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1 \input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
2 @c Copyright (C) 1988-2013 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
3 @c
4 @c %**start of header
5 @c makeinfo ignores cmds prev to setfilename, so its arg cannot make use
6 @c of @set vars. However, you can override filename with makeinfo -o.
7 @setfilename gdb.info
8 @c
9 @c man begin INCLUDE
10 @include gdb-cfg.texi
11 @c man end
12 @c
13 @settitle Debugging with @value{GDBN}
14 @setchapternewpage odd
15 @c %**end of header
16
17 @iftex
18 @c @smallbook
19 @c @cropmarks
20 @end iftex
21
22 @finalout
23 @c To avoid file-name clashes between index.html and Index.html, when
24 @c the manual is produced on a Posix host and then moved to a
25 @c case-insensitive filesystem (e.g., MS-Windows), we separate the
26 @c indices into two: Concept Index and all the rest.
27 @syncodeindex ky fn
28 @syncodeindex tp fn
29
30 @c readline appendices use @vindex, @findex and @ftable,
31 @c annotate.texi and gdbmi use @findex.
32 @syncodeindex vr fn
33
34 @c !!set GDB manual's edition---not the same as GDB version!
35 @c This is updated by GNU Press.
36 @set EDITION Tenth
37
38 @c !!set GDB edit command default editor
39 @set EDITOR /bin/ex
40
41 @c THIS MANUAL REQUIRES TEXINFO 4.0 OR LATER.
42
43 @c This is a dir.info fragment to support semi-automated addition of
44 @c manuals to an info tree.
45 @dircategory Software development
46 @direntry
47 * Gdb: (gdb). The GNU debugger.
48 * gdbserver: (gdb) Server. The GNU debugging server.
49 @end direntry
50
51 @copying
52 @c man begin COPYRIGHT
53 Copyright @copyright{} 1988-2013 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
54
55 Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
56 under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.3 or
57 any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with the
58 Invariant Sections being ``Free Software'' and ``Free Software Needs
59 Free Documentation'', with the Front-Cover Texts being ``A GNU Manual,''
60 and with the Back-Cover Texts as in (a) below.
61
62 (a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You are free to copy and modify
63 this GNU Manual. Buying copies from GNU Press supports the FSF in
64 developing GNU and promoting software freedom.''
65 @c man end
66 @end copying
67
68 @ifnottex
69 This file documents the @sc{gnu} debugger @value{GDBN}.
70
71 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, of @cite{Debugging with
72 @value{GDBN}: the @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger} for @value{GDBN}
73 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
74 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
75 @end ifset
76 Version @value{GDBVN}.
77
78 @insertcopying
79 @end ifnottex
80
81 @titlepage
82 @title Debugging with @value{GDBN}
83 @subtitle The @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger
84 @sp 1
85 @subtitle @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN}
86 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
87 @sp 1
88 @subtitle @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
89 @end ifset
90 @author Richard Stallman, Roland Pesch, Stan Shebs, et al.
91 @page
92 @tex
93 {\parskip=0pt
94 \hfill (Send bugs and comments on @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.)\par
95 \hfill {\it Debugging with @value{GDBN}}\par
96 \hfill \TeX{}info \texinfoversion\par
97 }
98 @end tex
99
100 @vskip 0pt plus 1filll
101 Published by the Free Software Foundation @*
102 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor,
103 Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA@*
104 ISBN 978-0-9831592-3-0 @*
105
106 @insertcopying
107 @end titlepage
108 @page
109
110 @ifnottex
111 @node Top, Summary, (dir), (dir)
112
113 @top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
114
115 This file describes @value{GDBN}, the @sc{gnu} symbolic debugger.
116
117 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN}
118 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
119 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
120 @end ifset
121 Version @value{GDBVN}.
122
123 Copyright (C) 1988-2013 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
124
125 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
126 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
127 software in general. We will miss him.
128
129 @menu
130 * Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
131 * Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
132
133 * Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
134 * Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
135 * Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
136 * Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
137 * Reverse Execution:: Running programs backward
138 * Process Record and Replay:: Recording inferior's execution and replaying it
139 * Stack:: Examining the stack
140 * Source:: Examining source files
141 * Data:: Examining data
142 * Optimized Code:: Debugging optimized code
143 * Macros:: Preprocessor Macros
144 * Tracepoints:: Debugging remote targets non-intrusively
145 * Overlays:: Debugging programs that use overlays
146
147 * Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
148
149 * Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
150 * Altering:: Altering execution
151 * GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
152 * Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
153 * Remote Debugging:: Debugging remote programs
154 * Configurations:: Configuration-specific information
155 * Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
156 * Extending GDB:: Extending @value{GDBN}
157 * Interpreters:: Command Interpreters
158 * TUI:: @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
159 * Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
160 * GDB/MI:: @value{GDBN}'s Machine Interface.
161 * Annotations:: @value{GDBN}'s annotation interface.
162 * JIT Interface:: Using the JIT debugging interface.
163 * In-Process Agent:: In-Process Agent
164
165 * GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
166
167 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
168 * Command Line Editing: (rluserman). Command Line Editing
169 * Using History Interactively: (history). Using History Interactively
170 @end ifset
171 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
172 * Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
173 * Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
174 @end ifclear
175 * In Memoriam:: In Memoriam
176 * Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print @value{GDBN} documentation
177 * Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
178 * Maintenance Commands:: Maintenance Commands
179 * Remote Protocol:: GDB Remote Serial Protocol
180 * Agent Expressions:: The GDB Agent Expression Mechanism
181 * Target Descriptions:: How targets can describe themselves to
182 @value{GDBN}
183 * Operating System Information:: Getting additional information from
184 the operating system
185 * Trace File Format:: GDB trace file format
186 * Index Section Format:: .gdb_index section format
187 * Man Pages:: Manual pages
188 * Copying:: GNU General Public License says
189 how you can copy and share GDB
190 * GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation
191 * Concept Index:: Index of @value{GDBN} concepts
192 * Command and Variable Index:: Index of @value{GDBN} commands, variables,
193 functions, and Python data types
194 @end menu
195
196 @end ifnottex
197
198 @contents
199
200 @node Summary
201 @unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
202
203 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
204 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
205 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
206
207 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
208 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
209
210 @itemize @bullet
211 @item
212 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
213
214 @item
215 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
216
217 @item
218 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
219
220 @item
221 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
222 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
223 @end itemize
224
225 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C and C@t{++}.
226 For more information, see @ref{Supported Languages,,Supported Languages}.
227 For more information, see @ref{C,,C and C++}.
228
229 Support for D is partial. For information on D, see
230 @ref{D,,D}.
231
232 @cindex Modula-2
233 Support for Modula-2 is partial. For information on Modula-2, see
234 @ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}.
235
236 Support for OpenCL C is partial. For information on OpenCL C, see
237 @ref{OpenCL C,,OpenCL C}.
238
239 @cindex Pascal
240 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
241 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
242 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
243 syntax.
244
245 @cindex Fortran
246 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, although
247 it may be necessary to refer to some variables with a trailing
248 underscore.
249
250 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Objective-C,
251 using either the Apple/NeXT or the GNU Objective-C runtime.
252
253 @menu
254 * Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
255 * Free Documentation:: Free Software Needs Free Documentation
256 * Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
257 @end menu
258
259 @node Free Software
260 @unnumberedsec Free Software
261
262 @value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the @sc{gnu}
263 General Public License
264 (GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
265 program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
266 freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
267 the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
268 Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
269 Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
270
271 Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
272 you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
273 from anyone else.
274
275 @node Free Documentation
276 @unnumberedsec Free Software Needs Free Documentation
277
278 The biggest deficiency in the free software community today is not in
279 the software---it is the lack of good free documentation that we can
280 include with the free software. Many of our most important
281 programs do not come with free reference manuals and free introductory
282 texts. Documentation is an essential part of any software package;
283 when an important free software package does not come with a free
284 manual and a free tutorial, that is a major gap. We have many such
285 gaps today.
286
287 Consider Perl, for instance. The tutorial manuals that people
288 normally use are non-free. How did this come about? Because the
289 authors of those manuals published them with restrictive terms---no
290 copying, no modification, source files not available---which exclude
291 them from the free software world.
292
293 That wasn't the first time this sort of thing happened, and it was far
294 from the last. Many times we have heard a GNU user eagerly describe a
295 manual that he is writing, his intended contribution to the community,
296 only to learn that he had ruined everything by signing a publication
297 contract to make it non-free.
298
299 Free documentation, like free software, is a matter of freedom, not
300 price. The problem with the non-free manual is not that publishers
301 charge a price for printed copies---that in itself is fine. (The Free
302 Software Foundation sells printed copies of manuals, too.) The
303 problem is the restrictions on the use of the manual. Free manuals
304 are available in source code form, and give you permission to copy and
305 modify. Non-free manuals do not allow this.
306
307 The criteria of freedom for a free manual are roughly the same as for
308 free software. Redistribution (including the normal kinds of
309 commercial redistribution) must be permitted, so that the manual can
310 accompany every copy of the program, both on-line and on paper.
311
312 Permission for modification of the technical content is crucial too.
313 When people modify the software, adding or changing features, if they
314 are conscientious they will change the manual too---so they can
315 provide accurate and clear documentation for the modified program. A
316 manual that leaves you no choice but to write a new manual to document
317 a changed version of the program is not really available to our
318 community.
319
320 Some kinds of limits on the way modification is handled are
321 acceptable. For example, requirements to preserve the original
322 author's copyright notice, the distribution terms, or the list of
323 authors, are ok. It is also no problem to require modified versions
324 to include notice that they were modified. Even entire sections that
325 may not be deleted or changed are acceptable, as long as they deal
326 with nontechnical topics (like this one). These kinds of restrictions
327 are acceptable because they don't obstruct the community's normal use
328 of the manual.
329
330 However, it must be possible to modify all the @emph{technical}
331 content of the manual, and then distribute the result in all the usual
332 media, through all the usual channels. Otherwise, the restrictions
333 obstruct the use of the manual, it is not free, and we need another
334 manual to replace it.
335
336 Please spread the word about this issue. Our community continues to
337 lose manuals to proprietary publishing. If we spread the word that
338 free software needs free reference manuals and free tutorials, perhaps
339 the next person who wants to contribute by writing documentation will
340 realize, before it is too late, that only free manuals contribute to
341 the free software community.
342
343 If you are writing documentation, please insist on publishing it under
344 the GNU Free Documentation License or another free documentation
345 license. Remember that this decision requires your approval---you
346 don't have to let the publisher decide. Some commercial publishers
347 will use a free license if you insist, but they will not propose the
348 option; it is up to you to raise the issue and say firmly that this is
349 what you want. If the publisher you are dealing with refuses, please
350 try other publishers. If you're not sure whether a proposed license
351 is free, write to @email{licensing@@gnu.org}.
352
353 You can encourage commercial publishers to sell more free, copylefted
354 manuals and tutorials by buying them, and particularly by buying
355 copies from the publishers that paid for their writing or for major
356 improvements. Meanwhile, try to avoid buying non-free documentation
357 at all. Check the distribution terms of a manual before you buy it,
358 and insist that whoever seeks your business must respect your freedom.
359 Check the history of the book, and try to reward the publishers that
360 have paid or pay the authors to work on it.
361
362 The Free Software Foundation maintains a list of free documentation
363 published by other publishers, at
364 @url{http://www.fsf.org/doc/other-free-books.html}.
365
366 @node Contributors
367 @unnumberedsec Contributors to @value{GDBN}
368
369 Richard Stallman was the original author of @value{GDBN}, and of many
370 other @sc{gnu} programs. Many others have contributed to its
371 development. This section attempts to credit major contributors. One
372 of the virtues of free software is that everyone is free to contribute
373 to it; with regret, we cannot actually acknowledge everyone here. The
374 file @file{ChangeLog} in the @value{GDBN} distribution approximates a
375 blow-by-blow account.
376
377 Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
378
379 @quotation
380 @emph{Plea:} Additions to this section are particularly welcome. If you
381 or your friends (or enemies, to be evenhanded) have been unfairly
382 omitted from this list, we would like to add your names!
383 @end quotation
384
385 So that they may not regard their many labors as thankless, we
386 particularly thank those who shepherded @value{GDBN} through major
387 releases:
388 Andrew Cagney (releases 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 6.0, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0);
389 Jim Blandy (release 4.18);
390 Jason Molenda (release 4.17);
391 Stan Shebs (release 4.14);
392 Fred Fish (releases 4.16, 4.15, 4.13, 4.12, 4.11, 4.10, and 4.9);
393 Stu Grossman and John Gilmore (releases 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, and 4.4);
394 John Gilmore (releases 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.9);
395 Jim Kingdon (releases 3.5, 3.4, and 3.3);
396 and Randy Smith (releases 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0).
397
398 Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Peter TerMaat, Chris
399 Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
400
401 Michael Tiemann is the author of most of the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} support
402 in @value{GDBN}, with significant additional contributions from Per
403 Bothner and Daniel Berlin. James Clark wrote the @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
404 demangler. Early work on C@t{++} was by Peter TerMaat (who also did
405 much general update work leading to release 3.0).
406
407 @value{GDBN} uses the BFD subroutine library to examine multiple
408 object-file formats; BFD was a joint project of David V.
409 Henkel-Wallace, Rich Pixley, Steve Chamberlain, and John Gilmore.
410
411 David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
412 the original support for encapsulated COFF.
413
414 Brent Benson of Harris Computer Systems contributed DWARF 2 support.
415
416 Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
417 Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
418 support.
419 Jean-Daniel Fekete contributed Sun 386i support.
420 Chris Hanson improved the HP9000 support.
421 Noboyuki Hikichi and Tomoyuki Hasei contributed Sony/News OS 3 support.
422 David Johnson contributed Encore Umax support.
423 Jyrki Kuoppala contributed Altos 3068 support.
424 Jeff Law contributed HP PA and SOM support.
425 Keith Packard contributed NS32K support.
426 Doug Rabson contributed Acorn Risc Machine support.
427 Bob Rusk contributed Harris Nighthawk CX-UX support.
428 Chris Smith contributed Convex support (and Fortran debugging).
429 Jonathan Stone contributed Pyramid support.
430 Michael Tiemann contributed SPARC support.
431 Tim Tucker contributed support for the Gould NP1 and Gould Powernode.
432 Pace Willison contributed Intel 386 support.
433 Jay Vosburgh contributed Symmetry support.
434 Marko Mlinar contributed OpenRISC 1000 support.
435
436 Andreas Schwab contributed M68K @sc{gnu}/Linux support.
437
438 Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
439 libraries.
440
441 Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that @value{GDBN} and GAS agree
442 about several machine instruction sets.
443
444 Patrick Duval, Ted Goldstein, Vikram Koka and Glenn Engel helped develop
445 remote debugging. Intel Corporation, Wind River Systems, AMD, and ARM
446 contributed remote debugging modules for the i960, VxWorks, A29K UDI,
447 and RDI targets, respectively.
448
449 Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
450 command-line editing and command history.
451
452 Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code, the
453 Modula-2 support, and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
454
455 Fred Fish wrote most of the support for Unix System Vr4.
456 He also enhanced the command-completion support to cover C@t{++} overloaded
457 symbols.
458
459 Hitachi America (now Renesas America), Ltd. sponsored the support for
460 H8/300, H8/500, and Super-H processors.
461
462 NEC sponsored the support for the v850, Vr4xxx, and Vr5xxx processors.
463
464 Mitsubishi (now Renesas) sponsored the support for D10V, D30V, and M32R/D
465 processors.
466
467 Toshiba sponsored the support for the TX39 Mips processor.
468
469 Matsushita sponsored the support for the MN10200 and MN10300 processors.
470
471 Fujitsu sponsored the support for SPARClite and FR30 processors.
472
473 Kung Hsu, Jeff Law, and Rick Sladkey added support for hardware
474 watchpoints.
