cindex stacking targets
22583 @cindex active targets
22584 @cindex multiple targets
22586 There are multiple classes of targets such as: processes, executable files or
22587 recording sessions. Core files belong to the process class, making core file
22588 and process mutually exclusive. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} can work concurrently
22589 on multiple active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for
22590 example) start a process and inspect its activity, while still having access to
22591 the executable file after the process finishes. Or if you start process
22592 recording (@pxref{Reverse Execution}) and @code{reverse-step} there, you are
22593 presented a virtual layer of the recording target, while the process target
22594 remains stopped at the chronologically last point of the process execution.
22596 Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new core
22597 file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}). To
22598 specify as a target a process that is already running, use the @code{attach}
22599 command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
22601 @node Target Commands
22602 @section Commands for Managing Targets
22605 @item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
22606 Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
22607 process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
22608 facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
22609 protocol of the target machine.
22611 Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
22612 typically include things like device names or host names to connect
22613 with, process numbers, and baud rates.
22615 The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
22616 after executing the command.
22618 @kindex help target
22620 Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
22621 currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
22622 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
22624 @item help target @var{name}
22625 Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
22628 @kindex set gnutarget
22629 @item set gnutarget @var{args}
22630 @value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
22631 knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
22632 a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
22633 with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
22634 with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
22637 @emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
22638 you must know the actual BFD name.
22642 @xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
22644 @kindex show gnutarget
22645 @item show gnutarget
22646 Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
22647 @code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
22648 @value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
22649 and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BFD target is "auto"}.
22652 @cindex common targets
22653 Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
22658 @item target exec @var{program}
22659 @cindex executable file target
22660 An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
22661 @samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
22663 @item target core @var{filename}
22664 @cindex core dump file target
22665 A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
22666 @samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
22668 @item target remote @var{medium}
22669 @cindex remote target
22670 A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
22671 connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
22672 protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
22674 For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
22675 machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
22678 target remote /dev/ttya
22681 @code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
22682 useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
22683 system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
22684 clobbered by the download.
22686 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
22687 @cindex built-in simulator target
22688 Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
22696 works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
22697 drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
22698 provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
22699 see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
22702 @item target native
22703 @cindex native target
22704 Setup for local/native process debugging. Useful to make the
22705 @code{run} command spawn native processes (likewise @code{attach},
22706 etc.@:) even when @code{set auto-connect-native-target} is @code{off}
22707 (@pxref{set auto-connect-native-target}).
22711 Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
22712 your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
22714 Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
22715 you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
22716 various aspects of this process.
22721 @kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
22722 @cindex hash mark while downloading
22723 This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
22724 downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
22725 displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
22729 @kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
22730 Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
22732 @item set debug monitor
22733 @kindex set debug monitor
22734 @cindex display remote monitor communications
22735 Enable or disable display of communications messages between
22736 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
22738 @item show debug monitor
22739 @kindex show debug monitor
22740 Show the current status of displaying communications between
22741 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
22746 @kindex load @var{filename} @var{offset}
22747 @item load @var{filename} @var{offset}
22749 Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
22750 @value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
22751 is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
22752 on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
22753 @code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
22754 the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
22756 If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
22757 execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
22758 target is @dots{}}''
22760 The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
22761 For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
22762 link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
22763 specifies a fixed address.
22764 @c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
22766 It is also possible to tell @value{GDBN} to load the executable file at a
22767 specific offset described by the optional argument @var{offset}. When
22768 @var{offset} is provided, @var{filename} must also be provided.
22770 Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
22771 load programs into flash memory.
22773 @code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
22778 @kindex flash-erase
22780 @anchor{flash-erase}
22782 Erases all known flash memory regions on the target.
22787 @section Choosing Target Byte Order
22789 @cindex choosing target byte order
22790 @cindex target byte order
22792 Some types of processors, such as the @acronym{MIPS}, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
22793 offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
22794 orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
22795 designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
22796 which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
22797 @value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
22801 @item set endian big
22802 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
22804 @item set endian little
22805 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
22807 @item set endian auto
22808 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
22812 Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
22816 If the @code{set endian auto} mode is in effect and no executable has
22817 been selected, then the endianness used is the last one chosen either
22818 by one of the @code{set endian big} and @code{set endian little}
22819 commands or by inferring from the last executable used. If no
22820 endianness has been previously chosen, then the default for this mode
22821 is inferred from the target @value{GDBN} has been built for, and is
22822 @code{little} if the name of the target CPU has an @code{el} suffix
22823 and @code{big} otherwise.
22825 Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
22826 data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
22830 @node Remote Debugging
22831 @chapter Debugging Remote Programs
22832 @cindex remote debugging
22834 If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
22835 @value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
22836 For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
22837 or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
22838 powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
22840 Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
22841 to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
22842 @value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
22843 but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
22844 write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
22845 communicate with @value{GDBN}.
22847 Other remote targets may be available in your
22848 configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
22851 * Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
22852 * File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
22853 * Server:: Using the gdbserver program
22854 * Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
22855 * Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
22859 @section Connecting to a Remote Target
22860 @cindex remote debugging, connecting
22861 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, connecting
22862 @cindex remote debugging, types of connections
22863 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, types of connections
22864 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, @code{target remote} mode
22865 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, @code{target extended-remote} mode
22867 This section describes how to connect to a remote target, including the
22868 types of connections and their differences, how to set up executable and
22869 symbol files on the host and target, and the commands used for
22870 connecting to and disconnecting from the remote target.
22872 @subsection Types of Remote Connections
22874 @value{GDBN} supports two types of remote connections, @code{target remote}
22875 mode and @code{target extended-remote} mode. Note that many remote targets
22876 support only @code{target remote} mode. There are several major
22877 differences between the two types of connections, enumerated here:
22881 @cindex remote debugging, detach and program exit
22882 @item Result of detach or program exit
22883 @strong{With target remote mode:} When the debugged program exits or you
22884 detach from it, @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target. When using
22885 @code{gdbserver}, @code{gdbserver} will exit.
22887 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} When the debugged program exits or
22888 you detach from it, @value{GDBN} remains connected to the target, even
22889 though no program is running. You can rerun the program, attach to a
22890 running program, or use @code{monitor} commands specific to the target.
22892 When using @code{gdbserver} in this case, it does not exit unless it was
22893 invoked using the @option{--once} option. If the @option{--once} option
22894 was not used, you can ask @code{gdbserver} to exit using the
22895 @code{monitor exit} command (@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}).
22897 @item Specifying the program to debug
22898 For both connection types you use the @code{file} command to specify the
22899 program on the host system. If you are using @code{gdbserver} there are
22900 some differences in how to specify the location of the program on the
22903 @strong{With target remote mode:} You must either specify the program to debug
22904 on the @code{gdbserver} command line or use the @option{--attach} option
22905 (@pxref{Attaching to a program,,Attaching to a Running Program}).
22907 @cindex @option{--multi}, @code{gdbserver} option
22908 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} You may specify the program to debug
22909 on the @code{gdbserver} command line, or you can load the program or attach
22910 to it using @value{GDBN} commands after connecting to @code{gdbserver}.
22912 @anchor{--multi Option in Types of Remote Connnections}
22913 You can start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
22914 or process ID to attach. To do this, use the @option{--multi} command line
22915 option. Then you can connect using @code{target extended-remote} and start
22916 the program you want to debug (see below for details on using the
22917 @code{run} command in this scenario). Note that the conditions under which
22918 @code{gdbserver} terminates depend on how @value{GDBN} connects to it
22919 (@code{target remote} or @code{target extended-remote}). The
22920 @option{--multi} option to @code{gdbserver} has no influence on that.
22922 @item The @code{run} command
22923 @strong{With target remote mode:} The @code{run} command is not
22924 supported. Once a connection has been established, you can use all
22925 the usual @value{GDBN} commands to examine and change data. The
22926 remote program is already running, so you can use commands like
22927 @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}.
22929 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} The @code{run} command is
22930 supported. The @code{run} command uses the value set by
22931 @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set remote exec-file}) to select
22932 the program to run. Command line arguments are supported, except for
22933 wildcard expansion and I/O redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
22935 If you specify the program to debug on the command line, then the
22936 @code{run} command is not required to start execution, and you can
22937 resume using commands like @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue} as with
22938 @code{target remote} mode.
22940 @anchor{Attaching in Types of Remote Connections}
22942 @strong{With target remote mode:} The @value{GDBN} command @code{attach} is
22943 not supported. To attach to a running program using @code{gdbserver}, you
22944 must use the @option{--attach} option (@pxref{Running gdbserver}).
22946 @strong{With target extended-remote mode:} To attach to a running program,
22947 you may use the @code{attach} command after the connection has been
22948 established. If you are using @code{gdbserver}, you may also invoke
22949 @code{gdbserver} using the @option{--attach} option
22950 (@pxref{Running gdbserver}).
22952 Some remote targets allow @value{GDBN} to determine the executable file running
22953 in the process the debugger is attaching to. In such a case, @value{GDBN}
22954 uses the value of @code{exec-file-mismatch} to handle a possible mismatch
22955 between the executable file name running in the process and the name of the
22956 current exec-file loaded by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{set exec-file-mismatch}).
22960 @anchor{Host and target files}
22961 @subsection Host and Target Files
22962 @cindex remote debugging, symbol files
22963 @cindex symbol files, remote debugging
22965 @value{GDBN}, running on the host, needs access to symbol and debugging
22966 information for your program running on the target. This requires
22967 access to an unstripped copy of your program, and possibly any associated
22968 symbol files. Note that this section applies equally to both @code{target
22969 remote} mode and @code{target extended-remote} mode.
22971 Some remote targets (@pxref{qXfer executable filename read}, and
22972 @pxref{Host I/O Packets}) allow @value{GDBN} to access program files over
22973 the same connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. With such a
22974 target, if the remote program is unstripped, the only command you need is
22975 @code{target remote} (or @code{target extended-remote}).
22977 If the remote program is stripped, or the target does not support remote
22978 program file access, start up @value{GDBN} using the name of the local
22979 unstripped copy of your program as the first argument, or use the
22980 @code{file} command. Use @code{set sysroot} to specify the location (on
22981 the host) of target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN} was compiled with
22982 the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}). Alternatively, you
22983 may use @code{set solib-search-path} to specify how @value{GDBN} locates
22986 The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
22987 and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
22988 system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
22989 are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
22990 during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
22991 files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
22994 @subsection Remote Connection Commands
22995 @cindex remote connection commands
22996 @value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, a
22997 local Unix domain socket, or
22998 over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
22999 each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
23000 program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
23001 @code{target remote} and @code{target extended-remote} commands
23002 establish a connection to the target. Both commands accept the same
23003 arguments, which indicate the medium to use:
23007 @item target remote @var{serial-device}
23008 @itemx target extended-remote @var{serial-device}
23009 @cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
23010 Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
23011 to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
23014 target remote /dev/ttyb
23017 If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
23018 @samp{--baud} option, or use the @code{set serial baud} command
23019 (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set serial baud}) before the
23020 @code{target} command.
23022 @item target remote @var{local-socket}
23023 @itemx target extended-remote @var{local-socket}
23024 @cindex local socket, @code{target remote}
23025 @cindex Unix domain socket
23026 Use @var{local-socket} to communicate with the target. For example,
23027 to use a local Unix domain socket bound to the file system entry @file{/tmp/gdb-socket0}:
23030 target remote /tmp/gdb-socket0
23033 Note that this command has the same form as the command to connect
23034 to a serial line. @value{GDBN} will automatically determine which
23035 kind of file you have specified and will make the appropriate kind
23037 This feature is not available if the host system does not support
23038 Unix domain sockets.
23040 @item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
23041 @itemx target remote @code{[@var{host}]:@var{port}}
23042 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
23043 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:[@var{host}]:@var{port}}
23044 @itemx target remote @code{tcp4:@var{host}:@var{port}}
23045 @itemx target remote @code{tcp6:@var{host}:@var{port}}
23046 @itemx target remote @code{tcp6:[@var{host}]:@var{port}}
23047 @itemx target extended-remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
23048 @itemx target extended-remote @code{[@var{host}]:@var{port}}
23049 @itemx target extended-remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
23050 @itemx target extended-remote @code{tcp:[@var{host}]:@var{port}}
23051 @itemx target extended-remote @code{tcp4:@var{host}:@var{port}}
23052 @itemx target extended-remote @code{tcp6:@var{host}:@var{port}}
23053 @itemx target extended-remote @code{tcp6:[@var{host}]:@var{port}}
23054 @cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
23055 Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
23056 The @var{host} may be either a host name, a numeric @acronym{IPv4}
23057 address, or a numeric @acronym{IPv6} address (with or without the
23058 square brackets to separate the address from the port); @var{port}
23059 must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be the target machine
23060 itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or it might be a
23061 terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the target.
23063 For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
23067 target remote manyfarms:2828
23070 To connect to port 2828 on a terminal server whose address is
23071 @code{2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334}, you can either use the
23072 square bracket syntax:
23075 target remote [2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334]:2828
23079 or explicitly specify the @acronym{IPv6} protocol:
23082 target remote tcp6:2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334:2828
23085 This last example may be confusing to the reader, because there is no
23086 visible separation between the hostname and the port number.
23087 Therefore, we recommend the user to provide @acronym{IPv6} addresses
23088 using square brackets for clarity. However, it is important to
23089 mention that for @value{GDBN} there is no ambiguity: the number after
23090 the last colon is considered to be the port number.
23092 If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
23093 debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
23094 same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
23095 port 1234 on your local machine:
23098 target remote :1234
23102 Note that the colon is still required here.
23104 @item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
23105 @itemx target remote @code{udp:[@var{host}]:@var{port}}
23106 @itemx target remote @code{udp4:@var{host}:@var{port}}
23107 @itemx target remote @code{udp6:[@var{host}]:@var{port}}
23108 @itemx target extended-remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
23109 @itemx target extended-remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
23110 @itemx target extended-remote @code{udp:[@var{host}]:@var{port}}
23111 @itemx target extended-remote @code{udp4:@var{host}:@var{port}}
23112 @itemx target extended-remote @code{udp6:@var{host}:@var{port}}
23113 @itemx target extended-remote @code{udp6:[@var{host}]:@var{port}}
23114 @cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
23115 Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
23116 connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
23119 target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
23122 When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
23123 keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
23124 can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
23125 cause havoc with your debugging session.
23127 @item target remote | @var{command}
23128 @itemx target extended-remote | @var{command}
23129 @cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
23130 Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
23131 pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
23132 by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
23133 protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
23134 standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
23135 that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
23136 using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
23138 If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
23139 @value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
23140 program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
23144 @cindex interrupting remote programs
23145 @cindex remote programs, interrupting
23146 Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
23147 interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
23148 program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
23149 and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
23150 interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
23153 Interrupted while waiting for the program.
23154 Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
23157 In @code{target remote} mode, if you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons
23158 the remote debugging session. (If you decide you want to try again later,
23159 you can use @kbd{target remote} again to connect once more.) If you type
23160 @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN} goes back to waiting.
23162 In @code{target extended-remote} mode, typing @kbd{n} will leave
23163 @value{GDBN} connected to the target.
23166 @kindex detach (remote)
23168 When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
23169 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
23170 Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
23171 will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
23172 command in @code{target remote} mode, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to
23173 another target. In @code{target extended-remote} mode, @value{GDBN} is
23174 still connected to the target.
23178 The @code{disconnect} command closes the connection to the target, and
23179 the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
23180 (this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
23181 the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
23184 @cindex send command to remote monitor
23185 @cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
23186 @cindex add new commands for external monitor
23188 @item monitor @var{cmd}
23189 This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
23190 remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
23191 sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
23192 can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
23196 @node File Transfer
23197 @section Sending files to a remote system
23198 @cindex remote target, file transfer
23199 @cindex file transfer
23200 @cindex sending files to remote systems
23202 Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
23203 connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
23204 for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
23205 running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
23206 e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
23207 the only way to upload or download files.
23209 Not all remote targets support these commands.
23213 @item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
23214 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
23215 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
23218 @item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
23219 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
23220 on the host system.
23222 @kindex remote delete
23223 @item remote delete @var{targetfile}
23224 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
23229 @section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
23232 @cindex remote connection without stubs
23233 @code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
23234 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
23235 @code{target remote} or @code{target extended-remote}---but without
23236 linking in the usual debugging stub.
23238 @code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
23239 because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
23240 that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
23241 @code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
23242 @value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
23243 because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
23244 also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
23245 started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
23246 Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
23247 the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
23248 do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
23249 by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
23250 choice for debugging.
23252 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
23253 or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
23257 @emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
23258 Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
23259 @value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
23260 target system with the same privileges as the user running
23264 @anchor{Running gdbserver}
23265 @subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
23266 @cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
23267 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, command-line arguments
23269 Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
23270 program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
23271 @code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
23272 strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
23273 system does all the symbol handling.
23275 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
23276 the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
23280 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
23283 @var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line), or a TCP
23284 hostname and portnumber, or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
23285 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}.
23286 For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
23287 @samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
23291 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
23294 @code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
23297 To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
23300 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
23303 The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
23304 specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
23305 TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
23306 expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
23307 (Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
23308 you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
23309 TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
23310 reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
23311 conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
23312 and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
23313 @code{target remote} command.
23315 The @code{stdio} connection is useful when starting @code{gdbserver}
23319 (gdb) target remote | ssh -T hostname gdbserver - hello
23322 The @samp{-T} option to ssh is provided because we don't need a remote pty,
23323 and we don't want escape-character handling. Ssh does this by default when
23324 a command is provided, the flag is provided to make it explicit.
23325 You could elide it if you want to.
23327 Programs started with stdio-connected gdbserver have @file{/dev/null} for
23328 @code{stdin}, and @code{stdout},@code{stderr} are sent back to gdb for
23329 display through a pipe connected to gdbserver.
23330 Both @code{stdout} and @code{stderr} use the same pipe.
23332 @anchor{Attaching to a program}
23333 @subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
23334 @cindex attach to a program, @code{gdbserver}
23335 @cindex @option{--attach}, @code{gdbserver} option
23337 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
23338 This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
23341 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
23344 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
23345 necessary to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
23347 In @code{target extended-remote} mode, you can also attach using the
23348 @value{GDBN} attach command
23349 (@pxref{Attaching in Types of Remote Connections}).
23352 You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
23353 @code{pidof} utility:
23356 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
23359 In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
23360 has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
23361 @code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
23363 @subsubsection TCP port allocation lifecycle of @code{gdbserver}
23365 This section applies only when @code{gdbserver} is run to listen on a TCP
23368 @code{gdbserver} normally terminates after all of its debugged processes have
23369 terminated in @kbd{target remote} mode. On the other hand, for @kbd{target
23370 extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver} stays running even with no processes left.
23371 @value{GDBN} normally terminates the spawned debugged process on its exit,
23372 which normally also terminates @code{gdbserver} in the @kbd{target remote}
23373 mode. Therefore, when the connection drops unexpectedly, and @value{GDBN}
23374 cannot ask @code{gdbserver} to kill its debugged processes, @code{gdbserver}
23375 stays running even in the @kbd{target remote} mode.
23377 When @code{gdbserver} stays running, @value{GDBN} can connect to it again later.
23378 Such reconnecting is useful for features like @ref{disconnected tracing}. For
23379 completeness, at most one @value{GDBN} can be connected at a time.
23381 @cindex @option{--once}, @code{gdbserver} option
23382 By default, @code{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
23383 subsequent connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
23384 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
23385 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session. This
23386 means no further connections to @code{gdbserver} will be possible after the
23387 first one. It also means @code{gdbserver} will terminate after the first
23388 connection with remote @value{GDBN} has closed, even for unexpectedly closed
23389 connections and even in the @kbd{target extended-remote} mode. The
23390 @option{--once} option allows reusing the same port number for connecting to
23391 multiple instances of @code{gdbserver} running on the same host, since each
23392 instance closes its port after the first connection.
23394 @anchor{Other Command-Line Arguments for gdbserver}
23395 @subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
23397 You can use the @option{--multi} option to start @code{gdbserver} without
23398 specifying a program to debug or a process to attach to. Then you can
23399 attach in @code{target extended-remote} mode and run or attach to a
23400 program. For more information,
23401 @pxref{--multi Option in Types of Remote Connnections}.
23403 @cindex @option{--debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
23404 The @option{--debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display extra
23405 status information about the debugging process.
23406 @cindex @option{--remote-debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
23407 The @option{--remote-debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display
23408 remote protocol debug output.
23409 @cindex @option{--debug-file}, @code{gdbserver} option
23410 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, send all debug output to a single file
23411 The @option{--debug-file=@var{filename}} option tells @code{gdbserver} to
23412 write any debug output to the given @var{filename}. These options are intended
23413 for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to the developers.
23415 @cindex @option{--debug-format}, @code{gdbserver} option
23416 The @option{--debug-format=option1[,option2,...]} option tells
23417 @code{gdbserver} to include additional information in each output.
23418 Possible options are:
23422 Turn off all extra information in debugging output.
23424 Turn on all extra information in debugging output.
23426 Include a timestamp in each line of debugging output.
23429 Options are processed in order. Thus, for example, if @option{none}
23430 appears last then no additional information is added to debugging output.
23432 @cindex @option{--wrapper}, @code{gdbserver} option
23433 The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
23434 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
23435 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
23436 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
23438 @code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
23439 command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
23440 program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
23441 runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
23443 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
23444 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
23445 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
23446 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
23448 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
23449 the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
23453 $ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
23456 @cindex @option{--selftest}
23457 The @option{--selftest} option runs the self tests in @code{gdbserver}:
23460 $ gdbserver --selftest
23461 Ran 2 unit tests, 0 failed
23464 These tests are disabled in release.
23465 @subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
23467 The basic procedure for connecting to the remote target is:
23471 Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
23474 Make sure you have the necessary symbol files
23475 (@pxref{Host and target files}).
23476 Load symbols for your application using the @code{file} command before you
23477 connect. Use @code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your
23478 @value{GDBN} was compiled with the correct sysroot using
23479 @code{--with-sysroot}).
23482 Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
23483 For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
23484 the @code{target} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
23485 text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
23486 @samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
23487 command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{target remote} mode, since the
23488 program is already on the target.
23492 @anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
23493 @subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
23494 @cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
23496 During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
23497 @code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
23498 Here are the available commands.
23502 List the available monitor commands.
23504 @item monitor set debug 0
23505 @itemx monitor set debug 1
23506 Disable or enable general debugging messages.
23508 @item monitor set remote-debug 0
23509 @itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
23510 Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
23511 protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
23513 @item monitor set debug-file filename
23514 @itemx monitor set debug-file
23515 Send any debug output to the given file, or to stderr.
23517 @item monitor set debug-format option1@r{[},option2,...@r{]}
23518 Specify additional text to add to debugging messages.
23519 Possible options are:
23523 Turn off all extra information in debugging output.
23525 Turn on all extra information in debugging output.
23527 Include a timestamp in each line of debugging output.
23530 Options are processed in order. Thus, for example, if @option{none}
23531 appears last then no additional information is added to debugging output.
23533 @item monitor set libthread-db-search-path [PATH]
23534 @cindex gdbserver, search path for @code{libthread_db}
23535 When this command is issued, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
23536 directories to search for @code{libthread_db} (@pxref{Threads,,set
23537 libthread-db-search-path}). If you omit @var{path},
23538 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to its default value.
23540 The special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path} is
23541 not supported in @code{gdbserver}.
23544 Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
23545 @code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
23546 detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
23547 Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
23548 of a multi-process mode debug session.
23552 @subsection Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
23553 @cindex tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
23555 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints, fast
23556 tracepoints and static tracepoints.
23558 For fast or static tracepoints to work, a special library called the
23559 @dfn{in-process agent} (IPA), must be loaded in the inferior process.
23560 This library is built and distributed as an integral part of
23561 @code{gdbserver}. In addition, support for static tracepoints
23562 requires building the in-process agent library with static tracepoints
23563 support. At present, the UST (LTTng Userspace Tracer,
23564 @url{http://lttng.org/ust}) tracing engine is supported. This support
23565 is automatically available if UST development headers are found in the
23566 standard include path when @code{gdbserver} is built, or if
23567 @code{gdbserver} was explicitly configured using @option{--with-ust}
23568 to point at such headers. You can explicitly disable the support
23569 using @option{--with-ust=no}.
23571 There are several ways to load the in-process agent in your program:
23574 @item Specifying it as dependency at link time
23576 You can link your program dynamically with the in-process agent
23577 library. On most systems, this is accomplished by adding
23578 @code{-linproctrace} to the link command.
23580 @item Using the system's preloading mechanisms
23582 You can force loading the in-process agent at startup time by using
23583 your system's support for preloading shared libraries. Many Unixes
23584 support the concept of preloading user defined libraries. In most
23585 cases, you do that by specifying @code{LD_PRELOAD=libinproctrace.so}
23586 in the environment. See also the description of @code{gdbserver}'s
23587 @option{--wrapper} command line option.
23589 @item Using @value{GDBN} to force loading the agent at run time
23591 On some systems, you can force the inferior to load a shared library,
23592 by calling a dynamic loader function in the inferior that takes care
23593 of dynamically looking up and loading a shared library. On most Unix
23594 systems, the function is @code{dlopen}. You'll use the @code{call}
23595 command for that. For example:
23598 (@value{GDBP}) call dlopen ("libinproctrace.so", ...)
23601 Note that on most Unix systems, for the @code{dlopen} function to be
23602 available, the program needs to be linked with @code{-ldl}.
23605 On systems that have a userspace dynamic loader, like most Unix
23606 systems, when you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target
23607 remote}, you'll find that the program is stopped at the dynamic
23608 loader's entry point, and no shared library has been loaded in the
23609 program's address space yet, including the in-process agent. In that
23610 case, before being able to use any of the fast or static tracepoints
23611 features, you need to let the loader run and load the shared
23612 libraries. The simplest way to do that is to run the program to the
23613 main procedure. E.g., if debugging a C or C@t{++} program, start
23614 @code{gdbserver} like so:
23617 $ gdbserver :9999 myprogram
23620 Start GDB and connect to @code{gdbserver} like so, and run to main:
23624 (@value{GDBP}) target remote myhost:9999
23625 0x00007f215893ba60 in ?? () from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
23626 (@value{GDBP}) b main
23627 (@value{GDBP}) continue
23630 The in-process tracing agent library should now be loaded into the
23631 process; you can confirm it with the @code{info sharedlibrary}
23632 command, which will list @file{libinproctrace.so} as loaded in the
23633 process. You are now ready to install fast tracepoints, list static
23634 tracepoint markers, probe static tracepoints markers, and start
23637 @node Remote Configuration
23638 @section Remote Configuration
23641 @kindex show remote
23642 This section documents the configuration options available when
23643 debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
23644 extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
23645 system-call-allowed}.
23648 @item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
23649 @cindex address size for remote targets
23650 @cindex bits in remote address
23651 Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
23652 number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
23653 that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
23654 default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
23656 @item show remoteaddresssize
23657 Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
23659 @item set serial baud @var{n}
23660 @cindex baud rate for remote targets
23661 Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
23662 value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
23665 @item show serial baud
23666 Show the current speed of the remote connection.
23668 @item set serial parity @var{parity}
23669 Set the parity for the remote serial I/O. Supported values of @var{parity} are:
23670 @code{even}, @code{none}, and @code{odd}. The default is @code{none}.
23672 @item show serial parity
23673 Show the current parity of the serial port.
23675 @item set remotebreak
23676 @cindex interrupt remote programs
23677 @cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
23678 @anchor{set remotebreak}
23679 If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
23680 when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
23681 on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
23682 character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
23683 expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
23685 @item show remotebreak
23686 Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
23687 interrupt the remote program.
23689 @item set remoteflow on
23690 @itemx set remoteflow off
23691 @kindex set remoteflow
23692 Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
23693 on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
23695 @item show remoteflow
23696 @kindex show remoteflow
23697 Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
23699 @item set remotelogbase @var{base}
23700 Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
23701 communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
23702 @code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
23705 @item show remotelogbase
23706 Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
23709 @item set remotelogfile @var{file}
23710 @cindex record serial communications on file
23711 Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
23712 default is not to record at all.
23714 @item show remotelogfile
23715 Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
23716 serial communications.
23718 @item set remotetimeout @var{num}
23719 @cindex timeout for serial communications
23720 @cindex remote timeout
23721 Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
23722 @var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
23724 @item show remotetimeout
23725 Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
23728 @cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
23729 @cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
23730 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
23731 @anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
23732 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
23733 @itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
23734 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware watchpoints
23735 or breakpoints. The @var{limit} can be set to 0 to disable hardware
23736 watchpoints or breakpoints, and @code{unlimited} for unlimited
23737 watchpoints or breakpoints.
23739 @item show remote hardware-watchpoint-limit
23740 @itemx show remote hardware-breakpoint-limit
23741 Show the current limit for the number of hardware watchpoints or
23742 breakpoints that @value{GDBN} can use.
23744 @cindex limit hardware watchpoints length
23745 @cindex remote target, limit watchpoints length
23746 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit}
23747 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit @var{limit}
23748 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} bytes for the maximum
23749 length of a remote hardware watchpoint. A @var{limit} of 0 disables
23750 hardware watchpoints and @code{unlimited} allows watchpoints of any
23753 @item show remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit
23754 Show the current limit (in bytes) of the maximum length of
23755 a remote hardware watchpoint.
23757 @item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
23758 @itemx show remote exec-file
23759 @anchor{set remote exec-file}
23760 @cindex executable file, for remote target
23761 Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
23762 extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
23763 target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
23764 filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
23766 @item set remote interrupt-sequence
23767 @cindex interrupt remote programs
23768 @cindex select Ctrl-C, BREAK or BREAK-g
23769 Allow the user to select one of @samp{Ctrl-C}, a @code{BREAK} or
23770 @samp{BREAK-g} as the
23771 sequence to the remote target in order to interrupt the execution.
23772 @samp{Ctrl-C} is a default. Some system prefers @code{BREAK} which
23773 is high level of serial line for some certain time.
23774 Linux kernel prefers @samp{BREAK-g}, a.k.a Magic SysRq g.
23775 It is @code{BREAK} signal followed by character @code{g}.
23777 @item show remote interrupt-sequence
23778 Show which of @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or @code{BREAK-g}
23779 is sent by @value{GDBN} to interrupt the remote program.
23780 @code{BREAK-g} is BREAK signal followed by @code{g} and
23781 also known as Magic SysRq g.
23783 @item set remote interrupt-on-connect
23784 @cindex send interrupt-sequence on start
23785 Specify whether interrupt-sequence is sent to remote target when
23786 @value{GDBN} connects to it. This is mostly needed when you debug
23787 Linux kernel. Linux kernel expects @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}
23788 which is known as Magic SysRq g in order to connect @value{GDBN}.
23790 @item show remote interrupt-on-connect
23791 Show whether interrupt-sequence is sent
23792 to remote target when @value{GDBN} connects to it.
23796 @item set tcp auto-retry on
23797 @cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
23798 Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
23799 debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
23800 condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
23801 before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
23802 enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
23803 to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
23804 @code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
23806 @item set tcp auto-retry off
23807 Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
23809 @item show tcp auto-retry
23810 Show the current auto-retry setting.
23812 @item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
23813 @itemx set tcp connect-timeout unlimited
23814 @cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
23815 @cindex timeout, for remote target connection
23816 Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
23817 @var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
23818 (enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
23819 that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
23820 value. If @var{seconds} is @code{unlimited}, there is no timeout and
23821 @value{GDBN} will keep attempting to establish a connection forever,
23822 unless interrupted with @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The default is 15 seconds.
23824 @item show tcp connect-timeout
23825 Show the current connection timeout setting.
23828 @cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
23829 The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
23830 your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
23831 can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
23832 packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
23833 packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
23834 or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
23835 all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
23836 see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
23838 During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
23839 If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
23840 in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
23841 @value{GDBN} developers.
23843 For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
23844 packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
23847 @multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
23850 @tab Related Features
23852 @item @code{fetch-register}
23854 @tab @code{info registers}
23856 @item @code{set-register}
23860 @item @code{binary-download}
23862 @tab @code{load}, @code{set}
23864 @item @code{read-aux-vector}
23865 @tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
23866 @tab @code{info auxv}
23868 @item @code{symbol-lookup}
23869 @tab @code{qSymbol}
23870 @tab Detecting multiple threads
23872 @item @code{attach}
23873 @tab @code{vAttach}
23876 @item @code{verbose-resume}
23878 @tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
23884 @item @code{software-breakpoint}
23888 @item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
23892 @item @code{write-watchpoint}
23896 @item @code{read-watchpoint}
23900 @item @code{access-watchpoint}
23904 @item @code{pid-to-exec-file}
23905 @tab @code{qXfer:exec-file:read}
23906 @tab @code{attach}, @code{run}
23908 @item @code{target-features}
23909 @tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
23910 @tab @code{set architecture}
23912 @item @code{library-info}
23913 @tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
23914 @tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
23916 @item @code{memory-map}
23917 @tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
23918 @tab @code{info mem}
23920 @item @code{read-sdata-object}
23921 @tab @code{qXfer:sdata:read}
23922 @tab @code{print $_sdata}
23924 @item @code{read-siginfo-object}
23925 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:read}
23926 @tab @code{print $_siginfo}
23928 @item @code{write-siginfo-object}
23929 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:write}
23930 @tab @code{set $_siginfo}
23932 @item @code{threads}
23933 @tab @code{qXfer:threads:read}
23934 @tab @code{info threads}
23936 @item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
23937 @tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
23938 @tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
23940 @item @code{get-thread-information-block-address}
23941 @tab @code{qGetTIBAddr}
23942 @tab Display MS-Windows Thread Information Block.
23944 @item @code{search-memory}
23945 @tab @code{qSearch:memory}
23948 @item @code{supported-packets}
23949 @tab @code{qSupported}
23950 @tab Remote communications parameters
23952 @item @code{catch-syscalls}
23953 @tab @code{QCatchSyscalls}
23954 @tab @code{catch syscall}
23956 @item @code{pass-signals}
23957 @tab @code{QPassSignals}
23958 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
23960 @item @code{program-signals}
23961 @tab @code{QProgramSignals}
23962 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
23964 @item @code{hostio-close-packet}
23965 @tab @code{vFile:close}
23966 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
23968 @item @code{hostio-open-packet}
23969 @tab @code{vFile:open}
23970 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
23972 @item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
23973 @tab @code{vFile:pread}
23974 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
23976 @item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
23977 @tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
23978 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
23980 @item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
23981 @tab @code{vFile:unlink}
23982 @tab @code{remote delete}
23984 @item @code{hostio-readlink-packet}
23985 @tab @code{vFile:readlink}
23988 @item @code{hostio-fstat-packet}
23989 @tab @code{vFile:fstat}
23992 @item @code{hostio-setfs-packet}
23993 @tab @code{vFile:setfs}
23996 @item @code{noack-packet}
23997 @tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
23998 @tab Packet acknowledgment
24000 @item @code{osdata}
24001 @tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
24002 @tab @code{info os}
24004 @item @code{query-attached}
24005 @tab @code{qAttached}
24006 @tab Querying remote process attach state.
24008 @item @code{trace-buffer-size}
24009 @tab @code{QTBuffer:size}
24010 @tab @code{set trace-buffer-size}
24012 @item @code{trace-status}
24013 @tab @code{qTStatus}
24014 @tab @code{tstatus}
24016 @item @code{traceframe-info}
24017 @tab @code{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
24018 @tab Traceframe info
24020 @item @code{install-in-trace}
24021 @tab @code{InstallInTrace}
24022 @tab Install tracepoint in tracing
24024 @item @code{disable-randomization}
24025 @tab @code{QDisableRandomization}
24026 @tab @code{set disable-randomization}
24028 @item @code{startup-with-shell}
24029 @tab @code{QStartupWithShell}
24030 @tab @code{set startup-with-shell}
24032 @item @code{environment-hex-encoded}
24033 @tab @code{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}
24034 @tab @code{set environment}
24036 @item @code{environment-unset}
24037 @tab @code{QEnvironmentUnset}
24038 @tab @code{unset environment}
24040 @item @code{environment-reset}
24041 @tab @code{QEnvironmentReset}
24042 @tab @code{Reset the inferior environment (i.e., unset user-set variables)}
24044 @item @code{set-working-dir}
24045 @tab @code{QSetWorkingDir}
24046 @tab @code{set cwd}
24048 @item @code{conditional-breakpoints-packet}
24049 @tab @code{Z0 and Z1}
24050 @tab @code{Support for target-side breakpoint condition evaluation}
24052 @item @code{multiprocess-extensions}
24053 @tab @code{multiprocess extensions}
24054 @tab Debug multiple processes and remote process PID awareness
24056 @item @code{swbreak-feature}
24057 @tab @code{swbreak stop reason}
24060 @item @code{hwbreak-feature}
24061 @tab @code{hwbreak stop reason}
24064 @item @code{fork-event-feature}
24065 @tab @code{fork stop reason}
24068 @item @code{vfork-event-feature}
24069 @tab @code{vfork stop reason}
24072 @item @code{exec-event-feature}
24073 @tab @code{exec stop reason}
24076 @item @code{thread-events}
24077 @tab @code{QThreadEvents}
24078 @tab Tracking thread lifetime.
24080 @item @code{no-resumed-stop-reply}
24081 @tab @code{no resumed thread left stop reply}
24082 @tab Tracking thread lifetime.
24087 @section Implementing a Remote Stub
24089 @cindex debugging stub, example
24090 @cindex remote stub, example
24091 @cindex stub example, remote debugging
24092 The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
24093 communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
24094 @value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
24095 these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
24096 implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
24097 with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
24098 organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
24100 @cindex remote serial debugging, overview
24101 To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
24102 @dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
24103 prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
24108 A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
24109 have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
24110 your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
24113 A C subroutine library to support your program's
24114 subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
24117 A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
24118 download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
24119 manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
24123 The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
24124 communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
24125 machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
24129 @value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
24130 else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
24131 (@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
24133 @item On the target,
24134 you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
24135 implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
24136 subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
24138 On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
24139 @code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
24140 @xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
24143 The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
24144 machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
24147 @cindex remote serial stub list
24148 These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
24153 @cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
24156 For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
24159 @cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
24160 @cindex Motorola 680x0
24162 For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
24165 @cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
24168 For Renesas SH architectures.
24171 @cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
24173 For @sc{sparc} architectures.
24175 @item sparcl-stub.c
24176 @cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
24179 For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
24183 The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
24184 recently added stubs.
24187 * Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
24188 * Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
24189 * Debug Session:: Putting it all together
24192 @node Stub Contents
24193 @subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
24195 @cindex remote serial stub
24196 The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
24200 @item set_debug_traps
24201 @findex set_debug_traps
24202 @cindex remote serial stub, initialization
24203 This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
24204 program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly in your
24205 program's startup code.
24207 @item handle_exception
24208 @findex handle_exception
24209 @cindex remote serial stub, main routine
24210 This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
24211 explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
24212 run when a trap is triggered.
24214 @code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
24215 execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
24216 with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
24217 protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
24218 representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
24219 information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
24220 retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
24221 execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
24222 @code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
24226 @cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
24227 Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
24228 breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
24229 way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
24230 machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
24231 pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
24232 @code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
24233 simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
24234 again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
24235 your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
24236 @value{GDBN} session gets control.
24238 Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
24239 to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
24240 start of your debugging session.
24243 @node Bootstrapping
24244 @subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
24246 @cindex remote stub, support routines
24247 The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
24248 chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
24249 debugging target machine.
24251 First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
24255 @item int getDebugChar()
24256 @findex getDebugChar
24257 Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
24258 It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
24259 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
24261 @item void putDebugChar(int)
24262 @findex putDebugChar
24263 Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
24264 It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
24265 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
24268 @cindex control C, and remote debugging
24269 @cindex interrupting remote targets
24270 If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
24271 running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
24272 for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
24273 character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
24274 remote system to stop.
24276 Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
24277 probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
24278 is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
24279 @value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
24281 Other routines you need to supply are:
24284 @item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
24285 @findex exceptionHandler
24286 Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
24287 handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
24288 way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
24289 are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
24290 containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
24291 The @var{exception_number} specifies the exception which should be changed;
24292 its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
24293 might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
24294 exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
24295 @var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
24296 and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
24297 you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
24298 should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
24300 For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
24301 gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
24302 should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
24303 @sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
24304 help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
24306 @item void flush_i_cache()
24307 @findex flush_i_cache
24308 On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
24309 instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
24310 instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
24312 On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
24313 function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
24317 You must also make sure this library routine is available:
24320 @item void *memset(void *, int, int)
24322 This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
24323 memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
24324 @code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
24325 either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
24328 If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
24329 library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
24330 but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
24331 subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
24334 @node Debug Session
24335 @subsection Putting it All Together
24337 @cindex remote serial debugging summary
24338 In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
24343 Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
24344 (@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
24346 @code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
24347 @code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
24351 Insert these lines in your program's startup code, before the main
24352 procedure is called:
24359 On some machines, when a breakpoint trap is raised, the hardware
24360 automatically makes the PC point to the instruction after the
24361 breakpoint. If your machine doesn't do that, you may need to adjust
24362 @code{handle_exception} to arrange for it to return to the instruction
24363 after the breakpoint on this first invocation, so that your program
24364 doesn't keep hitting the initial breakpoint instead of making
24368 For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
24369 @code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
24372 void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
24376 but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
24377 function in your program, that function is called when
24378 @code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
24379 error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
24380 one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
24383 Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
24384 your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
24387 Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
24388 the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
24391 @c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
24392 @c document that. FIXME.
24393 Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
24394 whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
24397 Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
24398 (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
24402 @node Configurations
24403 @chapter Configuration-Specific Information
24405 While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
24406 cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
24407 describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
24409 There are three major categories of configurations: native
24410 configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
24411 operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
24412 different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
24413 are quite different from each other.
24418 * Embedded Processors::
24425 This section describes details specific to particular native
24429 * BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
24430 * Process Information:: Process information
24431 * DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
24432 * Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
24433 * Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
24434 * Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
24435 * FreeBSD:: Features specific to FreeBSD
24438 @node BSD libkvm Interface
24439 @subsection BSD libkvm Interface
24442 @cindex kernel memory image
24443 @cindex kernel crash dump
24445 BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
24446 interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
24447 memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
24448 uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
24449 dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
24450 special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
24451 the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
24455 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
24458 For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
24462 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
24465 Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
24471 Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
24474 Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
24475 modern FreeBSD systems.
24478 @node Process Information
24479 @subsection Process Information
24481 @cindex examine process image
24482 @cindex process info via @file{/proc}
24484 Some operating systems provide interfaces to fetch additional
24485 information about running processes beyond memory and per-thread
24486 register state. If @value{GDBN} is configured for an operating system
24487 with a supported interface, the command @code{info proc} is available
24488 to report information about the process running your program, or about
24489 any process running on your system.
24491 One supported interface is a facility called @samp{/proc} that can be
24492 used to examine the image of a running process using file-system
24493 subroutines. This facility is supported on @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris
24496 On FreeBSD and NetBSD systems, system control nodes are used to query
24497 process information.
24499 In addition, some systems may provide additional process information
24500 in core files. Note that a core file may include a subset of the
24501 information available from a live process. Process information is
24502 currently available from cores created on @sc{gnu}/Linux and FreeBSD
24509 @itemx info proc @var{process-id}
24510 Summarize available information about a process. If a
24511 process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
24512 that process; otherwise display information about the program being
24513 debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
24514 line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
24515 executable file's absolute file name.
24517 On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
24518 @samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
24519 within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
24520 a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
24521 needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
24522 a process ID rather than a thread ID).
24524 @item info proc cmdline
24525 @cindex info proc cmdline
24526 Show the original command line of the process. This command is
24527 supported on @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD and NetBSD.
24529 @item info proc cwd
24530 @cindex info proc cwd
24531 Show the current working directory of the process. This command is
24532 supported on @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD and NetBSD.
24534 @item info proc exe
24535 @cindex info proc exe
24536 Show the name of executable of the process. This command is supported
24537 on @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD and NetBSD.
24539 @item info proc files
24540 @cindex info proc files
24541 Show the file descriptors open by the process. For each open file
24542 descriptor, @value{GDBN} shows its number, type (file, directory,
24543 character device, socket), file pointer offset, and the name of the
24544 resource open on the descriptor. The resource name can be a file name
24545 (for files, directories, and devices) or a protocol followed by socket
24546 address (for network connections). This command is supported on
24549 This example shows the open file descriptors for a process using a
24550 tty for standard input and output as well as two network sockets:
24553 (gdb) info proc files 22136
24557 FD Type Offset Flags Name
24558 text file - r-------- /usr/bin/ssh
24559 ctty chr - rw------- /dev/pts/20
24560 cwd dir - r-------- /usr/home/john
24561 root dir - r-------- /
24562 0 chr 0x32933a4 rw------- /dev/pts/20
24563 1 chr 0x32933a4 rw------- /dev/pts/20
24564 2 chr 0x32933a4 rw------- /dev/pts/20
24565 3 socket 0x0 rw----n-- tcp4 10.0.1.2:53014 -> 10.0.1.10:22
24566 4 socket 0x0 rw------- unix stream:/tmp/ssh-FIt89oAzOn5f/agent.2456
24569 @item info proc mappings
24570 @cindex memory address space mappings
24571 Report the memory address space ranges accessible in a process. On
24572 Solaris, FreeBSD and NetBSD systems, each memory range includes information
24573 on whether the process has read, write, or execute access rights to each
24574 range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD and NetBSD systems, each memory range
24575 includes the object file which is mapped to that range.
24577 @item info proc stat
24578 @itemx info proc status
24579 @cindex process detailed status information
24580 Show additional process-related information, including the user ID and
24581 group ID; virtual memory usage; the signals that are pending, blocked,
24582 and ignored; its TTY; its consumption of system and user time; its
24583 stack size; its @samp{nice} value; etc. These commands are supported
24584 on @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD and NetBSD.
24586 For @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, see the @samp{proc} man page for more
24587 information (type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
24589 For FreeBSD and NetBSD systems, @code{info proc stat} is an alias for
24590 @code{info proc status}.
24592 @item info proc all
24593 Show all the information about the process described under all of the
24594 above @code{info proc} subcommands.
24597 @comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
24598 @comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
24599 @comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
24600 @kindex info proc times
24601 @item info proc times
24602 Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
24605 @kindex info proc id
24607 Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
24608 the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
24611 @item set procfs-trace
24612 @kindex set procfs-trace
24613 @cindex @code{procfs} API calls
24614 This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
24616 @item show procfs-trace
24617 @kindex show procfs-trace
24618 Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
24620 @item set procfs-file @var{file}
24621 @kindex set procfs-file
24622 Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
24623 @var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
24624 contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
24627 @item show procfs-file
24628 @kindex show procfs-file
24629 Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
24631 @item proc-trace-entry
24632 @itemx proc-trace-exit
24633 @itemx proc-untrace-entry
24634 @itemx proc-untrace-exit
24635 @kindex proc-trace-entry
24636 @kindex proc-trace-exit
24637 @kindex proc-untrace-entry
24638 @kindex proc-untrace-exit
24639 These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
24640 from the @code{syscall} interface.
24643 @kindex info pidlist
24644 @cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
24645 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
24646 processes and all the threads within each process.
24649 @kindex info meminfo
24650 @cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
24651 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
24655 @subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
24656 @cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
24657 @cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
24658 @cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
24661 @sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
24662 MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
24663 that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
24664 top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
24666 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
24667 defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
24668 subsection describes those commands.
24673 This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
24674 information about the target system and important OS structures.
24677 @cindex MS-DOS system info
24678 @cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
24679 @item info dos sysinfo
24680 This command displays assorted information about the underlying
24681 platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
24682 DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
24687 @cindex segment descriptor tables
24688 @cindex descriptor tables display
24690 @itemx info dos ldt
24691 @itemx info dos idt
24692 These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
24693 and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
24694 tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
24695 that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
24696 descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
24697 descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
24700 A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
24701 segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
24702 allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
24703 conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
24704 additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
24706 @cindex garbled pointers
24707 These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
24708 Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
24709 displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
24710 display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
24711 example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
24712 debugged program's data segment:
24715 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
24716 @exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
24720 This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
24721 the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
24723 @cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
24725 @itemx info dos pte
24726 These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
24727 Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
24728 data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
24729 into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
24730 page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
24731 may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
24732 Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
24733 that is currently in use.
24735 Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
24736 Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
24737 the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
24738 @kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
24739 Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
24740 means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
24741 the specified entry in the Page Directory.
24743 @cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
24744 These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
24745 Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
24748 These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
24750 @cindex physical address from linear address
24751 @item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
24752 This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
24753 address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
24754 already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
24755 because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
24756 segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
24757 the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
24760 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
24761 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
24762 @exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
24766 This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
24767 whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
24768 attributes of that page.
24770 Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
24771 since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
24772 address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
24773 be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
24774 declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
24775 @code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
24777 Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
24781 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
24782 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
24783 @exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
24787 (The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
24788 3rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
24789 clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
24790 memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
24791 linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
24793 This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
24796 @cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
24797 In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
24798 debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
24799 to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
24802 @kindex set com1base
24803 @kindex set com1irq
24804 @kindex set com2base
24805 @kindex set com2irq
24806 @kindex set com3base
24807 @kindex set com3irq
24808 @kindex set com4base
24809 @kindex set com4irq
24810 @item set com1base @var{addr}
24811 This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
24814 @item set com1irq @var{irq}
24815 This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
24816 for the @file{COM1} serial port.
24818 There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
24819 etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
24822 @kindex show com1base
24823 @kindex show com1irq
24824 @kindex show com2base
24825 @kindex show com2irq
24826 @kindex show com3base
24827 @kindex show com3irq
24828 @kindex show com4base
24829 @kindex show com4irq
24830 The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
24831 display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
24832 lines used by the COM ports.
24835 @kindex info serial
24836 @cindex DOS serial port status
24837 This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
24838 port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
24839 IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
24840 counts of various errors encountered so far.
24844 @node Cygwin Native
24845 @subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
24846 @cindex MS Windows debugging
24847 @cindex native Cygwin debugging
24848 @cindex Cygwin-specific commands
24850 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
24851 DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information.
24853 @cindex Ctrl-BREAK, MS-Windows
24854 @cindex interrupt debuggee on MS-Windows
24855 MS-Windows programs that call @code{SetConsoleMode} to switch off the
24856 special meaning of the @samp{Ctrl-C} keystroke cannot be interrupted
24857 by typing @kbd{C-c}. For this reason, @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows
24858 supports @kbd{C-@key{BREAK}} as an alternative interrupt key
24859 sequence, which can be used to interrupt the debuggee even if it
24862 There are various additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in
24863 this section. Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is
24864 described in @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
24869 This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
24870 information about the target system and important OS structures.
24872 @item info w32 selector
24873 This command displays information returned by
24874 the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
24875 It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
24876 a long value to give the information about this given selector.
24877 Without argument, this command displays information
24878 about the six segment registers.
24880 @item info w32 thread-information-block
24881 This command displays thread specific information stored in the
24882 Thread Information Block (readable on the X86 CPU family using @code{$fs}
24883 selector for 32-bit programs and @code{$gs} for 64-bit programs).
24885 @kindex signal-event
24886 @item signal-event @var{id}
24887 This command signals an event with user-provided @var{id}. Used to resume
24888 crashing process when attached to it using MS-Windows JIT debugging (AeDebug).
24890 To use it, create or edit the following keys in
24891 @code{HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AeDebug} and/or
24892 @code{HKLM\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AeDebug}
24893 (for x86_64 versions):
24897 @code{Debugger} (REG_SZ) --- a command to launch the debugger.
24898 Suggested command is: @code{@var{fully-qualified-path-to-gdb.exe} -ex
24899 "attach %ld" -ex "signal-event %ld" -ex "continue"}.
24901 The first @code{%ld} will be replaced by the process ID of the
24902 crashing process, the second @code{%ld} will be replaced by the ID of
24903 the event that blocks the crashing process, waiting for @value{GDBN}
24907 @code{Auto} (REG_SZ) --- either @code{1} or @code{0}. @code{1} will
24908 make the system run debugger specified by the Debugger key
24909 automatically, @code{0} will cause a dialog box with ``OK'' and
24910 ``Cancel'' buttons to appear, which allows the user to either
24911 terminate the crashing process (OK) or debug it (Cancel).
24914 @kindex set cygwin-exceptions
24915 @cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
24916 @cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
24917 @item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
24918 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
24919 happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
24920 @value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
24921 exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
24922 ``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
24923 Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
24924 @value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
24926 @kindex show cygwin-exceptions
24927 @item show cygwin-exceptions
24928 Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
24929 inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
24931 @kindex set new-console
24932 @item set new-console @var{mode}
24933 If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
24934 be started in a new console on next start.
24935 If @var{mode} is @code{off}, the debuggee will
24936 be started in the same console as the debugger.
24938 @kindex show new-console
24939 @item show new-console
24940 Displays whether a new console is used
24941 when the debuggee is started.
24943 @kindex set new-group
24944 @item set new-group @var{mode}
24945 This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
24946 start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
24947 This affects the way the Windows OS handles
24950 @kindex show new-group
24951 @item show new-group
24952 Displays current value of new-group boolean.
24954 @kindex set debugevents
24955 @item set debugevents
24956 This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
24957 to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
24958 signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
24959 unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
24960 Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
24962 @kindex set debugexec
24963 @item set debugexec
24964 This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
24965 (such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
24967 @kindex set debugexceptions
24968 @item set debugexceptions
24969 This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
24970 debuggee seen by the debugger.
24972 @kindex set debugmemory
24973 @item set debugmemory
24974 This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
24975 and writes by the debugger.
24979 This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
24980 via a shell or directly (default value is on).
24984 Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
24989 * Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
24992 @node Non-debug DLL Symbols
24993 @subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
24994 @cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
24995 @cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
24997 Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
24998 not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
24999 @file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
25000 symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
25001 information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
25002 describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
25003 ``minimal symbols''.
25005 Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
25006 will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
25007 start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
25008 program run once to completion.
25010 @subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
25012 In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
25013 tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
25014 DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
25015 also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
25016 sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
25017 (particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
25018 necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
25019 contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
25020 exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
25022 Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
25023 though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
25024 symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
25025 some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
25026 @code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
25027 (@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
25030 (@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
25031 All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
25033 Non-debugging symbols:
25034 0x77e885f4 CreateFileA
25035 0x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
25039 (@value{GDBP}) info function !
25040 All functions matching regular expression "!":
25042 Non-debugging symbols:
25043 0x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
25044 0x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
25045 0x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
25049 @subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
25051 Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
25052 type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
25053 refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
25054 contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
25055 contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
25056 means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
25057 a function within a DLL without a running program.
25059 Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
25060 automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
25061 variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
25062 type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
25066 (@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
25067 'cygwin1!__argv' has unknown type; cast it to its declared type
25071 (@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
25072 'cygwin1!__argv' has unknown type; cast it to its declared type
25075 And two possible solutions:
25078 (@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
25079 $2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
25083 (@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
25084 0x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
25085 (@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
25086 0x10021608: 0x0022fd98
25087 (@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
25088 0x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
25091 Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
25092 starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
25093 examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
25094 function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
25095 to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
25098 (@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
25099 Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
25102 The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
25103 break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
25107 @subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
25108 @cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
25110 This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
25111 @sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
25116 @kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
25117 @kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
25118 This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
25119 @value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
25120 affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
25125 @kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
25126 @kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
25127 Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
25129 @item set signal-thread
25130 @itemx set sigthread
25131 @kindex set signal-thread
25132 @kindex set sigthread
25133 This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
25134 thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
25135 process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
25138 @item show signal-thread
25139 @itemx show sigthread
25140 @kindex show signal-thread
25141 @kindex show sigthread
25142 These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
25143 delivered a signal.
25146 @kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
25147 This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
25148 as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
25149 continued by delivering a signal to it.
25152 @kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
25153 This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
25156 @item set exceptions
25157 @kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
25158 Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
25159 When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
25160 single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
25163 @item show exceptions
25164 @kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
25165 Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
25167 @item set task pause
25168 @kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
25169 @cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
25170 @cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
25171 This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
25172 Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
25173 whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
25174 effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
25175 to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
25176 thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
25178 @item show task pause
25179 @kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
25180 Show the current state of task suspension.
25182 @item set task detach-suspend-count
25183 @cindex task suspend count
25184 @cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
25185 This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
25186 @value{GDBN} detaches from it.
25188 @item show task detach-suspend-count
25189 Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
25191 @item set task exception-port
25192 @itemx set task excp
25193 @cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
25194 This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
25195 forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
25196 rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
25198 @item set noninvasive
25199 @cindex noninvasive task options
25200 This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
25201 invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
25202 is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
25203 @code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
25205 @item info send-rights
25206 @itemx info receive-rights
25207 @itemx info port-rights
25208 @itemx info port-sets
25209 @itemx info dead-names
25212 @cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
25213 @cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
25214 @cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
25215 @cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
25216 @cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
25217 These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
25218 receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
25219 There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
25220 port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
25222 @item set thread pause
25223 @kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
25224 @cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
25225 @cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
25226 This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
25227 control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
25228 thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
25229 off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
25230 Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
25231 control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
25232 task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
25233 only the current thread.
25235 @item show thread pause
25236 @kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
25237 This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
25239 @item set thread run
25240 This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
25242 @item show thread run
25243 Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
25245 @item set thread detach-suspend-count
25246 @cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
25247 @cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
25248 This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
25249 thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
25250 found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
25251 takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
25253 @item show thread detach-suspend-count
25254 Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
25257 @item set thread exception-port
25258 @itemx set thread excp
25259 Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
25260 overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
25261 @code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
25263 @item set thread takeover-suspend-count
25264 Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
25265 value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
25266 changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
25268 @item set thread default
25269 @itemx show thread default
25270 @cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
25271 Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
25272 default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
25273 thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
25274 variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
25275 threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
25276 the non-default commands.
25283 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
25286 @item set debug darwin @var{num}
25287 @kindex set debug darwin
25288 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
25289 the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
25291 @item show debug darwin
25292 @kindex show debug darwin
25293 Show the current state of Darwin messages.
25295 @item set debug mach-o @var{num}
25296 @kindex set debug mach-o
25297 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
25298 @value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
25299 file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
25300 values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
25301 problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
25304 @item show debug mach-o
25305 @kindex show debug mach-o
25306 Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
25308 @item set mach-exceptions on
25309 @itemx set mach-exceptions off
25310 @kindex set mach-exceptions
25311 On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
25312 mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
25313 Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
25314 better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
25316 @item show mach-exceptions
25317 @kindex show mach-exceptions
25318 Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
25322 @subsection FreeBSD
25325 When the ABI of a system call is changed in the FreeBSD kernel, this
25326 is implemented by leaving a compatibility system call using the old
25327 ABI at the existing number and allocating a new system call number for
25328 the version using the new ABI. As a convenience, when a system call
25329 is caught by name (@pxref{catch syscall}), compatibility system calls
25332 For example, FreeBSD 12 introduced a new variant of the @code{kevent}
25333 system call and catching the @code{kevent} system call by name catches
25337 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall kevent
25338 Catchpoint 1 (syscalls 'freebsd11_kevent' [363] 'kevent' [560])
25344 @section Embedded Operating Systems
25346 This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
25347 embedded operating systems that are available for several different
25350 @value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
25351 various real-time operating systems.
25353 @node Embedded Processors
25354 @section Embedded Processors
25356 This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
25359 @cindex send command to simulator
25360 Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
25361 allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
25364 @item sim @var{command}
25365 @kindex sim@r{, a command}
25366 Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
25367 documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
25368 acceptable commands.
25373 * ARC:: Synopsys ARC
25376 * M68K:: Motorola M68K
25377 * MicroBlaze:: Xilinx MicroBlaze
25378 * MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
25379 * OpenRISC 1000:: OpenRISC 1000 (or1k)
25380 * PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
25383 * Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
25387 @subsection Synopsys ARC
25388 @cindex Synopsys ARC
25389 @cindex ARC specific commands
25395 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARC-specific commands:
25398 @item set debug arc
25399 @kindex set debug arc
25400 Control the level of ARC specific debug messages. Use 0 for no messages (the
25401 default), 1 for debug messages, and 2 for even more debug messages.
25403 @item show debug arc
25404 @kindex show debug arc
25405 Show the level of ARC specific debugging in operation.
25407 @item maint print arc arc-instruction @var{address}
25408 @kindex maint print arc arc-instruction
25409 Print internal disassembler information about instruction at a given address.
25416 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
25419 @item set arm disassembler
25421 This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
25422 @code{"std"} style is the standard style.
25424 @item show arm disassembler
25426 Show the current disassembly style.
25428 @item set arm apcs32
25429 @cindex ARM 32-bit mode
25430 This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
25432 @item show arm apcs32
25433 Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
25435 @item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
25436 This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
25437 argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
25441 Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
25443 Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
25446 GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
25448 Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
25454 Show the current type of the FPU.
25457 This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
25460 Show the currently used ABI.
25462 @item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
25463 @value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
25464 whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
25465 @value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
25466 available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
25467 use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
25470 @item show arm fallback-mode
25471 Show the current fallback instruction mode.
25473 @item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
25474 This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
25475 instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
25476 causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
25477 of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
25479 @item show arm force-mode
25480 Show the current forced instruction mode.
25482 @item set arm unwind-secure-frames
25483 This command enables unwinding from Non-secure to Secure mode on
25484 Cortex-M with Security extension.
25485 This can trigger security exceptions when unwinding the exception
25487 It is enabled by default.
25489 @item show arm unwind-secure-frames
25490 Show whether unwinding from Non-secure to Secure mode is enabled.
25492 @item set debug arm
25493 Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
25494 target support subsystem.
25496 @item show debug arm
25497 Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
25501 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
25502 The @value{GDBN} ARM simulator accepts the following optional arguments.
25505 @item --swi-support=@var{type}
25506 Tell the simulator which SWI interfaces to support. The argument
25507 @var{type} may be a comma separated list of the following values.
25508 The default value is @code{all}.
25524 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
25525 The @value{GDBN} BPF simulator accepts the following optional arguments.
25528 @item --skb-data-offset=@var{offset}
25529 Tell the simulator the offset, measured in bytes, of the
25530 @code{skb_data} field in the kernel @code{struct sk_buff} structure.
25531 This offset is used by some BPF specific-purpose load/store
25532 instructions. Defaults to 0.
25539 The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support.
25542 @subsection MicroBlaze
25543 @cindex Xilinx MicroBlaze
25544 @cindex XMD, Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger
25546 The MicroBlaze is a soft-core processor supported on various Xilinx
25547 FPGAs, such as Spartan or Virtex series. Boards with these processors
25548 usually have JTAG ports which connect to a host system running the Xilinx
25549 Embedded Development Kit (EDK) or Software Development Kit (SDK).
25550 This host system is used to download the configuration bitstream to
25551 the target FPGA. The Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger (XMD) program
25552 communicates with the target board using the JTAG interface and
25553 presents a @code{gdbserver} interface to the board. By default
25554 @code{xmd} uses port @code{1234}. (While it is possible to change
25555 this default port, it requires the use of undocumented @code{xmd}
25556 commands. Contact Xilinx support if you need to do this.)
25558 Use these GDB commands to connect to the MicroBlaze target processor.
25561 @item target remote :1234
25562 Use this command to connect to the target if you are running @value{GDBN}
25563 on the same system as @code{xmd}.
25565 @item target remote @var{xmd-host}:1234
25566 Use this command to connect to the target if it is connected to @code{xmd}
25567 running on a different system named @var{xmd-host}.
25570 Use this command to download a program to the MicroBlaze target.
25572 @item set debug microblaze @var{n}
25573 Enable MicroBlaze-specific debugging messages if non-zero.
25575 @item show debug microblaze @var{n}
25576 Show MicroBlaze-specific debugging level.
25579 @node MIPS Embedded
25580 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Embedded
25583 @value{GDBN} supports these special commands for @acronym{MIPS} targets:
25586 @item set mipsfpu double
25587 @itemx set mipsfpu single
25588 @itemx set mipsfpu none
25589 @itemx set mipsfpu auto
25590 @itemx show mipsfpu
25591 @kindex set mipsfpu
25592 @kindex show mipsfpu
25593 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} remote floating point
25594 @cindex floating point, @acronym{MIPS} remote
25595 If your target board does not support the @acronym{MIPS} floating point
25596 coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
25597 need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
25598 file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
25599 functions which return floating point values. It also allows
25600 @value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
25601 functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
25602 with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
25603 processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
25604 double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
25605 @samp{set mipsfpu double}.
25607 In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
25608 floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
25609 and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
25611 As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
25612 @samp{show mipsfpu}.
25615 @node OpenRISC 1000
25616 @subsection OpenRISC 1000
25617 @cindex OpenRISC 1000
25620 The OpenRISC 1000 provides a free RISC instruction set architecture. It is
25621 mainly provided as a soft-core which can run on Xilinx, Altera and other
25624 @value{GDBN} for OpenRISC supports the below commands when connecting to
25632 Runs the builtin CPU simulator which can run very basic
25633 programs but does not support most hardware functions like MMU.
25634 For more complex use cases the user is advised to run an external
25635 target, and connect using @samp{target remote}.
25637 Example: @code{target sim}
25639 @item set debug or1k
25640 Toggle whether to display OpenRISC-specific debugging messages from the
25641 OpenRISC target support subsystem.
25643 @item show debug or1k
25644 Show whether OpenRISC-specific debugging messages are enabled.
25647 @node PowerPC Embedded
25648 @subsection PowerPC Embedded
25650 @cindex DVC register
25651 @value{GDBN} supports using the DVC (Data Value Compare) register to
25652 implement in hardware simple hardware watchpoint conditions of the form:
25655 (@value{GDBP}) watch @var{address|variable} \
25656 if @var{address|variable} == @var{constant expression}
25659 The DVC register will be automatically used when @value{GDBN} detects
25660 such pattern in a condition expression, and the created watchpoint uses one
25661 debug register (either the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on and the
25662 variable is scalar, or the variable has a length of one byte). This feature
25663 is available in native @value{GDBN} running on a Linux kernel version 2.6.34
25666 When running on PowerPC embedded processors, @value{GDBN} automatically uses
25667 ranged hardware watchpoints, unless the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on,
25668 in which case watchpoints using only one debug register are created when
25669 watching variables of scalar types.
25671 You can create an artificial array to watch an arbitrary memory
25672 region using one of the following commands (@pxref{Expressions}):
25675 (@value{GDBP}) watch *((char *) @var{address})@@@var{length}
25676 (@value{GDBP}) watch @{char[@var{length}]@} @var{address}
25679 PowerPC embedded processors support masked watchpoints. See the discussion
25680 about the @code{mask} argument in @ref{Set Watchpoints}.
25682 @cindex ranged breakpoint
25683 PowerPC embedded processors support hardware accelerated
25684 @dfn{ranged breakpoints}. A ranged breakpoint stops execution of
25685 the inferior whenever it executes an instruction at any address within
25686 the range it was set at. To set a ranged breakpoint in @value{GDBN},
25687 use the @code{break-range} command.
25689 @value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
25692 @kindex break-range
25693 @item break-range @var{start-locspec}, @var{end-locspec}
25694 Set a breakpoint for an address range given by @var{start-locspec} and
25695 @var{end-locspec}, which are location specs. @xref{Location
25696 Specifications}, for a list of all the possible forms of location
25697 specs. @value{GDBN} resolves both @var{start-locspec} and
25698 @var{end-locspec}, and uses the addresses of the resolved code
25699 locations as start and end addresses of the range to break at. The
25700 breakpoint will stop execution of the inferior whenever it executes an
25701 instruction at any address between the start and end addresses,
25702 inclusive. If either @var{start-locspec} or @var{end-locspec} resolve
25703 to multiple code locations in the program, then the command aborts
25704 with an error without creating a breakpoint.
25706 @kindex set powerpc
25707 @item set powerpc soft-float
25708 @itemx show powerpc soft-float
25709 Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
25710 convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
25711 on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
25713 @item set powerpc vector-abi
25714 @itemx show powerpc vector-abi
25715 Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
25716 arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
25717 @samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
25718 @samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
25719 registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
25720 based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
25722 @item set powerpc exact-watchpoints
25723 @itemx show powerpc exact-watchpoints
25724 Allow @value{GDBN} to use only one debug register when watching a variable
25725 of scalar type, thus assuming that the variable is accessed through the
25726 address of its first byte.
25731 @subsection Atmel AVR
25734 When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
25735 following AVR-specific commands:
25738 @item info io_registers
25739 @kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
25740 @cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
25741 This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
25742 each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
25749 When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
25750 following CRIS-specific commands:
25753 @item set cris-version @var{ver}
25754 @cindex CRIS version
25755 Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
25756 The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
25757 case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
25759 @item show cris-version
25760 Show the current CRIS version.
25762 @item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
25763 @cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
25764 Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
25765 Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
25768 @item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
25769 Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
25771 @item set cris-mode @var{mode}
25773 Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
25774 debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
25775 @samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
25777 @item show cris-mode
25778 Show the current CRIS mode.
25782 @subsection Renesas Super-H
25785 For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
25789 @item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
25790 @kindex set sh calling-convention
25791 Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
25792 Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
25793 With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
25794 convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
25795 that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
25796 is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
25797 is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
25798 regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
25799 default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
25800 does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
25802 @item show sh calling-convention
25803 @kindex show sh calling-convention
25804 Show the current calling convention setting.
25809 @node Architectures
25810 @section Architectures
25812 This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
25813 all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
25820 * HPPA:: HP PA architecture
25828 @subsection AArch64
25829 @cindex AArch64 support
25831 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides the
25832 following special commands:
25835 @item set debug aarch64
25836 @kindex set debug aarch64
25837 This command determines whether AArch64 architecture-specific debugging
25838 messages are to be displayed.