475
476 Michael Snyder added support for tracepoints.
477
478 Stu Grossman wrote gdbserver.
479
480 Jim Kingdon, Peter Schauer, Ian Taylor, and Stu Grossman made
481 nearly innumerable bug fixes and cleanups throughout @value{GDBN}.
482
483 The following people at the Hewlett-Packard Company contributed
484 support for the PA-RISC 2.0 architecture, HP-UX 10.20, 10.30, and 11.0
485 (narrow mode), HP's implementation of kernel threads, HP's aC@t{++}
486 compiler, and the Text User Interface (nee Terminal User Interface):
487 Ben Krepp, Richard Title, John Bishop, Susan Macchia, Kathy Mann,
488 Satish Pai, India Paul, Steve Rehrauer, and Elena Zannoni. Kim Haase
489 provided HP-specific information in this manual.
490
491 DJ Delorie ported @value{GDBN} to MS-DOS, for the DJGPP project.
492 Robert Hoehne made significant contributions to the DJGPP port.
493
494 Cygnus Solutions has sponsored @value{GDBN} maintenance and much of its
495 development since 1991. Cygnus engineers who have worked on @value{GDBN}
496 fulltime include Mark Alexander, Jim Blandy, Per Bothner, Kevin
497 Buettner, Edith Epstein, Chris Faylor, Fred Fish, Martin Hunt, Jim
498 Ingham, John Gilmore, Stu Grossman, Kung Hsu, Jim Kingdon, John Metzler,
499 Fernando Nasser, Geoffrey Noer, Dawn Perchik, Rich Pixley, Zdenek
500 Radouch, Keith Seitz, Stan Shebs, David Taylor, and Elena Zannoni. In
501 addition, Dave Brolley, Ian Carmichael, Steve Chamberlain, Nick Clifton,
502 JT Conklin, Stan Cox, DJ Delorie, Ulrich Drepper, Frank Eigler, Doug
503 Evans, Sean Fagan, David Henkel-Wallace, Richard Henderson, Jeff
504 Holcomb, Jeff Law, Jim Lemke, Tom Lord, Bob Manson, Michael Meissner,
505 Jason Merrill, Catherine Moore, Drew Moseley, Ken Raeburn, Gavin
506 Romig-Koch, Rob Savoye, Jamie Smith, Mike Stump, Ian Taylor, Angela
507 Thomas, Michael Tiemann, Tom Tromey, Ron Unrau, Jim Wilson, and David
508 Zuhn have made contributions both large and small.
509
510 Andrew Cagney, Fernando Nasser, and Elena Zannoni, while working for
511 Cygnus Solutions, implemented the original @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
512
513 Jim Blandy added support for preprocessor macros, while working for Red
514 Hat.
515
516 Andrew Cagney designed @value{GDBN}'s architecture vector. Many
517 people including Andrew Cagney, Stephane Carrez, Randolph Chung, Nick
518 Duffek, Richard Henderson, Mark Kettenis, Grace Sainsbury, Kei
519 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Andreas Schwab, Jason
520 Thorpe, Corinna Vinschen, Ulrich Weigand, and Elena Zannoni, helped
521 with the migration of old architectures to this new framework.
522
523 Andrew Cagney completely re-designed and re-implemented @value{GDBN}'s
524 unwinder framework, this consisting of a fresh new design featuring
525 frame IDs, independent frame sniffers, and the sentinel frame. Mark
526 Kettenis implemented the @sc{dwarf 2} unwinder, Jeff Johnston the
527 libunwind unwinder, and Andrew Cagney the dummy, sentinel, tramp, and
528 trad unwinders. The architecture-specific changes, each involving a
529 complete rewrite of the architecture's frame code, were carried out by
530 Jim Blandy, Joel Brobecker, Kevin Buettner, Andrew Cagney, Stephane
531 Carrez, Randolph Chung, Orjan Friberg, Richard Henderson, Daniel
532 Jacobowitz, Jeff Johnston, Mark Kettenis, Theodore A. Roth, Kei
533 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Corinna Vinschen, and Ulrich
534 Weigand.
535
536 Christian Zankel, Ross Morley, Bob Wilson, and Maxim Grigoriev from
537 Tensilica, Inc.@: contributed support for Xtensa processors. Others
538 who have worked on the Xtensa port of @value{GDBN} in the past include
539 Steve Tjiang, John Newlin, and Scott Foehner.
540
541 Michael Eager and staff of Xilinx, Inc., contributed support for the
542 Xilinx MicroBlaze architecture.
543
544 @node Sample Session
545 @chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
546
547 You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
548 However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
549 debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
550
551 @iftex
552 In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
553 to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
554 @end iftex
555
556 @c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
557 @c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
558
559 One of the preliminary versions of @sc{gnu} @code{m4} (a generic macro
560 processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
561 quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
562 definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
563 session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
564 then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
565 same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
566 @code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
567 procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
568
569 @smallexample
570 $ @b{cd gnu/m4}
571 $ @b{./m4}
572 @b{define(foo,0000)}
573
574 @b{foo}
575 0000
576 @b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
577
578 @b{bar}
579 0000
580 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
581
582 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
583 @b{baz}
584 @b{Ctrl-d}
585 m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
586 @end smallexample
587
588 @noindent
589 Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
590
591 @smallexample
592 $ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
593 @c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
594 @c FIXME... format to come out better.
595 @value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
596 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
597 the conditions.
598 There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
599 for details.
600
601 @value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
602 (@value{GDBP})
603 @end smallexample
604
605 @noindent
606 @value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the
607 rest when needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly.
608 We now tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so
609 that examples fit in this manual.
610
611 @smallexample
612 (@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
613 @end smallexample
614
615 @noindent
616 We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
617 Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
618 @code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
619 @code{break} command.
620
621 @smallexample
622 (@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
623 Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
624 @end smallexample
625
626 @noindent
627 Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
628 control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
629 subroutine, the program runs as usual:
630
631 @smallexample
632 (@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
633 Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
634 @b{define(foo,0000)}
635
636 @b{foo}
637 0000
638 @end smallexample
639
640 @noindent
641 To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
642 suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
643 context where it stops.
644
645 @smallexample
646 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
647
648 Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
649 at builtin.c:879
650 879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
651 @end smallexample
652
653 @noindent
654 Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
655 the next line of the current function.
656
657 @smallexample
658 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
659 882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
660 : nil,
661 @end smallexample
662
663 @noindent
664 @code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
665 by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
666 @code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
667 subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
668
669 @smallexample
670 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
671 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
672 at input.c:530
673 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
674 @end smallexample
675
676 @noindent
677 The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
678 suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
679 shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
680 command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
681 in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
682 stack frame for each active subroutine.
683
684 @smallexample
685 (@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
686 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
687 at input.c:530
688 #1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
689 at builtin.c:882
690 #2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
691 #3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
692 at macro.c:71
693 #4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
694 #5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
695 @end smallexample
696
697 @noindent
698 We step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
699 times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
700 falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
701
702 @smallexample
703 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
704 0x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
705 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
706 0x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
707 def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
708 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
709 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
710 : xstrdup(rq);
711 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
712 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
713 @end smallexample
714
715 @noindent
716 The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
717 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
718 and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
719 (@code{print}) to see their values.
720
721 @smallexample
722 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
723 $1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
724 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
725 $2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
726 @end smallexample
727
728 @noindent
729 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
730 To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
731 surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
732
733 @smallexample
734 (@value{GDBP}) @b{l}
735 533 xfree(rquote);
736 534
737 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
738 : xstrdup (lq);
739 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
740 : xstrdup (rq);
741 537
742 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
743 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
744 540 @}
745 541
746 542 void
747 @end smallexample
748
749 @noindent
750 Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
751 @code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
752
753 @smallexample
754 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
755 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
756 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
757 540 @}
758 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
759 $3 = 9
760 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
761 $4 = 7
762 @end smallexample
763
764 @noindent
765 That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
766 @code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
767 @code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
768 the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
769 any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
770 assignments.
771
772 @smallexample
773 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
774 $5 = 7
775 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
776 $6 = 9
777 @end smallexample
778
779 @noindent
780 Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
781 @code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
782 executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
783 example that caused trouble initially:
784
785 @smallexample
786 (@value{GDBP}) @b{c}
787 Continuing.
788
789 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
790
791 baz
792 0000
793 @end smallexample
794
795 @noindent
796 Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
797 problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
798 lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
799
800 @smallexample
801 @b{Ctrl-d}
802 Program exited normally.
803 @end smallexample
804
805 @noindent
806 The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
807 indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
808 session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
809
810 @smallexample
811 (@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
812 @end smallexample
813
814 @node Invocation
815 @chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
816
817 This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
818 The essentials are:
819 @itemize @bullet
820 @item
821 type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
822 @item
823 type @kbd{quit} or @kbd{Ctrl-d} to exit.
824 @end itemize
825
826 @menu
827 * Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
828 * Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
829 * Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
830 * Logging Output:: How to log @value{GDBN}'s output to a file
831 @end menu
832
833 @node Invoking GDB
834 @section Invoking @value{GDBN}
835
836 Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
837 @value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
838
839 You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
840 to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
841
842 The command-line options described here are designed
843 to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
844 options may effectively be unavailable.
845
846 The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
847 specifying an executable program:
848
849 @smallexample
850 @value{GDBP} @var{program}
851 @end smallexample
852
853 @noindent
854 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
855 specified:
856
857 @smallexample
858 @value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
859 @end smallexample
860
861 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
862 to debug a running process:
863
864 @smallexample
865 @value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
866 @end smallexample
867
868 @noindent
869 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
870 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
871
872 Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
873 complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote
874 debugger attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of
875 ``process'', and there is often no way to get a core dump. @value{GDBN}
876 will warn you if it is unable to attach or to read core dumps.
877
878 You can optionally have @code{@value{GDBP}} pass any arguments after the
879 executable file to the inferior using @code{--args}. This option stops
880 option processing.
881 @smallexample
882 @value{GDBP} --args gcc -O2 -c foo.c
883 @end smallexample
884 This will cause @code{@value{GDBP}} to debug @code{gcc}, and to set
885 @code{gcc}'s command-line arguments (@pxref{Arguments}) to @samp{-O2 -c foo.c}.
886
887 You can run @code{@value{GDBP}} without printing the front material, which describes
888 @value{GDBN}'s non-warranty, by specifying @code{-silent}:
889
890 @smallexample
891 @value{GDBP} -silent
892 @end smallexample
893
894 @noindent
895 You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
896 options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
897
898 @noindent
899 Type
900
901 @smallexample
902 @value{GDBP} -help
903 @end smallexample
904
905 @noindent
906 to display all available options and briefly describe their use
907 (@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
908
909 All options and command line arguments you give are processed
910 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
911 @samp{-x} option is used.
912
913
914 @menu
915 * File Options:: Choosing files
916 * Mode Options:: Choosing modes
917 * Startup:: What @value{GDBN} does during startup
918 @end menu
919
920 @node File Options
921 @subsection Choosing Files
922
923 When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
924 specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
925 the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
926 @samp{-c} (or @samp{-p}) options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the
927 first argument that does not have an associated option flag as
928 equivalent to the @samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the
929 second argument that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as
930 equivalent to the @samp{-c}/@samp{-p} option followed by that argument.)
931 If the second argument begins with a decimal digit, @value{GDBN} will
932 first attempt to attach to it as a process, and if that fails, attempt
933 to open it as a corefile. If you have a corefile whose name begins with
934 a digit, you can prevent @value{GDBN} from treating it as a pid by
935 prefixing it with @file{./}, e.g.@: @file{./12345}.
936
937 If @value{GDBN} has not been configured to included core file support,
938 such as for most embedded targets, then it will complain about a second
939 argument and ignore it.
940
941 Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
942 following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
943 them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
944 (If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
945 than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
946
947 @c NOTE: the @cindex entries here use double dashes ON PURPOSE. This
948 @c way, both those who look for -foo and --foo in the index, will find
949 @c it.
950
951 @table @code
952 @item -symbols @var{file}
953 @itemx -s @var{file}
954 @cindex @code{--symbols}
955 @cindex @code{-s}
956 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
957
958 @item -exec @var{file}
959 @itemx -e @var{file}
960 @cindex @code{--exec}
961 @cindex @code{-e}
962 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when appropriate,
963 and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core dump.
964
965 @item -se @var{file}
966 @cindex @code{--se}
967 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
968 file.
969
970 @item -core @var{file}
971 @itemx -c @var{file}
972 @cindex @code{--core}
973 @cindex @code{-c}
974 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
975
976 @item -pid @var{number}
977 @itemx -p @var{number}
978 @cindex @code{--pid}
979 @cindex @code{-p}
980 Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command.
981
982 @item -command @var{file}
983 @itemx -x @var{file}
984 @cindex @code{--command}
985 @cindex @code{-x}
986 Execute commands from file @var{file}. The contents of this file is
987 evaluated exactly as the @code{source} command would.
988 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
989
990 @item -eval-command @var{command}
991 @itemx -ex @var{command}
992 @cindex @code{--eval-command}
993 @cindex @code{-ex}
994 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command.
995
996 This option may be used multiple times to call multiple commands. It may
997 also be interleaved with @samp{-command} as required.
998
999 @smallexample
1000 @value{GDBP} -ex 'target sim' -ex 'load' \
1001 -x setbreakpoints -ex 'run' a.out
1002 @end smallexample
1003
1004 @item -init-command @var{file}
1005 @itemx -ix @var{file}
1006 @cindex @code{--init-command}
1007 @cindex @code{-ix}
1008 Execute commands from file @var{file} before loading the inferior (but
1009 after loading gdbinit files).
1010 @xref{Startup}.
1011
1012 @item -init-eval-command @var{command}
1013 @itemx -iex @var{command}
1014 @cindex @code{--init-eval-command}
1015 @cindex @code{-iex}
1016 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command before loading the inferior (but
1017 after loading gdbinit files).
1018 @xref{Startup}.
1019
1020 @item -directory @var{directory}
1021 @itemx -d @var{directory}
1022 @cindex @code{--directory}
1023 @cindex @code{-d}
1024 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
1025
1026 @item -r
1027 @itemx -readnow
1028 @cindex @code{--readnow}
1029 @cindex @code{-r}
1030 Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
1031 the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
1032 This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
1033
1034 @end table
1035
1036 @node Mode Options
1037 @subsection Choosing Modes
1038
1039 You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
1040 batch mode or quiet mode.
1041
1042 @table @code
1043 @anchor{-nx}
1044 @item -nx
1045 @itemx -n
1046 @cindex @code{--nx}
1047 @cindex @code{-n}
1048 Do not execute commands found in any initialization file.
1049 There are three init files, loaded in the following order:
1050
1051 @table @code
1052 @item @file{system.gdbinit}
1053 This is the system-wide init file.
1054 Its location is specified with the @code{--with-system-gdbinit}
1055 configure option (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
1056 It is loaded first when @value{GDBN} starts, before command line options
1057 have been processed.
1058 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}
1059 This is the init file in your home directory.
1060 It is loaded next, after @file{system.gdbinit}, and before
1061 command options have been processed.
1062 @item @file{./.gdbinit}
1063 This is the init file in the current directory.
1064 It is loaded last, after command line options other than @code{-x} and
1065 @code{-ex} have been processed. Command line options @code{-x} and
1066 @code{-ex} are processed last, after @file{./.gdbinit} has been loaded.
1067 @end table
1068
1069 For further documentation on startup processing, @xref{Startup}.
1070 For documentation on how to write command files,
1071 @xref{Command Files,,Command Files}.
1072
1073 @anchor{-nh}
1074 @item -nh
1075 @cindex @code{--nh}
1076 Do not execute commands found in @file{~/.gdbinit}, the init file
1077 in your home directory.
1078 @xref{Startup}.
1079
1080 @item -quiet
1081 @itemx -silent
1082 @itemx -q
1083 @cindex @code{--quiet}
1084 @cindex @code{--silent}
1085 @cindex @code{-q}
1086 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1087 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
1088
1089 @item -batch
1090 @cindex @code{--batch}
1091 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
1092 command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
1093 initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
1094 nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
1095 in the command files. Batch mode also disables pagination, sets unlimited
1096 terminal width and height @pxref{Screen Size}, and acts as if @kbd{set confirm
1097 off} were in effect (@pxref{Messages/Warnings}).
1098
1099 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
1100 example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
1101 make this more useful, the message
1102
1103 @smallexample
1104 Program exited normally.
1105 @end smallexample
1106
1107 @noindent
1108 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1109 @value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
1110 mode.
1111
1112 @item -batch-silent
1113 @cindex @code{--batch-silent}
1114 Run in batch mode exactly like @samp{-batch}, but totally silently. All
1115 @value{GDBN} output to @code{stdout} is prevented (@code{stderr} is
1116 unaffected). This is much quieter than @samp{-silent} and would be useless
1117 for an interactive session.
1118
1119 This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1120 messages, for example.
1121
1122 Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to
1123 writing directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
1124
1125 @item -return-child-result
1126 @cindex @code{--return-child-result}
1127 The return code from @value{GDBN} will be the return code from the child
1128 process (the process being debugged), with the following exceptions:
1129
1130 @itemize @bullet
1131 @item
1132 @value{GDBN} exits abnormally. E.g., due to an incorrect argument or an
1133 internal error. In this case the exit code is the same as it would have been
1134 without @samp{-return-child-result}.
1135 @item
1136 The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1137 @item
1138 The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1139 the exit code will be -1.
1140 @end itemize
1141
1142 This option is useful in conjunction with @samp{-batch} or @samp{-batch-silent},
1143 when @value{GDBN} is being used as a remote program loader or simulator
1144 interface.
1145
1146 @item -nowindows
1147 @itemx -nw
1148 @cindex @code{--nowindows}
1149 @cindex @code{-nw}
1150 ``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
1151 (GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
1152 interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
1153
1154 @item -windows
1155 @itemx -w
1156 @cindex @code{--windows}
1157 @cindex @code{-w}
1158 If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1159 used if possible.
1160
1161 @item -cd @var{directory}
1162 @cindex @code{--cd}
1163 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1164 instead of the current directory.
1165
1166 @item -data-directory @var{directory}
1167 @cindex @code{--data-directory}
1168 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its data directory.
1169 The data directory is where @value{GDBN} searches for its
1170 auxiliary files. @xref{Data Files}.
1171
1172 @item -fullname
1173 @itemx -f
1174 @cindex @code{--fullname}
1175 @cindex @code{-f}
1176 @sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
1177 subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
1178 number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
1179 displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
1180 recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
1181 the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
1182 and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
1183 @samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
1184 frame.
1185
1186 @item -annotate @var{level}
1187 @cindex @code{--annotate}
1188 This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
1189 effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
1190 (@pxref{Annotations}). The annotation @var{level} controls how much
1191 information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt, values of
1192 expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0 is the
1193 normal, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of
1194 @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable for programs
1195 that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 has been deprecated.
1196
1197 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
1198 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
1199
1200 @item --args
1201 @cindex @code{--args}
1202 Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following the
1203 executable file are passed as command line arguments to the inferior.
1204 This option stops option processing.
1205
1206 @item -baud @var{bps}
1207 @itemx -b @var{bps}
1208 @cindex @code{--baud}
1209 @cindex @code{-b}
1210 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1211 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1212
1213 @item -l @var{timeout}
1214 @cindex @code{-l}
1215 Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1216 for remote debugging.
1217
1218 @item -tty @var{device}
1219 @itemx -t @var{device}
1220 @cindex @code{--tty}
1221 @cindex @code{-t}
1222 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1223 @c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1224
1225 @c resolve the situation of these eventually
1226 @item -tui
1227 @cindex @code{--tui}
1228 Activate the @dfn{Text User Interface} when starting. The Text User
1229 Interface manages several text windows on the terminal, showing
1230 source, assembly, registers and @value{GDBN} command outputs
1231 (@pxref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}). Do not use this
1232 option if you run @value{GDBN} from Emacs (@pxref{Emacs, ,
1233 Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1234
1235 @c @item -xdb
1236 @c @cindex @code{--xdb}
1237 @c Run in XDB compatibility mode, allowing the use of certain XDB commands.
1238 @c For information, see the file @file{xdb_trans.html}, which is usually
1239 @c installed in the directory @code{/opt/langtools/wdb/doc} on HP-UX
1240 @c systems.
1241
1242 @item -interpreter @var{interp}
1243 @cindex @code{--interpreter}
1244 Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1245 program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1246 communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end.
1247 @xref{Interpreters, , Command Interpreters}.
1248
1249 @samp{--interpreter=mi} (or @samp{--interpreter=mi2}) causes
1250 @value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{@sc{gdb/mi} interface} (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,
1251 The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}) included since @value{GDBN} version 6.0. The
1252 previous @sc{gdb/mi} interface, included in @value{GDBN} version 5.3 and
1253 selected with @samp{--interpreter=mi1}, is deprecated. Earlier
1254 @sc{gdb/mi} interfaces are no longer supported.
1255
1256 @item -write
1257 @cindex @code{--write}
1258 Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1259 is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1260 (@pxref{Patching}).
1261
1262 @item -statistics
1263 @cindex @code{--statistics}
1264 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1265 memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1266
1267 @item -version
1268 @cindex @code{--version}
1269 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1270 no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1271
1272 @item -configuration
1273 @cindex @code{--configuration}
1274 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print details about its build-time
1275 configuration parameters, and then exit. These details can be
1276 important when reporting @value{GDBN} bugs (@pxref{GDB Bugs}).
1277
1278 @end table
1279
1280 @node Startup
1281 @subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1282 @cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1283
1284 Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1285
1286 @enumerate
1287 @item
1288 Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1289 (@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
1290
1291 @item
1292 @cindex init file
1293 Reads the system-wide @dfn{init file} (if @option{--with-system-gdbinit} was
1294 used when building @value{GDBN}; @pxref{System-wide configuration,
1295 ,System-wide configuration and settings}) and executes all the commands in
1296 that file.
1297
1298 @anchor{Home Directory Init File}
1299 @item
1300 Reads the init file (if any) in your home directory@footnote{On
1301 DOS/Windows systems, the home directory is the one pointed to by the
1302 @code{HOME} environment variable.} and executes all the commands in
1303 that file.
1304
1305 @anchor{Option -init-eval-command}
1306 @item
1307 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-iex} and
1308 @samp{-ix} options in their specified order. Usually you should use the
1309 @samp{-ex} and @samp{-x} options instead, but this way you can apply
1310 settings before @value{GDBN} init files get executed and before inferior
1311 gets loaded.
1312
1313 @item
1314 Processes command line options and operands.
1315
1316 @anchor{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}
1317 @item
1318 Reads and executes the commands from init file (if any) in the current
1319 working directory as long as @samp{set auto-load local-gdbinit} is set to
1320 @samp{on} (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory}).
1321 This is only done if the current directory is
1322 different from your home directory. Thus, you can have more than one
1323 init file, one generic in your home directory, and another, specific
1324 to the program you are debugging, in the directory where you invoke
1325 @value{GDBN}.
1326
1327 @item
1328 If the command line specified a program to debug, or a process to
1329 attach to, or a core file, @value{GDBN} loads any auto-loaded
1330 scripts provided for the program or for its loaded shared libraries.
1331 @xref{Auto-loading}.
1332
1333 If you wish to disable the auto-loading during startup,
1334 you must do something like the following:
1335
1336 @smallexample
1337 $ gdb -iex "set auto-load python-scripts off" myprogram
1338 @end smallexample
1339
1340 Option @samp{-ex} does not work because the auto-loading is then turned
1341 off too late.
1342
1343 @item
1344 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-ex} and
1345 @samp{-x} options in their specified order. @xref{Command Files}, for
1346 more details about @value{GDBN} command files.
1347
1348 @item
1349 Reads the command history recorded in the @dfn{history file}.
1350 @xref{Command History}, for more details about the command history and the
1351 files where @value{GDBN} records it.
1352 @end enumerate
1353
1354 Init files use the same syntax as @dfn{command files} (@pxref{Command
1355 Files}) and are processed by @value{GDBN} in the same way. The init
1356 file in your home directory can set options (such as @samp{set
1357 complaints}) that affect subsequent processing of command line options
1358 and operands. Init files are not executed if you use the @samp{-nx}
1359 option (@pxref{Mode Options, ,Choosing Modes}).
1360
1361 To display the list of init files loaded by gdb at startup, you
1362 can use @kbd{gdb --help}.
1363
1364 @cindex init file name
1365 @cindex @file{.gdbinit}
1366 @cindex @file{gdb.ini}
1367 The @value{GDBN} init files are normally called @file{.gdbinit}.
1368 The DJGPP port of @value{GDBN} uses the name @file{gdb.ini}, due to
1369 the limitations of file names imposed by DOS filesystems. The Windows
1370 port of @value{GDBN} uses the standard name, but if it finds a
1371 @file{gdb.ini} file in your home directory, it warns you about that
1372 and suggests to rename the file to the standard name.
1373
1374
1375 @node Quitting GDB
1376 @section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1377 @cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1378 @cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1379
1380 @table @code
1381 @kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1382 @kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1383 @item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1384 @itemx q
1385 To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1386 @code{q}), or type an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{Ctrl-d}). If you
1387 do not supply @var{expression}, @value{GDBN} will terminate normally;
1388 otherwise it will terminate using the result of @var{expression} as the
1389 error code.
1390 @end table
1391
1392 @cindex interrupt
1393 An interrupt (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1394 terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1395 returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1396 character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1397 until a time when it is safe.
1398
1399 If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1400 device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1401 (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
1402
1403 @node Shell Commands
1404 @section Shell Commands
1405
1406 If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1407 debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1408 just use the @code{shell} command.
1409
1410 @table @code
1411 @kindex shell
1412 @kindex !
1413 @cindex shell escape
1414 @item shell @var{command-string}
1415 @itemx !@var{command-string}
1416 Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command-string}.
1417 Note that no space is needed between @code{!} and @var{command-string}.
1418 If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1419 shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses the default shell
1420 (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix systems, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1421 @end table
1422
1423 The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1424 You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1425 @value{GDBN}:
1426
1427 @table @code
1428 @kindex make
1429 @cindex calling make
1430 @item make @var{make-args}
1431 Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1432 arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1433 @end table
1434
1435 @node Logging Output
1436 @section Logging Output
1437 @cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1438 @cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
1439
1440 You may want to save the output of @value{GDBN} commands to a file.
1441 There are several commands to control @value{GDBN}'s logging.
1442
1443 @table @code
1444 @kindex set logging
1445 @item set logging on
1446 Enable logging.
1447 @item set logging off
1448 Disable logging.
1449 @cindex logging file name
1450 @item set logging file @var{file}
1451 Change the name of the current logfile. The default logfile is @file{gdb.txt}.
1452 @item set logging overwrite [on|off]
1453 By default, @value{GDBN} will append to the logfile. Set @code{overwrite} if
1454 you want @code{set logging on} to overwrite the logfile instead.
1455 @item set logging redirect [on|off]
1456 By default, @value{GDBN} output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1457 Set @code{redirect} if you want output to go only to the log file.
1458 @kindex show logging
1459 @item show logging
1460 Show the current values of the logging settings.
1461 @end table
1462
1463 @node Commands
1464 @chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1465
1466 You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1467 name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1468 @value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1469 key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1470 show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1471
1472 @menu
1473 * Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1474 * Completion:: Command completion
1475 * Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1476 @end menu
1477
1478 @node Command Syntax
1479 @section Command Syntax
1480
1481 A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1482 how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1483 arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1484 command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1485 step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1486 with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1487
1488 @cindex abbreviation
1489 @value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1490 unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1491 documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1492 abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1493 equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1494 names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1495 arguments to the @code{help} command.
1496
1497 @cindex repeating commands
1498 @kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1499 A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1500 repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1501 will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1502 repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1503 repeat. User-defined commands can disable this feature; see
1504 @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
1505
1506 The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1507 @key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1508 exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1509
1510 @value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1511 output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1512 (@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen Size}). Since it is easy to press one
1513 @key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1514 repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1515
1516 @kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1517 @cindex comment
1518 Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1519 nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1520 Files,,Command Files}).
1521
1522 @cindex repeating command sequences
1523 @kindex Ctrl-o @r{(operate-and-get-next)}
1524 The @kbd{Ctrl-o} binding is useful for repeating a complex sequence of
1525 commands. This command accepts the current line, like @key{RET}, and
1526 then fetches the next line relative to the current line from the history
1527 for editing.
1528
1529 @node Completion
1530 @section Command Completion
1531
1532 @cindex completion
1533 @cindex word completion
1534 @value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1535 only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1536 are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1537 commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
1538
1539 Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1540 of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1541 word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1542 enter it). For example, if you type
1543
1544 @c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1545 @c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1546 @c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1547 @c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1548 @smallexample
1549 (@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
1550 @end smallexample
1551
1552 @noindent
1553 @value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1554 the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1555
1556 @smallexample
1557 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1558 @end smallexample
1559
1560 @noindent
1561 You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1562 breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1563 @samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1564 were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1565 might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1566 to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1567
1568 If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1569 @key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1570 characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1571 @value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1572 example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1573 begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1574 just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1575 function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1576 example:
1577
1578 @smallexample
1579 (@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1580 @exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1581 make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1582 make_abs_section make_function_type
1583 make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1584 make_cleanup make_reference_type
1585 make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1586 (@value{GDBP}) b make_
1587 @end smallexample
1588
1589 @noindent
1590 After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1591 partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1592 command.
1593
1594 If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1595 can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1596 means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1597 key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1598 one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1599
1600 @cindex quotes in commands
1601 @cindex completion of quoted strings
1602 Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
1603 parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
1604 its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
1605 situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
1606 @value{GDBN} commands.
1607
1608 The most likely situation where you might need this is in typing the
1609 name of a C@t{++} function. This is because C@t{++} allows function
1610 overloading (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished
1611 by argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
1612 may need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
1613 that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
1614 that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}. To use the
1615 word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
1616 @code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
1617 @value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
1618 when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1619
1620 @smallexample
1621 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1622 bubble(double,double) bubble(int,int)
1623 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1624 @end smallexample
1625
1626 In some cases, @value{GDBN} can tell that completing a name requires using
1627 quotes. When this happens, @value{GDBN} inserts the quote for you (while
1628 completing as much as it can) if you do not type the quote in the first
1629 place:
1630
1631 @smallexample
1632 (@value{GDBP}) b bub @key{TAB}
1633 @exdent @value{GDBN} alters your input line to the following, and rings a bell:
1634 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1635 @end smallexample
1636
1637 @noindent
1638 In general, @value{GDBN} can tell that a quote is needed (and inserts it) if
1639 you have not yet started typing the argument list when you ask for
1640 completion on an overloaded symbol.