25840 @item show debug aarch64
25841 Show whether AArch64 debugging messages are displayed.
25845 @subsubsection AArch64 SVE.
25846 @cindex AArch64 SVE.
25848 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, if the Scalable Vector
25849 Extension (SVE) is present, then @value{GDBN} will provide the vector registers
25850 @code{$z0} through @code{$z31}, vector predicate registers @code{$p0} through
25851 @code{$p15}, and the @code{$ffr} register. In addition, the pseudo register
25852 @code{$vg} will be provided. This is the vector granule for the current thread
25853 and represents the number of 64-bit chunks in an SVE @code{z} register.
25855 If the vector length changes, then the @code{$vg} register will be updated,
25856 but the lengths of the @code{z} and @code{p} registers will not change. This
25857 is a known limitation of @value{GDBN} and does not affect the execution of the
25860 @subsubsection AArch64 Pointer Authentication.
25861 @cindex AArch64 Pointer Authentication.
25862 @anchor{AArch64 PAC}
25864 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, and the program is
25865 using the v8.3-A feature Pointer Authentication (PAC), then whenever the link
25866 register @code{$lr} is pointing to an PAC function its value will be masked.
25867 When GDB prints a backtrace, any addresses that required unmasking will be
25868 postfixed with the marker [PAC]. When using the MI, this is printed as part
25869 of the @code{addr_flags} field.
25871 @subsubsection AArch64 Memory Tagging Extension.
25872 @cindex AArch64 Memory Tagging Extension.
25874 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, the program is
25875 using the v8.5-A feature Memory Tagging Extension (MTE) and there is support
25876 in the kernel for MTE, @value{GDBN} will make memory tagging functionality
25877 available for inspection and editing of logical and allocation tags.
25878 @xref{Memory Tagging}.
25880 To aid debugging, @value{GDBN} will output additional information when SIGSEGV
25881 signals are generated as a result of memory tag failures.
25883 If the tag violation is synchronous, the following will be shown:
25886 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault
25887 Memory tag violation while accessing address 0x0500fffff7ff8000
25892 If the tag violation is asynchronous, the fault address is not available.
25893 In this case @value{GDBN} will show the following:
25896 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault
25897 Memory tag violation
25898 Fault address unavailable.
25901 A special register, @code{tag_ctl}, is made available through the
25902 @code{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.mte} feature. This register exposes some
25903 options that can be controlled at runtime and emulates the @code{prctl}
25904 option @code{PR_SET_TAGGED_ADDR_CTRL}. For further information, see the
25905 documentation in the Linux kernel.
25907 @value{GDBN} supports dumping memory tag data to core files through the
25908 @command{gcore} command and reading memory tag data from core files generated
25909 by the @command{gcore} command or the Linux kernel.
25911 When a process uses memory-mapped pages protected by memory tags (for
25912 example, AArch64 MTE), this additional information will be recorded in
25913 the core file in the event of a crash or if @value{GDBN} generates a core file
25914 from the current process state.
25916 The memory tag data will be used so developers can display the memory
25917 tags from a particular memory region (using the @samp{m} modifier to the
25918 @command{x} command, using the @command{print} command or using the various
25919 @command{memory-tag} subcommands.
25921 In the case of a crash, @value{GDBN} will attempt to retrieve the memory tag
25922 information automatically from the core file, and will show one of the above
25923 messages depending on whether the synchronous or asynchronous mode is selected.
25924 @xref{Memory Tagging}. @xref{Memory}.
25927 @subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
25930 @item set struct-convention @var{mode}
25931 @kindex set struct-convention
25932 @cindex struct return convention
25933 @cindex struct/union returned in registers
25934 Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
25935 @code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
25936 @var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
25937 default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
25938 are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
25939 @code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
25940 be returned in a register.
25942 @item show struct-convention
25943 @kindex show struct-convention
25944 Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
25949 @subsubsection Intel @dfn{Memory Protection Extensions} (MPX).
25950 @cindex Intel Memory Protection Extensions (MPX).
25952 Memory Protection Extension (MPX) adds the bound registers @samp{BND0}
25953 @footnote{The register named with capital letters represent the architecture
25954 registers.} through @samp{BND3}. Bound registers store a pair of 64-bit values
25955 which are the lower bound and upper bound. Bounds are effective addresses or
25956 memory locations. The upper bounds are architecturally represented in 1's
25957 complement form. A bound having lower bound = 0, and upper bound = 0
25958 (1's complement of all bits set) will allow access to the entire address space.
25960 @samp{BND0} through @samp{BND3} are represented in @value{GDBN} as @samp{bnd0raw}
25961 through @samp{bnd3raw}. Pseudo registers @samp{bnd0} through @samp{bnd3}
25962 display the upper bound performing the complement of one operation on the
25963 upper bound value, i.e.@ when upper bound in @samp{bnd0raw} is 0 in the
25964 @value{GDBN} @samp{bnd0} it will be @code{0xfff@dots{}}. In this sense it
25965 can also be noted that the upper bounds are inclusive.
25967 As an example, assume that the register BND0 holds bounds for a pointer having
25968 access allowed for the range between 0x32 and 0x71. The values present on
25969 bnd0raw and bnd registers are presented as follows:
25972 bnd0raw = @{0x32, 0xffffffff8e@}
25973 bnd0 = @{lbound = 0x32, ubound = 0x71@} : size 64
25976 This way the raw value can be accessed via bnd0raw@dots{}bnd3raw. Any
25977 change on bnd0@dots{}bnd3 or bnd0raw@dots{}bnd3raw is reflect on its
25978 counterpart. When the bnd0@dots{}bnd3 registers are displayed via
25979 Python, the display includes the memory size, in bits, accessible to
25982 Bounds can also be stored in bounds tables, which are stored in
25983 application memory. These tables store bounds for pointers by specifying
25984 the bounds pointer's value along with its bounds. Evaluating and changing
25985 bounds located in bound tables is therefore interesting while investigating
25986 bugs on MPX context. @value{GDBN} provides commands for this purpose:
25989 @item show mpx bound @var{pointer}
25990 @kindex show mpx bound
25991 Display bounds of the given @var{pointer}.
25993 @item set mpx bound @var{pointer}, @var{lbound}, @var{ubound}
25994 @kindex set mpx bound
25995 Set the bounds of a pointer in the bound table.
25996 This command takes three parameters: @var{pointer} is the pointers
25997 whose bounds are to be changed, @var{lbound} and @var{ubound} are new values
25998 for lower and upper bounds respectively.
26001 When you call an inferior function on an Intel MPX enabled program,
26002 GDB sets the inferior's bound registers to the init (disabled) state
26003 before calling the function. As a consequence, bounds checks for the
26004 pointer arguments passed to the function will always pass.
26006 This is necessary because when you call an inferior function, the
26007 program is usually in the middle of the execution of other function.
26008 Since at that point bound registers are in an arbitrary state, not
26009 clearing them would lead to random bound violations in the called
26012 You can still examine the influence of the bound registers on the
26013 execution of the called function by stopping the execution of the
26014 called function at its prologue, setting bound registers, and
26015 continuing the execution. For example:
26019 Breakpoint 2 at 0x4009de: file i386-mpx-call.c, line 47.
26020 $ print upper (a, b, c, d, 1)
26021 Breakpoint 2, upper (a=0x0, b=0x6e0000005b, c=0x0, d=0x0, len=48)....
26023 @{lbound = 0x0, ubound = ffffffff@} : size -1
26026 At this last step the value of bnd0 can be changed for investigation of bound
26027 violations caused along the execution of the call. In order to know how to
26028 set the bound registers or bound table for the call consult the ABI.
26033 See the following section.
26036 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}
26038 @cindex stack on Alpha
26039 @cindex stack on @acronym{MIPS}
26040 @cindex Alpha stack
26041 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} stack
26042 Alpha- and @acronym{MIPS}-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
26043 sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
26044 find the beginning of a function.
26046 @cindex response time, @acronym{MIPS} debugging
26047 To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
26048 @value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
26049 you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
26053 @cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, @acronym{MIPS})
26054 @item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
26055 Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
26056 search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
26057 default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
26058 larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
26059 and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
26060 this command when debugging a stripped executable.
26062 @item show heuristic-fence-post
26063 Display the current limit.
26067 These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
26068 for debugging programs on Alpha or @acronym{MIPS} processors.
26070 Several @acronym{MIPS}-specific commands are available when debugging @acronym{MIPS}
26074 @item set mips abi @var{arg}
26075 @kindex set mips abi
26076 @cindex set ABI for @acronym{MIPS}
26077 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
26078 values of @var{arg} are:
26082 The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
26092 @item show mips abi
26093 @kindex show mips abi
26094 Show the @acronym{MIPS} ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
26096 @item set mips compression @var{arg}
26097 @kindex set mips compression
26098 @cindex code compression, @acronym{MIPS}
26099 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} compressed
26100 @acronym{ISA, Instruction Set Architecture} encoding is used by the
26101 inferior. @value{GDBN} uses this for code disassembly and other
26102 internal interpretation purposes. This setting is only referred to
26103 when no executable has been associated with the debugging session or
26104 the executable does not provide information about the encoding it uses.
26105 Otherwise this setting is automatically updated from information
26106 provided by the executable.
26108 Possible values of @var{arg} are @samp{mips16} and @samp{micromips}.
26109 The default compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding is @samp{mips16}, as
26110 executables containing @acronym{MIPS16} code frequently are not
26111 identified as such.
26113 This setting is ``sticky''; that is, it retains its value across
26114 debugging sessions until reset either explicitly with this command or
26115 implicitly from an executable.
26117 The compiler and/or assembler typically add symbol table annotations to
26118 identify functions compiled for the @acronym{MIPS16} or
26119 @acronym{microMIPS} @acronym{ISA}s. If these function-scope annotations
26120 are present, @value{GDBN} uses them in preference to the global
26121 compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding setting.
26123 @item show mips compression
26124 @kindex show mips compression
26125 Show the @acronym{MIPS} compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding used by
26126 @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
26129 @itemx show mipsfpu
26130 @xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
26132 @item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
26133 @kindex set mips mask-address
26134 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} addresses, masking
26135 This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
26136 @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
26137 @samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
26138 setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
26140 @item show mips mask-address
26141 @kindex show mips mask-address
26142 Show whether the upper 32 bits of @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off or
26145 @item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
26146 @kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
26147 This command controls compatibility with 64-bit @acronym{MIPS} targets that
26148 transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old @acronym{MIPS} 64 target
26149 that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
26150 and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
26152 @item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
26153 @kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
26154 Show the current setting of compatibility with older @acronym{MIPS} 64 targets.
26156 @item set debug mips
26157 @kindex set debug mips
26158 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the @acronym{MIPS}-specific
26159 target code in @value{GDBN}.
26161 @item show debug mips
26162 @kindex show debug mips
26163 Show the current setting of @acronym{MIPS} debugging messages.
26169 @cindex HPPA support
26171 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
26172 following special commands:
26175 @item set debug hppa
26176 @kindex set debug hppa
26177 This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
26178 messages are to be displayed.
26180 @item show debug hppa
26181 Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
26183 @item maint print unwind @var{address}
26184 @kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
26185 This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
26186 given @var{address}.
26192 @subsection PowerPC
26193 @cindex PowerPC architecture
26195 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
26196 pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
26197 numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
26198 in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
26199 @code{f0} or @code{f2}.
26201 The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
26202 by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
26203 @code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
26205 For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
26206 wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
26209 @subsection Nios II
26210 @cindex Nios II architecture
26212 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Nios II architecture,
26213 it provides the following special commands:
26217 @item set debug nios2
26218 @kindex set debug nios2
26219 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the Nios II
26220 target code in @value{GDBN}.
26222 @item show debug nios2
26223 @kindex show debug nios2
26224 Show the current setting of Nios II debugging messages.
26228 @subsection Sparc64
26229 @cindex Sparc64 support
26230 @cindex Application Data Integrity
26231 @subsubsection ADI Support
26233 The M7 processor supports an Application Data Integrity (ADI) feature that
26234 detects invalid data accesses. When software allocates memory and enables
26235 ADI on the allocated memory, it chooses a 4-bit version number, sets the
26236 version in the upper 4 bits of the 64-bit pointer to that data, and stores
26237 the 4-bit version in every cacheline of that data. Hardware saves the latter
26238 in spare bits in the cache and memory hierarchy. On each load and store,
26239 the processor compares the upper 4 VA (virtual address) bits to the
26240 cacheline's version. If there is a mismatch, the processor generates a
26241 version mismatch trap which can be either precise or disrupting. The trap
26242 is an error condition which the kernel delivers to the process as a SIGSEGV
26245 Note that only 64-bit applications can use ADI and need to be built with
26248 Values of the ADI version tags, which are in granularity of a
26249 cacheline (64 bytes), can be viewed or modified.
26253 @kindex adi examine
26254 @item adi (examine | x) [ / @var{n} ] @var{addr}
26256 The @code{adi examine} command displays the value of one ADI version tag per
26259 @var{n} is a decimal integer specifying the number in bytes; the default
26260 is 1. It specifies how much ADI version information, at the ratio of 1:ADI
26261 block size, to display.
26263 @var{addr} is the address in user address space where you want @value{GDBN}
26264 to begin displaying the ADI version tags.
26266 Below is an example of displaying ADI versions of variable "shmaddr".
26269 (@value{GDBP}) adi x/100 shmaddr
26270 0xfff800010002c000: 0 0
26274 @item adi (assign | a) [ / @var{n} ] @var{addr} = @var{tag}
26276 The @code{adi assign} command is used to assign new ADI version tag
26279 @var{n} is a decimal integer specifying the number in bytes;
26280 the default is 1. It specifies how much ADI version information, at the
26281 ratio of 1:ADI block size, to modify.
26283 @var{addr} is the address in user address space where you want @value{GDBN}
26284 to begin modifying the ADI version tags.
26286 @var{tag} is the new ADI version tag.
26288 For example, do the following to modify then verify ADI versions of
26289 variable "shmaddr":
26292 (@value{GDBP}) adi a/100 shmaddr = 7
26293 (@value{GDBP}) adi x/100 shmaddr
26294 0xfff800010002c000: 7 7
26301 @cindex S12Z support
26303 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the S12Z architecture,
26304 it provides the following special command:
26307 @item maint info bdccsr
26308 @kindex maint info bdccsr@r{, S12Z}
26309 This command displays the current value of the microprocessor's
26314 @node Controlling GDB
26315 @chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
26317 You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
26318 @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
26319 data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
26324 * Editing:: Command editing
26325 * Command History:: Command history
26326 * Screen Size:: Screen size
26327 * Output Styling:: Output styling
26328 * Numbers:: Numbers
26329 * ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
26330 * Auto-loading:: Automatically loading associated files
26331 * Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
26332 * Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
26333 * Other Misc Settings:: Other Miscellaneous Settings
26341 @value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
26342 called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
26343 can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
26344 instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
26345 the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
26346 which one you are talking to.
26348 @emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
26349 prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
26350 or a prompt that does not.
26354 @item set prompt @var{newprompt}
26355 Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
26357 @kindex show prompt
26359 Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
26362 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled have
26363 prompt extensions. The commands for interacting with these extensions
26367 @kindex set extended-prompt
26368 @item set extended-prompt @var{prompt}
26369 Set an extended prompt that allows for substitutions.
26370 @xref{gdb.prompt}, for a list of escape sequences that can be used for
26371 substitution. Any escape sequences specified as part of the prompt
26372 string are replaced with the corresponding strings each time the prompt
26378 set extended-prompt Current working directory: \w (gdb)
26381 Note that when an extended-prompt is set, it takes control of the
26382 @var{prompt_hook} hook. @xref{prompt_hook}, for further information.
26384 @kindex show extended-prompt
26385 @item show extended-prompt
26386 Prints the extended prompt. Any escape sequences specified as part of
26387 the prompt string with @code{set extended-prompt}, are replaced with the
26388 corresponding strings each time the prompt is displayed.
26392 @section Command Editing
26394 @cindex command line editing
26396 @value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
26397 @sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
26398 command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
26399 or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
26400 substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
26401 debugging sessions.
26403 You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
26404 command @code{set}.
26407 @kindex set editing
26410 @itemx set editing on
26411 Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
26413 @item set editing off
26414 Disable command line editing.
26416 @kindex show editing
26418 Show whether command line editing is enabled.
26421 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
26422 @xref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library},
26424 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
26425 @xref{Command Line Editing},
26427 for more details about the Readline
26428 interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
26429 encouraged to read that chapter.
26431 @cindex Readline application name
26432 @value{GDBN} sets the Readline application name to @samp{gdb}. This
26433 is useful for conditions in @file{.inputrc}.
26435 @cindex operate-and-get-next
26436 @value{GDBN} defines a bindable Readline command,
26437 @code{operate-and-get-next}. This is bound to @kbd{C-o} by default.
26438 This command accepts the current line for execution and fetches the
26439 next line relative to the current line from the history for editing.
26440 Any argument is ignored.
26442 @node Command History
26443 @section Command History
26444 @cindex command history
26446 @value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
26447 debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
26448 happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
26451 @value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
26452 package, to provide the history facility.
26453 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
26454 @xref{Using History Interactively, , , history, GNU History Library},
26456 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
26457 @xref{Using History Interactively},
26459 for the detailed description of the History library.
26461 To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
26462 the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
26463 (@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
26464 means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
26465 affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
26466 pressed on a line by itself.
26468 @cindex @code{server}, command prefix
26469 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
26470 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
26471 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
26473 Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
26477 @cindex history substitution
26478 @cindex history file
26479 @kindex set history filename
26480 @cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
26481 @item set history filename @r{[}@var{fname}@r{]}
26482 Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
26483 This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
26484 list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
26485 exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
26486 the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
26487 to the value of the environment variable @env{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
26488 @file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
26491 The @env{GDBHISTFILE} environment variable is read after processing
26492 any @value{GDBN} initialization files (@pxref{Startup}) and after
26493 processing any commands passed using command line options (for
26494 example, @code{-ex}).
26496 If the @var{fname} argument is not given, or if the @env{GDBHISTFILE}
26497 is the empty string then @value{GDBN} will neither try to load an
26498 existing history file, nor will it try to save the history on exit.
26500 @cindex save command history
26501 @kindex set history save
26502 @item set history save
26503 @itemx set history save on
26504 Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
26505 @code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is
26506 disabled. The command history will be recorded when @value{GDBN}
26507 exits. If @code{set history filename} is set to the empty string then
26508 history saving is disabled, even when @code{set history save} is
26511 @item set history save off
26512 Don't record the command history into the file specified by @code{set
26513 history filename} when @value{GDBN} exits.
26515 @cindex history size
26516 @kindex set history size
26517 @cindex @env{GDBHISTSIZE}, environment variable
26518 @item set history size @var{size}
26519 @itemx set history size unlimited
26520 Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
26521 This defaults to the value of the environment variable @env{GDBHISTSIZE}, or
26522 to 256 if this variable is not set. Non-numeric values of @env{GDBHISTSIZE}
26523 are ignored. If @var{size} is @code{unlimited} or if @env{GDBHISTSIZE} is
26524 either a negative number or the empty string, then the number of commands
26525 @value{GDBN} keeps in the history list is unlimited.
26527 The @env{GDBHISTSIZE} environment variable is read after processing
26528 any @value{GDBN} initialization files (@pxref{Startup}) and after
26529 processing any commands passed using command line options (for
26530 example, @code{-ex}).
26532 @cindex remove duplicate history
26533 @kindex set history remove-duplicates
26534 @item set history remove-duplicates @var{count}
26535 @itemx set history remove-duplicates unlimited
26536 Control the removal of duplicate history entries in the command history list.
26537 If @var{count} is non-zero, @value{GDBN} will look back at the last @var{count}
26538 history entries and remove the first entry that is a duplicate of the current
26539 entry being added to the command history list. If @var{count} is
26540 @code{unlimited} then this lookbehind is unbounded. If @var{count} is 0, then
26541 removal of duplicate history entries is disabled.
26543 Only history entries added during the current session are considered for
26544 removal. This option is set to 0 by default.
26548 History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
26549 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
26550 @xref{Event Designators, , , history, GNU History Library},
26552 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
26553 @xref{Event Designators},
26557 @cindex history expansion, turn on/off
26558 Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
26559 is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
26560 @code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
26561 follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
26562 a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
26563 history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
26564 @kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
26566 The commands to control history expansion are:
26569 @item set history expansion on
26570 @itemx set history expansion
26571 @kindex set history expansion
26572 Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
26574 @item set history expansion off
26575 Disable history expansion.
26578 @kindex show history
26580 @itemx show history filename
26581 @itemx show history save
26582 @itemx show history size
26583 @itemx show history expansion
26584 These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
26585 @code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
26590 @kindex show commands
26591 @cindex show last commands
26592 @cindex display command history
26593 @item show commands
26594 Display the last ten commands in the command history.
26596 @item show commands @var{n}
26597 Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
26599 @item show commands +
26600 Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
26604 @section Screen Size
26605 @cindex size of screen
26606 @cindex screen size
26609 @cindex pauses in output
26611 Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
26612 information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
26613 @value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
26614 output. Type @key{RET} when you want to see one more page of output,
26615 @kbd{q} to discard the remaining output, or @kbd{c} to continue
26616 without paging for the rest of the current command. Also, the screen
26617 width setting determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on
26618 what is being printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a
26619 readable place, rather than simply letting it overflow onto the
26622 Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
26623 driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
26624 together with the value of the @env{TERM} environment variable and the
26625 @code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
26626 you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
26633 @kindex show height
26634 @item set height @var{lpp}
26635 @itemx set height unlimited
26637 @itemx set width @var{cpl}
26638 @itemx set width unlimited
26640 These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
26641 a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
26642 commands display the current settings.
26644 If you specify a height of either @code{unlimited} or zero lines,
26645 @value{GDBN} does not pause during output no matter how long the
26646 output is. This is useful if output is to a file or to an editor
26649 Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width unlimited} or @samp{set
26650 width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN} from wrapping its output.
26652 @item set pagination on
26653 @itemx set pagination off
26654 @kindex set pagination
26655 Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
26656 pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height unlimited}. Note that
26657 running @value{GDBN} with the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode
26658 Options, -batch}) also automatically disables pagination.
26660 @item show pagination
26661 @kindex show pagination
26662 Show the current pagination mode.
26665 @node Output Styling
26666 @section Output Styling
26672 @value{GDBN} can style its output on a capable terminal. This is
26673 enabled by default on most systems, but disabled by default when in
26674 batch mode (@pxref{Mode Options}). Various style settings are available;
26675 and styles can also be disabled entirely.
26678 @item set style enabled @samp{on|off}
26679 Enable or disable all styling. The default is host-dependent, with
26680 most hosts defaulting to @samp{on}.
26682 @item show style enabled
26683 Show the current state of styling.
26685 @item set style sources @samp{on|off}
26686 Enable or disable source code styling. This affects whether source
26687 code, such as the output of the @code{list} command, is styled. The
26688 default is @samp{on}. Note that source styling only works if styling
26689 in general is enabled, and if a source highlighting library is
26690 available to @value{GDBN}.
26692 There are two ways that highlighting can be done. First, if
26693 @value{GDBN} was linked with the GNU Source Highlight library, then it
26694 is used. Otherwise, if @value{GDBN} was configured with Python
26695 scripting support, and if the Python Pygments package is available,
26696 then it will be used.
26698 @item show style sources
26699 Show the current state of source code styling.
26701 @item set style tui-current-position @samp{on|off}
26702 Enable or disable styling of the source and assembly code highlighted
26703 by the TUI's current position indicator. The default is @samp{off}.
26704 @xref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}.
26706 @item show style tui-current-position
26707 Show whether the source and assembly code highlighted by the TUI's
26708 current position indicator is styled.
26710 @anchor{style_disassembler_enabled}
26711 @item set style disassembler enabled @samp{on|off}
26712 Enable or disable disassembler styling. This affects whether
26713 disassembler output, such as the output of the @code{disassemble}
26714 command, is styled. Disassembler styling only works if styling in
26715 general is enabled (with @code{set style enabled on}), and if a source
26716 highlighting library is available to @value{GDBN}.
26718 The two source highlighting libraries that @value{GDBN} could use to
26719 style disassembler output are; @value{GDBN}'s builtin disassembler, or
26720 the Python Pygments package.
26722 @value{GDBN}'s first choice will be to use the builtin disassembler
26723 for styling, this usually provides better results, being able to style
26724 different types of instruction operands differently. However, the
26725 builtin disassembler is not able to style all architectures.
26727 For architectures that the builtin disassembler is unable to style,
26728 @value{GDBN} will fall back to use the Python Pygments package where
26729 possible. In order to use the Python Pygments package, @value{GDBN}
26730 must be built with Python support, and the Pygments package must be
26733 If neither of these options are available then @value{GDBN} will
26734 produce unstyled disassembler output, even when this setting is
26737 To discover if the current architecture supports styling using the
26738 builtin disassembler library see @ref{maint_libopcodes_styling,,@kbd{maint
26739 show libopcodes-styling enabled}}.
26741 @item show style disassembler enabled
26742 Show the current state of disassembler styling.
26746 Subcommands of @code{set style} control specific forms of styling.
26747 These subcommands all follow the same pattern: each style-able object
26748 can be styled with a foreground color, a background color, and an
26751 For example, the style of file names can be controlled using the
26752 @code{set style filename} group of commands:
26755 @item set style filename background @var{color}
26756 Set the background to @var{color}. Valid colors are @samp{none}
26757 (meaning the terminal's default color), @samp{black}, @samp{red},
26758 @samp{green}, @samp{yellow}, @samp{blue}, @samp{magenta}, @samp{cyan},
26761 @item set style filename foreground @var{color}
26762 Set the foreground to @var{color}. Valid colors are @samp{none}
26763 (meaning the terminal's default color), @samp{black}, @samp{red},
26764 @samp{green}, @samp{yellow}, @samp{blue}, @samp{magenta}, @samp{cyan},
26767 @item set style filename intensity @var{value}
26768 Set the intensity to @var{value}. Valid intensities are @samp{normal}
26769 (the default), @samp{bold}, and @samp{dim}.
26772 The @code{show style} command and its subcommands are styling
26773 a style name in their output using its own style.
26774 So, use @command{show style} to see the complete list of styles,
26775 their characteristics and the visual aspect of each style.
26777 The style-able objects are:
26780 Control the styling of file names and URLs. By default, this style's
26781 foreground color is green.
26784 Control the styling of function names. These are managed with the
26785 @code{set style function} family of commands. By default, this
26786 style's foreground color is yellow.
26788 This style is also used for symbol names in styled disassembler output
26789 if @value{GDBN} is using its builtin disassembler library for styling
26790 (@pxref{style_disassembler_enabled,,@kbd{set style disassembler
26794 Control the styling of variable names. These are managed with the
26795 @code{set style variable} family of commands. By default, this style's
26796 foreground color is cyan.
26799 Control the styling of addresses. These are managed with the
26800 @code{set style address} family of commands. By default, this style's
26801 foreground color is blue.
26803 This style is also used for addresses in styled disassembler output
26804 if @value{GDBN} is using its builtin disassembler library for styling
26805 (@pxref{style_disassembler_enabled,,@kbd{set style disassembler
26809 Control the styling of @value{GDBN}'s version number text. By
26810 default, this style's foreground color is magenta and it has bold
26811 intensity. The version number is displayed in two places, the output
26812 of @command{show version}, and when @value{GDBN} starts up.
26814 In order to control how @value{GDBN} styles the version number at
26815 startup, add the @code{set style version} family of commands to the
26816 early initialization command file (@pxref{Initialization
26820 Control the styling of titles. These are managed with the
26821 @code{set style title} family of commands. By default, this style's
26822 intensity is bold. Commands are using the title style to improve
26823 the readability of large output. For example, the commands
26824 @command{apropos} and @command{help} are using the title style
26825 for the command names.
26828 Control the styling of highlightings. These are managed with the
26829 @code{set style highlight} family of commands. By default, this style's
26830 foreground color is red. Commands are using the highlight style to draw
26831 the user attention to some specific parts of their output. For example,
26832 the command @command{apropos -v REGEXP} uses the highlight style to
26833 mark the documentation parts matching @var{regexp}.
26836 Control the styling of data annotations added by @value{GDBN} to data
26837 it displays. By default, this style's intensity is dim. Metadata
26838 annotations include the @samp{repeats @var{n} times} annotation for
26839 suppressed display of repeated array elements (@pxref{Print Settings}),
26840 @samp{<unavailable>} and @w{@samp{<error @var{descr}>}} annotations
26841 for errors and @samp{<optimized-out>} annotations for optimized-out
26842 values in displaying stack frame information in backtraces
26843 (@pxref{Backtrace}), etc.
26846 Control the styling of the TUI border. Note that, unlike other
26847 styling options, only the color of the border can be controlled via
26848 @code{set style}. This was done for compatibility reasons, as TUI
26849 controls to set the border's intensity predated the addition of
26850 general styling to @value{GDBN}. @xref{TUI Configuration}.
26852 @item tui-active-border
26853 Control the styling of the active TUI border; that is, the TUI window
26854 that has the focus.
26856 @item disassembler comment
26857 Control the styling of comments in the disassembler output. These are
26858 managed with the @code{set style disassembler comment} family of
26859 commands. This style is only used when @value{GDBN} is styling using
26860 its builtin disassembler library
26861 (@pxref{style_disassembler_enabled,,@kbd{set style disassembler
26862 enabled}}). By default, this style's intensity is dim, and its
26863 foreground color is white.
26865 @item disassembler immediate
26866 Control the styling of numeric operands in the disassembler output.
26867 These are managed with the @code{set style disassembler immediate}
26868 family of commands. This style is not used for instruction operands
26869 that represent addresses, in that case the @samp{disassembler address}
26870 style is used. This style is only used when @value{GDBN} is styling
26871 using its builtin disassembler library. By default, this style's
26872 foreground color is blue.
26874 @item disassembler address
26875 Control the styling of address operands in the disassembler output.
26876 This is an alias for the @samp{address} style.
26878 @item disassembler symbol
26879 Control the styling of symbol names in the disassembler output. This
26880 is an alias for the @samp{function} style.
26882 @item disassembler mnemonic
26883 Control the styling of instruction mnemonics in the disassembler
26884 output. These are managed with the @code{set style disassembler
26885 mnemonic} family of commands. This style is also used for assembler
26886 directives, e.g.@: @code{.byte}, @code{.word}, etc. This style is
26887 only used when @value{GDBN} is styling using its builtin disassembler
26888 library. By default, this style's foreground color is green.
26890 @item disassembler register
26891 Control the styling of register operands in the disassembler output.
26892 These are managed with the @code{set style disassembler register}
26893 family of commands. This style is only used when @value{GDBN} is
26894 styling using its builtin disassembler library. By default, this style's
26895 foreground color is red.
26901 @cindex number representation
26902 @cindex entering numbers
26904 You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
26905 @value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
26906 @samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
26907 begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
26908 @samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
26909 10; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
26910 format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
26911 both input and output with the commands described below.
26914 @kindex set input-radix
26915 @item set input-radix @var{base}
26916 Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
26917 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. The base must itself be
26918 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
26922 set input-radix 012
26923 set input-radix 10.
26924 set input-radix 0xa
26928 sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
26929 leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
26930 @samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
26931 interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
26932 @samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
26935 @kindex set output-radix
26936 @item set output-radix @var{base}
26937 Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
26938 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. The base must itself be
26939 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
26941 @kindex show input-radix
26942 @item show input-radix
26943 Display the current default base for numeric input.
26945 @kindex show output-radix
26946 @item show output-radix
26947 Display the current default base for numeric display.
26949 @item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
26953 These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
26954 of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
26955 the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
26956 default value of 10.
26961 @section Configuring the Current ABI
26963 @value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
26964 application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
26965 conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
26971 @cindex Newlib OS ABI and its influence on the longjmp handling
26973 One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
26974 system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
26975 @value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
26976 but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
26977 One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
26978 an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
26979 not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
26982 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides a
26983 ``Newlib'' OS ABI. This is useful for handling @code{setjmp} and
26984 @code{longjmp} when debugging binaries that use the @sc{newlib} C library.
26985 The ``Newlib'' OS ABI can be selected by @code{set osabi Newlib}.
26989 Show the OS ABI currently in use.
26992 With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
26994 @item set osabi @var{abi}
26995 Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
26998 @cindex float promotion
27000 Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
27001 function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
27002 (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
27003 according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
27004 (i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
27005 @code{double} and then passed.
27007 Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
27008 a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
27009 as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
27012 @kindex set coerce-float-to-double
27013 @item set coerce-float-to-double
27014 @itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
27015 Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
27016 to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
27018 @item set coerce-float-to-double off
27019 Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
27022 @kindex show coerce-float-to-double
27023 @item show coerce-float-to-double
27024 Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
27028 @kindex show cp-abi
27029 @value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
27030 objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
27031 used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
27032 programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
27033 multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
27034 program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
27035 Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
27036 before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
27037 ``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
27038 use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
27043 Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
27046 With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
27048 @item set cp-abi @var{abi}
27049 @itemx set cp-abi auto
27050 Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
27054 @section Automatically loading associated files
27055 @cindex auto-loading
27057 @value{GDBN} sometimes reads files with commands and settings automatically,
27058 without being explicitly told so by the user. We call this feature
27059 @dfn{auto-loading}. While auto-loading is useful for automatically adapting
27060 @value{GDBN} to the needs of your project, it can sometimes produce unexpected
27061 results or introduce security risks (e.g., if the file comes from untrusted
27064 There are various kinds of files @value{GDBN} can automatically load.
27065 In addition to these files, @value{GDBN} supports auto-loading code written
27066 in various extension languages. @xref{Auto-loading extensions}.
27068 Note that loading of these associated files (including the local @file{.gdbinit}
27069 file) requires accordingly configured @code{auto-load safe-path}
27070 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
27072 For these reasons, @value{GDBN} includes commands and options to let you
27073 control when to auto-load files and which files should be auto-loaded.
27076 @anchor{set auto-load off}
27077 @kindex set auto-load off
27078 @item set auto-load off
27079 Globally disable loading of all auto-loaded files.
27080 You may want to use this command with the @samp{-iex} option
27081 (@pxref{Option -init-eval-command}) such as:
27083 $ @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load off" untrusted-executable corefile}
27086 Be aware that system init file (@pxref{System-wide configuration})
27087 and init files from your home directory (@pxref{Home Directory Init File})
27088 still get read (as they come from generally trusted directories).
27089 To prevent @value{GDBN} from auto-loading even those init files, use the
27090 @option{-nx} option (@pxref{Mode Options}), in addition to
27091 @code{set auto-load no}.
27093 @anchor{show auto-load}
27094 @kindex show auto-load
27095 @item show auto-load
27096 Show whether auto-loading of each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) is enabled
27100 (gdb) show auto-load
27101 gdb-scripts: Auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is on.
27102 libthread-db: Auto-loading of inferior specific libthread_db is on.
27103 local-gdbinit: Auto-loading of .gdbinit script from current directory
27105 python-scripts: Auto-loading of Python scripts is on.
27106 safe-path: List of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
27107 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
27108 scripts-directory: List of directories from which to load auto-loaded scripts
27109 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
27112 @anchor{info auto-load}
27113 @kindex info auto-load
27114 @item info auto-load
27115 Print whether each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) have been auto-loaded or
27119 (gdb) info auto-load
27122 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb
27123 libthread-db: No auto-loaded libthread-db.
27124 local-gdbinit: Local .gdbinit file "/home/user/gdb/.gdbinit" has been
27128 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py
27132 These are @value{GDBN} control commands for the auto-loading:
27134 @multitable @columnfractions .5 .5
27135 @item @xref{set auto-load off}.
27136 @tab Disable auto-loading globally.
27137 @item @xref{show auto-load}.
27138 @tab Show setting of all kinds of files.
27139 @item @xref{info auto-load}.
27140 @tab Show state of all kinds of files.
27141 @item @xref{set auto-load gdb-scripts}.
27142 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} command scripts.
27143 @item @xref{show auto-load gdb-scripts}.
27144 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
27145 @item @xref{info auto-load gdb-scripts}.
27146 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
27147 @item @xref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
27148 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
27149 @item @xref{show auto-load python-scripts}.
27150 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
27151 @item @xref{info auto-load python-scripts}.
27152 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
27153 @item @xref{set auto-load guile-scripts}.
27154 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} Guile scripts.
27155 @item @xref{show auto-load guile-scripts}.
27156 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} Guile scripts.
27157 @item @xref{info auto-load guile-scripts}.
27158 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} Guile scripts.
27159 @item @xref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
27160 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
27161 @item @xref{show auto-load scripts-directory}.
27162 @tab Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
27163 @item @xref{add-auto-load-scripts-directory}.
27164 @tab Add directory for auto-loaded scripts location list.
27165 @item @xref{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
27166 @tab Control for init file in the current directory.
27167 @item @xref{show auto-load local-gdbinit}.
27168 @tab Show setting of init file in the current directory.
27169 @item @xref{info auto-load local-gdbinit}.
27170 @tab Show state of init file in the current directory.
27171 @item @xref{set auto-load libthread-db}.
27172 @tab Control for thread debugging library.
27173 @item @xref{show auto-load libthread-db}.
27174 @tab Show setting of thread debugging library.
27175 @item @xref{info auto-load libthread-db}.
27176 @tab Show state of thread debugging library.
27177 @item @xref{set auto-load safe-path}.
27178 @tab Control directories trusted for automatic loading.
27179 @item @xref{show auto-load safe-path}.
27180 @tab Show directories trusted for automatic loading.
27181 @item @xref{add-auto-load-safe-path}.
27182 @tab Add directory trusted for automatic loading.
27186 * Init File in the Current Directory:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load local-gdbinit}
27187 * libthread_db.so.1 file:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load libthread-db}
27189 * Auto-loading safe path:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load safe-path}
27190 * Auto-loading verbose mode:: @samp{set/show debug auto-load}
27193 @node Init File in the Current Directory
27194 @subsection Automatically loading init file in the current directory
27195 @cindex auto-loading init file in the current directory
27197 By default, @value{GDBN} reads and executes the canned sequences of commands
27198 from init file (if any) in the current working directory,
27199 see @ref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}.
27201 Note that loading of this local @file{.gdbinit} file also requires accordingly
27202 configured @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
27205 @anchor{set auto-load local-gdbinit}
27206 @kindex set auto-load local-gdbinit
27207 @item set auto-load local-gdbinit [on|off]
27208 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands
27209 (@pxref{Sequences}) found in init file in the current directory.
27211 @anchor{show auto-load local-gdbinit}
27212 @kindex show auto-load local-gdbinit
27213 @item show auto-load local-gdbinit
27214 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands from init file in the
27215 current directory is enabled or disabled.
27217 @anchor{info auto-load local-gdbinit}
27218 @kindex info auto-load local-gdbinit
27219 @item info auto-load local-gdbinit
27220 Print whether canned sequences of commands from init file in the
27221 current directory have been auto-loaded.
27224 @node libthread_db.so.1 file
27225 @subsection Automatically loading thread debugging library
27226 @cindex auto-loading libthread_db.so.1
27228 This feature is currently present only on @sc{gnu}/Linux native hosts.
27230 @value{GDBN} reads in some cases thread debugging library from places specific
27231 to the inferior (@pxref{set libthread-db-search-path}).
27233 The special @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entry @samp{$sdir} is processed
27234 without checking this @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} switch as system
27235 libraries have to be trusted in general. In all other cases of
27236 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entries @value{GDBN} checks first if @samp{set
27237 auto-load libthread-db} is enabled before trying to open such thread debugging
27240 Note that loading of this debugging library also requires accordingly configured
27241 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
27244 @anchor{set auto-load libthread-db}
27245 @kindex set auto-load libthread-db
27246 @item set auto-load libthread-db [on|off]
27247 Enable or disable the auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library.
27249 @anchor{show auto-load libthread-db}
27250 @kindex show auto-load libthread-db
27251 @item show auto-load libthread-db
27252 Show whether auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library is
27253 enabled or disabled.
27255 @anchor{info auto-load libthread-db}
27256 @kindex info auto-load libthread-db
27257 @item info auto-load libthread-db
27258 Print the list of all loaded inferior specific thread debugging libraries and
27259 for each such library print list of inferior @var{pid}s using it.
27262 @node Auto-loading safe path
27263 @subsection Security restriction for auto-loading
27264 @cindex auto-loading safe-path
27266 As the files of inferior can come from untrusted source (such as submitted by
27267 an application user) @value{GDBN} does not always load any files automatically.
27268 @value{GDBN} provides the @samp{set auto-load safe-path} setting to list
27269 directories trusted for loading files not explicitly requested by user.
27270 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern.
27272 If the path is not set properly you will see a warning and the file will not
27277 Reading symbols from /home/user/gdb/gdb...
27278 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been
27279 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
27280 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
27281 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py" auto-loading has been
27282 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
27283 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
27287 To instruct @value{GDBN} to go ahead and use the init files anyway,
27288 invoke @value{GDBN} like this:
27291 $ gdb -q -iex "set auto-load safe-path /home/user/gdb" ./gdb
27294 The list of trusted directories is controlled by the following commands:
27297 @anchor{set auto-load safe-path}
27298 @kindex set auto-load safe-path
27299 @item set auto-load safe-path @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
27300 Set the list of directories (and their subdirectories) trusted for automatic
27301 loading and execution of scripts. You can also enter a specific trusted file.
27302 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern; wildcards do not match
27303 directory separator - see @code{FNM_PATHNAME} for system function @code{fnmatch}
27304 (@pxref{Wildcard Matching, fnmatch, , libc, GNU C Library Reference Manual}).
27305 If you omit @var{directories}, @samp{auto-load safe-path} will be reset to
27306 its default value as specified during @value{GDBN} compilation.
27308 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
27309 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
27310 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
27312 @anchor{show auto-load safe-path}
27313 @kindex show auto-load safe-path
27314 @item show auto-load safe-path
27315 Show the list of directories trusted for automatic loading and execution of
27318 @anchor{add-auto-load-safe-path}
27319 @kindex add-auto-load-safe-path
27320 @item add-auto-load-safe-path
27321 Add an entry (or list of entries) to the list of directories trusted for
27322 automatic loading and execution of scripts. Multiple entries may be delimited
27323 by the host platform path separator in use.
27326 This variable defaults to what @code{--with-auto-load-dir} has been configured
27327 to (@pxref{with-auto-load-dir}). @file{$debugdir} and @file{$datadir}
27328 substitution applies the same as for @ref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
27329 The default @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by
27330 @value{GDBN} configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-safe-path}.
27332 Setting this variable to @file{/} disables this security protection,
27333 corresponding @value{GDBN} configuration option is
27334 @option{--without-auto-load-safe-path}.
27335 This variable is supposed to be set to the system directories writable by the
27336 system superuser only. Users can add their source directories in init files in
27337 their home directories (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). See also deprecated
27338 init file in the current directory
27339 (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}).
27341 To force @value{GDBN} to load the files it declined to load in the previous
27342 example, you could use one of the following ways:
27345 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{add-auto-load-safe-path ~/src/gdb}
27346 Specify this trusted directory (or a file) as additional component of the list.
27347 You have to specify also any existing directories displayed by
27348 by @samp{show auto-load safe-path} (such as @samp{/usr:/bin} in this example).
27350 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /usr:/bin:~/src/gdb" @dots{}}
27351 Specify this directory as in the previous case but just for a single
27352 @value{GDBN} session.
27354 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /" @dots{}}
27355 Disable auto-loading safety for a single @value{GDBN} session.
27356 This assumes all the files you debug during this @value{GDBN} session will come
27357 from trusted sources.
27359 @item @kbd{./configure --without-auto-load-safe-path}
27360 During compilation of @value{GDBN} you may disable any auto-loading safety.
27361 This assumes all the files you will ever debug with this @value{GDBN} come from
27365 On the other hand you can also explicitly forbid automatic files loading which
27366 also suppresses any such warning messages:
27369 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load no" @dots{}}
27370 You can use @value{GDBN} command-line option for a single @value{GDBN} session.
27372 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{set auto-load no}
27373 Disable auto-loading globally for the user
27374 (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). While it is improbable, you could also
27375 use system init file instead (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
27378 This setting applies to the file names as entered by user. If no entry matches
27379 @value{GDBN} tries as a last resort to also resolve all the file names into
27380 their canonical form (typically resolving symbolic links) and compare the
27381 entries again. @value{GDBN} already canonicalizes most of the filenames on its
27382 own before starting the comparison so a canonical form of directories is
27383 recommended to be entered.
27385 @node Auto-loading verbose mode
27386 @subsection Displaying files tried for auto-load
27387 @cindex auto-loading verbose mode
27389 For better visibility of all the file locations where you can place scripts to
27390 be auto-loaded with inferior --- or to protect yourself against accidental
27391 execution of untrusted scripts --- @value{GDBN} provides a feature for printing
27392 all the files attempted to be loaded. Both existing and non-existing files may
27395 For example the list of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
27396 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}) applies also to canonicalized filenames which
27397 may not be too obvious while setting it up.
27400 (gdb) set debug auto-load on
27401 (gdb) file ~/src/t/true
27402 auto-load: Loading canned sequences of commands script "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb"
27403 for objfile "/tmp/true".
27404 auto-load: Updating directories of "/usr:/opt".
27405 auto-load: Using directory "/usr".
27406 auto-load: Using directory "/opt".
27407 warning: File "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been declined
27408 by your `auto-load safe-path' set to "/usr:/opt".
27412 @anchor{set debug auto-load}
27413 @kindex set debug auto-load
27414 @item set debug auto-load [on|off]
27415 Set whether to print the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded.
27417 @anchor{show debug auto-load}
27418 @kindex show debug auto-load
27419 @item show debug auto-load
27420 Show whether printing of the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded is turned
27424 @node Messages/Warnings
27425 @section Optional Warnings and Messages
27427 @cindex verbose operation
27428 @cindex optional warnings
27429 By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
27430 running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
27431 command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
27432 internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
27434 Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
27435 which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
27436 see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
27439 @kindex set verbose
27440 @item set verbose on
27441 Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
27443 @item set verbose off
27444 Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
27446 @kindex show verbose
27448 Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
27451 By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
27452 object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
27453 find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
27458 @kindex set complaints
27459 @item set complaints @var{limit}
27460 Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
27461 unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
27462 @var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
27463 to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
27465 @kindex show complaints
27466 @item show complaints
27467 Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
27471 @anchor{confirmation requests}
27472 By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
27473 lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
27474 you try to run a program which is already running:
27478 The program being debugged has been started already.
27479 Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
27482 If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
27483 commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
27487 @kindex set confirm
27489 @cindex confirmation
27490 @cindex stupid questions
27491 @item set confirm off
27492 Disables confirmation requests. Note that running @value{GDBN} with
27493 the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode Options, -batch}) also
27494 automatically disables confirmation requests.
27496 @item set confirm on
27497 Enables confirmation requests (the default).
27499 @kindex show confirm
27501 Displays state of confirmation requests.
27505 @cindex command tracing
27506 If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
27507 useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
27508 printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
27509 quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
27512 @kindex set trace-commands
27513 @cindex command scripts, debugging
27514 @item set trace-commands on
27515 Enable command tracing.
27516 @item set trace-commands off
27517 Disable command tracing.
27518 @item show trace-commands
27519 Display the current state of command tracing.
27522 @node Debugging Output
27523 @section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
27524 @cindex optional debugging messages
27526 @value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
27527 various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
27528 interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
27529 section documents those commands.
27532 @kindex set exec-done-display
27533 @item set exec-done-display
27534 Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
27535 completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
27536 asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
27537 @kindex show exec-done-display
27538 @item show exec-done-display
27539 Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
27543 @cindex ARM AArch64
27544 @item set debug aarch64
27545 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to ARM AArch64.
27546 The default is off.
27548 @item show debug aarch64
27549 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
27552 @cindex gdbarch debugging info
27553 @cindex architecture debugging info
27554 @item set debug arch
27555 Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
27556 @item show debug arch
27557 Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
27559 @item set debug aix-thread
27560 @cindex AIX threads
27561 Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
27563 @item show debug aix-thread
27564 Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
27566 @item set debug check-physname
27568 Check the results of the ``physname'' computation. When reading DWARF
27569 debugging information for C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} attempts to compute
27570 each entity's name. @value{GDBN} can do this computation in two
27571 different ways, depending on exactly what information is present.
27572 When enabled, this setting causes @value{GDBN} to compute the names
27573 both ways and display any discrepancies.
27574 @item show debug check-physname
27575 Show the current state of ``physname'' checking.
27577 @item set debug coff-pe-read
27578 @cindex COFF/PE exported symbols
27579 Control display of debugging messages related to reading of COFF/PE
27580 exported symbols. The default is off.
27581 @item show debug coff-pe-read
27582 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
27583 reading of COFF/PE exported symbols.
27585 @item set debug dwarf-die
27587 Dump DWARF DIEs after they are read in.
27588 The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
27589 A value of zero turns off the display.
27590 @item show debug dwarf-die
27591 Show the current state of DWARF DIE debugging.
27593 @item set debug dwarf-line
27594 @cindex DWARF Line Tables
27595 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to reading
27596 DWARF line tables. The default is 0 (off).
27597 A value of 1 provides basic information.
27598 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
27599 @item show debug dwarf-line
27600 Show the current state of DWARF line table debugging.
27602 @item set debug dwarf-read
27603 @cindex DWARF Reading
27604 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to reading
27605 DWARF debug info. The default is 0 (off).
27606 A value of 1 provides basic information.
27607 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
27608 @item show debug dwarf-read
27609 Show the current state of DWARF reader debugging.
27611 @item set debug displaced
27612 @cindex displaced stepping debugging info
27613 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
27614 displaced stepping support. The default is off.
27615 @item show debug displaced
27616 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
27617 related to displaced stepping.
27619 @item set debug event
27620 @cindex event debugging info
27621 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
27623 @item show debug event
27624 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
27627 @item set debug event-loop
27628 @cindex event-loop debugging
27629 Controls output of debugging info about the event loop. The possible
27630 values are @samp{off}, @samp{all} (shows all debugging info) and
27631 @samp{all-except-ui} (shows all debugging info except those about
27632 UI-related events).
27633 @item show debug event-loop
27634 Shows the current state of displaying debugging info about the event
27637 @item set debug expression
27638 @cindex expression debugging info
27639 Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
27640 expression parsing. The default is off.
27641 @item show debug expression
27642 Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
27643 @value{GDBN} expression parsing.
27645 @item set debug fbsd-lwp
27646 @cindex FreeBSD LWP debug messages
27647 Turns on or off debugging messages from the FreeBSD LWP debug support.
27648 @item show debug fbsd-lwp
27649 Show the current state of FreeBSD LWP debugging messages.
27651 @item set debug fbsd-nat
27652 @cindex FreeBSD native target debug messages
27653 Turns on or off debugging messages from the FreeBSD native target.
27654 @item show debug fbsd-nat
27655 Show the current state of FreeBSD native target debugging messages.
27657 @item set debug fortran-array-slicing
27658 @cindex fortran array slicing debugging info
27659 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} Fortran array slicing
27660 debugging info. The default is off.
27662 @item show debug fortran-array-slicing
27663 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} Fortran array
27664 slicing debugging info.
27666 @item set debug frame
27667 @cindex frame debugging info
27668 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
27670 @item show debug frame
27671 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
27674 @item set debug gnu-nat
27675 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug messages
27676 Turn on or off debugging messages from the @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug support.
27677 @item show debug gnu-nat
27678 Show the current state of @sc{gnu}/Hurd debugging messages.
27680 @item set debug infrun
27681 @cindex inferior debugging info
27682 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
27683 The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
27684 for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
27685 @item show debug infrun
27686 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
27688 @item set debug infcall
27689 @cindex inferior function call debugging info
27690 Turns on or off display of debugging info related to inferior function
27691 calls made by @value{GDBN}.
27692 @item show debug infcall
27693 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior function call debugging.
27695 @item set debug jit
27696 @cindex just-in-time compilation, debugging messages
27697 Turn on or off debugging messages from JIT debug support.
27698 @item show debug jit
27699 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} JIT debugging.
27701 @item set debug linux-nat @r{[}on@r{|}off@r{]}
27702 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux native target debug messages
27703 @cindex Linux native targets
27704 Turn on or off debugging messages from the Linux native target debug support.
27705 @item show debug linux-nat
27706 Show the current state of Linux native target debugging messages.
27708 @item set debug linux-namespaces
27709 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux namespaces debug messages
27710 Turn on or off debugging messages from the Linux namespaces debug support.
27711 @item show debug linux-namespaces
27712 Show the current state of Linux namespaces debugging messages.
27714 @item set debug mach-o
27715 @cindex Mach-O symbols processing
27716 Control display of debugging messages related to Mach-O symbols
27717 processing. The default is off.
27718 @item show debug mach-o
27719 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
27720 reading of COFF/PE exported symbols.
27722 @item set debug notification
27723 @cindex remote async notification debugging info
27724 Turn on or off debugging messages about remote async notification.
27725 The default is off.
27726 @item show debug notification
27727 Displays the current state of remote async notification debugging messages.
27729 @item set debug observer
27730 @cindex observer debugging info
27731 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
27732 includes info such as the notification of observable events.
27733 @item show debug observer
27734 Displays the current state of observer debugging.
27736 @item set debug overload
27737 @cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
27738 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
27739 info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
27741 @item show debug overload
27742 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
27745 @cindex expression parser, debugging info
27746 @cindex debug expression parser
27747 @item set debug parser
27748 Turns on or off the display of expression parser debugging output.
27749 Internally, this sets the @code{yydebug} variable in the expression
27750 parser. @xref{Tracing, , Tracing Your Parser, bison, Bison}, for
27751 details. The default is off.
27752 @item show debug parser
27753 Show the current state of expression parser debugging.
27755 @cindex packets, reporting on stdout
27756 @cindex serial connections, debugging
27757 @cindex debug remote protocol
27758 @cindex remote protocol debugging
27759 @cindex display remote packets
27760 @item set debug remote
27761 Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
27762 the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
27763 @value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
27764 @item show debug remote
27765 Displays the state of display of remote packets.
27767 @item set debug remote-packet-max-chars
27768 Sets the maximum number of characters to display for each remote packet when
27769 @code{set debug remote} is on. This is useful to prevent @value{GDBN} from
27770 displaying lengthy remote packets and polluting the console.
27772 The default value is @code{512}, which means @value{GDBN} will truncate each
27773 remote packet after 512 bytes.
27775 Setting this option to @code{unlimited} will disable truncation and will output
27776 the full length of the remote packets.
27777 @item show debug remote-packet-max-chars
27778 Displays the number of bytes to output for remote packet debugging.
27780 @item set debug separate-debug-file
27781 Turns on or off display of debug output about separate debug file search.
27782 @item show debug separate-debug-file
27783 Displays the state of separate debug file search debug output.
27785 @item set debug serial
27786 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
27788 @item show debug serial
27789 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
27792 @item set debug solib
27793 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to shared libraries.
27794 The default is off.
27795 @item show debug solib
27796 Show the current state of solib debugging messages.
27798 @item set debug symbol-lookup
27799 @cindex symbol lookup
27800 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol lookup.
27801 The default is 0 (off).
27802 A value of 1 provides basic information.
27803 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
27804 @item show debug symbol-lookup
27805 Show the current state of symbol lookup debugging messages.
27807 @item set debug symfile
27808 @cindex symbol file functions
27809 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol file functions.
27810 The default is off. @xref{Files}.
27811 @item show debug symfile
27812 Show the current state of symbol file debugging messages.
27814 @item set debug symtab-create
27815 @cindex symbol table creation
27816 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol table creation.
27817 The default is 0 (off).
27818 A value of 1 provides basic information.
27819 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
27820 @item show debug symtab-create
27821 Show the current state of symbol table creation debugging.
27823 @item set debug target
27824 @cindex target debugging info
27825 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
27826 includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
27827 default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
27828 value of large memory transfers.
27829 @item show debug target
27830 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
27833 @item set debug timestamp
27834 @cindex timestamping debugging info
27835 Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
27836 When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
27838 @item show debug timestamp
27839 Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
27842 @item set debug varobj
27843 @cindex variable object debugging info
27844 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
27845 info. The default is off.
27846 @item show debug varobj
27847 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
27850 @item set debug xml
27851 @cindex XML parser debugging
27852 Turn on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
27853 @item show debug xml
27854 Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
27857 @node Other Misc Settings
27858 @section Other Miscellaneous Settings
27859 @cindex miscellaneous settings
27862 @kindex set interactive-mode
27863 @item set interactive-mode
27864 If @code{on}, forces @value{GDBN} to assume that GDB was started
27865 in a terminal. In practice, this means that @value{GDBN} should wait
27866 for the user to answer queries generated by commands entered at
27867 the command prompt. If @code{off}, forces @value{GDBN} to operate
27868 in the opposite mode, and it uses the default answers to all queries.
27869 If @code{auto} (the default), @value{GDBN} tries to determine whether
27870 its standard input is a terminal, and works in interactive-mode if it
27871 is, non-interactively otherwise.
27873 In the vast majority of cases, the debugger should be able to guess
27874 correctly which mode should be used. But this setting can be useful
27875 in certain specific cases, such as running a MinGW @value{GDBN}
27876 inside a cygwin window.
27878 @kindex show interactive-mode
27879 @item show interactive-mode
27880 Displays whether the debugger is operating in interactive mode or not.
27884 @kindex set suppress-cli-notifications
27885 @item set suppress-cli-notifications
27886 If @code{on}, command-line-interface (CLI) notifications that are
27887 printed by @value{GDBN} are suppressed. If @code{off}, the
27888 notifications are printed as usual. The default value is @code{off}.
27889 CLI notifications occur when you change the selected context or when
27890 the program being debugged stops, as detailed below.
27893 @item User-selected context changes:
27894 When you change the selected context (i.e.@: the current inferior,
27895 thread and/or the frame), @value{GDBN} prints information about the
27896 new context. For example, the default behavior is below:
27900 [Switching to inferior 1 [process 634] (/tmp/test)]
27901 [Switching to thread 1 (process 634)]
27902 #0 main () at test.c:3
27907 When the notifications are suppressed, the new context is not printed:
27910 (gdb) set suppress-cli-notifications on
27915 @item The program being debugged stops:
27916 When the program you are debugging stops (e.g.@: because of hitting a
27917 breakpoint, completing source-stepping, an interrupt, etc.),
27918 @value{GDBN} prints information about the stop event. For example,
27919 below is a breakpoint hit:
27922 (gdb) break test.c:3
27923 Breakpoint 2 at 0x555555555155: file test.c, line 3.
27927 Breakpoint 2, main () at test.c:3
27932 When the notifications are suppressed, the output becomes:
27935 (gdb) break test.c:3
27936 Breakpoint 2 at 0x555555555155: file test.c, line 3.
27937 (gdb) set suppress-cli-notifications on
27943 Suppressing CLI notifications may be useful in scripts to obtain a
27944 reduced output from a list of commands.
27947 @kindex show suppress-cli-notifications
27948 @item show suppress-cli-notifications
27949 Displays whether printing CLI notifications is suppressed or not.
27952 @node Extending GDB
27953 @chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
27954 @cindex extending GDB
27956 @value{GDBN} provides several mechanisms for extension.
27957 @value{GDBN} also provides the ability to automatically load
27958 extensions when it reads a file for debugging. This allows the
27959 user to automatically customize @value{GDBN} for the program
27962 To facilitate the use of extension languages, @value{GDBN} is capable
27963 of evaluating the contents of a file. When doing so, @value{GDBN}
27964 can recognize which extension language is being used by looking at
27965 the filename extension. Files with an unrecognized filename extension
27966 are always treated as a @value{GDBN} Command Files.
27967 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
27969 You can control how @value{GDBN} evaluates these files with the following
27973 @kindex set script-extension
27974 @kindex show script-extension
27975 @item set script-extension off
27976 All scripts are always evaluated as @value{GDBN} Command Files.
27978 @item set script-extension soft
27979 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
27980 extension. If this scripting language is supported, @value{GDBN}
27981 evaluates the script using that language. Otherwise, it evaluates
27982 the file as a @value{GDBN} Command File.
27984 @item set script-extension strict
27985 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
27986 extension, and evaluates the script using that language. If the
27987 language is not supported, then the evaluation fails.
27989 @item show script-extension
27990 Display the current value of the @code{script-extension} option.
27994 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT_DIR
27995 This setting is not used for files in the system-wide gdbinit directory.
27996 Files in that directory must have an extension matching their language,
27997 or have a @file{.gdb} extension to be interpreted as regular @value{GDBN}
27998 commands. @xref{Startup}.
28002 * Sequences:: Canned Sequences of @value{GDBN} Commands
28003 * Aliases:: Command Aliases
28004 * Python:: Extending @value{GDBN} using Python
28005 * Guile:: Extending @value{GDBN} using Guile
28006 * Auto-loading extensions:: Automatically loading extensions
28007 * Multiple Extension Languages:: Working with multiple extension languages
28011 @section Canned Sequences of Commands
28013 Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
28014 Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
28015 commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
28019 * Define:: How to define your own commands
28020 * Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
28021 * Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
28022 * Output:: Commands for controlled output
28023 * Auto-loading sequences:: Controlling auto-loaded command files
28027 @subsection User-defined Commands
28029 @cindex user-defined command
28030 @cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
28031 A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
28032 which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
28033 @code{define} command. User commands may accept an unlimited number of arguments
28034 separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
28035 via @code{$arg0@dots{}$argN}. A trivial example:
28039 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
28044 To execute the command use:
28051 This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
28052 its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
28053 reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
28056 @cindex argument count in user-defined commands
28057 @cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
28058 In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
28064 print $arg0 + $arg1
28067 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
28072 Combining with the @code{eval} command (@pxref{eval}) makes it easier
28073 to process a variable number of arguments:
28080 eval "set $sum = $sum + $arg%d", $i
28090 @item define @var{commandname}
28091 Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
28092 by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
28093 The argument @var{commandname} may be a bare command name consisting of letters,
28094 numbers, dashes, dots, and underscores. It may also start with any
28095 predefined or user-defined prefix command.
28096 For example, @samp{define target my-target} creates
28097 a user-defined @samp{target my-target} command.
28099 The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
28100 which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
28101 commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
28104 @kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
28105 @item document @var{commandname}
28106 Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
28107 accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
28108 defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
28109 reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
28110 After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
28111 @var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
28113 You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
28114 documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
28115 does not change the documentation.
28117 It is also possible to document user-defined aliases. The alias documentation
28118 will then be used by the @code{help} and @code{apropos} commands
28119 instead of the documentation of the aliased command.
28120 Documenting a user-defined alias is particularly useful when defining
28121 an alias as a set of nested @code{with} commands
28122 (@pxref{Command aliases default args}).
28124 @kindex define-prefix
28125 @item define-prefix @var{commandname}
28126 Define or mark the command @var{commandname} as a user-defined prefix
28127 command. Once marked, @var{commandname} can be used as prefix command
28128 by the @code{define} command.
28129 Note that @code{define-prefix} can be used with a not yet defined
28130 @var{commandname}. In such a case, @var{commandname} is defined as
28131 an empty user-defined command.
28132 In case you redefine a command that was marked as a user-defined
28133 prefix command, the subcommands of the redefined command are kept
28134 (and @value{GDBN} indicates so to the user).
28138 (gdb) define-prefix abc
28139 (gdb) define-prefix abc def
28140 (gdb) define abc def
28141 Type commands for definition of "abc def".
28142 End with a line saying just "end".
28143 >echo command initial def\n
28145 (gdb) define abc def ghi
28146 Type commands for definition of "abc def ghi".
28147 End with a line saying just "end".
28148 >echo command ghi\n
28150 (gdb) define abc def
28151 Keeping subcommands of prefix command "def".
28152 Redefine command "def"? (y or n) y
28153 Type commands for definition of "abc def".
28154 End with a line saying just "end".
28155 >echo command def\n
28164 @kindex dont-repeat
28165 @cindex don't repeat command
28167 Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
28168 command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
28169 (@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
28171 @kindex help user-defined
28172 @item help user-defined
28173 List all user-defined commands and all python commands defined in class
28174 COMMAND_USER. The first line of the documentation or docstring is
28179 @itemx show user @var{commandname}
28180 Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
28181 not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
28182 definitions for all user-defined commands.
28183 This does not work for user-defined python commands.
28185 @cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
28186 @kindex show max-user-call-depth
28187 @kindex set max-user-call-depth
28188 @item show max-user-call-depth
28189 @itemx set max-user-call-depth
28190 The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
28191 levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
28192 infinite recursion and aborts the command.
28193 This does not apply to user-defined python commands.
28196 In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
28197 use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
28199 When user-defined commands are executed, the
28200 commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
28201 stops execution of the user-defined command.
28203 If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
28204 without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
28205 commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
28206 messages when used in a user-defined command.
28209 @subsection User-defined Command Hooks
28210 @cindex command hooks
28211 @cindex hooks, for commands
28212 @cindex hooks, pre-command
28215 You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
28216 command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
28217 command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
28218 before that command.
28220 @cindex hooks, post-command
28222 A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
28223 Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
28224 @samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
28225 that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
28226 pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
28228 It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
28229 occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
28231 @c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
28232 @c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
28234 @kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
28235 In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
28236 (@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
28237 execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
28238 displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
28240 For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
28241 single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
28246 handle SIGALRM nopass
28250 handle SIGALRM pass
28253 define hook-continue
28254 handle SIGALRM pass
28258 As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
28259 command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
28267 define hookpost-echo
28271 (@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
28272 <<<---Hello World--->>>
28277 You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
28278 not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
28279 name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
28280 @c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
28282 You can hook a multi-word command by adding @code{hook-} or
28283 @code{hookpost-} to the last word of the command, e.g.@:
28284 @samp{define target hook-remote} to add a hook to @samp{target remote}.
28286 If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
28287 @value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
28288 (before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
28290 If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
28291 get a warning from the @code{define} command.
28293 @node Command Files
28294 @subsection Command Files
28296 @cindex command files
28297 @cindex scripting commands
28298 A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
28299 @value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
28300 also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
28301 does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
28304 You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
28305 command. Note that the @code{source} command is also used to evaluate
28306 scripts that are not Command Files. The exact behavior can be configured
28307 using the @code{script-extension} setting.
28308 @xref{Extending GDB,, Extending GDB}.
28312 @cindex execute commands from a file
28313 @item source [-s] [-v] @var{filename}
28314 Execute the command file @var{filename}.
28317 The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
28318 unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
28319 @emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
28320 printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
28321 execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
28323 @value{GDBN} first searches for @var{filename} in the current directory.
28324 If the file is not found there, and @var{filename} does not specify a
28325 directory, then @value{GDBN} also looks for the file on the source search path
28326 (specified with the @samp{directory} command);
28327 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched because the compilation directory
28328 is not relevant to scripts.
28330 If @code{-s} is specified, then @value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename}
28331 on the search path even if @var{filename} specifies a directory.
28332 The search is done by appending @var{filename} to each element of the
28333 search path. So, for example, if @var{filename} is @file{mylib/myscript}
28334 and the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
28335 look for the script @file{/home/user/mylib/myscript}.
28336 The search is also done if @var{filename} is an absolute path.
28337 For example, if @var{filename} is @file{/tmp/myscript} and
28338 the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
28339 look for the script @file{/home/user/tmp/myscript}.
28340 For DOS-like systems, if @var{filename} contains a drive specification,
28341 it is stripped before concatenation. For example, if @var{filename} is
28342 @file{d:myscript} and the search path contains @file{c:/tmp} then @value{GDBN}
28343 will look for the script @file{c:/tmp/myscript}.
28345 If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
28346 each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
28347 @var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
28349 Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
28350 without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
28351 normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
28352 when called from command files.
28354 @value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
28355 mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
28356 standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
28357 not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
28361 gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
28364 (The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
28365 will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
28366 would be directed to @file{log}.
28368 Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
28369 commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
28370 complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
28371 variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
28372 built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
28373 deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
28374 complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
28375 conditionally, etc.
28382 This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
28383 commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
28384 expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
28385 are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
28386 There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
28387 of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
28388 end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
28392 This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
28393 @code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
28394 to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
28395 line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
28396 @dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
28397 executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
28401 This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
28402 Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
28405 @kindex loop_continue
28406 @item loop_continue
28407 This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
28408 in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
28409 branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
28410 the controlling expression.
28412 @kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
28414 Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
28415 @code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
28420 @subsection Commands for Controlled Output
28422 During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
28423 @value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
28424 explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
28425 describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
28430 @item echo @var{text}
28431 @c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
28432 @c because it is not in ANSI.
28433 Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
28434 @var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
28435 newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
28436 In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
28437 by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
28438 string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
28439 trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
28440 To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
28441 @samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
28443 A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
28444 the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
28447 echo This is some text\n\
28448 which is continued\n\
28449 onto several lines.\n
28452 produces the same output as
28455 echo This is some text\n
28456 echo which is continued\n
28457 echo onto several lines.\n
28461 @item output @var{expression}
28462 Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
28463 newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
28464 value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
28467 @item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
28468 Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
28469 the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
28470 Formats}, for more information.
28473 @item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
28474 Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
28475 the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
28476 @var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
28477 which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
28478 specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
28479 executing the code below:
28482 printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
28485 As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
28486 are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
28487 by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
28488 evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
28489 style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
28492 For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
28495 printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
28498 @code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
28499 specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
28500 character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
28504 The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
28507 The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
28511 The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
28512 @code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
28515 The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
28519 The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
28522 The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
28526 Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
28527 underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
28528 the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
28529 supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
28531 As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
28532 sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
28533 @samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
28534 single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
28537 Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
28538 (@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
28539 together with a floating point specifier.