1641
1642 For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
1643 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1644 overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1645 see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
1646
1647 @cindex completion of structure field names
1648 @cindex structure field name completion
1649 @cindex completion of union field names
1650 @cindex union field name completion
1651 When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
1652 structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
1653 confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
1654 examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
1655 limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
1656 left-hand-side:
1657
1658 @smallexample
1659 (@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
1660 magic to_fputs to_rewind
1661 to_data to_isatty to_write
1662 to_delete to_put to_write_async_safe
1663 to_flush to_read
1664 @end smallexample
1665
1666 @noindent
1667 This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
1668 @code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
1669 follows:
1670
1671 @smallexample
1672 struct ui_file
1673 @{
1674 int *magic;
1675 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
1676 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
1677 ui_file_write_async_safe_ftype *to_write_async_safe;
1678 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
1679 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
1680 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
1681 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
1682 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
1683 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
1684 void *to_data;
1685 @}
1686 @end smallexample
1687
1688
1689 @node Help
1690 @section Getting Help
1691 @cindex online documentation
1692 @kindex help
1693
1694 You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1695 using the command @code{help}.
1696
1697 @table @code
1698 @kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1699 @item help
1700 @itemx h
1701 You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1702 display a short list of named classes of commands:
1703
1704 @smallexample
1705 (@value{GDBP}) help
1706 List of classes of commands:
1707
1708 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1709 breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1710 data -- Examining data
1711 files -- Specifying and examining files
1712 internals -- Maintenance commands
1713 obscure -- Obscure features
1714 running -- Running the program
1715 stack -- Examining the stack
1716 status -- Status inquiries
1717 support -- Support facilities
1718 tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
1719 stopping the program
1720 user-defined -- User-defined commands
1721
1722 Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1723 commands in that class.
1724 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1725 documentation.
1726 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1727 (@value{GDBP})
1728 @end smallexample
1729 @c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1730
1731 @item help @var{class}
1732 Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1733 list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1734 help display for the class @code{status}:
1735
1736 @smallexample
1737 (@value{GDBP}) help status
1738 Status inquiries.
1739
1740 List of commands:
1741
1742 @c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1743 @c to fit in smallbook page size.
1744 info -- Generic command for showing things
1745 about the program being debugged
1746 show -- Generic command for showing things
1747 about the debugger
1748
1749 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1750 documentation.
1751 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1752 (@value{GDBP})
1753 @end smallexample
1754
1755 @item help @var{command}
1756 With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1757 short paragraph on how to use that command.
1758
1759 @kindex apropos
1760 @item apropos @var{args}
1761 The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1762 commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1763 @var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1764
1765 @smallexample
1766 apropos alias
1767 @end smallexample
1768
1769 @noindent
1770 results in:
1771
1772 @smallexample
1773 @c @group
1774 alias -- Define a new command that is an alias of an existing command
1775 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1776 d -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1777 del -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1778 delete -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1779 @c @end group
1780 @end smallexample
1781
1782 @kindex complete
1783 @item complete @var{args}
1784 The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1785 for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1786 command you want completed. For example:
1787
1788 @smallexample
1789 complete i
1790 @end smallexample
1791
1792 @noindent results in:
1793
1794 @smallexample
1795 @group
1796 if
1797 ignore
1798 info
1799 inspect
1800 @end group
1801 @end smallexample
1802
1803 @noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1804 @end table
1805
1806 In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1807 and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1808 of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1809 manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1810 under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Command, Variable, and
1811 Function Index point to all the sub-commands. @xref{Command and Variable
1812 Index}.
1813
1814 @c @group
1815 @table @code
1816 @kindex info
1817 @kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1818 @item info
1819 This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1820 program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
1821 with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1822 registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1823 You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1824 @w{@code{help info}}.
1825
1826 @kindex set
1827 @item set
1828 You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1829 @code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1830 @code{set prompt $}.
1831
1832 @kindex show
1833 @item show
1834 In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1835 @value{GDBN} itself.
1836 You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1837 related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1838 system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1839 which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1840
1841 @kindex info set
1842 To display all the settable parameters and their current
1843 values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1844 @code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1845 @c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1846 @c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1847 @c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1848 @end table
1849 @c @end group
1850
1851 Here are several miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1852 exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1853
1854 @table @code
1855 @kindex show version
1856 @cindex @value{GDBN} version number
1857 @item show version
1858 Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1859 information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1860 @value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1861 version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1862 commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1863 system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1864 variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1865 The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1866 @value{GDBN}.
1867
1868 @kindex show copying
1869 @kindex info copying
1870 @cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
1871 @item show copying
1872 @itemx info copying
1873 Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1874
1875 @kindex show warranty
1876 @kindex info warranty
1877 @item show warranty
1878 @itemx info warranty
1879 Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1880 if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1881
1882 @kindex show configuration
1883 @item show configuration
1884 Display detailed information about the way @value{GDBN} was configured
1885 when it was built. This displays the optional arguments passed to the
1886 @file{configure} script and also configuration parameters detected
1887 automatically by @command{configure}. When reporting a @value{GDBN}
1888 bug (@pxref{GDB Bugs}), it is important to include this information in
1889 your report.
1890
1891 @end table
1892
1893 @node Running
1894 @chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1895
1896 When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1897 debugging information when you compile it.
1898
1899 You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1900 of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1901 your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1902 kill a child process.
1903
1904 @menu
1905 * Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1906 * Starting:: Starting your program
1907 * Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1908 * Environment:: Your program's environment
1909
1910 * Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1911 * Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1912 * Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1913 * Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1914
1915 * Inferiors and Programs:: Debugging multiple inferiors and programs
1916 * Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1917 * Forks:: Debugging forks
1918 * Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
1919 @end menu
1920
1921 @node Compilation
1922 @section Compiling for Debugging
1923
1924 In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1925 debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1926 is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1927 variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1928 and addresses in the executable code.
1929
1930 To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1931 the compiler.
1932
1933 Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
1934 optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, some
1935 compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
1936 together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
1937 executables containing debugging information.
1938
1939 @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
1940 without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
1941 recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
1942 program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
1943 in pushing your luck. For more information, see @ref{Optimized Code}.
1944
1945 Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
1946 @w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
1947 format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
1948
1949 @value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
1950 expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
1951 about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
1952 the @option{-g} flag alone. Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC},
1953 the @sc{gnu} C compiler, provides macro information if you are using
1954 the DWARF debugging format, and specify the option @option{-g3}.
1955
1956 @xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
1957 gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}, for more
1958 information on @value{NGCC} options affecting debug information.
1959
1960 You will have the best debugging experience if you use the latest
1961 version of the DWARF debugging format that your compiler supports.
1962 DWARF is currently the most expressive and best supported debugging
1963 format in @value{GDBN}.
1964
1965 @need 2000
1966 @node Starting
1967 @section Starting your Program
1968 @cindex starting
1969 @cindex running
1970
1971 @table @code
1972 @kindex run
1973 @kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
1974 @item run
1975 @itemx r
1976 Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
1977 You must first specify the program name (except on VxWorks) with an
1978 argument to @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
1979 @value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file} command
1980 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
1981
1982 @end table
1983
1984 If you are running your program in an execution environment that
1985 supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
1986 that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
1987 @code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
1988 like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
1989 message like this one:
1990
1991 @smallexample
1992 The "remote" target does not support "run".
1993 Try "help target" or "continue".
1994 @end smallexample
1995
1996 @noindent
1997 then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
1998 first (@pxref{load}).
1999
2000 The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
2001 receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
2002 information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
2003 can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
2004 your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
2005 divided into four categories:
2006
2007 @table @asis
2008 @item The @emph{arguments.}
2009 Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
2010 @code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
2011 is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
2012 (such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
2013 the arguments.
2014 In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
2015 @code{SHELL} environment variable. If you do not define @code{SHELL},
2016 @value{GDBN} uses the default shell (@file{/bin/sh}). You can disable
2017 use of any shell with the @code{set startup-with-shell} command (see
2018 below for details).
2019
2020 @item The @emph{environment.}
2021 Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
2022 use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
2023 environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
2024 your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
2025
2026 @item The @emph{working directory.}
2027 Your program inherits its working directory from @value{GDBN}. You can set
2028 the @value{GDBN} working directory with the @code{cd} command in @value{GDBN}.
2029 @xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working Directory}.
2030
2031 @item The @emph{standard input and output.}
2032 Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
2033 standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
2034 in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
2035 set a different device for your program.
2036 @xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
2037
2038 @cindex pipes
2039 @emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
2040 pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
2041 program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
2042 wrong program.
2043 @end table
2044
2045 When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
2046 immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
2047 of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
2048 stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
2049 or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
2050
2051 If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
2052 time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
2053 table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
2054 your current breakpoints.
2055
2056 @table @code
2057 @kindex start
2058 @item start
2059 @cindex run to main procedure
2060 The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
2061 With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
2062 other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
2063 main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
2064 execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
2065 procedure, depending on the language used.
2066
2067 The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
2068 breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
2069 the @samp{run} command.
2070
2071 @cindex elaboration phase
2072 Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
2073 executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
2074 languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
2075 constructors for static and global objects are executed before
2076 @code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
2077 before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
2078 will remain to halt execution.
2079
2080 Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
2081 @samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
2082 underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
2083 reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
2084 @samp{start} or @samp{run}.
2085
2086 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
2087 these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution of
2088 your program too late, as the program would have already completed the
2089 elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, insert breakpoints in your
2090 elaboration code before running your program.
2091
2092 @kindex set exec-wrapper
2093 @item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
2094 @itemx show exec-wrapper
2095 @itemx unset exec-wrapper
2096 When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
2097 launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
2098 with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
2099 @var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
2100 arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
2101 appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
2102 your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
2103
2104 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
2105 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
2106 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
2107 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
2108
2109 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
2110 the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
2111 environment:
2112
2113 @smallexample
2114 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
2115 (@value{GDBP}) run
2116 @end smallexample
2117
2118 This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
2119 @sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
2120
2121 @kindex set startup-with-shell
2122 @item set startup-with-shell
2123 @itemx set startup-with-shell on
2124 @itemx set startup-with-shell off
2125 @itemx show set startup-with-shell
2126 On Unix systems, by default, if a shell is available on your target,
2127 @value{GDBN}) uses it to start your program. Arguments of the
2128 @code{run} command are passed to the shell, which does variable
2129 substitution, expands wildcard characters and performs redirection of
2130 I/O. In some circumstances, it may be useful to disable such use of a
2131 shell, for example, when debugging the shell itself or diagnosing
2132 startup failures such as:
2133
2134 @smallexample
2135 (@value{GDBP}) run
2136 Starting program: ./a.out
2137 During startup program terminated with signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
2138 @end smallexample
2139
2140 @noindent
2141 which indicates the shell or the wrapper specified with
2142 @samp{exec-wrapper} crashed, not your program. Most often, this is
2143 caused by something odd in your shell's non-interactive mode
2144 initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell,
2145 $@file{.zshenv} for the Z shell, or the file specified in the
2146 @samp{BASH_ENV} environment variable for BASH.
2147
2148 @kindex set disable-randomization
2149 @item set disable-randomization
2150 @itemx set disable-randomization on
2151 This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
2152 randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
2153 is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2154 reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2155
2156 This feature is implemented only on certain targets, including @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2157 On @sc{gnu}/Linux you can get the same behavior using
2158
2159 @smallexample
2160 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2161 @end smallexample
2162
2163 @item set disable-randomization off
2164 Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2165 ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2166 disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2167 @value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2168 as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2169 disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2170
2171 On targets where it is available, virtual address space randomization
2172 protects the programs against certain kinds of security attacks. In these
2173 cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2174 code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2175 a code at its expected addresses.
2176
2177 Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2178 makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2179 having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2180 library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2181 misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2182 random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2183 startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2184 a randomly chosen address.
2185
2186 Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2187 similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2188 a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2189 already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2190 executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2191
2192 Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2193 (as long as the randomization is enabled).
2194
2195 @item show disable-randomization
2196 Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2197 the virtual address space of the started program.
2198
2199 @end table
2200
2201 @node Arguments
2202 @section Your Program's Arguments
2203
2204 @cindex arguments (to your program)
2205 The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2206 @code{run} command.
2207 They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2208 performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2209 @code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2210 @value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2211 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2212
2213 On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2214 @value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2215 calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2216 the program, not by the shell.
2217
2218 @code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2219 @code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2220
2221 @table @code
2222 @kindex set args
2223 @item set args
2224 Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2225 @code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2226 with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2227 using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2228 it again without arguments.
2229
2230 @kindex show args
2231 @item show args
2232 Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2233 @end table
2234
2235 @node Environment
2236 @section Your Program's Environment
2237
2238 @cindex environment (of your program)
2239 The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2240 their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2241 your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2242 path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2243 the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2244 debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2245 environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2246
2247 @table @code
2248 @kindex path
2249 @item path @var{directory}
2250 Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2251 (the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2252 The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2253 You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2254 system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2255 MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2256 is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2257
2258 You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2259 working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2260 use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2261 @code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2262 @var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2263 @var{directory} to the search path.
2264 @c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2265 @c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2266
2267 @kindex show paths
2268 @item show paths
2269 Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2270 environment variable).
2271
2272 @kindex show environment
2273 @item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2274 Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2275 your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2276 print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2277 your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2278
2279 @kindex set environment
2280 @item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2281 Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2282 changes for your program only, not for @value{GDBN} itself. @var{value} may
2283 be any string; the values of environment variables are just strings, and
2284 any interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2285 parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2286 null value.
2287 @c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2288 @c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2289
2290 For example, this command:
2291
2292 @smallexample
2293 set env USER = foo
2294 @end smallexample
2295
2296 @noindent
2297 tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2298 @samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2299 are not actually required.)
2300
2301 @kindex unset environment
2302 @item unset environment @var{varname}
2303 Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2304 program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2305 @code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2306 rather than assigning it an empty value.
2307 @end table
2308
2309 @emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2310 the shell indicated by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it
2311 exists (or @code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable
2312 names a shell that runs an initialization file when started
2313 non-interactively---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, $@file{.zshenv}
2314 for the Z shell, or the file specified in the @samp{BASH_ENV}
2315 environment variable for BASH---any variables you set in that file
2316 affect your program. You may wish to move setting of environment
2317 variables to files that are only run when you sign on, such as
2318 @file{.login} or @file{.profile}.
2319
2320 @node Working Directory
2321 @section Your Program's Working Directory
2322
2323 @cindex working directory (of your program)
2324 Each time you start your program with @code{run}, it inherits its
2325 working directory from the current working directory of @value{GDBN}.
2326 The @value{GDBN} working directory is initially whatever it inherited
2327 from its parent process (typically the shell), but you can specify a new
2328 working directory in @value{GDBN} with the @code{cd} command.
2329
2330 The @value{GDBN} working directory also serves as a default for the commands
2331 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2332 Specify Files}.
2333
2334 @table @code
2335 @kindex cd
2336 @cindex change working directory
2337 @item cd @r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
2338 Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}. If not
2339 given, @var{directory} uses @file{'~'}.
2340
2341 @kindex pwd
2342 @item pwd
2343 Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2344 @end table
2345
2346 It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2347 the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2348 during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} is
2349 configured with the @file{/proc} support, you can use the @code{info
2350 proc} command (@pxref{SVR4 Process Information}) to find out the
2351 current working directory of the debuggee.
2352
2353 @node Input/Output
2354 @section Your Program's Input and Output
2355
2356 @cindex redirection
2357 @cindex i/o
2358 @cindex terminal
2359 By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2360 the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2361 to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2362 modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2363 running your program.
2364
2365 @table @code
2366 @kindex info terminal
2367 @item info terminal
2368 Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2369 program is using.
2370 @end table
2371
2372 You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2373 redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2374
2375 @smallexample
2376 run > outfile
2377 @end smallexample
2378
2379 @noindent
2380 starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2381
2382 @kindex tty
2383 @cindex controlling terminal
2384 Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2385 with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2386 argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2387 commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2388 process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2389
2390 @smallexample
2391 tty /dev/ttyb
2392 @end smallexample
2393
2394 @noindent
2395 directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2396 default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2397 that as their controlling terminal.
2398
2399 An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2400 effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2401 terminal.
2402
2403 When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2404 command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2405 for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2406 for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2407
2408 @cindex inferior tty
2409 @cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2410 You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2411 display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2412 program.