28544 @samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
28547 @samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
28550 @samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
28553 If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
28554 support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
28555 such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
28557 In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
28558 available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
28560 Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
28562 printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
28567 @item eval @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
28568 Convert the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
28569 the string @var{template} to a command line, and call it.
28573 @node Auto-loading sequences
28574 @subsection Controlling auto-loading native @value{GDBN} scripts
28575 @cindex native script auto-loading
28577 When a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
28578 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library),
28579 @value{GDBN} will look for the command file @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}.
28580 @xref{Auto-loading extensions}.
28582 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
28583 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
28586 @anchor{set auto-load gdb-scripts}
28587 @kindex set auto-load gdb-scripts
28588 @item set auto-load gdb-scripts [on|off]
28589 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts.
28591 @anchor{show auto-load gdb-scripts}
28592 @kindex show auto-load gdb-scripts
28593 @item show auto-load gdb-scripts
28594 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is enabled or
28597 @anchor{info auto-load gdb-scripts}
28598 @kindex info auto-load gdb-scripts
28599 @cindex print list of auto-loaded canned sequences of commands scripts
28600 @item info auto-load gdb-scripts [@var{regexp}]
28601 Print the list of all canned sequences of commands scripts that @value{GDBN}
28605 If @var{regexp} is supplied only canned sequences of commands scripts with
28606 matching names are printed.
28609 @section Command Aliases
28610 @cindex aliases for commands
28612 Aliases allow you to define alternate spellings for existing commands.
28613 For example, if a new @value{GDBN} command defined in Python
28614 (@pxref{Python}) has a long name, it is handy to have an abbreviated
28615 version of it that involves less typing.
28617 @value{GDBN} itself uses aliases. For example @samp{s} is an alias
28618 of the @samp{step} command even though it is otherwise an ambiguous
28619 abbreviation of other commands like @samp{set} and @samp{show}.
28621 Aliases are also used to provide shortened or more common versions
28622 of multi-word commands. For example, @value{GDBN} provides the
28623 @samp{tty} alias of the @samp{set inferior-tty} command.
28625 You can define a new alias with the @samp{alias} command.
28630 @item alias [-a] [--] @var{alias} = @var{command} [@var{default-args}]
28634 @var{alias} specifies the name of the new alias. Each word of
28635 @var{alias} must consist of letters, numbers, dashes and underscores.
28637 @var{command} specifies the name of an existing command
28638 that is being aliased.
28640 @var{command} can also be the name of an existing alias. In this
28641 case, @var{command} cannot be an alias that has default arguments.
28643 The @samp{-a} option specifies that the new alias is an abbreviation
28644 of the command. Abbreviations are not used in command completion.
28646 The @samp{--} option specifies the end of options,
28647 and is useful when @var{alias} begins with a dash.
28649 You can specify @var{default-args} for your alias. These
28650 @var{default-args} will be automatically added before the alias
28651 arguments typed explicitly on the command line.
28653 For example, the below defines an alias @code{btfullall} that shows all local
28654 variables and all frame arguments:
28656 (@value{GDBP}) alias btfullall = backtrace -full -frame-arguments all
28659 For more information about @var{default-args}, see @ref{Command
28660 aliases default args, ,Default Arguments}.
28662 Here is a simple example showing how to make an abbreviation of a
28663 command so that there is less to type. Suppose you were tired of
28664 typing @samp{disas}, the current shortest unambiguous abbreviation of
28665 the @samp{disassemble} command and you wanted an even shorter version
28666 named @samp{di}. The following will accomplish this.
28669 (gdb) alias -a di = disas
28672 Note that aliases are different from user-defined commands. With a
28673 user-defined command, you also need to write documentation for it with
28674 the @samp{document} command. An alias automatically picks up the
28675 documentation of the existing command.
28677 Here is an example where we make @samp{elms} an abbreviation of
28678 @samp{elements} in the @samp{set print elements} command.
28679 This is to show that you can make an abbreviation of any part
28683 (gdb) alias -a set print elms = set print elements
28684 (gdb) alias -a show print elms = show print elements
28685 (gdb) set p elms 200
28687 Limit on string chars or array elements to print is 200.
28690 Note that if you are defining an alias of a @samp{set} command,
28691 and you want to have an alias for the corresponding @samp{show}
28692 command, then you need to define the latter separately.
28694 Unambiguously abbreviated commands are allowed in @var{command} and
28695 @var{alias}, just as they are normally.
28698 (gdb) alias -a set pr elms = set p ele
28701 Finally, here is an example showing the creation of a one word
28702 alias for a more complex command.
28703 This creates alias @samp{spe} of the command @samp{set print elements}.
28706 (gdb) alias spe = set print elements
28711 * Command aliases default args:: Default arguments for aliases
28714 @node Command aliases default args
28715 @subsection Default Arguments
28716 @cindex aliases for commands, default arguments
28718 You can tell @value{GDBN} to always prepend some default arguments to
28719 the list of arguments provided explicitly by the user when using a
28720 user-defined alias.
28722 If you repeatedly use the same arguments or options for a command, you
28723 can define an alias for this command and tell @value{GDBN} to
28724 automatically prepend these arguments or options to the list of
28725 arguments you type explicitly when using the alias@footnote{@value{GDBN}
28726 could easily accept default arguments for pre-defined commands and aliases,
28727 but it was deemed this would be confusing, and so is not allowed.}.
28729 For example, if you often use the command @code{thread apply all}
28730 specifying to work on the threads in ascending order and to continue in case it
28731 encounters an error, you can tell @value{GDBN} to automatically preprend
28732 the @code{-ascending} and @code{-c} options by using:
28735 (@value{GDBP}) alias thread apply asc-all = thread apply all -ascending -c
28738 Once you have defined this alias with its default args, any time you type
28739 the @code{thread apply asc-all} followed by @code{some arguments},
28740 @value{GDBN} will execute @code{thread apply all -ascending -c some arguments}.
28742 To have even less to type, you can also define a one word alias:
28744 (@value{GDBP}) alias t_a_c = thread apply all -ascending -c
28747 As usual, unambiguous abbreviations can be used for @var{alias}
28748 and @var{default-args}.
28750 The different aliases of a command do not share their default args.
28751 For example, you define a new alias @code{bt_ALL} showing all possible
28752 information and another alias @code{bt_SMALL} showing very limited information
28755 (@value{GDBP}) alias bt_ALL = backtrace -entry-values both -frame-arg all \
28756 -past-main -past-entry -full
28757 (@value{GDBP}) alias bt_SMALL = backtrace -entry-values no -frame-arg none \
28758 -past-main off -past-entry off
28761 (For more on using the @code{alias} command, see @ref{Aliases}.)
28763 Default args are not limited to the arguments and options of @var{command},
28764 but can specify nested commands if @var{command} accepts such a nested command
28766 For example, the below defines @code{faalocalsoftype} that lists the
28767 frames having locals of a certain type, together with the matching
28770 (@value{GDBP}) alias faalocalsoftype = frame apply all info locals -q -t
28771 (@value{GDBP}) faalocalsoftype int
28772 #1 0x55554f5e in sleeper_or_burner (v=0xdf50) at sleepers.c:86
28777 This is also very useful to define an alias for a set of nested @code{with}
28778 commands to have a particular combination of temporary settings. For example,
28779 the below defines the alias @code{pp10} that pretty prints an expression
28780 argument, with a maximum of 10 elements if the expression is a string or
28783 (@value{GDBP}) alias pp10 = with print pretty -- with print elements 10 -- print
28785 This defines the alias @code{pp10} as being a sequence of 3 commands.
28786 The first part @code{with print pretty --} temporarily activates the setting
28787 @code{set print pretty}, then launches the command that follows the separator
28789 The command following the first part is also a @code{with} command that
28790 temporarily changes the setting @code{set print elements} to 10, then
28791 launches the command that follows the second separator @code{--}.
28792 The third part @code{print} is the command the @code{pp10} alias will launch,
28793 using the temporary values of the settings and the arguments explicitly given
28795 For more information about the @code{with} command usage,
28796 see @ref{Command Settings}.
28798 By default, asking the help for an alias shows the documentation of
28799 the aliased command. When the alias is a set of nested commands, @code{help}
28800 of an alias shows the documentation of the first command. This help
28801 is not particularly useful for an alias such as @code{pp10}.
28802 For such an alias, it is useful to give a specific documentation
28803 using the @code{document} command (@pxref{Define, document}).
28806 @c Python docs live in a separate file.
28807 @include python.texi
28809 @c Guile docs live in a separate file.
28810 @include guile.texi
28812 @node Auto-loading extensions
28813 @section Auto-loading extensions
28814 @cindex auto-loading extensions
28816 @value{GDBN} provides two mechanisms for automatically loading
28817 extensions when a new object file is read (for example, due to the
28818 @code{file} command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared
28819 library): @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} (@pxref{objfile-gdbdotext
28820 file,,The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} file}) and the
28821 @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section of modern file formats like ELF
28822 (@pxref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section,,The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts}
28823 section}). For a discussion of the differences between these two
28824 approaches see @ref{Which flavor to choose?}.
28826 The auto-loading feature is useful for supplying application-specific
28827 debugging commands and features.
28829 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
28830 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
28831 See the @samp{auto-loading} section of each extension language
28832 for more information.
28833 For @value{GDBN} command files see @ref{Auto-loading sequences}.
28834 For Python files see @ref{Python Auto-loading}.
28836 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
28837 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
28840 * objfile-gdbdotext file:: The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} file
28841 * dotdebug_gdb_scripts section:: The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
28842 * Which flavor to choose?:: Choosing between these approaches
28845 @node objfile-gdbdotext file
28846 @subsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} file
28847 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}
28848 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
28849 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.scm}
28851 When a new object file is read, @value{GDBN} looks for a file named
28852 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} (we call it @var{script-name} below),
28853 where @var{objfile} is the object file's name and
28854 where @var{ext} is the file extension for the extension language:
28857 @item @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}
28858 GDB's own command language
28859 @item @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
28861 @item @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.scm}
28865 @var{script-name} is formed by ensuring that the file name of @var{objfile}
28866 is absolute, following all symlinks, and resolving @code{.} and @code{..}
28867 components, and appending the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} suffix.
28868 If this file exists and is readable, @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as a
28869 script in the specified extension language.
28871 If this file does not exist, then @value{GDBN} will look for
28872 @var{script-name} file in all of the directories as specified below.
28873 (On MS-Windows/MS-DOS, the drive letter of the executable's leading
28874 directories is converted to a one-letter subdirectory, i.e.@:
28875 @file{d:/usr/bin/} is converted to @file{/d/usr/bin/}, because Windows
28876 filesystems disallow colons in file names.)
28878 Note that loading of these files requires an accordingly configured
28879 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
28881 For object files using @file{.exe} suffix @value{GDBN} tries to load first the
28882 scripts normally according to its @file{.exe} filename. But if no scripts are
28883 found @value{GDBN} also tries script filenames matching the object file without
28884 its @file{.exe} suffix. This @file{.exe} stripping is case insensitive and it
28885 is attempted on any platform. This makes the script filenames compatible
28886 between Unix and MS-Windows hosts.
28889 @anchor{set auto-load scripts-directory}
28890 @kindex set auto-load scripts-directory
28891 @item set auto-load scripts-directory @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
28892 Control @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location. Multiple directory entries
28893 may be delimited by the host platform path separator in use
28894 (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS).
28896 Each entry here needs to be covered also by the security setting
28897 @code{set auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{set auto-load safe-path}).
28899 @anchor{with-auto-load-dir}
28900 This variable defaults to @file{$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load}. The default
28901 @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by @value{GDBN}
28902 configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-dir}.
28904 Any reference to @file{$debugdir} will get replaced by
28905 @var{debug-file-directory} value (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}) and any
28906 reference to @file{$datadir} will get replaced by @var{data-directory} which is
28907 determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}). @file{$debugdir} and
28908 @file{$datadir} must be placed as a directory component --- either alone or
28909 delimited by @file{/} or @file{\} directory separators, depending on the host
28912 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
28913 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
28914 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
28916 @anchor{show auto-load scripts-directory}
28917 @kindex show auto-load scripts-directory
28918 @item show auto-load scripts-directory
28919 Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
28921 @anchor{add-auto-load-scripts-directory}
28922 @kindex add-auto-load-scripts-directory
28923 @item add-auto-load-scripts-directory @r{[}@var{directories}@dots{}@r{]}
28924 Add an entry (or list of entries) to the list of auto-loaded scripts locations.
28925 Multiple entries may be delimited by the host platform path separator in use.
28928 @value{GDBN} does not track which files it has already auto-loaded this way.
28929 @value{GDBN} will load the associated script every time the corresponding
28930 @var{objfile} is opened.
28931 So your @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} file should be careful to avoid errors if it
28932 is evaluated more than once.
28934 @node dotdebug_gdb_scripts section
28935 @subsection The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
28936 @cindex @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
28938 For systems using file formats like ELF and COFF,
28939 when @value{GDBN} loads a new object file
28940 it will look for a special section named @code{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
28941 If this section exists, its contents is a list of null-terminated entries
28942 specifying scripts to load. Each entry begins with a non-null prefix byte that
28943 specifies the kind of entry, typically the extension language and whether the
28944 script is in a file or inlined in @code{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
28946 The following entries are supported:
28949 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_PYTHON_FILE = 1
28950 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_SCHEME_FILE = 3
28951 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_PYTHON_TEXT = 4
28952 @item SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_SCHEME_TEXT = 6
28955 @subsubsection Script File Entries
28957 If the entry specifies a file, @value{GDBN} will look for the file first
28958 in the current directory and then along the source search path
28959 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}),
28960 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched, since the compilation
28961 directory is not relevant to scripts.
28963 File entries can be placed in section @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} with,
28964 for example, this GCC macro for Python scripts.
28967 /* Note: The "MS" section flags are to remove duplicates. */
28968 #define DEFINE_GDB_PY_SCRIPT(script_name) \
28970 .pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n\
28971 .byte 1 /* Python */\n\
28972 .asciz \"" script_name "\"\n\
28978 For Guile scripts, replace @code{.byte 1} with @code{.byte 3}.
28979 Then one can reference the macro in a header or source file like this:
28982 DEFINE_GDB_PY_SCRIPT ("my-app-scripts.py")
28985 The script name may include directories if desired.
28987 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
28988 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
28990 If the macro invocation is put in a header, any application or library
28991 using this header will get a reference to the specified script,
28992 and with the use of @code{"MS"} attributes on the section, the linker
28993 will remove duplicates.
28995 @subsubsection Script Text Entries
28997 Script text entries allow to put the executable script in the entry
28998 itself instead of loading it from a file.
28999 The first line of the entry, everything after the prefix byte and up to
29000 the first newline (@code{0xa}) character, is the script name, and must not
29001 contain any kind of space character, e.g., spaces or tabs.
29002 The rest of the entry, up to the trailing null byte, is the script to
29003 execute in the specified language. The name needs to be unique among
29004 all script names, as @value{GDBN} executes each script only once based
29007 Here is an example from file @file{py-section-script.c} in the @value{GDBN}
29011 #include "symcat.h"
29012 #include "gdb/section-scripts.h"
29014 ".pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n"
29015 ".byte " XSTRING (SECTION_SCRIPT_ID_PYTHON_TEXT) "\n"
29016 ".ascii \"gdb.inlined-script\\n\"\n"
29017 ".ascii \"class test_cmd (gdb.Command):\\n\"\n"
29018 ".ascii \" def __init__ (self):\\n\"\n"
29019 ".ascii \" super (test_cmd, self).__init__ ("
29020 "\\\"test-cmd\\\", gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE)\\n\"\n"
29021 ".ascii \" def invoke (self, arg, from_tty):\\n\"\n"
29022 ".ascii \" print (\\\"test-cmd output, arg = %s\\\" % arg)\\n\"\n"
29023 ".ascii \"test_cmd ()\\n\"\n"
29029 Loading of inlined scripts requires a properly configured
29030 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
29031 The path to specify in @code{auto-load safe-path} is the path of the file
29032 containing the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section.
29034 @node Which flavor to choose?
29035 @subsection Which flavor to choose?
29037 Given the multiple ways of auto-loading extensions, it might not always
29038 be clear which one to choose. This section provides some guidance.
29041 Benefits of the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} way:
29045 Can be used with file formats that don't support multiple sections.
29048 Ease of finding scripts for public libraries.
29050 Scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section are searched for
29051 in the source search path.
29052 For publicly installed libraries, e.g., @file{libstdc++}, there typically
29053 isn't a source directory in which to find the script.
29056 Doesn't require source code additions.
29060 Benefits of the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} way:
29064 Works with static linking.
29066 Scripts for libraries done the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} way require an objfile to
29067 trigger their loading. When an application is statically linked the only
29068 objfile available is the executable, and it is cumbersome to attach all the
29069 scripts from all the input libraries to the executable's
29070 @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} script.
29073 Works with classes that are entirely inlined.
29075 Some classes can be entirely inlined, and thus there may not be an associated
29076 shared library to attach a @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} script to.
29079 Scripts needn't be copied out of the source tree.
29081 In some circumstances, apps can be built out of large collections of internal
29082 libraries, and the build infrastructure necessary to install the
29083 @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} scripts in a place where @value{GDBN} can find them is
29084 cumbersome. It may be easier to specify the scripts in the
29085 @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section as relative paths, and add a path to the
29086 top of the source tree to the source search path.
29089 @node Multiple Extension Languages
29090 @section Multiple Extension Languages
29092 The Guile and Python extension languages do not share any state,
29093 and generally do not interfere with each other.
29094 There are some things to be aware of, however.
29096 @subsection Python comes first
29098 Python was @value{GDBN}'s first extension language, and to avoid breaking
29099 existing behaviour Python comes first. This is generally solved by the
29100 ``first one wins'' principle. @value{GDBN} maintains a list of enabled
29101 extension languages, and when it makes a call to an extension language,
29102 (say to pretty-print a value), it tries each in turn until an extension
29103 language indicates it has performed the request (e.g., has returned the
29104 pretty-printed form of a value).
29105 This extends to errors while performing such requests: If an error happens
29106 while, for example, trying to pretty-print an object then the error is
29107 reported and any following extension languages are not tried.
29110 @chapter Command Interpreters
29111 @cindex command interpreters
29113 @value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
29114 infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
29115 between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
29117 @value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
29118 interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
29119 and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
29120 describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
29122 By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
29123 However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
29124 interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
29125 startup options. Defined interpreters include:
29129 @cindex console interpreter
29130 The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
29131 used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
29132 @value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
29135 @cindex mi interpreter
29136 The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi3}). Used primarily
29137 by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
29138 or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
29142 @cindex mi3 interpreter
29143 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface introduced in @value{GDBN} 9.1.
29146 @cindex mi2 interpreter
29147 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface introduced in @value{GDBN} 6.0.
29150 @cindex mi1 interpreter
29151 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface introduced in @value{GDBN} 5.1.
29155 @cindex invoke another interpreter
29157 @kindex interpreter-exec
29158 You may execute commands in any interpreter from the current
29159 interpreter using the appropriate command. If you are running the
29160 console interpreter, simply use the @code{interpreter-exec} command:
29163 interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
29166 @sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
29167 @value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
29169 Note that @code{interpreter-exec} only changes the interpreter for the
29170 duration of the specified command. It does not change the interpreter
29173 @cindex start a new independent interpreter
29175 Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, it is
29176 possible to run an independent interpreter on a specified input/output
29177 device (usually a tty).
29179 For example, consider a debugger GUI or IDE that wants to provide a
29180 @value{GDBN} console view. It may do so by embedding a terminal
29181 emulator widget in its GUI, starting @value{GDBN} in the traditional
29182 command-line mode with stdin/stdout/stderr redirected to that
29183 terminal, and then creating an MI interpreter running on a specified
29184 input/output device. The console interpreter created by @value{GDBN}
29185 at startup handles commands the user types in the terminal widget,
29186 while the GUI controls and synchronizes state with @value{GDBN} using
29187 the separate MI interpreter.
29189 To start a new secondary @dfn{user interface} running MI, use the
29190 @code{new-ui} command:
29193 @cindex new user interface
29195 new-ui @var{interpreter} @var{tty}
29198 The @var{interpreter} parameter specifies the interpreter to run.
29199 This accepts the same values as the @code{interpreter-exec} command.
29200 For example, @samp{console}, @samp{mi}, @samp{mi2}, etc. The
29201 @var{tty} parameter specifies the name of the bidirectional file the
29202 interpreter uses for input/output, usually the name of a
29203 pseudoterminal slave on Unix systems. For example:
29206 (@value{GDBP}) new-ui mi /dev/pts/9
29210 runs an MI interpreter on @file{/dev/pts/9}.
29213 @chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
29215 @cindex Text User Interface
29217 The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
29218 interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
29219 file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
29220 commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
29221 on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
29224 The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
29225 @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
29226 You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
29227 using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @command{tui
29228 enable} or @kbd{C-x C-a}. @xref{TUI Commands, ,TUI Commands}, and
29229 @ref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
29232 * TUI Overview:: TUI overview
29233 * TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
29234 * TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
29235 * TUI Mouse Support:: TUI mouse support
29236 * TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
29237 * TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
29241 @section TUI Overview
29243 In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
29247 This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
29248 prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
29249 managed using readline.
29252 The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
29253 line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
29256 The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
29259 This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
29260 when their values change.
29263 The source and assembly windows show the current program position by
29264 highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
29265 By default, source and assembly code styling is disabled for the
29266 highlighted text, but you can enable it with the @code{set style
29267 tui-current-position on} command. @xref{Output Styling}.
29269 Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
29270 indicates the breakpoint type:
29274 Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
29277 Breakpoint which was never hit.
29280 Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
29283 Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
29286 The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
29290 Breakpoint is enabled.
29293 Breakpoint is disabled.
29296 The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
29297 thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
29300 These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
29301 window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
29312 source and assembly,
29315 source and registers, or
29318 assembly and registers.
29321 These are the standard layouts, but other layouts can be defined.
29323 A status line above the command window shows the following information:
29327 Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
29328 (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
29331 Gives the current process or thread number.
29332 When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
29335 Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
29336 The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
29337 When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
29338 the string @code{??} is displayed.
29341 Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
29342 When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
29345 Indicates the current program counter address.
29349 @section TUI Key Bindings
29350 @cindex TUI key bindings
29352 The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
29353 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
29354 (@pxref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library}).
29356 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
29357 (@pxref{Command Line Editing}).
29359 The following key bindings are installed for both TUI mode and the
29360 @value{GDBN} standard mode.
29369 Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
29370 the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
29371 its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
29372 the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
29373 The screen is then refreshed.
29375 This key binding uses the bindable Readline function
29376 @code{tui-switch-mode}.
29380 Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
29381 either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
29382 is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
29384 Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
29386 This key binding uses the bindable Readline function
29387 @code{tui-delete-other-windows}.
29391 Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
29392 layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
29393 When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
29394 previous layout and the new one.
29396 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
29398 This key binding uses the bindable Readline function
29399 @code{tui-change-windows}.
29403 Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
29404 (like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
29405 gives the focus to the next TUI window.
29407 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
29409 This key binding uses the bindable Readline function
29410 @code{tui-other-window}.
29414 Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
29415 keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
29417 This key binding uses the bindable Readline function
29418 @code{next-keymap}.
29421 The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
29426 Scroll the active window one page up.
29430 Scroll the active window one page down.
29434 Scroll the active window one line up.
29438 Scroll the active window one line down.
29442 Scroll the active window one column left.
29446 Scroll the active window one column right.
29450 Refresh the screen.
29453 Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
29454 are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
29455 window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
29456 other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
29457 and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
29459 @node TUI Single Key Mode
29460 @section TUI Single Key Mode
29461 @cindex TUI single key mode
29463 The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
29464 frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
29465 switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
29468 @kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
29472 @kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
29476 @kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
29480 @kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
29484 @kindex o @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
29486 nexti. The shortcut letter @samp{o} stands for ``step Over''.
29488 @kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
29490 exit the SingleKey mode.
29492 @kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
29496 @kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
29500 @kindex i @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
29502 stepi. The shortcut letter @samp{i} stands for ``step Into''.
29504 @kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
29508 @kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
29512 @kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
29517 Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
29518 The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
29519 it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
29520 with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
29521 SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
29522 this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
29524 @cindex SingleKey keymap name
29525 If @value{GDBN} was built with Readline 8.0 or later, the TUI
29526 SingleKey keymap will be named @samp{SingleKey}. This can be used in
29527 @file{.inputrc} to add additional bindings to this keymap.
29529 @node TUI Mouse Support
29530 @section TUI Mouse Support
29531 @cindex TUI mouse support
29533 If the curses library supports the mouse, the TUI supports mouse
29536 The mouse wheel scrolls the appropriate window under the mouse cursor.
29538 The TUI itself does not directly support copying/pasting with the
29539 mouse. However, on Unix terminals, you can typically press and hold
29540 the @key{SHIFT} key on your keyboard to temporarily bypass
29541 @value{GDBN}'s TUI and access the terminal's native mouse copy/paste
29542 functionality (commonly, click-drag-release or double-click to select
29543 text, middle-click to paste). This copy/paste works with the
29544 terminal's selection buffer, as opposed to the TUI's buffer.
29547 @section TUI-specific Commands
29548 @cindex TUI commands
29550 The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
29551 These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
29552 the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
29553 of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
29555 Note that if @value{GDBN}'s @code{stdout} is not connected to a
29556 terminal, or @value{GDBN} has been started with the machine interface
29557 interpreter (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}), most of
29558 these commands will fail with an error, because it would not be
29559 possible or desirable to enable curses window management.
29564 Activate TUI mode. The last active TUI window layout will be used if
29565 TUI mode has previously been used in the current debugging session,
29566 otherwise a default layout is used.
29569 @kindex tui disable
29570 Disable TUI mode, returning to the console interpreter.
29572 @anchor{info_win_command}
29575 List the names and sizes of all currently displayed windows.
29577 @item tui new-layout @var{name} @var{window} @var{weight} @r{[}@var{window} @var{weight}@dots{}@r{]}
29578 @kindex tui new-layout
29579 Create a new TUI layout. The new layout will be named @var{name}, and
29580 can be accessed using the @code{layout} command (see below).
29582 Each @var{window} parameter is either the name of a window to display,
29583 or a window description. The windows will be displayed from top to
29584 bottom in the order listed.
29586 The names of the windows are the same as the ones given to the
29587 @code{focus} command (see below); additional, the @code{status}
29588 window can be specified. Note that, because it is of fixed height,
29589 the weight assigned to the status window is of no importance. It is
29590 conventional to use @samp{0} here.
29592 A window description looks a bit like an invocation of @code{tui
29593 new-layout}, and is of the form
29594 @{@r{[}@code{-horizontal}@r{]}@var{window} @var{weight} @r{[}@var{window} @var{weight}@dots{}@r{]}@}.
29596 This specifies a sub-layout. If @code{-horizontal} is given, the
29597 windows in this description will be arranged side-by-side, rather than
29600 Each @var{weight} is an integer. It is the weight of this window
29601 relative to all the other windows in the layout. These numbers are
29602 used to calculate how much of the screen is given to each window.
29607 (gdb) tui new-layout example src 1 regs 1 status 0 cmd 1
29610 Here, the new layout is called @samp{example}. It shows the source
29611 and register windows, followed by the status window, and then finally
29612 the command window. The non-status windows all have the same weight,
29613 so the terminal will be split into three roughly equal sections.
29615 Here is a more complex example, showing a horizontal layout:
29618 (gdb) tui new-layout example @{-horizontal src 1 asm 1@} 2 status 0 cmd 1
29621 This will result in side-by-side source and assembly windows; with the
29622 status and command window being beneath these, filling the entire
29623 width of the terminal. Because they have weight 2, the source and
29624 assembly windows will be twice the height of the command window.
29628 @item tui layout @var{name}
29629 @itemx layout @var{name}
29630 Changes which TUI windows are displayed. The @var{name} parameter
29631 controls which layout is shown. It can be either one of the built-in
29632 layout names, or the name of a layout defined by the user using
29633 @code{tui new-layout}.
29635 The built-in layouts are as follows:
29639 Display the next layout.
29642 Display the previous layout.
29645 Display the source and command windows.
29648 Display the assembly and command windows.
29651 Display the source, assembly, and command windows.
29654 When in @code{src} layout display the register, source, and command
29655 windows. When in @code{asm} or @code{split} layout display the
29656 register, assembler, and command windows.
29660 @item tui focus @var{name}
29661 @itemx focus @var{name}
29662 Changes which TUI window is currently active for scrolling. The
29663 @var{name} parameter can be any of the following:
29667 Make the next window active for scrolling.
29670 Make the previous window active for scrolling.
29673 Make the source window active for scrolling.
29676 Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
29679 Make the register window active for scrolling.
29682 Make the command window active for scrolling.
29685 @kindex tui refresh
29689 Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
29691 @item tui reg @var{group}
29693 Changes the register group displayed in the tui register window to
29694 @var{group}. If the register window is not currently displayed this
29695 command will cause the register window to be displayed. The list of
29696 register groups, as well as their order is target specific. The
29697 following groups are available on most targets:
29700 Repeatedly selecting this group will cause the display to cycle
29701 through all of the available register groups.
29704 Repeatedly selecting this group will cause the display to cycle
29705 through all of the available register groups in the reverse order to
29709 Display the general registers.
29711 Display the floating point registers.
29713 Display the system registers.
29715 Display the vector registers.
29717 Display all registers.
29722 Update the source window and the current execution point.
29724 @kindex tui window height
29726 @item tui window height @var{name} +@var{count}
29727 @itemx tui window height @var{name} -@var{count}
29728 @itemx winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
29729 @itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
29730 Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count} lines.
29731 Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts decrease
29732 it. The @var{name} parameter can be the name of any currently visible
29733 window. The names of the currently visible windows can be discovered
29734 using @kbd{info win} (@pxref{info_win_command,,info win}).
29736 The set of currently visible windows must always fill the terminal,
29737 and so, it is only possible to resize on window if there are other
29738 visible windows that can either give or receive the extra terminal
29741 @kindex tui window width
29743 @item tui window width @var{name} +@var{count}
29744 @itemx tui window width @var{name} -@var{count}
29745 @itemx winwidth @var{name} +@var{count}
29746 @itemx winwidth @var{name} -@var{count}
29747 Change the width of the window @var{name} by @var{count} columns.
29748 Positive counts increase the width, while negative counts decrease it.
29749 The @var{name} parameter can be the name of any currently visible
29750 window. The names of the currently visible windows can be discovered
29751 using @code{info win} (@pxref{info_win_command,,info win}).
29753 The set of currently visible windows must always fill the terminal,
29754 and so, it is only possible to resize on window if there are other
29755 visible windows that can either give or receive the extra terminal
29759 @node TUI Configuration
29760 @section TUI Configuration Variables
29761 @cindex TUI configuration variables
29763 Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
29766 @item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
29767 @kindex set tui border-kind
29768 Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
29769 The possible values are the following:
29772 Use a space character to draw the border.
29775 Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
29778 Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
29779 drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
29782 @item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
29783 @kindex set tui border-mode
29784 @itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
29785 @kindex set tui active-border-mode
29786 Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
29787 or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
29790 Use normal attributes to display the border.
29796 Use reverse video mode.
29799 Use half bright mode.
29801 @item half-standout
29802 Use half bright and standout mode.
29805 Use extra bright or bold mode.
29807 @item bold-standout
29808 Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
29811 @item set tui tab-width @var{nchars}
29812 @kindex set tui tab-width
29814 Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters. This
29815 setting affects the display of TAB characters in the source and
29818 @item set tui compact-source @r{[}on@r{|}off@r{]}
29819 @kindex set tui compact-source
29820 Set whether the TUI source window is displayed in ``compact'' form.
29821 The default display uses more space for line numbers and starts the
29822 source text at the next tab stop; the compact display uses only as
29823 much space as is needed for the line numbers in the current file, and
29824 only a single space to separate the line numbers from the source.
29826 @kindex set debug tui
29827 @item set debug tui @r{[}on|off@r{]}
29828 Turn on or off display of @value{GDBN} internal debug messages relating
29831 @kindex show debug tui
29832 @item show debug tui
29833 Show the current status of displaying @value{GDBN} internal debug
29834 messages relating to the TUI.
29838 Note that the colors of the TUI borders can be controlled using the
29839 appropriate @code{set style} commands. @xref{Output Styling}.
29842 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
29845 @cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
29846 A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
29847 edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
29850 To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
29851 executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
29852 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
29853 created Emacs buffer.
29854 @c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
29856 Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
29861 All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
29864 This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
29865 and output done by the program you are debugging.
29867 This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
29868 commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
29871 All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
29872 with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
29873 way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
29877 @value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
29879 Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
29880 source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
29881 left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
29882 source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
29885 Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
29886 usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
29889 We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
29890 a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
29891 that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
29892 @xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
29894 If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
29895 gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
29896 your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
29897 sets your current working directory to the directory associated
29898 with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
29899 program by searching your environment's @env{PATH} variable, but on
29900 some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
29901 @value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
29902 buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
29904 The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
29905 line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
29906 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
29907 ,Commands to Specify Files}.
29909 By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
29910 need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
29911 keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
29912 customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
29915 In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
29916 addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
29920 Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
29923 Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
29924 update the display window to show the current file and location.
29927 Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
29928 calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
29929 to show the current file and location.
29932 Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
29933 display window accordingly.
29936 Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
29937 @code{finish} command.
29940 Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
29944 Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
29945 (@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
29946 like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
29949 Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
29950 @value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
29953 In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
29954 tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
29956 In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
29957 separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
29958 Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
29959 become the current frame and display the associated source in the
29960 source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
29961 selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
29962 speedbar displays watch expressions.
29964 If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
29965 it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
29966 request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
29967 the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
29970 The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
29971 which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
29972 the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
29973 communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
29974 delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
29975 to correspond properly with the code.
29977 A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
29978 given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
29982 @chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
29984 @unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
29986 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
29987 @sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
29988 @value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
29989 @option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
29990 is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
29991 use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
29993 This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
29994 in the form of a reference manual.
29996 Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
29997 features described below are incomplete and subject to change
29998 (@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
30000 @unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
30002 @cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
30003 This chapter uses the following notation:
30007 @code{|} separates two alternatives.
30010 @code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
30011 it may or may not be given.
30014 @code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
30015 may repeat zero or more times.
30018 @code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
30019 may repeat one or more times.
30022 @code{( @var{group} )} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
30023 occurs exactly once.
30026 @code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
30030 @heading Dependencies
30034 * GDB/MI General Design::
30035 * GDB/MI Command Syntax::
30036 * GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
30037 * GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
30038 * GDB/MI Output Records::
30039 * GDB/MI Simple Examples::
30040 * GDB/MI Command Description Format::
30041 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
30042 * GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
30043 * GDB/MI Program Context::
30044 * GDB/MI Thread Commands::
30045 * GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands::
30046 * GDB/MI Program Execution::
30047 * GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
30048 * GDB/MI Variable Objects::
30049 * GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
30050 * GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
30051 * GDB/MI Symbol Query::
30052 * GDB/MI File Commands::
30054 * GDB/MI Kod Commands::
30055 * GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
30056 * GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
30058 * GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
30059 * GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
30060 * GDB/MI Ada Exceptions Commands::
30061 * GDB/MI Support Commands::
30062 * GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
30065 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30066 @node GDB/MI General Design
30067 @section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
30068 @cindex GDB/MI General Design
30070 Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
30071 parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
30072 and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
30073 indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
30074 For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
30075 requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
30076 response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
30077 Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
30078 target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
30079 a command and reported as part of that command response.
30081 The important examples of notifications are:
30085 Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
30086 target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
30087 be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
30088 commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
30089 different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
30090 happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
30091 command itself was successfully executed.
30094 Console output, and status notifications. Console output
30095 notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
30096 diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
30097 report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
30098 this information in command response would mean no output is produced
30099 until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
30102 General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
30103 the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
30104 a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
30105 be included in command response, using notification allows for more
30106 orthogonal frontend design.
30110 There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
30111 @value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
30112 the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
30113 processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
30114 we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
30115 the user interface.
30119 * Context management::
30120 * Asynchronous and non-stop modes::
30124 @node Context management
30125 @subsection Context management
30127 @subsubsection Threads and Frames
30129 In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
30130 done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
30131 Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
30132 be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
30133 and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
30134 because a command line user would not want to specify that information
30135 explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
30136 @value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
30137 to what thread and frame are the current ones.
30139 In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
30140 useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
30141 itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
30142 each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
30143 want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
30144 increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
30145 frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
30146 should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
30147 make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
30148 @samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} global
30149 identifier for thread and frame to operate on.
30151 Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
30152 a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
30153 operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
30154 current thread or frame be changed. For example, when stopping on a
30155 breakpoint it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is
30156 hit. For another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} or
30157 @samp{frame} commands via the frontend, it is desirable to change the
30158 frontend's selection to the one specified by user. @value{GDBN}
30159 communicates the suggestion to change current thread and frame using the
30160 @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
30162 Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
30163 frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
30164 right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
30165 simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
30166 before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
30167 to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
30168 if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
30169 thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
30170 optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
30171 sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
30172 selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
30173 change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
30174 problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
30175 all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
30176 right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
30177 @samp{--frame} options.
30179 @subsubsection Language
30181 The execution of several commands depends on which language is selected.
30182 By default, the current language (@pxref{show language}) is used.
30183 But for commands known to be language-sensitive, it is recommended
30184 to use the @samp{--language} option. This option takes one argument,
30185 which is the name of the language to use while executing the command.
30189 -data-evaluate-expression --language c "sizeof (void*)"
30194 The valid language names are the same names accepted by the
30195 @samp{set language} command (@pxref{Manually}), excluding @samp{auto},
30196 @samp{local} or @samp{unknown}.
30198 @node Asynchronous and non-stop modes
30199 @subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
30201 On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
30202 even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
30203 command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
30204 specify a preference for asynchronous execution using the
30205 @code{-gdb-set mi-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
30206 either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
30207 frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
30208 find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
30209 @code{-list-target-features} command.
30212 @cindex foreground execution
30213 @cindex background execution
30214 @cindex asynchronous execution
30215 @cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
30216 @kindex set mi-async
30217 @item -gdb-set mi-async @r{[}on@r{|}off@r{]}
30218 Set whether MI is in asynchronous mode.
30220 When @code{off}, which is the default, MI execution commands (e.g.,
30221 @code{-exec-continue}) are foreground commands, and @value{GDBN} waits
30222 for the program to stop before processing further commands.
30224 When @code{on}, MI execution commands are background execution
30225 commands (e.g., @code{-exec-continue} becomes the equivalent of the
30226 @code{c&} CLI command), and so @value{GDBN} is capable of processing
30227 MI commands even while the target is running.
30229 @kindex show mi-async
30230 @item -gdb-show mi-async
30231 Show whether MI asynchronous mode is enabled.
30234 Note: In @value{GDBN} version 7.7 and earlier, this option was called
30235 @code{target-async} instead of @code{mi-async}, and it had the effect
30236 of both putting MI in asynchronous mode and making CLI background
30237 commands possible. CLI background commands are now always possible
30238 ``out of the box'' if the target supports them. The old spelling is
30239 kept as a deprecated alias for backwards compatibility.
30241 Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
30242 many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
30243 running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
30244 when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
30245 it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
30248 When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
30249 target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
30250 some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
30251 stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
30252 modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
30253 that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
30254 @code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
30255 context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
30256 stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
30257 @samp{--thread} option).
30259 Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
30260 highly target dependent. However, the two commands
30261 @code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
30262 to find the state of a thread, will always work.
30264 @node Thread groups
30265 @subsection Thread groups
30266 @value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
30267 On some platforms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
30268 hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
30269 processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
30270 mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
30272 The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
30273 target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
30274 accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
30275 thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
30276 neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
30277 current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
30278 that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
30281 To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
30282 hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
30283 @dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
30284 thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
30285 and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
30286 command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
30287 thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
30288 debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
30289 to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
30290 the members of specific thread group.
30292 To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
30293 wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
30294 introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
30295 @value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
30296 @code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
30297 groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
30298 In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
30299 after attaching to that thread group.
30301 Thread groups are related to inferiors (@pxref{Inferiors Connections and
30302 Programs}). Each inferior corresponds to a thread group of a special
30303 type @samp{process}, and some additional operations are permitted on
30304 such thread groups.
30306 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30307 @node GDB/MI Command Syntax
30308 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
30311 * GDB/MI Input Syntax::
30312 * GDB/MI Output Syntax::
30315 @node GDB/MI Input Syntax
30316 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
30318 @cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
30319 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
30321 @item @var{command} @expansion{}
30322 @code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
30324 @item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
30325 @code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
30326 @var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
30328 @item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
30329 @code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
30330 @code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
30332 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
30333 "any sequence of digits"
30335 @item @var{option} @expansion{}
30336 @code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
30338 @item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
30339 @code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
30341 @item @var{operation} @expansion{}
30342 @emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
30344 @item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
30345 @emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
30346 "-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
30348 @item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
30349 @code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
30351 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
30360 The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
30361 output is described below.
30364 The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
30368 Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
30369 list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
30370 followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
30371 parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
30372 @samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
30379 We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
30382 We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
30385 @node GDB/MI Output Syntax
30386 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
30388 @cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
30389 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
30390 The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
30391 followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
30392 is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
30393 terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
30395 If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
30396 corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
30400 @item @var{output} @expansion{}
30401 @code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
30403 @item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
30404 @code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
30406 @item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
30407 @code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
30409 @item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
30410 @code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
30412 @item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
30413 @code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output nl}}
30415 @item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
30416 @code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output nl}}
30418 @item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
30419 @code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output nl}}
30421 @item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
30422 @code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )*}
30424 @item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
30425 @code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
30427 @item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
30428 @code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
30429 depending on the needs---this is still in development).
30431 @item @var{result} @expansion{}
30432 @code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
30434 @item @var{variable} @expansion{}
30435 @code{ @var{string} }
30437 @item @var{value} @expansion{}
30438 @code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
30440 @item @var{const} @expansion{}
30441 @code{@var{c-string}}
30443 @item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
30444 @code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
30446 @item @var{list} @expansion{}
30447 @code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
30448 @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
30450 @item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
30451 @code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
30453 @item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
30454 @code{"~" @var{c-string nl}}
30456 @item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
30457 @code{"@@" @var{c-string nl}}
30459 @item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
30460 @code{"&" @var{c-string nl}}
30462 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
30465 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
30466 @emph{any sequence of digits}.
30474 All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
30477 The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
30478 for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
30479 may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
30480 output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
30481 all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
30482 target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
30486 @cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
30487 @var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
30488 progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
30489 prefixed by @samp{+}.
30492 @cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
30493 @var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
30494 (stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
30498 @cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
30499 @var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
30500 client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
30501 output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
30504 @cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
30505 @var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
30506 console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
30507 output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
30510 @cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
30511 @var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
30512 All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
30515 @cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
30516 @var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
30517 instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
30518 the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
30521 @cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
30522 New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
30528 @xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
30529 details about the various output records.
30531 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30532 @node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
30533 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
30535 @cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
30536 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
30538 For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
30539 but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
30540 that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
30541 command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
30542 @code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
30543 @samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
30545 This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
30546 recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
30547 (@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
30549 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30550 @node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
30551 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
30552 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
30554 The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
30555 program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
30557 Since @sc{gdb/mi} is used by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}, changes
30558 to the MI interface may break existing usage. This section describes how the
30559 protocol changes and how to request previous version of the protocol when it
30562 Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
30563 for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
30564 list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
30565 parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
30569 New MI commands may be added.
30572 New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
30575 The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
30576 @code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
30578 @c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
30579 @c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
30581 @c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
30582 @c resolve inconsistencies.
30585 If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
30586 will be increased by one. The new versions of the MI protocol are not compatible
30587 with the old versions. Old versions of MI remain available, allowing front ends
30588 to keep using them until they are modified to use the latest MI version.
30590 Since @code{--interpreter=mi} always points to the latest MI version, it is
30591 recommended that front ends request a specific version of MI when launching
30592 @value{GDBN} (e.g.@: @code{--interpreter=mi2}) to make sure they get an
30593 interpreter with the MI version they expect.
30595 The following table gives a summary of the released versions of the MI
30596 interface: the version number, the version of GDB in which it first appeared
30597 and the breaking changes compared to the previous version.
30599 @multitable @columnfractions .1 .1 .8
30600 @headitem MI version @tab GDB version @tab Breaking changes
30617 The @code{-environment-pwd}, @code{-environment-directory} and
30618 @code{-environment-path} commands now returns values using the MI output
30619 syntax, rather than CLI output syntax.
30622 @code{-var-list-children}'s @code{children} result field is now a list, rather
30626 @code{-var-update}'s @code{changelist} result field is now a list, rather than
30638 The output of information about multi-location breakpoints has changed in the
30639 responses to the @code{-break-insert} and @code{-break-info} commands, as well
30640 as in the @code{=breakpoint-created} and @code{=breakpoint-modified} events.
30641 The multiple locations are now placed in a @code{locations} field, whose value
30653 The syntax of the "script" field in breakpoint output has changed in the
30654 responses to the @code{-break-insert} and @code{-break-info} commands, as
30655 well as the @code{=breakpoint-created} and @code{=breakpoint-modified}
30656 events. The previous output was syntactically invalid. The new output is
30662 If your front end cannot yet migrate to a more recent version of the
30663 MI protocol, you can nevertheless selectively enable specific features
30664 available in those recent MI versions, using the following commands:
30668 @item -fix-multi-location-breakpoint-output
30669 Use the output for multi-location breakpoints which was introduced by
30670 MI 3, even when using MI versions below 3. This command has no
30671 effect when using MI version 3 or later.
30673 @item -fix-breakpoint-script-output
30674 Use the output for the breakpoint "script" field which was introduced by
30675 MI 4, even when using MI versions below 4. This command has no effect when
30676 using MI version 4 or later.
30680 The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
30681 end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
30682 follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
30683 @email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
30684 @cindex mailing lists
30686 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30687 @node GDB/MI Output Records
30688 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
30691 * GDB/MI Result Records::
30692 * GDB/MI Stream Records::
30693 * GDB/MI Async Records::
30694 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Information::
30695 * GDB/MI Frame Information::
30696 * GDB/MI Thread Information::
30697 * GDB/MI Ada Exception Information::
30700 @node GDB/MI Result Records
30701 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
30703 @cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
30704 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
30705 In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
30706 @sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
30710 @item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
30711 The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
30716 This result record is equivalent to @samp{^done}. Historically, it
30717 was output instead of @samp{^done} if the command has resumed the
30718 target. This behaviour is maintained for backward compatibility, but
30719 all frontends should treat @samp{^done} and @samp{^running}
30720 identically and rely on the @samp{*running} output record to determine
30721 which threads are resumed.
30725 @value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
30727 @item "^error" "," "msg=" @var{c-string} [ "," "code=" @var{c-string} ]
30729 The operation failed. The @code{msg=@var{c-string}} variable contains
30730 the corresponding error message.
30732 If present, the @code{code=@var{c-string}} variable provides an error
30733 code on which consumers can rely on to detect the corresponding
30734 error condition. At present, only one error code is defined:
30737 @item "undefined-command"
30738 Indicates that the command causing the error does not exist.
30743 @value{GDBN} has terminated.
30747 @node GDB/MI Stream Records
30748 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
30750 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
30751 @cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
30752 @value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
30753 target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
30754 funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
30756 Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
30757 identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
30758 Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
30759 @code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
30760 line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
30763 @item "~" @var{string-output}
30764 The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
30765 CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
30767 @item "@@" @var{string-output}
30768 The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
30769 target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
30770 asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
30772 @item "&" @var{string-output}
30773 The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
30777 @node GDB/MI Async Records
30778 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
30780 @cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
30781 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
30782 @dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
30783 additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
30784 consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
30785 target activity (e.g., target stopped).
30787 The following is the list of possible async records:
30791 @item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
30792 The target is now running. The @var{thread} field can be the global
30793 thread ID of the thread that is now running, and it can be
30794 @samp{all} if all threads are running. The frontend should assume
30795 that no interaction with a running thread is possible after this
30796 notification is produced. The frontend should not assume that this
30797 notification is output only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may
30798 emit this notification several times, either for different threads,
30799 because it cannot resume all threads together, or even for a single
30800 thread, if the thread must be stepped though some code before letting
30803 @item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}",core="@var{core}"
30804 The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
30808 @item breakpoint-hit
30809 A breakpoint was reached.
30810 @item watchpoint-trigger
30811 A watchpoint was triggered.
30812 @item read-watchpoint-trigger
30813 A read watchpoint was triggered.
30814 @item access-watchpoint-trigger
30815 An access watchpoint was triggered.
30816 @item function-finished
30817 An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
30818 @item location-reached
30819 An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
30820 @item watchpoint-scope
30821 A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
30822 @item end-stepping-range
30823 An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
30824 similar CLI command was accomplished.
30825 @item exited-signalled
30826 The inferior exited because of a signal.
30828 The inferior exited.
30829 @item exited-normally
30830 The inferior exited normally.
30831 @item signal-received
30832 A signal was received by the inferior.
30834 The inferior has stopped due to a library being loaded or unloaded.
30835 This can happen when @code{stop-on-solib-events} (@pxref{Files}) is
30836 set or when a @code{catch load} or @code{catch unload} catchpoint is
30837 in use (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}).
30839 The inferior has forked. This is reported when @code{catch fork}
30840 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
30842 The inferior has vforked. This is reported in when @code{catch vfork}
30843 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
30844 @item syscall-entry
30845 The inferior entered a system call. This is reported when @code{catch
30846 syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
30847 @item syscall-return
30848 The inferior returned from a system call. This is reported when
30849 @code{catch syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
30851 The inferior called @code{exec}. This is reported when @code{catch exec}
30852 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
30855 The @var{id} field identifies the global thread ID of the thread
30856 that directly caused the stop -- for example by hitting a breakpoint.
30857 Depending on whether all-stop
30858 mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
30859 stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
30860 If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
30861 value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
30862 field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
30863 always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
30864 several threads in the list. The @var{core} field reports the
30865 processor core on which the stop event has happened. This field may be absent
30866 if such information is not available.
30868 @item =thread-group-added,id="@var{id}"
30869 @itemx =thread-group-removed,id="@var{id}"
30870 A thread group was either added or removed. The @var{id} field
30871 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. When a thread
30872 group is added, it generally might not be associated with a running
30873 process. When a thread group is removed, its id becomes invalid and
30874 cannot be used in any way.
30876 @item =thread-group-started,id="@var{id}",pid="@var{pid}"
30877 A thread group became associated with a running program,
30878 either because the program was just started or the thread group
30879 was attached to a program. The @var{id} field contains the
30880 @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. The @var{pid} field
30881 contains process identifier, specific to the operating system.
30883 @item =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"[,exit-code="@var{code}"]
30884 A thread group is no longer associated with a running program,
30885 either because the program has exited, or because it was detached
30886 from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
30887 thread group. The @var{code} field is the exit code of the inferior; it exists
30888 only when the inferior exited with some code.
30890 @item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
30891 @itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
30892 A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
30893 contains the global @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
30894 field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
30896 @item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"[,frame="@var{frame}"]
30897 Informs that the selected thread or frame were changed. This notification
30898 is not emitted as result of the @code{-thread-select} or
30899 @code{-stack-select-frame} commands, but is emitted whenever an MI command
30900 that is not documented to change the selected thread and frame actually
30901 changes them. In particular, invoking, directly or indirectly
30902 (via user-defined command), the CLI @code{thread} or @code{frame} commands,
30903 will generate this notification. Changing the thread or frame from another
30904 user interface (see @ref{Interpreters}) will also generate this notification.
30906 The @var{frame} field is only present if the newly selected thread is
30907 stopped. See @ref{GDB/MI Frame Information} for the format of its value.
30909 We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
30910 highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
30913 @item =library-loaded,...
30914 Reports that a new library file was loaded by the program. This
30915 notification has 5 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name},
30916 @var{host-name}, @var{symbols-loaded} and @var{ranges}. The @var{id} field is an
30917 opaque identifier of the library. For remote debugging case,
30918 @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} fields give the name of the
30919 library file on the target, and on the host respectively. For native
30920 debugging, both those fields have the same value. The
30921 @var{symbols-loaded} field is emitted only for backward compatibility
30922 and should not be relied on to convey any useful information. The
30923 @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the thread
30924 group in whose context the library was loaded. If the field is
30925 absent, it means the library was loaded in the context of all present
30926 thread groups. The @var{ranges} field specifies the ranges of addresses belonging
30929 @item =library-unloaded,...
30930 Reports that a library was unloaded by the program. This notification
30931 has 3 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} with
30932 the same meaning as for the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
30933 The @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the
30934 thread group in whose context the library was unloaded. If the field is
30935 absent, it means the library was unloaded in the context of all present
30938 @item =traceframe-changed,num=@var{tfnum},tracepoint=@var{tpnum}
30939 @itemx =traceframe-changed,end
30940 Reports that the trace frame was changed and its new number is
30941 @var{tfnum}. The number of the tracepoint associated with this trace
30942 frame is @var{tpnum}.
30944 @item =tsv-created,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}
30945 Reports that the new trace state variable @var{name} is created with
30946 initial value @var{initial}.
30948 @item =tsv-deleted,name=@var{name}
30949 @itemx =tsv-deleted
30950 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is deleted or all
30951 trace state variables are deleted.
30953 @item =tsv-modified,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}[,current=@var{current}]
30954 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is modified with
30955 the initial value @var{initial}. The current value @var{current} of
30956 trace state variable is optional and is reported if the current
30957 value of trace state variable is known.
30959 @item =breakpoint-created,bkpt=@{...@}
30960 @itemx =breakpoint-modified,bkpt=@{...@}
30961 @itemx =breakpoint-deleted,id=@var{number}
30962 Reports that a breakpoint was created, modified, or deleted,
30963 respectively. Only user-visible breakpoints are reported to the MI
30966 The @var{bkpt} argument is of the same form as returned by the various
30967 breakpoint commands; @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}. The
30968 @var{number} is the ordinal number of the breakpoint.
30970 Note that if a breakpoint is emitted in the result record of a
30971 command, then it will not also be emitted in an async record.
30973 @item =record-started,thread-group="@var{id}",method="@var{method}"[,format="@var{format}"]
30974 @itemx =record-stopped,thread-group="@var{id}"
30975 Execution log recording was either started or stopped on an
30976 inferior. The @var{id} is the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread
30977 group corresponding to the affected inferior.
30979 The @var{method} field indicates the method used to record execution. If the
30980 method in use supports multiple recording formats, @var{format} will be present
30981 and contain the currently used format. @xref{Process Record and Replay},
30982 for existing method and format values.
30984 @item =cmd-param-changed,param=@var{param},value=@var{value}
30985 Reports that a parameter of the command @code{set @var{param}} is
30986 changed to @var{value}. In the multi-word @code{set} command,
30987 the @var{param} is the whole parameter list to @code{set} command.
30988 For example, In command @code{set check type on}, @var{param}
30989 is @code{check type} and @var{value} is @code{on}.
30991 @item =memory-changed,thread-group=@var{id},addr=@var{addr},len=@var{len}[,type="code"]
30992 Reports that bytes from @var{addr} to @var{data} + @var{len} were
30993 written in an inferior. The @var{id} is the identifier of the
30994 thread group corresponding to the affected inferior. The optional
30995 @code{type="code"} part is reported if the memory written to holds
30999 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Information
31000 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Information
31002 When @value{GDBN} reports information about a breakpoint, a
31003 tracepoint, a watchpoint, or a catchpoint, it uses a tuple with the
31008 The breakpoint number.
31011 The type of the breakpoint. For ordinary breakpoints this will be
31012 @samp{breakpoint}, but many values are possible.
31015 If the type of the breakpoint is @samp{catchpoint}, then this
31016 indicates the exact type of catchpoint.
31019 This is the breakpoint disposition---either @samp{del}, meaning that
31020 the breakpoint will be deleted at the next stop, or @samp{keep},
31021 meaning that the breakpoint will not be deleted.
31024 This indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled, in which case the
31025 value is @samp{y}, or disabled, in which case the value is @samp{n}.
31026 Note that this is not the same as the field @code{enable}.
31029 The address of the breakpoint. This may be a hexidecimal number,
31030 giving the address; or the string @samp{<PENDING>}, for a pending
31031 breakpoint; or the string @samp{<MULTIPLE>}, for a breakpoint with
31032 multiple locations. This field will not be present if no address can
31033 be determined. For example, a watchpoint does not have an address.
31036 Optional field containing any flags related to the address. These flags are
31037 architecture-dependent; see @ref{Architectures} for their meaning for a
31041 If known, the function in which the breakpoint appears.
31042 If not known, this field is not present.
31045 The name of the source file which contains this function, if known.
31046 If not known, this field is not present.
31049 The full file name of the source file which contains this function, if
31050 known. If not known, this field is not present.
31053 The line number at which this breakpoint appears, if known.
31054 If not known, this field is not present.
31057 If the source file is not known, this field may be provided. If
31058 provided, this holds the address of the breakpoint, possibly followed
31062 If this breakpoint is pending, this field is present and holds the
31063 text used to set the breakpoint, as entered by the user.
31066 Where this breakpoint's condition is evaluated, either @samp{host} or
31070 If this is a thread-specific breakpoint, then this identifies the
31071 thread in which the breakpoint can trigger.
31074 If this breakpoint is restricted to a particular Ada task, then this
31075 field will hold the task identifier.
31078 If the breakpoint is conditional, this is the condition expression.
31081 The ignore count of the breakpoint.
31084 The enable count of the breakpoint.
31086 @item traceframe-usage
31089 @item static-tracepoint-marker-string-id
31090 For a static tracepoint, the name of the static tracepoint marker.
31093 For a masked watchpoint, this is the mask.
31096 A tracepoint's pass count.
31098 @item original-location
31099 The location of the breakpoint as originally specified by the user.
31100 This field is optional.
31103 The number of times the breakpoint has been hit.
31106 This field is only given for tracepoints. This is either @samp{y},
31107 meaning that the tracepoint is installed, or @samp{n}, meaning that it
31111 Some extra data, the exact contents of which are type-dependent.
31114 This field is present if the breakpoint has multiple locations. It is also
31115 exceptionally present if the breakpoint is enabled and has a single, disabled
31118 The value is a list of locations. The format of a location is described below.
31122 A location in a multi-location breakpoint is represented as a tuple with the
31128 The location number as a dotted pair, like @samp{1.2}. The first digit is the
31129 number of the parent breakpoint. The second digit is the number of the
31130 location within that breakpoint.
31133 There are three possible values, with the following meanings:
31136 The location is enabled.
31138 The location is disabled by the user.
31140 The location is disabled because the breakpoint condition is invalid
31145 The address of this location as an hexidecimal number.
31148 Optional field containing any flags related to the address. These flags are
31149 architecture-dependent; see @ref{Architectures} for their meaning for a
31153 If known, the function in which the location appears.
31154 If not known, this field is not present.
31157 The name of the source file which contains this location, if known.
31158 If not known, this field is not present.
31161 The full file name of the source file which contains this location, if
31162 known. If not known, this field is not present.
31165 The line number at which this location appears, if known.
31166 If not known, this field is not present.
31168 @item thread-groups
31169 The thread groups this location is in.
31173 For example, here is what the output of @code{-break-insert}
31174 (@pxref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}) might be:
31177 -> -break-insert main
31178 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
31179 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
31180 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
31185 @node GDB/MI Frame Information
31186 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
31188 Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
31189 frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
31194 The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
31195 zero. This field is always present.
31198 The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
31199 be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
31202 The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
31205 Optional field containing any flags related to the address. These flags are
31206 architecture-dependent; see @ref{Architectures} for their meaning for a
31210 The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
31211 address. This field may be absent.
31214 The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
31218 The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
31219 corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
31223 @node GDB/MI Thread Information
31224 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Information
31226 Whenever @value{GDBN} has to report an information about a thread, it
31227 uses a tuple with the following fields. The fields are always present unless
31232 The global numeric id assigned to the thread by @value{GDBN}.
31235 The target-specific string identifying the thread.
31238 Additional information about the thread provided by the target.
31239 It is supposed to be human-readable and not interpreted by the
31240 frontend. This field is optional.
31243 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using the
31244 @code{thread name} command, then this name is given. Otherwise, if
31245 @value{GDBN} can extract the thread name from the target, then that
31246 name is given. If @value{GDBN} cannot find the thread name, then this
31250 The execution state of the thread, either @samp{stopped} or @samp{running},
31251 depending on whether the thread is presently running.
31254 The stack frame currently executing in the thread. This field is only present
31255 if the thread is stopped. Its format is documented in
31256 @ref{GDB/MI Frame Information}.
31259 The value of this field is an integer number of the processor core the
31260 thread was last seen on. This field is optional.
31263 @node GDB/MI Ada Exception Information
31264 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Exception Information
31266 Whenever a @code{*stopped} record is emitted because the program
31267 stopped after hitting an exception catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}),
31268 @value{GDBN} provides the name of the exception that was raised via
31269 the @code{exception-name} field. Also, for exceptions that were raised
31270 with an exception message, @value{GDBN} provides that message via
31271 the @code{exception-message} field.
31273 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31274 @node GDB/MI Simple Examples
31275 @section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
31276 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
31278 This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
31279 the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
31280 following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
31281 the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
31283 Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
31284 readability, they don't appear in the real output.
31286 @subheading Setting a Breakpoint
31288 Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
31289 information of the breakpoint.
31292 -> -break-insert main
31293 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
31294 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
31295 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
31300 @subheading Program Execution
31302 Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
31303 reason that execution stopped.
31309 <- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
31310 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
31311 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
31312 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",
31313 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
31318 <- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
31322 @subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
31324 Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
31332 Please note that @samp{^exit} is printed immediately, but it might
31333 take some time for @value{GDBN} to actually exit. During that time, @value{GDBN}
31334 performs necessary cleanups, including killing programs being debugged
31335 or disconnecting from debug hardware, so the frontend should wait till
31336 @value{GDBN} exits and should only forcibly kill @value{GDBN} if it
31337 fails to exit in reasonable time.
31339 @subheading A Bad Command
31341 Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
31345 <- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
31350 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31351 @node GDB/MI Command Description Format
31352 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
31354 The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
31355 commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
31357 @subheading Motivation
31359 The motivation for this collection of commands.
31361 @subheading Introduction
31363 A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
31365 @subheading Commands
31367 For each command in the block, the following is described:
31369 @subsubheading Synopsis
31372 -command @var{args}@dots{}
31375 @subsubheading Result
31377 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31379 The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
31381 @subsubheading Example
31383 Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
31384 not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
31387 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31388 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
31389 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
31391 @cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
31392 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
31393 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
31396 @subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
31397 @findex -break-after
31399 @subsubheading Synopsis
31402 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
31405 The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
31406 hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
31407 the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
31408 @samp{-break-list} command below.
31410 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31412 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
31414 @subsubheading Example
31419 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
31420 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
31421 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
31429 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
31430 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
31431 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
31432 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
31433 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
31434 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
31435 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
31436 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
31437 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
31438 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
31443 @subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
31444 @findex -break-catch
31447 @subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
31448 @findex -break-commands
31450 @subsubheading Synopsis
31453 -break-commands @var{number} [ @var{command1} ... @var{commandN} ]
31456 Specifies the CLI commands that should be executed when breakpoint
31457 @var{number} is hit. The parameters @var{command1} to @var{commandN}
31458 are the commands. If no command is specified, any previously-set
31459 commands are cleared. @xref{Break Commands}. Typical use of this
31460 functionality is tracing a program, that is, printing of values of
31461 some variables whenever breakpoint is hit and then continuing.
31463 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31465 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{commands}.
31467 @subsubheading Example
31472 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
31473 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
31474 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
31477 -break-commands 1 "print v" "continue"
31482 @subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
31483 @findex -break-condition
31485 @subsubheading Synopsis
31488 -break-condition [ --force ] @var{number} [ @var{expr} ]
31491 Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
31492 @var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
31493 @samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
31494 command below). If the @samp{--force} flag is passed, the condition
31495 is forcibly defined even when it is invalid for all locations of
31496 breakpoint @var{number}. If the @var{expr} argument is omitted,
31497 breakpoint @var{number} becomes unconditional.
31499 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31501 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
31503 @subsubheading Example
31507 -break-condition 1 1
31511 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
31512 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
31513 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
31514 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
31515 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
31516 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
31517 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
31518 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
31519 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
31520 line="5",cond="1",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
31524 @subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
31525 @findex -break-delete
31527 @subsubheading Synopsis
31530 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
31533 Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
31534 list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
31536 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31538 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
31540 @subsubheading Example
31548 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
31549 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
31550 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
31551 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
31552 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
31553 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
31554 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
31559 @subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
31560 @findex -break-disable
31562 @subsubheading Synopsis
31565 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
31568 Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
31569 break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
31571 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31573 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
31575 @subsubheading Example
31583 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
31584 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
31585 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
31586 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
31587 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
31588 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
31589 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
31590 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
31591 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
31592 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
31596 @subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
31597 @findex -break-enable
31599 @subsubheading Synopsis
31602 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
31605 Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
31607 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31609 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
31611 @subsubheading Example
31619 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
31620 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
31621 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
31622 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
31623 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
31624 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
31625 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
31626 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
31627 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
31628 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
31632 @subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
31633 @findex -break-info
31635 @subsubheading Synopsis
31638 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
31642 Get information about a single breakpoint.
31644 The result is a table of breakpoints. @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint
31645 Information}, for details on the format of each breakpoint in the
31648 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31650 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
31652 @subsubheading Example
31655 @subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
31656 @findex -break-insert
31657 @anchor{-break-insert}
31659 @subsubheading Synopsis
31662 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ] [ -d ] [ -a ] [ --qualified ]
31663 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ --force-condition ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
31664 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{locspec} ]
31668 If specified, @var{locspec}, can be one of:
31671 @item linespec location
31672 A linespec location. @xref{Linespec Locations}.
31674 @item explicit location
31675 An explicit location. @sc{gdb/mi} explicit locations are
31676 analogous to the CLI's explicit locations using the option names
31677 listed below. @xref{Explicit Locations}.
31680 @item --source @var{filename}
31681 The source file name of the location. This option requires the use
31682 of either @samp{--function} or @samp{--line}.
31684 @item --function @var{function}
31685 The name of a function or method.
31687 @item --label @var{label}
31688 The name of a label.
31690 @item --line @var{lineoffset}
31691 An absolute or relative line offset from the start of the location.
31694 @item address location
31695 An address location, *@var{address}. @xref{Address Locations}.
31699 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
31703 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
31705 Insert a hardware breakpoint.
31707 If @var{locspec} cannot be resolved (for example if it
31708 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
31709 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
31710 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{locspec}
31713 Create a disabled breakpoint.
31715 Create a tracepoint. @xref{Tracepoints}. When this parameter
31716 is used together with @samp{-h}, a fast tracepoint is created.
31717 @item -c @var{condition}
31718 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
31719 @item --force-condition
31720 Forcibly define the breakpoint even if the condition is invalid at
31721 all of the breakpoint locations.
31722 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
31723 Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
31724 @item -p @var{thread-id}
31725 Restrict the breakpoint to the thread with the specified global
31728 This option makes @value{GDBN} interpret a function name specified as
31729 a complete fully-qualified name.
31732 @subsubheading Result
31734 @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Information}, for details on the format of the
31735 resulting breakpoint.
31737 Note: this format is open to change.
31738 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
31740 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31742 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
31743 @samp{hbreak}, and @samp{thbreak}. @c and @samp{rbreak}.
31745 @subsubheading Example
31750 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
31751 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
31754 -break-insert -t foo
31755 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
31756 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
31760 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
31761 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
31762 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
31763 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
31764 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
31765 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
31766 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
31767 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
31768 addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
31769 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
31771 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
31772 addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
31773 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
31778 @subheading The @code{-dprintf-insert} Command
31779 @findex -dprintf-insert
31781 @subsubheading Synopsis
31784 -dprintf-insert [ -t ] [ -f ] [ -d ] [ --qualified ]
31785 [ -c @var{condition} ] [--force-condition] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
31786 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{locspec} ] [ @var{format} ]
31791 If supplied, @var{locspec} and @code{--qualified} may be specified
31792 the same way as for the @code{-break-insert} command.
31793 @xref{-break-insert}.
31795 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
31799 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
31801 If @var{locspec} cannot be parsed (for example, if it
31802 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
31803 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
31804 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{locspec}
31807 Create a disabled breakpoint.
31808 @item -c @var{condition}
31809 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
31810 @item --force-condition
31811 Forcibly define the breakpoint even if the condition is invalid at
31812 all of the breakpoint locations.
31813 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
31814 Set the ignore count of the breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ignore count})
31815 to @var{ignore-count}.
31816 @item -p @var{thread-id}
31817 Restrict the breakpoint to the thread with the specified global
31821 @subsubheading Result
31823 @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Information}, for details on the format of the
31824 resulting breakpoint.
31826 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
31828 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31830 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dprintf}.
31832 @subsubheading Example
31836 4-dprintf-insert foo "At foo entry\n"
31837 4^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="dprintf",disp="keep",enabled="y",
31838 addr="0x000000000040061b",func="foo",file="mi-dprintf.c",
31839 fullname="mi-dprintf.c",line="25",thread-groups=["i1"],
31840 times="0",script=["printf \"At foo entry\\n\"","continue"],
31841 original-location="foo"@}
31843 5-dprintf-insert 26 "arg=%d, g=%d\n" arg g
31844 5^done,bkpt=@{number="2",type="dprintf",disp="keep",enabled="y",
31845 addr="0x000000000040062a",func="foo",file="mi-dprintf.c",
31846 fullname="mi-dprintf.c",line="26",thread-groups=["i1"],
31847 times="0",script=["printf \"arg=%d, g=%d\\n\", arg, g","continue"],
31848 original-location="mi-dprintf.c:26"@}
31852 @subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
31853 @findex -break-list
31855 @subsubheading Synopsis
31861 Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
31865 number of the breakpoint
31867 type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
31869 should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
31872 is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
31874 memory location at which the breakpoint is set
31876 logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
31878 @item Thread-groups
31879 list of thread groups to which this breakpoint applies
31881 number of times the breakpoint has been hit
31884 If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
31885 @code{body} field is an empty list.
31887 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31889 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
31891 @subsubheading Example
31896 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
31897 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
31898 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
31899 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
31900 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
31901 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
31902 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
31903 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
31904 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
31906 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
31907 addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
31908 line="13",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
31912 Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
31917 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
31918 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
31919 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
31920 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
31921 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
31922 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
31923 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
31928 @subheading The @code{-break-passcount} Command
31929 @findex -break-passcount
31931 @subsubheading Synopsis
31934 -break-passcount @var{tracepoint-number} @var{passcount}
31937 Set the passcount for tracepoint @var{tracepoint-number} to
31938 @var{passcount}. If the breakpoint referred to by @var{tracepoint-number}
31939 is not a tracepoint, error is emitted. This corresponds to CLI
31940 command @samp{passcount}.
31942 @subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
31943 @findex -break-watch
31945 @subsubheading Synopsis
31948 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
31951 Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
31952 @dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
31953 read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
31954 option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
31955 trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
31956 either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
31957 i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
31958 @xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
31960 Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
31961 breakpoints inserted.
31963 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31965 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
31968 @subsubheading Example
31970 Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
31975 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
31980 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
31981 value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
31982 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
31983 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
31987 Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
31988 the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
31989 for the watchpoint going out of scope.
31994 ^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
31999 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
32000 wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
32001 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
32002 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
32003 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13",
32004 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
32009 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
32010 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
32011 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
32012 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
32013 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18",
32014 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
32018 Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
32019 execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
32025 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
32028 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
32029 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
32030 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
32031 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
32032 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
32033 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
32034 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
32035 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
32036 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
32037 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
32038 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
32040 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
32041 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
32046 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
32047 value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
32048 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
32049 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
32050 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13",
32051 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
32054 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
32055 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
32056 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
32057 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
32058 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
32059 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
32060 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
32061 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
32062 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
32063 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
32064 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
32066 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
32067 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="-5"@}]@}
32071 ^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
32072 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
32073 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
32074 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
32075 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18",
32076 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
32079 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
32080 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
32081 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
32082 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
32083 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
32084 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
32085 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
32086 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
32087 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
32088 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
32089 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
32090 thread-groups=["i1"],times="1"@}]@}
32095 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32096 @node GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
32097 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoint Commands
32099 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
32103 * Shared Library GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
32104 * Ada Exception GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
32105 * C++ Exception GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
32108 @node Shared Library GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
32109 @subsection Shared Library @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoints
32111 @subheading The @code{-catch-load} Command
32112 @findex -catch-load
32114 @subsubheading Synopsis
32117 -catch-load [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
32120 Add a catchpoint for library load events. If the @samp{-t} option is used,
32121 the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
32122 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is created
32123 in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
32124 expression used to match the name of the loaded library.
32127 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32129 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch load}.
32131 @subsubheading Example
32134 -catch-load -t foo.so
32135 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="catchpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
32136 what="load of library matching foo.so",catch-type="load",times="0"@}
32141 @subheading The @code{-catch-unload} Command
32142 @findex -catch-unload
32144 @subsubheading Synopsis
32147 -catch-unload [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
32150 Add a catchpoint for library unload events. If the @samp{-t} option is
32151 used, the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
32152 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is
32153 created in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
32154 expression used to match the name of the unloaded library.
32156 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32158 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch unload}.
32160 @subsubheading Example
32163 -catch-unload -d bar.so
32164 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",type="catchpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
32165 what="load of library matching bar.so",catch-type="unload",times="0"@}
32169 @node Ada Exception GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
32170 @subsection Ada Exception @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoints
32172 The following @sc{gdb/mi} commands can be used to create catchpoints
32173 that stop the execution when Ada exceptions are being raised.
32175 @subheading The @code{-catch-assert} Command
32176 @findex -catch-assert
32178 @subsubheading Synopsis
32181 -catch-assert [ -c @var{condition}] [ -d ] [ -t ]
32184 Add a catchpoint for failed Ada assertions.
32186 The possible optional parameters for this command are:
32189 @item -c @var{condition}
32190 Make the catchpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
32192 Create a disabled catchpoint.
32194 Create a temporary catchpoint.
32197 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32199 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch assert}.
32201 @subsubheading Example
32205 ^done,bkptno="5",bkpt=@{number="5",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
32206 enabled="y",addr="0x0000000000404888",what="failed Ada assertions",
32207 thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",
32208 original-location="__gnat_debug_raise_assert_failure"@}
32212 @subheading The @code{-catch-exception} Command
32213 @findex -catch-exception
32215 @subsubheading Synopsis
32218 -catch-exception [ -c @var{condition}] [ -d ] [ -e @var{exception-name} ]
32222 Add a catchpoint stopping when Ada exceptions are raised.
32223 By default, the command stops the program when any Ada exception
32224 gets raised. But it is also possible, by using some of the
32225 optional parameters described below, to create more selective
32228 The possible optional parameters for this command are:
32231 @item -c @var{condition}
32232 Make the catchpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
32234 Create a disabled catchpoint.
32235 @item -e @var{exception-name}
32236 Only stop when @var{exception-name} is raised. This option cannot
32237 be used combined with @samp{-u}.
32239 Create a temporary catchpoint.
32241 Stop only when an unhandled exception gets raised. This option
32242 cannot be used combined with @samp{-e}.
32245 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32247 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{catch exception}
32248 and @samp{catch exception unhandled}.
32250 @subsubheading Example
32253 -catch-exception -e Program_Error
32254 ^done,bkptno="4",bkpt=@{number="4",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
32255 enabled="y",addr="0x0000000000404874",
32256 what="`Program_Error' Ada exception", thread-groups=["i1"],
32257 times="0",original-location="__gnat_debug_raise_exception"@}
32261 @subheading The @code{-catch-handlers} Command
32262 @findex -catch-handlers
32264 @subsubheading Synopsis
32267 -catch-handlers [ -c @var{condition}] [ -d ] [ -e @var{exception-name} ]
32271 Add a catchpoint stopping when Ada exceptions are handled.
32272 By default, the command stops the program when any Ada exception
32273 gets handled. But it is also possible, by using some of the
32274 optional parameters described below, to create more selective
32277 The possible optional parameters for this command are:
32280 @item -c @var{condition}
32281 Make the catchpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
32283 Create a disabled catchpoint.
32284 @item -e @var{exception-name}
32285 Only stop when @var{exception-name} is handled.
32287 Create a temporary catchpoint.
32290 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32292 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch handlers}.
32294 @subsubheading Example
32297 -catch-handlers -e Constraint_Error
32298 ^done,bkptno="4",bkpt=@{number="4",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
32299 enabled="y",addr="0x0000000000402f68",
32300 what="`Constraint_Error' Ada exception handlers",thread-groups=["i1"],
32301 times="0",original-location="__gnat_begin_handler"@}
32305 @node C++ Exception GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
32306 @subsection C@t{++} Exception @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoints
32308 The following @sc{gdb/mi} commands can be used to create catchpoints
32309 that stop the execution when C@t{++} exceptions are being throw, rethrown,
32312 @subheading The @code{-catch-throw} Command
32313 @findex -catch-throw
32315 @subsubheading Synopsis
32318 -catch-throw [ -t ] [ -r @var{regexp}]
32321 Stop when the debuggee throws a C@t{++} exception. If @var{regexp} is
32322 given, then only exceptions whose type matches the regular expression
32325 If @samp{-t} is given, then the catchpoint is enabled only for one
32326 stop, the catchpoint is automatically deleted after stopping once for
32329 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32331 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{catch throw}
32332 and @samp{tcatch throw} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}).
32334 @subsubheading Example
32337 -catch-throw -r exception_type
32338 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="catchpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
32339 what="exception throw",catch-type="throw",
32340 thread-groups=["i1"],
32341 regexp="exception_type",times="0"@}
32347 ~"Catchpoint 1 (exception thrown), 0x00007ffff7ae00ed
32348 in __cxa_throw () from /lib64/libstdc++.so.6\n"
32349 *stopped,bkptno="1",reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",
32350 frame=@{addr="0x00007ffff7ae00ed",func="__cxa_throw",
32351 args=[],from="/lib64/libstdc++.so.6",arch="i386:x86-64"@},
32352 thread-id="1",stopped-threads="all",core="6"
32356 @subheading The @code{-catch-rethrow} Command
32357 @findex -catch-rethrow
32359 @subsubheading Synopsis
32362 -catch-rethrow [ -t ] [ -r @var{regexp}]
32365 Stop when a C@t{++} exception is re-thrown. If @var{regexp} is given,
32366 then only exceptions whose type matches the regular expression will be
32369 If @samp{-t} is given, then the catchpoint is enabled only for one
32370 stop, the catchpoint is automatically deleted after the first event is
32373 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32375 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{catch rethrow}
32376 and @samp{tcatch rethrow} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}).
32378 @subsubheading Example
32381 -catch-rethrow -r exception_type
32382 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="catchpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
32383 what="exception rethrow",catch-type="rethrow",
32384 thread-groups=["i1"],
32385 regexp="exception_type",times="0"@}
32391 ~"Catchpoint 1 (exception rethrown), 0x00007ffff7ae00ed
32392 in __cxa_rethrow () from /lib64/libstdc++.so.6\n"
32393 *stopped,bkptno="1",reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",
32394 frame=@{addr="0x00007ffff7ae00ed",func="__cxa_rethrow",
32395 args=[],from="/lib64/libstdc++.so.6",arch="i386:x86-64"@},
32396 thread-id="1",stopped-threads="all",core="6"
32400 @subheading The @code{-catch-catch} Command
32401 @findex -catch-catch
32403 @subsubheading Synopsis
32406 -catch-catch [ -t ] [ -r @var{regexp}]
32409 Stop when the debuggee catches a C@t{++} exception. If @var{regexp}
32410 is given, then only exceptions whose type matches the regular
32411 expression will be caught.
32413 If @samp{-t} is given, then the catchpoint is enabled only for one
32414 stop, the catchpoint is automatically deleted after the first event is
32417 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32419 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{catch catch}
32420 and @samp{tcatch catch} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}).
32422 @subsubheading Example
32425 -catch-catch -r exception_type
32426 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="catchpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
32427 what="exception catch",catch-type="catch",
32428 thread-groups=["i1"],
32429 regexp="exception_type",times="0"@}
32435 ~"Catchpoint 1 (exception caught), 0x00007ffff7ae00ed
32436 in __cxa_begin_catch () from /lib64/libstdc++.so.6\n"
32437 *stopped,bkptno="1",reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",
32438 frame=@{addr="0x00007ffff7ae00ed",func="__cxa_begin_catch",
32439 args=[],from="/lib64/libstdc++.so.6",arch="i386:x86-64"@},
32440 thread-id="1",stopped-threads="all",core="6"
32444 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32445 @node GDB/MI Program Context
32446 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
32448 @subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
32449 @findex -exec-arguments
32452 @subsubheading Synopsis
32455 -exec-arguments @var{args}
32458 Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
32461 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32463 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
32465 @subsubheading Example
32469 -exec-arguments -v word
32476 @subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
32477 @findex -exec-show-arguments
32479 @subsubheading Synopsis
32482 -exec-show-arguments
32485 Print the arguments of the program.
32487 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32489 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
32491 @subsubheading Example
32496 @subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
32497 @findex -environment-cd
32499 @subsubheading Synopsis
32502 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
32505 Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
32507 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32509 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
32511 @subsubheading Example
32515 -environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
32521 @subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
32522 @findex -environment-directory
32524 @subsubheading Synopsis
32527 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
32530 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
32531 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
32532 search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
32533 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
32535 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
32536 multiple directories in a single command
32537 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
32538 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
32539 If blanks are needed as
32540 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
32541 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
32542 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
32543 character must not be used
32544 in any directory name.
32545 If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
32547 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32549 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
32551 @subsubheading Example
32555 -environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
32556 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
32558 -environment-directory ""
32559 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
32561 -environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
32562 ^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
32564 -environment-directory -r
32565 ^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
32570 @subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
32571 @findex -environment-path
32573 @subsubheading Synopsis
32576 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
32579 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
32580 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
32581 search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
32582 supplied in addition to the
32583 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
32585 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
32586 multiple directories in a single command
32587 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
32588 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
32589 If blanks are needed as
32590 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
32591 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
32592 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
32593 character must not be used
32594 in any directory name.
32595 If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
32598 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32600 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
32602 @subsubheading Example
32607 ^done,path="/usr/bin"
32609 -environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
32610 ^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
32612 -environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
32613 ^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
32618 @subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
32619 @findex -environment-pwd
32621 @subsubheading Synopsis
32627 Show the current working directory.
32629 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32631 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
32633 @subsubheading Example
32638 ^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
32642 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32643 @node GDB/MI Thread Commands
32644 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
32647 @subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
32648 @findex -thread-info
32650 @subsubheading Synopsis
32653 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
32656 Reports information about either a specific thread, if the
32657 @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all threads.
32658 @var{thread-id} is the thread's global thread ID. When printing
32659 information about all threads, also reports the global ID of the
32662 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32664 The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
32667 @subsubheading Result
32669 The result contains the following attributes:
32673 A list of threads. The format of the elements of the list is described in
32674 @ref{GDB/MI Thread Information}.
32676 @item current-thread-id
32677 The global id of the currently selected thread. This field is omitted if there
32678 is no selected thread (for example, when the selected inferior is not running,
32679 and therefore has no threads) or if a @var{thread-id} argument was passed to
32684 @subsubheading Example
32689 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
32690 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",
32691 args=[]@},state="running"@},
32692 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
32693 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",
32694 args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
32695 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158",arch="i386:x86_64"@},
32696 state="running"@}],
32697 current-thread-id="1"
32701 @subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
32702 @findex -thread-list-ids
32704 @subsubheading Synopsis
32710 Produces a list of the currently known global @value{GDBN} thread ids.
32711 At the end of the list it also prints the total number of such
32714 This command is retained for historical reasons, the
32715 @code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
32717 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32719 Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
32721 @subsubheading Example
32726 ^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
32727 current-thread-id="1",number-of-threads="3"
32732 @subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
32733 @findex -thread-select
32735 @subsubheading Synopsis
32738 -thread-select @var{thread-id}
32741 Make thread with global thread number @var{thread-id} the current
32742 thread. It prints the number of the new current thread, and the
32743 topmost frame for that thread.
32745 This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
32746 @samp{--thread} option to each command.
32748 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32750 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
32752 @subsubheading Example
32759 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
32760 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
32764 thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
32765 number-of-threads="3"
32768 ^done,new-thread-id="3",
32769 frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
32770 args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
32771 @{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
32775 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32776 @node GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands
32777 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Tasking Commands
32779 @subheading The @code{-ada-task-info} Command
32780 @findex -ada-task-info
32782 @subsubheading Synopsis
32785 -ada-task-info [ @var{task-id} ]
32788 Reports information about either a specific Ada task, if the
32789 @var{task-id} parameter is present, or about all Ada tasks.
32791 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32793 The @samp{info tasks} command prints the same information
32794 about all Ada tasks (@pxref{Ada Tasks}).
32796 @subsubheading Result
32798 The result is a table of Ada tasks. The following columns are
32799 defined for each Ada task:
32803 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
32806 The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the Ada task.
32809 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the Ada task.
32812 The global thread identifier of the thread corresponding to the Ada
32815 This field should always exist, as Ada tasks are always implemented
32816 on top of a thread. But if @value{GDBN} cannot find this corresponding
32817 thread for any reason, the field is omitted.
32820 This field exists only when the task was created by another task.
32821 In this case, it provides the ID of the parent task.
32824 The base priority of the task.
32827 The current state of the task. For a detailed description of the
32828 possible states, see @ref{Ada Tasks}.
32831 The name of the task.
32835 @subsubheading Example
32839 ^done,tasks=@{nr_rows="3",nr_cols="8",
32840 hdr=[@{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr=""@},
32841 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="id",colhdr="ID"@},
32842 @{width="9",alignment="1",col_name="task-id",colhdr="TID"@},
32843 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="thread-id",colhdr=""@},
32844 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="parent-id",colhdr="P-ID"@},
32845 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="priority",colhdr="Pri"@},
32846 @{width="22",alignment="-1",col_name="state",colhdr="State"@},
32847 @{width="1",alignment="2",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@}],
32848 body=[@{current="*",id="1",task-id=" 644010",thread-id="1",priority="48",
32849 state="Child Termination Wait",name="main_task"@}]@}
32853 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32854 @node GDB/MI Program Execution
32855 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
32857 These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
32858 record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
32859 asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
32862 @subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
32863 @findex -exec-continue
32865 @subsubheading Synopsis
32868 -exec-continue [--reverse] [--all|--thread-group N]
32871 Resumes the execution of the inferior program, which will continue
32872 to execute until it reaches a debugger stop event. If the
32873 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, execution resumes in reverse until
32874 it reaches a stop event. Stop events may include
32877 breakpoints or watchpoints
32879 signals or exceptions
32881 the end of the process (or its beginning under @samp{--reverse})
32883 the end or beginning of a replay log if one is being used.
32885 In all-stop mode (@pxref{All-Stop
32886 Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads, depending on the
32887 value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. If @samp{--all} is
32888 specified, all threads (in all inferiors) will be resumed. The @samp{--all} option is
32889 ignored in all-stop mode. If the @samp{--thread-group} options is
32890 specified, then all threads in that thread group are resumed.
32892 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32894 The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
32896 @subsubheading Example
32903 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
32904 func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
32905 line="13",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
32909 For a @samp{breakpoint-hit} stopped reason, when the breakpoint
32910 encountered has multiple locations, the field @samp{bkptno} is
32911 followed by the field @samp{locno}.
32918 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",locno="3",frame=@{
32919 func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
32920 line="13",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
32924 @subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
32925 @findex -exec-finish
32927 @subsubheading Synopsis
32930 -exec-finish [--reverse]
32933 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
32934 function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
32935 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes the reverse
32936 execution of the inferior program until the point where current
32937 function was called.
32939 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32941 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
32943 @subsubheading Example
32945 Function returning @code{void}.
32952 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
32953 file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
32957 Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
32958 @value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
32965 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
32966 args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
32967 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
32968 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
32969 gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
32974 @subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
32975 @findex -exec-interrupt
32977 @subsubheading Synopsis
32980 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
32983 Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
32984 associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
32985 that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
32986 appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
32987 interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
32989 Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
32990 asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
32991 @samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
32992 reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
32994 In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
32995 All threads (in all inferiors) will be interrupted if the
32996 @samp{--all} option is specified. If the @samp{--thread-group}
32997 option is specified, all threads in that group will be interrupted.
32999 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33001 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
33003 @subsubheading Example
33014 111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
33015 frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
33016 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
33021 ^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
33025 @subheading The @code{-exec-jump} Command
33028 @subsubheading Synopsis
33031 -exec-jump @var{locspec}
33034 Resumes execution of the inferior program at the address to
33035 which @var{locspec} resolves. @xref{Location Specifications},
33036 for a description of the different forms of @var{locspec}.
33038 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33040 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{jump}.
33042 @subsubheading Example
33045 -exec-jump foo.c:10
33046 *running,thread-id="all"
33051 @subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
33054 @subsubheading Synopsis
33057 -exec-next [--reverse]
33060 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
33061 of the next source line is reached.
33063 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
33064 of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the previous
33065 source line. If you issue this command on the first line of a
33066 function, it will take you back to the caller of that function, to the
33067 source line where the function was called.
33070 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33072 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
33074 @subsubheading Example
33080 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
33085 @subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
33086 @findex -exec-next-instruction
33088 @subsubheading Synopsis
33091 -exec-next-instruction [--reverse]
33094 Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
33095 call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
33096 instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
33099 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
33100 of the inferior program, stopping at the previous instruction. If the
33101 previously executed instruction was a return from another function,
33102 it will continue to execute in reverse until the call to that function
33103 (from the current stack frame) is reached.
33105 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33107 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
33109 @subsubheading Example
33113 -exec-next-instruction
33117 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
33118 addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
33123 @subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
33124 @findex -exec-return
33126 @subsubheading Synopsis
33132 Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
33133 Displays the new current frame.
33135 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33137 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
33139 @subsubheading Example
33143 200-break-insert callee4
33144 200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
33145 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
33150 000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
33151 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
33152 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
33153 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
33154 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
33160 111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
33161 args=[@{name="strarg",
33162 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
33163 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
33164 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18",
33165 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
33170 @subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
33173 @subsubheading Synopsis
33176 -exec-run [ --all | --thread-group N ] [ --start ]
33179 Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
33180 executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
33181 exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
33182 the program has exited exceptionally.
33184 When neither the @samp{--all} nor the @samp{--thread-group} option
33185 is specified, the current inferior is started. If the
33186 @samp{--thread-group} option is specified, it should refer to a thread
33187 group of type @samp{process}, and that thread group will be started.
33188 If the @samp{--all} option is specified, then all inferiors will be started.
33190 Using the @samp{--start} option instructs the debugger to stop
33191 the execution at the start of the inferior's main subprogram,
33192 following the same behavior as the @code{start} command
33193 (@pxref{Starting}).
33195 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33197 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
33199 @subsubheading Examples
33204 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
33209 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
33210 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
33211 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
33216 Program exited normally:
33224 *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
33229 Program exited exceptionally:
33237 *stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
33241 Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
33242 @code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
33246 *stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
33247 signal-meaning="Interrupt"
33251 @c @subheading -exec-signal
33254 @subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
33257 @subsubheading Synopsis
33260 -exec-step [--reverse]
33263 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
33264 of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
33265 function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
33266 function. If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse
33267 execution of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the
33268 previously executed source line.
33270 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33272 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
33274 @subsubheading Example
33276 Stepping into a function:
33282 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
33283 frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
33284 @{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
33285 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
33295 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
33300 @subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
33301 @findex -exec-step-instruction
33303 @subsubheading Synopsis
33306 -exec-step-instruction [--reverse]
33309 Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. If the
33310 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution of the
33311 inferior program, stopping at the previously executed instruction.
33312 The output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on
33313 whether we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the
33314 former case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed
33317 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33319 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
33321 @subsubheading Example
33325 -exec-step-instruction
33329 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
33330 frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
33331 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
33333 -exec-step-instruction
33337 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
33338 frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
33339 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
33344 @subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
33345 @findex -exec-until
33347 @subsubheading Synopsis
33350 -exec-until [ @var{locspec} ]
33353 Executes the inferior until it reaches the address to which
33354 @var{locspec} resolves. If there is no argument, the inferior
33355 executes until it reaches a source line greater than the current one.
33356 The reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
33358 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33360 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
33362 @subsubheading Example
33366 -exec-until recursive2.c:6
33370 *stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
33371 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6",
33372 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
33377 @subheading -file-clear
33378 Is this going away????
33381 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
33382 @node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
33383 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
33385 @subheading The @code{-enable-frame-filters} Command
33386 @findex -enable-frame-filters
33389 -enable-frame-filters
33392 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based frame filters to affect the output of
33393 the MI commands relating to stack traces. As there is no way to
33394 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
33395 request that this functionality be enabled.
33397 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
33399 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
33400 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
33402 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
33403 @findex -stack-info-frame
33405 @subsubheading Synopsis
33411 Get info on the selected frame.
33413 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33415 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
33416 (without arguments).
33418 @subsubheading Example
33423 ^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
33424 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
33425 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17",
33426 arch="i386:x86_64"@}
33430 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
33431 @findex -stack-info-depth
33433 @subsubheading Synopsis
33436 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
33439 Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
33440 is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
33442 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33444 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
33446 @subsubheading Example
33448 For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
33455 -stack-info-depth 4
33458 -stack-info-depth 12
33461 -stack-info-depth 11
33464 -stack-info-depth 13
33469 @anchor{-stack-list-arguments}
33470 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
33471 @findex -stack-list-arguments
33473 @subsubheading Synopsis
33476 -stack-list-arguments [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
33477 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
33480 Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
33481 and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
33482 @var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
33483 call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
33484 at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
33485 larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
33486 @var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
33487 which case only existing frames will be returned.
33489 If @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
33490 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
33491 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
33492 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
33493 structures and unions. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is
33494 supplied, then Python frame filters will not be executed.
33496 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, arguments that
33497 are not available are not listed. Partially available arguments
33498 are still displayed, however.
33500 Use of this command to obtain arguments in a single frame is
33501 deprecated in favor of the @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
33503 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33505 @value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
33506 @samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
33507 functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
33509 @subsubheading Example
33516 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
33517 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
33518 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
33519 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
33520 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
33521 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
33522 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17",
33523 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
33524 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
33525 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
33526 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22",
33527 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
33528 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
33529 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
33530 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27",
33531 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
33532 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
33533 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
33534 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32",
33535 arch="i386:x86_64"@}]
33537 -stack-list-arguments 0
33540 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
33541 frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
33542 frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
33543 frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
33544 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
33546 -stack-list-arguments 1
33549 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
33551 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
33552 frame=@{level="2",args=[
33553 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
33554 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
33555 @{frame=@{level="3",args=[
33556 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
33557 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
33558 @{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
33559 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
33561 -stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
33562 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
33564 -stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
33565 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
33566 args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
33567 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
33571 @c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
33574 @anchor{-stack-list-frames}
33575 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
33576 @findex -stack-list-frames
33578 @subsubheading Synopsis
33581 -stack-list-frames [ --no-frame-filters @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
33584 List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
33589 The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
33591 The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
33595 File name of the source file where the function lives.
33596 @item @var{fullname}
33597 The full file name of the source file where the function lives.
33599 Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
33601 The shared library where this function is defined. This is only given
33602 if the frame's function is not known.
33604 Frame's architecture.
33607 If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
33608 whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
33609 levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
33610 are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
33611 an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
33612 frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
33613 actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be
33614 returned. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is supplied, then
33615 Python frame filters will not be executed.
33617 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33619 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
33621 @subsubheading Example
33623 Full stack backtrace:
33629 [frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
33630 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11",
33631 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
33632 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
33633 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
33634 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
33635 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
33636 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
33637 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
33638 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
33639 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
33640 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
33641 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
33642 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
33643 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
33644 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
33645 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
33646 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
33647 frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
33648 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
33649 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
33650 frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
33651 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
33652 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
33653 frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
33654 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
33655 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
33656 frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
33657 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
33658 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
33659 frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
33660 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
33661 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
33662 frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
33663 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4",
33664 arch="i386:x86_64"@}]
33668 Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
33672 -stack-list-frames 3 5
33674 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
33675 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
33676 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
33677 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
33678 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
33679 arch="i386:x86_64"@},
33680 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
33681 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
33682 arch="i386:x86_64"@}]
33686 Show a single frame:
33690 -stack-list-frames 3 3
33692 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
33693 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14",
33694 arch="i386:x86_64"@}]
33699 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
33700 @findex -stack-list-locals
33701 @anchor{-stack-list-locals}
33703 @subsubheading Synopsis
33706 -stack-list-locals [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
33709 Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
33710 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
33711 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
33712 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
33713 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
33714 structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
33715 display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
33716 other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
33717 more detail. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is supplied, then
33718 Python frame filters will not be executed.
33720 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, local variables
33721 that are not available are not listed. Partially available local
33722 variables are still displayed, however.
33724 This command is deprecated in favor of the
33725 @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
33727 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33729 @samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
33731 @subsubheading Example
33735 -stack-list-locals 0
33736 ^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
33738 -stack-list-locals --all-values
33739 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
33740 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
33741 -stack-list-locals --simple-values
33742 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
33743 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
33747 @anchor{-stack-list-variables}
33748 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-variables} Command
33749 @findex -stack-list-variables
33751 @subsubheading Synopsis
33754 -stack-list-variables [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
33757 Display the names of local variables and function arguments for the selected frame. If
33758 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
33759 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
33760 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
33761 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
33762 structures and unions. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is
33763 supplied, then Python frame filters will not be executed.
33765 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, local variables
33766 and arguments that are not available are not listed. Partially
33767 available arguments and local variables are still displayed, however.
33769 @subsubheading Example
33773 -stack-list-variables --thread 1 --frame 0 --all-values
33774 ^done,variables=[@{name="x",value="11"@},@{name="s",value="@{a = 1, b = 2@}"@}]
33779 @subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
33780 @findex -stack-select-frame
33782 @subsubheading Synopsis
33785 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
33788 Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
33791 This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
33792 option to every command.
33794 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33796 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
33797 @samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
33799 @subsubheading Example
33803 -stack-select-frame 2
33808 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
33809 @node GDB/MI Variable Objects
33810 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
33814 @subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
33816 For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
33817 expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
33818 used by @code{Insight}.
33820 The two main reasons for that are:
33824 It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
33827 It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
33831 The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
33832 slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
33833 describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
33834 hints about their use.
33836 @emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
33837 expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
33838 least, the following operations:
33841 @item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
33842 @item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
33843 @item @code{-stack-list-locals}
33844 @item @code{-stack-select-frame}
33849 @subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
33851 @cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
33853 Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
33854 changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
33855 work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
33856 simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
33857 is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
33858 frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
33859 expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
33860 expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
33861 variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
33862 operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
33863 object, or to change display format.
33865 Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
33866 that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
33867 a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
33868 element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
33869 children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
33870 leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
33871 objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
33872 is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
33873 child will be created.
33875 For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
33876 string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
33877 obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
33878 that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
33879 contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
33881 A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
33882 the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
33883 variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
33884 operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
33885 be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
33886 objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
33887 real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
33888 variables that frontend has created.
33890 The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
33891 might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
33892 and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
33893 relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
33894 to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
33895 visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
33896 called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
33897 implicitly updated.
33899 Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
33900 fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
33901 object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
33902 variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
33903 variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
33904 expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
33905 frame. Consider this example:
33910 struct work_state state;
33917 If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
33918 this function, and we enter the recursive call, the variable
33919 object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
33920 @code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
33921 object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
33923 If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
33924 refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
33925 thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
33926 variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
33927 thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
33928 and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
33930 The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
33931 access this functionality:
33933 @multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
33934 @item @strong{Operation}
33935 @tab @strong{Description}
33937 @item @code{-enable-pretty-printing}
33938 @tab enable Python-based pretty-printing
33939 @item @code{-var-create}
33940 @tab create a variable object
33941 @item @code{-var-delete}
33942 @tab delete the variable object and/or its children
33943 @item @code{-var-set-format}
33944 @tab set the display format of this variable
33945 @item @code{-var-show-format}
33946 @tab show the display format of this variable
33947 @item @code{-var-info-num-children}
33948 @tab tells how many children this object has
33949 @item @code{-var-list-children}
33950 @tab return a list of the object's children
33951 @item @code{-var-info-type}
33952 @tab show the type of this variable object
33953 @item @code{-var-info-expression}
33954 @tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
33955 @item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
33956 @tab print full expression that this variable object represents
33957 @item @code{-var-show-attributes}
33958 @tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
33959 @item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
33960 @tab get the value of this variable
33961 @item @code{-var-assign}
33962 @tab set the value of this variable
33963 @item @code{-var-update}
33964 @tab update the variable and its children
33965 @item @code{-var-set-frozen}
33966 @tab set frozenness attribute
33967 @item @code{-var-set-update-range}
33968 @tab set range of children to display on update
33971 In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
33972 how it can be used.
33974 @subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
33976 @subheading The @code{-enable-pretty-printing} Command
33977 @findex -enable-pretty-printing
33980 -enable-pretty-printing
33983 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based visualizers to affect the output of the
33984 MI variable object commands. However, because there was no way to
33985 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
33986 request that this functionality be enabled.
33988 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
33990 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
33991 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
33993 @subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
33994 @findex -var-create
33996 @subsubheading Synopsis
33999 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
34000 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
34003 This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
34004 a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
34007 The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
34008 referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
34009 system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
34010 unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
34011 The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
34013 The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
34014 specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
34015 frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
34016 object must be created.
34018 @var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
34019 begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
34023 @samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
34026 @samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
34029 @samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
34032 @cindex dynamic varobj
34033 A varobj's contents may be provided by a Python-based pretty-printer. In this
34034 case the varobj is known as a @dfn{dynamic varobj}. Dynamic varobjs
34035 have slightly different semantics in some cases. If the
34036 @code{-enable-pretty-printing} command is not sent, then @value{GDBN}
34037 will never create a dynamic varobj. This ensures backward
34038 compatibility for existing clients.
34040 @subsubheading Result
34042 This operation returns attributes of the newly-created varobj. These
34047 The name of the varobj.
34050 The number of children of the varobj. This number is not necessarily
34051 reliable for a dynamic varobj. Instead, you must examine the
34052 @samp{has_more} attribute.
34055 The varobj's scalar value. For a varobj whose type is some sort of
34056 aggregate (e.g., a @code{struct}), or for a dynamic varobj, this value
34057 will not be interesting.
34060 The varobj's type. This is a string representation of the type, as
34061 would be printed by the @value{GDBN} CLI. If @samp{print object}
34062 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
34063 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
34064 @emph{declared} one.
34067 If a variable object is bound to a specific thread, then this is the
34068 thread's global identifier.
34071 For a dynamic varobj, this indicates whether there appear to be any
34072 children available. For a non-dynamic varobj, this will be 0.
34075 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
34076 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
34077 then this attribute will not be present.
34080 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
34081 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
34082 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
34085 Typical output will look like this:
34088 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}",
34089 has_more="@var{has_more}"
34093 @subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
34094 @findex -var-delete
34096 @subsubheading Synopsis
34099 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
34102 Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
34103 With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
34105 Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
34108 @subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
34109 @findex -var-set-format
34111 @subsubheading Synopsis
34114 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
34117 Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
34120 @anchor{-var-set-format}
34121 The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
34124 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
34125 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural | zero-hexadecimal@}
34128 The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
34129 based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
34130 for pointers, etc.).
34132 The zero-hexadecimal format has a representation similar to hexadecimal
34133 but with padding zeroes to the left of the value. For example, a 32-bit
34134 hexadecimal value of 0x1234 would be represented as 0x00001234 in the
34135 zero-hexadecimal format.
34137 For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
34138 variable itself, and the children are not affected.
34140 @subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
34141 @findex -var-show-format
34143 @subsubheading Synopsis
34146 -var-show-format @var{name}
34149 Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
34152 @var{format} @expansion{}
34157 @subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
34158 @findex -var-info-num-children
34160 @subsubheading Synopsis
34163 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
34166 Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
34172 Note that this number is not completely reliable for a dynamic varobj.
34173 It will return the current number of children, but more children may
34177 @subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
34178 @findex -var-list-children
34180 @subsubheading Synopsis
34183 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name} [@var{from} @var{to}]
34185 @anchor{-var-list-children}
34187 Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
34188 create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
34189 a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value of 0 or
34190 @code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
34191 @var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
34192 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
34193 value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
34196 @var{from} and @var{to}, if specified, indicate the range of children
34197 to report. If @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is
34198 reset and all children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting
34199 at @var{from} (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be
34202 If a child range is requested, it will only affect the current call to
34203 @code{-var-list-children}, but not future calls to @code{-var-update}.
34204 For this, you must instead use @code{-var-set-update-range}. The
34205 intent of this approach is to enable a front end to implement any
34206 update approach it likes; for example, scrolling a view may cause the
34207 front end to request more children with @code{-var-list-children}, and
34208 then the front end could call @code{-var-set-update-range} with a
34209 different range to ensure that future updates are restricted to just
34212 For each child the following results are returned:
34217 Name of the variable object created for this child.
34220 The expression to be shown to the user by the front end to designate this child.
34221 For example this may be the name of a structure member.
34223 For a dynamic varobj, this value cannot be used to form an
34224 expression. There is no way to do this at all with a dynamic varobj.
34226 For C/C@t{++} structures there are several pseudo children returned to
34227 designate access qualifiers. For these pseudo children @var{exp} is
34228 @samp{public}, @samp{private}, or @samp{protected}. In this case the
34229 type and value are not present.
34231 A dynamic varobj will not report the access qualifying
34232 pseudo-children, regardless of the language. This information is not
34233 available at all with a dynamic varobj.
34236 Number of children this child has. For a dynamic varobj, this will be
34240 The type of the child. If @samp{print object}
34241 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
34242 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
34243 @emph{declared} one.
34246 If values were requested, this is the value.
34249 If this variable object is associated with a thread, this is the
34250 thread's global thread id. Otherwise this result is not present.
34253 If the variable object is frozen, this variable will be present with a value of 1.
34256 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
34257 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
34258 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
34261 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
34262 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
34263 then this attribute will not be present.
34267 The result may have its own attributes:
34271 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
34272 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
34273 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
34276 This is an integer attribute which is nonzero if there are children
34277 remaining after the end of the selected range.
34280 @subsubheading Example
34284 -var-list-children n
34285 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
34286 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
34288 -var-list-children --all-values n
34289 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
34290 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
34294 @subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
34295 @findex -var-info-type
34297 @subsubheading Synopsis
34300 -var-info-type @var{name}
34303 Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
34304 returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
34308 type=@var{typename}
34312 @subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
34313 @findex -var-info-expression
34315 @subsubheading Synopsis
34318 -var-info-expression @var{name}
34321 Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
34322 variable object in user interface. The string is generally
34323 not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
34325 For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
34326 @code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
34329 (gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
34330 ^done,lang="C",exp="1"
34334 Here, the value of @code{lang} is the language name, which can be
34335 found in @ref{Supported Languages}.
34337 Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
34338 includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
34341 @subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
34342 @findex -var-info-path-expression
34344 @subsubheading Synopsis
34347 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
34350 Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
34351 context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
34352 Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
34353 result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
34354 the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
34355 watchpoint from a variable object.
34357 This command is currently not valid for children of a dynamic varobj,
34358 and will give an error when invoked on one.
34360 For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
34361 @code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
34362 @code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
34363 @code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
34364 @code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
34366 (gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
34367 ^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
34370 @subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
34371 @findex -var-show-attributes
34373 @subsubheading Synopsis
34376 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
34379 List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
34382 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
34386 where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
34388 @subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
34389 @findex -var-evaluate-expression
34391 @subsubheading Synopsis
34394 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
34397 Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
34398 object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
34399 can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
34400 this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
34401 (@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
34402 the current display format will be used. The current display format
34403 can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
34409 Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
34410 before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
34412 @subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
34413 @findex -var-assign
34415 @subsubheading Synopsis
34418 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
34421 Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
34422 by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
34423 value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
34424 subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
34426 @subsubheading Example
34434 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
34438 @subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
34439 @findex -var-update
34441 @subsubheading Synopsis
34444 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
34447 Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
34448 @var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
34449 list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
34450 be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
34451 @code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
34452 @code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
34453 object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
34454 for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
34455 @var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
34456 names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
34457 as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
34458 recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
34459 number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
34461 With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
34462 currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
34465 If @code{-var-set-update-range} was previously used on a varobj, then
34466 only the selected range of children will be reported.
34468 @code{-var-update} reports all the changed varobjs in a tuple named
34471 Each item in the change list is itself a tuple holding:
34475 The name of the varobj.
34478 If values were requested for this update, then this field will be
34479 present and will hold the value of the varobj.
34482 @anchor{-var-update}
34483 This field is a string which may take one of three values:
34487 The variable object's current value is valid.
34490 The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
34491 hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
34495 The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
34496 This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
34497 either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
34498 command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
34502 In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
34503 be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
34506 This is only present if the varobj is still valid. If the type
34507 changed, then this will be the string @samp{true}; otherwise it will
34510 When a varobj's type changes, its children are also likely to have
34511 become incorrect. Therefore, the varobj's children are automatically
34512 deleted when this attribute is @samp{true}. Also, the varobj's update
34513 range, when set using the @code{-var-set-update-range} command, is
34517 If the varobj's type changed, then this field will be present and will
34520 @item new_num_children
34521 For a dynamic varobj, if the number of children changed, or if the
34522 type changed, this will be the new number of children.
34524 The @samp{numchild} field in other varobj responses is generally not
34525 valid for a dynamic varobj -- it will show the number of children that
34526 @value{GDBN} knows about, but because dynamic varobjs lazily
34527 instantiate their children, this will not reflect the number of
34528 children which may be available.
34530 The @samp{new_num_children} attribute only reports changes to the
34531 number of children known by @value{GDBN}. This is the only way to
34532 detect whether an update has removed children (which necessarily can
34533 only happen at the end of the update range).
34536 The display hint, if any.
34539 This is an integer value, which will be 1 if there are more children
34540 available outside the varobj's update range.
34543 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
34544 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
34545 then this attribute will not be present.
34548 If new children were added to a dynamic varobj within the selected
34549 update range (as set by @code{-var-set-update-range}), then they will
34550 be listed in this attribute.
34553 @subsubheading Example
34560 -var-update --all-values var1
34561 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
34562 type_changed="false"@}]
34566 @subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
34567 @findex -var-set-frozen
34568 @anchor{-var-set-frozen}
34570 @subsubheading Synopsis
34573 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
34576 Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
34577 @var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
34578 frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
34579 frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
34580 implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
34581 a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
34582 @code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
34583 values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
34584 implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
34585 Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
34586 @code{-var-update} does.
34588 @subsubheading Example
34592 -var-set-frozen V 1
34597 @subheading The @code{-var-set-update-range} command
34598 @findex -var-set-update-range
34599 @anchor{-var-set-update-range}
34601 @subsubheading Synopsis
34604 -var-set-update-range @var{name} @var{from} @var{to}
34607 Set the range of children to be returned by future invocations of
34608 @code{-var-update}.
34610 @var{from} and @var{to} indicate the range of children to report. If
34611 @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is reset and all
34612 children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting at @var{from}
34613 (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be reported.
34615 @subsubheading Example
34619 -var-set-update-range V 1 2
34623 @subheading The @code{-var-set-visualizer} command
34624 @findex -var-set-visualizer
34625 @anchor{-var-set-visualizer}
34627 @subsubheading Synopsis
34630 -var-set-visualizer @var{name} @var{visualizer}
34633 Set a visualizer for the variable object @var{name}.
34635 @var{visualizer} is the visualizer to use. The special value
34636 @samp{None} means to disable any visualizer in use.
34638 If not @samp{None}, @var{visualizer} must be a Python expression.
34639 This expression must evaluate to a callable object which accepts a
34640 single argument. @value{GDBN} will call this object with the value of
34641 the varobj @var{name} as an argument (this is done so that the same
34642 Python pretty-printing code can be used for both the CLI and MI).
34643 When called, this object must return an object which conforms to the
34644 pretty-printing interface (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}).
34646 The pre-defined function @code{gdb.default_visualizer} may be used to
34647 select a visualizer by following the built-in process
34648 (@pxref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}). This is done automatically when
34649 a varobj is created, and so ordinarily is not needed.
34651 This feature is only available if Python support is enabled. The MI
34652 command @code{-list-features} (@pxref{GDB/MI Support Commands})
34653 can be used to check this.
34655 @subsubheading Example
34657 Resetting the visualizer:
34661 -var-set-visualizer V None
34665 Reselecting the default (type-based) visualizer:
34669 -var-set-visualizer V gdb.default_visualizer
34673 Suppose @code{SomeClass} is a visualizer class. A lambda expression
34674 can be used to instantiate this class for a varobj:
34678 -var-set-visualizer V "lambda val: SomeClass()"
34682 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
34683 @node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
34684 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
34686 @cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
34687 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
34688 This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
34689 examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
34691 For details about what an addressable memory unit is,
34692 @pxref{addressable memory unit}.
34694 @c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
34695 @c @subheading -data-assign
34696 @c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
34697 @c @subsubheading GDB Command
34699 @c @subsubheading Example
34702 @subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
34703 @findex -data-disassemble
34705 @subsubheading Synopsis
34709 ( -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr}
34711 | -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] )
34712 [ --opcodes @var{opcodes-mode} ]
34721 @item @var{start-addr}
34722 is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
34723 @item @var{end-addr}
34726 is an address anywhere within (or the name of) the function to
34727 disassemble. If an address is specified, the whole function
34728 surrounding that address will be disassembled. If a name is
34729 specified, the whole function with that name will be disassembled.
34730 @item @var{filename}
34731 is the name of the file to disassemble
34732 @item @var{linenum}
34733 is the line number to disassemble around
34735 is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
34736 the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
34737 specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
34738 @var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
34739 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
34740 displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
34741 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
34743 @item @var{opcodes-mode}
34744 can only be used with @var{mode} 0, and should be one of the following:
34747 no opcode information will be included in the result.
34750 opcodes will be included in the result, the opcodes will be formatted
34751 as for @kbd{disassemble /b}.
34754 opcodes will be included in the result, the opcodes will be formatted
34755 as for @kbd{disassemble /r}.
34758 the use of @var{mode} is deprecated in favour of using the
34759 @code{--opcodes} and @code{--source} options. When no @var{mode} is
34760 given, @var{mode} 0 will be assumed. However, the @var{mode} is still
34761 available for backward compatibility. The @var{mode} should be one of:
34764 @emph{disassembly only}, this is the default mode if no mode is
34768 @emph{mixed source and disassembly (deprecated)}, it is not possible
34769 to recreate this mode using @code{--opcodes} and @code{--source}
34773 @emph{disassembly with raw opcodes}, this mode is equivalent to using
34774 @var{mode} 0 and passing @code{--opcodes bytes} to the command.
34777 @emph{mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes (deprecated)}, it
34778 is not possible to recreate this mode using @code{--opcodes} and
34779 @code{--source} options.
34782 @emph{mixed source and disassembly}, this mode is equivalent to using
34783 @var{mode} 0 and passing @code{--source} to the command.
34786 @emph{mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes}, this mode is
34787 equivalent to using @var{mode} 0 and passing @code{--opcodes bytes}
34788 and @code{--source} to the command.
34790 Modes 1 and 3 are deprecated. The output is ``source centric''
34791 which hasn't proved useful in practice.
34792 @xref{Machine Code}, for a discussion of the difference between
34793 @code{/m} and @code{/s} output of the @code{disassemble} command.
34796 The @code{--source} can only be used with @var{mode} 0. Passing this
34797 option will include the source code in the disassembly result as if
34798 @var{mode} 4 or 5 had been used.
34800 @subsubheading Result
34802 The result of the @code{-data-disassemble} command will be a list named
34803 @samp{asm_insns}, the contents of this list depend on the options used
34804 with the @code{-data-disassemble} command.
34806 For modes 0 and 2, and when the @code{--source} option is not used, the
34807 @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples with the following fields:
34811 The address at which this instruction was disassembled.
34814 The name of the function this instruction is within.
34817 The decimal offset in bytes from the start of @samp{func-name}.
34820 The text disassembly for this @samp{address}.
34823 This field is only present for modes 2, 3 and 5, or when the
34824 @code{--opcodes} option @samp{bytes} or @samp{display} is used. This
34825 contains the raw opcode bytes for the @samp{inst} field.
34827 When the @samp{--opcodes} option is not passed to
34828 @code{-data-disassemble}, or the @samp{bytes} value is passed to
34829 @samp{--opcodes}, then the bytes are formatted as a series of single
34830 bytes, in hex, in ascending address order, with a single space between
34831 each byte. This format is equivalent to the @samp{/b} option being
34832 used with the @kbd{disassemble} command
34833 (@pxref{disassemble,,@kbd{disassemble}}).
34835 When @samp{--opcodes} is passed the value @samp{display} then the bytes
34836 are formatted in the natural instruction display order. This means
34837 multiple bytes can be grouped together, and the bytes might be
34838 byte-swapped. This format is equivalent to the @samp{/r} option being
34839 used with the @kbd{disassemble} command.
34842 For modes 1, 3, 4 and 5, or when the @code{--source} option is used, the
34843 @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples named @samp{src_and_asm_line},
34844 each of which has the following fields:
34848 The line number within @samp{file}.
34851 The file name from the compilation unit. This might be an absolute
34852 file name or a relative file name depending on the compile command
34856 Absolute file name of @samp{file}. It is converted to a canonical form
34857 using the source file search path
34858 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories})
34859 and after resolving all the symbolic links.
34861 If the source file is not found this field will contain the path as
34862 present in the debug information.
34864 @item line_asm_insn
34865 This is a list of tuples containing the disassembly for @samp{line} in
34866 @samp{file}. The fields of each tuple are the same as for
34867 @code{-data-disassemble} in @var{mode} 0 and 2, so @samp{address},
34868 @samp{func-name}, @samp{offset}, @samp{inst}, and optionally
34873 Note that whatever included in the @samp{inst} field, is not
34874 manipulated directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to
34877 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34879 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disassemble}.
34881 @subsubheading Example
34883 Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
34887 -data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
34890 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
34891 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
34892 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
34893 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
34894 @{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
34895 inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
34896 @{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
34897 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
34898 @{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
34899 inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
34903 Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
34907 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
34909 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
34910 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
34911 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
34912 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
34913 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
34914 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
34916 @{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
34917 @{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
34921 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
34925 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
34927 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
34928 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
34929 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
34930 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
34931 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
34932 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
34936 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
34940 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
34942 src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
34943 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
34944 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
34945 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107bc",
34946 func-name="main",offset="0",inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
34947 src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
34948 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
34949 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
34950 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107c0",
34951 func-name="main",offset="4",inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
34952 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
34953 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
34958 @subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
34959 @findex -data-evaluate-expression
34961 @subsubheading Synopsis
34964 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
34967 Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
34968 inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
34969 If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
34971 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34973 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
34974 @samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
34975 @samp{gdb_eval} command.
34977 @subsubheading Example
34979 In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
34980 @dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
34981 Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
34985 211-data-evaluate-expression A
34988 311-data-evaluate-expression &A
34989 311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
34991 411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
34994 511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
35000 @subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
35001 @findex -data-list-changed-registers
35003 @subsubheading Synopsis
35006 -data-list-changed-registers
35009 Display a list of the registers that have changed.
35011 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35013 @value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
35014 has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
35016 @subsubheading Example
35018 On a PPC MBX board:
35026 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
35027 func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
35028 line="5",arch="powerpc"@}
35030 -data-list-changed-registers
35031 ^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
35032 "10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
35033 "24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
35038 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
35039 @findex -data-list-register-names
35041 @subsubheading Synopsis
35044 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
35047 Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
35048 are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
35049 integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
35050 names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
35051 consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
35052 include empty register names.
35054 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35056 @value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
35057 @samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
35058 corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
35060 @subsubheading Example
35062 For the PPC MBX board:
35065 -data-list-register-names
35066 ^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
35067 "r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
35068 "r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
35069 "r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
35070 "f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
35071 "f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
35072 "", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
35074 -data-list-register-names 1 2 3
35075 ^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
35079 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
35080 @findex -data-list-register-values
35082 @subsubheading Synopsis
35085 -data-list-register-values
35086 [ @code{--skip-unavailable} ] @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
35089 Display the registers' contents. The format according to which the
35090 registers' contents are to be returned is given by @var{fmt}, followed
35091 by an optional list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A
35092 missing list of numbers indicates that the contents of all the
35093 registers must be returned. The @code{--skip-unavailable} option
35094 indicates that only the available registers are to be returned.
35096 Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
35113 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35115 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
35116 all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
35118 @subsubheading Example
35120 For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
35121 don't appear in the actual output):
35125 -data-list-register-values r 64 65
35126 ^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
35127 @{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
35129 -data-list-register-values x
35130 ^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
35131 @{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
35132 @{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
35133 @{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
35134 @{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
35135 @{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
35136 @{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
35137 @{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
35138 @{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
35139 @{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
35140 @{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
35141 @{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
35142 @{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
35143 @{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
35144 @{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
35145 @{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
35146 @{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
35147 @{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
35148 @{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
35149 @{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
35150 @{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
35151 @{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
35152 @{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
35153 @{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
35154 @{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
35155 @{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
35156 @{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
35157 @{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
35158 @{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
35159 @{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
35160 @{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
35161 @{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
35162 @{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
35163 @{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
35164 @{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
35165 @{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
35170 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
35171 @findex -data-read-memory
35173 This command is deprecated, use @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} instead.
35175 @subsubheading Synopsis
35178 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
35179 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
35180 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
35187 @item @var{address}
35188 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
35189 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
35190 quoted using the C convention.
35192 @item @var{word-format}
35193 The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
35194 same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
35197 @item @var{word-size}
35198 The size of each memory word in bytes.
35200 @item @var{nr-rows}
35201 The number of rows in the output table.
35203 @item @var{nr-cols}
35204 The number of columns in the output table.
35207 If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
35208 value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
35209 member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
35210 characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
35212 @item @var{byte-offset}
35213 An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
35216 This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
35217 @var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
35218 @code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
35219 (returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
35220 of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
35221 using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
35222 in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
35225 The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
35226 @samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
35229 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35231 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
35232 @samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
35234 @subsubheading Example
35236 Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
35237 @code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
35238 word. Display each word in hex.
35242 9-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
35243 9^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
35244 next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
35245 prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
35246 @{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
35247 @{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
35248 @{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
35252 Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
35253 display as a single word formatted in decimal.
35257 5-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
35258 5^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
35259 next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
35260 next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
35261 @{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
35265 Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
35266 as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
35267 used as the non-printable character.
35271 4-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
35272 4^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
35273 next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
35274 next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
35275 @{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
35276 @{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
35277 @{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
35278 @{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
35279 @{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
35280 @{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
35281 @{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
35282 @{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
35286 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} Command
35287 @findex -data-read-memory-bytes
35289 @subsubheading Synopsis
35292 -data-read-memory-bytes [ -o @var{offset} ]
35293 @var{address} @var{count}
35300 @item @var{address}
35301 An expression specifying the address of the first addressable memory unit
35302 to be read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
35303 quoted using the C convention.
35306 The number of addressable memory units to read. This should be an integer
35310 The offset relative to @var{address} at which to start reading. This
35311 should be an integer literal. This option is provided so that a frontend
35312 is not required to first evaluate address and then perform address
35313 arithmetics itself.
35317 This command attempts to read all accessible memory regions in the
35318 specified range. First, all regions marked as unreadable in the memory
35319 map (if one is defined) will be skipped. @xref{Memory Region
35320 Attributes}. Second, @value{GDBN} will attempt to read the remaining
35321 regions. For each one, if reading full region results in an errors,
35322 @value{GDBN} will try to read a subset of the region.
35324 In general, every single memory unit in the region may be readable or not,
35325 and the only way to read every readable unit is to try a read at
35326 every address, which is not practical. Therefore, @value{GDBN} will
35327 attempt to read all accessible memory units at either beginning or the end
35328 of the region, using a binary division scheme. This heuristic works
35329 well for reading across a memory map boundary. Note that if a region
35330 has a readable range that is neither at the beginning or the end,
35331 @value{GDBN} will not read it.
35333 The result record (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}) that is output of
35334 the command includes a field named @samp{memory} whose content is a
35335 list of tuples. Each tuple represent a successfully read memory block
35336 and has the following fields:
35340 The start address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
35343 The end address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
35346 The offset of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal, relative to
35347 the start address passed to @code{-data-read-memory-bytes}.
35350 The contents of the memory block, in hex.
35356 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35358 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}.
35360 @subsubheading Example
35364 -data-read-memory-bytes &a 10
35365 ^done,memory=[@{begin="0xbffff154",offset="0x00000000",
35367 contents="01000000020000000300"@}]
35372 @subheading The @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} Command
35373 @findex -data-write-memory-bytes
35375 @subsubheading Synopsis
35378 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents}
35379 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents} @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
35386 @item @var{address}
35387 An expression specifying the address of the first addressable memory unit
35388 to be written. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should
35389 be quoted using the C convention.
35391 @item @var{contents}
35392 The hex-encoded data to write. It is an error if @var{contents} does
35393 not represent an integral number of addressable memory units.
35396 Optional argument indicating the number of addressable memory units to be
35397 written. If @var{count} is greater than @var{contents}' length,
35398 @value{GDBN} will repeatedly write @var{contents} until it fills
35399 @var{count} memory units.
35403 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35405 There's no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
35407 @subsubheading Example
35411 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd"
35418 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd" 16e
35423 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
35424 @node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
35425 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
35427 The commands defined in this section implement MI support for
35428 tracepoints. For detailed introduction, see @ref{Tracepoints}.
35430 @subheading The @code{-trace-find} Command
35431 @findex -trace-find
35433 @subsubheading Synopsis
35436 -trace-find @var{mode} [@var{parameters}@dots{}]
35439 Find a trace frame using criteria defined by @var{mode} and
35440 @var{parameters}. The following table lists permissible
35441 modes and their parameters. For details of operation, see @ref{tfind}.
35446 No parameters are required. Stops examining trace frames.
35449 An integer is required as parameter. Selects tracepoint frame with
35452 @item tracepoint-number
35453 An integer is required as parameter. Finds next
35454 trace frame that corresponds to tracepoint with the specified number.
35457 An address is required as parameter. Finds
35458 next trace frame that corresponds to any tracepoint at the specified
35461 @item pc-inside-range
35462 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds next trace
35463 frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address inside the
35464 specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
35466 @item pc-outside-range
35467 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds
35468 next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address outside
35469 the specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
35472 Location specification is required as parameter. @xref{Location Specifications}.
35473 Finds next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at
35474 the specified location.
35478 If @samp{none} was passed as @var{mode}, the response does not
35479 have fields. Otherwise, the response may have the following fields:
35483 This field has either @samp{0} or @samp{1} as the value, depending
35484 on whether a matching tracepoint was found.
35487 The index of the found traceframe. This field is present iff
35488 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
35491 The index of the found tracepoint. This field is present iff
35492 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
35495 The information about the frame corresponding to the found trace
35496 frame. This field is present only if a trace frame was found.
35497 @xref{GDB/MI Frame Information}, for description of this field.
35501 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35503 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tfind}.
35505 @subheading -trace-define-variable
35506 @findex -trace-define-variable
35508 @subsubheading Synopsis
35511 -trace-define-variable @var{name} [ @var{value} ]
35514 Create trace variable @var{name} if it does not exist. If
35515 @var{value} is specified, sets the initial value of the specified
35516 trace variable to that value. Note that the @var{name} should start
35517 with the @samp{$} character.
35519 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35521 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariable}.
35523 @subheading The @code{-trace-frame-collected} Command
35524 @findex -trace-frame-collected
35526 @subsubheading Synopsis
35529 -trace-frame-collected
35530 [--var-print-values @var{var_pval}]
35531 [--comp-print-values @var{comp_pval}]
35532 [--registers-format @var{regformat}]
35533 [--memory-contents]
35536 This command returns the set of collected objects, register names,
35537 trace state variable names, memory ranges and computed expressions
35538 that have been collected at a particular trace frame. The optional
35539 parameters to the command affect the output format in different ways.
35540 See the output description table below for more details.
35542 The reported names can be used in the normal manner to create
35543 varobjs and inspect the objects themselves. The items returned by
35544 this command are categorized so that it is clear which is a variable,
35545 which is a register, which is a trace state variable, which is a
35546 memory range and which is a computed expression.
35548 For instance, if the actions were
35550 collect myVar, myArray[myIndex], myObj.field, myPtr->field, myCount + 2
35551 collect *(int*)0xaf02bef0@@40
35555 the object collected in its entirety would be @code{myVar}. The
35556 object @code{myArray} would be partially collected, because only the
35557 element at index @code{myIndex} would be collected. The remaining
35558 objects would be computed expressions.
35560 An example output would be:
35564 -trace-frame-collected
35566 explicit-variables=[@{name="myVar",value="1"@}],
35567 computed-expressions=[@{name="myArray[myIndex]",value="0"@},
35568 @{name="myObj.field",value="0"@},
35569 @{name="myPtr->field",value="1"@},
35570 @{name="myCount + 2",value="3"@},
35571 @{name="$tvar1 + 1",value="43970027"@}],
35572 registers=[@{number="0",value="0x7fe2c6e79ec8"@},
35573 @{number="1",value="0x0"@},
35574 @{number="2",value="0x4"@},
35576 @{number="125",value="0x0"@}],
35577 tvars=[@{name="$tvar1",current="43970026"@}],
35578 memory=[@{address="0x0000000000602264",length="4"@},
35579 @{address="0x0000000000615bc0",length="4"@}]
35586 @item explicit-variables
35587 The set of objects that have been collected in their entirety (as
35588 opposed to collecting just a few elements of an array or a few struct
35589 members). For each object, its name and value are printed.
35590 The @code{--var-print-values} option affects how or whether the value
35591 field is output. If @var{var_pval} is 0, then print only the names;
35592 if it is 1, print also their values; and if it is 2, print the name,
35593 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for
35594 arrays, structures and unions.
35596 @item computed-expressions
35597 The set of computed expressions that have been collected at the
35598 current trace frame. The @code{--comp-print-values} option affects
35599 this set like the @code{--var-print-values} option affects the
35600 @code{explicit-variables} set. See above.
35603 The registers that have been collected at the current trace frame.
35604 For each register collected, the name and current value are returned.
35605 The value is formatted according to the @code{--registers-format}
35606 option. See the @command{-data-list-register-values} command for a
35607 list of the allowed formats. The default is @samp{x}.
35610 The trace state variables that have been collected at the current
35611 trace frame. For each trace state variable collected, the name and
35612 current value are returned.
35615 The set of memory ranges that have been collected at the current trace
35616 frame. Its content is a list of tuples. Each tuple represents a
35617 collected memory range and has the following fields:
35621 The start address of the memory range, as hexadecimal literal.
35624 The length of the memory range, as decimal literal.
35627 The contents of the memory block, in hex. This field is only present
35628 if the @code{--memory-contents} option is specified.
35634 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35636 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
35638 @subsubheading Example
35640 @subheading -trace-list-variables
35641 @findex -trace-list-variables
35643 @subsubheading Synopsis
35646 -trace-list-variables
35649 Return a table of all defined trace variables. Each element of the
35650 table has the following fields:
35654 The name of the trace variable. This field is always present.
35657 The initial value. This is a 64-bit signed integer. This
35658 field is always present.
35661 The value the trace variable has at the moment. This is a 64-bit
35662 signed integer. This field is absent iff current value is
35663 not defined, for example if the trace was never run, or is
35668 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35670 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariables}.
35672 @subsubheading Example
35676 -trace-list-variables
35677 ^done,trace-variables=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="3",
35678 hdr=[@{width="15",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
35679 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="initial",colhdr="Initial"@},
35680 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr="Current"@}],
35681 body=[variable=@{name="$trace_timestamp",initial="0"@}
35682 variable=@{name="$foo",initial="10",current="15"@}]@}
35686 @subheading -trace-save
35687 @findex -trace-save
35689 @subsubheading Synopsis
35692 -trace-save [ -r ] [ -ctf ] @var{filename}
35695 Saves the collected trace data to @var{filename}. Without the
35696 @samp{-r} option, the data is downloaded from the target and saved
35697 in a local file. With the @samp{-r} option the target is asked
35698 to perform the save.
35700 By default, this command will save the trace in the tfile format. You can
35701 supply the optional @samp{-ctf} argument to save it the CTF format. See
35702 @ref{Trace Files} for more information about CTF.
35704 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35706 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tsave}.
35709 @subheading -trace-start
35710 @findex -trace-start
35712 @subsubheading Synopsis
35718 Starts a tracing experiment. The result of this command does not
35721 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35723 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstart}.
35725 @subheading -trace-status
35726 @findex -trace-status
35728 @subsubheading Synopsis
35734 Obtains the status of a tracing experiment. The result may include
35735 the following fields:
35740 May have a value of either @samp{0}, when no tracing operations are
35741 supported, @samp{1}, when all tracing operations are supported, or
35742 @samp{file} when examining trace file. In the latter case, examining
35743 of trace frame is possible but new tracing experiement cannot be
35744 started. This field is always present.
35747 May have a value of either @samp{0} or @samp{1} depending on whether
35748 tracing experiement is in progress on target. This field is present
35749 if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
35752 Report the reason why the tracing was stopped last time. This field
35753 may be absent iff tracing was never stopped on target yet. The
35754 value of @samp{request} means the tracing was stopped as result of
35755 the @code{-trace-stop} command. The value of @samp{overflow} means
35756 the tracing buffer is full. The value of @samp{disconnection} means
35757 tracing was automatically stopped when @value{GDBN} has disconnected.
35758 The value of @samp{passcount} means tracing was stopped when a
35759 tracepoint was passed a maximal number of times for that tracepoint.
35760 This field is present if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
35762 @item stopping-tracepoint
35763 The number of tracepoint whose passcount as exceeded. This field is
35764 present iff the @samp{stop-reason} field has the value of
35768 @itemx frames-created
35769 The @samp{frames} field is a count of the total number of trace frames
35770 in the trace buffer, while @samp{frames-created} is the total created
35771 during the run, including ones that were discarded, such as when a
35772 circular trace buffer filled up. Both fields are optional.
35776 These fields tell the current size of the tracing buffer and the
35777 remaining space. These fields are optional.
35780 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
35781 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
35782 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
35786 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
35787 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
35788 that the trace run will stop.
35791 The filename of the trace file being examined. This field is
35792 optional, and only present when examining a trace file.
35796 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35798 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstatus}.
35800 @subheading -trace-stop
35801 @findex -trace-stop
35803 @subsubheading Synopsis
35809 Stops a tracing experiment. The result of this command has the same
35810 fields as @code{-trace-status}, except that the @samp{supported} and
35811 @samp{running} fields are not output.
35813 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35815 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstop}.
35818 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
35819 @node GDB/MI Symbol Query
35820 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
35824 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
35825 @findex -symbol-info-address
35827 @subsubheading Synopsis
35830 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
35833 Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
35835 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35837 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
35839 @subsubheading Example
35843 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
35844 @findex -symbol-info-file
35846 @subsubheading Synopsis
35852 Show the file for the symbol.
35854 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35856 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
35857 @samp{gdb_find_file}.
35859 @subsubheading Example
35863 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-functions} Command
35864 @findex -symbol-info-functions
35865 @anchor{-symbol-info-functions}
35867 @subsubheading Synopsis
35870 -symbol-info-functions [--include-nondebug]
35871 [--type @var{type_regexp}]
35872 [--name @var{name_regexp}]
35873 [--max-results @var{limit}]
35877 Return a list containing the names and types for all global functions
35878 taken from the debug information. The functions are grouped by source
35879 file, and shown with the line number on which each function is
35882 The @code{--include-nondebug} option causes the output to include
35883 code symbols from the symbol table.
35885 The options @code{--type} and @code{--name} allow the symbols returned
35886 to be filtered based on either the name of the function, or the type
35887 signature of the function.
35889 The option @code{--max-results} restricts the command to return no
35890 more than @var{limit} results. If exactly @var{limit} results are
35891 returned then there might be additional results available if a higher
35894 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35896 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info functions}.
35898 @subsubheading Example
35902 -symbol-info-functions
35905 [@{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-1.c",
35906 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-1.c",
35907 symbols=[@{line="36", name="f4", type="void (int *)",
35908 description="void f4(int *);"@},
35909 @{line="42", name="main", type="int ()",
35910 description="int main();"@},
35911 @{line="30", name="f1", type="my_int_t (int, int)",
35912 description="static my_int_t f1(int, int);"@}]@},
35913 @{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-2.c",
35914 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-2.c",
35915 symbols=[@{line="33", name="f2", type="float (another_float_t)",
35916 description="float f2(another_float_t);"@},
35917 @{line="39", name="f3", type="int (another_int_t)",
35918 description="int f3(another_int_t);"@},
35919 @{line="27", name="f1", type="another_float_t (int)",
35920 description="static another_float_t f1(int);"@}]@}]@}
35924 -symbol-info-functions --name f1
35927 [@{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-1.c",
35928 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-1.c",
35929 symbols=[@{line="30", name="f1", type="my_int_t (int, int)",
35930 description="static my_int_t f1(int, int);"@}]@},
35931 @{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-2.c",
35932 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-2.c",
35933 symbols=[@{line="27", name="f1", type="another_float_t (int)",
35934 description="static another_float_t f1(int);"@}]@}]@}
35938 -symbol-info-functions --type void
35941 [@{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-1.c",
35942 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-1.c",
35943 symbols=[@{line="36", name="f4", type="void (int *)",
35944 description="void f4(int *);"@}]@}]@}
35948 -symbol-info-functions --include-nondebug
35951 [@{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-1.c",
35952 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-1.c",
35953 symbols=[@{line="36", name="f4", type="void (int *)",
35954 description="void f4(int *);"@},
35955 @{line="42", name="main", type="int ()",
35956 description="int main();"@},
35957 @{line="30", name="f1", type="my_int_t (int, int)",
35958 description="static my_int_t f1(int, int);"@}]@},
35959 @{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-2.c",
35960 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-2.c",
35961 symbols=[@{line="33", name="f2", type="float (another_float_t)",
35962 description="float f2(another_float_t);"@},
35963 @{line="39", name="f3", type="int (another_int_t)",
35964 description="int f3(another_int_t);"@},
35965 @{line="27", name="f1", type="another_float_t (int)",
35966 description="static another_float_t f1(int);"@}]@}],
35968 [@{address="0x0000000000400398",name="_init"@},
35969 @{address="0x00000000004003b0",name="_start"@},
35975 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-module-functions} Command
35976 @findex -symbol-info-module-functions
35977 @anchor{-symbol-info-module-functions}
35979 @subsubheading Synopsis
35982 -symbol-info-module-functions [--module @var{module_regexp}]
35983 [--name @var{name_regexp}]
35984 [--type @var{type_regexp}]
35988 Return a list containing the names of all known functions within all
35989 know Fortran modules. The functions are grouped by source file and
35990 containing module, and shown with the line number on which each
35991 function is defined.