2413
2414 @table @code
2415 @item set inferior-tty /dev/ttyb
2416 @kindex set inferior-tty
2417 Set the tty for the program being debugged to /dev/ttyb.
2418
2419 @item show inferior-tty
2420 @kindex show inferior-tty
2421 Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2422 @end table
2423
2424 @node Attach
2425 @section Debugging an Already-running Process
2426 @kindex attach
2427 @cindex attach
2428
2429 @table @code
2430 @item attach @var{process-id}
2431 This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2432 outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2433 targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2434 find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2435 or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2436
2437 @code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2438 executing the command.
2439 @end table
2440
2441 To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2442 which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2443 programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2444 also have permission to send the process a signal.
2445
2446 When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2447 the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2448 the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2449 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2450 the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2451 Specify Files}.
2452
2453 The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2454 process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2455 with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2456 you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2457 can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2458 process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2459 attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2460
2461 @table @code
2462 @kindex detach
2463 @item detach
2464 When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2465 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2466 the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2467 that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2468 are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2469 @code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2470 executing the command.
2471 @end table
2472
2473 If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2474 that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2475 By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2476 things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2477 @code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2478 Messages}).
2479
2480 @node Kill Process
2481 @section Killing the Child Process
2482
2483 @table @code
2484 @kindex kill
2485 @item kill
2486 Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2487 @end table
2488
2489 This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2490 running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2491 is running.
2492
2493 On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2494 while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2495 @code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2496 outside the debugger.
2497
2498 The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2499 relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2500 executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2501 next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2502 reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2503 breakpoint settings).
2504
2505 @node Inferiors and Programs
2506 @section Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs
2507
2508 @value{GDBN} lets you run and debug multiple programs in a single
2509 session. In addition, @value{GDBN} on some systems may let you run
2510 several programs simultaneously (otherwise you have to exit from one
2511 before starting another). In the most general case, you can have
2512 multiple threads of execution in each of multiple processes, launched
2513 from multiple executables.
2514
2515 @cindex inferior
2516 @value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
2517 object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
2518 a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
2519 have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
2520 may be retained after a process exits. Inferiors have unique
2521 identifiers that are different from process ids. Usually each
2522 inferior will also have its own distinct address space, although some
2523 embedded targets may have several inferiors running in different parts
2524 of a single address space. Each inferior may in turn have multiple
2525 threads running in it.
2526
2527 To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @w{@code{info
2528 inferiors}}:
2529
2530 @table @code
2531 @kindex info inferiors
2532 @item info inferiors
2533 Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
2534
2535 @value{GDBN} displays for each inferior (in this order):
2536
2537 @enumerate
2538 @item
2539 the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2540
2541 @item
2542 the target system's inferior identifier
2543
2544 @item
2545 the name of the executable the inferior is running.
2546
2547 @end enumerate
2548
2549 @noindent
2550 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} inferior number
2551 indicates the current inferior.
2552
2553 For example,
2554 @end table
2555 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2556
2557 @smallexample
2558 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2559 Num Description Executable
2560 2 process 2307 hello
2561 * 1 process 3401 goodbye
2562 @end smallexample
2563
2564 To switch focus between inferiors, use the @code{inferior} command:
2565
2566 @table @code
2567 @kindex inferior @var{infno}
2568 @item inferior @var{infno}
2569 Make inferior number @var{infno} the current inferior. The argument
2570 @var{infno} is the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}, as shown
2571 in the first field of the @samp{info inferiors} display.
2572 @end table
2573
2574
2575 You can get multiple executables into a debugging session via the
2576 @code{add-inferior} and @w{@code{clone-inferior}} commands. On some
2577 systems @value{GDBN} can add inferiors to the debug session
2578 automatically by following calls to @code{fork} and @code{exec}. To
2579 remove inferiors from the debugging session use the
2580 @w{@code{remove-inferiors}} command.
2581
2582 @table @code
2583 @kindex add-inferior
2584 @item add-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ -exec @var{executable} ]
2585 Adds @var{n} inferiors to be run using @var{executable} as the
2586 executable. @var{n} defaults to 1. If no executable is specified,
2587 the inferiors begins empty, with no program. You can still assign or
2588 change the program assigned to the inferior at any time by using the
2589 @code{file} command with the executable name as its argument.
2590
2591 @kindex clone-inferior
2592 @item clone-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ @var{infno} ]
2593 Adds @var{n} inferiors ready to execute the same program as inferior
2594 @var{infno}. @var{n} defaults to 1. @var{infno} defaults to the
2595 number of the current inferior. This is a convenient command when you
2596 want to run another instance of the inferior you are debugging.
2597
2598 @smallexample
2599 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2600 Num Description Executable
2601 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2602 (@value{GDBP}) clone-inferior
2603 Added inferior 2.
2604 1 inferiors added.
2605 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2606 Num Description Executable
2607 2 <null> helloworld
2608 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2609 @end smallexample
2610
2611 You can now simply switch focus to inferior 2 and run it.
2612
2613 @kindex remove-inferiors
2614 @item remove-inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2615 Removes the inferior or inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}. It is not
2616 possible to remove an inferior that is running with this command. For
2617 those, use the @code{kill} or @code{detach} command first.
2618
2619 @end table
2620
2621 To quit debugging one of the running inferiors that is not the current
2622 inferior, you can either detach from it by using the @w{@code{detach
2623 inferior}} command (allowing it to run independently), or kill it
2624 using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}} command:
2625
2626 @table @code
2627 @kindex detach inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2628 @item detach inferior @var{infno}@dots{}
2629 Detach from the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN}
2630 inferior number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry
2631 still stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors},
2632 but its Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2633
2634 @kindex kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2635 @item kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2636 Kill the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN} inferior
2637 number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry still
2638 stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors}, but its
2639 Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2640 @end table
2641
2642 After the successful completion of a command such as @code{detach},
2643 @code{detach inferiors}, @code{kill} or @code{kill inferiors}, or after
2644 a normal process exit, the inferior is still valid and listed with
2645 @code{info inferiors}, ready to be restarted.
2646
2647
2648 To be notified when inferiors are started or exit under @value{GDBN}'s
2649 control use @w{@code{set print inferior-events}}:
2650
2651 @table @code
2652 @kindex set print inferior-events
2653 @cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
2654 @item set print inferior-events
2655 @itemx set print inferior-events on
2656 @itemx set print inferior-events off
2657 The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
2658 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
2659 inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
2660 detached. By default, these messages will not be printed.
2661
2662 @kindex show print inferior-events
2663 @item show print inferior-events
2664 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
2665 inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
2666 @end table
2667
2668 Many commands will work the same with multiple programs as with a
2669 single program: e.g., @code{print myglobal} will simply display the
2670 value of @code{myglobal} in the current inferior.
2671
2672
2673 Occasionaly, when debugging @value{GDBN} itself, it may be useful to
2674 get more info about the relationship of inferiors, programs, address
2675 spaces in a debug session. You can do that with the @w{@code{maint
2676 info program-spaces}} command.
2677
2678 @table @code
2679 @kindex maint info program-spaces
2680 @item maint info program-spaces
2681 Print a list of all program spaces currently being managed by
2682 @value{GDBN}.
2683
2684 @value{GDBN} displays for each program space (in this order):
2685
2686 @enumerate
2687 @item
2688 the program space number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2689
2690 @item
2691 the name of the executable loaded into the program space, with e.g.,
2692 the @code{file} command.
2693
2694 @end enumerate
2695
2696 @noindent
2697 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} program space number
2698 indicates the current program space.
2699
2700 In addition, below each program space line, @value{GDBN} prints extra
2701 information that isn't suitable to display in tabular form. For
2702 example, the list of inferiors bound to the program space.
2703
2704 @smallexample
2705 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2706 Id Executable
2707 2 goodbye
2708 Bound inferiors: ID 1 (process 21561)
2709 * 1 hello
2710 @end smallexample
2711
2712 Here we can see that no inferior is running the program @code{hello},
2713 while @code{process 21561} is running the program @code{goodbye}. On
2714 some targets, it is possible that multiple inferiors are bound to the
2715 same program space. The most common example is that of debugging both
2716 the parent and child processes of a @code{vfork} call. For example,
2717
2718 @smallexample
2719 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2720 Id Executable
2721 * 1 vfork-test
2722 Bound inferiors: ID 2 (process 18050), ID 1 (process 18045)
2723 @end smallexample
2724
2725 Here, both inferior 2 and inferior 1 are running in the same program
2726 space as a result of inferior 1 having executed a @code{vfork} call.
2727 @end table
2728
2729 @node Threads
2730 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2731
2732 @cindex threads of execution
2733 @cindex multiple threads
2734 @cindex switching threads
2735 In some operating systems, such as HP-UX and Solaris, a single program
2736 may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2737 of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2738 the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2739 that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2740 modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2741 registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2742
2743 @value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2744 programs:
2745
2746 @itemize @bullet
2747 @item automatic notification of new threads
2748 @item @samp{thread @var{threadno}}, a command to switch among threads
2749 @item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2750 @item @samp{thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{args}},
2751 a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2752 @item thread-specific breakpoints
2753 @item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2754 messages on thread start and exit.
2755 @item @samp{set libthread-db-search-path @var{path}}, which lets
2756 the user specify which @code{libthread_db} to use if the default choice
2757 isn't compatible with the program.
2758 @end itemize
2759
2760 @quotation
2761 @emph{Warning:} These facilities are not yet available on every
2762 @value{GDBN} configuration where the operating system supports threads.
2763 If your @value{GDBN} does not support threads, these commands have no
2764 effect. For example, a system without thread support shows no output
2765 from @samp{info threads}, and always rejects the @code{thread} command,
2766 like this:
2767
2768 @smallexample
2769 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2770 (@value{GDBP}) thread 1
2771 Thread ID 1 not known. Use the "info threads" command to
2772 see the IDs of currently known threads.
2773 @end smallexample
2774 @c FIXME to implementors: how hard would it be to say "sorry, this GDB
2775 @c doesn't support threads"?
2776 @end quotation
2777
2778 @cindex focus of debugging
2779 @cindex current thread
2780 The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2781 threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2782 control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2783 This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2784 program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2785
2786 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2787 @cindex thread identifier (system)
2788 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2789 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2790 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2791 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2792 the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2793 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2794 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2795 @sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2796
2797 @smallexample
2798 [New Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 25582)]
2799 @end smallexample
2800
2801 @noindent
2802 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on an SGI system,
2803 the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2804 further qualifier.
2805
2806 @c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2807 @c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2808 @c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2809 @c program?
2810 @c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2811 @c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2812 @c threads ab initio?
2813
2814 @cindex thread number
2815 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2816 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2817 number---always a single integer---with each thread in your program.
2818
2819 @table @code
2820 @kindex info threads
2821 @item info threads @r{[}@var{id}@dots{}@r{]}
2822 Display a summary of all threads currently in your program. Optional
2823 argument @var{id}@dots{} is one or more thread ids separated by spaces, and
2824 means to print information only about the specified thread or threads.
2825 @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2826
2827 @enumerate
2828 @item
2829 the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2830
2831 @item
2832 the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2833
2834 @item
2835 the thread's name, if one is known. A thread can either be named by
2836 the user (see @code{thread name}, below), or, in some cases, by the
2837 program itself.
2838
2839 @item
2840 the current stack frame summary for that thread
2841 @end enumerate
2842
2843 @noindent
2844 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2845 indicates the current thread.
2846
2847 For example,
2848 @end table
2849 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2850
2851 @smallexample
2852 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2853 Id Target Id Frame
2854 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2855 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2856 * 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
2857 at threadtest.c:68
2858 @end smallexample
2859
2860 On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
2861 Solaris-specific command:
2862
2863 @table @code
2864 @item maint info sol-threads
2865 @kindex maint info sol-threads
2866 @cindex thread info (Solaris)
2867 Display info on Solaris user threads.
2868 @end table
2869
2870 @table @code
2871 @kindex thread @var{threadno}
2872 @item thread @var{threadno}
2873 Make thread number @var{threadno} the current thread. The command
2874 argument @var{threadno} is the internal @value{GDBN} thread number, as
2875 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display.
2876 @value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the thread
2877 you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
2878
2879 @smallexample
2880 (@value{GDBP}) thread 2
2881 [Switching to thread 2 (Thread 0xb7fdab70 (LWP 12747))]
2882 #0 some_function (ignore=0x0) at example.c:8
2883 8 printf ("hello\n");
2884 @end smallexample
2885
2886 @noindent
2887 As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
2888 @samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
2889 threads.
2890
2891 @vindex $_thread@r{, convenience variable}
2892 The debugger convenience variable @samp{$_thread} contains the number
2893 of the current thread. You may find this useful in writing breakpoint
2894 conditional expressions, command scripts, and so forth. See
2895 @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for general
2896 information on convenience variables.
2897
2898 @kindex thread apply
2899 @cindex apply command to several threads
2900 @item thread apply [@var{threadno} | all] @var{command}
2901 The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
2902 @var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the numbers of the
2903 threads that you want affected with the command argument
2904 @var{threadno}. It can be a single thread number, one of the numbers
2905 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display; or it
2906 could be a range of thread numbers, as in @code{2-4}. To apply a
2907 command to all threads, type @kbd{thread apply all @var{command}}.
2908
2909 @kindex thread name
2910 @cindex name a thread
2911 @item thread name [@var{name}]
2912 This command assigns a name to the current thread. If no argument is
2913 given, any existing user-specified name is removed. The thread name
2914 appears in the @samp{info threads} display.
2915
2916 On some systems, such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, @value{GDBN} is able to
2917 determine the name of the thread as given by the OS. On these
2918 systems, a name specified with @samp{thread name} will override the
2919 system-give name, and removing the user-specified name will cause
2920 @value{GDBN} to once again display the system-specified name.
2921
2922 @kindex thread find
2923 @cindex search for a thread
2924 @item thread find [@var{regexp}]
2925 Search for and display thread ids whose name or @var{systag}
2926 matches the supplied regular expression.
2927
2928 As well as being the complement to the @samp{thread name} command,
2929 this command also allows you to identify a thread by its target
2930 @var{systag}. For instance, on @sc{gnu}/Linux, the target @var{systag}
2931 is the LWP id.
2932
2933 @smallexample
2934 (@value{GDBN}) thread find 26688
2935 Thread 4 has target id 'Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688)'
2936 (@value{GDBN}) info thread 4
2937 Id Target Id Frame
2938 4 Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688) 0x00000031ca6cd372 in select ()
2939 @end smallexample
2940
2941 @kindex set print thread-events
2942 @cindex print messages on thread start and exit
2943 @item set print thread-events
2944 @itemx set print thread-events on
2945 @itemx set print thread-events off
2946 The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
2947 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
2948 started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
2949 be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
2950 Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
2951
2952 @kindex show print thread-events
2953 @item show print thread-events
2954 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
2955 have started and exited.
2956 @end table
2957
2958 @xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
2959 more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
2960 programs with multiple threads.
2961
2962 @xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
2963 watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
2964
2965 @anchor{set libthread-db-search-path}
2966 @table @code
2967 @kindex set libthread-db-search-path
2968 @cindex search path for @code{libthread_db}
2969 @item set libthread-db-search-path @r{[}@var{path}@r{]}
2970 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
2971 directories @value{GDBN} will use to search for @code{libthread_db}.
2972 If you omit @var{path}, @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to
2973 its default value (@code{$sdir:$pdir} on @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems).
2974 Internally, the default value comes from the @code{LIBTHREAD_DB_SEARCH_PATH}
2975 macro.
2976
2977 On @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems, @value{GDBN} uses a ``helper''
2978 @code{libthread_db} library to obtain information about threads in the
2979 inferior process. @value{GDBN} will use @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2980 to find @code{libthread_db}. @value{GDBN} also consults first if inferior
2981 specific thread debugging library loading is enabled
2982 by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
2983
2984 A special entry @samp{$sdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2985 refers to the default system directories that are
2986 normally searched for loading shared libraries. The @samp{$sdir} entry
2987 is the only kind not needing to be enabled by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db}
2988 (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
2989
2990 A special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2991 refers to the directory from which @code{libpthread}
2992 was loaded in the inferior process.