35993 The option @code{--module} only returns results for modules matching
35994 @var{module_regexp}. The option @code{--name} only returns functions
35995 whose name matches @var{name_regexp}, and @code{--type} only returns
35996 functions whose type matches @var{type_regexp}.
35998 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
36000 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info module functions}.
36002 @subsubheading Example
36007 -symbol-info-module-functions
36010 files=[@{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules-2.f90",
36011 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules-2.f90",
36012 symbols=[@{line="21",name="mod1::check_all",type="void (void)",
36013 description="void mod1::check_all(void);"@}]@}]@},
36015 files=[@{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules-2.f90",
36016 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules-2.f90",
36017 symbols=[@{line="30",name="mod2::check_var_i",type="void (void)",
36018 description="void mod2::check_var_i(void);"@}]@}]@},
36020 files=[@{filename="/projec/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules.f90",
36021 fullname="/projec/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules.f90",
36022 symbols=[@{line="21",name="mod3::check_all",type="void (void)",
36023 description="void mod3::check_all(void);"@},
36024 @{line="27",name="mod3::check_mod2",type="void (void)",
36025 description="void mod3::check_mod2(void);"@}]@}]@},
36026 @{module="modmany",
36027 files=[@{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules.f90",
36028 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules.f90",
36029 symbols=[@{line="35",name="modmany::check_some",type="void (void)",
36030 description="void modmany::check_some(void);"@}]@}]@},
36032 files=[@{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules.f90",
36033 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules.f90",
36034 symbols=[@{line="44",name="moduse::check_all",type="void (void)",
36035 description="void moduse::check_all(void);"@},
36036 @{line="49",name="moduse::check_var_x",type="void (void)",
36037 description="void moduse::check_var_x(void);"@}]@}]@}]
36041 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-module-variables} Command
36042 @findex -symbol-info-module-variables
36043 @anchor{-symbol-info-module-variables}
36045 @subsubheading Synopsis
36048 -symbol-info-module-variables [--module @var{module_regexp}]
36049 [--name @var{name_regexp}]
36050 [--type @var{type_regexp}]
36054 Return a list containing the names of all known variables within all
36055 know Fortran modules. The variables are grouped by source file and
36056 containing module, and shown with the line number on which each
36057 variable is defined.
36059 The option @code{--module} only returns results for modules matching
36060 @var{module_regexp}. The option @code{--name} only returns variables
36061 whose name matches @var{name_regexp}, and @code{--type} only returns
36062 variables whose type matches @var{type_regexp}.
36064 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
36066 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info module variables}.
36068 @subsubheading Example
36073 -symbol-info-module-variables
36076 files=[@{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules-2.f90",
36077 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules-2.f90",
36078 symbols=[@{line="18",name="mod1::var_const",type="integer(kind=4)",
36079 description="integer(kind=4) mod1::var_const;"@},
36080 @{line="17",name="mod1::var_i",type="integer(kind=4)",
36081 description="integer(kind=4) mod1::var_i;"@}]@}]@},
36083 files=[@{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules-2.f90",
36084 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules-2.f90",
36085 symbols=[@{line="28",name="mod2::var_i",type="integer(kind=4)",
36086 description="integer(kind=4) mod2::var_i;"@}]@}]@},
36088 files=[@{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules.f90",
36089 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules.f90",
36090 symbols=[@{line="18",name="mod3::mod1",type="integer(kind=4)",
36091 description="integer(kind=4) mod3::mod1;"@},
36092 @{line="17",name="mod3::mod2",type="integer(kind=4)",
36093 description="integer(kind=4) mod3::mod2;"@},
36094 @{line="19",name="mod3::var_i",type="integer(kind=4)",
36095 description="integer(kind=4) mod3::var_i;"@}]@}]@},
36096 @{module="modmany",
36097 files=[@{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules.f90",
36098 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules.f90",
36099 symbols=[@{line="33",name="modmany::var_a",type="integer(kind=4)",
36100 description="integer(kind=4) modmany::var_a;"@},
36101 @{line="33",name="modmany::var_b",type="integer(kind=4)",
36102 description="integer(kind=4) modmany::var_b;"@},
36103 @{line="33",name="modmany::var_c",type="integer(kind=4)",
36104 description="integer(kind=4) modmany::var_c;"@},
36105 @{line="33",name="modmany::var_i",type="integer(kind=4)",
36106 description="integer(kind=4) modmany::var_i;"@}]@}]@},
36108 files=[@{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules.f90",
36109 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules.f90",
36110 symbols=[@{line="42",name="moduse::var_x",type="integer(kind=4)",
36111 description="integer(kind=4) moduse::var_x;"@},
36112 @{line="42",name="moduse::var_y",type="integer(kind=4)",
36113 description="integer(kind=4) moduse::var_y;"@}]@}]@}]
36117 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-modules} Command
36118 @findex -symbol-info-modules
36119 @anchor{-symbol-info-modules}
36121 @subsubheading Synopsis
36124 -symbol-info-modules [--name @var{name_regexp}]
36125 [--max-results @var{limit}]
36130 Return a list containing the names of all known Fortran modules. The
36131 modules are grouped by source file, and shown with the line number on
36132 which each modules is defined.
36134 The option @code{--name} allows the modules returned to be filtered
36135 based the name of the module.
36137 The option @code{--max-results} restricts the command to return no
36138 more than @var{limit} results. If exactly @var{limit} results are
36139 returned then there might be additional results available if a higher
36142 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
36144 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info modules}.
36146 @subsubheading Example
36150 -symbol-info-modules
36153 [@{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules-2.f90",
36154 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules-2.f90",
36155 symbols=[@{line="16",name="mod1"@},
36156 @{line="22",name="mod2"@}]@},
36157 @{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules.f90",
36158 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules.f90",
36159 symbols=[@{line="16",name="mod3"@},
36160 @{line="22",name="modmany"@},
36161 @{line="26",name="moduse"@}]@}]@}
36165 -symbol-info-modules --name mod[123]
36168 [@{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules-2.f90",
36169 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules-2.f90",
36170 symbols=[@{line="16",name="mod1"@},
36171 @{line="22",name="mod2"@}]@},
36172 @{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules.f90",
36173 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-fortran-modules.f90",
36174 symbols=[@{line="16",name="mod3"@}]@}]@}
36178 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-types} Command
36179 @findex -symbol-info-types
36180 @anchor{-symbol-info-types}
36182 @subsubheading Synopsis
36185 -symbol-info-types [--name @var{name_regexp}]
36186 [--max-results @var{limit}]
36191 Return a list of all defined types. The types are grouped by source
36192 file, and shown with the line number on which each user defined type
36193 is defined. Some base types are not defined in the source code but
36194 are added to the debug information by the compiler, for example
36195 @code{int}, @code{float}, etc.; these types do not have an associated
36198 The option @code{--name} allows the list of types returned to be
36201 The option @code{--max-results} restricts the command to return no
36202 more than @var{limit} results. If exactly @var{limit} results are
36203 returned then there might be additional results available if a higher
36206 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
36208 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info types}.
36210 @subsubheading Example
36217 [@{filename="gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-1.c",
36218 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-1.c",
36219 symbols=[@{name="float"@},
36221 @{line="27",name="typedef int my_int_t;"@}]@},
36222 @{filename="gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-2.c",
36223 fullname="/project/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-2.c",
36224 symbols=[@{line="24",name="typedef float another_float_t;"@},
36225 @{line="23",name="typedef int another_int_t;"@},
36227 @{name="int"@}]@}]@}
36231 -symbol-info-types --name _int_
36234 [@{filename="gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-1.c",
36235 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-1.c",
36236 symbols=[@{line="27",name="typedef int my_int_t;"@}]@},
36237 @{filename="gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-2.c",
36238 fullname="/project/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-2.c",
36239 symbols=[@{line="23",name="typedef int another_int_t;"@}]@}]@}
36243 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-variables} Command
36244 @findex -symbol-info-variables
36245 @anchor{-symbol-info-variables}
36247 @subsubheading Synopsis
36250 -symbol-info-variables [--include-nondebug]
36251 [--type @var{type_regexp}]
36252 [--name @var{name_regexp}]
36253 [--max-results @var{limit}]
36258 Return a list containing the names and types for all global variables
36259 taken from the debug information. The variables are grouped by source
36260 file, and shown with the line number on which each variable is
36263 The @code{--include-nondebug} option causes the output to include
36264 data symbols from the symbol table.
36266 The options @code{--type} and @code{--name} allow the symbols returned
36267 to be filtered based on either the name of the variable, or the type
36270 The option @code{--max-results} restricts the command to return no
36271 more than @var{limit} results. If exactly @var{limit} results are
36272 returned then there might be additional results available if a higher
36275 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
36277 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info variables}.
36279 @subsubheading Example
36283 -symbol-info-variables
36286 [@{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-1.c",
36287 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-1.c",
36288 symbols=[@{line="25",name="global_f1",type="float",
36289 description="static float global_f1;"@},
36290 @{line="24",name="global_i1",type="int",
36291 description="static int global_i1;"@}]@},
36292 @{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-2.c",
36293 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-2.c",
36294 symbols=[@{line="21",name="global_f2",type="int",
36295 description="int global_f2;"@},
36296 @{line="20",name="global_i2",type="int",
36297 description="int global_i2;"@},
36298 @{line="19",name="global_f1",type="float",
36299 description="static float global_f1;"@},
36300 @{line="18",name="global_i1",type="int",
36301 description="static int global_i1;"@}]@}]@}
36305 -symbol-info-variables --name f1
36308 [@{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-1.c",
36309 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-1.c",
36310 symbols=[@{line="25",name="global_f1",type="float",
36311 description="static float global_f1;"@}]@},
36312 @{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-2.c",
36313 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-2.c",
36314 symbols=[@{line="19",name="global_f1",type="float",
36315 description="static float global_f1;"@}]@}]@}
36319 -symbol-info-variables --type float
36322 [@{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-1.c",
36323 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-1.c",
36324 symbols=[@{line="25",name="global_f1",type="float",
36325 description="static float global_f1;"@}]@},
36326 @{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-2.c",
36327 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-2.c",
36328 symbols=[@{line="19",name="global_f1",type="float",
36329 description="static float global_f1;"@}]@}]@}
36333 -symbol-info-variables --include-nondebug
36336 [@{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-1.c",
36337 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-1.c",
36338 symbols=[@{line="25",name="global_f1",type="float",
36339 description="static float global_f1;"@},
36340 @{line="24",name="global_i1",type="int",
36341 description="static int global_i1;"@}]@},
36342 @{filename="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-2.c",
36343 fullname="/project/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/mi-sym-info-2.c",
36344 symbols=[@{line="21",name="global_f2",type="int",
36345 description="int global_f2;"@},
36346 @{line="20",name="global_i2",type="int",
36347 description="int global_i2;"@},
36348 @{line="19",name="global_f1",type="float",
36349 description="static float global_f1;"@},
36350 @{line="18",name="global_i1",type="int",
36351 description="static int global_i1;"@}]@}],
36353 [@{address="0x00000000004005d0",name="_IO_stdin_used"@},
36354 @{address="0x00000000004005d8",name="__dso_handle"@}
36361 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
36362 @findex -symbol-info-line
36364 @subsubheading Synopsis
36370 Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
36372 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
36374 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
36375 @code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
36377 @subsubheading Example
36381 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
36382 @findex -symbol-info-symbol
36384 @subsubheading Synopsis
36387 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
36390 Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
36392 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
36394 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
36396 @subsubheading Example
36400 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
36401 @findex -symbol-list-functions
36403 @subsubheading Synopsis
36406 -symbol-list-functions
36409 List the functions in the executable.
36411 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
36413 @samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
36414 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
36416 @subsubheading Example
36421 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
36422 @findex -symbol-list-lines
36424 @subsubheading Synopsis
36427 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
36430 Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
36431 addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
36432 ascending PC order.
36434 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
36436 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
36438 @subsubheading Example
36441 -symbol-list-lines basics.c
36442 ^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
36448 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
36449 @findex -symbol-list-types
36451 @subsubheading Synopsis
36457 List all the type names.
36459 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
36461 The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
36462 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
36464 @subsubheading Example
36468 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
36469 @findex -symbol-list-variables
36471 @subsubheading Synopsis
36474 -symbol-list-variables
36477 List all the global and static variable names.
36479 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
36481 @samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
36483 @subsubheading Example
36487 @subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
36488 @findex -symbol-locate
36490 @subsubheading Synopsis
36496 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
36498 @samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
36500 @subsubheading Example
36504 @subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
36505 @findex -symbol-type
36507 @subsubheading Synopsis
36510 -symbol-type @var{variable}
36513 Show type of @var{variable}.
36515 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
36517 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
36518 @samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
36520 @subsubheading Example
36525 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
36526 @node GDB/MI File Commands
36527 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
36529 This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
36530 and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
36532 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
36533 @findex -file-exec-and-symbols
36535 @subsubheading Synopsis
36538 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
36541 Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
36542 which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
36543 command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
36544 are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
36545 error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
36548 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
36550 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
36552 @subsubheading Example
36556 -file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
36562 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
36563 @findex -file-exec-file
36565 @subsubheading Synopsis
36568 -file-exec-file @var{file}
36571 Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
36572 @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
36573 from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
36574 about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
36577 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
36579 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
36581 @subsubheading Example
36585 -file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
36592 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
36593 @findex -file-list-exec-sections
36595 @subsubheading Synopsis
36598 -file-list-exec-sections
36601 List the sections of the current executable file.
36603 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
36605 The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
36606 information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
36607 @samp{gdb_load_info}.
36609 @subsubheading Example
36614 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
36615 @findex -file-list-exec-source-file
36617 @subsubheading Synopsis
36620 -file-list-exec-source-file
36623 List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
36624 to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
36625 information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
36626 whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
36628 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
36630 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
36632 @subsubheading Example
36636 123-file-list-exec-source-file
36637 123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
36642 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
36643 @kindex info sources
36644 @findex -file-list-exec-source-files
36646 @subsubheading Synopsis
36649 -file-list-exec-source-files @r{[} @var{--group-by-objfile} @r{]}
36650 @r{[} @var{--dirname} @r{|} @var{--basename} @r{]}
36652 @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
36655 This command returns information about the source files @value{GDBN}
36656 knows about, it will output both the filename and fullname (absolute
36657 file name) of a source file, though the fullname can be elided if this
36658 information is not known to @value{GDBN}.
36660 With no arguments this command returns a list of source files. Each
36661 source file is represented by a tuple with the fields; @var{file},
36662 @var{fullname}, and @var{debug-fully-read}. The @var{file} is the
36663 display name for the file, while @var{fullname} is the absolute name
36664 of the file. The @var{fullname} field can be elided if the absolute
36665 name of the source file can't be computed. The field
36666 @var{debug-fully-read} will be a string, either @code{true} or
36667 @code{false}. When @code{true}, this indicates the full debug
36668 information for the compilation unit describing this file has been
36669 read in. When @code{false}, the full debug information has not yet
36670 been read in. While reading in the full debug information it is
36671 possible that @value{GDBN} could become aware of additional source
36674 The optional @var{regexp} can be used to filter the list of source
36675 files returned. The @var{regexp} will be matched against the full
36676 source file name. The matching is case-sensitive, except on operating
36677 systems that have case-insensitive filesystem (e.g.,
36678 MS-Windows). @samp{--} can be used before @var{regexp} to prevent
36679 @value{GDBN} interpreting @var{regexp} as a command option (e.g.@: if
36680 @var{regexp} starts with @samp{-}).
36682 If @code{--dirname} is provided, then @var{regexp} is matched only
36683 against the directory name of each source file. If @code{--basename}
36684 is provided, then @var{regexp} is matched against the basename of each
36685 source file. Only one of @code{--dirname} or @code{--basename} may be
36686 given, and if either is given then @var{regexp} is required.
36688 If @code{--group-by-objfile} is used then the format of the results is
36689 changed. The results will now be a list of tuples, with each tuple
36690 representing an object file (executable or shared library) loaded into
36691 @value{GDBN}. The fields of these tuples are; @var{filename},
36692 @var{debug-info}, and @var{sources}. The @var{filename} is the
36693 absolute name of the object file, @var{debug-info} is a string with
36694 one of the following values:
36698 This object file has no debug information.
36699 @item partially-read
36700 This object file has debug information, but it is not fully read in
36701 yet. When it is read in later, GDB might become aware of additional
36704 This object file has debug information, and this information is fully
36705 read into GDB. The list of source files is complete.
36708 The @var{sources} is a list or tuples, with each tuple describing a
36709 single source file with the same fields as described previously. The
36710 @var{sources} list can be empty for object files that have no debug
36713 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
36715 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
36716 @code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
36718 @subsubheading Example
36721 -file-list-exec-source-files
36722 ^done,files=[@{file="foo.c",fullname="/home/foo.c",debug-fully-read="true"@},
36723 @{file="/home/bar.c",fullname="/home/bar.c",debug-fully-read="true"@},
36724 @{file="gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c",debug-fully-read="true"@}]
36726 -file-list-exec-source-files
36727 ^done,files=[@{file="test.c",
36728 fullname="/tmp/info-sources/test.c",
36729 debug-fully-read="true"@},
36730 @{file="/usr/include/stdc-predef.h",
36731 fullname="/usr/include/stdc-predef.h",
36732 debug-fully-read="true"@},
36734 fullname="/tmp/info-sources/header.h",
36735 debug-fully-read="true"@},
36737 fullname="/tmp/info-sources/helper.c",
36738 debug-fully-read="true"@}]
36740 -file-list-exec-source-files -- \\.c
36741 ^done,files=[@{file="test.c",
36742 fullname="/tmp/info-sources/test.c",
36743 debug-fully-read="true"@},
36745 fullname="/tmp/info-sources/helper.c",
36746 debug-fully-read="true"@}]
36748 -file-list-exec-source-files --group-by-objfile
36749 ^done,files=[@{filename="/tmp/info-sources/test.x",
36750 debug-info="fully-read",
36751 sources=[@{file="test.c",
36752 fullname="/tmp/info-sources/test.c",
36753 debug-fully-read="true"@},
36754 @{file="/usr/include/stdc-predef.h",
36755 fullname="/usr/include/stdc-predef.h",
36756 debug-fully-read="true"@},
36758 fullname="/tmp/info-sources/header.h",
36759 debug-fully-read="true"@}]@},
36760 @{filename="/lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2",
36763 @{filename="system-supplied DSO at 0x7ffff7fcf000",
36766 @{filename="/tmp/info-sources/libhelper.so",
36767 debug-info="fully-read",
36768 sources=[@{file="helper.c",
36769 fullname="/tmp/info-sources/helper.c",
36770 debug-fully-read="true"@},
36771 @{file="/usr/include/stdc-predef.h",
36772 fullname="/usr/include/stdc-predef.h",
36773 debug-fully-read="true"@},
36775 fullname="/tmp/info-sources/header.h",
36776 debug-fully-read="true"@}]@},
36777 @{filename="/lib64/libc.so.6",
36782 @subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
36783 @findex -file-list-shared-libraries
36785 @subsubheading Synopsis
36788 -file-list-shared-libraries [ @var{regexp} ]
36791 List the shared libraries in the program.
36792 With a regular expression @var{regexp}, only those libraries whose
36793 names match @var{regexp} are listed.
36795 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
36797 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}. The fields
36798 have a similar meaning to the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
36799 The @code{ranges} field specifies the multiple segments belonging to this
36800 library. Each range has the following fields:
36804 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the segment.
36806 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the segment.
36809 @subsubheading Example
36812 -file-list-exec-source-files
36813 ^done,shared-libraries=[
36814 @{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"@}]@},
36815 @{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"@}]@}]
36821 @subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
36822 @findex -file-list-symbol-files
36824 @subsubheading Synopsis
36827 -file-list-symbol-files
36832 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
36834 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
36836 @subsubheading Example
36841 @subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
36842 @findex -file-symbol-file
36844 @subsubheading Synopsis
36847 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
36850 Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
36851 used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
36852 produced, except for a completion notification.
36854 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
36856 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
36858 @subsubheading Example
36862 -file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
36868 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
36869 @node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
36870 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
36872 The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
36874 @c @subheading -overlay-auto
36876 @c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
36878 @c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
36880 @c @subheading -overlay-map
36882 @c @subheading -overlay-off
36884 @c @subheading -overlay-on
36886 @c @subheading -overlay-unmap
36888 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
36889 @node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
36890 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
36892 Signal handling commands are not implemented.
36894 @c @subheading -signal-handle
36896 @c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
36898 @c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
36902 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
36903 @node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
36904 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
36907 @subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
36908 @findex -target-attach
36910 @subsubheading Synopsis
36913 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
36916 Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
36917 @value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
36918 group, the id previously returned by
36919 @samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
36921 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
36923 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
36925 @subsubheading Example
36929 =thread-created,id="1"
36930 *stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
36936 @subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
36937 @findex -target-compare-sections
36939 @subsubheading Synopsis
36942 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
36945 Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
36946 Without the argument, all sections are compared.
36948 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
36950 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
36952 @subsubheading Example
36957 @subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
36958 @findex -target-detach
36960 @subsubheading Synopsis
36963 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
36966 Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
36967 If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
36968 the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
36970 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
36972 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
36974 @subsubheading Example
36984 @subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
36985 @findex -target-disconnect
36987 @subsubheading Synopsis
36993 Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
36994 generally not resumed.
36996 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
36998 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
37000 @subsubheading Example
37010 @subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
37011 @findex -target-download
37013 @subsubheading Synopsis
37019 Loads the executable onto the remote target.
37020 It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
37024 The name of the section.
37026 The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
37028 The size of the section.
37030 The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
37032 The size of the overall executable to download.
37036 Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
37037 @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
37039 In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
37040 downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
37044 The name of the section.
37046 The size of the section.
37048 The size of the overall executable to download.
37052 At the end, a summary is printed.
37054 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
37056 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
37058 @subsubheading Example
37060 Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
37061 have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
37066 +download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
37067 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
37068 total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
37069 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
37070 total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
37071 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
37072 total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
37073 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
37074 total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
37075 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
37076 total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
37077 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
37078 total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
37079 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
37080 total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
37081 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
37082 total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
37083 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
37084 total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
37085 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
37086 total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
37087 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
37088 total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
37089 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
37090 total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
37091 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
37092 total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
37093 +download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
37094 +download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
37095 +download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
37096 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
37097 total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
37098 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
37099 total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
37100 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
37101 total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
37102 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
37103 total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
37104 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
37105 total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
37106 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
37107 total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
37108 ^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
37115 @subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
37116 @findex -target-exec-status
37118 @subsubheading Synopsis
37121 -target-exec-status
37124 Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
37125 not, for instance).
37127 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
37129 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
37131 @subsubheading Example
37135 @subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
37136 @findex -target-list-available-targets
37138 @subsubheading Synopsis
37141 -target-list-available-targets
37144 List the possible targets to connect to.
37146 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
37148 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
37150 @subsubheading Example
37154 @subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
37155 @findex -target-list-current-targets
37157 @subsubheading Synopsis
37160 -target-list-current-targets
37163 Describe the current target.
37165 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
37167 The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
37170 @subsubheading Example
37174 @subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
37175 @findex -target-list-parameters
37177 @subsubheading Synopsis
37180 -target-list-parameters
37186 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
37190 @subsubheading Example
37193 @subheading The @code{-target-flash-erase} Command
37194 @findex -target-flash-erase
37196 @subsubheading Synopsis
37199 -target-flash-erase
37202 Erases all known flash memory regions on the target.
37204 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{flash-erase}.
37206 The output is a list of flash regions that have been erased, with starting
37207 addresses and memory region sizes.
37211 -target-flash-erase
37212 ^done,erased-regions=@{address="0x0",size="0x40000"@}
37216 @subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
37217 @findex -target-select
37219 @subsubheading Synopsis
37222 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
37225 Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
37229 The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
37230 @item @var{parameters}
37231 Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
37232 Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
37235 The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
37236 which the target program is, in the following form:
37239 ^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
37240 args=[@var{arg list}]
37243 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
37245 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
37247 @subsubheading Example
37251 -target-select remote /dev/ttya
37252 ^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
37256 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
37257 @node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
37258 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
37261 @subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
37262 @findex -target-file-put
37264 @subsubheading Synopsis
37267 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
37270 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
37271 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
37273 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
37275 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
37277 @subsubheading Example
37281 -target-file-put localfile remotefile
37287 @subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
37288 @findex -target-file-get
37290 @subsubheading Synopsis
37293 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
37296 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
37297 on the host system.
37299 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
37301 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
37303 @subsubheading Example
37307 -target-file-get remotefile localfile
37313 @subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
37314 @findex -target-file-delete
37316 @subsubheading Synopsis
37319 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
37322 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
37324 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
37326 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
37328 @subsubheading Example
37332 -target-file-delete remotefile
37338 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
37339 @node GDB/MI Ada Exceptions Commands
37340 @section Ada Exceptions @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
37342 @subheading The @code{-info-ada-exceptions} Command
37343 @findex -info-ada-exceptions
37345 @subsubheading Synopsis
37348 -info-ada-exceptions [ @var{regexp}]
37351 List all Ada exceptions defined within the program being debugged.
37352 With a regular expression @var{regexp}, only those exceptions whose
37353 names match @var{regexp} are listed.
37355 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
37357 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info exceptions}.
37359 @subsubheading Result
37361 The result is a table of Ada exceptions. The following columns are
37362 defined for each exception:
37366 The name of the exception.
37369 The address of the exception.
37373 @subsubheading Example
37376 -info-ada-exceptions aint
37377 ^done,ada-exceptions=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="2",
37378 hdr=[@{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
37379 @{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="address",colhdr="Address"@}],
37380 body=[@{name="constraint_error",address="0x0000000000613da0"@},
37381 @{name="const.aint_global_e",address="0x0000000000613b00"@}]@}
37384 @subheading Catching Ada Exceptions
37386 The commands describing how to ask @value{GDBN} to stop when a program
37387 raises an exception are described at @ref{Ada Exception GDB/MI
37388 Catchpoint Commands}.
37391 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
37392 @node GDB/MI Support Commands
37393 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Support Commands
37395 Since new commands and features get regularly added to @sc{gdb/mi},
37396 some commands are available to help front-ends query the debugger
37397 about support for these capabilities. Similarly, it is also possible
37398 to query @value{GDBN} about target support of certain features.
37400 @subheading The @code{-info-gdb-mi-command} Command
37401 @cindex @code{-info-gdb-mi-command}
37402 @findex -info-gdb-mi-command
37404 @subsubheading Synopsis
37407 -info-gdb-mi-command @var{cmd_name}
37410 Query support for the @sc{gdb/mi} command named @var{cmd_name}.
37412 Note that the dash (@code{-}) starting all @sc{gdb/mi} commands
37413 is technically not part of the command name (@pxref{GDB/MI Input
37414 Syntax}), and thus should be omitted in @var{cmd_name}. However,
37415 for ease of use, this command also accepts the form with the leading
37418 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
37420 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
37422 @subsubheading Result
37424 The result is a tuple. There is currently only one field:
37428 This field is equal to @code{"true"} if the @sc{gdb/mi} command exists,
37429 @code{"false"} otherwise.
37433 @subsubheading Example
37435 Here is an example where the @sc{gdb/mi} command does not exist:
37438 -info-gdb-mi-command unsupported-command
37439 ^done,command=@{exists="false"@}
37443 And here is an example where the @sc{gdb/mi} command is known
37447 -info-gdb-mi-command symbol-list-lines
37448 ^done,command=@{exists="true"@}
37451 @subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
37452 @findex -list-features
37453 @cindex supported @sc{gdb/mi} features, list
37455 Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
37456 this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
37457 or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
37458 important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
37459 of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
37462 The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
37463 available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
37464 have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
37470 (gdb) -list-features
37471 ^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
37474 The current list of features is:
37477 @item frozen-varobjs
37478 Indicates support for the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
37479 as possible presence of the @code{frozen} field in the output
37480 of @code{-varobj-create}.
37481 @item pending-breakpoints
37482 Indicates support for the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert}
37485 Indicates Python scripting support, Python-based
37486 pretty-printing commands, and possible presence of the
37487 @samp{display_hint} field in the output of @code{-var-list-children}
37489 Indicates support for the @code{-thread-info} command.
37490 @item data-read-memory-bytes
37491 Indicates support for the @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} and the
37492 @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} commands.
37493 @item breakpoint-notifications
37494 Indicates that changes to breakpoints and breakpoints created via the
37495 CLI will be announced via async records.
37496 @item ada-task-info
37497 Indicates support for the @code{-ada-task-info} command.
37498 @item language-option
37499 Indicates that all @sc{gdb/mi} commands accept the @option{--language}
37500 option (@pxref{Context management}).
37501 @item info-gdb-mi-command
37502 Indicates support for the @code{-info-gdb-mi-command} command.
37503 @item undefined-command-error-code
37504 Indicates support for the "undefined-command" error code in error result
37505 records, produced when trying to execute an undefined @sc{gdb/mi} command
37506 (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}).
37507 @item exec-run-start-option
37508 Indicates that the @code{-exec-run} command supports the @option{--start}
37509 option (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}).
37510 @item data-disassemble-a-option
37511 Indicates that the @code{-data-disassemble} command supports the @option{-a}
37512 option (@pxref{GDB/MI Data Manipulation}).
37515 @subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
37516 @findex -list-target-features
37518 Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
37519 target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
37520 unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
37521 features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
37522 a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
37523 @code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
37524 may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
37528 (gdb) -list-target-features
37529 ^done,result=["async"]
37532 The current list of features is:
37536 Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
37537 execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
37538 while the target is running.
37541 Indicates that the target is capable of reverse execution.
37542 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
37546 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
37547 @node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
37548 @section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
37550 @c @subheading -gdb-complete
37552 @subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
37555 @subsubheading Synopsis
37561 Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
37563 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
37565 Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
37567 @subsubheading Example
37577 @subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
37578 @findex -exec-abort
37580 @subsubheading Synopsis
37586 Kill the inferior running program.
37588 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
37590 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
37592 @subsubheading Example
37597 @subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
37600 @subsubheading Synopsis
37606 Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
37607 @c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
37609 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
37611 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
37613 @subsubheading Example
37623 @subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
37626 @subsubheading Synopsis
37632 Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
37634 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
37636 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
37638 @subsubheading Example
37647 @c @subheading -gdb-source
37650 @subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
37651 @findex -gdb-version
37653 @subsubheading Synopsis
37659 Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
37661 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
37663 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
37664 default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
37666 @subsubheading Example
37668 @c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
37674 ~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
37675 ~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
37676 ~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
37677 ~ certain conditions.
37678 ~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
37679 ~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
37681 ~This GDB was configured as
37682 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
37687 @subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
37688 @findex -list-thread-groups
37690 @subheading Synopsis
37693 -list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ --recurse 1 ] [ @var{group} ... ]
37696 Lists thread groups (@pxref{Thread groups}). When a single thread
37697 group is passed as the argument, lists the children of that group.
37698 When several thread group are passed, lists information about those
37699 thread groups. Without any parameters, lists information about all
37700 top-level thread groups.
37702 Normally, thread groups that are being debugged are reported.
37703 With the @samp{--available} option, @value{GDBN} reports thread groups
37704 available on the target.
37706 The output of this command may have either a @samp{threads} result or
37707 a @samp{groups} result. The @samp{thread} result has a list of tuples
37708 as value, with each tuple describing a thread (@pxref{GDB/MI Thread
37709 Information}). The @samp{groups} result has a list of tuples as value,
37710 each tuple describing a thread group. If top-level groups are
37711 requested (that is, no parameter is passed), or when several groups
37712 are passed, the output always has a @samp{groups} result. The format
37713 of the @samp{group} result is described below.
37715 To reduce the number of roundtrips it's possible to list thread groups
37716 together with their children, by passing the @samp{--recurse} option
37717 and the recursion depth. Presently, only recursion depth of 1 is
37718 permitted. If this option is present, then every reported thread group
37719 will also include its children, either as @samp{group} or
37720 @samp{threads} field.
37722 In general, any combination of option and parameters is permitted, with
37723 the following caveats:
37727 When a single thread group is passed, the output will typically
37728 be the @samp{threads} result. Because threads may not contain
37729 anything, the @samp{recurse} option will be ignored.
37732 When the @samp{--available} option is passed, limited information may
37733 be available. In particular, the list of threads of a process might
37734 be inaccessible. Further, specifying specific thread groups might
37735 not give any performance advantage over listing all thread groups.
37736 The frontend should assume that @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}
37737 is always an expensive operation and cache the results.
37741 The @samp{groups} result is a list of tuples, where each tuple may
37742 have the following fields:
37746 Identifier of the thread group. This field is always present.
37747 The identifier is an opaque string; frontends should not try to
37748 convert it to an integer, even though it might look like one.
37751 The type of the thread group. At present, only @samp{process} is a
37755 The target-specific process identifier. This field is only present
37756 for thread groups of type @samp{process} and only if the process exists.
37759 The exit code of this group's last exited thread, formatted in octal.
37760 This field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process} and
37761 only if the process is not running.
37764 The number of children this thread group has. This field may be
37765 absent for an available thread group.
37768 This field has a list of tuples as value, each tuple describing a
37769 thread. It may be present if the @samp{--recurse} option is
37770 specified, and it's actually possible to obtain the threads.
37773 This field is a list of integers, each identifying a core that one
37774 thread of the group is running on. This field may be absent if
37775 such information is not available.
37778 The name of the executable file that corresponds to this thread group.
37779 The field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process},
37780 and only if there is a corresponding executable file.
37784 @subheading Example
37788 -list-thread-groups
37789 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
37790 -list-thread-groups 17
37791 ^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
37792 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
37793 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
37794 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
37795 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158",arch="i386:x86_64"@},state="running"@}]]
37796 -list-thread-groups --available
37797 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2]@}]
37798 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1
37799 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
37800 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
37801 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},..]
37802 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1 17 18
37803 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
37804 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
37805 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},...]
37808 @subheading The @code{-info-os} Command
37811 @subsubheading Synopsis
37814 -info-os [ @var{type} ]
37817 If no argument is supplied, the command returns a table of available
37818 operating-system-specific information types. If one of these types is
37819 supplied as an argument @var{type}, then the command returns a table
37820 of data of that type.
37822 The types of information available depend on the target operating
37825 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
37827 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info os}.
37829 @subsubheading Example
37831 When run on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, the output will look something
37837 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="10",nr_cols="3",
37838 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="Type"@},
37839 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="Description"@},
37840 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="Title"@}],
37841 body=[item=@{col0="cpus",col1="Listing of all cpus/cores on the system",
37843 item=@{col0="files",col1="Listing of all file descriptors",
37844 col2="File descriptors"@},
37845 item=@{col0="modules",col1="Listing of all loaded kernel modules",
37846 col2="Kernel modules"@},
37847 item=@{col0="msg",col1="Listing of all message queues",
37848 col2="Message queues"@},
37849 item=@{col0="processes",col1="Listing of all processes",
37850 col2="Processes"@},
37851 item=@{col0="procgroups",col1="Listing of all process groups",
37852 col2="Process groups"@},
37853 item=@{col0="semaphores",col1="Listing of all semaphores",
37854 col2="Semaphores"@},
37855 item=@{col0="shm",col1="Listing of all shared-memory regions",
37856 col2="Shared-memory regions"@},
37857 item=@{col0="sockets",col1="Listing of all internet-domain sockets",
37859 item=@{col0="threads",col1="Listing of all threads",
37863 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="190",nr_cols="4",
37864 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="pid"@},
37865 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="user"@},
37866 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="command"@},
37867 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col3",colhdr="cores"@}],
37868 body=[item=@{col0="1",col1="root",col2="/sbin/init",col3="0"@},
37869 item=@{col0="2",col1="root",col2="[kthreadd]",col3="1"@},
37870 item=@{col0="3",col1="root",col2="[ksoftirqd/0]",col3="0"@},
37872 item=@{col0="26446",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="0"@},
37873 item=@{col0="28152",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="1"@}]@}
37877 (Note that the MI output here includes a @code{"Title"} column that
37878 does not appear in command-line @code{info os}; this column is useful
37879 for MI clients that want to enumerate the types of data, such as in a
37880 popup menu, but is needless clutter on the command line, and
37881 @code{info os} omits it.)
37883 @subheading The @code{-add-inferior} Command
37884 @findex -add-inferior
37886 @subheading Synopsis
37889 -add-inferior [ --no-connection ]
37892 Creates a new inferior (@pxref{Inferiors Connections and Programs}). The created
37893 inferior is not associated with any executable. Such association may
37894 be established with the @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols} command
37895 (@pxref{GDB/MI File Commands}).
37897 By default, the new inferior begins connected to the same target
37898 connection as the current inferior. For example, if the current
37899 inferior was connected to @code{gdbserver} with @code{target remote},
37900 then the new inferior will be connected to the same @code{gdbserver}
37901 instance. The @samp{--no-connection} option starts the new inferior
37902 with no connection yet. You can then for example use the
37903 @code{-target-select remote} command to connect to some other
37904 @code{gdbserver} instance, use @code{-exec-run} to spawn a local
37907 The command response always has a field, @var{inferior}, whose value
37908 is the identifier of the thread group corresponding to the new
37911 An additional section field, @var{connection}, is optional. This
37912 field will only exist if the new inferior has a target connection. If
37913 this field exists, then its value will be a tuple containing the
37918 The number of the connection used for the new inferior.
37921 The name of the connection type used for the new inferior.
37924 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
37926 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{add-inferior}
37927 (@pxref{add_inferior_cli,,@samp{add-inferior}}).
37929 @subheading Example
37934 ^done,inferior="i3"
37937 @subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
37938 @findex -interpreter-exec
37940 @subheading Synopsis
37943 -interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
37945 @anchor{-interpreter-exec}
37947 Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
37949 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
37951 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
37953 @subheading Example
37957 -interpreter-exec console "break main"
37958 &"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
37959 &"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
37960 ~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
37965 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
37966 @findex -inferior-tty-set
37968 @subheading Synopsis
37971 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
37974 Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
37976 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
37978 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
37980 @subheading Example
37984 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
37989 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
37990 @findex -inferior-tty-show
37992 @subheading Synopsis
37998 Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
38000 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
38002 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
38004 @subheading Example
38008 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
38012 ^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
38016 @subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
38017 @findex -enable-timings
38019 @subheading Synopsis
38022 -enable-timings [yes | no]
38025 Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
38026 command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
38027 developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
38028 equivalent to @samp{yes}.
38030 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
38034 @subheading Example
38042 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
38043 addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
38044 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",thread-groups=["i1"],
38046 time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
38054 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
38055 frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
38056 @{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
38057 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",arch="i386:x86_64"@}
38061 @subheading The @code{-complete} Command
38064 @subheading Synopsis
38067 -complete @var{command}
38070 Show a list of completions for partially typed CLI @var{command}.
38072 This command is intended for @sc{gdb/mi} frontends that cannot use two separate
38073 CLI and MI channels --- for example: because of lack of PTYs like on Windows or
38074 because @value{GDBN} is used remotely via a SSH connection.
38078 The result consists of two or three fields:
38082 This field contains the completed @var{command}. If @var{command}
38083 has no known completions, this field is omitted.
38086 This field contains a (possibly empty) array of matches. It is always present.
38088 @item max_completions_reached
38089 This field contains @code{1} if number of known completions is above
38090 @code{max-completions} limit (@pxref{Completion}), otherwise it contains
38091 @code{0}. It is always present.
38095 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
38097 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{complete}.
38099 @subheading Example
38104 ^done,completion="break",
38105 matches=["break","break-range"],
38106 max_completions_reached="0"
38109 ^done,completion="b ma",
38110 matches=["b madvise","b main"],max_completions_reached="0"
38112 -complete "b push_b"
38113 ^done,completion="b push_back(",
38115 "b A::push_back(void*)",
38116 "b std::string::push_back(char)",
38117 "b std::vector<int, std::allocator<int> >::push_back(int&&)"],
38118 max_completions_reached="0"
38120 -complete "nonexist"
38121 ^done,matches=[],max_completions_reached="0"
38127 @chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
38129 This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
38130 designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
38131 similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
38132 relatively high level.
38134 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
38138 This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
38142 * Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
38143 * Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
38144 * Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
38145 * Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
38146 * Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
38147 * Annotations for Running::
38148 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
38149 * Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
38152 @node Annotations Overview
38153 @section What is an Annotation?
38154 @cindex annotations
38156 Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
38157 characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
38158 information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
38159 is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
38160 information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
38161 additional information, and a newline. The additional information
38162 cannot contain newline characters.
38164 Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
38165 characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
38166 no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
38167 @samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
38168 annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
38169 means those three characters as output.
38171 The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
38172 @option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
38173 how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
38174 values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
38175 is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
38176 subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
38177 for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
38178 been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
38179 Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
38182 @kindex set annotate
38183 @item set annotate @var{level}
38184 The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
38185 annotations to the specified @var{level}.
38187 @item show annotate
38188 @kindex show annotate
38189 Show the current annotation level.
38192 This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
38194 A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
38197 $ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
38199 Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
38200 GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
38201 and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
38202 under certain conditions.
38203 Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
38204 There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
38206 This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
38217 Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
38218 @value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
38219 denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
38220 output from @value{GDBN}.
38222 @node Server Prefix
38223 @section The Server Prefix
38224 @cindex server prefix
38226 If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
38227 the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
38228 command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
38229 means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
38230 a transparent manner.
38232 The @code{server } prefix does not affect the recording of values into
38233 the value history; to print a value without recording it into the
38234 value history, use the @code{output} command instead of the
38235 @code{print} command.
38237 Using this prefix also disables confirmation requests
38238 (@pxref{confirmation requests}).
38241 @section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
38243 @cindex annotations for prompts
38244 When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
38245 to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
38248 Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
38249 input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
38250 denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
38251 annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
38252 annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
38253 associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
38254 features the following annotations:
38262 The input types are
38265 @findex pre-prompt annotation
38266 @findex prompt annotation
38267 @findex post-prompt annotation
38269 When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
38271 @findex pre-commands annotation
38272 @findex commands annotation
38273 @findex post-commands annotation
38275 When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
38276 command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
38278 @findex pre-overload-choice annotation
38279 @findex overload-choice annotation
38280 @findex post-overload-choice annotation
38281 @item overload-choice
38282 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
38284 @findex pre-query annotation
38285 @findex query annotation
38286 @findex post-query annotation
38288 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
38290 @findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
38291 @findex prompt-for-continue annotation
38292 @findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
38293 @item prompt-for-continue
38294 When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
38295 expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
38296 prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
38297 presence of annotations.
38302 @cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
38304 @findex quit annotation
38309 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
38311 @findex error annotation
38316 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
38318 Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
38319 in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
38320 @code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
38321 cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
38322 cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
38323 does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
38326 @findex error-begin annotation
38327 A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
38333 Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
38336 Warning messages are not yet annotated.
38337 @c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
38338 @c range_error(), and possibly other places.
38341 @section Invalidation Notices
38343 @cindex annotations for invalidation messages
38344 The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
38348 @findex frames-invalid annotation
38349 @item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
38351 The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
38354 @findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
38355 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
38357 The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
38358 deleted a breakpoint.
38361 @node Annotations for Running
38362 @section Running the Program
38363 @cindex annotations for running programs
38365 @findex starting annotation
38366 @findex stopping annotation
38367 When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
38368 @code{step} or @code{continue},
38374 is output. When the program stops,
38380 is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
38381 annotations describe how the program stopped.
38384 @findex exited annotation
38385 @item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
38386 The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
38387 successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
38389 @findex signalled annotation
38390 @findex signal-name annotation
38391 @findex signal-name-end annotation
38392 @findex signal-string annotation
38393 @findex signal-string-end annotation
38394 @item ^Z^Zsignalled
38395 The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
38396 annotation continues:
38402 ^Z^Zsignal-name-end
38406 ^Z^Zsignal-string-end
38411 where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
38412 @code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
38413 as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}. The arguments
38414 @var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
38415 user's benefit and have no particular format.
38417 @findex signal annotation
38419 The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
38420 just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
38421 terminated with it.
38423 @findex breakpoint annotation
38424 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
38425 The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
38427 @findex watchpoint annotation
38428 @item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
38429 The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
38432 @node Source Annotations
38433 @section Displaying Source
38434 @cindex annotations for source display
38436 @findex source annotation
38437 The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
38440 ^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
38443 where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
38444 file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
38445 first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
38446 within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
38447 debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
38448 @var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
38449 line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
38450 @var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
38451 source which is being displayed. The @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
38452 followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
38453 depend on the language).
38455 @node JIT Interface
38456 @chapter JIT Compilation Interface
38457 @cindex just-in-time compilation
38458 @cindex JIT compilation interface
38460 This chapter documents @value{GDBN}'s @dfn{just-in-time} (JIT) compilation
38461 interface. A JIT compiler is a program or library that generates native
38462 executable code at runtime and executes it, usually in order to achieve good
38463 performance while maintaining platform independence.
38465 Programs that use JIT compilation are normally difficult to debug because
38466 portions of their code are generated at runtime, instead of being loaded from
38467 object files, which is where @value{GDBN} normally finds the program's symbols
38468 and debug information. In order to debug programs that use JIT compilation,
38469 @value{GDBN} has an interface that allows the program to register in-memory
38470 symbol files with @value{GDBN} at runtime.
38472 If you are using @value{GDBN} to debug a program that uses this interface, then
38473 it should work transparently so long as you have not stripped the binary. If
38474 you are developing a JIT compiler, then the interface is documented in the rest
38475 of this chapter. At this time, the only known client of this interface is the
38478 Broadly speaking, the JIT interface mirrors the dynamic loader interface. The
38479 JIT compiler communicates with @value{GDBN} by writing data into a global
38480 variable and calling a function at a well-known symbol. When @value{GDBN}
38481 attaches, it reads a linked list of symbol files from the global variable to
38482 find existing code, and puts a breakpoint in the function so that it can find
38483 out about additional code.
38486 * Declarations:: Relevant C struct declarations
38487 * Registering Code:: Steps to register code
38488 * Unregistering Code:: Steps to unregister code
38489 * Custom Debug Info:: Emit debug information in a custom format
38493 @section JIT Declarations
38495 These are the relevant struct declarations that a C program should include to
38496 implement the interface:
38506 struct jit_code_entry
38508 struct jit_code_entry *next_entry;
38509 struct jit_code_entry *prev_entry;
38510 const char *symfile_addr;
38511 uint64_t symfile_size;
38514 struct jit_descriptor
38517 /* This type should be jit_actions_t, but we use uint32_t
38518 to be explicit about the bitwidth. */
38519 uint32_t action_flag;
38520 struct jit_code_entry *relevant_entry;
38521 struct jit_code_entry *first_entry;
38524 /* GDB puts a breakpoint in this function. */
38525 void __attribute__((noinline)) __jit_debug_register_code() @{ @};
38527 /* Make sure to specify the version statically, because the
38528 debugger may check the version before we can set it. */
38529 struct jit_descriptor __jit_debug_descriptor = @{ 1, 0, 0, 0 @};
38532 If the JIT is multi-threaded, then it is important that the JIT synchronize any
38533 modifications to this global data properly, which can easily be done by putting
38534 a global mutex around modifications to these structures.
38536 @node Registering Code
38537 @section Registering Code
38539 To register code with @value{GDBN}, the JIT should follow this protocol:
38543 Generate an object file in memory with symbols and other desired debug
38544 information. The file must include the virtual addresses of the sections.
38547 Create a code entry for the file, which gives the start and size of the symbol
38551 Add it to the linked list in the JIT descriptor.
38554 Point the relevant_entry field of the descriptor at the entry.
38557 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_REGISTER} and call
38558 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
38561 When @value{GDBN} is attached and the breakpoint fires, @value{GDBN} uses the
38562 @code{relevant_entry} pointer so it doesn't have to walk the list looking for
38563 new code. However, the linked list must still be maintained in order to allow
38564 @value{GDBN} to attach to a running process and still find the symbol files.
38566 @node Unregistering Code
38567 @section Unregistering Code
38569 If code is freed, then the JIT should use the following protocol:
38573 Remove the code entry corresponding to the code from the linked list.
38576 Point the @code{relevant_entry} field of the descriptor at the code entry.
38579 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_UNREGISTER} and call
38580 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
38583 If the JIT frees or recompiles code without unregistering it, then @value{GDBN}
38584 and the JIT will leak the memory used for the associated symbol files.
38586 @node Custom Debug Info
38587 @section Custom Debug Info
38588 @cindex custom JIT debug info
38589 @cindex JIT debug info reader
38591 Generating debug information in platform-native file formats (like ELF
38592 or COFF) may be an overkill for JIT compilers; especially if all the
38593 debug info is used for is displaying a meaningful backtrace. The
38594 issue can be resolved by having the JIT writers decide on a debug info
38595 format and also provide a reader that parses the debug info generated
38596 by the JIT compiler. This section gives a brief overview on writing
38597 such a parser. More specific details can be found in the source file
38598 @file{gdb/jit-reader.in}, which is also installed as a header at
38599 @file{@var{includedir}/gdb/jit-reader.h} for easy inclusion.
38601 The reader is implemented as a shared object (so this functionality is
38602 not available on platforms which don't allow loading shared objects at
38603 runtime). Two @value{GDBN} commands, @code{jit-reader-load} and
38604 @code{jit-reader-unload} are provided, to be used to load and unload
38605 the readers from a preconfigured directory. Once loaded, the shared
38606 object is used the parse the debug information emitted by the JIT
38610 * Using JIT Debug Info Readers:: How to use supplied readers correctly
38611 * Writing JIT Debug Info Readers:: Creating a debug-info reader
38614 @node Using JIT Debug Info Readers
38615 @subsection Using JIT Debug Info Readers
38616 @kindex jit-reader-load
38617 @kindex jit-reader-unload
38619 Readers can be loaded and unloaded using the @code{jit-reader-load}
38620 and @code{jit-reader-unload} commands.
38623 @item jit-reader-load @var{reader}
38624 Load the JIT reader named @var{reader}, which is a shared
38625 object specified as either an absolute or a relative file name. In
38626 the latter case, @value{GDBN} will try to load the reader from a
38627 pre-configured directory, usually @file{@var{libdir}/gdb/} on a UNIX
38628 system (here @var{libdir} is the system library directory, often
38629 @file{/usr/local/lib}).
38631 Only one reader can be active at a time; trying to load a second
38632 reader when one is already loaded will result in @value{GDBN}
38633 reporting an error. A new JIT reader can be loaded by first unloading
38634 the current one using @code{jit-reader-unload} and then invoking
38635 @code{jit-reader-load}.
38637 @item jit-reader-unload
38638 Unload the currently loaded JIT reader.
38642 @node Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
38643 @subsection Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
38644 @cindex writing JIT debug info readers
38646 As mentioned, a reader is essentially a shared object conforming to a
38647 certain ABI. This ABI is described in @file{jit-reader.h}.
38649 @file{jit-reader.h} defines the structures, macros and functions
38650 required to write a reader. It is installed (along with
38651 @value{GDBN}), in @file{@var{includedir}/gdb} where @var{includedir} is
38652 the system include directory.
38654 Readers need to be released under a GPL compatible license. A reader
38655 can be declared as released under such a license by placing the macro
38656 @code{GDB_DECLARE_GPL_COMPATIBLE_READER} in a source file.
38658 The entry point for readers is the symbol @code{gdb_init_reader},
38659 which is expected to be a function with the prototype
38661 @findex gdb_init_reader
38663 extern struct gdb_reader_funcs *gdb_init_reader (void);
38666 @cindex @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs}
38668 @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs} contains a set of pointers to callback
38669 functions. These functions are executed to read the debug info
38670 generated by the JIT compiler (@code{read}), to unwind stack frames
38671 (@code{unwind}) and to create canonical frame IDs
38672 (@code{get_frame_id}). It also has a callback that is called when the
38673 reader is being unloaded (@code{destroy}). The struct looks like this
38676 struct gdb_reader_funcs
38678 /* Must be set to GDB_READER_INTERFACE_VERSION. */
38679 int reader_version;
38681 /* For use by the reader. */
38684 gdb_read_debug_info *read;
38685 gdb_unwind_frame *unwind;
38686 gdb_get_frame_id *get_frame_id;
38687 gdb_destroy_reader *destroy;
38691 @cindex @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks}
38692 @cindex @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}
38694 The callbacks are provided with another set of callbacks by
38695 @value{GDBN} to do their job. For @code{read}, these callbacks are
38696 passed in a @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} and for @code{unwind}
38697 and @code{get_frame_id}, in a @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}.
38698 @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} has callbacks to create new object
38699 files and new symbol tables inside those object files. @code{struct
38700 gdb_unwind_callbacks} has callbacks to read registers off the current
38701 frame and to write out the values of the registers in the previous
38702 frame. Both have a callback (@code{target_read}) to read bytes off the
38703 target's address space.
38705 @node In-Process Agent
38706 @chapter In-Process Agent
38707 @cindex debugging agent
38708 The traditional debugging model is conceptually low-speed, but works fine,
38709 because most bugs can be reproduced in debugging-mode execution. However,
38710 as multi-core or many-core processors are becoming mainstream, and
38711 multi-threaded programs become more and more popular, there should be more
38712 and more bugs that only manifest themselves at normal-mode execution, for
38713 example, thread races, because debugger's interference with the program's
38714 timing may conceal the bugs. On the other hand, in some applications,
38715 it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt the program's execution
38716 long enough for the developer to learn anything helpful about its behavior.
38717 If the program's correctness depends on its real-time behavior, delays
38718 introduced by a debugger might cause the program to fail, even when the
38719 code itself is correct. It is useful to be able to observe the program's
38720 behavior without interrupting it.
38722 Therefore, traditional debugging model is too intrusive to reproduce
38723 some bugs. In order to reduce the interference with the program, we can
38724 reduce the number of operations performed by debugger. The
38725 @dfn{In-Process Agent}, a shared library, is running within the same
38726 process with inferior, and is able to perform some debugging operations
38727 itself. As a result, debugger is only involved when necessary, and
38728 performance of debugging can be improved accordingly. Note that
38729 interference with program can be reduced but can't be removed completely,
38730 because the in-process agent will still stop or slow down the program.
38732 The in-process agent can interpret and execute Agent Expressions
38733 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) during performing debugging operations. The
38734 agent expressions can be used for different purposes, such as collecting
38735 data in tracepoints, and condition evaluation in breakpoints.
38737 @anchor{Control Agent}
38738 You can control whether the in-process agent is used as an aid for
38739 debugging with the following commands:
38742 @kindex set agent on
38744 Causes the in-process agent to perform some operations on behalf of the
38745 debugger. Just which operations requested by the user will be done
38746 by the in-process agent depends on the its capabilities. For example,
38747 if you request to evaluate breakpoint conditions in the in-process agent,
38748 and the in-process agent has such capability as well, then breakpoint
38749 conditions will be evaluated in the in-process agent.
38751 @kindex set agent off
38752 @item set agent off
38753 Disables execution of debugging operations by the in-process agent. All
38754 of the operations will be performed by @value{GDBN}.
38758 Display the current setting of execution of debugging operations by
38759 the in-process agent.
38763 * In-Process Agent Protocol::
38766 @node In-Process Agent Protocol
38767 @section In-Process Agent Protocol
38768 @cindex in-process agent protocol
38770 The in-process agent is able to communicate with both @value{GDBN} and
38771 GDBserver (@pxref{In-Process Agent}). This section documents the protocol
38772 used for communications between @value{GDBN} or GDBserver and the IPA.
38773 In general, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver sends commands
38774 (@pxref{IPA Protocol Commands}) and data to in-process agent, and then
38775 in-process agent replies back with the return result of the command, or
38776 some other information. The data sent to in-process agent is composed
38777 of primitive data types, such as 4-byte or 8-byte type, and composite
38778 types, which are called objects (@pxref{IPA Protocol Objects}).
38781 * IPA Protocol Objects::
38782 * IPA Protocol Commands::
38785 @node IPA Protocol Objects
38786 @subsection IPA Protocol Objects
38787 @cindex ipa protocol objects
38789 The commands sent to and results received from agent may contain some
38790 complex data types called @dfn{objects}.
38792 The in-process agent is running on the same machine with @value{GDBN}
38793 or GDBserver, so it doesn't have to handle as much differences between
38794 two ends as remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}) tries to handle.
38795 However, there are still some differences of two ends in two processes:
38799 word size. On some 64-bit machines, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver can be
38800 compiled as a 64-bit executable, while in-process agent is a 32-bit one.
38802 ABI. Some machines may have multiple types of ABI, @value{GDBN} or
38803 GDBserver is compiled with one, and in-process agent is compiled with
38807 Here are the IPA Protocol Objects:
38811 agent expression object. It represents an agent expression
38812 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}).
38813 @anchor{agent expression object}
38815 tracepoint action object. It represents a tracepoint action
38816 (@pxref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}) to collect registers,
38817 memory, static trace data and to evaluate expression.
38818 @anchor{tracepoint action object}
38820 tracepoint object. It represents a tracepoint (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
38821 @anchor{tracepoint object}
38825 The following table describes important attributes of each IPA protocol
38828 @multitable @columnfractions .30 .20 .50
38829 @headitem Name @tab Size @tab Description
38830 @item @emph{agent expression object} @tab @tab
38831 @item length @tab 4 @tab length of bytes code
38832 @item byte code @tab @var{length} @tab contents of byte code
38833 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting memory} @tab @tab
38834 @item 'M' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
38835 @item addr @tab 8 @tab if @var{basereg} is @samp{-1}, @var{addr} is the
38836 address of the lowest byte to collect, otherwise @var{addr} is the offset
38837 of @var{basereg} for memory collecting.
38838 @item len @tab 8 @tab length of memory for collecting
38839 @item basereg @tab 4 @tab the register number containing the starting
38840 memory address for collecting.
38841 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting registers} @tab @tab
38842 @item 'R' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
38843 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting static trace data} @tab @tab
38844 @item 'L' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
38845 @item @emph{tracepoint action for expression evaluation} @tab @tab
38846 @item 'X' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
38847 @item agent expression @tab length of @tab @ref{agent expression object}
38848 @item @emph{tracepoint object} @tab @tab
38849 @item number @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint
38850 @item address @tab 8 @tab address of tracepoint inserted on
38851 @item type @tab 4 @tab type of tracepoint
38852 @item enabled @tab 1 @tab enable or disable of tracepoint
38853 @item step_count @tab 8 @tab step
38854 @item pass_count @tab 8 @tab pass
38855 @item numactions @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint actions
38856 @item hit count @tab 8 @tab hit count
38857 @item trace frame usage @tab 8 @tab trace frame usage
38858 @item compiled_cond @tab 8 @tab compiled condition
38859 @item orig_size @tab 8 @tab orig size
38860 @item condition @tab 4 if condition is NULL otherwise length of
38861 @ref{agent expression object}
38862 @tab zero if condition is NULL, otherwise is
38863 @ref{agent expression object}
38864 @item actions @tab variable
38865 @tab numactions number of @ref{tracepoint action object}
38868 @node IPA Protocol Commands
38869 @subsection IPA Protocol Commands
38870 @cindex ipa protocol commands
38872 The spaces in each command are delimiters to ease reading this commands
38873 specification. They don't exist in real commands.
38877 @item FastTrace:@var{tracepoint_object} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}
38878 Installs a new fast tracepoint described by @var{tracepoint_object}
38879 (@pxref{tracepoint object}). The @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}, 8-byte long, is the
38880 head of @dfn{jumppad}, which is used to jump to data collection routine
38885 @item OK @var{target_address} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} @var{fjump_size} @var{fjump}
38886 @var{target_address} is address of tracepoint in the inferior.
38887 The @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} is updated head of jumppad. Both of
38888 @var{target_address} and @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} are 8-byte long.
38889 The @var{fjump} contains a sequence of instructions jump to jumppad entry.
38890 The @var{fjump_size}, 4-byte long, is the size of @var{fjump}.
38897 Closes the in-process agent. This command is sent when @value{GDBN} or GDBserver
38898 is about to kill inferiors.
38906 @item probe_marker_at:@var{address}
38907 Asks in-process agent to probe the marker at @var{address}.
38914 @item unprobe_marker_at:@var{address}
38915 Asks in-process agent to unprobe the marker at @var{address}.
38919 @chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
38920 @cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
38921 @cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
38923 Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
38925 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
38926 may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
38927 the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
38928 reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
38930 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
38931 information that enables us to fix the bug.
38934 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
38935 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
38939 @section Have You Found a Bug?
38940 @cindex bug criteria
38942 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
38945 @cindex fatal signal
38946 @cindex debugger crash
38947 @cindex crash of debugger
38949 If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
38950 @value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
38952 @cindex error on valid input
38954 If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
38955 bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
38956 somewhere in the connection to the target.)
38958 @cindex invalid input
38960 If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
38961 that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
38962 ``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
38963 for traditional practice''.
38966 If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
38967 for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
38970 @node Bug Reporting
38971 @section How to Report Bugs
38972 @cindex bug reports
38973 @cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
38975 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
38976 If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
38977 contact that organization first.
38979 You can find contact information for many support companies and
38980 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
38982 @c should add a web page ref...
38985 @ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
38986 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
38987 @value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
38988 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
38989 page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
38992 @strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
38993 @samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
38994 not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
38997 The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
38998 serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
38999 the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
39000 newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
39001 problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
39002 path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
39003 we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
39004 bug reports to the mailing list.
39006 @ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
39007 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
39008 @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
39012 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
39013 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
39014 fact or leave it out, state it!
39016 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
39017 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
39018 assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
39019 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
39020 stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
39021 name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
39022 of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
39023 the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
39024 easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
39026 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
39027 bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
39028 you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
39031 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
39032 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
39033 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
39036 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
39040 The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
39041 with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
39044 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
39045 the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
39048 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
39052 The details of the @value{GDBN} build-time configuration.
39053 @value{GDBN} shows these details if you invoke it with the
39054 @option{--configuration} command-line option, or if you type
39055 @code{show configuration} at @value{GDBN}'s prompt.
39058 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
39059 ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
39062 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
39063 debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
39064 C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
39065 to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
39069 The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
39070 observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
39071 you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
39072 Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
39074 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
39075 and then we might not encounter the bug.
39078 A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
39082 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
39083 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
39085 Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
39086 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
39087 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
39088 a chance to make a mistake.
39090 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
39091 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
39092 copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
39093 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
39094 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
39095 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
39096 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
39097 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
39100 @cindex recording a session script
39101 To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
39102 such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
39103 Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
39104 include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
39106 Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
39107 inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
39110 If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
39111 diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
39112 it by context, not by line number.
39114 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
39115 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
39119 Here are some things that are not necessary:
39123 A description of the envelope of the bug.
39125 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
39126 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
39127 changes will not affect it.
39129 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
39130 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
39131 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
39132 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
39134 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
39135 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
39136 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
39137 less time, and so on.
39139 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
39140 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
39143 A patch for the bug.
39145 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
39146 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
39147 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
39148 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
39150 Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
39151 construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
39152 through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
39153 to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
39155 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
39156 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
39157 help us to understand.
39160 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
39162 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
39163 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
39166 @c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
39167 @c and consists of the two following files:
39170 @c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
39171 @c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
39172 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
39173 @include rluser.texi
39174 @include hsuser.texi
39178 @appendix In Memoriam
39180 The @value{GDBN} project mourns the loss of the following long-time
39185 Fred was a long-standing contributor to @value{GDBN} (1991-2006), and
39186 to Free Software in general. Outside of @value{GDBN}, he was known in
39187 the Amiga world for his series of Fish Disks, and the GeekGadget project.
39189 @item Michael Snyder
39190 Michael was one of the Global Maintainers of the @value{GDBN} project,
39191 with contributions recorded as early as 1996, until 2011. In addition
39192 to his day to day participation, he was a large driving force behind
39193 adding Reverse Debugging to @value{GDBN}.
39196 Beyond their technical contributions to the project, they were also
39197 enjoyable members of the Free Software Community. We will miss them.
39199 @node Formatting Documentation
39200 @appendix Formatting Documentation
39202 @cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
39203 @cindex reference card
39204 The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
39205 for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
39206 subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
39207 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
39208 release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
39209 you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
39211 The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
39212 can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
39218 The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
39219 mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
39220 that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
39221 high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
39222 your @sc{dvi} output program.
39224 @cindex documentation
39226 All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
39227 distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
39228 a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
39229 on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
39230 formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
39231 and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
39233 @value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
39234 version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
39235 file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
39236 subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
39237 necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
39238 but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
39239 Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
39240 @sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
39242 If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
39243 Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
39246 If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
39247 @value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
39248 version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
39255 If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
39256 a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
39257 Texinfo definitions file.
39259 @TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
39260 produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
39261 document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
39262 has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
39263 command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
39264 (for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
39265 require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
39267 @TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
39268 @file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
39269 written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
39270 typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
39271 and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
39274 If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
39275 typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
39276 subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
39277 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
39283 Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
39285 @node Installing GDB
39286 @appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
39287 @cindex installation
39290 * Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
39291 * Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
39292 * Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
39293 * Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
39294 * Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
39295 * System-wide configuration:: Having a system-wide init file
39299 @section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
39300 @cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
39302 Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
39303 Other packages will be used only if they are found.
39305 @heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
39307 @item C@t{++}11 compiler
39308 @value{GDBN} is written in C@t{++}11. It should be buildable with any
39309 recent C@t{++}11 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
39312 @value{GDBN}'s build system relies on features only found in the GNU
39313 make program. Other variants of @code{make} will not work.
39315 @item GMP (The GNU Multiple Precision Arithmetic Library)
39316 @value{GDBN} now uses GMP to perform some of its arithmetics.
39317 This library may be included with your operating system distribution;
39318 if it is not, you can get the latest version from
39319 @url{https://gmplib.org/}. If GMP is installed at an unusual path,
39320 you can use the @option{--with-libgmp-prefix} option to specify
39325 @heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
39329 @value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
39330 included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
39331 can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
39332 The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
39333 standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
39334 use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
39340 Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
39342 Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
39344 Remote shared library lists (@xref{Library List Format},
39345 or alternatively @pxref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets})
39347 MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
39349 Traceframe info (@pxref{Traceframe Info Format})
39351 Branch trace (@pxref{Branch Trace Format},
39352 @pxref{Branch Trace Configuration Format})
39356 @value{GDBN} can be scripted using GNU Guile. @xref{Guile}. By
39357 default, @value{GDBN} will be compiled if the Guile libraries are
39358 installed and are found by @file{configure}. You can use the
39359 @code{--with-guile} option to request Guile, and pass either the Guile
39360 version number or the file name of the relevant @code{pkg-config}
39361 program to choose a particular version of Guile.
39364 @value{GDBN}'s features related to character sets (@pxref{Character
39365 Sets}) require a functioning @code{iconv} implementation. If you are
39366 on a GNU system, then this is provided by the GNU C Library. Some
39367 other systems also provide a working @code{iconv}.
39369 If @value{GDBN} is using the @code{iconv} program which is installed
39370 in a non-standard place, you will need to tell @value{GDBN} where to
39371 find it. This is done with @option{--with-iconv-bin} which specifies
39372 the directory that contains the @code{iconv} program. This program is
39373 run in order to make a list of the available character sets.
39375 On systems without @code{iconv}, you can install GNU Libiconv. If
39376 Libiconv is installed in a standard place, @value{GDBN} will
39377 automatically use it if it is needed. If you have previously
39378 installed Libiconv in a non-standard place, you can use the
39379 @option{--with-libiconv-prefix} option to @file{configure}.
39381 @value{GDBN}'s top-level @file{configure} and @file{Makefile} will
39382 arrange to build Libiconv if a directory named @file{libiconv} appears
39383 in the top-most source directory. If Libiconv is built this way, and
39384 if the operating system does not provide a suitable @code{iconv}
39385 implementation, then the just-built library will automatically be used
39386 by @value{GDBN}. One easy way to set this up is to download GNU
39387 Libiconv, unpack it inside the top-level directory of the @value{GDBN}
39388 source tree, and then rename the directory holding the Libiconv source
39389 code to @samp{libiconv}.
39392 @value{GDBN} can support debugging sections that are compressed with
39393 the LZMA library. @xref{MiniDebugInfo}. If this library is not
39394 included with your operating system, you can find it in the xz package
39395 at @url{http://tukaani.org/xz/}. If the LZMA library is available in
39396 the usual place, then the @file{configure} script will use it
39397 automatically. If it is installed in an unusual path, you can use the
39398 @option{--with-liblzma-prefix} option to specify its location.
39402 @value{GDBN} can use the GNU MPFR multiple-precision floating-point
39403 library. This library may be included with your operating system
39404 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
39405 @url{http://www.mpfr.org}. The @file{configure} script will search
39406 for this library in several standard locations; if it is installed
39407 in an unusual path, you can use the @option{--with-libmpfr-prefix}
39408 option to specify its location.
39410 GNU MPFR is used to emulate target floating-point arithmetic during
39411 expression evaluation when the target uses different floating-point
39412 formats than the host. If GNU MPFR it is not available, @value{GDBN}
39413 will fall back to using host floating-point arithmetic.
39416 @value{GDBN} can be scripted using Python language. @xref{Python}.
39417 By default, @value{GDBN} will be compiled if the Python libraries are
39418 installed and are found by @file{configure}. You can use the
39419 @code{--with-python} option to request Python, and pass either the
39420 file name of the relevant @code{python} executable, or the name of the
39421 directory in which Python is installed, to choose a particular
39422 installation of Python.
39425 @cindex compressed debug sections
39426 @value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
39427 compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
39428 of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
39429 is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
39430 information in such binaries.