2993
2994 For any @code{libthread_db} library @value{GDBN} finds in above directories,
2995 @value{GDBN} attempts to initialize it with the current inferior process.
2996 If this initialization fails (which could happen because of a version
2997 mismatch between @code{libthread_db} and @code{libpthread}), @value{GDBN}
2998 will unload @code{libthread_db}, and continue with the next directory.
2999 If none of @code{libthread_db} libraries initialize successfully,
3000 @value{GDBN} will issue a warning and thread debugging will be disabled.
3001
3002 Setting @code{libthread-db-search-path} is currently implemented
3003 only on some platforms.
3004
3005 @kindex show libthread-db-search-path
3006 @item show libthread-db-search-path
3007 Display current libthread_db search path.
3008
3009 @kindex set debug libthread-db
3010 @kindex show debug libthread-db
3011 @cindex debugging @code{libthread_db}
3012 @item set debug libthread-db
3013 @itemx show debug libthread-db
3014 Turns on or off display of @code{libthread_db}-related events.
3015 Use @code{1} to enable, @code{0} to disable.
3016 @end table
3017
3018 @node Forks
3019 @section Debugging Forks
3020
3021 @cindex fork, debugging programs which call
3022 @cindex multiple processes
3023 @cindex processes, multiple
3024 On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
3025 programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
3026 function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
3027 parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
3028 set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
3029 will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
3030 will cause it to terminate.
3031
3032 However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
3033 which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
3034 the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
3035 only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
3036 so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
3037 on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
3038 get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
3039 @value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
3040 the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
3041 the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
3042
3043 On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs that
3044 create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork} functions.
3045 Currently, the only platforms with this feature are HP-UX (11.x and later
3046 only?) and @sc{gnu}/Linux (kernel version 2.5.60 and later).
3047
3048 By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
3049 the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
3050
3051 If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
3052 use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
3053
3054 @table @code
3055 @kindex set follow-fork-mode
3056 @item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
3057 Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
3058 @code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
3059 process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
3060
3061 @table @code
3062 @item parent
3063 The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
3064 unimpeded. This is the default.
3065
3066 @item child
3067 The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
3068 unimpeded.
3069
3070 @end table
3071
3072 @kindex show follow-fork-mode
3073 @item show follow-fork-mode
3074 Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
3075 @end table
3076
3077 @cindex debugging multiple processes
3078 On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
3079 command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
3080
3081 @table @code
3082 @kindex set detach-on-fork
3083 @item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
3084 Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
3085 retain debugger control over them both.
3086
3087 @table @code
3088 @item on
3089 The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
3090 @code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
3091 independently. This is the default.
3092
3093 @item off
3094 Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
3095 One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
3096 @code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
3097 is held suspended.
3098
3099 @end table
3100
3101 @kindex show detach-on-fork
3102 @item show detach-on-fork
3103 Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
3104 @end table
3105
3106 If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then @value{GDBN}
3107 will retain control of all forked processes (including nested forks).
3108 You can list the forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN} by
3109 using the @w{@code{info inferiors}} command, and switch from one fork
3110 to another by using the @code{inferior} command (@pxref{Inferiors and
3111 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}).
3112
3113 To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
3114 from it by using the @w{@code{detach inferiors}} command (allowing it
3115 to run independently), or kill it using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}}
3116 command. @xref{Inferiors and Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors
3117 and Programs}.
3118
3119 If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
3120 @code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
3121 breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
3122 @code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
3123 the child process's @code{main}.
3124
3125 On some systems, when a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you
3126 cannot debug the child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
3127
3128 If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
3129 call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent
3130 process, use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name
3131 as its argument. By default, after an @code{exec} call executes,
3132 @value{GDBN} discards the symbols of the previous executable image.
3133 You can change this behaviour with the @w{@code{set follow-exec-mode}}
3134 command.
3135
3136 @table @code
3137 @kindex set follow-exec-mode
3138 @item set follow-exec-mode @var{mode}
3139
3140 Set debugger response to a program call of @code{exec}. An
3141 @code{exec} call replaces the program image of a process.
3142
3143 @code{follow-exec-mode} can be:
3144
3145 @table @code
3146 @item new
3147 @value{GDBN} creates a new inferior and rebinds the process to this
3148 new inferior. The program the process was running before the
3149 @code{exec} call can be restarted afterwards by restarting the
3150 original inferior.
3151
3152 For example:
3153
3154 @smallexample
3155 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3156 (gdb) info inferior
3157 Id Description Executable
3158 * 1 <null> prog1
3159 (@value{GDBP}) run
3160 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3161 Program exited normally.
3162 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3163 Id Description Executable
3164 * 2 <null> prog2
3165 1 <null> prog1
3166 @end smallexample
3167
3168 @item same
3169 @value{GDBN} keeps the process bound to the same inferior. The new
3170 executable image replaces the previous executable loaded in the
3171 inferior. Restarting the inferior after the @code{exec} call, with
3172 e.g., the @code{run} command, restarts the executable the process was
3173 running after the @code{exec} call. This is the default mode.
3174
3175 For example:
3176
3177 @smallexample
3178 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3179 Id Description Executable
3180 * 1 <null> prog1
3181 (@value{GDBP}) run
3182 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3183 Program exited normally.
3184 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3185 Id Description Executable
3186 * 1 <null> prog2
3187 @end smallexample
3188
3189 @end table
3190 @end table
3191
3192 You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
3193 a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
3194 Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
3195
3196 @node Checkpoint/Restart
3197 @section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
3198
3199 @cindex checkpoint
3200 @cindex restart
3201 @cindex bookmark
3202 @cindex snapshot of a process
3203 @cindex rewind program state
3204
3205 On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
3206 @sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
3207 program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
3208 later.
3209
3210 Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
3211 happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
3212 includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
3213 system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
3214 moment when the checkpoint was saved.
3215
3216 Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
3217 getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
3218 a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
3219 the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
3220 from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
3221 start again from there.
3222
3223 This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
3224 steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
3225
3226 To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
3227
3228 @table @code
3229 @kindex checkpoint
3230 @item checkpoint
3231 Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
3232 The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
3233 is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
3234
3235 @kindex info checkpoints
3236 @item info checkpoints
3237 List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
3238 session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
3239 listed:
3240
3241 @table @code
3242 @item Checkpoint ID
3243 @item Process ID
3244 @item Code Address
3245 @item Source line, or label
3246 @end table
3247
3248 @kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3249 @item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3250 Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
3251 @var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
3252 etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
3253 was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
3254 in time when the checkpoint was saved.
3255
3256 Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
3257 are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
3258 only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
3259 the debugger.
3260
3261 @kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3262 @item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3263 Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
3264
3265 @end table
3266
3267 Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
3268 of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
3269 (OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
3270 a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
3271 so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
3272 opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
3273 previously read data can be read again.
3274
3275 Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
3276 external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
3277 from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
3278 but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
3279 be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
3280 been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
3281
3282 However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
3283 program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
3284 again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
3285 different execution path this time.
3286
3287 @cindex checkpoints and process id
3288 Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
3289 different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
3290 id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
3291 and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
3292 If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
3293 potentially pose a problem.
3294
3295 @subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
3296
3297 On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
3298 is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
3299 difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
3300 absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
3301 absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
3302 next.
3303
3304 A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
3305 Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
3306 and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
3307 process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
3308 your symbols will all stay in the same place.
3309
3310 @node Stopping
3311 @chapter Stopping and Continuing
3312
3313 The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
3314 program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
3315 trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
3316
3317 Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
3318 such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
3319 @value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
3320 change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
3321 continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
3322 ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
3323 explicitly request this information at any time.
3324
3325 @table @code
3326 @kindex info program
3327 @item info program
3328 Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
3329 running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
3330 @end table
3331
3332 @menu
3333 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
3334 * Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
3335 * Skipping Over Functions and Files::
3336 Skipping over functions and files
3337 * Signals:: Signals
3338 * Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
3339 @end menu
3340
3341 @node Breakpoints
3342 @section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
3343
3344 @cindex breakpoints
3345 A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
3346 the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
3347 control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
3348 breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
3349 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
3350 should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
3351 program.
3352
3353 On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
3354 the executable is run. There is a minor limitation on HP-UX systems:
3355 you must wait until the executable is run in order to set breakpoints
3356 in shared library routines that are not called directly by the program
3357 (for example, routines that are arguments in a @code{pthread_create}
3358 call).
3359
3360 @cindex watchpoints
3361 @cindex data breakpoints
3362 @cindex memory tracing
3363 @cindex breakpoint on memory address
3364 @cindex breakpoint on variable modification
3365 A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
3366 when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
3367 of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
3368 combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
3369 @dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
3370 watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
3371 from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
3372 enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
3373 same commands.
3374
3375 You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
3376 whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
3377 Automatic Display}.
3378
3379 @cindex catchpoints
3380 @cindex breakpoint on events
3381 A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
3382 when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
3383 exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
3384 different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
3385 Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
3386 other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
3387 @code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
3388
3389 @cindex breakpoint numbers
3390 @cindex numbers for breakpoints
3391 @value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3392 catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
3393 starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
3394 features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
3395 breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
3396 @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
3397 enable it again.
3398
3399 @cindex breakpoint ranges
3400 @cindex ranges of breakpoints
3401 Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a range of breakpoints on which to
3402 operate. A breakpoint range is either a single breakpoint number, like
3403 @samp{5}, or two such numbers, in increasing order, separated by a
3404 hyphen, like @samp{5-7}. When a breakpoint range is given to a command,
3405 all breakpoints in that range are operated on.
3406
3407 @menu
3408 * Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
3409 * Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
3410 * Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
3411 * Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
3412 * Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
3413 * Conditions:: Break conditions
3414 * Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
3415 * Dynamic Printf:: Dynamic printf
3416 * Save Breakpoints:: How to save breakpoints in a file
3417 * Static Probe Points:: Listing static probe points
3418 * Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3419 * Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
3420 @end menu
3421
3422 @node Set Breaks
3423 @subsection Setting Breakpoints
3424
3425 @c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
3426 @c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
3427 @c
3428 @c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
3429
3430 @kindex break
3431 @kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
3432 @vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
3433 @cindex latest breakpoint
3434 Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
3435 @code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
3436 number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
3437 Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
3438 convenience variables.
3439
3440 @table @code
3441 @item break @var{location}
3442 Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
3443 function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
3444 (@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
3445 specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
3446 before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
3447
3448 When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3449 C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3450 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3451 that situation.
3452
3453 It is also possible to insert a breakpoint that will stop the program
3454 only if a specific thread (@pxref{Thread-Specific Breakpoints})
3455 or a specific task (@pxref{Ada Tasks}) hits that breakpoint.
3456
3457 @item break
3458 When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3459 the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3460 (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3461 innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3462 returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3463 @code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3464 that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3465 @code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3466 the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3467 inside loops.
3468
3469 @value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3470 least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3471 would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3472 breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3473 existed when your program stopped.
3474
3475 @item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3476 Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3477 @var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3478 value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3479 @samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3480 above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3481 ,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3482
3483 @kindex tbreak
3484 @item tbreak @var{args}
3485 Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args} are the
3486 same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3487 way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3488 program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3489
3490 @kindex hbreak
3491 @cindex hardware breakpoints
3492 @item hbreak @var{args}
3493 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. @var{args} are the same as for the
3494 @code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3495 breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3496 have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3497 debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3498 changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3499 provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3500 will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3501 address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3502 breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3503 example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3504 @value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3505 or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3506 (@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3507 @xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3508 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3509 breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3510 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3511
3512 @kindex thbreak
3513 @item thbreak @var{args}
3514 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args}
3515 are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3516 the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3517 the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3518 first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3519 command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3520 may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3521 See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3522
3523 @kindex rbreak
3524 @cindex regular expression
3525 @cindex breakpoints at functions matching a regexp
3526 @cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3527 @item rbreak @var{regex}
3528 Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3529 @var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3530 matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3531 breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3532 the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3533 them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3534
3535 The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3536 like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3537 shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3538 an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3539 @code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3540 match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3541
3542 @cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3543 When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3544 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3545 classes.
3546
3547 @cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3548 The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3549 @strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3550
3551 @smallexample
3552 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3553 @end smallexample
3554
3555 @item rbreak @var{file}:@var{regex}
3556 If @code{rbreak} is called with a filename qualification, it limits
3557 the search for functions matching the given regular expression to the
3558 specified @var{file}. This can be used, for example, to set breakpoints on
3559 every function in a given file:
3560
3561 @smallexample
3562 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak file.c:.
3563 @end smallexample
3564
3565 The colon separating the filename qualifier from the regex may
3566 optionally be surrounded by spaces.
3567
3568 @kindex info breakpoints
3569 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3570 @item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3571 @itemx info break @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3572 Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3573 not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3574 about the specified breakpoint(s) (or watchpoint(s) or catchpoint(s)).
3575 For each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3576
3577 @table @emph
3578 @item Breakpoint Numbers
3579 @item Type
3580 Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3581 @item Disposition
3582 Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3583 @item Enabled or Disabled
3584 Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3585 that are not enabled.
3586 @item Address
3587 Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3588 pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3589 contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3590 library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3591 See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3592 have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3593 @item What
3594 Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3595 line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3596 the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3597 the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3598 @end table
3599
3600 @noindent
3601 If a breakpoint is conditional, there are two evaluation modes: ``host'' and
3602 ``target''. If mode is ``host'', breakpoint condition evaluation is done by
3603 @value{GDBN} on the host's side. If it is ``target'', then the condition
3604 is evaluated by the target. The @code{info break} command shows
3605 the condition on the line following the affected breakpoint, together with
3606 its condition evaluation mode in between parentheses.
3607
3608 Breakpoint commands, if any, are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is
3609 allowed to have a condition specified for it. The condition is not parsed for
3610 validity until a shared library is loaded that allows the pending
3611 breakpoint to resolve to a valid location.
3612
3613 @noindent
3614 @code{info break} with a breakpoint
3615 number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3616 convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3617 the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3618 listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3619
3620 @noindent
3621 @code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3622 has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3623 @code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3624 hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3625 was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3626 will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3627
3628 @noindent
3629 For a breakpoints with an enable count (xref) greater than 1,
3630 @code{info break} also displays that count.
3631
3632 @end table
3633
3634 @value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3635 your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3636 the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3637 (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3638
3639 @cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3640 @cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3641 It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3642 in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3643
3644 @itemize @bullet
3645 @item
3646 Multiple functions in the program may have the same name.
3647
3648 @item
3649 For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3650 instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3651
3652 @item
3653 For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3654 correspond to any number of instantiations.
3655
3656 @item
3657 For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3658 several places where that function is inlined.
3659 @end itemize
3660
3661 In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
3662 the relevant locations.
3663
3664 A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
3665 table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
3666 each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
3667 address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
3668 addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
3669 locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
3670 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
3671
3672 For example:
3673
3674 @smallexample
3675 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
3676 1 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
3677 stop only if i==1
3678 breakpoint already hit 1 time
3679 1.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
3680 1.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
3681 @end smallexample
3682
3683 Each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
3684 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
3685 @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. Note that you cannot
3686 delete the individual locations from the list, you can only delete the
3687 entire list of locations that belong to their parent breakpoint (with
3688 the @kbd{delete @var{num}} command, where @var{num} is the number of
3689 the parent breakpoint, 1 in the above example). Disabling or enabling
3690 the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects all of the locations
3691 that belong to that breakpoint.
3692
3693 @cindex pending breakpoints
3694 It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
3695 Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
3696 and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
3697 this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
3698 any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
3699 set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
3700 debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
3701 symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
3702 breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
3703 a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
3704 is not yet resolved.
3705
3706 After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
3707 @value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
3708 shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
3709 pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
3710 ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
3711 that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
3712
3713 This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
3714 example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
3715 a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
3716 a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
3717
3718 Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
3719 differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
3720 enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
3721
3722 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
3723 happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
3724 address specification to an address:
3725
3726 @kindex set breakpoint pending
3727 @kindex show breakpoint pending
3728 @table @code
3729 @item set breakpoint pending auto
3730 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
3731 location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
3732
3733 @item set breakpoint pending on
3734 This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
3735 result in a pending breakpoint being created.
3736
3737 @item set breakpoint pending off
3738 This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
3739 unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
3740 not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
3741
3742 @item show breakpoint pending
3743 Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
3744 @end table
3745
3746 The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
3747 variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
3748 as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
3749
3750 @cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
3751 For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
3752 software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
3753 breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
3754 breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
3755 breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
3756 breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
3757 breakpoints.
3758
3759 You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands::
3760
3761 @kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
3762 @kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
3763 @table @code
3764 @item set breakpoint auto-hw on
3765 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
3766 will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
3767 breakpoint must be used.
3768
3769 @item set breakpoint auto-hw off
3770 This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
3771 type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
3772 trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
3773 @end table
3774
3775 @value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
3776 at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
3777 executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
3778 code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
3779 the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
3780 behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
3781 target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
3782 targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
3783 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
3784
3785 @kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
3786 @kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
3787 @table @code
3788 @item set breakpoint always-inserted off
3789 All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
3790 the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
3791 removed from the target when it stops.
3792
3793 @item set breakpoint always-inserted on
3794 Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
3795 the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
3796 breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
3797 removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is removed.
3798
3799 @cindex non-stop mode, and @code{breakpoint always-inserted}
3800 @item set breakpoint always-inserted auto
3801 This is the default mode. If @value{GDBN} is controlling the inferior
3802 in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}), gdb behaves as if
3803 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is on. If @value{GDBN} is
3804 controlling the inferior in all-stop mode, @value{GDBN} behaves as if
3805 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is off.
3806 @end table
3807
3808 @value{GDBN} handles conditional breakpoints by evaluating these conditions
3809 when a breakpoint breaks. If the condition is true, then the process being
3810 debugged stops, otherwise the process is resumed.
3811
3812 If the target supports evaluating conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} may
3813 download the breakpoint, together with its conditions, to it.
3814
3815 This feature can be controlled via the following commands:
3816
3817 @kindex set breakpoint condition-evaluation
3818 @kindex show breakpoint condition-evaluation
3819 @table @code
3820 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation host
3821 This option commands @value{GDBN} to evaluate the breakpoint
3822 conditions on the host's side. Unconditional breakpoints are sent to
3823 the target which in turn receives the triggers and reports them back to GDB
3824 for condition evaluation. This is the standard evaluation mode.
3825
3826 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation target
3827 This option commands @value{GDBN} to download breakpoint conditions
3828 to the target at the moment of their insertion. The target
3829 is responsible for evaluating the conditional expression and reporting
3830 breakpoint stop events back to @value{GDBN} whenever the condition
3831 is true. Due to limitations of target-side evaluation, some conditions
3832 cannot be evaluated there, e.g., conditions that depend on local data
3833 that is only known to the host. Examples include
3834 conditional expressions involving convenience variables, complex types
3835 that cannot be handled by the agent expression parser and expressions
3836 that are too long to be sent over to the target, specially when the
3837 target is a remote system. In these cases, the conditions will be
3838 evaluated by @value{GDBN}.
3839
3840 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation auto
3841 This is the default mode. If the target supports evaluating breakpoint
3842 conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} will download breakpoint conditions to
3843 the target (limitations mentioned previously apply). If the target does
3844 not support breakpoint condition evaluation, then @value{GDBN} will fallback
3845 to evaluating all these conditions on the host's side.
3846 @end table
3847
3848
3849 @cindex negative breakpoint numbers
3850 @cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
3851 @value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
3852 special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
3853 programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
3854 starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
3855 You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
3856 @samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
3857
3858
3859 @node Set Watchpoints
3860 @subsection Setting Watchpoints
3861
3862 @cindex setting watchpoints
3863 You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
3864 expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
3865 this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
3866 The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
3867 as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
3868
3869 @itemize @bullet
3870 @item
3871 A reference to the value of a single variable.
3872
3873 @item
3874 An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
3875 @samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
3876 address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
3877
3878 @item
3879 An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
3880 expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
3881 language (@pxref{Languages}).
3882 @end itemize
3883
3884 You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
3885 not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
3886 @samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
3887 @value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
3888 the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
3889 valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
3890 pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
3891 @code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
3892 the expression changes.
3893
3894 @cindex software watchpoints
3895 @cindex hardware watchpoints
3896 Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
3897 hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
3898 program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
3899 times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
3900 catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
3901 culprit.)
3902
3903 On some systems, such as HP-UX, PowerPC, @sc{gnu}/Linux and most other
3904 x86-based targets, @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware
3905 watchpoints, which do not slow down the running of your program.
3906
3907 @table @code
3908 @kindex watch
3909 @item watch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3910 Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
3911 expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
3912 changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
3913 to watch the value of a single variable:
3914
3915 @smallexample
3916 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo
3917 @end smallexample
3918
3919 If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}}
3920 argument, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
3921 @var{threadnum} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
3922 change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
3923 that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
3924 with Hardware Watchpoints.
3925
3926 Ordinarily a watchpoint respects the scope of variables in @var{expr}
3927 (see below). The @code{-location} argument tells @value{GDBN} to
3928 instead watch the memory referred to by @var{expr}. In this case,
3929 @value{GDBN} will evaluate @var{expr}, take the address of the result,
3930 and watch the memory at that address. The type of the result is used
3931 to determine the size of the watched memory. If the expression's
3932 result does not have an address, then @value{GDBN} will print an
3933 error.
3934
3935 The @code{@r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}} argument allows creation
3936 of masked watchpoints, if the current architecture supports this
3937 feature (e.g., PowerPC Embedded architecture, see @ref{PowerPC
3938 Embedded}.) A @dfn{masked watchpoint} specifies a mask in addition
3939 to an address to watch. The mask specifies that some bits of an address
3940 (the bits which are reset in the mask) should be ignored when matching
3941 the address accessed by the inferior against the watchpoint address.
3942 Thus, a masked watchpoint watches many addresses simultaneously---those
3943 addresses whose unmasked bits are identical to the unmasked bits in the
3944 watchpoint address. The @code{mask} argument implies @code{-location}.
3945 Examples:
3946
3947 @smallexample
3948 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo mask 0xffff00ff
3949 (@value{GDBP}) watch *0xdeadbeef mask 0xffffff00
3950 @end smallexample
3951
3952 @kindex rwatch
3953 @item rwatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3954 Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
3955 by the program.
3956
3957 @kindex awatch
3958 @item awatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3959 Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
3960 or written into by the program.
3961
3962 @kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3963 @item info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3964 This command prints a list of watchpoints, using the same format as
3965 @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
3966 @end table
3967
3968 If you watch for a change in a numerically entered address you need to
3969 dereference it, as the address itself is just a constant number which will
3970 never change. @value{GDBN} refuses to create a watchpoint that watches
3971 a never-changing value:
3972
3973 @smallexample
3974 (@value{GDBP}) watch 0x600850
3975 Cannot watch constant value 0x600850.
3976 (@value{GDBP}) watch *(int *) 0x600850
3977 Watchpoint 1: *(int *) 6293584
3978 @end smallexample
3979
3980 @value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
3981 watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
3982 value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
3983 cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
3984 executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
3985 @emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
3986
3987 @cindex use only software watchpoints
3988 You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
3989 @kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
3990 zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
3991 the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
3992 watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
3993 @code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
3994 mechanism of watching expression values.)
3995
3996 @table @code
3997 @item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3998 @kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3999 Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
4000
4001 @item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
4002 @kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
4003 Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
4004 @end table
4005
4006 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
4007 watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
4008 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
4009
4010 When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
4011
4012 @smallexample
4013 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
4014 @end smallexample
4015
4016 @noindent
4017 if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
4018
4019 Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
4020 hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
4021 value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
4022 every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
4023 that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
4024 hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
4025 will print a message like this:
4026
4027 @smallexample
4028 Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
4029 @end smallexample
4030
4031 Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
4032 data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
4033 watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
4034 can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
4035 cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
4036 double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
4037 wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
4038 into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
4039
4040 If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
4041 to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
4042 Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
4043 time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
4044 able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
4045 warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
4046
4047 @smallexample
4048 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
4049 @end smallexample
4050
4051 @noindent
4052 If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
4053
4054 Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
4055 exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
4056 That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
4057 expression with separately allocated resources.
4058
4059 If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
4060 any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
4061 kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
4062
4063 @value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
4064 (automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
4065 they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
4066 which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
4067 being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
4068 and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
4069 rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
4070 way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
4071 @code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
4072
4073 @cindex watchpoints and threads
4074 @cindex threads and watchpoints
4075 In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
4076 watched expression from every thread.
4077
4078 @quotation
4079 @emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
4080 have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
4081 watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
4082 single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
4083 change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
4084 confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
4085 software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
4086 when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
4087 watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
4088 @end quotation
4089
4090 @xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
4091
4092 @node Set Catchpoints
4093 @subsection Setting Catchpoints
4094 @cindex catchpoints, setting
4095 @cindex exception handlers
4096 @cindex event handling
4097
4098 You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
4099 kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
4100 shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
4101
4102 @table @code
4103 @kindex catch
4104 @item catch @var{event}
4105 Stop when @var{event} occurs. @var{event} can be any of the following:
4106
4107 @table @code
4108 @item throw @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4109 @itemx rethrow @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4110 @itemx catch @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4111 @kindex catch throw
4112 @kindex catch rethrow
4113 @kindex catch catch
4114 @cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
4115 The throwing, re-throwing, or catching of a C@t{++} exception.
4116
4117 If @var{regexp} is given, then only exceptions whose type matches the
4118 regular expression will be caught.
4119
4120 @vindex $_exception@r{, convenience variable}
4121 The convenience variable @code{$_exception} is available at an
4122 exception-related catchpoint, on some systems. This holds the
4123 exception being thrown.
4124
4125 There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling in
4126 @value{GDBN}:
4127
4128 @itemize @bullet
4129 @item
4130 The support for these commands is system-dependent. Currently, only
4131 systems using the @samp{gnu-v3} C@t{++} ABI (@pxref{ABI}) are
4132 supported.
4133
4134 @item
4135 The regular expression feature and the @code{$_exception} convenience
4136 variable rely on the presence of some SDT probes in @code{libstdc++}.
4137 If these probes are not present, then these features cannot be used.
4138 These probes were first available in the GCC 4.8 release, but whether
4139 or not they are available in your GCC also depends on how it was
4140 built.
4141
4142 @item
4143 The @code{$_exception} convenience variable is only valid at the
4144 instruction at which an exception-related catchpoint is set.
4145
4146 @item
4147 When an exception-related catchpoint is hit, @value{GDBN} stops at a
4148 location in the system library which implements runtime exception
4149 support for C@t{++}, usually @code{libstdc++}. You can use @code{up}
4150 (@pxref{Selection}) to get to your code.
4151
4152 @item
4153 If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
4154 control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
4155 raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
4156 returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
4157 simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
4158 that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
4159 you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
4160 disabled within interactive calls. @xref{Calling}, for information on
4161 controlling this with @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception}.
4162
4163 @item
4164 You cannot raise an exception interactively.
4165
4166 @item
4167 You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
4168 @end itemize
4169
4170 @item exception
4171 @kindex catch exception
4172 @cindex Ada exception catching
4173 @cindex catch Ada exceptions
4174 An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
4175 at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
4176 the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
4177 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
4178
4179 When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
4180 name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
4181 fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
4182 @value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
4183 rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
4184 called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
4185 the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
4186 Pck.Constraint_Error}.
4187
4188 @item exception unhandled
4189 @kindex catch exception unhandled
4190 An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
4191
4192 @item assert
4193 @kindex catch assert
4194 A failed Ada assertion.
4195
4196 @item exec
4197 @kindex catch exec
4198 @cindex break on fork/exec
4199 A call to @code{exec}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4200 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4201
4202 @item syscall
4203 @itemx syscall @r{[}@var{name} @r{|} @var{number}@r{]} @dots{}
4204 @kindex catch syscall
4205 @cindex break on a system call.
4206 A call to or return from a system call, a.k.a.@: @dfn{syscall}. A
4207 syscall is a mechanism for application programs to request a service
4208 from the operating system (OS) or one of the OS system services.
4209 @value{GDBN} can catch some or all of the syscalls issued by the
4210 debuggee, and show the related information for each syscall. If no
4211 argument is specified, calls to and returns from all system calls
4212 will be caught.
4213
4214 @var{name} can be any system call name that is valid for the
4215 underlying OS. Just what syscalls are valid depends on the OS. On
4216 GNU and Unix systems, you can find the full list of valid syscall
4217 names on @file{/usr/include/asm/unistd.h}.
4218
4219 @c For MS-Windows, the syscall names and the corresponding numbers
4220 @c can be found, e.g., on this URL:
4221 @c http://www.metasploit.com/users/opcode/syscalls.html
4222 @c but we don't support Windows syscalls yet.
4223
4224 Normally, @value{GDBN} knows in advance which syscalls are valid for
4225 each OS, so you can use the @value{GDBN} command-line completion
4226 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
4227 available choices.
4228
4229 You may also specify the system call numerically. A syscall's
4230 number is the value passed to the OS's syscall dispatcher to
4231 identify the requested service. When you specify the syscall by its
4232 name, @value{GDBN} uses its database of syscalls to convert the name
4233 into the corresponding numeric code, but using the number directly
4234 may be useful if @value{GDBN}'s database does not have the complete
4235 list of syscalls on your system (e.g., because @value{GDBN} lags
4236 behind the OS upgrades).
4237
4238 The example below illustrates how this command works if you don't provide
4239 arguments to it:
4240
4241 @smallexample
4242 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4243 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4244 (@value{GDBP}) r
4245 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4246
4247 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'close'), \
4248 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4249 (@value{GDBP}) c
4250 Continuing.
4251
4252 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'close'), \
4253 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4254 (@value{GDBP})
4255 @end smallexample
4256
4257 Here is an example of catching a system call by name:
4258
4259 @smallexample
4260 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall chroot
4261 Catchpoint 1 (syscall 'chroot' [61])
4262 (@value{GDBP}) r
4263 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4264
4265 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'chroot'), \
4266 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4267 (@value{GDBP}) c
4268 Continuing.
4269
4270 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'chroot'), \
4271 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4272 (@value{GDBP})
4273 @end smallexample
4274
4275 An example of specifying a system call numerically. In the case
4276 below, the syscall number has a corresponding entry in the XML
4277 file, so @value{GDBN} finds its name and prints it:
4278
4279 @smallexample
4280 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4281 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 'exit_group')
4282 (@value{GDBP}) r
4283 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4284
4285 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'exit_group'), \
4286 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4287 (@value{GDBP}) c
4288 Continuing.
4289
4290 Program exited normally.
4291 (@value{GDBP})
4292 @end smallexample
4293
4294 However, there can be situations when there is no corresponding name
4295 in XML file for that syscall number. In this case, @value{GDBN} prints
4296 a warning message saying that it was not able to find the syscall name,
4297 but the catchpoint will be set anyway. See the example below:
4298
4299 @smallexample
4300 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 764
4301 warning: The number '764' does not represent a known syscall.