39432 The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
39433 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
39434 @url{http://zlib.net}.
39437 @node Running Configure
39438 @section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
39439 @cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
39440 @value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
39441 of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
39442 build the @code{gdb} program.
39444 @c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
39445 @footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
39446 look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
39447 installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
39450 The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
39451 @value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
39452 appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
39454 For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
39455 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
39458 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
39459 script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
39461 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
39462 the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
39464 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
39465 source for the Binary File Descriptor library
39467 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
39468 @sc{gnu} include files
39470 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
39471 source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
39473 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
39474 source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
39476 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
39477 source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
39480 There may be other subdirectories as well.
39482 The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
39483 from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
39484 this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
39486 First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
39487 if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
39488 identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
39494 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
39499 Running @samp{configure} and then running @code{make} builds the
39500 included supporting libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured
39501 source files, and the binaries, are left in the corresponding source
39505 @file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
39506 system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
39507 shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
39513 You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
39514 source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
39515 @file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
39516 that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
39517 if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
39518 of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
39519 configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
39520 directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
39521 about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
39523 You can install @code{@value{GDBN}} anywhere. The best way to do this
39524 is to pass the @code{--prefix} option to @code{configure}, and then
39525 install it with @code{make install}.
39527 @node Separate Objdir
39528 @section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
39530 If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
39531 you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
39532 host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
39533 allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
39534 rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
39535 handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
39536 @code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
39537 program specified there.
39539 To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
39540 with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
39541 (You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
39542 itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
39543 would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
39544 the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
39546 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
39547 separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
39551 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
39554 ../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure
39559 When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
39560 directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
39561 (and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
39562 the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
39563 directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
39564 @file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
39566 Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
39567 instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
39568 like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
39569 one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
39570 build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
39572 One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
39573 directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
39574 @value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
39575 programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
39576 You specify a cross-debugging target by
39577 giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
39579 When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
39580 it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
39581 called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
39583 The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
39584 directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
39585 directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
39586 directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
39587 will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
39589 When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
39590 directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
39591 if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
39595 @section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
39597 The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
39598 script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
39599 aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
39600 of information in the following pattern:
39603 @var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
39606 For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
39607 or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
39608 option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
39610 The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
39611 any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
39612 aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
39613 @code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
39614 script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
39615 abbreviations---for example:
39618 % sh config.sub i386-linux
39620 % sh config.sub alpha-linux
39621 alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
39622 % sh config.sub hp9k700
39624 % sh config.sub sun4
39625 sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
39626 % sh config.sub sun3
39627 m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
39628 % sh config.sub i986v
39629 Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
39633 @code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
39634 directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
39636 @node Configure Options
39637 @section @file{configure} Options
39639 Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
39640 are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure}
39641 also has several other options not listed here. @xref{Running
39642 configure Scripts,,,autoconf}, for a full
39643 explanation of @file{configure}.
39646 configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
39647 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
39648 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
39649 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
39650 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
39654 You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
39655 @samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
39660 Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
39662 @item --prefix=@var{dir}
39663 Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
39666 @item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
39667 Configure the source to install programs under directory
39670 @c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
39672 @item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
39673 Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
39674 @value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
39675 build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
39676 directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
39677 the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
39678 directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
39679 the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
39682 @item --target=@var{target}
39683 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
39684 @var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
39685 programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
39687 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available
39688 targets. Also see the @code{--enable-targets} option, below.
39691 There are many other options that are specific to @value{GDBN}. This
39692 lists just the most common ones; there are some very specialized
39693 options not described here.
39696 @item --enable-targets=@r{[}@var{target}@r{]}@dots{}
39697 @itemx --enable-targets=all
39698 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the
39699 specified list of targets. The special value @samp{all} configures
39700 @value{GDBN} for debugging programs running on any target it supports.
39702 @item --with-gdb-datadir=@var{path}
39703 Set the @value{GDBN}-specific data directory. @value{GDBN} will look
39704 here for certain supporting files or scripts. This defaults to the
39705 @file{gdb} subdirectory of @samp{datadir} (which can be set using
39708 @item --with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}
39709 Sets up the default source path substitution rule so that directory
39710 names recorded in debug information will be automatically adjusted for
39711 any directory under @var{dir}. @var{dir} should be a subdirectory of
39712 @value{GDBN}'s configured prefix, the one mentioned in the
39713 @code{--prefix} or @code{--exec-prefix} options to configure. This
39714 option is useful if GDB is supposed to be moved to a different place
39717 @item --enable-64-bit-bfd
39718 Enable 64-bit support in BFD on 32-bit hosts.
39720 @item --disable-gdbmi
39721 Build @value{GDBN} without the GDB/MI machine interface
39725 Build @value{GDBN} with the text-mode full-screen user interface
39726 (TUI). Requires a curses library (ncurses and cursesX are also
39729 @item --with-curses
39730 Use the curses library instead of the termcap library, for text-mode
39731 terminal operations.
39733 @item --with-debuginfod
39734 Build @value{GDBN} with @file{libdebuginfod}, the @code{debuginfod} client
39735 library. Used to automatically fetch ELF, DWARF and source files from
39736 @code{debuginfod} servers using build IDs associated with any missing
39737 files. Enabled by default if @file{libdebuginfod} is installed and found
39738 at configure time. For more information regarding @code{debuginfod} see
39741 @item --with-libunwind-ia64
39742 Use the libunwind library for unwinding function call stack on ia64
39743 target platforms. See http://www.nongnu.org/libunwind/index.html for
39746 @item --with-system-readline
39747 Use the readline library installed on the host, rather than the
39748 library supplied as part of @value{GDBN}. Readline 7 or newer is
39749 required; this is enforced by the build system.
39751 @item --with-system-zlib
39752 Use the zlib library installed on the host, rather than the library
39753 supplied as part of @value{GDBN}.
39756 Build @value{GDBN} with Expat, a library for XML parsing. (Done by
39757 default if libexpat is installed and found at configure time.) This
39758 library is used to read XML files supplied with @value{GDBN}. If it
39759 is unavailable, some features, such as remote protocol memory maps,
39760 target descriptions, and shared library lists, that are based on XML
39761 files, will not be available in @value{GDBN}. If your host does not
39762 have libexpat installed, you can get the latest version from
39763 `http://expat.sourceforge.net'.
39765 @item --with-libiconv-prefix@r{[}=@var{dir}@r{]}
39767 Build @value{GDBN} with GNU libiconv, a character set encoding
39768 conversion library. This is not done by default, as on GNU systems
39769 the @code{iconv} that is built in to the C library is sufficient. If
39770 your host does not have a working @code{iconv}, you can get the latest
39771 version of GNU iconv from `https://www.gnu.org/software/libiconv/'.
39773 @value{GDBN}'s build system also supports building GNU libiconv as
39774 part of the overall build. @xref{Requirements}.
39777 Build @value{GDBN} with LZMA, a compression library. (Done by default
39778 if liblzma is installed and found at configure time.) LZMA is used by
39779 @value{GDBN}'s "mini debuginfo" feature, which is only useful on
39780 platforms using the ELF object file format. If your host does not
39781 have liblzma installed, you can get the latest version from
39782 `https://tukaani.org/xz/'.
39785 Build @value{GDBN} with GNU MPFR, a library for multiple-precision
39786 floating-point computation with correct rounding. (Done by default if
39787 GNU MPFR is installed and found at configure time.) This library is
39788 used to emulate target floating-point arithmetic during expression
39789 evaluation when the target uses different floating-point formats than
39790 the host. If GNU MPFR is not available, @value{GDBN} will fall back
39791 to using host floating-point arithmetic. If your host does not have
39792 GNU MPFR installed, you can get the latest version from
39793 `http://www.mpfr.org'.
39795 @item --with-python@r{[}=@var{python}@r{]}
39796 Build @value{GDBN} with Python scripting support. (Done by default if
39797 libpython is present and found at configure time.) Python makes
39798 @value{GDBN} scripting much more powerful than the restricted CLI
39799 scripting language. If your host does not have Python installed, you
39800 can find it on `http://www.python.org/download/'. The oldest version
39801 of Python supported by GDB is 2.6. The optional argument @var{python}
39802 is used to find the Python headers and libraries. It can be either
39803 the name of a Python executable, or the name of the directory in which
39804 Python is installed.
39806 @item --with-guile[=GUILE]'
39807 Build @value{GDBN} with GNU Guile scripting support. (Done by default
39808 if libguile is present and found at configure time.) If your host
39809 does not have Guile installed, you can find it at
39810 `https://www.gnu.org/software/guile/'. The optional argument GUILE
39811 can be a version number, which will cause @code{configure} to try to
39812 use that version of Guile; or the file name of a @code{pkg-config}
39813 executable, which will be queried to find the information needed to
39814 compile and link against Guile.
39816 @item --without-included-regex
39817 Don't use the regex library included with @value{GDBN} (as part of the
39818 libiberty library). This is the default on hosts with version 2 of
39821 @item --with-sysroot=@var{dir}
39822 Use @var{dir} as the default system root directory for libraries whose
39823 file names begin with @file{/lib}' or @file{/usr/lib'}. (The value of
39824 @var{dir} can be modified at run time by using the @command{set
39825 sysroot} command.) If @var{dir} is under the @value{GDBN} configured
39826 prefix (set with @code{--prefix} or @code{--exec-prefix options}, the
39827 default system root will be automatically adjusted if and when
39828 @value{GDBN} is moved to a different location.
39830 @item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
39831 Configure @value{GDBN} to automatically load a system-wide init file.
39832 @var{file} should be an absolute file name. If @var{file} is in a
39833 directory under the configured prefix, and @value{GDBN} is moved to
39834 another location after being built, the location of the system-wide
39835 init file will be adjusted accordingly.
39837 @item --with-system-gdbinit-dir=@var{directory}
39838 Configure @value{GDBN} to automatically load init files from a
39839 system-wide directory. @var{directory} should be an absolute directory
39840 name. If @var{directory} is in a directory under the configured
39841 prefix, and @value{GDBN} is moved to another location after being
39842 built, the location of the system-wide init directory will be
39843 adjusted accordingly.
39845 @item --enable-build-warnings
39846 When building the @value{GDBN} sources, ask the compiler to warn about
39847 any code which looks even vaguely suspicious. It passes many
39848 different warning flags, depending on the exact version of the
39849 compiler you are using.
39851 @item --enable-werror
39852 Treat compiler warnings as errors. It adds the @code{-Werror} flag
39853 to the compiler, which will fail the compilation if the compiler
39854 outputs any warning messages.
39856 @item --enable-ubsan
39857 Enable the GCC undefined behavior sanitizer. This is disabled by
39858 default, but passing @code{--enable-ubsan=yes} or
39859 @code{--enable-ubsan=auto} to @code{configure} will enable it. The
39860 undefined behavior sanitizer checks for C@t{++} undefined behavior.
39861 It has a performance cost, so if you are looking at @value{GDBN}'s
39862 performance, you should disable it. The undefined behavior sanitizer
39863 was first introduced in GCC 4.9.
39866 @node System-wide configuration
39867 @section System-wide configuration and settings
39868 @cindex system-wide init file
39870 @value{GDBN} can be configured to have a system-wide init file and a
39871 system-wide init file directory; this file and files in that directory
39872 (if they have a recognized file extension) will be read and executed at
39873 startup (@pxref{Startup, , What @value{GDBN} does during startup}).
39875 Here are the corresponding configure options:
39878 @item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
39879 Specify that the default location of the system-wide init file is
39881 @item --with-system-gdbinit-dir=@var{directory}
39882 Specify that the default location of the system-wide init file directory
39883 is @var{directory}.
39886 If @value{GDBN} has been configured with the option @option{--prefix=$prefix},
39887 they may be subject to relocation. Two possible cases:
39891 If the default location of this init file/directory contains @file{$prefix},
39892 it will be subject to relocation. Suppose that the configure options
39893 are @option{--prefix=$prefix --with-system-gdbinit=$prefix/etc/gdbinit};
39894 if @value{GDBN} is moved from @file{$prefix} to @file{$install}, the system
39895 init file is looked for as @file{$install/etc/gdbinit} instead of
39896 @file{$prefix/etc/gdbinit}.
39899 By contrast, if the default location does not contain the prefix,
39900 it will not be relocated. E.g.@: if @value{GDBN} has been configured with
39901 @option{--prefix=/usr/local --with-system-gdbinit=/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
39902 then @value{GDBN} will always look for @file{/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
39903 wherever @value{GDBN} is installed.
39906 If the configured location of the system-wide init file (as given by the
39907 @option{--with-system-gdbinit} option at configure time) is in the
39908 data-directory (as specified by @option{--with-gdb-datadir} at configure
39909 time) or in one of its subdirectories, then @value{GDBN} will look for the
39910 system-wide init file in the directory specified by the
39911 @option{--data-directory} command-line option.
39912 Note that the system-wide init file is only read once, during @value{GDBN}
39913 initialization. If the data-directory is changed after @value{GDBN} has
39914 started with the @code{set data-directory} command, the file will not be
39917 This applies similarly to the system-wide directory specified in
39918 @option{--with-system-gdbinit-dir}.
39920 Any supported scripting language can be used for these init files, as long
39921 as the file extension matches the scripting language. To be interpreted
39922 as regular @value{GDBN} commands, the files needs to have a @file{.gdb}
39926 * System-wide Configuration Scripts:: Installed System-wide Configuration Scripts
39929 @node System-wide Configuration Scripts
39930 @subsection Installed System-wide Configuration Scripts
39931 @cindex system-wide configuration scripts
39933 The @file{system-gdbinit} directory, located inside the data-directory
39934 (as specified by @option{--with-gdb-datadir} at configure time) contains
39935 a number of scripts which can be used as system-wide init files. To
39936 automatically source those scripts at startup, @value{GDBN} should be
39937 configured with @option{--with-system-gdbinit}. Otherwise, any user
39938 should be able to source them by hand as needed.
39940 The following scripts are currently available:
39943 @item @file{elinos.py}
39945 @cindex ELinOS system-wide configuration script
39946 This script is useful when debugging a program on an ELinOS target.
39947 It takes advantage of the environment variables defined in a standard
39948 ELinOS environment in order to determine the location of the system
39949 shared libraries, and then sets the @samp{solib-absolute-prefix}
39950 and @samp{solib-search-path} variables appropriately.
39952 @item @file{wrs-linux.py}
39953 @pindex wrs-linux.py
39954 @cindex Wind River Linux system-wide configuration script
39955 This script is useful when debugging a program on a target running
39956 Wind River Linux. It expects the @env{ENV_PREFIX} to be set to
39957 the host-side sysroot used by the target system.
39961 @node Maintenance Commands
39962 @appendix Maintenance Commands
39963 @cindex maintenance commands
39964 @cindex internal commands
39966 In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
39967 includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
39968 that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
39969 provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
39970 messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
39973 @kindex maint agent
39974 @kindex maint agent-eval
39975 @item maint agent @r{[}-at @var{linespec}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
39976 @itemx maint agent-eval @r{[}-at @var{linespec}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
39977 Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
39978 This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
39979 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}). The @samp{agent} version produces an
39980 expression useful for data collection, such as by tracepoints, while
39981 @samp{maint agent-eval} produces an expression that evaluates directly
39982 to a result. For instance, a collection expression for @code{globa +
39983 globb} will include bytecodes to record four bytes of memory at each
39984 of the addresses of @code{globa} and @code{globb}, while discarding
39985 the result of the addition, while an evaluation expression will do the
39986 addition and return the sum.
39987 If @code{-at} is given, generate remote agent bytecode for all the
39988 addresses to which @var{linespec} resolves (@pxref{Linespec
39990 If not, generate remote agent bytecode for current frame PC address.
39992 @kindex maint agent-printf
39993 @item maint agent-printf @var{format},@var{expr},...
39994 Translate the given format string and list of argument expressions
39995 into remote agent bytecodes and display them as a disassembled list.
39996 This command is useful for debugging the agent version of dynamic
39997 printf (@pxref{Dynamic Printf}).
39999 @kindex maint info breakpoints
40000 @item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
40001 Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
40002 breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
40003 internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
40004 breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
40009 Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
40012 Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
40015 Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
40016 @code{longjmp} calls.
40018 @item longjmp resume
40019 Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
40022 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
40025 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
40028 Shared library events.
40032 @kindex maint info btrace
40033 @item maint info btrace
40034 Pint information about raw branch tracing data.
40036 @kindex maint btrace packet-history
40037 @item maint btrace packet-history
40038 Print the raw branch trace packets that are used to compute the
40039 execution history for the @samp{record btrace} command. Both the
40040 information and the format in which it is printed depend on the btrace
40045 For the BTS recording format, print a list of blocks of sequential
40046 code. For each block, the following information is printed:
40050 Newer blocks have higher numbers. The oldest block has number zero.
40051 @item Lowest @samp{PC}
40052 @item Highest @samp{PC}
40056 For the Intel Processor Trace recording format, print a list of
40057 Intel Processor Trace packets. For each packet, the following
40058 information is printed:
40061 @item Packet number
40062 Newer packets have higher numbers. The oldest packet has number zero.
40064 The packet's offset in the trace stream.
40065 @item Packet opcode and payload
40069 @kindex maint btrace clear-packet-history
40070 @item maint btrace clear-packet-history
40071 Discards the cached packet history printed by the @samp{maint btrace
40072 packet-history} command. The history will be computed again when
40075 @kindex maint btrace clear
40076 @item maint btrace clear
40077 Discard the branch trace data. The data will be fetched anew and the
40078 branch trace will be recomputed when needed.
40080 This implicitly truncates the branch trace to a single branch trace
40081 buffer. When updating branch trace incrementally, the branch trace
40082 available to @value{GDBN} may be bigger than a single branch trace
40085 @kindex maint set btrace pt skip-pad
40086 @item maint set btrace pt skip-pad
40087 @kindex maint show btrace pt skip-pad
40088 @item maint show btrace pt skip-pad
40089 Control whether @value{GDBN} will skip PAD packets when computing the
40092 @kindex maint info jit
40093 @item maint info jit
40094 Print information about JIT code objects loaded in the current inferior.
40096 @anchor{maint info python-disassemblers}
40097 @kindex maint info python-disassemblers
40098 @item maint info python-disassemblers
40099 This command is defined within the @code{gdb.disassembler} Python
40100 module (@pxref{Disassembly In Python}), and will only be present after
40101 that module has been imported. To force the module to be imported do
40105 (@value{GDBP}) python import gdb.disassembler
40108 This command lists all the architectures for which a disassembler is
40109 currently registered, and the name of the disassembler. If a
40110 disassembler is registered for all architectures, then this is listed
40111 last against the @samp{GLOBAL} architecture.
40113 If one of the disassemblers would be selected for the architecture of
40114 the current inferior, then this disassembler will be marked.
40116 The following example shows a situation in which two disassemblers are
40117 registered, initially the @samp{i386} disassembler matches the current
40118 architecture, then the architecture is changed, now the @samp{GLOBAL}
40119 disassembler matches.
40123 (@value{GDBP}) show architecture
40124 The target architecture is set to "auto" (currently "i386").
40125 (@value{GDBP}) maint info python-disassemblers
40126 Architecture Disassember Name
40127 i386 Disassembler_1 (Matches current architecture)
40128 GLOBAL Disassembler_2
40131 (@value{GDBP}) set architecture arm
40132 The target architecture is set to "arm".
40133 (@value{GDBP}) maint info python-disassemblers
40135 Architecture Disassember Name
40136 i386 Disassembler_1
40137 GLOBAL Disassembler_2 (Matches current architecture)
40141 @kindex set displaced-stepping
40142 @kindex show displaced-stepping
40143 @cindex displaced stepping support
40144 @cindex out-of-line single-stepping
40145 @item set displaced-stepping
40146 @itemx show displaced-stepping
40147 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
40148 if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
40149 over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
40150 an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
40151 breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
40154 @item set displaced-stepping on
40155 If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
40156 displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
40158 @item set displaced-stepping off
40159 @value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
40160 even if such is supported by the target architecture.
40162 @cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
40163 @item set displaced-stepping auto
40164 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
40165 only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
40166 architecture supports displaced stepping.
40169 @kindex maint check-psymtabs
40170 @item maint check-psymtabs
40171 Check the consistency of currently expanded psymtabs versus symtabs.
40172 Use this to check, for example, whether a symbol is in one but not the other.
40174 @kindex maint check-symtabs
40175 @item maint check-symtabs
40176 Check the consistency of currently expanded symtabs.
40178 @kindex maint expand-symtabs
40179 @item maint expand-symtabs [@var{regexp}]
40180 Expand symbol tables.
40181 If @var{regexp} is specified, only expand symbol tables for file
40182 names matching @var{regexp}.
40184 @kindex maint set catch-demangler-crashes
40185 @kindex maint show catch-demangler-crashes
40186 @cindex demangler crashes
40187 @item maint set catch-demangler-crashes [on|off]
40188 @itemx maint show catch-demangler-crashes
40189 Control whether @value{GDBN} should attempt to catch crashes in the
40190 symbol name demangler. The default is to attempt to catch crashes.
40191 If enabled, the first time a crash is caught, a core file is created,
40192 the offending symbol is displayed and the user is presented with the
40193 option to terminate the current session.
40195 @kindex maint cplus first_component
40196 @item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
40197 Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
40199 @kindex maint cplus namespace
40200 @item maint cplus namespace
40201 Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
40203 @kindex maint deprecate
40204 @kindex maint undeprecate
40205 @cindex deprecated commands
40206 @item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
40207 @itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
40208 Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
40209 cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
40210 argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
40211 favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
40212 the replacement as part of the warning.
40214 @kindex maint dump-me
40215 @item maint dump-me
40216 @cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
40217 Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
40218 This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
40219 with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
40221 @kindex maint internal-error
40222 @kindex maint internal-warning
40223 @kindex maint demangler-warning
40224 @cindex demangler crashes
40225 @item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
40226 @itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
40227 @itemx maint demangler-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
40229 Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error},
40230 @code{internal_warning} or @code{demangler_warning} and hence behave
40231 as though an internal problem has been detected. In addition to
40232 reporting the internal problem, these functions give the user the
40233 opportunity to either quit @value{GDBN} or (for @code{internal_error}
40234 and @code{internal_warning}) create a core file of the current
40235 @value{GDBN} session.
40237 These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
40238 used as the text of the error or warning message.
40240 Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
40243 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
40244 @dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
40245 A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
40246 debugging may prove unreliable.
40247 Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
40248 Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
40252 @cindex @value{GDBN} internal error
40253 @cindex internal errors, control of @value{GDBN} behavior
40254 @cindex demangler crashes
40256 @kindex maint set internal-error
40257 @kindex maint show internal-error
40258 @kindex maint set internal-warning
40259 @kindex maint show internal-warning
40260 @kindex maint set demangler-warning
40261 @kindex maint show demangler-warning
40262 @item maint set internal-error @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
40263 @itemx maint show internal-error @var{action}
40264 @itemx maint set internal-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
40265 @itemx maint show internal-warning @var{action}
40266 @itemx maint set demangler-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
40267 @itemx maint show demangler-warning @var{action}
40268 When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it
40269 gives the user the opportunity to both quit @value{GDBN} and create a
40270 core file of the current @value{GDBN} session. These commands let you
40271 override the default behaviour for each particular @var{action},
40272 described in the table below.
40276 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
40277 quit. The default is to ask the user what to do.
40280 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
40281 create a core file. The default is to ask the user what to do. Note
40282 that there is no @code{corefile} option for @code{demangler-warning}:
40283 demangler warnings always create a core file and this cannot be
40287 @kindex maint set internal-error
40288 @kindex maint show internal-error
40289 @kindex maint set internal-warning
40290 @kindex maint show internal-warning
40291 @item maint set internal-error backtrace @r{[}on|off@r{]}
40292 @itemx maint show internal-error backtrace
40293 @itemx maint set internal-warning backtrace @r{[}on|off@r{]}
40294 @itemx maint show internal-warning backtrace
40295 When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it is
40296 possible to have a backtrace of @value{GDBN} printed to the standard
40297 error stream. This is @samp{on} by default for @code{internal-error}
40298 and @samp{off} by default for @code{internal-warning}.
40300 @anchor{maint packet}
40301 @kindex maint packet
40302 @item maint packet @var{text}
40303 If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
40304 then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
40305 displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
40306 @samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
40309 Any non-printable characters in the reply are printed as escaped hex,
40310 e.g. @samp{\x00}, @samp{\x01}, etc.
40312 @kindex maint print architecture
40313 @item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
40314 Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
40315 @var{file} names the file where the output goes.
40317 @kindex maint print c-tdesc
40318 @item maint print c-tdesc @r{[}-single-feature@r{]} @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
40319 Print the target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
40320 a C source file. By default, the target description is for the current
40321 target, but if the optional argument @var{file} is provided, that file
40322 is used to produce the description. The @var{file} should be an XML
40323 document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description Format}.
40324 The created source file is built into @value{GDBN} when @value{GDBN} is
40325 built again. This command is used by developers after they add or
40326 modify XML target descriptions.
40328 When the optional flag @samp{-single-feature} is provided then the
40329 target description being processed (either the default, or from
40330 @var{file}) must only contain a single feature. The source file
40331 produced is different in this case.
40333 @kindex maint print xml-tdesc
40334 @item maint print xml-tdesc @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
40335 Print the target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as an XML
40336 file. By default print the target description for the current target,
40337 but if the optional argument @var{file} is provided, then that file is
40338 read in by GDB and then used to produce the description. The
40339 @var{file} should be an XML document, of the form described in
40340 @ref{Target Description Format}.
40342 @kindex maint check xml-descriptions
40343 @item maint check xml-descriptions @var{dir}
40344 Check that the target descriptions dynamically created by @value{GDBN}
40345 equal the descriptions created from XML files found in @var{dir}.
40347 @anchor{maint check libthread-db}
40348 @kindex maint check libthread-db
40349 @item maint check libthread-db
40350 Run integrity checks on the current inferior's thread debugging
40351 library. This exercises all @code{libthread_db} functionality used by
40352 @value{GDBN} on GNU/Linux systems, and by extension also exercises the
40353 @code{proc_service} functions provided by @value{GDBN} that
40354 @code{libthread_db} uses. Note that parts of the test may be skipped
40355 on some platforms when debugging core files.
40357 @kindex maint print core-file-backed-mappings
40358 @cindex memory address space mappings
40359 @item maint print core-file-backed-mappings
40360 Print the file-backed mappings which were loaded from a core file note.
40361 This output represents state internal to @value{GDBN} and should be
40362 similar to the mappings displayed by the @code{info proc mappings}
40365 @kindex maint print dummy-frames
40366 @item maint print dummy-frames
40367 Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
40370 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
40372 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
40373 Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
40375 The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
40377 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
40378 0xa8206d8: id=@{stack=0xbfffe734,code=0xbfffe73f,!special@}, ptid=process 9353
40382 Takes an optional file parameter.
40384 @kindex maint print frame-id
40385 @item maint print frame-id
40386 @itemx maint print frame-id @var{level}
40387 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal frame-id for the frame at relative
40388 @var{level}, or for the currently selected frame when @var{level} is
40391 If used, @var{level} should be an integer, as displayed in the
40392 @command{backtrace} output.
40395 (@value{GDBP}) maint print frame-id
40396 frame-id for frame #0: @{stack=0x7fffffffac70,code=0x0000000000401106,!special@}
40397 (@value{GDBP}) maint print frame-id 2
40398 frame-id for frame #2: @{stack=0x7fffffffac90,code=0x000000000040111c,!special@}
40401 @kindex maint print registers
40402 @kindex maint print raw-registers
40403 @kindex maint print cooked-registers
40404 @kindex maint print register-groups
40405 @kindex maint print remote-registers
40406 @item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
40407 @itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
40408 @itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
40409 @itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
40410 @itemx maint print remote-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
40411 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
40413 The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
40414 the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print
40415 cooked-registers} includes the (cooked) value of all registers,
40416 including registers which aren't available on the target nor visible
40417 to user; the command @code{maint print register-groups} includes the
40418 groups that each register is a member of; and the command @code{maint
40419 print remote-registers} includes the remote target's register numbers
40420 and offsets in the `G' packets.
40422 These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
40423 write the information.
40425 @kindex maint print reggroups
40426 @item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
40427 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
40428 optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
40431 The register groups info looks like this:
40434 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
40445 @kindex maint flush register-cache
40447 @cindex register cache, flushing
40448 @item maint flush register-cache
40450 Flush the contents of the register cache and as a consequence the
40451 frame cache. This command is useful when debugging issues related to
40452 register fetching, or frame unwinding. The command @code{flushregs}
40453 is deprecated in favor of @code{maint flush register-cache}.
40455 @kindex maint flush source-cache
40456 @cindex source code, caching
40457 @item maint flush source-cache
40458 Flush @value{GDBN}'s cache of source code file contents. After
40459 @value{GDBN} reads a source file, and optionally applies styling
40460 (@pxref{Output Styling}), the file contents are cached. This command
40461 clears that cache. The next time @value{GDBN} wants to show lines
40462 from a source file, the content will be re-read.
40464 This command is useful when debugging issues related to source code
40465 styling. After flushing the cache any source code displayed by
40466 @value{GDBN} will be re-read and re-styled.
40468 @kindex maint print objfiles
40469 @cindex info for known object files
40470 @item maint print objfiles @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
40471 Print a dump of all known object files.
40472 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print object files whose names
40473 match @var{regexp}. For each object file, this command prints its name,
40474 address in memory, and all of its psymtabs and symtabs.
40476 @kindex maint print user-registers
40477 @cindex user registers
40478 @item maint print user-registers
40479 List all currently available @dfn{user registers}. User registers
40480 typically provide alternate names for actual hardware registers. They
40481 include the four ``standard'' registers @code{$fp}, @code{$pc},
40482 @code{$sp}, and @code{$ps}. @xref{standard registers}. User
40483 registers can be used in expressions in the same way as the canonical
40484 register names, but only the latter are listed by the @code{info
40485 registers} and @code{maint print registers} commands.
40487 @kindex maint print section-scripts
40488 @cindex info for known .debug_gdb_scripts-loaded scripts
40489 @item maint print section-scripts [@var{regexp}]
40490 Print a dump of scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_section} section.
40491 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print scripts loaded by object files
40492 matching @var{regexp}.
40493 For each script, this command prints its name as specified in the objfile,
40494 and the full path if known.
40495 @xref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}.
40497 @kindex maint print statistics
40498 @cindex bcache statistics
40499 @item maint print statistics
40500 This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
40501 about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
40502 statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
40503 of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
40504 defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
40505 the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
40506 used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
40507 sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
40508 average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
40509 savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
40512 @kindex maint print target-stack
40513 @cindex target stack description
40514 @item maint print target-stack
40515 A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
40516 kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
40517 so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
40518 In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
40519 until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
40522 This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
40523 the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
40525 @kindex maint print type
40526 @cindex type chain of a data type
40527 @item maint print type @var{expr}
40528 Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
40529 can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
40530 that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
40531 a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
40532 data structures, including its flags and contained types.
40534 @kindex maint selftest
40536 @item maint selftest @r{[}-verbose@r{]} @r{[}@var{filter}@r{]}
40537 Run any self tests that were compiled in to @value{GDBN}. This will
40538 print a message showing how many tests were run, and how many failed.
40539 If a @var{filter} is passed, only the tests with @var{filter} in their
40540 name will be ran. If @code{-verbose} is passed, the self tests can be
40543 @kindex maint set selftest verbose
40544 @kindex maint show selftest verbose
40546 @item maint set selftest verbose
40547 @item maint show selftest verbose
40548 Control whether self tests are run verbosely or not.
40550 @kindex maint info selftests
40552 @item maint info selftests
40553 List the selftests compiled in to @value{GDBN}.
40555 @kindex maint set dwarf always-disassemble
40556 @kindex maint show dwarf always-disassemble
40557 @item maint set dwarf always-disassemble
40558 @item maint show dwarf always-disassemble
40559 Control the behavior of @code{info address} when using DWARF debugging
40562 The default is @code{off}, which means that @value{GDBN} should try to
40563 describe a variable's location in an easily readable format. When
40564 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will instead display the DWARF location
40565 expression in an assembly-like format. Note that some locations are
40566 too complex for @value{GDBN} to describe simply; in this case you will
40567 always see the disassembly form.
40569 Here is an example of the resulting disassembly:
40572 (gdb) info addr argc
40573 Symbol "argc" is a complex DWARF expression:
40577 For more information on these expressions, see
40578 @uref{http://www.dwarfstd.org/, the DWARF standard}.
40580 @kindex maint set dwarf max-cache-age
40581 @kindex maint show dwarf max-cache-age
40582 @item maint set dwarf max-cache-age
40583 @itemx maint show dwarf max-cache-age
40584 Control the DWARF compilation unit cache.
40586 @cindex DWARF compilation units cache
40587 In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
40588 produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF
40589 reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
40590 This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
40591 cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
40592 compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
40593 memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
40594 slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
40596 @kindex maint set dwarf unwinders
40597 @kindex maint show dwarf unwinders
40598 @item maint set dwarf unwinders
40599 @itemx maint show dwarf unwinders
40600 Control use of the DWARF frame unwinders.
40602 @cindex DWARF frame unwinders
40603 Many targets that support DWARF debugging use @value{GDBN}'s DWARF
40604 frame unwinders to build the backtrace. Many of these targets will
40605 also have a second mechanism for building the backtrace for use in
40606 cases where DWARF information is not available, this second mechanism
40607 is often an analysis of a function's prologue.
40609 In order to extend testing coverage of the second level stack
40610 unwinding mechanisms it is helpful to be able to disable the DWARF
40611 stack unwinders, this can be done with this switch.
40613 In normal use of @value{GDBN} disabling the DWARF unwinders is not
40614 advisable, there are cases that are better handled through DWARF than
40615 prologue analysis, and the debug experience is likely to be better
40616 with the DWARF frame unwinders enabled.
40618 If DWARF frame unwinders are not supported for a particular target
40619 architecture, then enabling this flag does not cause them to be used.
40621 @kindex maint set worker-threads
40622 @kindex maint show worker-threads
40623 @item maint set worker-threads
40624 @item maint show worker-threads
40625 Control the number of worker threads that may be used by @value{GDBN}.
40626 On capable hosts, @value{GDBN} may use multiple threads to speed up
40627 certain CPU-intensive operations, such as demangling symbol names.
40628 While the number of threads used by @value{GDBN} may vary, this
40629 command can be used to set an upper bound on this number. The default
40630 is @code{unlimited}, which lets @value{GDBN} choose a reasonable
40631 number. Note that this only controls worker threads started by
40632 @value{GDBN} itself; libraries used by @value{GDBN} may start threads
40635 @kindex maint set profile
40636 @kindex maint show profile
40637 @cindex profiling GDB
40638 @item maint set profile
40639 @itemx maint show profile
40640 Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
40642 Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
40643 command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
40644 collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
40645 exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
40646 if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
40647 (often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
40648 data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
40650 Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
40651 compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
40653 @kindex maint set show-debug-regs
40654 @kindex maint show show-debug-regs
40655 @cindex hardware debug registers
40656 @item maint set show-debug-regs
40657 @itemx maint show show-debug-regs
40658 Control whether to show variables that mirror the hardware debug
40659 registers. Use @code{on} to enable, @code{off} to disable. If
40660 enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
40661 removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
40662 triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
40664 @kindex maint set show-all-tib
40665 @kindex maint show show-all-tib
40666 @item maint set show-all-tib
40667 @itemx maint show show-all-tib
40668 Control whether to show all non zero areas within a 1k block starting
40669 at thread local base, when using the @samp{info w32 thread-information-block}
40672 @kindex maint set target-async
40673 @kindex maint show target-async
40674 @item maint set target-async
40675 @itemx maint show target-async
40676 This controls whether @value{GDBN} targets operate in synchronous or
40677 asynchronous mode (@pxref{Background Execution}). Normally the
40678 default is asynchronous, if it is available; but this can be changed
40679 to more easily debug problems occurring only in synchronous mode.
40681 @kindex maint set target-non-stop @var{mode} [on|off|auto]
40682 @kindex maint show target-non-stop
40683 @item maint set target-non-stop
40684 @itemx maint show target-non-stop
40686 This controls whether @value{GDBN} targets always operate in non-stop
40687 mode even if @code{set non-stop} is @code{off} (@pxref{Non-Stop
40688 Mode}). The default is @code{auto}, meaning non-stop mode is enabled
40689 if supported by the target.
40692 @item maint set target-non-stop auto
40693 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} controls the target in
40694 non-stop mode if the target supports it.
40696 @item maint set target-non-stop on
40697 @value{GDBN} controls the target in non-stop mode even if the target
40698 does not indicate support.
40700 @item maint set target-non-stop off
40701 @value{GDBN} does not control the target in non-stop mode even if the
40702 target supports it.
40705 @kindex maint set tui-resize-message
40706 @kindex maint show tui-resize-message
40707 @item maint set tui-resize-message
40708 @item maint show tui-resize-message
40709 Control whether @value{GDBN} displays a message each time the terminal
40710 is resized when in TUI mode. The default is @code{off}, which means
40711 that @value{GDBN} is silent during resizes. When @code{on},
40712 @value{GDBN} will display a message after a resize is completed; the
40713 message will include a number indicating how many times the terminal
40714 has been resized. This setting is intended for use by the test suite,
40715 where it would otherwise be difficult to determine when a resize and
40716 refresh has been completed.
40718 @kindex maint set per-command
40719 @kindex maint show per-command
40720 @item maint set per-command
40721 @itemx maint show per-command
40722 @cindex resources used by commands
40724 @value{GDBN} can display the resources used by each command.
40725 This is useful in debugging performance problems.
40728 @item maint set per-command space [on|off]
40729 @itemx maint show per-command space
40730 Enable or disable the printing of the memory used by GDB for each command.
40731 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
40732 took, following the command's own output.
40733 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
40734 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
40736 @item maint set per-command time [on|off]
40737 @itemx maint show per-command time
40738 Enable or disable the printing of the execution time of @value{GDBN}
40740 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
40741 took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
40742 Both CPU time and wallclock time are printed.
40743 Printing both is useful when trying to determine whether the cost is
40744 CPU or, e.g., disk/network latency.
40745 Note that the CPU time printed is for @value{GDBN} only, it does not include
40746 the execution time of the inferior because there's no mechanism currently
40747 to compute how much time was spent by @value{GDBN} and how much time was
40748 spent by the program been debugged.
40749 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
40750 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
40752 @item maint set per-command symtab [on|off]
40753 @itemx maint show per-command symtab
40754 Enable or disable the printing of basic symbol table statistics
40756 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display the following information:
40760 number of symbol tables
40762 number of primary symbol tables
40764 number of blocks in the blockvector
40768 @kindex maint set check-libthread-db
40769 @kindex maint show check-libthread-db
40770 @item maint set check-libthread-db [on|off]
40771 @itemx maint show check-libthread-db
40772 Control whether @value{GDBN} should run integrity checks on inferior
40773 specific thread debugging libraries as they are loaded. The default
40774 is not to perform such checks. If any check fails @value{GDBN} will
40775 unload the library and continue searching for a suitable candidate as
40776 described in @ref{set libthread-db-search-path}. For more information
40777 about the tests, see @ref{maint check libthread-db}.
40779 @kindex maint set gnu-source-highlight enabled
40780 @kindex maint show gnu-source-highlight enabled
40781 @item maint set gnu-source-highlight enabled @r{[}on|off@r{]}
40782 @itemx maint show gnu-source-highlight enabled
40783 Control whether @value{GDBN} should use the GNU Source Highlight
40784 library for applying styling to source code (@pxref{Output Styling}).
40785 This will be @samp{on} by default if the GNU Source Highlight library
40786 is available. If the GNU Source Highlight library is not available,
40787 then this will be @samp{off} by default, and attempting to change this
40788 value to @samp{on} will give an error.
40790 If the GNU Source Highlight library is not being used, then
40791 @value{GDBN} will use the Python Pygments package for source code
40792 styling, if it is available.
40794 This option is useful for debugging @value{GDBN}'s use of the Pygments
40795 library when @value{GDBN} is linked against the GNU Source Highlight
40798 @anchor{maint_libopcodes_styling}
40799 @kindex maint set libopcodes-styling enabled
40800 @kindex maint show libopcodes-styling enabled
40801 @item maint set libopcodes-styling enabled @r{[}on|off@r{]}
40802 @itemx maint show libopcodes-styling enabled
40803 Control whether @value{GDBN} should use its builtin disassembler
40804 (@file{libopcodes}) to style disassembler output (@pxref{Output
40805 Styling}). The builtin disassembler does not support styling for all
40808 When this option is @samp{off} the builtin disassembler will not be
40809 used for styling, @value{GDBN} will fall back to using the Python
40810 Pygments package if possible.
40812 Trying to set this option @samp{on} for an architecture that the
40813 builtin disassembler is unable to style will give an error, otherwise,
40814 the builtin disassembler will be used to style disassembler output.
40816 This option is @samp{on} by default for supported architectures.
40818 This option is useful for debugging @value{GDBN}'s use of the Pygments
40819 library when @value{GDBN} is built for an architecture that supports
40820 styling with the builtin disassembler
40821 @kindex maint space
40822 @cindex memory used by commands
40823 @item maint space @var{value}
40824 An alias for @code{maint set per-command space}.
40825 A non-zero value enables it, zero disables it.
40828 @cindex time of command execution
40829 @item maint time @var{value}
40830 An alias for @code{maint set per-command time}.
40831 A non-zero value enables it, zero disables it.
40833 @kindex maint translate-address
40834 @item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
40835 Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
40836 @var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
40837 @value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
40838 the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
40839 the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
40840 command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
40842 If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
40843 is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
40844 executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
40846 @kindex maint test-options
40847 @item maint test-options require-delimiter
40848 @itemx maint test-options unknown-is-error
40849 @itemx maint test-options unknown-is-operand
40850 These commands are used by the testsuite to validate the command
40851 options framework. The @code{require-delimiter} variant requires a
40852 double-dash delimiter to indicate end of options. The
40853 @code{unknown-is-error} and @code{unknown-is-operand} do not. The
40854 @code{unknown-is-error} variant throws an error on unknown option,
40855 while @code{unknown-is-operand} treats unknown options as the start of
40856 the command's operands. When run, the commands output the result of
40857 the processed options. When completed, the commands store the
40858 internal result of completion in a variable exposed by the @code{maint
40859 show test-options-completion-result} command.
40861 @kindex maint show test-options-completion-result
40862 @item maint show test-options-completion-result
40863 Shows the result of completing the @code{maint test-options}
40864 subcommands. This is used by the testsuite to validate completion
40865 support in the command options framework.
40867 @kindex maint set test-settings
40868 @kindex maint show test-settings
40869 @item maint set test-settings @var{kind}
40870 @itemx maint show test-settings @var{kind}
40871 These are representative commands for each @var{kind} of setting type
40872 @value{GDBN} supports. They are used by the testsuite for exercising
40873 the settings infrastructure.
40875 @kindex maint set backtrace-on-fatal-signal
40876 @kindex maint show backtrace-on-fatal-signal
40877 @item maint set backtrace-on-fatal-signal [on|off]
40878 @itemx maint show backtrace-on-fatal-signal
40879 When this setting is @code{on}, if @value{GDBN} itself terminates with
40880 a fatal signal (e.g.@: SIGSEGV), then a limited backtrace will be
40881 printed to the standard error stream. This backtrace can be used to
40882 help diagnose crashes within @value{GDBN} in situations where a user
40883 is unable to share a corefile with the @value{GDBN} developers.
40885 If the functionality to provide this backtrace is not available for
40886 the platform on which GDB is running then this feature will be
40887 @code{off} by default, and attempting to turn this feature on will
40890 For platforms that do support creating the backtrace this feature is
40891 @code{on} by default.
40894 @item maint with @var{setting} [@var{value}] [-- @var{command}]
40895 Like the @code{with} command, but works with @code{maintenance set}
40896 variables. This is used by the testsuite to exercise the @code{with}
40897 command's infrastructure.
40901 The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
40902 @value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
40905 @item set watchdog @var{nsec}
40906 @kindex set watchdog
40907 @cindex watchdog timer
40908 @cindex timeout for commands
40909 Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
40910 target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
40911 reports and error and the command is aborted.
40913 @item show watchdog
40914 Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
40917 @node Remote Protocol
40918 @appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
40923 * Stop Reply Packets::
40924 * General Query Packets::
40925 * Architecture-Specific Protocol Details::
40926 * Tracepoint Packets::
40927 * Host I/O Packets::
40929 * Notification Packets::
40930 * Remote Non-Stop::
40931 * Packet Acknowledgment::
40933 * File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
40934 * Library List Format::
40935 * Library List Format for SVR4 Targets::
40936 * Memory Map Format::
40937 * Thread List Format::
40938 * Traceframe Info Format::
40939 * Branch Trace Format::
40940 * Branch Trace Configuration Format::
40946 There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
40947 protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
40948 machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
40949 recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
40951 In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
40952 transmitted and received data, respectively.
40954 @cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
40955 @cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
40956 @cindex remote serial protocol
40957 All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
40958 and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
40959 @var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
40960 @samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
40961 @samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
40964 @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
40968 @cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
40970 The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
40971 characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
40972 eight bit unsigned checksum).
40974 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
40975 specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
40978 @code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
40981 @cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
40983 That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
40984 has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
40985 since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
40987 When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
40988 response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
40989 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
40993 -> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
40998 The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
40999 once a connection is established.
41000 @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
41002 The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
41003 debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
41004 the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
41005 when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
41006 threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
41007 behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
41008 execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
41010 @var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
41011 exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
41014 @cindex remote protocol, field separator
41015 Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
41016 @samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
41017 @sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
41019 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
41020 @samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
41021 would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
41023 @cindex remote protocol, binary data
41024 @anchor{Binary Data}
41025 Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
41026 digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
41027 protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
41028 Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
41029 connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
41032 The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
41033 as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
41034 character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
41035 For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
41036 bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
41037 @code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
41038 @samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
41039 must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
41040 is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
41043 Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
41044 Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
41045 instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
41046 repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
41047 binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
41048 @code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
41049 produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
41050 code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
41051 encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
41052 @samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
41053 after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
41056 The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
41057 greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
41058 seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
41059 five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
41062 The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
41063 error number. That number is not well defined.
41065 @cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
41066 For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
41067 (@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
41068 protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
41071 At a minimum, a stub is required to support the @samp{?} command to
41072 tell @value{GDBN} the reason for halting, @samp{g} and @samp{G}
41073 commands for register access, and the @samp{m} and @samp{M} commands
41074 for memory access. Stubs that only control single-threaded targets
41075 can implement run control with the @samp{c} (continue) command, and if
41076 the target architecture supports hardware-assisted single-stepping,
41077 the @samp{s} (step) command. Stubs that support multi-threading
41078 targets should support the @samp{vCont} command. All other commands
41084 The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
41085 @var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
41086 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
41087 I/O extension of the remote protocol.
41089 Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
41090 syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
41091 include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
41092 part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
41093 separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
41094 @var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
41095 bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
41096 @var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
41097 @samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
41100 @cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
41101 @anchor{thread-id syntax}
41102 Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
41103 a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
41104 interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
41105 can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
41108 In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
41109 which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
41110 process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
41111 The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
41112 format described above: a positive number with target-specific
41113 interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
41114 to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
41115 indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
41116 @samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
41117 error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
41118 @samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
41119 for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
41120 ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
41122 The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
41123 @value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
41124 feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
41127 Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
41128 letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
41130 Here are the packet descriptions.
41135 @cindex @samp{!} packet
41136 @anchor{extended mode}
41137 Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
41138 persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
41144 The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
41148 @cindex @samp{?} packet
41150 This is sent when connection is first established to query the reason
41151 the target halted. The reply is the same as for step and continue.
41152 This packet has a special interpretation when the target is in
41153 non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
41156 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
41158 @item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
41159 @cindex @samp{A} packet
41160 Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
41161 specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
41162 @var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
41167 The arguments were set.
41173 @cindex @samp{b} packet
41174 (Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
41175 Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
41177 JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
41178 received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
41179 problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
41181 Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
41182 it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
41183 some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
41184 switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
41185 of view, nothing actually happened.}
41187 @item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
41188 @cindex @samp{B} packet
41189 Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
41190 breakpoint at @var{addr}.
41192 Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
41193 (@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
41195 @cindex @samp{bc} packet
41198 Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
41199 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
41202 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
41204 @cindex @samp{bs} packet
41207 Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
41208 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
41211 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
41213 @item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
41214 @cindex @samp{c} packet
41215 Continue at @var{addr}, which is the address to resume. If @var{addr}
41216 is omitted, resume at current address.
41218 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
41222 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
41224 @item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
41225 @cindex @samp{C} packet
41226 Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
41227 @samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
41229 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
41233 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
41236 @cindex @samp{d} packet
41239 Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
41240 (@pxref{General Query Packets}).
41244 @cindex @samp{D} packet
41245 The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
41246 remote system. It is sent to the remote target
41247 before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
41249 The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
41250 protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
41251 detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
41252 big-endian hex string.
41262 @item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
41263 @cindex @samp{F} packet
41264 A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
41265 This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
41266 Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
41269 @anchor{read registers packet}
41270 @cindex @samp{g} packet
41271 Read general registers.
41275 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
41276 Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
41277 with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
41278 each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
41279 determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
41280 @code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}.
41282 When reading registers from a trace frame (@pxref{Analyze Collected
41283 Data,,Using the Collected Data}), the stub may also return a string of
41284 literal @samp{x}'s in place of the register data digits, to indicate
41285 that the corresponding register has not been collected, thus its value
41286 is unavailable. For example, for an architecture with 4 registers of
41287 4 bytes each, the following reply indicates to @value{GDBN} that
41288 registers 0 and 2 have not been collected, while registers 1 and 3
41289 have been collected, and both have zero value:
41293 <- @code{xxxxxxxx00000000xxxxxxxx00000000}
41300 @item G @var{XX@dots{}}
41301 @cindex @samp{G} packet
41302 Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
41303 description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
41313 @item H @var{op} @var{thread-id}
41314 @cindex @samp{H} packet
41315 Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
41316 @samp{G}, et.al.). Depending on the operation to be performed, @var{op}
41317 should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations (note that this
41318 is deprecated, supporting the @samp{vCont} command is a better
41319 option), and @samp{g} for other operations. The thread designator
41320 @var{thread-id} has the format and interpretation described in
41321 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
41332 @c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
41333 @c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
41334 @c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
41335 @c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
41336 @c described. For example:
41338 @c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
41339 @c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
41340 @c otherwise returns current registers.
41342 @c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
41343 @c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
41344 @c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
41346 @item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
41347 @anchor{cycle step packet}
41348 @cindex @samp{i} packet
41349 Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
41350 present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
41351 step starting at that address.
41354 @cindex @samp{I} packet
41355 Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
41359 @cindex @samp{k} packet
41362 The exact effect of this packet is not specified.
41364 For a bare-metal target, it may power cycle or reset the target
41365 system. For that reason, the @samp{k} packet has no reply.
41367 For a single-process target, it may kill that process if possible.
41369 A multiple-process target may choose to kill just one process, or all
41370 that are under @value{GDBN}'s control. For more precise control, use
41371 the vKill packet (@pxref{vKill packet}).
41373 If the target system immediately closes the connection in response to
41374 @samp{k}, @value{GDBN} does not consider the lack of packet
41375 acknowledgment to be an error, and assumes the kill was successful.
41377 If connected using @kbd{target extended-remote}, and the target does
41378 not close the connection in response to a kill request, @value{GDBN}
41379 probes the target state as if a new connection was opened
41380 (@pxref{? packet}).
41382 @item m @var{addr},@var{length}
41383 @cindex @samp{m} packet
41384 Read @var{length} addressable memory units starting at address @var{addr}
41385 (@pxref{addressable memory unit}). Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to
41386 any particular boundary.
41388 The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
41389 data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
41390 and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
41391 use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
41392 suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
41393 @cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
41394 @cindex size of remote memory accesses
41395 @cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
41399 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
41400 Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal number.
41401 The reply may contain fewer addressable memory units than requested if the
41402 server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
41407 @item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
41408 @cindex @samp{M} packet
41409 Write @var{length} addressable memory units starting at address @var{addr}
41410 (@pxref{addressable memory unit}). The data is given by @var{XX@dots{}}; each
41411 byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal number.
41418 for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
41423 @cindex @samp{p} packet
41424 Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
41425 @xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
41426 register value is encoded.
41430 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
41431 the register's value
41435 Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
41438 @item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
41439 @anchor{write register packet}
41440 @cindex @samp{P} packet
41441 Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
41442 number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
41443 digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
41453 @item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
41454 @itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
41455 @cindex @samp{q} packet
41456 @cindex @samp{Q} packet
41457 General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
41458 described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
41461 @cindex @samp{r} packet
41462 Reset the entire system.
41464 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
41467 @cindex @samp{R} packet
41468 Restart the program being debugged. The @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
41469 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
41471 The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
41473 @item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
41474 @cindex @samp{s} packet
41475 Single step, resuming at @var{addr}. If
41476 @var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
41478 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
41482 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
41484 @item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
41485 @anchor{step with signal packet}
41486 @cindex @samp{S} packet
41487 Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
41488 requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
41490 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
41494 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
41496 @item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
41497 @cindex @samp{t} packet
41498 Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
41499 @var{PP} and mask @var{MM}, both of which are are 4 byte long.
41500 There must be at least 3 digits in @var{addr}.
41502 @item T @var{thread-id}
41503 @cindex @samp{T} packet
41504 Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
41509 thread is still alive
41515 Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
41516 up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
41518 @item vAttach;@var{pid}
41519 @cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
41520 Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
41521 The process ID is a
41522 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
41523 threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
41524 attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
41526 @c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
41527 @c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
41528 @c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
41529 @c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
41530 @c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
41531 @c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
41532 @c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
41533 @c stopping or restarting threads.
41535 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
41541 @item @r{Any stop packet}
41542 for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
41544 for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
41547 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
41548 @cindex @samp{vCont} packet
41549 @anchor{vCont packet}
41550 Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
41552 For each inferior thread, the leftmost action with a matching
41553 @var{thread-id} is applied. Threads that don't match any action
41554 remain in their current state. Thread IDs are specified using the
41555 syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}. If multiprocess
41556 extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}) are supported, actions
41557 can be specified to match all threads in a process by using the
41558 @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the @var{thread-id}. An action with no
41559 @var{thread-id} matches all threads. Specifying no actions is an
41562 Currently supported actions are:
41568 Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
41572 Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
41575 @item r @var{start},@var{end}
41576 Step once, and then keep stepping as long as the thread stops at
41577 addresses between @var{start} (inclusive) and @var{end} (exclusive).
41578 The remote stub reports a stop reply when either the thread goes out
41579 of the range or is stopped due to an unrelated reason, such as hitting
41580 a breakpoint. @xref{range stepping}.
41582 If the range is empty (@var{start} == @var{end}), then the action
41583 becomes equivalent to the @samp{s} action. In other words,
41584 single-step once, and report the stop (even if the stepped instruction
41585 jumps to @var{start}).
41587 (A stop reply may be sent at any point even if the PC is still within
41588 the stepping range; for example, it is valid to implement this packet
41589 in a degenerate way as a single instruction step operation.)
41593 The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
41594 @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
41595 not supported in @samp{vCont}.
41597 The @samp{t} action is only relevant in non-stop mode
41598 (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
41599 A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
41600 When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
41601 the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
41602 signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
41603 as an implementation detail.
41605 The server must ignore @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, @samp{S}, and
41606 @samp{r} actions for threads that are already running. Conversely,
41607 the server must ignore @samp{t} actions for threads that are already
41610 @emph{Note:} In non-stop mode, a thread is considered running until
41611 @value{GDBN} acknowledges an asynchronous stop notification for it with
41612 the @samp{vStopped} packet (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}).
41614 The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
41615 multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}).
41618 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
41621 @cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
41622 Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
41626 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
41627 The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
41628 command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
41630 The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
41633 @anchor{vCtrlC packet}
41635 @cindex @samp{vCtrlC} packet
41636 Interrupt remote target as if a control-C was pressed on the remote
41637 terminal. This is the equivalent to reacting to the @code{^C}
41638 (@samp{\003}, the control-C character) character in all-stop mode
41639 while the target is running, except this works in non-stop mode.
41640 @xref{interrupting remote targets}, for more info on the all-stop
41651 @item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
41652 @cindex @samp{vFile} packet
41653 Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
41654 see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
41656 @item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
41657 @cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
41658 Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
41659 @var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
41660 its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
41661 flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
41662 Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
41663 together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
41664 stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
41665 packet is received.
41675 @item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
41676 @cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
41677 Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
41678 is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
41679 packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
41680 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
41681 not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
41682 (although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
41683 have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
41684 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
41685 neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
41686 target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
41694 for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
41700 @cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
41701 Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
41702 The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
41703 @samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
41704 @samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
41705 regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
41706 request is completed.
41708 @item vKill;@var{pid}
41709 @cindex @samp{vKill} packet
41710 @anchor{vKill packet}
41711 Kill the process with the specified process ID @var{pid}, which is a
41712 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
41713 preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
41714 supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
41724 @item vMustReplyEmpty
41725 @cindex @samp{vMustReplyEmpty} packet
41726 The correct reply to an unknown @samp{v} packet is to return the empty
41727 string, however, some older versions of @command{gdbserver} would
41728 incorrectly return @samp{OK} for unknown @samp{v} packets.
41730 The @samp{vMustReplyEmpty} is used as a feature test to check how
41731 @command{gdbserver} handles unknown packets, it is important that this
41732 packet be handled in the same way as other unknown @samp{v} packets.
41733 If this packet is handled differently to other unknown @samp{v}
41734 packets then it is possible that @value{GDBN} may run into problems in
41735 other areas, specifically around use of @samp{vFile:setfs:}.
41737 @item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
41738 @cindex @samp{vRun} packet
41739 Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
41740 command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
41741 @var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
41742 (e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
41745 @c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
41747 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
41753 @item @r{Any stop packet}
41754 for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
41758 @cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
41759 @xref{Notification Packets}.
41761 @item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
41763 @cindex @samp{X} packet
41764 Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
41765 Memory is specified by its address @var{addr} and number of addressable memory
41766 units @var{length} (@pxref{addressable memory unit});
41767 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
41777 @item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
41778 @itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
41779 @anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
41780 @cindex @samp{z} packet
41781 @cindex @samp{Z} packets
41782 Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
41783 watchpoint starting at address @var{address} of kind @var{kind}.
41785 Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
41788 @emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
41789 for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
41790 remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
41791 @samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
41792 avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
41793 be implemented in an idempotent way.}
41795 @item z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
41796 @itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}@r{[};cmds:@var{persist},@var{cmd_list}@dots{}@r{]}
41797 @cindex @samp{z0} packet
41798 @cindex @samp{Z0} packet
41799 Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a software breakpoint at address
41800 @var{addr} of type @var{kind}.
41802 A software breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
41803 @var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
41804 @var{kind} is target-specific and typically indicates the size of the
41805 breakpoint in bytes that should be inserted. E.g., the @sc{arm} and
41806 @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint. Some
41807 architectures have additional meanings for @var{kind}
41808 (@pxref{Architecture-Specific Protocol Details}); if no
41809 architecture-specific value is being used, it should be @samp{0}.
41810 @var{kind} is hex-encoded. @var{cond_list} is an optional list of
41811 conditional expressions in bytecode form that should be evaluated on
41812 the target's side. These are the conditions that should be taken into
41813 consideration when deciding if the breakpoint trigger should be
41814 reported back to @value{GDBN}.
41816 See also the @samp{swbreak} stop reason (@pxref{swbreak stop reason})
41817 for how to best report a software breakpoint event to @value{GDBN}.
41819 The @var{cond_list} parameter is comprised of a series of expressions,
41820 concatenated without separators. Each expression has the following form:
41824 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
41825 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
41826 actual conditional expression in bytecode form.
41830 The optional @var{cmd_list} parameter introduces commands that may be
41831 run on the target, rather than being reported back to @value{GDBN}.
41832 The parameter starts with a numeric flag @var{persist}; if the flag is
41833 nonzero, then the breakpoint may remain active and the commands
41834 continue to be run even when @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target.
41835 Following this flag is a series of expressions concatenated with no
41836 separators. Each expression has the following form:
41840 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
41841 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
41842 actual commands expression in bytecode form.
41846 @emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
41847 code that contains software breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
41848 overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
41849 target, is not defined.}
41861 @item z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
41862 @itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}@r{[};cmds:@var{persist},@var{cmd_list}@dots{}@r{]}
41863 @cindex @samp{z1} packet
41864 @cindex @samp{Z1} packet
41865 Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
41866 address @var{addr}.
41868 A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
41869 dependent on being able to modify the target's memory. The
41870 @var{kind}, @var{cond_list}, and @var{cmd_list} arguments have the
41871 same meaning as in @samp{Z0} packets.
41873 @emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
41886 @item z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
41887 @itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
41888 @cindex @samp{z2} packet
41889 @cindex @samp{Z2} packet
41890 Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint at @var{addr}.
41891 The number of bytes to watch is specified by @var{kind}.
41903 @item z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
41904 @itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
41905 @cindex @samp{z3} packet
41906 @cindex @samp{Z3} packet
41907 Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint at @var{addr}.
41908 The number of bytes to watch is specified by @var{kind}.
41920 @item z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
41921 @itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
41922 @cindex @samp{z4} packet
41923 @cindex @samp{Z4} packet
41924 Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint at @var{addr}.
41925 The number of bytes to watch is specified by @var{kind}.
41939 @node Stop Reply Packets
41940 @section Stop Reply Packets
41941 @cindex stop reply packets
41943 The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
41944 @samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
41945 receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
41946 and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
41947 when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
41948 number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
41949 @value{GDBN} source code.
41951 In non-stop mode, the server will simply reply @samp{OK} to commands
41952 such as @samp{vCont}; any stop will be the subject of a future
41953 notification. @xref{Remote Non-Stop}.
41955 As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
41956 reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
41957 syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
41963 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
41964 number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
41965 @var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
41967 @item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
41968 @cindex @samp{T} packet reply
41969 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
41970 number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
41971 @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
41972 and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
41973 round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
41974 this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
41978 If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
41979 corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. The data @var{r} is a
41980 series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
41981 two-digit hex number.
41984 If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the thread ID of
41985 the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
41988 If @var{n} is @samp{core}, then @var{r} is the hexadecimal number of
41989 the core on which the stop event was detected.
41992 If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
41993 specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
41994 reasons are listed below. The @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
41995 signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
41998 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
41999 and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
42003 The currently defined stop reasons are:
42009 The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
42012 @item syscall_entry
42013 @itemx syscall_return
42014 The packet indicates a syscall entry or return, and @var{r} is the
42015 syscall number, in hex.
42017 @cindex shared library events, remote reply
42019 The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
42020 @value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
42021 list of loaded libraries. The @var{r} part is ignored.
42023 @cindex replay log events, remote reply
42025 The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
42026 logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
42027 beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
42028 will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
42029 for more information.
42032 @anchor{swbreak stop reason}
42033 The packet indicates a software breakpoint instruction was executed,
42034 irrespective of whether it was @value{GDBN} that planted the
42035 breakpoint or the breakpoint is hardcoded in the program. The @var{r}
42036 part must be left empty.
42038 On some architectures, such as x86, at the architecture level, when a
42039 breakpoint instruction executes the program counter points at the
42040 breakpoint address plus an offset. On such targets, the stub is
42041 responsible for adjusting the PC to point back at the breakpoint
42044 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
42045 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
42046 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
42047 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
42048 indicating support.
42050 This packet is required for correct non-stop mode operation.
42053 The packet indicates the target stopped for a hardware breakpoint.
42054 The @var{r} part must be left empty.
42056 The same remarks about @samp{qSupported} and non-stop mode above
42059 @cindex fork events, remote reply
42061 The packet indicates that @code{fork} was called, and @var{r} is the
42062 thread ID of the new child process, as specified in @ref{thread-id
42063 syntax}. This packet is only applicable to targets that support fork
42066 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
42067 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
42068 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
42069 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
42070 indicating support.
42072 @cindex vfork events, remote reply
42074 The packet indicates that @code{vfork} was called, and @var{r} is the
42075 thread ID of the new child process, as specified in @ref{thread-id
42076 syntax}. This packet is only applicable to targets that support vfork
42079 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
42080 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
42081 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
42082 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
42083 indicating support.
42085 @cindex vforkdone events, remote reply
42087 The packet indicates that a child process created by a vfork
42088 has either called @code{exec} or terminated, so that the
42089 address spaces of the parent and child process are no longer
42090 shared. The @var{r} part is ignored. This packet is only
42091 applicable to targets that support vforkdone events.
42093 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
42094 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
42095 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
42096 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
42097 indicating support.
42099 @cindex exec events, remote reply
42101 The packet indicates that @code{execve} was called, and @var{r}
42102 is the absolute pathname of the file that was executed, in hex.
42103 This packet is only applicable to targets that support exec events.
42105 This packet should not be sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions
42106 did not support it. @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an
42107 appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The
42108 remote stub must also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature
42109 indicating support.
42111 @cindex thread create event, remote reply
42112 @anchor{thread create event}
42114 The packet indicates that the thread was just created. The new thread
42115 is stopped until @value{GDBN} sets it running with a resumption packet
42116 (@pxref{vCont packet}). This packet should not be sent by default;
42117 @value{GDBN} requests it with the @ref{QThreadEvents} packet. See
42118 also the @samp{w} (@pxref{thread exit event}) remote reply below. The
42119 @var{r} part is ignored.
42124 @itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
42125 The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
42126 applicable to certain targets.
42128 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
42129 exited process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
42130 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
42131 extensions}. Both @var{AA} and @var{pid} are formatted as big-endian
42135 @itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
42136 The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
42138 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
42139 terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
42140 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
42141 extensions}. Both @var{AA} and @var{pid} are formatted as big-endian
42144 @anchor{thread exit event}
42145 @cindex thread exit event, remote reply
42146 @item w @var{AA} ; @var{tid}
42148 The thread exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This response
42149 should not be sent by default; @value{GDBN} requests it with the
42150 @ref{QThreadEvents} packet. See also @ref{thread create event} above.
42151 @var{AA} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
42154 There are no resumed threads left in the target. In other words, even
42155 though the process is alive, the last resumed thread has exited. For
42156 example, say the target process has two threads: thread 1 and thread
42157 2. The client leaves thread 1 stopped, and resumes thread 2, which
42158 subsequently exits. At this point, even though the process is still
42159 alive, and thus no @samp{W} stop reply is sent, no thread is actually
42160 executing either. The @samp{N} stop reply thus informs the client
42161 that it can stop waiting for stop replies. This packet should not be
42162 sent by default; older @value{GDBN} versions did not support it.
42163 @value{GDBN} requests it, by supplying an appropriate
42164 @samp{qSupported} feature (@pxref{qSupported}). The remote stub must
42165 also supply the appropriate @samp{qSupported} feature indicating
42168 @item O @var{XX}@dots{}
42169 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
42170 written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
42171 while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
42172 for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
42174 @item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
42175 @var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
42176 be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
42177 correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
42178 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
42181 @samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
42182 this very system call.
42184 The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
42185 call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
42186 with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
42187 reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
42188 or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
42189 Protocol Extension}, for more details.
42193 @node General Query Packets
42194 @section General Query Packets
42195 @cindex remote query requests
42197 Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
42198 packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
42199 query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
42200 sending information to and from the stub.
42202 The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
42203 indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
42204 @value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
42205 definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
42210 The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
42212 Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
42215 The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
42216 lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
42217 the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
42218 foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
42221 The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
42222 parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
42223 separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
42224 full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
42225 in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
42226 with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
42227 packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
42228 for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
42229 are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
42230 existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
42233 Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
42234 has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
42235 explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
42236 templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
42237 @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
42239 Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
42245 Turn on or off the agent as a helper to perform some debugging operations
42246 delegated from @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Control Agent}).
42248 @item QAllow:@var{op}:@var{val}@dots{}
42249 @cindex @samp{QAllow} packet
42250 Specify which operations @value{GDBN} expects to request of the
42251 target, as a semicolon-separated list of operation name and value
42252 pairs. Possible values for @var{op} include @samp{WriteReg},
42253 @samp{WriteMem}, @samp{InsertBreak}, @samp{InsertTrace},
42254 @samp{InsertFastTrace}, and @samp{Stop}. @var{val} is either 0,
42255 indicating that @value{GDBN} will not request the operation, or 1,
42256 indicating that it may. (The target can then use this to set up its
42257 own internals optimally, for instance if the debugger never expects to
42258 insert breakpoints, it may not need to install its own trap handler.)
42261 @cindex current thread, remote request
42262 @cindex @samp{qC} packet
42263 Return the current thread ID.
42267 @item QC @var{thread-id}
42268 Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
42269 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
42270 @item @r{(anything else)}
42271 Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
42274 @item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
42275 @cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
42276 @cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
42277 @anchor{qCRC packet}
42278 Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory using CRC-32 defined in
42279 IEEE 802.3. The CRC is computed byte at a time, taking the most
42280 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern code
42281 @code{0xffffffff} is used to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC.
42283 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC used in validating separate debug
42284 files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files, , Debugging Information in Separate
42285 Files}). However the algorithm is slightly different. When validating
42286 separate debug files, the CRC is computed taking the @emph{least}
42287 significant bit of each byte first, and the final result is inverted to
42288 detect trailing zeros.
42293 An error (such as memory fault)
42294 @item C @var{crc32}
42295 The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
42298 @item QDisableRandomization:@var{value}
42299 @cindex disable address space randomization, remote request
42300 @cindex @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet
42301 Some target operating systems will randomize the virtual address space
42302 of the inferior process as a security feature, but provide a feature
42303 to disable such randomization, e.g.@: to allow for a more deterministic
42304 debugging experience. On such systems, this packet with a @var{value}
42305 of 1 directs the target to disable address space randomization for
42306 processes subsequently started via @samp{vRun} packets, while a packet
42307 with a @var{value} of 0 tells the target to enable address space
42310 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
42315 The request succeeded.
42318 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
42321 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QDisableRandomization} is not supported
42325 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
42326 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
42327 This should only be done on targets that actually support disabling
42328 address space randomization.
42330 @item QStartupWithShell:@var{value}
42331 @cindex startup with shell, remote request
42332 @cindex @samp{QStartupWithShell} packet
42333 On UNIX-like targets, it is possible to start the inferior using a
42334 shell program. This is the default behavior on both @value{GDBN} and
42335 @command{gdbserver} (@pxref{set startup-with-shell}). This packet is
42336 used to inform @command{gdbserver} whether it should start the
42337 inferior using a shell or not.
42339 If @var{value} is @samp{0}, @command{gdbserver} will not use a shell
42340 to start the inferior. If @var{value} is @samp{1},
42341 @command{gdbserver} will use a shell to start the inferior. All other
42342 values are considered an error.
42344 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
42350 The request succeeded.
42353 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
42356 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
42357 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
42358 (@pxref{qSupported}). This should only be done on targets that
42359 actually support starting the inferior using a shell.
42361 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set startup-with-shell}
42362 command; @pxref{set startup-with-shell}.
42364 @item QEnvironmentHexEncoded:@var{hex-value}
42365 @anchor{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}
42366 @cindex set environment variable, remote request
42367 @cindex @samp{QEnvironmentHexEncoded} packet
42368 On UNIX-like targets, it is possible to set environment variables that
42369 will be passed to the inferior during the startup process. This
42370 packet is used to inform @command{gdbserver} of an environment
42371 variable that has been defined by the user on @value{GDBN} (@pxref{set
42374 The packet is composed by @var{hex-value}, an hex encoded
42375 representation of the @var{name=value} format representing an
42376 environment variable. The name of the environment variable is
42377 represented by @var{name}, and the value to be assigned to the
42378 environment variable is represented by @var{value}. If the variable
42379 has no value (i.e., the value is @code{null}), then @var{value} will
42382 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
42388 The request succeeded.
42391 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
42392 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
42393 (@pxref{qSupported}). This should only be done on targets that
42394 actually support passing environment variables to the starting
42397 This packet is related to the @code{set environment} command;
42398 @pxref{set environment}.
42400 @item QEnvironmentUnset:@var{hex-value}
42401 @anchor{QEnvironmentUnset}
42402 @cindex unset environment variable, remote request
42403 @cindex @samp{QEnvironmentUnset} packet
42404 On UNIX-like targets, it is possible to unset environment variables
42405 before starting the inferior in the remote target. This packet is
42406 used to inform @command{gdbserver} of an environment variable that has
42407 been unset by the user on @value{GDBN} (@pxref{unset environment}).
42409 The packet is composed by @var{hex-value}, an hex encoded
42410 representation of the name of the environment variable to be unset.
42412 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
42418 The request succeeded.
42421 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
42422 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
42423 (@pxref{qSupported}). This should only be done on targets that
42424 actually support passing environment variables to the starting
42427 This packet is related to the @code{unset environment} command;
42428 @pxref{unset environment}.
42430 @item QEnvironmentReset
42431 @anchor{QEnvironmentReset}
42432 @cindex reset environment, remote request
42433 @cindex @samp{QEnvironmentReset} packet
42434 On UNIX-like targets, this packet is used to reset the state of
42435 environment variables in the remote target before starting the
42436 inferior. In this context, reset means unsetting all environment
42437 variables that were previously set by the user (i.e., were not
42438 initially present in the environment). It is sent to
42439 @command{gdbserver} before the @samp{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}
42440 (@pxref{QEnvironmentHexEncoded}) and the @samp{QEnvironmentUnset}
42441 (@pxref{QEnvironmentUnset}) packets.
42443 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
42449 The request succeeded.
42452 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
42453 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
42454 (@pxref{qSupported}). This should only be done on targets that
42455 actually support passing environment variables to the starting
42458 @item QSetWorkingDir:@r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
42459 @anchor{QSetWorkingDir packet}
42460 @cindex set working directory, remote request
42461 @cindex @samp{QSetWorkingDir} packet
42462 This packet is used to inform the remote server of the intended
42463 current working directory for programs that are going to be executed.
42465 The packet is composed by @var{directory}, an hex encoded
42466 representation of the directory that the remote inferior will use as
42467 its current working directory. If @var{directory} is an empty string,
42468 the remote server should reset the inferior's current working
42469 directory to its original, empty value.
42471 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended
42477 The request succeeded.
42481 @itemx qsThreadInfo
42482 @cindex list active threads, remote request
42483 @cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
42484 @cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
42485 Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
42486 may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
42487 works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
42488 obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
42489 be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
42490 sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
42492 NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
42496 @item m @var{thread-id}
42498 @item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
42499 a comma-separated list of thread IDs
42501 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
42504 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
42505 more thread IDs, separated by commas.
42506 @value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
42507 ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
42508 with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for @dfn{last}).
42509 Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
42512 @emph{Note: @value{GDBN} will send the @code{qfThreadInfo} query during the
42513 initial connection with the remote target, and the very first thread ID
42514 mentioned in the reply will be stopped by @value{GDBN} in a subsequent
42515 message. Therefore, the stub should ensure that the first thread ID in
42516 the @code{qfThreadInfo} reply is suitable for being stopped by @value{GDBN}.}
42518 @item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
42519 @cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
42520 @cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
42521 Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
42522 by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
42524 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
42525 thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
42527 @var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
42528 thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
42529 information associated with the variable.)
42531 @var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
42532 load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
42533 a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
42534 object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
42535 Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
42536 differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
42540 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
42541 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
42542 local storage requested.
42545 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
42548 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
42551 @item qGetTIBAddr:@var{thread-id}
42552 @cindex get thread information block address
42553 @cindex @samp{qGetTIBAddr} packet
42554 Fetch address of the Windows OS specific Thread Information Block.
42556 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the thread.
42560 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
42561 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the linear address of the
42562 thread information block.
42565 An error occured. This means that either the thread was not found, or the
42566 address could not be retrieved.
42569 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTIBAddr} is not supported by the stub.
42572 @item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
42573 Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
42574 digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
42575 subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
42576 number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
42577 (eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
42578 returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
42580 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
42584 @item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
42585 Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
42586 returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
42587 and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
42588 digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
42589 is a sequence of thread IDs, @var{threadid} (eight hex
42590 digits), from the target. See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
42593 @item qMemTags:@var{start address},@var{length}:@var{type}
42595 @cindex fetch memory tags
42596 @cindex @samp{qMemTags} packet
42597 Fetch memory tags of type @var{type} from the address range
42598 @w{@r{[}@var{start address}, @var{start address} + @var{length}@r{)}}. The
42599 target is responsible for calculating how many tags will be returned, as this
42600 is architecture-specific.
42602 @var{start address} is the starting address of the memory range.
42604 @var{length} is the length, in bytes, of the memory range.
42606 @var{type} is the type of tag the request wants to fetch. The type is a signed
42611 @item @var{mxx}@dots{}
42612 Hex encoded sequence of uninterpreted bytes, @var{xx}@dots{}, representing the
42613 tags found in the requested memory range.
42616 An error occured. This means that fetching of memory tags failed for some
42620 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qMemTags} is not supported by the stub,
42621 although this should not happen given @value{GDBN} will only send this packet
42622 if the stub has advertised support for memory tagging via @samp{qSupported}.
42625 @item QMemTags:@var{start address},@var{length}:@var{type}:@var{tag bytes}
42627 @cindex store memory tags
42628 @cindex @samp{QMemTags} packet
42629 Store memory tags of type @var{type} to the address range
42630 @w{@r{[}@var{start address}, @var{start address} + @var{length}@r{)}}. The
42631 target is responsible for interpreting the type, the tag bytes and modifying
42632 the memory tag granules accordingly, given this is architecture-specific.
42634 The interpretation of how many tags (@var{nt}) should be written to how many
42635 memory tag granules (@var{ng}) is also architecture-specific. The behavior is
42636 implementation-specific, but the following is suggested.
42638 If the number of memory tags, @var{nt}, is greater than or equal to the
42639 number of memory tag granules, @var{ng}, only @var{ng} tags will be
42642 If @var{nt} is less than @var{ng}, the behavior is that of a fill operation,
42643 and the tag bytes will be used as a pattern that will get repeated until
42644 @var{ng} tags are stored.
42646 @var{start address} is the starting address of the memory range. The address
42647 does not have any restriction on alignment or size.
42649 @var{length} is the length, in bytes, of the memory range.
42651 @var{type} is the type of tag the request wants to fetch. The type is a signed
42654 @var{tag bytes} is a sequence of hex encoded uninterpreted bytes which will be
42655 interpreted by the target. Each pair of hex digits is interpreted as a
42661 The request was successful and the memory tag granules were modified
42665 An error occured. This means that modifying the memory tag granules failed
42669 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QMemTags} is not supported by the stub,
42670 although this should not happen given @value{GDBN} will only send this packet
42671 if the stub has advertised support for memory tagging via @samp{qSupported}.
42675 @cindex section offsets, remote request
42676 @cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
42677 Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
42682 @item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
42683 Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
42684 Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
42685 If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
42686 @samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
42687 segments by the supplied offsets.
42689 @emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
42690 @value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
42691 to the @code{Bss} section.}
42693 @item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
42694 Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
42695 contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
42696 @samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
42697 conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
42698 @var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
42699 does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
42700 as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
42701 kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
42704 @item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
42705 @cindex thread information, remote request
42706 @cindex @samp{qP} packet
42707 Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
42708 encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
42709 (@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
42711 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
42714 Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
42718 @cindex non-stop mode, remote request
42719 @cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
42721 Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
42722 @xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
42727 The request succeeded.
42730 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
42733 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
42737 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
42738 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
42739 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
42740 @pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
42742 @item QCatchSyscalls:1 @r{[};@var{sysno}@r{]}@dots{}
42743 @itemx QCatchSyscalls:0
42744 @cindex catch syscalls from inferior, remote request
42745 @cindex @samp{QCatchSyscalls} packet
42746 @anchor{QCatchSyscalls}
42747 Enable (@samp{QCatchSyscalls:1}) or disable (@samp{QCatchSyscalls:0})
42748 catching syscalls from the inferior process.
42750 For @samp{QCatchSyscalls:1}, each listed syscall @var{sysno} (encoded
42751 in hex) should be reported to @value{GDBN}. If no syscall @var{sysno}
42752 is listed, every system call should be reported.
42754 Note that if a syscall not in the list is reported, @value{GDBN} will
42755 still filter the event according to its own list from all corresponding
42756 @code{catch syscall} commands. However, it is more efficient to only
42757 report the requested syscalls.
42759 Multiple @samp{QCatchSyscalls:1} packets do not combine; any earlier
42760 @samp{QCatchSyscalls:1} list is completely replaced by the new list.
42762 If the inferior process execs, the state of @samp{QCatchSyscalls} is
42763 kept for the new process too. On targets where exec may affect syscall
42764 numbers, for example with exec between 32 and 64-bit processes, the
42765 client should send a new packet with the new syscall list.
42770 The request succeeded.
42773 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
42776 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QCatchSyscalls} is not supported by
42780 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote catch-syscalls}
42781 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote catch-syscalls}).
42782 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
42783 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
42785 @item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
42786 @cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
42787 @cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
42788 @anchor{QPassSignals}
42789 Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
42790 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
42791 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
42792 strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
42793 the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
42794 reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
42795 combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
42796 new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
42797 @var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
42802 The request succeeded.
42805 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
42808 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
42812 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
42813 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
42814 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
42815 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
42817 @item QProgramSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
42818 @cindex signals the inferior may see, remote request
42819 @cindex @samp{QProgramSignals} packet
42820 @anchor{QProgramSignals}
42821 Each listed @var{signal} may be delivered to the inferior process.
42822 Others should be silently discarded.
42824 In some cases, the remote stub may need to decide whether to deliver a
42825 signal to the program or not without @value{GDBN} involvement. One
42826 example of that is while detaching --- the program's threads may have
42827 stopped for signals that haven't yet had a chance of being reported to
42828 @value{GDBN}, and so the remote stub can use the signal list specified
42829 by this packet to know whether to deliver or ignore those pending
42832 This does not influence whether to deliver a signal as requested by a
42833 resumption packet (@pxref{vCont packet}).
42835 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
42836 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
42837 strictly greater than the previous item. Multiple
42838 @samp{QProgramSignals} packets do not combine; any earlier
42839 @samp{QProgramSignals} list is completely replaced by the new list.
42844 The request succeeded.
42847 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
42850 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QProgramSignals} is not supported
42854 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote program-signals}
42855 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote program-signals}).
42856 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
42857 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
42859 @anchor{QThreadEvents}
42860 @item QThreadEvents:1
42861 @itemx QThreadEvents:0
42862 @cindex thread create/exit events, remote request
42863 @cindex @samp{QThreadEvents} packet
42865 Enable (@samp{QThreadEvents:1}) or disable (@samp{QThreadEvents:0})
42866 reporting of thread create and exit events. @xref{thread create
42867 event}, for the reply specifications. For example, this is used in
42868 non-stop mode when @value{GDBN} stops a set of threads and
42869 synchronously waits for the their corresponding stop replies. Without
42870 exit events, if one of the threads exits, @value{GDBN} would hang
42871 forever not knowing that it should no longer expect a stop for that
42872 same thread. @value{GDBN} does not enable this feature unless the
42873 stub reports that it supports it by including @samp{QThreadEvents+} in
42874 its @samp{qSupported} reply.
42879 The request succeeded.
42882 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
42885 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QThreadEvents} is not supported by
42889 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote thread-events}
42890 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote thread-events}).
42892 @item qRcmd,@var{command}
42893 @cindex execute remote command, remote request
42894 @cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
42895 @var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
42896 execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
42897 string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
42898 with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
42899 packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
42900 stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
42905 A command response with no output.
42907 A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
42909 Indicate a badly formed request. The error number @var{NN} is given as
42912 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
42915 (Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
42916 command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
42917 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
42920 @item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
42921 @cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
42923 @cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
42925 @cindex @samp{qSearch memory} packet
42926 @anchor{qSearch memory}
42927 Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
42928 Both @var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex;
42929 @var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, also hex encoded.
42934 The pattern was not found.
42936 The pattern was found at @var{address}.
42938 A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
42940 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
42943 @item QStartNoAckMode
42944 @cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
42945 @anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
42946 Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
42947 protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
42952 The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
42953 @value{GDBN} acknowledges this response,
42954 but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
42955 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
42957 An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
42960 @item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
42961 @cindex supported packets, remote query
42962 @cindex features of the remote protocol
42963 @cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
42964 @anchor{qSupported}
42965 Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
42966 query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
42967 @value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
42968 features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
42969 at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
42970 packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
42971 high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
42972 be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
42973 stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
42974 automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
42975 reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
42976 unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
42977 helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
42978 versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
42982 @item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
42983 The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
42984 depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
42987 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
42988 or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
42991 The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
42992 @samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
42996 @item @var{name}=@var{value}
42997 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
42998 with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
42999 on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
43001 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
43002 need an associated value.
43004 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
43006 The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
43007 @value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
43008 needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
43009 but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
43012 Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
43013 supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
43014 request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
43015 state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
43016 a different version of @value{GDBN}.
43018 The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
43023 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
43024 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
43025 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
43026 including @samp{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
43027 @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
43030 This feature indicates that @value{GDBN} supports the XML target
43031 description. If the stub sees @samp{xmlRegisters=} with target
43032 specific strings separated by a comma, it will report register
43036 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the
43037 @samp{qRelocInsn} packet (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
43038 instruction reply packet}).
43041 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the swbreak stop
43042 reason in stop replies. @xref{swbreak stop reason}, for details.
43045 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the hwbreak stop
43046 reason in stop replies. @xref{swbreak stop reason}, for details.
43049 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports fork event
43050 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
43051 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
43052 including @samp{fork-events+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
43055 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports vfork event
43056 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
43057 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
43058 including @samp{vfork-events+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
43061 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports exec event
43062 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
43063 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
43064 including @samp{exec-events+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
43066 @item vContSupported
43067 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} wants to know the
43068 supported actions in the reply to @samp{vCont?} packet.
43071 Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
43072 @var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
43073 packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
43074 versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
43075 for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
43076 advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
43077 improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
43078 an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
43079 of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
43080 describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
43081 all the features it supports.
43083 Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
43084 responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
43086 Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
43087 should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
43088 require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
43091 Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
43092 @samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
43093 in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
43094 stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
43096 Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
43097 mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
43098 architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
43099 about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
43100 stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
43102 These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
43104 @multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
43105 @c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
43106 @c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
43108 @tab Value Required
43112 @item @samp{PacketSize}
43117 @item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
43122 @item @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
43127 @item @samp{qXfer:btrace-conf:read}
43132 @item @samp{qXfer:exec-file:read}
43137 @item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
43142 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
43147 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read}
43152 @item @samp{augmented-libraries-svr4-read}
43157 @item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
43162 @item @samp{qXfer:sdata:read}
43167 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read}
43172 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write}
43177 @item @samp{qXfer:threads:read}
43182 @item @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
43187 @item @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
43192 @item @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
43197 @item @samp{Qbtrace:off}
43202 @item @samp{Qbtrace:bts}
43207 @item @samp{Qbtrace:pt}
43212 @item @samp{Qbtrace-conf:bts:size}
43217 @item @samp{Qbtrace-conf:pt:size}
43222 @item @samp{QNonStop}
43227 @item @samp{QCatchSyscalls}
43232 @item @samp{QPassSignals}
43237 @item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
43242 @item @samp{multiprocess}
43247 @item @samp{ConditionalBreakpoints}
43252 @item @samp{ConditionalTracepoints}
43257 @item @samp{ReverseContinue}
43262 @item @samp{ReverseStep}
43267 @item @samp{TracepointSource}
43272 @item @samp{QAgent}
43277 @item @samp{QAllow}
43282 @item @samp{QDisableRandomization}
43287 @item @samp{EnableDisableTracepoints}
43292 @item @samp{QTBuffer:size}
43297 @item @samp{tracenz}
43302 @item @samp{BreakpointCommands}
43307 @item @samp{swbreak}
43312 @item @samp{hwbreak}
43317 @item @samp{fork-events}
43322 @item @samp{vfork-events}
43327 @item @samp{exec-events}
43332 @item @samp{QThreadEvents}
43337 @item @samp{no-resumed}
43342 @item @samp{memory-tagging}
43349 These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
43352 @cindex packet size, remote protocol
43353 @item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
43354 The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
43355 length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
43356 transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
43357 data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
43358 There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
43359 stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
43360 byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
43361 @value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
43363 @item qXfer:auxv:read
43364 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
43365 (@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
43367 @item qXfer:btrace:read
43368 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
43369 packet (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}).
43371 @item qXfer:btrace-conf:read
43372 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:btrace-conf:read}
43373 packet (@pxref{qXfer btrace-conf read}).
43375 @item qXfer:exec-file:read
43376 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:exec-file:read} packet
43377 (@pxref{qXfer executable filename read}).
43379 @item qXfer:features:read
43380 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
43381 (@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
43383 @item qXfer:libraries:read
43384 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
43385 (@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
43387 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read
43388 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
43389 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
43391 @item augmented-libraries-svr4-read
43392 The remote stub understands the augmented form of the
43393 @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
43394 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
43396 @item qXfer:memory-map:read
43397 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
43398 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
43400 @item qXfer:sdata:read
43401 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:sdata:read} packet
43402 (@pxref{qXfer sdata read}).
43404 @item qXfer:siginfo:read
43405 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read} packet
43406 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo read}).
43408 @item qXfer:siginfo:write
43409 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write} packet
43410 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo write}).
43412 @item qXfer:threads:read
43413 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
43414 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}).
43416 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read
43417 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
43418 packet (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}).
43420 @item qXfer:uib:read
43421 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
43422 packet (@pxref{qXfer unwind info block}).
43424 @item qXfer:fdpic:read
43425 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
43426 packet (@pxref{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}).
43429 The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
43430 (@pxref{QNonStop}).
43432 @item QCatchSyscalls
43433 The remote stub understands the @samp{QCatchSyscalls} packet
43434 (@pxref{QCatchSyscalls}).
43437 The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
43438 (@pxref{QPassSignals}).
43440 @item QStartNoAckMode
43441 The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
43442 prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
43445 @anchor{multiprocess extensions}
43446 @cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
43447 The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
43448 protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
43449 thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
43450 add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
43451 replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
43452 syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
43453 debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
43454 multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
43455 indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
43457 @item qXfer:osdata:read
43458 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
43459 ((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
43461 @item ConditionalBreakpoints
43462 The target accepts and implements evaluation of conditional expressions
43463 defined for breakpoints. The target will only report breakpoint triggers
43464 when such conditions are true (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
43466 @item ConditionalTracepoints
43467 The remote stub accepts and implements conditional expressions defined
43468 for tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoint Conditions}).
43470 @item ReverseContinue
43471 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse continue packet
43475 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse step packet
43478 @item TracepointSource
43479 The remote stub understands the @samp{QTDPsrc} packet that supplies
43480 the source form of tracepoint definitions.
43483 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAgent} packet.
43486 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAllow} packet.
43488 @item QDisableRandomization
43489 The remote stub understands the @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet.
43491 @item StaticTracepoint
43492 @cindex static tracepoints, in remote protocol
43493 The remote stub supports static tracepoints.
43495 @item InstallInTrace
43496 @anchor{install tracepoint in tracing}
43497 The remote stub supports installing tracepoint in tracing.
43499 @item EnableDisableTracepoints
43500 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTEnable} (@pxref{QTEnable}) and
43501 @samp{QTDisable} (@pxref{QTDisable}) packets that allow tracepoints
43502 to be enabled and disabled while a trace experiment is running.
43504 @item QTBuffer:size
43505 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTBuffer:size} (@pxref{QTBuffer-size})
43506 packet that allows to change the size of the trace buffer.
43509 @cindex string tracing, in remote protocol
43510 The remote stub supports the @samp{tracenz} bytecode for collecting strings.
43511 See @ref{Bytecode Descriptions} for details about the bytecode.
43513 @item BreakpointCommands
43514 @cindex breakpoint commands, in remote protocol
43515 The remote stub supports running a breakpoint's command list itself,
43516 rather than reporting the hit to @value{GDBN}.
43519 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:off} packet.
43522 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:bts} packet.
43525 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:pt} packet.
43527 @item Qbtrace-conf:bts:size
43528 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace-conf:bts:size} packet.
43530 @item Qbtrace-conf:pt:size
43531 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace-conf:pt:size} packet.
43534 The remote stub reports the @samp{swbreak} stop reason for memory
43538 The remote stub reports the @samp{hwbreak} stop reason for hardware
43542 The remote stub reports the @samp{fork} stop reason for fork events.
43545 The remote stub reports the @samp{vfork} stop reason for vfork events
43546 and vforkdone events.
43549 The remote stub reports the @samp{exec} stop reason for exec events.
43551 @item vContSupported
43552 The remote stub reports the supported actions in the reply to
43553 @samp{vCont?} packet.
43555 @item QThreadEvents
43556 The remote stub understands the @samp{QThreadEvents} packet.
43559 The remote stub reports the @samp{N} stop reply.
43562 @item memory-tagging
43563 The remote stub supports and implements the required memory tagging
43564 functionality and understands the @samp{qMemTags} (@pxref{qMemTags}) and
43565 @samp{QMemTags} (@pxref{QMemTags}) packets.
43567 For AArch64 GNU/Linux systems, this feature also requires access to the
43568 @file{/proc/@var{pid}/smaps} file so memory mapping page flags can be inspected.
43569 This is done via the @samp{vFile} requests.
43574 @cindex symbol lookup, remote request
43575 @cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
43576 Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
43577 requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
43582 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
43583 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
43584 The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
43585 @value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
43586 @samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
43590 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
43591 Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
43593 @var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
43594 target has previously requested.
43596 @var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
43597 @value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
43603 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
43604 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
43605 The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
43606 encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
43607 (if available), until the target ceases to request them.
43612 @itemx QTDisconnected
43619 @itemx qTMinFTPILen
43621 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
43623 @anchor{qThreadExtraInfo}
43624 @item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
43625 @cindex thread attributes info, remote request
43626 @cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
43627 Obtain from the target OS a printable string description of thread
43628 attributes for the thread @var{thread-id}; see @ref{thread-id syntax},
43629 for the forms of @var{thread-id}. This
43630 string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
43631 for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
43632 displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
43633 examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
43634 @samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
43638 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
43639 Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
43640 comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
43641 the thread's attributes.
43644 (Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
43645 the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
43646 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
43665 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
43667 @item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
43668 @cindex read special object, remote request
43669 @cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
43670 @anchor{qXfer read}
43671 Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
43672 identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
43673 starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
43674 encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
43675 additional details about what data to access.
43680 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
43681 target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
43682 it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
43683 block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
43684 It is possible for @var{data} to have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
43688 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
43689 There is no more data to be read. It is possible for @var{data} to
43690 have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the request.
43693 The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
43694 There is no more data to be read.
43697 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
43700 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
43701 The @var{nn} part is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
43704 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
43705 the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
43708 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All the
43709 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
43710 formats, listed above.
43713 @item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
43714 @anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
43715 Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
43716 auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
43718 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
43719 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
43721 @item qXfer:btrace:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
43722 @anchor{qXfer btrace read}
43724 Return a description of the current branch trace.
43725 @xref{Branch Trace Format}. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer}
43726 packet may have one of the following values:
43730 Returns all available branch trace.
43733 Returns all available branch trace if the branch trace changed since
43734 the last read request.
43737 Returns the new branch trace since the last read request. Adds a new
43738 block to the end of the trace that begins at zero and ends at the source
43739 location of the first branch in the trace buffer. This extra block is
43740 used to stitch traces together.
43742 If the trace buffer overflowed, returns an error indicating the overflow.
43745 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it
43746 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
43748 @item qXfer:btrace-conf:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
43749 @anchor{qXfer btrace-conf read}
43751 Return a description of the current branch trace configuration.
43752 @xref{Branch Trace Configuration Format}.
43754 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it
43755 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
43757 @item qXfer:exec-file:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
43758 @anchor{qXfer executable filename read}
43759 Return the full absolute name of the file that was executed to create
43760 a process running on the remote system. The annex specifies the
43761 numeric process ID of the process to query, encoded as a hexadecimal
43762 number. If the annex part is empty the remote stub should return the
43763 filename corresponding to the currently executing process.
43765 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
43766 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
43768 @item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
43769 @anchor{qXfer target description read}
43770 Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
43771 annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
43772 always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
43774 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
43775 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
43777 @item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
43778 @anchor{qXfer library list read}
43779 Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
43780 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
43781 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
43783 Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
43784 not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
43785 the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
43787 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
43788 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
43790 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
43791 @anchor{qXfer svr4 library list read}
43792 Access the target's list of loaded libraries when the target is an SVR4
43793 platform. @xref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets}. The annex part
43794 of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty unless the remote
43795 stub indicated it supports the augmented form of this packet
43796 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
43797 (@pxref{qXfer read}, @ref{qSupported}).
43799 This packet is optional for better performance on SVR4 targets.
43800 @value{GDBN} uses memory read packets to read the SVR4 library list otherwise.
43802 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
43803 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
43805 If the remote stub indicates it supports the augmented form of this
43806 packet then the annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet may
43807 contain a semicolon-separated list of @samp{@var{name}=@var{value}}
43808 arguments. The currently supported arguments are:
43811 @item start=@var{address}
43812 A hexadecimal number specifying the address of the @samp{struct
43813 link_map} to start reading the library list from. If unset or zero
43814 then the first @samp{struct link_map} in the library list will be
43815 chosen as the starting point.
43817 @item prev=@var{address}
43818 A hexadecimal number specifying the address of the @samp{struct
43819 link_map} immediately preceding the @samp{struct link_map}
43820 specified by the @samp{start} argument. If unset or zero then
43821 the remote stub will expect that no @samp{struct link_map}
43822 exists prior to the starting point.
43824 @item lmid=@var{lmid}
43825 A hexadecimal number specifying a namespace identifier. This is
43826 currently only used together with @samp{start} to provide the
43827 namespace identifier back to @value{GDBN} in the response.
43828 @value{GDBN} will only provide values that were previously reported to
43829 it. If unset, the response will include @samp{lmid="0x0"}.
43832 Arguments that are not understood by the remote stub will be silently
43835 @item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
43836 @anchor{qXfer memory map read}
43837 Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
43838 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
43839 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
43841 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
43842 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
43844 @item qXfer:sdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
43845 @anchor{qXfer sdata read}
43847 Read contents of the extra collected static tracepoint marker
43848 information. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must
43849 be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}). @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint
43852 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
43853 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
43854 (@pxref{qSupported}).
43856 @item qXfer:siginfo:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
43857 @anchor{qXfer siginfo read}
43858 Read contents of the extra signal information on the target
43859 system. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
43860 empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
43862 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
43863 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
43864 (@pxref{qSupported}).
43866 @item qXfer:threads:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
43867 @anchor{qXfer threads read}
43868 Access the list of threads on target. @xref{Thread List Format}. The
43869 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
43870 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
43872 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
43873 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
43875 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
43876 @anchor{qXfer traceframe info read}
43878 Return a description of the current traceframe's contents.
43879 @xref{Traceframe Info Format}. The annex part of the generic
43880 @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
43882 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
43883 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
43885 @item qXfer:uib:read:@var{pc}:@var{offset},@var{length}
43886 @anchor{qXfer unwind info block}
43888 Return the unwind information block for @var{pc}. This packet is used
43889 on OpenVMS/ia64 to ask the kernel unwind information.
43891 This packet is not probed by default.
43893 @item qXfer:fdpic:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
43894 @anchor{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}
43895 Read contents of @code{loadmap}s on the target system. The
43896 annex, either @samp{exec} or @samp{interp}, specifies which @code{loadmap},
43897 executable @code{loadmap} or interpreter @code{loadmap} to read.
43899 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
43900 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
43902 @item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
43903 @anchor{qXfer osdata read}
43904 Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
43905 @xref{Operating System Information}.
43909 @item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
43910 @cindex write data into object, remote request
43911 @anchor{qXfer write}
43912 Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
43913 identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
43914 into the data. The binary-encoded data (@pxref{Binary Data}) to be
43915 written is given by @var{data}@dots{}. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
43916 is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
43922 @var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
43923 This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
43926 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
43929 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
43930 The @var{nn} part is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
43933 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
43934 recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
43937 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All the
43938 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
43939 formats, listed above.
43942 @item qXfer:siginfo:write::@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
43943 @anchor{qXfer siginfo write}
43944 Write @var{data} to the extra signal information on the target system.
43945 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
43946 empty (@pxref{qXfer write}).
43948 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
43949 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
43950 (@pxref{qSupported}).
43953 @item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
43954 Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
43955 not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
43956 @var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
43957 must respond with an empty packet.
43959 @item qAttached:@var{pid}
43960 @cindex query attached, remote request
43961 @cindex @samp{qAttached} packet
43962 Return an indication of whether the remote server attached to an
43963 existing process or created a new process. When the multiprocess
43964 protocol extensions are supported (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}),
43965 @var{pid} is an integer in hexadecimal format identifying the target
43966 process. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will omit the @var{pid} field and
43967 the query packet will be simplified as @samp{qAttached}.
43969 This query is used, for example, to know whether the remote process
43970 should be detached or killed when a @value{GDBN} session is ended with
43971 the @code{quit} command.
43976 The remote server attached to an existing process.
43978 The remote server created a new process.
43980 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
43984 Enable branch tracing for the current thread using Branch Trace Store.
43989 Branch tracing has been enabled.
43991 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
43995 Enable branch tracing for the current thread using Intel Processor Trace.
44000 Branch tracing has been enabled.
44002 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
44006 Disable branch tracing for the current thread.
44011 Branch tracing has been disabled.
44013 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
44016 @item Qbtrace-conf:bts:size=@var{value}
44017 Set the requested ring buffer size for new threads that use the
44018 btrace recording method in bts format.
44023 The ring buffer size has been set.
44025 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
44028 @item Qbtrace-conf:pt:size=@var{value}
44029 Set the requested ring buffer size for new threads that use the
44030 btrace recording method in pt format.
44035 The ring buffer size has been set.
44037 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
44042 @node Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
44043 @section Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
44045 This section describes how the remote protocol is applied to specific
44046 target architectures. Also see @ref{Standard Target Features}, for
44047 details of XML target descriptions for each architecture.
44050 * ARM-Specific Protocol Details::
44051 * MIPS-Specific Protocol Details::
44054 @node ARM-Specific Protocol Details
44055 @subsection @acronym{ARM}-specific Protocol Details
44058 * ARM Breakpoint Kinds::
44059 * ARM Memory Tag Types::
44062 @node ARM Breakpoint Kinds
44063 @subsubsection @acronym{ARM} Breakpoint Kinds
44064 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{ARM}
44066 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
44071 16-bit Thumb mode breakpoint.
44074 32-bit Thumb mode (Thumb-2) breakpoint.
44077 32-bit @acronym{ARM} mode breakpoint.
44081 @node ARM Memory Tag Types
44082 @subsubsection @acronym{ARM} Memory Tag Types
44083 @cindex memory tag types, @acronym{ARM}
44085 These memory tag types are defined for the @samp{qMemTag} and @samp{QMemTag}
44098 @node MIPS-Specific Protocol Details
44099 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}-specific Protocol Details
44102 * MIPS Register packet Format::
44103 * MIPS Breakpoint Kinds::
44106 @node MIPS Register packet Format
44107 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Register Packet Format
44108 @cindex register packet format, @acronym{MIPS}
44110 The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
44111 In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
44112 sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
44113 to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
44114 byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
44115 most-significant -- least-significant.
44120 All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
44121 32 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
44122 registers; fsr; fir; fp.
44125 All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
44126 thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
44131 @node MIPS Breakpoint Kinds
44132 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Breakpoint Kinds
44133 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{MIPS}
44135 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
44140 16-bit @acronym{MIPS16} mode breakpoint.
44143 16-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
44146 32-bit standard @acronym{MIPS} mode breakpoint.
44149 32-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
44153 @node Tracepoint Packets
44154 @section Tracepoint Packets
44155 @cindex tracepoint packets
44156 @cindex packets, tracepoint
44158 Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
44159 tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
44163 @item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}[:F@var{flen}][:X@var{len},@var{bytes}]@r{[}-@r{]}
44164 @cindex @samp{QTDP} packet
44165 Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
44166 is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
44167 the tracepoint is disabled. The @var{step} gives the tracepoint's step
44168 count, and @var{pass} gives its pass count. If an @samp{F} is present,
44169 then the tracepoint is to be a fast tracepoint, and the @var{flen} is
44170 the number of bytes that the target should copy elsewhere to make room
44171 for the tracepoint. If an @samp{X} is present, it introduces a
44172 tracepoint condition, which consists of a hexadecimal length, followed
44173 by a comma and hex-encoded bytes, in a manner similar to action
44174 encodings as described below. If the trailing @samp{-} is present,
44175 further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this tracepoint's
44181 The packet was understood and carried out.
44183 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
44185 The packet was not recognized.
44188 @item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
44189 Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. The @var{n} and
44190 @var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
44191 this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
44192 another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
44193 trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
44194 specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
44196 In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
44197 can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
44198 is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
44199 actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
44200 taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
44201 @samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
44202 tracepoint actions.
44204 The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
44205 actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
44211 Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask},
44212 a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
44213 @var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
44214 zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
44215 not fit in a 32-bit word.
44217 @item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
44218 Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
44219 number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
44220 @samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
44221 address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
44222 @var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
44223 values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
44225 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
44226 Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
44227 it directs. The agent expression @var{expr} is as described in
44228 @ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
44229 two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
44230 in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
44235 Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
44236 packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
44237 length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
44238 action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
44239 actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
44240 must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
44241 ``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
44242 separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
44247 The packet was understood and carried out.
44249 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
44251 The packet was not recognized.
44254 @item QTDPsrc:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{type}:@var{start}:@var{slen}:@var{bytes}
44255 @cindex @samp{QTDPsrc} packet
44256 Specify a source string of tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr}.
44257 This is useful to get accurate reproduction of the tracepoints
44258 originally downloaded at the beginning of the trace run. The @var{type}
44259 is the name of the tracepoint part, such as @samp{cond} for the
44260 tracepoint's conditional expression (see below for a list of types), while
44261 @var{bytes} is the string, encoded in hexadecimal.
44263 @var{start} is the offset of the @var{bytes} within the overall source
44264 string, while @var{slen} is the total length of the source string.
44265 This is intended for handling source strings that are longer than will
44266 fit in a single packet.
44267 @c Add detailed example when this info is moved into a dedicated
44268 @c tracepoint descriptions section.
44270 The available string types are @samp{at} for the location,
44271 @samp{cond} for the conditional, and @samp{cmd} for an action command.
44272 @value{GDBN} sends a separate packet for each command in the action
44273 list, in the same order in which the commands are stored in the list.
44275 The target does not need to do anything with source strings except
44276 report them back as part of the replies to the @samp{qTfP}/@samp{qTsP}
44279 Although this packet is optional, and @value{GDBN} will only send it
44280 if the target replies with @samp{TracepointSource} @xref{General
44281 Query Packets}, it makes both disconnected tracing and trace files
44282 much easier to use. Otherwise the user must be careful that the
44283 tracepoints in effect while looking at trace frames are identical to
44284 the ones in effect during the trace run; even a small discrepancy
44285 could cause @samp{tdump} not to work, or a particular trace frame not
44288 @item QTDV:@var{n}:@var{value}:@var{builtin}:@var{name}
44289 @cindex define trace state variable, remote request
44290 @cindex @samp{QTDV} packet
44291 Create a new trace state variable, number @var{n}, with an initial
44292 value of @var{value}, which is a 64-bit signed integer. Both @var{n}
44293 and @var{value} are encoded as hexadecimal values. @value{GDBN} has
44294 the option of not using this packet for initial values of zero; the
44295 target should simply create the trace state variables as they are
44296 mentioned in expressions. The value @var{builtin} should be 1 (one)
44297 if the trace state variable is builtin and 0 (zero) if it is not builtin.
44298 @value{GDBN} only sets @var{builtin} to 1 if a previous @samp{qTfV} or
44299 @samp{qTsV} packet had it set. The contents of @var{name} is the
44300 hex-encoded name (without the leading @samp{$}) of the trace state
44303 @item QTFrame:@var{n}
44304 @cindex @samp{QTFrame} packet
44305 Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
44306 register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
44307 request packets from @value{GDBN}.
44309 A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
44310 requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
44311 without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
44312 one of the following forms:
44316 The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
44317 @var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
44318 was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
44321 The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
44322 @var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
44326 @item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
44327 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
44328 currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
44329 @var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
44331 @item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
44332 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
44333 currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
44334 is a hexadecimal number.
44336 @item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
44337 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
44338 currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
44339 and @var{end} (inclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
44342 @item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
44343 Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
44344 frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses (exclusive).
44347 @cindex @samp{qTMinFTPILen} packet
44348 This packet requests the minimum length of instruction at which a fast
44349 tracepoint (@pxref{Set Tracepoints}) may be placed. For instance, on
44350 the 32-bit x86 architecture, it is possible to use a 4-byte jump, but
44351 it depends on the target system being able to create trampolines in
44352 the first 64K of memory, which might or might not be possible for that
44353 system. So the reply to this packet will be 4 if it is able to
44360 The minimum instruction length is currently unknown.
44362 The minimum instruction length is @var{length}, where @var{length}
44363 is a hexadecimal number greater or equal to 1. A reply
44364 of 1 means that a fast tracepoint may be placed on any instruction
44365 regardless of size.
44367 An error has occurred.
44369 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the stub.
44373 @cindex @samp{QTStart} packet
44374 Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from
44375 tracepoint hits in the trace frame buffer. This packet supports the
44376 @samp{qRelocInsn} reply (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
44377 instruction reply packet}).
44380 @cindex @samp{QTStop} packet
44381 End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
44383 @item QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
44385 @cindex @samp{QTEnable} packet
44386 Enable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
44387 experiment. If the tracepoint was previously disabled, then collection
44388 of data from it will resume.
44390 @item QTDisable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
44392 @cindex @samp{QTDisable} packet
44393 Disable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
44394 experiment. No more data will be collected from the tracepoint unless
44395 @samp{QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}} is subsequently issued.
44398 @cindex @samp{QTinit} packet
44399 Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
44401 @item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
44402 @cindex @samp{QTro} packet
44403 Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
44404 will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
44405 if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
44407 @value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
44408 containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
44409 still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
44410 there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
44412 @item QTDisconnected:@var{value}
44413 @cindex @samp{QTDisconnected} packet
44414 Set the choice to what to do with the tracing run when @value{GDBN}
44415 disconnects from the target. A @var{value} of 1 directs the target to
44416 continue the tracing run, while 0 tells the target to stop tracing if
44417 @value{GDBN} is no longer in the picture.
44420 @cindex @samp{qTStatus} packet
44421 Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
44423 The reply has the form:
44427 @item T@var{running}@r{[};@var{field}@r{]}@dots{}
44428 @var{running} is a single digit @code{1} if the trace is presently
44429 running, or @code{0} if not. It is followed by semicolon-separated
44430 optional fields that an agent may use to report additional status.
44434 If the trace is not running, the agent may report any of several
44435 explanations as one of the optional fields:
44440 No trace has been run yet.
44442 @item tstop[:@var{text}]:0
44443 The trace was stopped by a user-originated stop command. The optional
44444 @var{text} field is a user-supplied string supplied as part of the
44445 stop command (for instance, an explanation of why the trace was
44446 stopped manually). It is hex-encoded.
44449 The trace stopped because the trace buffer filled up.
44451 @item tdisconnected:0
44452 The trace stopped because @value{GDBN} disconnected from the target.
44454 @item tpasscount:@var{tpnum}
44455 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} exceeded its pass count.
44457 @item terror:@var{text}:@var{tpnum}
44458 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} had an error. The
44459 string @var{text} is available to describe the nature of the error
44460 (for instance, a divide by zero in the condition expression); it
44464 The trace stopped for some other reason.
44468 Additional optional fields supply statistical and other information.
44469 Although not required, they are extremely useful for users monitoring
44470 the progress of a trace run. If a trace has stopped, and these
44471 numbers are reported, they must reflect the state of the just-stopped
44476 @item tframes:@var{n}
44477 The number of trace frames in the buffer.
44479 @item tcreated:@var{n}
44480 The total number of trace frames created during the run. This may
44481 be larger than the trace frame count, if the buffer is circular.
44483 @item tsize:@var{n}
44484 The total size of the trace buffer, in bytes.
44486 @item tfree:@var{n}
44487 The number of bytes still unused in the buffer.
44489 @item circular:@var{n}
44490 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
44491 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
44492 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
44495 @item disconn:@var{n}
44496 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
44497 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
44498 that the trace run will stop.
44502 @item qTP:@var{tp}:@var{addr}
44503 @cindex tracepoint status, remote request
44504 @cindex @samp{qTP} packet
44505 Ask the stub for the current state of tracepoint number @var{tp} at
44506 address @var{addr}.
44510 @item V@var{hits}:@var{usage}
44511 The tracepoint has been hit @var{hits} times so far during the trace
44512 run, and accounts for @var{usage} in the trace buffer. Note that
44513 @code{while-stepping} steps are not counted as separate hits, but the
44514 steps' space consumption is added into the usage number.
44518 @item qTV:@var{var}
44519 @cindex trace state variable value, remote request
44520 @cindex @samp{qTV} packet
44521 Ask the stub for the value of the trace state variable number @var{var}.
44526 The value of the variable is @var{value}. This will be the current
44527 value of the variable if the user is examining a running target, or a
44528 saved value if the variable was collected in the trace frame that the
44529 user is looking at. Note that multiple requests may result in
44530 different reply values, such as when requesting values while the
44531 program is running.
44534 The value of the variable is unknown. This would occur, for example,
44535 if the user is examining a trace frame in which the requested variable
44540 @cindex @samp{qTfP} packet
44542 @cindex @samp{qTsP} packet
44543 These packets request data about tracepoints that are being used by
44544 the target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfP} to get the first piece
44545 of data, and multiple @code{qTsP} to get additional pieces. Replies
44546 to these packets generally take the form of the @code{QTDP} packets
44547 that define tracepoints. (FIXME add detailed syntax)
44550 @cindex @samp{qTfV} packet
44552 @cindex @samp{qTsV} packet
44553 These packets request data about trace state variables that are on the
44554 target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfV} to get the first vari of data,
44555 and multiple @code{qTsV} to get additional variables. Replies to
44556 these packets follow the syntax of the @code{QTDV} packets that define
44557 trace state variables.
44563 @cindex @samp{qTfSTM} packet
44564 @cindex @samp{qTsSTM} packet
44565 These packets request data about static tracepoint markers that exist
44566 in the target program. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfSTM} to get the
44567 first piece of data, and multiple @code{qTsSTM} to get additional
44568 pieces. Replies to these packets take the following form:
44572 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}
44574 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra},@var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}@dots{}
44575 a comma-separated list of markers
44577 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
44579 An error occurred. The error number @var{nn} is given as hex digits.
44581 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the
44585 The @var{address} is encoded in hex;
44586 @var{id} and @var{extra} are strings encoded in hex.
44588 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
44589 more markers, separated by commas. @value{GDBN} will respond to each
44590 reply with a request for more markers (using the @samp{qs} form of the
44591 query), until the target responds with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for
44594 @item qTSTMat:@var{address}
44596 @cindex @samp{qTSTMat} packet
44597 This packets requests data about static tracepoint markers in the
44598 target program at @var{address}. Replies to this packet follow the
44599 syntax of the @samp{qTfSTM} and @code{qTsSTM} packets that list static
44600 tracepoint markers.
44602 @item QTSave:@var{filename}
44603 @cindex @samp{QTSave} packet
44604 This packet directs the target to save trace data to the file name
44605 @var{filename} in the target's filesystem. The @var{filename} is encoded
44606 as a hex string; the interpretation of the file name (relative vs
44607 absolute, wild cards, etc) is up to the target.
44609 @item qTBuffer:@var{offset},@var{len}
44610 @cindex @samp{qTBuffer} packet
44611 Return up to @var{len} bytes of the current contents of trace buffer,
44612 starting at @var{offset}. The trace buffer is treated as if it were
44613 a contiguous collection of traceframes, as per the trace file format.
44614 The reply consists as many hex-encoded bytes as the target can deliver
44615 in a packet; it is not an error to return fewer than were asked for.
44616 A reply consisting of just @code{l} indicates that no bytes are
44619 @item QTBuffer:circular:@var{value}
44620 This packet directs the target to use a circular trace buffer if
44621 @var{value} is 1, or a linear buffer if the value is 0.
44623 @item QTBuffer:size:@var{size}
44624 @anchor{QTBuffer-size}
44625 @cindex @samp{QTBuffer size} packet
44626 This packet directs the target to make the trace buffer be of size
44627 @var{size} if possible. A value of @code{-1} tells the target to
44628 use whatever size it prefers.
44630 @item QTNotes:@r{[}@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@r{[};@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@dots{}
44631 @cindex @samp{QTNotes} packet
44632 This packet adds optional textual notes to the trace run. Allowable
44633 types include @code{user}, @code{notes}, and @code{tstop}, the
44634 @var{text} fields are arbitrary strings, hex-encoded.
44638 @subsection Relocate instruction reply packet
44639 When installing fast tracepoints in memory, the target may need to
44640 relocate the instruction currently at the tracepoint address to a
44641 different address in memory. For most instructions, a simple copy is
44642 enough, but, for example, call instructions that implicitly push the
44643 return address on the stack, and relative branches or other
44644 PC-relative instructions require offset adjustment, so that the effect
44645 of executing the instruction at a different address is the same as if
44646 it had executed in the original location.
44648 In response to several of the tracepoint packets, the target may also
44649 respond with a number of intermediate @samp{qRelocInsn} request
44650 packets before the final result packet, to have @value{GDBN} handle
44651 this relocation operation. If a packet supports this mechanism, its
44652 documentation will explicitly say so. See for example the above
44653 descriptions for the @samp{QTStart} and @samp{QTDP} packets. The
44654 format of the request is:
44657 @item qRelocInsn:@var{from};@var{to}
44659 This requests @value{GDBN} to copy instruction at address @var{from}
44660 to address @var{to}, possibly adjusted so that executing the
44661 instruction at @var{to} has the same effect as executing it at
44662 @var{from}. @value{GDBN} writes the adjusted instruction to target
44663 memory starting at @var{to}.
44668 @item qRelocInsn:@var{adjusted_size}
44669 Informs the stub the relocation is complete. The @var{adjusted_size} is
44670 the length in bytes of resulting relocated instruction sequence.
44672 A badly formed request was detected, or an error was encountered while
44673 relocating the instruction.
44676 @node Host I/O Packets
44677 @section Host I/O Packets
44678 @cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
44679 @cindex file transfer, remote protocol
44681 The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
44682 operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
44683 used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
44684 filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
44685 layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
44686 Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
44687 protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
44688 Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
44689 target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
44690 Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
44692 The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
44693 its arguments. They have this format:
44697 @item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
44698 @var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
44699 should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
44700 for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
44701 the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
44702 numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
44703 used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
44704 hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
44705 buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
44709 The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
44713 @item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
44714 @var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
44715 non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
44716 @var{errno} will be included in the result specifying a
44717 value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
44718 operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
44719 binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
44720 normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
44721 documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
44725 An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
44729 These are the supported Host I/O operations:
44732 @item vFile:open: @var{filename}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
44733 Open a file at @var{filename} and return a file descriptor for it, or
44734 return -1 if an error occurs. The @var{filename} is a string,
44735 @var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
44736 (@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
44737 of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
44738 @xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
44740 @item vFile:close: @var{fd}
44741 Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
44742 -1 if an error occurs.
44744 @item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
44745 Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
44746 @var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
44747 relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
44748 common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
44749 condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
44750 returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
44751 @var{count} was zero.
44753 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
44754 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
44755 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
44756 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
44757 some characters were escaped.
44759 @item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
44760 Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
44761 to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
44762 file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
44763 separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
44764 packet is used. @samp{vFile:pwrite} returns the number of bytes written,
44765 which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
44768 @item vFile:fstat: @var{fd}
44769 Get information about the open file corresponding to @var{fd}.
44770 On success the information is returned as a binary attachment
44771 and the return value is the size of this attachment in bytes.
44772 If an error occurs the return value is -1. The format of the
44773 returned binary attachment is as described in @ref{struct stat}.
44775 @item vFile:unlink: @var{filename}
44776 Delete the file at @var{filename} on the target. Return 0,
44777 or -1 if an error occurs. The @var{filename} is a string.
44779 @item vFile:readlink: @var{filename}
44780 Read value of symbolic link @var{filename} on the target. Return
44781 the number of bytes read, or -1 if an error occurs.
44783 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
44784 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
44785 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
44786 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
44787 some characters were escaped.
44789 @item vFile:setfs: @var{pid}
44790 Select the filesystem on which @code{vFile} operations with
44791 @var{filename} arguments will operate. This is required for
44792 @value{GDBN} to be able to access files on remote targets where
44793 the remote stub does not share a common filesystem with the
44796 If @var{pid} is nonzero, select the filesystem as seen by process
44797 @var{pid}. If @var{pid} is zero, select the filesystem as seen by
44798 the remote stub. Return 0 on success, or -1 if an error occurs.
44799 If @code{vFile:setfs:} indicates success, the selected filesystem
44800 remains selected until the next successful @code{vFile:setfs:}
44806 @section Interrupts
44807 @cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
44808 @anchor{interrupting remote targets}
44810 In all-stop mode, when a program on the remote target is running,
44811 @value{GDBN} may attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C},
44812 @code{BREAK} or a @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}, control of which
44813 is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{interrupt-sequence}.
44815 The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
44816 mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
44817 currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
44818 interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
44819 @code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
44821 @samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
44822 transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
44823 @code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
44824 the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
44825 transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
44826 and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
44827 (@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
44828 @code{0x03} as part of its packet.
44830 @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g} is also known as Magic SysRq g.
44831 When Linux kernel receives this sequence from serial port,
44832 it stops execution and connects to gdb.
44834 In non-stop mode, because packet resumptions are asynchronous
44835 (@pxref{vCont packet}), @value{GDBN} is always free to send a remote
44836 command to the remote stub, even when the target is running. For that
44837 reason, @value{GDBN} instead sends a regular packet (@pxref{vCtrlC
44838 packet}) with the usual packet framing instead of the single byte
44841 Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
44842 precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
44843 implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
44844 threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
44845 currently-executing threads and processes.
44846 If the stub is successful at interrupting the
44847 running program, it should send one of the stop
44848 reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
44849 of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
44850 for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
44851 Interrupts received while the
44852 program is stopped are queued and the program will be interrupted when
44853 it is resumed next time.
44855 @node Notification Packets
44856 @section Notification Packets
44857 @cindex notification packets
44858 @cindex packets, notification
44860 The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
44861 packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
44862 may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
44863 present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
44864 without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
44865 are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
44868 A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
44869 @var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
44870 and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
44871 as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
44872 never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
44873 receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
44874 to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
44876 Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
44877 colon characters, followed by a colon character.
44879 Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
44880 notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
44881 timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
44882 not they understand it.
44884 Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
44885 protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
44886 future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
44887 new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
44890 (Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
44891 the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
44892 transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
44893 are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
44894 assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
44896 Each notification is comprised of three parts:
44898 @item @var{name}:@var{event}
44899 The notification packet is sent by the side that initiates the
44900 exchange (currently, only the stub does that), with @var{event}
44901 carrying the specific information about the notification, and
44902 @var{name} specifying the name of the notification.
44904 The acknowledge sent by the other side, usually @value{GDBN}, to
44905 acknowledge the exchange and request the event.
44908 The purpose of an asynchronous notification mechanism is to report to
44909 @value{GDBN} that something interesting happened in the remote stub.
44911 The remote stub may send notification @var{name}:@var{event}
44912 at any time, but @value{GDBN} acknowledges the notification when
44913 appropriate. The notification event is pending before @value{GDBN}
44914 acknowledges. Only one notification at a time may be pending; if
44915 additional events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
44916 previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
44917 synchronous transmission in response to @var{ack} packets from
44918 @value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
44919 the stub is permitted to resend a notification if it believes
44920 @value{GDBN} may not have received it.
44922 Specifically, notifications may appear when @value{GDBN} is not
44923 otherwise reading input from the stub, or when @value{GDBN} is
44924 expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
44925 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
44926 Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
44927 the stub so there is no ambiguity.
44929 After receiving a notification, @value{GDBN} shall acknowledge it by
44930 sending a @var{ack} packet as a regular, synchronous request to the
44931 stub. Such acknowledgment is not required to happen immediately, as
44932 @value{GDBN} is permitted to send other, unrelated packets to the
44933 stub first, which the stub should process normally.
44935 Upon receiving a @var{ack} packet, if the stub has other queued
44936 events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
44937 normal @var{event}. @value{GDBN} shall then send another @var{ack}
44938 packet to solicit further responses; again, it is permitted to send
44939 other, unrelated packets as well which the stub should process
44942 If the stub receives a @var{ack} packet and there are no additional
44943 @var{event} to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK} response.
44944 At this point, @value{GDBN} has finished processing a notification
44945 and the stub has completed sending any queued events. @value{GDBN}
44946 won't accept any new notifications until the final @samp{OK} is
44947 received . If further notification events occur, the stub shall send
44948 a new notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the notification, and
44949 the process shall be repeated.
44951 The process of asynchronous notification can be illustrated by the
44954 <- @code{%Stop:T0505:98e7ffbf;04:4ce6ffbf;08:b1b6e54c;thread:p7526.7526;core:0;}
44957 <- @code{T0505:68f37db7;04:40f37db7;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7528;core:0;}
44959 <- @code{T0505:68e3fdb6;04:40e3fdb6;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7529;core:0;}
44964 The following notifications are defined:
44965 @multitable @columnfractions 0.12 0.12 0.38 0.38
44974 @tab @var{reply}. The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
44975 described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
44976 for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
44978 @tab Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
44982 @node Remote Non-Stop
44983 @section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
44985 @value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
44986 multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
44987 supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
44988 @samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
44990 @value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
44991 establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
44992 does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
44993 must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
44994 all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
44995 probe the target state after a mode change.
44997 In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
44998 would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
44999 asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
45000 inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
45001 in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
45002 mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
45003 when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
45004 of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
45005 affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
45006 to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
45007 threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
45009 In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
45010 follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
45011 sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
45012 sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
45013 it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
45014 stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
45015 subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
45016 using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
45017 asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
45018 If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
45019 or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
45022 If the stub supports non-stop mode, it should also support the
45023 @samp{swbreak} stop reason if software breakpoints are supported, and
45024 the @samp{hwbreak} stop reason if hardware breakpoints are supported
45025 (@pxref{swbreak stop reason}). This is because given the asynchronous
45026 nature of non-stop mode, between the time a thread hits a breakpoint
45027 and the time the event is finally processed by @value{GDBN}, the
45028 breakpoint may have already been removed from the target. Due to
45029 this, @value{GDBN} needs to be able to tell whether a trap stop was
45030 caused by a delayed breakpoint event, which should be ignored, as
45031 opposed to a random trap signal, which should be reported to the user.
45032 Note the @samp{swbreak} feature implies that the target is responsible
45033 for adjusting the PC when a software breakpoint triggers, if
45034 necessary, such as on the x86 architecture.
45036 @node Packet Acknowledgment
45037 @section Packet Acknowledgment
45039 @cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
45040 @cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
45041 By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
45042 the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
45043 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
45044 This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
45045 unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
45047 In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
45048 TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
45049 It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
45050 overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
45051 @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
45053 When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
45054 expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
45055 and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
45056 @ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
45058 If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
45059 no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
45060 by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
45061 @pxref{qSupported}.
45062 If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
45063 disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
45064 (@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
45065 @value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
45066 Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
45067 @value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
45068 response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
45070 Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
45071 between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
45072 it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
45074 Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
45075 new connection is established,
45076 there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
45077 for the current connection, once disabled.
45082 Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
45083 does not get any direct output:
45088 @emph{target restarts}
45091 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
45095 Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
45098 -> @code{G1445@dots{}}
45103 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
45107 <- @code{1455@dots{}}
45111 @node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
45112 @section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
45113 @cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
45116 * File-I/O Overview::
45117 * Protocol Basics::
45118 * The F Request Packet::
45119 * The F Reply Packet::
45120 * The Ctrl-C Message::
45122 * List of Supported Calls::
45123 * Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
45125 * File-I/O Examples::
45128 @node File-I/O Overview
45129 @subsection File-I/O Overview
45130 @cindex file-i/o overview
45132 The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
45133 target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
45134 system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
45135 remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
45136 actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
45137 This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
45139 The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
45140 It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
45141 @value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
45142 translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
45143 protocol representations when data is transmitted.
45145 The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
45146 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
45147 or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
45148 the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
45149 memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
45150 the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
45151 (@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
45153 The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
45154 the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
45155 after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
45156 previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
45157 request from @value{GDBN} is required.
45160 (@value{GDBP}) continue
45161 <- target requests 'system call X'
45162 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
45163 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
45164 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
45165 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
45168 The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
45169 the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
45170 named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
45171 system are not supported by this protocol.
45173 File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
45175 @node Protocol Basics
45176 @subsection Protocol Basics
45177 @cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
45179 The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
45180 as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
45181 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
45182 the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
45183 of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
45184 This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
45185 to call the appropriate host system call:
45189 A unique identifier for the requested system call.
45192 All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
45193 in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
45194 pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
45195 Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
45199 At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
45203 If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
45204 system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
45205 standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
45206 expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
45210 @value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
45211 representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
45214 @value{GDBN} calls the system call.
45217 It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
45220 If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
45221 by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
45222 target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
45223 by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
45228 Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
45229 necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
45236 @code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
45243 After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
45244 the latest continue or step action.
45246 @node The F Request Packet
45247 @subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
45248 @cindex file-i/o request packet
45249 @cindex @code{F} request packet
45251 The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
45254 @item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
45256 @var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
45257 This is just the name of the function.
45259 @var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
45260 Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
45261 of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
45262 datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
45263 of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
45264 comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
45265 string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
45271 @node The F Reply Packet
45272 @subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
45273 @cindex file-i/o reply packet
45274 @cindex @code{F} reply packet
45276 The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
45280 @item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
45282 @var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
45284 @var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
45286 This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
45288 @var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
45289 case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
45290 The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
45297 or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
45304 assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
45309 @node The Ctrl-C Message
45310 @subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
45311 @cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
45313 If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
45314 reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
45315 the target should behave as if it had
45316 gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
45317 interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
45318 (as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
45321 It's important for the target to know in which
45322 state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
45326 The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
45329 The system call on the host has been finished.
45333 These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
45334 returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
45335 call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
45336 on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
45337 system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
45338 as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
45340 @value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
45341 yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
45342 @code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
45343 before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
45344 @value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
45345 The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
45346 or the full action has been completed.
45349 @subsection Console I/O
45350 @cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
45352 By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
45353 descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
45354 on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
45355 (@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
45356 by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
45357 0 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
45362 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
45364 system call is treated as finished.
45367 The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
45371 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
45372 character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
45376 If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
45377 the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
45378 either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
45379 is stopped at the user's request.
45382 @node List of Supported Calls
45383 @subsection List of Supported Calls
45384 @cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
45401 @unnumberedsubsubsec open
45402 @cindex open, file-i/o system call
45407 int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
45408 int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
45412 @samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
45415 @var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
45419 If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
45420 rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
45424 When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
45425 an error and open() fails.
45428 If the file already exists and the open mode allows
45429 writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
45430 truncated to zero length.
45433 The file is opened in append mode.
45436 The file is opened for reading only.
45439 The file is opened for writing only.
45442 The file is opened for reading and writing.
45446 Other bits are silently ignored.
45450 @var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
45454 User has read permission.
45457 User has write permission.
45460 Group has read permission.
45463 Group has write permission.
45466 Others have read permission.
45469 Others have write permission.
45473 Other bits are silently ignored.
45476 @item Return value:
45477 @code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
45484 @var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
45487 @var{pathname} refers to a directory.
45490 The requested access is not allowed.
45493 @var{pathname} was too long.
45496 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
45499 @var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
45502 @var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
45503 write access was requested.
45506 @var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
45509 No space on device to create the file.
45512 The process already has the maximum number of files open.
45515 The limit on the total number of files open on the system
45519 The call was interrupted by the user.
45525 @unnumberedsubsubsec close
45526 @cindex close, file-i/o system call
45535 @samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
45537 @item Return value:
45538 @code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
45544 @var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
45547 The call was interrupted by the user.
45553 @unnumberedsubsubsec read
45554 @cindex read, file-i/o system call
45559 int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
45563 @samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
45565 @item Return value:
45566 On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
45567 Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
45568 returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
45574 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
45578 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
45581 The call was interrupted by the user.
45587 @unnumberedsubsubsec write
45588 @cindex write, file-i/o system call
45593 int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
45597 @samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
45599 @item Return value:
45600 On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
45601 Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
45608 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
45612 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
45615 An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
45616 host-specific maximum file size allowed.
45619 No space on device to write the data.
45622 The call was interrupted by the user.
45628 @unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
45629 @cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
45634 long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
45638 @samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
45640 @var{flag} is one of:
45644 The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
45647 The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
45651 The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
45655 @item Return value:
45656 On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
45657 the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
45658 value of -1 is returned.
45664 @var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
45667 @var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
45670 @var{flag} is not a proper value.
45673 The call was interrupted by the user.
45679 @unnumberedsubsubsec rename
45680 @cindex rename, file-i/o system call
45685 int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
45689 @samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
45691 @item Return value:
45692 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
45698 @var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
45702 @var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
45705 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
45709 An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
45713 A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
45714 path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
45715 and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
45718 @var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
45721 No access to the file or the path of the file.
45725 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
45728 A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
45731 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
45734 The device containing the file has no room for the new
45738 The call was interrupted by the user.
45744 @unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
45745 @cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
45750 int unlink(const char *pathname);
45754 @samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
45756 @item Return value:
45757 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
45763 No access to the file or the path of the file.
45766 The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
45769 The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
45770 being used by another process.
45773 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
45776 @var{pathname} was too long.
45779 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
45782 A component of the path is not a directory.
45785 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
45788 The call was interrupted by the user.
45794 @unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
45795 @cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
45796 @cindex stat, file-i/o system call
45801 int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
45802 int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
45806 @samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
45807 @samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
45809 @item Return value:
45810 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
45816 @var{fd} is not a valid open file.
45819 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
45820 path is an empty string.
45823 A component of the path is not a directory.
45826 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
45829 No access to the file or the path of the file.
45832 @var{pathname} was too long.
45835 The call was interrupted by the user.
45841 @unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
45842 @cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
45847 int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
45851 @samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
45853 @item Return value:
45854 On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
45860 @var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
45863 @var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
45869 @unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
45870 @cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
45875 int isatty(int fd);
45879 @samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
45881 @item Return value:
45882 Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
45888 The call was interrupted by the user.
45893 Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
45894 1 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
45895 to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
45896 would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
45901 @unnumberedsubsubsec system
45902 @cindex system, file-i/o system call
45907 int system(const char *command);
45911 @samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
45913 @item Return value:
45914 If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
45915 available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
45916 For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
45917 return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
45918 command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
45919 return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
45920 @file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
45926 The call was interrupted by the user.
45931 @value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
45932 to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
45933 the host is simplified before it's returned
45934 to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
45935 is discarded, and the return value consists
45936 entirely of the exit status of the called command.
45938 Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
45939 by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
45940 @code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
45943 @item set remote system-call-allowed
45944 @kindex set remote system-call-allowed
45945 Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
45946 protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
45948 @item show remote system-call-allowed
45949 @kindex show remote system-call-allowed
45950 Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
45954 @node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
45955 @subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
45956 @cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
45959 * Integral Datatypes::
45961 * Memory Transfer::
45966 @node Integral Datatypes
45967 @unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
45968 @cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
45970 The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
45971 @code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
45972 @code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
45974 @code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
45975 implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
45977 @code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
45979 @xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
45980 in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
45982 @code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
45984 All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
45985 structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
45988 @node Pointer Values
45989 @unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
45990 @cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
45992 Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
45993 is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
45994 transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
45995 are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
46002 which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
46003 The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
46004 the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
46005 at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
46011 @node Memory Transfer
46012 @unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
46013 @cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
46015 Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
46016 example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
46017 with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
46018 this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
46019 packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
46020 it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
46021 data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
46025 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
46026 @cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
46028 The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
46029 is defined as follows:
46033 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
46034 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
46035 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
46036 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
46037 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
46038 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
46039 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
46040 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
46041 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
46042 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
46043 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
46044 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
46045 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
46049 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
46050 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
46051 structure is of size 64 bytes.
46053 The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
46059 A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
46062 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
46065 Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
46066 bits have currently no meaning for the target.
46071 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
46076 These values have a host and file system dependent
46077 accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
46078 support exact timing values.
46081 The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
46082 responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
46085 Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
46086 representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
46087 get truncated on the target.
46089 @node struct timeval
46090 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
46091 @cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
46093 The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
46094 is defined as follows:
46098 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
46099 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
46103 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
46104 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
46105 structure is of size 8 bytes.
46108 @subsection Constants
46109 @cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
46111 The following values are used for the constants inside of the
46112 protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
46113 values before and after the call as needed.
46124 @unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
46125 @cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
46127 All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
46139 @node mode_t Values
46140 @unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
46141 @cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
46143 All values are given in octal representation.
46160 @unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
46161 @cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
46163 All values are given in decimal representation.
46188 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
46189 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
46192 @unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
46193 @cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
46202 @unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
46203 @cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
46205 All values are given in decimal representation.
46208 INT_MIN -2147483648
46210 UINT_MAX 4294967295
46211 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
46212 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
46213 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
46216 @node File-I/O Examples
46217 @subsection File-I/O Examples
46218 @cindex file-i/o examples
46220 Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
46221 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
46224 <- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
46225 @emph{request memory read from target}
46228 @emph{return "6 bytes written"}
46232 Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
46233 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
46236 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
46237 @emph{request memory write to target}
46238 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
46239 @emph{return "6 bytes read"}
46243 Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
46244 file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
46247 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
46251 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
46255 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
46260 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
46264 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
46265 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
46269 @node Library List Format
46270 @section Library List Format
46271 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
46273 On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
46274 same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
46275 @value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
46276 operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
46277 platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
46278 @value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
46279 through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
46280 packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
46281 queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
46284 The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
46285 lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
46286 associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
46287 which report where the library was loaded in memory.
46289 For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
46290 library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
46291 dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
46292 should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
46293 section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
46294 depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
46296 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
46297 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
46299 A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
46300 offset, looks like this:
46304 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
46305 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
46310 Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
46311 allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
46315 <library name="sharedlib.o">
46316 <section address="0x10000000"/>
46317 <section address="0x20000000"/>
46318 <section address="0x30000000"/>
46323 The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
46326 <!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
46327 <!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
46328 <!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
46329 <!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
46330 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
46331 <!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
46332 <!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
46333 <!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
46334 <!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
46337 In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
46338 single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
46339 section for each library.
46341 @node Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
46342 @section Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
46343 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
46345 On SVR4 platforms @value{GDBN} can use the symbol table of a dynamic loader
46346 (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) and normal memory operations to maintain a list of
46347 shared libraries. Still a special library list provided by this packet is
46348 more efficient for the @value{GDBN} remote protocol.
46350 The @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet returns an XML document which lists
46351 loaded libraries and their SVR4 linker parameters. For each library on SVR4
46352 target, the following parameters are reported:
46356 @code{name}, the absolute file name from the @code{l_name} field of
46357 @code{struct link_map}.
46359 @code{lm} with address of @code{struct link_map} used for TLS
46360 (Thread Local Storage) access.
46362 @code{l_addr}, the displacement as read from the field @code{l_addr} of
46363 @code{struct link_map}. For prelinked libraries this is not an absolute
46364 memory address. It is a displacement of absolute memory address against
46365 address the file was prelinked to during the library load.
46367 @code{l_ld}, which is memory address of the @code{PT_DYNAMIC} segment
46369 @code{lmid}, which is an identifier for a linker namespace, such as
46370 the memory address of the @code{r_debug} object that contains this
46371 namespace's load map or the namespace identifier returned by
46375 Additionally the single @code{main-lm} attribute specifies address of
46376 @code{struct link_map} used for the main executable. This parameter is used
46377 for TLS access and its presence is optional.
46379 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
46380 SVR4 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
46382 A simple memory map, with two loaded libraries (which do not use prelink),
46386 <library-list-svr4 version="1.0" main-lm="0xe4f8f8">
46387 <library name="/lib/ld-linux.so.2" lm="0xe4f51c" l_addr="0xe2d000"
46388 l_ld="0xe4eefc" lmid="0xfffe0"/>
46389 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6" lm="0xe4fbe8" l_addr="0x154000"
46390 l_ld="0x152350" lmid="0xfffe0"/>
46391 </library-list-svr>
46394 The format of an SVR4 library list is described by this DTD:
46397 <!-- library-list-svr4: Root element with versioning -->
46398 <!ELEMENT library-list-svr4 (library)*>
46399 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
46400 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 main-lm CDATA #IMPLIED>
46401 <!ELEMENT library EMPTY>
46402 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
46403 <!ATTLIST library lm CDATA #REQUIRED>
46404 <!ATTLIST library l_addr CDATA #REQUIRED>
46405 <!ATTLIST library l_ld CDATA #REQUIRED>
46406 <!ATTLIST library lmid CDATA #IMPLIED>
46409 @node Memory Map Format
46410 @section Memory Map Format
46411 @cindex memory map format
46413 To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
46414 memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
46417 The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
46418 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
46419 lists memory regions.
46421 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
46422 memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
46424 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
46427 <?xml version="1.0"?>
46428 <!DOCTYPE memory-map
46429 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
46430 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
46436 Each region can be either:
46441 A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
46445 <memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
46450 A region of read-only memory:
46453 <memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
46458 A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
46462 <memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
46463 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
46469 Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
46470 by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
46471 packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
46473 The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
46476 <!-- ................................................... -->
46477 <!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
46478 <!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
46479 <!-- .................................... .............. -->
46480 <!-- memory-map.dtd -->
46481 <!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
46482 <!ELEMENT memory-map (memory)*>
46483 <!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
46484 <!ELEMENT memory (property)*>
46485 <!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
46486 and its type, or device. -->
46487 <!ATTLIST memory type (ram|rom|flash) #REQUIRED
46488 start CDATA #REQUIRED
46489 length CDATA #REQUIRED>
46490 <!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
46491 <!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
46492 <!ATTLIST property name (blocksize) #REQUIRED>
46495 @node Thread List Format
46496 @section Thread List Format
46497 @cindex thread list format
46499 To efficiently update the list of threads and their attributes,
46500 @value{GDBN} issues the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
46501 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}) and obtains the XML document with
46502 the following structure:
46505 <?xml version="1.0"?>
46507 <thread id="id" core="0" name="name">
46508 ... description ...
46513 Each @samp{thread} element must have the @samp{id} attribute that
46514 identifies the thread (@pxref{thread-id syntax}). The
46515 @samp{core} attribute, if present, specifies which processor core
46516 the thread was last executing on. The @samp{name} attribute, if
46517 present, specifies the human-readable name of the thread. The content
46518 of the of @samp{thread} element is interpreted as human-readable
46519 auxiliary information. The @samp{handle} attribute, if present,
46520 is a hex encoded representation of the thread handle.
46523 @node Traceframe Info Format
46524 @section Traceframe Info Format
46525 @cindex traceframe info format
46527 To be able to know which objects in the inferior can be examined when
46528 inspecting a tracepoint hit, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of
46529 memory ranges, registers and trace state variables that have been
46530 collected in a traceframe.
46532 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
46533 (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}) packet and is an XML document.
46535 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
46536 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
46538 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
46541 <?xml version="1.0"?>
46542 <!DOCTYPE traceframe-info
46543 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
46544 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-traceframe-info.dtd">
46550 Each traceframe block can be either:
46555 A region of collected memory starting at @var{addr} and extending for
46556 @var{length} bytes from there:
46559 <memory start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
46563 A block indicating trace state variable numbered @var{number} has been
46567 <tvar id="@var{number}"/>
46572 The formal DTD for the traceframe info format is given below:
46575 <!ELEMENT traceframe-info (memory | tvar)* >
46576 <!ATTLIST traceframe-info version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
46578 <!ELEMENT memory EMPTY>
46579 <!ATTLIST memory start CDATA #REQUIRED
46580 length CDATA #REQUIRED>
46582 <!ATTLIST tvar id CDATA #REQUIRED>
46585 @node Branch Trace Format
46586 @section Branch Trace Format
46587 @cindex branch trace format
46589 In order to display the branch trace of an inferior thread,
46590 @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of branches. This list is
46591 represented as list of sequential code blocks that are connected via
46592 branches. The code in each block has been executed sequentially.
46594 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
46595 (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}) packet and is an XML document.
46597 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
46598 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
46600 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
46603 <?xml version="1.0"?>
46605 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Branch Trace V1.0//EN"
46606 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-btrace.dtd">
46615 A block of sequentially executed instructions starting at @var{begin}
46616 and ending at @var{end}:
46619 <block begin="@var{begin}" end="@var{end}"/>
46624 The formal DTD for the branch trace format is given below:
46627 <!ELEMENT btrace (block* | pt) >
46628 <!ATTLIST btrace version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
46630 <!ELEMENT block EMPTY>
46631 <!ATTLIST block begin CDATA #REQUIRED
46632 end CDATA #REQUIRED>
46634 <!ELEMENT pt (pt-config?, raw?)>
46636 <!ELEMENT pt-config (cpu?)>
46638 <!ELEMENT cpu EMPTY>
46639 <!ATTLIST cpu vendor CDATA #REQUIRED
46640 family CDATA #REQUIRED
46641 model CDATA #REQUIRED
46642 stepping CDATA #REQUIRED>
46644 <!ELEMENT raw (#PCDATA)>
46647 @node Branch Trace Configuration Format
46648 @section Branch Trace Configuration Format
46649 @cindex branch trace configuration format
46651 For each inferior thread, @value{GDBN} can obtain the branch trace
46652 configuration using the @samp{qXfer:btrace-conf:read}
46653 (@pxref{qXfer btrace-conf read}) packet.
46655 The configuration describes the branch trace format and configuration
46656 settings for that format. The following information is described:
46660 This thread uses the @dfn{Branch Trace Store} (@acronym{BTS}) format.
46663 The size of the @acronym{BTS} ring buffer in bytes.
46666 This thread uses the @dfn{Intel Processor Trace} (@acronym{Intel
46670 The size of the @acronym{Intel PT} ring buffer in bytes.
46674 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
46675 branch trace configuration discovery. @xref{Expat}.
46677 The formal DTD for the branch trace configuration format is given below:
46680 <!ELEMENT btrace-conf (bts?, pt?)>
46681 <!ATTLIST btrace-conf version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
46683 <!ELEMENT bts EMPTY>
46684 <!ATTLIST bts size CDATA #IMPLIED>
46686 <!ELEMENT pt EMPTY>
46687 <!ATTLIST pt size CDATA #IMPLIED>
46690 @include agentexpr.texi
46692 @node Target Descriptions
46693 @appendix Target Descriptions
46694 @cindex target descriptions
46696 One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
46697 is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
46698 architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
46699 a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or @acronym{MIPS}, for example ---
46700 and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
46701 architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
46702 vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
46706 With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
46707 the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
46709 Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
46710 audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
46711 variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
46713 When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
46714 at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
46715 @command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
46718 To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
46719 target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
46720 actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
46721 processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
46722 descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
46724 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
46725 target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
46728 * Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
46729 * Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
46730 * Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
46732 * Enum Target Types:: How to define enum target types.
46733 * Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
46736 @node Retrieving Descriptions
46737 @section Retrieving Descriptions
46739 Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
46740 specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
46741 description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
46742 protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
46743 qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
46744 @samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
46745 XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
46748 Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
46749 If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
46750 specify a file are:
46753 @cindex set tdesc filename
46754 @item set tdesc filename @var{path}
46755 Read the target description from @var{path}.
46757 @cindex unset tdesc filename
46758 @item unset tdesc filename
46759 Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
46760 will use the description supplied by the current target.
46762 @cindex show tdesc filename
46763 @item show tdesc filename
46764 Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
46768 @node Target Description Format
46769 @section Target Description Format
46770 @cindex target descriptions, XML format
46772 A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
46773 document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
46774 the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
46775 means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
46776 check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
46777 However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
46778 their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
46780 Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
46781 and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
46782 sets. They can also identify the OS ABI of the remote target.
46783 @value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
46784 target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
46786 Here is a simple target description:
46789 <target version="1.0">
46790 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
46795 This minimal description only says that the target uses
46796 the x86-64 architecture.
46798 A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
46799 optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
46800 are explained further below.
46803 <?xml version="1.0"?>
46804 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
46805 <target version="1.0">
46806 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
46807 @r{[}@var{osabi}@r{]}
46808 @r{[}@var{compatible}@r{]}
46809 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
46814 The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
46815 breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
46816 declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
46817 (@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
46818 useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
46819 @samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
46820 including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
46821 revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
46822 the version mismatch.
46824 @subsection Inclusion
46825 @cindex target descriptions, inclusion
46828 @cindex <xi:include>
46831 It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
46832 several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
46833 share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
46834 divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
46835 the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
46838 <xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
46842 When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
46843 the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
46844 the contents of that document. If the current description was read
46845 using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
46846 @var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
46847 current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
46848 @var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
46849 original description.
46851 @subsection Architecture
46852 @cindex <architecture>
46854 An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
46857 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
46860 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
46861 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
46864 @cindex @code{<osabi>}
46866 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
46867 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
46869 An @samp{<osabi>} element has this form:
46872 <osabi>@var{abi-name}</osabi>
46875 @var{abi-name} is an OS ABI name from the same selection accepted by
46876 @w{@code{set osabi}} (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
46878 @subsection Compatible Architecture
46879 @cindex @code{<compatible>}
46881 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
46882 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
46884 A @samp{<compatible>} element has this form:
46887 <compatible>@var{arch}</compatible>
46890 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
46891 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
46893 A @samp{<compatible>} element is used to specify that the target
46894 is able to run binaries in some other than the main target architecture
46895 given by the @samp{<architecture>} element. For example, on the
46896 Cell Broadband Engine, the main architecture is @code{powerpc:common}
46897 or @code{powerpc:common64}, but the system is able to run binaries
46898 in the @code{spu} architecture as well. The way to describe this
46899 capability with @samp{<compatible>} is as follows:
46902 <architecture>powerpc:common</architecture>
46903 <compatible>spu</compatible>
46906 @subsection Features
46909 Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
46910 system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
46911 registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
46915 <feature name="@var{name}">
46916 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
46922 Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
46923 of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
46924 knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
46925 should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
46929 Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
46930 interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
46931 but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
46932 Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
46933 Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite
46936 Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
46937 a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
46938 Types must be defined before they are used.
46941 Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
46942 of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
46943 specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
46947 <vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
46951 If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
46952 with a union type containing the useful representations. The
46953 @samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
46954 each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
46957 <union id="@var{id}">
46958 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
46965 If a register's value is composed from several separate values, define
46966 it with either a structure type or a flags type.
46967 A flags type may only contain bitfields.
46968 A structure type may either contain only bitfields or contain no bitfields.
46969 If the value contains only bitfields, its total size in bytes must be
46972 Non-bitfield values have a @var{name} and @var{type}.
46975 <struct id="@var{id}">
46976 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
46981 Both @var{name} and @var{type} values are required.
46982 No implicit padding is added.
46984 Bitfield values have a @var{name}, @var{start}, @var{end} and @var{type}.
46987 <struct id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
46988 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}" type="@var{type}"/>
46994 <flags id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
46995 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}" type="@var{type}"/>
47000 The @var{name} value is required.
47001 Bitfield values may be named with the empty string, @samp{""},
47002 in which case the field is ``filler'' and its value is not printed.
47003 Not all bits need to be specified, so ``filler'' fields are optional.
47005 The @var{start} and @var{end} values are required, and @var{type}
47007 The field's @var{start} must be less than or equal to its @var{end},
47008 and zero represents the least significant bit.
47010 The default value of @var{type} is @code{bool} for single bit fields,
47011 and an unsigned integer otherwise.
47013 Which to choose? Structures or flags?
47015 Registers defined with @samp{flags} have these advantages over
47016 defining them with @samp{struct}:
47020 Arithmetic may be performed on them as if they were integers.
47022 They are printed in a more readable fashion.
47025 Registers defined with @samp{struct} have one advantage over
47026 defining them with @samp{flags}:
47030 One can fetch individual fields like in @samp{C}.
47033 (gdb) print $my_struct_reg.field3
47039 @subsection Registers
47042 Each register is represented as an element with this form:
47045 <reg name="@var{name}"
47046 bitsize="@var{size}"
47047 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
47048 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
47049 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
47050 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
47054 The components are as follows:
47059 The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
47062 The register's size, in bits.
47065 The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
47066 than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
47067 a preceding feature); the first register in the target description
47068 defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
47069 the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
47070 packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
47071 in order of increasing register number.
47074 Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
47075 calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
47076 @code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
47077 some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
47081 The type of the register. It may be a predefined type, a type
47082 defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
47083 and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
47084 for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
47085 architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
47086 @var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
47089 The register group to which this register belongs. It can be one of the
47090 standard register groups @code{general}, @code{float}, @code{vector} or an
47091 arbitrary string. Group names should be limited to alphanumeric characters.
47092 If a group name is made up of multiple words the words may be separated by
47093 hyphens; e.g.@: @code{special-group} or @code{ultra-special-group}. If no
47094 @var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register in
47095 @code{info registers}.
47099 @node Predefined Target Types
47100 @section Predefined Target Types
47101 @cindex target descriptions, predefined types
47103 Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
47104 from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
47105 standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
47106 types. The currently supported types are:
47111 Boolean type, occupying a single bit.
47119 Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
47127 Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
47131 Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
47132 any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
47133 pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
47134 address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
47135 may be marked as data pointers.
47138 Half precision IEEE floating point.
47141 Single precision IEEE floating point.
47144 Double precision IEEE floating point.
47147 The 16-bit @dfn{brain floating point} format used e.g.@: by x86 and ARM.
47150 The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
47153 The 10-byte extended precision format used by x87 registers.
47156 32bit @sc{eflags} register used by x86.
47159 32bit @sc{mxcsr} register used by x86.
47163 @node Enum Target Types
47164 @section Enum Target Types
47165 @cindex target descriptions, enum types
47167 Enum target types are useful in @samp{struct} and @samp{flags}
47168 register descriptions. @xref{Target Description Format}.
47170 Enum types have a name, size and a list of name/value pairs.
47173 <enum id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
47174 <evalue name="@var{name}" value="@var{value}"/>
47179 Enums must be defined before they are used.
47182 <enum id="levels_type" size="4">
47183 <evalue name="low" value="0"/>
47184 <evalue name="high" value="1"/>
47186 <flags id="flags_type" size="4">
47187 <field name="X" start="0"/>
47188 <field name="LEVEL" start="1" end="1" type="levels_type"/>
47190 <reg name="flags" bitsize="32" type="flags_type"/>
47193 Given that description, a value of 3 for the @samp{flags} register
47194 would be printed as:
47197 (gdb) info register flags
47198 flags 0x3 [ X LEVEL=high ]
47201 @node Standard Target Features
47202 @section Standard Target Features
47203 @cindex target descriptions, standard features
47205 A target description must contain either no registers or all the
47206 target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
47207 @value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
47208 the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
47209 default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
47210 described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
47211 can recognize them.
47213 This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
47214 which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
47215 with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
47216 if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
47217 feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
47218 description. You can add additional registers to any of the
47219 standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
47220 they were added to an unrecognized feature.
47222 This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
47223 Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
47224 @value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
47226 Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
47227 company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
47228 architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
47229 containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
47231 The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
47232 of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
47233 registers using the capitalization used in the description.
47236 * AArch64 Features::
47240 * LoongArch Features::
47241 * MicroBlaze Features::
47245 * Nios II Features::
47246 * OpenRISC 1000 Features::
47247 * PowerPC Features::
47248 * RISC-V Features::
47250 * S/390 and System z Features::
47256 @node AArch64 Features
47257 @subsection AArch64 Features
47258 @cindex target descriptions, AArch64 features
47260 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.core} feature is required for AArch64
47261 targets. It should contain registers @samp{x0} through @samp{x30},
47262 @samp{sp}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
47264 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.fpu} feature is optional. If present,
47265 it should contain registers @samp{v0} through @samp{v31}, @samp{fpsr},
47268 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.sve} feature is optional. If present,
47269 it should contain registers @samp{z0} through @samp{z31}, @samp{p0}
47270 through @samp{p15}, @samp{ffr} and @samp{vg}.
47272 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.pauth} feature is optional. If present,
47273 it should contain registers @samp{pauth_dmask} and @samp{pauth_cmask}.
47276 @subsection ARC Features
47277 @cindex target descriptions, ARC Features
47279 ARC processors are so configurable that even core registers and their numbers
47280 are not predetermined completely. Moreover, @emph{flags} and @emph{PC}
47281 registers, which are important to @value{GDBN}, are not ``core'' registers in
47282 ARC. Therefore, there are two features that their presence is mandatory:
47283 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core} and @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.aux}.
47285 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core} feature is required for all targets. It must
47290 @samp{r0} through @samp{r25} for normal register file targets.
47292 @samp{r0} through @samp{r3}, and @samp{r10} through @samp{r15} for reduced
47293 register file targets.
47295 @samp{gp}, @samp{fp}, @samp{sp}, @samp{r30}@footnote{Not necessary for ARCv1.},
47296 @samp{blink}, @samp{lp_count}, @samp{pcl}.
47299 In case of an ARCompact target (ARCv1 ISA), the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.core}
47300 feature may contain registers @samp{ilink1} and @samp{ilink2}. While in case
47301 of ARC EM and ARC HS targets (ARCv2 ISA), register @samp{ilink} may be present.
47302 The difference between ARCv1 and ARCv2 is the naming of registers @emph{29th}
47303 and @emph{30th}. They are called @samp{ilink1} and @samp{ilink2} for ARCv1 and
47304 are optional. For ARCv2, they are called @samp{ilink} and @samp{r30} and only
47305 @samp{ilink} is optional. The optionality of @samp{ilink*} registers is
47306 because of their inaccessibility during user space debugging sessions.
47308 Extension core registers @samp{r32} through @samp{r59} are optional and their
47309 existence depends on the configuration. When debugging GNU/Linux applications,
47310 i.e.@: user space debugging, these core registers are not available.
47312 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arc.aux} feature is required for all ARC targets. Here
47313 is the list of registers pertinent to this feature:
47317 mandatory: @samp{pc} and @samp{status32}.
47319 optional: @samp{lp_start}, @samp{lp_end}, and @samp{bta}.
47323 @subsection ARM Features
47324 @cindex target descriptions, ARM features
47326 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for non-M-profile
47328 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
47329 @samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
47331 For M-profile targets (e.g.@: Cortex-M3), the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}
47332 feature is replaced by @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.m-profile}. It should contain
47333 registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp}, @samp{lr}, @samp{pc},
47336 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
47337 should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
47339 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.m-profile-mve} feature is optional. If present, it
47340 must contain register @samp{vpr}.
47342 If the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.m-profile-mve} feature is available, @value{GDBN}
47343 will synthesize the @samp{p0} pseudo register from @samp{vpr} contents.
47345 If the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} feature is available alongside the
47346 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.m-profile-mve} feature, @value{GDBN} will
47347 synthesize the @samp{q} pseudo registers from @samp{d} register
47350 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
47351 it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
47352 @samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
47353 @samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
47355 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} feature is optional. If present, it
47356 should contain at least registers @samp{d0} through @samp{d15}. If
47357 they are present, @samp{d16} through @samp{d31} should also be included.
47358 @value{GDBN} will synthesize the single-precision registers from
47359 halves of the double-precision registers.
47361 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.neon} feature is optional. It does not
47362 need to contain registers; it instructs @value{GDBN} to display the
47363 VFP double-precision registers as vectors and to synthesize the
47364 quad-precision registers from pairs of double-precision registers.
47365 If this feature is present, @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} must also
47366 be present and include 32 double-precision registers.
47368 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.m-profile-pacbti} feature is optional, and
47369 acknowledges support for the ARMv8.1-m PACBTI extensions. @value{GDBN}
47370 will track return address signing states and will decorate backtraces using
47371 the [PAC] marker, similar to AArch64's PAC extension.
47372 @xref{AArch64 PAC}.
47374 @node i386 Features
47375 @subsection i386 Features
47376 @cindex target descriptions, i386 features
47378 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.core} feature is required for i386/amd64
47379 targets. It should describe the following registers:
47383 @samp{eax} through @samp{edi} plus @samp{eip} for i386
47385 @samp{rax} through @samp{r15} plus @samp{rip} for amd64
47387 @samp{eflags}, @samp{cs}, @samp{ss}, @samp{ds}, @samp{es},
47388 @samp{fs}, @samp{gs}
47390 @samp{st0} through @samp{st7}
47392 @samp{fctrl}, @samp{fstat}, @samp{ftag}, @samp{fiseg}, @samp{fioff},
47393 @samp{foseg}, @samp{fooff} and @samp{fop}
47396 The register sets may be different, depending on the target.
47398 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature is optional. It should
47399 describe registers:
47403 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm7} for i386
47405 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm15} for amd64
47410 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature is optional and requires the
47411 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature. It should
47412 describe the upper 128 bits of @sc{ymm} registers:
47416 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm7h} for i386
47418 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm15h} for amd64
47421 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.mpx} is an optional feature representing Intel
47422 Memory Protection Extension (MPX). It should describe the following registers:
47426 @samp{bnd0raw} through @samp{bnd3raw} for i386 and amd64.
47428 @samp{bndcfgu} and @samp{bndstatus} for i386 and amd64.
47431 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.linux} feature is optional. It should
47432 describe a single register, @samp{orig_eax}.
47434 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.segments} feature is optional. It should
47435 describe two system registers: @samp{fs_base} and @samp{gs_base}.
47437 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx512} feature is optional and requires the
47438 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature. It should
47439 describe additional @sc{xmm} registers:
47443 @samp{xmm16h} through @samp{xmm31h}, only valid for amd64.
47446 It should describe the upper 128 bits of additional @sc{ymm} registers:
47450 @samp{ymm16h} through @samp{ymm31h}, only valid for amd64.
47454 describe the upper 256 bits of @sc{zmm} registers:
47458 @samp{zmm0h} through @samp{zmm7h} for i386.
47460 @samp{zmm0h} through @samp{zmm15h} for amd64.
47464 describe the additional @sc{zmm} registers:
47468 @samp{zmm16h} through @samp{zmm31h}, only valid for amd64.
47471 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.pkeys} feature is optional. It should
47472 describe a single register, @samp{pkru}. It is a 32-bit register
47473 valid for i386 and amd64.
47475 @node LoongArch Features
47476 @subsection LoongArch Features
47477 @cindex target descriptions, LoongArch Features
47479 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.loongarch.base} feature is required for LoongArch
47480 targets. It should contain the registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
47481 @samp{pc}, and @samp{badv}. Either the architectural names (@samp{r0},
47482 @samp{r1}, etc) can be used, or the ABI names (@samp{zero}, @samp{ra}, etc).
47484 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.loongarch.fpu} feature is optional. If present,
47485 it should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcc},
47488 @node MicroBlaze Features
47489 @subsection MicroBlaze Features
47490 @cindex target descriptions, MicroBlaze features
47492 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.microblaze.core} feature is required for MicroBlaze
47493 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
47494 @samp{rpc}, @samp{rmsr}, @samp{rear}, @samp{resr}, @samp{rfsr}, @samp{rbtr},
47495 @samp{rpvr}, @samp{rpvr1} through @samp{rpvr11}, @samp{redr}, @samp{rpid},
47496 @samp{rzpr}, @samp{rtlbx}, @samp{rtlbsx}, @samp{rtlblo}, and @samp{rtlbhi}.
47498 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.microblaze.stack-protect} feature is optional.
47499 If present, it should contain registers @samp{rshr} and @samp{rslr}
47501 @node MIPS Features
47502 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Features
47503 @cindex target descriptions, @acronym{MIPS} features
47505 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for @acronym{MIPS} targets.
47506 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
47507 @samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
47510 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
47511 contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
47512 registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
47514 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
47515 it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
47516 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
47517 @samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
47519 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.dsp} feature is optional. It should
47520 contain registers @samp{hi1} through @samp{hi3}, @samp{lo1} through
47521 @samp{lo3}, and @samp{dspctl}. The @samp{dspctl} register should
47522 be 32-bit and the rest may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
47524 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
47525 contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
47526 Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
47528 @node M68K Features
47529 @subsection M68K Features
47530 @cindex target descriptions, M68K features
47533 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
47534 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
47535 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
47536 One of those features must be always present.
47537 The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
47538 used. The feature that is present should contain registers
47539 @samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
47540 @samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
47542 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
47543 This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
47544 @samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
47547 Note that, despite the fact that this feature's name says
47548 @samp{coldfire}, it is used to describe any floating point registers.
47549 The size of the registers must match the main m68k flavor; so, for
47550 example, if the primary feature is reported as @samp{coldfire}, then
47551 64-bit floating point registers are required.
47554 @node NDS32 Features
47555 @subsection NDS32 Features
47556 @cindex target descriptions, NDS32 features
47558 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.nds32.core} feature is required for NDS32
47559 targets. It should contain at least registers @samp{r0} through
47560 @samp{r10}, @samp{r15}, @samp{fp}, @samp{gp}, @samp{lp}, @samp{sp},
47563 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.nds32.fpu} feature is optional. If present,
47564 it should contain 64-bit double-precision floating-point registers
47565 @samp{fd0} through @emph{fdN}, which should be @samp{fd3}, @samp{fd7},
47566 @samp{fd15}, or @samp{fd31} based on the FPU configuration implemented.
47568 @emph{Note:} The first sixteen 64-bit double-precision floating-point
47569 registers are overlapped with the thirty-two 32-bit single-precision
47570 floating-point registers. The 32-bit single-precision registers, if
47571 not being listed explicitly, will be synthesized from halves of the
47572 overlapping 64-bit double-precision registers. Listing 32-bit
47573 single-precision registers explicitly is deprecated, and the
47574 support to it could be totally removed some day.
47576 @node Nios II Features
47577 @subsection Nios II Features
47578 @cindex target descriptions, Nios II features
47580 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.nios2.cpu} feature is required for Nios II
47581 targets. It should contain the 32 core registers (@samp{zero},
47582 @samp{at}, @samp{r2} through @samp{r23}, @samp{et} through @samp{ra}),
47583 @samp{pc}, and the 16 control registers (@samp{status} through
47586 @node OpenRISC 1000 Features
47587 @subsection Openrisc 1000 Features
47588 @cindex target descriptions, OpenRISC 1000 features
47590 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.or1k.group0} feature is required for OpenRISC 1000
47591 targets. It should contain the 32 general purpose registers (@samp{r0}
47592 through @samp{r31}), @samp{ppc}, @samp{npc} and @samp{sr}.
47594 @node PowerPC Features
47595 @subsection PowerPC Features
47596 @cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
47598 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
47599 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
47600 @samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
47601 @samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
47603 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
47604 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
47606 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
47607 contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr}, and
47608 @samp{vrsave}. @value{GDBN} will define pseudo-registers @samp{v0}
47609 through @samp{v31} as aliases for the corresponding @samp{vrX}
47612 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
47613 contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN} will
47614 combine these registers with the floating point registers (@samp{f0}
47615 through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0} through
47616 @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0} through
47617 @samp{vs63}, the set of vector-scalar registers for POWER7.
47618 Therefore, this feature requires both @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} and
47619 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec}.
47621 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
47622 contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
47623 @samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
47624 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
47625 @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
47626 these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
47629 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.ppr} feature is optional. It should
47630 contain the 64-bit register @samp{ppr}.
47632 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.dscr} feature is optional. It should
47633 contain the 64-bit register @samp{dscr}.
47635 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.tar} feature is optional. It should
47636 contain the 64-bit register @samp{tar}.
47638 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.ebb} feature is optional. It should
47639 contain registers @samp{bescr}, @samp{ebbhr} and @samp{ebbrr}, all
47642 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.linux.pmu} feature is optional. It should
47643 contain registers @samp{mmcr0}, @samp{mmcr2}, @samp{siar}, @samp{sdar}
47644 and @samp{sier}, all 64-bit wide. This is the subset of the isa 2.07
47645 server PMU registers provided by @sc{gnu}/Linux.
47647 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.htm.spr} feature is optional. It should
47648 contain registers @samp{tfhar}, @samp{texasr} and @samp{tfiar}, all
47651 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.htm.core} feature is optional. It should
47652 contain the checkpointed general-purpose registers @samp{cr0} through
47653 @samp{cr31}, as well as the checkpointed registers @samp{clr} and
47654 @samp{cctr}. These registers may all be either 32-bit or 64-bit
47655 depending on the target. It should also contain the checkpointed
47656 registers @samp{ccr} and @samp{cxer}, which should both be 32-bit
47659 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.htm.fpu} feature is optional. It should
47660 contain the checkpointed 64-bit floating-point registers @samp{cf0}
47661 through @samp{cf31}, as well as the checkpointed 64-bit register
47664 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.htm.altivec} feature is optional. It
47665 should contain the checkpointed altivec registers @samp{cvr0} through
47666 @samp{cvr31}, all 128-bit wide. It should also contain the
47667 checkpointed registers @samp{cvscr} and @samp{cvrsave}, both 32-bit
47670 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.htm.vsx} feature is optional. It should
47671 contain registers @samp{cvs0h} through @samp{cvs31h}. @value{GDBN}
47672 will combine these registers with the checkpointed floating point
47673 registers (@samp{cf0} through @samp{cf31}) and the checkpointed
47674 altivec registers (@samp{cvr0} through @samp{cvr31}) to present the
47675 128-bit wide checkpointed vector-scalar registers @samp{cvs0} through
47676 @samp{cvs63}. Therefore, this feature requires both
47677 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.htm.altivec} and
47678 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.htm.fpu}.
47680 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.htm.ppr} feature is optional. It should
47681 contain the 64-bit checkpointed register @samp{cppr}.
47683 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.htm.dscr} feature is optional. It should
47684 contain the 64-bit checkpointed register @samp{cdscr}.
47686 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.htm.tar} feature is optional. It should
47687 contain the 64-bit checkpointed register @samp{ctar}.
47690 @node RISC-V Features
47691 @subsection RISC-V Features
47692 @cindex target descriptions, RISC-V Features
47694 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.riscv.cpu} feature is required for RISC-V
47695 targets. It should contain the registers @samp{x0} through
47696 @samp{x31}, and @samp{pc}. Either the architectural names (@samp{x0},
47697 @samp{x1}, etc) can be used, or the ABI names (@samp{zero}, @samp{ra},
47700 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.riscv.fpu} feature is optional. If present, it
47701 should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fflags},
47702 @samp{frm}, and @samp{fcsr}. As with the cpu feature, either the
47703 architectural register names, or the ABI names can be used.
47705 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.riscv.virtual} feature is optional. If present,
47706 it should contain registers that are not backed by real registers on
47707 the target, but are instead virtual, where the register value is
47708 derived from other target state. In many ways these are like
47709 @value{GDBN}s pseudo-registers, except implemented by the target.
47710 Currently the only register expected in this set is the one byte
47711 @samp{priv} register that contains the target's privilege level in the
47712 least significant two bits.
47714 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.riscv.csr} feature is optional. If present, it
47715 should contain all of the target's standard CSRs. Standard CSRs are
47716 those defined in the RISC-V specification documents. There is some
47717 overlap between this feature and the fpu feature; the @samp{fflags},
47718 @samp{frm}, and @samp{fcsr} registers could be in either feature. The
47719 expectation is that these registers will be in the fpu feature if the
47720 target has floating point hardware, but can be moved into the csr
47721 feature if the target has the floating point control registers, but no
47722 other floating point hardware.
47724 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.riscv.vector} feature is optional. If present,
47725 it should contain registers @samp{v0} through @samp{v31}, all of which
47726 must be the same size. These requirements are based on the v0.10
47727 draft vector extension, as the vector extension is not yet final. In
47728 the event that the register set of the vector extension changes for
47729 the final specification, the requirements given here could change for
47730 future releases of @value{GDBN}.
47733 @subsection RX Features
47734 @cindex target descriptions, RX Features
47736 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.rx.core} feature is required for RX
47737 targets. It should contain the registers @samp{r0} through
47738 @samp{r15}, @samp{usp}, @samp{isp}, @samp{psw}, @samp{pc}, @samp{intb},
47739 @samp{bpsw}, @samp{bpc}, @samp{fintv}, @samp{fpsw}, and @samp{acc}.
47741 @node S/390 and System z Features
47742 @subsection S/390 and System z Features
47743 @cindex target descriptions, S/390 features
47744 @cindex target descriptions, System z features
47746 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.core} feature is required for S/390 and
47747 System z targets. It should contain the PSW and the 16 general
47748 registers. In particular, System z targets should provide the 64-bit
47749 registers @samp{pswm}, @samp{pswa}, and @samp{r0} through @samp{r15}.
47750 S/390 targets should provide the 32-bit versions of these registers.
47751 A System z target that runs in 31-bit addressing mode should provide
47752 32-bit versions of @samp{pswm} and @samp{pswa}, as well as the general
47753 register's upper halves @samp{r0h} through @samp{r15h}, and their
47754 lower halves @samp{r0l} through @samp{r15l}.
47756 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.fpr} feature is required. It should
47757 contain the 64-bit registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f15}, and
47760 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.acr} feature is required. It should
47761 contain the 32-bit registers @samp{acr0} through @samp{acr15}.
47763 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.linux} feature is optional. It should
47764 contain the register @samp{orig_r2}, which is 64-bit wide on System z
47765 targets and 32-bit otherwise. In addition, the feature may contain
47766 the @samp{last_break} register, whose width depends on the addressing
47767 mode, as well as the @samp{system_call} register, which is always
47770 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.tdb} feature is optional. It should
47771 contain the 64-bit registers @samp{tdb0}, @samp{tac}, @samp{tct},
47772 @samp{atia}, and @samp{tr0} through @samp{tr15}.
47774 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.vx} feature is optional. It should contain
47775 64-bit wide registers @samp{v0l} through @samp{v15l}, which will be
47776 combined by @value{GDBN} with the floating point registers @samp{f0}
47777 through @samp{f15} to present the 128-bit wide vector registers
47778 @samp{v0} through @samp{v15}. In addition, this feature should
47779 contain the 128-bit wide vector registers @samp{v16} through
47782 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.gs} feature is optional. It should contain
47783 the 64-bit wide guarded-storage-control registers @samp{gsd},
47784 @samp{gssm}, and @samp{gsepla}.
47786 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.gsbc} feature is optional. It should contain
47787 the 64-bit wide guarded-storage broadcast control registers
47788 @samp{bc_gsd}, @samp{bc_gssm}, and @samp{bc_gsepla}.
47790 @node Sparc Features
47791 @subsection Sparc Features
47792 @cindex target descriptions, sparc32 features
47793 @cindex target descriptions, sparc64 features
47794 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.sparc.cpu} feature is required for sparc32/sparc64
47795 targets. It should describe the following registers:
47799 @samp{g0} through @samp{g7}
47801 @samp{o0} through @samp{o7}
47803 @samp{l0} through @samp{l7}
47805 @samp{i0} through @samp{i7}
47808 They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
47810 Also the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.sparc.fpu} feature is required for sparc32/sparc64
47811 targets. It should describe the following registers:
47815 @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}
47817 @samp{f32} through @samp{f62} for sparc64
47820 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.sparc.cp0} feature is required for sparc32/sparc64
47821 targets. It should describe the following registers:
47825 @samp{y}, @samp{psr}, @samp{wim}, @samp{tbr}, @samp{pc}, @samp{npc},
47826 @samp{fsr}, and @samp{csr} for sparc32
47828 @samp{pc}, @samp{npc}, @samp{state}, @samp{fsr}, @samp{fprs}, and @samp{y}
47832 @node TIC6x Features
47833 @subsection TMS320C6x Features
47834 @cindex target descriptions, TIC6x features
47835 @cindex target descriptions, TMS320C6x features
47836 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.core} feature is required for TMS320C6x
47837 targets. It should contain registers @samp{A0} through @samp{A15},
47838 registers @samp{B0} through @samp{B15}, @samp{CSR} and @samp{PC}.
47840 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.gp} feature is optional. It should
47841 contain registers @samp{A16} through @samp{A31} and @samp{B16}
47842 through @samp{B31}.
47844 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.c6xp} feature is optional. It should
47845 contain registers @samp{TSR}, @samp{ILC} and @samp{RILC}.
47847 @node Operating System Information
47848 @appendix Operating System Information
47849 @cindex operating system information
47851 Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
47852 the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
47853 processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
47854 mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
47855 target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
47856 on a different aspect of target.
47858 Operating system information is retrieved from the target via the
47859 remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
47860 read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
47861 the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
47868 @appendixsection Process list
47869 @cindex operating system information, process list
47871 When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
47872 @samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
47873 an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
47874 @file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
47876 An example document is:
47879 <?xml version="1.0"?>
47880 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
47881 <osdata type="processes">
47883 <column name="pid">1</column>
47884 <column name="user">root</column>
47885 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
47886 <column name="cores">1,2,3</column>
47891 Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
47892 of that column should identify the process on the target. The
47893 @samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
47894 displayed by @value{GDBN}. The @samp{cores} column, if present,
47895 should contain a comma-separated list of cores that this process
47896 is running on. Target may provide additional columns,
47897 which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
47899 @node Trace File Format
47900 @appendix Trace File Format
47901 @cindex trace file format
47903 The trace file comes in three parts: a header, a textual description
47904 section, and a trace frame section with binary data.
47906 The header has the form @code{\x7fTRACE0\n}. The first byte is
47907 @code{0x7f} so as to indicate that the file contains binary data,
47908 while the @code{0} is a version number that may have different values
47911 The description section consists of multiple lines of @sc{ascii} text
47912 separated by newline characters (@code{0xa}). The lines may include a
47913 variety of optional descriptive or context-setting information, such
47914 as tracepoint definitions or register set size. @value{GDBN} will
47915 ignore any line that it does not recognize. An empty line marks the end
47920 Specifies the size of a register block in bytes. This is equal to the
47921 size of a @code{g} packet payload in the remote protocol. @var{size}
47922 is an ascii decimal number. There should be only one such line in
47923 a single trace file.
47925 @item status @var{status}
47926 Trace status. @var{status} has the same format as a @code{qTStatus}
47927 remote packet reply. There should be only one such line in a single trace
47930 @item tp @var{payload}
47931 Tracepoint definition. The @var{payload} has the same format as
47932 @code{qTfP}/@code{qTsP} remote packet reply payload. A single tracepoint
47933 may take multiple lines of definition, corresponding to the multiple
47936 @item tsv @var{payload}
47937 Trace state variable definition. The @var{payload} has the same format as
47938 @code{qTfV}/@code{qTsV} remote packet reply payload. A single variable
47939 may take multiple lines of definition, corresponding to the multiple
47942 @item tdesc @var{payload}
47943 Target description in XML format. The @var{payload} is a single line of
47944 the XML file. All such lines should be concatenated together to get
47945 the original XML file. This file is in the same format as @code{qXfer}
47946 @code{features} payload, and corresponds to the main @code{target.xml}
47947 file. Includes are not allowed.
47951 The trace frame section consists of a number of consecutive frames.
47952 Each frame begins with a two-byte tracepoint number, followed by a
47953 four-byte size giving the amount of data in the frame. The data in
47954 the frame consists of a number of blocks, each introduced by a
47955 character indicating its type (at least register, memory, and trace
47956 state variable). The data in this section is raw binary, not a
47957 hexadecimal or other encoding; its endianness matches the target's
47960 @c FIXME bi-arch may require endianness/arch info in description section
47963 @item R @var{bytes}
47964 Register block. The number and ordering of bytes matches that of a
47965 @code{g} packet in the remote protocol. Note that these are the
47966 actual bytes, in target order, not a hexadecimal encoding.
47968 @item M @var{address} @var{length} @var{bytes}...
47969 Memory block. This is a contiguous block of memory, at the 8-byte
47970 address @var{address}, with a 2-byte length @var{length}, followed by
47971 @var{length} bytes.
47973 @item V @var{number} @var{value}
47974 Trace state variable block. This records the 8-byte signed value
47975 @var{value} of trace state variable numbered @var{number}.
47979 Future enhancements of the trace file format may include additional types
47982 @node Index Section Format
47983 @appendix @code{.gdb_index} section format
47984 @cindex .gdb_index section format
47985 @cindex index section format
47987 This section documents the index section that is created by @code{save
47988 gdb-index} (@pxref{Index Files}). The index section is
47989 DWARF-specific; some knowledge of DWARF is assumed in this
47992 The mapped index file format is designed to be directly
47993 @code{mmap}able on any architecture. In most cases, a datum is
47994 represented using a little-endian 32-bit integer value, called an
47995 @code{offset_type}. Big endian machines must byte-swap the values
47996 before using them. Exceptions to this rule are noted. The data is
47997 laid out such that alignment is always respected.
47999 A mapped index consists of several areas, laid out in order.
48003 The file header. This is a sequence of values, of @code{offset_type}
48004 unless otherwise noted:
48008 The version number, currently 8. Versions 1, 2 and 3 are obsolete.
48009 Version 4 uses a different hashing function from versions 5 and 6.
48010 Version 6 includes symbols for inlined functions, whereas versions 4
48011 and 5 do not. Version 7 adds attributes to the CU indices in the
48012 symbol table. Version 8 specifies that symbols from DWARF type units
48013 (@samp{DW_TAG_type_unit}) refer to the type unit's symbol table and not the
48014 compilation unit (@samp{DW_TAG_comp_unit}) using the type.
48016 @value{GDBN} will only read version 4, 5, or 6 indices
48017 by specifying @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
48018 GDB has a workaround for potentially broken version 7 indices so it is
48019 currently not flagged as deprecated.
48022 The offset, from the start of the file, of the CU list.
48025 The offset, from the start of the file, of the types CU list. Note
48026 that this area can be empty, in which case this offset will be equal
48027 to the next offset.
48030 The offset, from the start of the file, of the address area.
48033 The offset, from the start of the file, of the symbol table.
48036 The offset, from the start of the file, of the constant pool.
48040 The CU list. This is a sequence of pairs of 64-bit little-endian
48041 values, sorted by the CU offset. The first element in each pair is
48042 the offset of a CU in the @code{.debug_info} section. The second
48043 element in each pair is the length of that CU. References to a CU
48044 elsewhere in the map are done using a CU index, which is just the
48045 0-based index into this table. Note that if there are type CUs, then
48046 conceptually CUs and type CUs form a single list for the purposes of
48050 The types CU list. This is a sequence of triplets of 64-bit
48051 little-endian values. In a triplet, the first value is the CU offset,
48052 the second value is the type offset in the CU, and the third value is
48053 the type signature. The types CU list is not sorted.
48056 The address area. The address area consists of a sequence of address
48057 entries. Each address entry has three elements:
48061 The low address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value.
48064 The high address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value. Like
48065 @code{DW_AT_high_pc}, the value is one byte beyond the end.
48068 The CU index. This is an @code{offset_type} value.
48072 The symbol table. This is an open-addressed hash table. The size of
48073 the hash table is always a power of 2.
48075 Each slot in the hash table consists of a pair of @code{offset_type}
48076 values. The first value is the offset of the symbol's name in the
48077 constant pool. The second value is the offset of the CU vector in the
48080 If both values are 0, then this slot in the hash table is empty. This
48081 is ok because while 0 is a valid constant pool index, it cannot be a
48082 valid index for both a string and a CU vector.
48084 The hash value for a table entry is computed by applying an
48085 iterative hash function to the symbol's name. Starting with an
48086 initial value of @code{r = 0}, each (unsigned) character @samp{c} in
48087 the string is incorporated into the hash using the formula depending on the
48092 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + c - 113}.
48094 @item Versions 5 to 7
48095 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + tolower (c) - 113}.
48098 The terminating @samp{\0} is not incorporated into the hash.
48100 The step size used in the hash table is computed via
48101 @code{((hash * 17) & (size - 1)) | 1}, where @samp{hash} is the hash
48102 value, and @samp{size} is the size of the hash table. The step size
48103 is used to find the next candidate slot when handling a hash
48106 The names of C@t{++} symbols in the hash table are canonicalized. We
48107 don't currently have a simple description of the canonicalization
48108 algorithm; if you intend to create new index sections, you must read
48112 The constant pool. This is simply a bunch of bytes. It is organized
48113 so that alignment is correct: CU vectors are stored first, followed by
48116 A CU vector in the constant pool is a sequence of @code{offset_type}
48117 values. The first value is the number of CU indices in the vector.
48118 Each subsequent value is the index and symbol attributes of a CU in
48119 the CU list. This element in the hash table is used to indicate which
48120 CUs define the symbol and how the symbol is used.
48121 See below for the format of each CU index+attributes entry.
48123 A string in the constant pool is zero-terminated.
48126 Attributes were added to CU index values in @code{.gdb_index} version 7.
48127 If a symbol has multiple uses within a CU then there is one
48128 CU index+attributes value for each use.
48130 The format of each CU index+attributes entry is as follows
48136 This is the index of the CU in the CU list.
48138 These bits are reserved for future purposes and must be zero.
48140 The kind of the symbol in the CU.
48144 This value is reserved and should not be used.
48145 By reserving zero the full @code{offset_type} value is backwards compatible
48146 with previous versions of the index.
48148 The symbol is a type.
48150 The symbol is a variable or an enum value.
48152 The symbol is a function.
48154 Any other kind of symbol.
48156 These values are reserved.
48160 This bit is zero if the value is global and one if it is static.
48162 The determination of whether a symbol is global or static is complicated.
48163 The authorative reference is the file @file{dwarf2read.c} in
48164 @value{GDBN} sources.
48168 This pseudo-code describes the computation of a symbol's kind and
48169 global/static attributes in the index.
48172 is_external = get_attribute (die, DW_AT_external);
48173 language = get_attribute (cu_die, DW_AT_language);
48176 case DW_TAG_typedef:
48177 case DW_TAG_base_type:
48178 case DW_TAG_subrange_type:
48182 case DW_TAG_enumerator:
48184 is_static = language != CPLUS;
48186 case DW_TAG_subprogram:
48188 is_static = ! (is_external || language == ADA);
48190 case DW_TAG_constant:
48192 is_static = ! is_external;
48194 case DW_TAG_variable:
48196 is_static = ! is_external;
48198 case DW_TAG_namespace:
48202 case DW_TAG_class_type:
48203 case DW_TAG_interface_type:
48204 case DW_TAG_structure_type:
48205 case DW_TAG_union_type:
48206 case DW_TAG_enumeration_type:
48208 is_static = language != CPLUS;
48216 @appendix Download debugging resources with Debuginfod
48219 @code{debuginfod} is an HTTP server for distributing ELF, DWARF and source
48222 With the @code{debuginfod} client library, @file{libdebuginfod}, @value{GDBN}
48223 can query servers using the build IDs associated with missing debug info,
48224 executables and source files in order to download them on demand.
48226 For instructions on building @value{GDBN} with @file{libdebuginfod},
48227 @pxref{Configure Options,,--with-debuginfod}. @code{debuginfod} is packaged
48228 with @code{elfutils}, starting with version 0.178. See
48229 @uref{https://sourceware.org/elfutils/Debuginfod.html} for more information
48230 regarding @code{debuginfod}.
48233 * Debuginfod Settings:: Configuring debuginfod with @value{GDBN}
48236 @node Debuginfod Settings
48237 @section Debuginfod Settings
48239 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands for configuring @code{debuginfod}.
48242 @kindex set debuginfod enabled
48243 @anchor{set debuginfod enabled}
48244 @item set debuginfod enabled
48245 @itemx set debuginfod enabled on
48246 @cindex enable debuginfod
48247 @value{GDBN} will attempt to query @code{debuginfod} servers when missing debug
48248 info or source files.
48250 @item set debuginfod enabled off
48251 @value{GDBN} will not attempt to query @code{debuginfod} servers when missing
48252 debug info or source files. By default, @code{debuginfod enabled} is set to
48253 @code{off} for non-interactive sessions.
48255 @item set debuginfod enabled ask
48256 @value{GDBN} will prompt the user to enable or disable @code{debuginfod} before
48257 attempting to perform the next query. By default, @code{debuginfod enabled}
48258 is set to @code{ask} for interactive sessions.
48260 @kindex show debuginfod enabled
48261 @item show debuginfod enabled
48262 Display whether @code{debuginfod enabled} is set to @code{on}, @code{off} or
48265 @kindex set debuginfod urls
48266 @cindex configure debuginfod URLs
48267 @item set debuginfod urls
48268 @itemx set debuginfod urls @var{urls}
48269 Set the space-separated list of URLs that @code{debuginfod} will attempt to
48270 query. Only @code{http://}, @code{https://} and @code{file://} protocols
48271 should be used. The default value of @code{debuginfod urls} is copied from
48272 the @var{DEBUGINFOD_URLS} environment variable.
48274 @kindex show debuginfod urls
48275 @item show debuginfod urls
48276 Display the list of URLs that @code{debuginfod} will attempt to query.
48278 @kindex set debuginfod verbose
48279 @cindex debuginfod verbosity
48280 @item set debuginfod verbose
48281 @itemx set debuginfod verbose @var{n}
48282 Enable or disable @code{debuginfod}-related output. Use a non-zero value
48283 to enable and @code{0} to disable. @code{debuginfod} output is shown by
48286 @kindex show debuginfod verbose
48287 @item show debuginfod verbose
48288 Show the current verbosity setting.
48293 @appendix Manual pages
48297 * gdb man:: The GNU Debugger man page
48298 * gdbserver man:: Remote Server for the GNU Debugger man page
48299 * gcore man:: Generate a core file of a running program
48300 * gdbinit man:: gdbinit scripts
48301 * gdb-add-index man:: Add index files to speed up GDB
48307 @c man title gdb The GNU Debugger
48309 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdb
48310 gdb [OPTIONS] [@var{prog}|@var{prog} @var{procID}|@var{prog} @var{core}]
48313 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdb
48314 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
48315 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes -- or what another
48316 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
48318 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
48319 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
48323 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
48326 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
48329 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
48332 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
48333 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
48336 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C, C@t{++}, Fortran and
48339 @value{GDBN} is invoked with the shell command @code{gdb}. Once started, it reads
48340 commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit with the @value{GDBN}
48341 command @code{quit} or @code{exit}. You can get online help from @value{GDBN} itself
48342 by using the command @code{help}.
48344 You can run @code{gdb} with no arguments or options; but the most
48345 usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument or two, specifying an
48346 executable program as the argument:
48352 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file specified:
48358 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument or use option
48359 @code{-p}, if you want to debug a running process:
48367 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234}. With option @option{-p} you
48368 can omit the @var{program} filename.
48370 Here are some of the most frequently needed @value{GDBN} commands:
48372 @c pod2man highlights the right hand side of the @item lines.
48374 @item break [@var{file}:][@var{function}|@var{line}]
48375 Set a breakpoint at @var{function} or @var{line} (in @var{file}).
48377 @item run [@var{arglist}]
48378 Start your program (with @var{arglist}, if specified).
48381 Backtrace: display the program stack.
48383 @item print @var{expr}
48384 Display the value of an expression.
48387 Continue running your program (after stopping, e.g.@: at a breakpoint).
48390 Execute next program line (after stopping); step @emph{over} any
48391 function calls in the line.
48393 @item edit [@var{file}:]@var{function}
48394 look at the program line where it is presently stopped.
48396 @item list [@var{file}:]@var{function}
48397 type the text of the program in the vicinity of where it is presently stopped.
48400 Execute next program line (after stopping); step @emph{into} any
48401 function calls in the line.
48403 @item help [@var{name}]
48404 Show information about @value{GDBN} command @var{name}, or general information
48405 about using @value{GDBN}.
48409 Exit from @value{GDBN}.
48413 For full details on @value{GDBN},
48414 see @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
48415 by Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch. The same text is available online
48416 as the @code{gdb} entry in the @code{info} program.
48420 @c man begin OPTIONS gdb
48421 Any arguments other than options specify an executable
48422 file and core file (or process ID); that is, the first argument
48423 encountered with no
48424 associated option flag is equivalent to a @option{--se} option, and the second,
48425 if any, is equivalent to a @option{-c} option if it's the name of a file.
48427 both long and abbreviated forms; both are shown here. The long forms are also
48428 recognized if you truncate them, so long as enough of the option is
48429 present to be unambiguous.
48431 The abbreviated forms are shown here with @samp{-} and long forms are shown
48432 with @samp{--} to reflect how they are shown in @option{--help}. However,
48433 @value{GDBN} recognizes all of the following conventions for most options:
48436 @item --option=@var{value}
48437 @item --option @var{value}
48438 @item -option=@var{value}
48439 @item -option @var{value}
48440 @item --o=@var{value}
48441 @item --o @var{value}
48442 @item -o=@var{value}
48443 @item -o @var{value}
48446 All the options and command line arguments you give are processed
48447 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the @option{-x}
48453 List all options, with brief explanations.
48455 @item --symbols=@var{file}
48456 @itemx -s @var{file}
48457 Read symbol table from @var{file}.
48460 Enable writing into executable and core files.
48462 @item --exec=@var{file}
48463 @itemx -e @var{file}
48464 Use @var{file} as the executable file to execute when
48465 appropriate, and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core
48468 @item --se=@var{file}
48469 Read symbol table from @var{file} and use it as the executable
48472 @item --core=@var{file}
48473 @itemx -c @var{file}
48474 Use @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
48476 @item --command=@var{file}
48477 @itemx -x @var{file}
48478 Execute @value{GDBN} commands from @var{file}.
48480 @item --eval-command=@var{command}
48481 @item -ex @var{command}
48482 Execute given @value{GDBN} @var{command}.
48484 @item --init-eval-command=@var{command}
48486 Execute @value{GDBN} @var{command} before loading the inferior.
48488 @item --directory=@var{directory}
48489 @itemx -d @var{directory}
48490 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source files.
48493 Do not execute commands from @file{~/.config/gdb/gdbinit},
48494 @file{~/.gdbinit}, @file{~/.config/gdb/gdbearlyinit}, or
48495 @file{~/.gdbearlyinit}
48499 Do not execute commands from any @file{.gdbinit} or
48500 @file{.gdbearlyinit} initialization files.
48505 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
48506 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
48509 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the command
48510 files specified with @option{-x} (and @file{.gdbinit}, if not inhibited).
48511 Exit with nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN}
48512 commands in the command files.
48514 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for example to
48515 download and run a program on another computer; in order to make this
48516 more useful, the message
48519 Program exited normally.
48523 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under @value{GDBN} control
48524 terminates) is not issued when running in batch mode.
48526 @item --batch-silent
48527 Run in batch mode, just like @option{--batch}, but totally silent. All @value{GDBN}
48528 output is supressed (stderr is unaffected). This is much quieter than
48529 @option{--silent} and would be useless for an interactive session.
48531 This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
48532 messages, for example.
48534 Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to writing
48535 directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
48537 @item --args @var{prog} [@var{arglist}]
48538 Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following this
48539 option are passed as arguments to the inferior. As an example, take
48540 the following command:
48547 It would start @value{GDBN} with @option{-q}, not printing the introductory message. On
48548 the other hand, using:
48551 gdb --args ./a.out -q
48555 starts @value{GDBN} with the introductory message, and passes the option to the inferior.
48557 @item --pid=@var{pid}
48558 Attach @value{GDBN} to an already running program, with the PID @var{pid}.
48561 Open the terminal user interface.
48564 Read all symbols from the given symfile on the first access.
48567 Do not read symbol files.
48569 @item --return-child-result
48570 @value{GDBN}'s exit code will be the same as the child's exit code.
48572 @item --configuration
48573 Print details about GDB configuration and then exit.
48576 Print version information and then exit.
48578 @item --cd=@var{directory}
48579 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
48580 instead of the current directory.
48582 @item --data-directory=@var{directory}
48584 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its data directory. The data
48585 directory is where @value{GDBN} searches for its auxiliary files.
48589 Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells
48590 @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line number in a standard,
48591 recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is displayed (which
48592 includes each time the program stops). This recognizable format looks
48593 like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by the file name, line number
48594 and character position separated by colons, and a newline. The
48595 Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two @samp{\032}
48596 characters as a signal to display the source code for the frame.
48598 @item -b @var{baudrate}
48599 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
48600 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
48602 @item -l @var{timeout}
48603 Set timeout, in seconds, for remote debugging.
48605 @item --tty=@var{device}
48606 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
48610 @c man begin SEEALSO gdb
48612 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
48613 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
48614 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
48621 should give you access to the complete manual.
48623 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
48624 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
48628 @node gdbserver man
48629 @heading gdbserver man
48631 @c man title gdbserver Remote Server for the GNU Debugger
48633 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdbserver
48634 gdbserver @var{comm} @var{prog} [@var{args}@dots{}]
48636 gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
48638 gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
48642 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdbserver
48643 @command{gdbserver} is a program that allows you to run @value{GDBN} on a different machine
48644 than the one which is running the program being debugged.
48647 @subheading Usage (server (target) side)
48650 Usage (server (target) side):
48653 First, you need to have a copy of the program you want to debug put onto
48654 the target system. The program can be stripped to save space if needed, as
48655 @command{gdbserver} doesn't care about symbols. All symbol handling is taken care of by
48656 the @value{GDBN} running on the host system.
48658 To use the server, you log on to the target system, and run the @command{gdbserver}
48659 program. You must tell it (a) how to communicate with @value{GDBN}, (b) the name of
48660 your program, and (c) its arguments. The general syntax is:
48663 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [@var{args} ...]
48666 For example, using a serial port, you might say:
48670 @c @file would wrap it as F</dev/com1>.
48671 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
48674 target> gdbserver @file{/dev/com1} emacs foo.txt
48678 This tells @command{gdbserver} to debug emacs with an argument of foo.txt, and
48679 to communicate with @value{GDBN} via @file{/dev/com1}. @command{gdbserver} now
48680 waits patiently for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate with it.
48682 To use a TCP connection, you could say:
48685 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
48688 This says pretty much the same thing as the last example, except that we are
48689 going to communicate with the @code{host} @value{GDBN} via TCP. The @code{host:2345} argument means
48690 that we are expecting to see a TCP connection from @code{host} to local TCP port
48691 2345. (Currently, the @code{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number you
48692 want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any existing TCP
48693 ports on the target system. This same port number must be used in the host
48694 @value{GDBN}s @code{target remote} command, which will be described shortly. Note that if
48695 you chose a port number that conflicts with another service, @command{gdbserver} will
48696 print an error message and exit.
48698 @command{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
48699 This is accomplished via the @option{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
48702 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
48705 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
48706 necessary to point @command{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
48708 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
48709 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
48710 In such case you should connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} to start
48711 the program you want to debug.
48714 target> gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
48718 @subheading Usage (host side)
48724 You need an unstripped copy of the target program on your host system, since
48725 @value{GDBN} needs to examine its symbol tables and such. Start up @value{GDBN} as you normally
48726 would, with the target program as the first argument. (You may need to use the
48727 @option{--baud} option if the serial line is running at anything except 9600 baud.)
48728 That is @code{gdb TARGET-PROG}, or @code{gdb --baud BAUD TARGET-PROG}. After that, the only
48729 new command you need to know about is @code{target remote}
48730 (or @code{target extended-remote}). Its argument is either
48731 a device name (usually a serial device, like @file{/dev/ttyb}), or a @code{HOST:PORT}
48732 descriptor. For example:
48736 @c @file would wrap it as F</dev/ttyb>.
48737 (gdb) target remote /dev/ttyb
48740 (gdb) target remote @file{/dev/ttyb}
48745 communicates with the server via serial line @file{/dev/ttyb}, and:
48748 (gdb) target remote the-target:2345
48752 communicates via a TCP connection to port 2345 on host `the-target', where
48753 you previously started up @command{gdbserver} with the same port number. Note that for
48754 TCP connections, you must start up @command{gdbserver} prior to using the `target remote'
48755 command, otherwise you may get an error that looks something like
48756 `Connection refused'.
48758 @command{gdbserver} can also debug multiple inferiors at once,
48761 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Inferiors Connections and Programs}
48762 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'Inferiors Connections and Programs'}.
48765 @ref{Inferiors Connections and Programs}.
48767 In such case use the @code{extended-remote} @value{GDBN} command variant:
48770 (gdb) target extended-remote the-target:2345
48773 The @command{gdbserver} option @option{--multi} may or may not be used in such
48777 @c man begin OPTIONS gdbserver
48778 There are three different modes for invoking @command{gdbserver}:
48783 Debug a specific program specified by its program name:
48786 gdbserver @var{comm} @var{prog} [@var{args}@dots{}]
48789 The @var{comm} parameter specifies how should the server communicate
48790 with @value{GDBN}; it is either a device name (to use a serial line),
48791 a TCP port number (@code{:1234}), or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
48792 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}. Specify the name of the program to
48793 debug in @var{prog}. Any remaining arguments will be passed to the
48794 program verbatim. When the program exits, @value{GDBN} will close the
48795 connection, and @code{gdbserver} will exit.
48798 Debug a specific program by specifying the process ID of a running
48802 gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
48805 The @var{comm} parameter is as described above. Supply the process ID
48806 of a running program in @var{pid}; @value{GDBN} will do everything
48807 else. Like with the previous mode, when the process @var{pid} exits,
48808 @value{GDBN} will close the connection, and @code{gdbserver} will exit.
48811 Multi-process mode -- debug more than one program/process:
48814 gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
48817 In this mode, @value{GDBN} can instruct @command{gdbserver} which
48818 command(s) to run. Unlike the other 2 modes, @value{GDBN} will not
48819 close the connection when a process being debugged exits, so you can
48820 debug several processes in the same session.
48823 In each of the modes you may specify these options:
48828 List all options, with brief explanations.
48831 This option causes @command{gdbserver} to print its version number and exit.
48834 @command{gdbserver} will attach to a running program. The syntax is:
48837 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
48840 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
48841 necessary to point @command{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
48844 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
48845 or process ID to attach, use this command line option.
48846 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
48847 the program you want to debug. The syntax is:
48850 target> gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
48854 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to display extra status information about the debugging
48856 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
48859 @item --remote-debug
48860 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to display remote protocol debug output.
48861 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
48864 @item --debug-file=@var{filename}
48865 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to send any debug output to the given @var{filename}.
48866 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
48869 @item --debug-format=option1@r{[},option2,...@r{]}
48870 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to include extra information in each line
48871 of debugging output.
48872 @xref{Other Command-Line Arguments for gdbserver}.
48875 Specify a wrapper to launch programs
48876 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
48877 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
48878 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
48881 By default, @command{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
48882 additional connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
48883 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
48884 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session.
48886 @c --disable-packet is not documented for users.
48888 @c --disable-randomization and --no-disable-randomization are superseded by
48889 @c QDisableRandomization.
48894 @c man begin SEEALSO gdbserver
48896 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
48897 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
48898 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
48904 should give you access to the complete manual.
48906 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
48907 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
48914 @c man title gcore Generate a core file of a running program
48917 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gcore
48918 gcore [-a] [-o @var{prefix}] @var{pid1} [@var{pid2}...@var{pidN}]
48922 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gcore
48923 Generate core dumps of one or more running programs with process IDs
48924 @var{pid1}, @var{pid2}, etc. A core file produced by @command{gcore}
48925 is equivalent to one produced by the kernel when the process crashes
48926 (and when @kbd{ulimit -c} was used to set up an appropriate core dump
48927 limit). However, unlike after a crash, after @command{gcore} finishes
48928 its job the program remains running without any change.
48931 @c man begin OPTIONS gcore
48934 Dump all memory mappings. The actual effect of this option depends on
48935 the Operating System. On @sc{gnu}/Linux, it will disable
48936 @code{use-coredump-filter} (@pxref{set use-coredump-filter}) and
48937 enable @code{dump-excluded-mappings} (@pxref{set
48938 dump-excluded-mappings}).
48940 @item -o @var{prefix}
48941 The optional argument @var{prefix} specifies the prefix to be used
48942 when composing the file names of the core dumps. The file name is
48943 composed as @file{@var{prefix}.@var{pid}}, where @var{pid} is the
48944 process ID of the running program being analyzed by @command{gcore}.
48945 If not specified, @var{prefix} defaults to @var{gcore}.
48949 @c man begin SEEALSO gcore
48951 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
48952 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
48953 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
48960 should give you access to the complete manual.
48962 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
48963 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
48970 @c man title gdbinit GDB initialization scripts
48973 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdbinit
48974 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT
48975 @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT}
48978 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT_DIR
48979 @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT_DIR}/*
48982 ~/.config/gdb/gdbinit
48990 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdbinit
48991 These files contain @value{GDBN} commands to automatically execute during
48992 @value{GDBN} startup. The lines of contents are canned sequences of commands,
48995 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Sequences}
48996 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n Sequences}.
49002 Please read more in
49004 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Startup}
49005 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n Startup}.
49012 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT
49013 @item @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT}
49015 @ifclear SYSTEM_GDBINIT
49016 @item (not enabled with @code{--with-system-gdbinit} during compilation)
49018 System-wide initialization file. It is executed unless user specified
49019 @value{GDBN} option @code{-nx} or @code{-n}.
49022 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{System-wide configuration}
49023 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'System-wide configuration'}.
49025 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT_DIR
49026 @item @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT_DIR}
49028 @ifclear SYSTEM_GDBINIT_DIR
49029 @item (not enabled with @code{--with-system-gdbinit-dir} during compilation)
49031 System-wide initialization directory. All files in this directory are
49032 executed on startup unless user specified @value{GDBN} option @code{-nx} or
49033 @code{-n}, as long as they have a recognized file extension.
49036 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{System-wide configuration}
49037 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'System-wide configuration'}.
49040 @ref{System-wide configuration}.
49043 @item @file{~/.config/gdb/gdbinit} or @file{~/.gdbinit}
49044 User initialization file. It is executed unless user specified
49045 @value{GDBN} options @code{-nx}, @code{-n} or @code{-nh}.
49047 @item @file{.gdbinit}
49048 Initialization file for current directory. It may need to be enabled with
49049 @value{GDBN} security command @code{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
49052 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Init File in the Current Directory}
49053 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'Init File in the Current Directory'}.
49056 @ref{Init File in the Current Directory}.
49061 @c man begin SEEALSO gdbinit
49063 gdb(1), @code{info -f gdb -n Startup}
49065 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
49066 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
49067 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
49073 should give you access to the complete manual.
49075 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
49076 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
49080 @node gdb-add-index man
49081 @heading gdb-add-index
49082 @pindex gdb-add-index
49083 @anchor{gdb-add-index}
49085 @c man title gdb-add-index Add index files to speed up GDB
49087 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdb-add-index
49088 gdb-add-index @var{filename}
49091 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdb-add-index
49092 When @value{GDBN} finds a symbol file, it scans the symbols in the
49093 file in order to construct an internal symbol table. This lets most
49094 @value{GDBN} operations work quickly--at the cost of a delay early on.
49095 For large programs, this delay can be quite lengthy, so @value{GDBN}
49096 provides a way to build an index, which speeds up startup.
49098 To determine whether a file contains such an index, use the command
49099 @kbd{readelf -S filename}: the index is stored in a section named
49100 @code{.gdb_index}. The index file can only be produced on systems
49101 which use ELF binaries and DWARF debug information (i.e., sections
49102 named @code{.debug_*}).
49104 @command{gdb-add-index} uses @value{GDBN} and @command{objdump} found
49105 in the @env{PATH} environment variable. If you want to use different
49106 versions of these programs, you can specify them through the
49107 @env{GDB} and @env{OBJDUMP} environment variables.
49111 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Index Files}
49112 -- shell command @kbd{info -f gdb -n "Index Files"}.
49119 @c man begin SEEALSO gdb-add-index
49121 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
49122 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
49123 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
49129 should give you access to the complete manual.
49131 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
49132 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
49138 @node GNU Free Documentation License
49139 @appendix GNU Free Documentation License
49142 @node Concept Index
49143 @unnumbered Concept Index
49147 @node Command and Variable Index
49148 @unnumbered Command, Variable, and Function Index
49153 % I think something like @@colophon should be in texinfo. In the
49155 \long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
49156 \centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
49157 \centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
49158 \centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
49159 \centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
49160 \centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
49161 \centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
49162 \centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
49163 \centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
49165 % Blame: doc@@cygnus.com, 1991.