4302 Catchpoint 2 (syscall 764)
4303 (@value{GDBP})
4304 @end smallexample
4305
4306 If you configure @value{GDBN} using the @samp{--without-expat} option,
4307 it will not be able to display syscall names. Also, if your
4308 architecture does not have an XML file describing its system calls,
4309 you will not be able to see the syscall names. It is important to
4310 notice that these two features are used for accessing the syscall
4311 name database. In either case, you will see a warning like this:
4312
4313 @smallexample
4314 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4315 warning: Could not open "syscalls/i386-linux.xml"
4316 warning: Could not load the syscall XML file 'syscalls/i386-linux.xml'.
4317 GDB will not be able to display syscall names.
4318 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4319 (@value{GDBP})
4320 @end smallexample
4321
4322 Of course, the file name will change depending on your architecture and system.
4323
4324 Still using the example above, you can also try to catch a syscall by its
4325 number. In this case, you would see something like:
4326
4327 @smallexample
4328 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4329 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 252)
4330 @end smallexample
4331
4332 Again, in this case @value{GDBN} would not be able to display syscall's names.
4333
4334 @item fork
4335 @kindex catch fork
4336 A call to @code{fork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4337 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4338
4339 @item vfork
4340 @kindex catch vfork
4341 A call to @code{vfork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4342 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4343
4344 @item load @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4345 @itemx unload @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4346 @kindex catch load
4347 @kindex catch unload
4348 The loading or unloading of a shared library. If @var{regexp} is
4349 given, then the catchpoint will stop only if the regular expression
4350 matches one of the affected libraries.
4351
4352 @item signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
4353 @kindex catch signal
4354 The delivery of a signal.
4355
4356 With no arguments, this catchpoint will catch any signal that is not
4357 used internally by @value{GDBN}, specifically, all signals except
4358 @samp{SIGTRAP} and @samp{SIGINT}.
4359
4360 With the argument @samp{all}, all signals, including those used by
4361 @value{GDBN}, will be caught. This argument cannot be used with other
4362 signal names.
4363
4364 Otherwise, the arguments are a list of signal names as given to
4365 @code{handle} (@pxref{Signals}). Only signals specified in this list
4366 will be caught.
4367
4368 One reason that @code{catch signal} can be more useful than
4369 @code{handle} is that you can attach commands and conditions to the
4370 catchpoint.
4371
4372 When a signal is caught by a catchpoint, the signal's @code{stop} and
4373 @code{print} settings, as specified by @code{handle}, are ignored.
4374 However, whether the signal is still delivered to the inferior depends
4375 on the @code{pass} setting; this can be changed in the catchpoint's
4376 commands.
4377
4378 @end table
4379
4380 @item tcatch @var{event}
4381 @kindex tcatch
4382 Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
4383 automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
4384
4385 @end table
4386
4387 Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
4388
4389
4390 @node Delete Breaks
4391 @subsection Deleting Breakpoints
4392
4393 @cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4394 @cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4395 It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
4396 catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
4397 to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
4398 breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
4399
4400 With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
4401 where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
4402 delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
4403 their breakpoint numbers.
4404
4405 It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
4406 automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
4407 when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
4408
4409 @table @code
4410 @kindex clear
4411 @item clear
4412 Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
4413 selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
4414 the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
4415 breakpoint where your program just stopped.
4416
4417 @item clear @var{location}
4418 Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
4419 @xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
4420 most useful ones are listed below:
4421
4422 @table @code
4423 @item clear @var{function}
4424 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
4425 Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
4426
4427 @item clear @var{linenum}
4428 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
4429 Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
4430 @var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
4431 @end table
4432
4433 @cindex delete breakpoints
4434 @kindex delete
4435 @kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
4436 @item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4437 Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
4438 ranges specified as arguments. If no argument is specified, delete all
4439 breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
4440 confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
4441 @end table
4442
4443 @node Disabling
4444 @subsection Disabling Breakpoints
4445
4446 @cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
4447 Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
4448 prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
4449 it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
4450 that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
4451
4452 You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
4453 the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying
4454 one or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} to
4455 print a list of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints if you
4456 do not know which numbers to use.
4457
4458 Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
4459 affects all of its locations.
4460
4461 A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of several
4462 different states of enablement:
4463
4464 @itemize @bullet
4465 @item
4466 Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
4467 with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
4468 @item
4469 Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
4470 @item
4471 Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
4472 disabled.
4473 @item
4474 Enabled for a count. The breakpoint stops your program for the next
4475 N times, then becomes disabled.
4476 @item
4477 Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
4478 immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
4479 set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
4480 @end itemize
4481
4482 You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
4483 watchpoints, and catchpoints:
4484
4485 @table @code
4486 @kindex disable
4487 @kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
4488 @item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4489 Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
4490 listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
4491 options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
4492 case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
4493 @code{disable} as @code{dis}.
4494
4495 @kindex enable
4496 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4497 Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
4498 become effective once again in stopping your program.
4499
4500 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{range}@dots{}
4501 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
4502 of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
4503
4504 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} count @var{count} @var{range}@dots{}
4505 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} records
4506 @var{count} with each of the specified breakpoints, and decrements a
4507 breakpoint's count when it is hit. When any count reaches 0,
4508 @value{GDBN} disables that breakpoint. If a breakpoint has an ignore
4509 count (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}), that will be
4510 decremented to 0 before @var{count} is affected.
4511
4512 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{range}@dots{}
4513 Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
4514 deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
4515 Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
4516 @end table
4517
4518 @c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
4519 @c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
4520 Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
4521 ,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
4522 subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
4523 the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
4524 breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
4525 breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
4526 Stepping}.)
4527
4528 @node Conditions
4529 @subsection Break Conditions
4530 @cindex conditional breakpoints
4531 @cindex breakpoint conditions
4532
4533 @c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
4534 @c in particular for a watchpoint?
4535 The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
4536 specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
4537 breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
4538 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
4539 a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
4540 and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
4541
4542 This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
4543 situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
4544 when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
4545 by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
4546 @samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
4547
4548 Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
4549 since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
4550 it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
4551 and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
4552 one.
4553
4554 Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
4555 your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
4556 that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
4557 format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
4558 unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
4559 that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
4560 program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
4561 breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
4562 conditions for the
4563 purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
4564 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
4565
4566 Breakpoint conditions can also be evaluated on the target's side if
4567 the target supports it. Instead of evaluating the conditions locally,
4568 @value{GDBN} encodes the expression into an agent expression
4569 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) suitable for execution on the target,
4570 independently of @value{GDBN}. Global variables become raw memory
4571 locations, locals become stack accesses, and so forth.
4572
4573 In this case, @value{GDBN} will only be notified of a breakpoint trigger
4574 when its condition evaluates to true. This mechanism may provide faster
4575 response times depending on the performance characteristics of the target
4576 since it does not need to keep @value{GDBN} informed about
4577 every breakpoint trigger, even those with false conditions.
4578
4579 Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
4580 @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
4581 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
4582 with the @code{condition} command.
4583
4584 You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
4585 The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
4586 @code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
4587 catchpoint.
4588
4589 @table @code
4590 @kindex condition
4591 @item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
4592 Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
4593 watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
4594 breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
4595 @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
4596 @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
4597 syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
4598 referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
4599 symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
4600 prints an error message:
4601
4602 @smallexample
4603 No symbol "foo" in current context.
4604 @end smallexample
4605
4606 @noindent
4607 @value{GDBN} does
4608 not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
4609 command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
4610 @code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
4611
4612 @item condition @var{bnum}
4613 Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
4614 an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
4615 @end table
4616
4617 @cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
4618 A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
4619 breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
4620 useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
4621 count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
4622 is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
4623 therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
4624 ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
4625 the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
4626 value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
4627 your program reaches it.
4628
4629 @table @code
4630 @kindex ignore
4631 @item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
4632 Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
4633 The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
4634 execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
4635 takes no action.
4636
4637 To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
4638 a count of zero.
4639
4640 When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
4641 breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
4642 @code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
4643 Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
4644
4645 If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
4646 condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
4647 @value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
4648
4649 You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
4650 as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
4651 is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
4652 Variables}.
4653 @end table
4654
4655 Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
4656
4657
4658 @node Break Commands
4659 @subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
4660
4661 @cindex breakpoint commands
4662 You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
4663 commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
4664 example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
4665 enable other breakpoints.
4666
4667 @table @code
4668 @kindex commands
4669 @kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
4670 @item commands @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4671 @itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
4672 @itemx end
4673 Specify a list of commands for the given breakpoints. The commands
4674 themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
4675 @code{end} to terminate the commands.
4676
4677 To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
4678 follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
4679
4680 With no argument, @code{commands} refers to the last breakpoint,
4681 watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most recently
4682 encountered). If the most recent breakpoints were set with a single
4683 command, then the @code{commands} will apply to all the breakpoints
4684 set by that command. This applies to breakpoints set by
4685 @code{rbreak}, and also applies when a single @code{break} command
4686 creates multiple breakpoints (@pxref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous
4687 Expressions}).
4688 @end table
4689
4690 Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
4691 disabled within a @var{command-list}.
4692
4693 You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
4694 use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
4695 that resumes execution.
4696
4697 Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
4698 execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
4699 (even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
4700 another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
4701 ambiguities about which list to execute.
4702
4703 @kindex silent
4704 If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
4705 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
4706 be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
4707 then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
4708 see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
4709 meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
4710
4711 The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
4712 print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
4713 breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
4714
4715 For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
4716 value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
4717
4718 @smallexample
4719 break foo if x>0
4720 commands
4721 silent
4722 printf "x is %d\n",x
4723 cont
4724 end
4725 @end smallexample
4726
4727 One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
4728 you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
4729 of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
4730 erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
4731 to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
4732 so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
4733 command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
4734
4735 @smallexample
4736 break 403
4737 commands
4738 silent
4739 set x = y + 4
4740 cont
4741 end
4742 @end smallexample
4743
4744 @node Dynamic Printf
4745 @subsection Dynamic Printf
4746
4747 @cindex dynamic printf
4748 @cindex dprintf
4749 The dynamic printf command @code{dprintf} combines a breakpoint with
4750 formatted printing of your program's data to give you the effect of
4751 inserting @code{printf} calls into your program on-the-fly, without
4752 having to recompile it.
4753
4754 In its most basic form, the output goes to the GDB console. However,
4755 you can set the variable @code{dprintf-style} for alternate handling.
4756 For instance, you can ask to format the output by calling your
4757 program's @code{printf} function. This has the advantage that the
4758 characters go to the program's output device, so they can recorded in
4759 redirects to files and so forth.
4760
4761 If you are doing remote debugging with a stub or agent, you can also
4762 ask to have the printf handled by the remote agent. In addition to
4763 ensuring that the output goes to the remote program's device along
4764 with any other output the program might produce, you can also ask that
4765 the dprintf remain active even after disconnecting from the remote
4766 target. Using the stub/agent is also more efficient, as it can do
4767 everything without needing to communicate with @value{GDBN}.
4768
4769 @table @code
4770 @kindex dprintf
4771 @item dprintf @var{location},@var{template},@var{expression}[,@var{expression}@dots{}]
4772 Whenever execution reaches @var{location}, print the values of one or
4773 more @var{expressions} under the control of the string @var{template}.
4774 To print several values, separate them with commas.
4775
4776 @item set dprintf-style @var{style}
4777 Set the dprintf output to be handled in one of several different
4778 styles enumerated below. A change of style affects all existing
4779 dynamic printfs immediately. (If you need individual control over the
4780 print commands, simply define normal breakpoints with
4781 explicitly-supplied command lists.)
4782
4783 @item gdb
4784 @kindex dprintf-style gdb
4785 Handle the output using the @value{GDBN} @code{printf} command.
4786
4787 @item call
4788 @kindex dprintf-style call
4789 Handle the output by calling a function in your program (normally
4790 @code{printf}).
4791
4792 @item agent
4793 @kindex dprintf-style agent
4794 Have the remote debugging agent (such as @code{gdbserver}) handle
4795 the output itself. This style is only available for agents that
4796 support running commands on the target.
4797
4798 @item set dprintf-function @var{function}
4799 Set the function to call if the dprintf style is @code{call}. By
4800 default its value is @code{printf}. You may set it to any expression.
4801 that @value{GDBN} can evaluate to a function, as per the @code{call}
4802 command.
4803
4804 @item set dprintf-channel @var{channel}
4805 Set a ``channel'' for dprintf. If set to a non-empty value,
4806 @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as an expression and pass the result as
4807 a first argument to the @code{dprintf-function}, in the manner of
4808 @code{fprintf} and similar functions. Otherwise, the dprintf format
4809 string will be the first argument, in the manner of @code{printf}.
4810
4811 As an example, if you wanted @code{dprintf} output to go to a logfile
4812 that is a standard I/O stream assigned to the variable @code{mylog},
4813 you could do the following:
4814
4815 @example
4816 (gdb) set dprintf-style call
4817 (gdb) set dprintf-function fprintf
4818 (gdb) set dprintf-channel mylog
4819 (gdb) dprintf 25,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob
4820 Dprintf 1 at 0x123456: file main.c, line 25.
4821 (gdb) info break
4822 1 dprintf keep y 0x00123456 in main at main.c:25
4823 call (void) fprintf (mylog,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob)
4824 continue
4825 (gdb)
4826 @end example
4827
4828 Note that the @code{info break} displays the dynamic printf commands
4829 as normal breakpoint commands; you can thus easily see the effect of
4830 the variable settings.
4831
4832 @item set disconnected-dprintf on
4833 @itemx set disconnected-dprintf off
4834 @kindex set disconnected-dprintf
4835 Choose whether @code{dprintf} commands should continue to run if
4836 @value{GDBN} has disconnected from the target. This only applies
4837 if the @code{dprintf-style} is @code{agent}.
4838
4839 @item show disconnected-dprintf off
4840 @kindex show disconnected-dprintf
4841 Show the current choice for disconnected @code{dprintf}.
4842
4843 @end table
4844
4845 @value{GDBN} does not check the validity of function and channel,
4846 relying on you to supply values that are meaningful for the contexts
4847 in which they are being used. For instance, the function and channel
4848 may be the values of local variables, but if that is the case, then
4849 all enabled dynamic prints must be at locations within the scope of
4850 those locals. If evaluation fails, @value{GDBN} will report an error.
4851
4852 @node Save Breakpoints
4853 @subsection How to save breakpoints to a file
4854
4855 To save breakpoint definitions to a file use the @w{@code{save
4856 breakpoints}} command.
4857
4858 @table @code
4859 @kindex save breakpoints
4860 @cindex save breakpoints to a file for future sessions
4861 @item save breakpoints [@var{filename}]
4862 This command saves all current breakpoint definitions together with
4863 their commands and ignore counts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
4864 suitable for use in a later debugging session. This includes all
4865 types of breakpoints (breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints,
4866 tracepoints). To read the saved breakpoint definitions, use the
4867 @code{source} command (@pxref{Command Files}). Note that watchpoints
4868 with expressions involving local variables may fail to be recreated
4869 because it may not be possible to access the context where the
4870 watchpoint is valid anymore. Because the saved breakpoint definitions
4871 are simply a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands that recreate the
4872 breakpoints, you can edit the file in your favorite editing program,
4873 and remove the breakpoint definitions you're not interested in, or
4874 that can no longer be recreated.
4875 @end table
4876
4877 @node Static Probe Points
4878 @subsection Static Probe Points
4879
4880 @cindex static probe point, SystemTap
4881 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{SDT} probes in the code. @acronym{SDT} stands
4882 for Statically Defined Tracing, and the probes are designed to have a tiny
4883 runtime code and data footprint, and no dynamic relocations. They are
4884 usable from assembly, C and C@t{++} languages. See
4885 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/UserSpaceProbeImplementation}
4886 for a good reference on how the @acronym{SDT} probes are implemented.
4887
4888 Currently, @code{SystemTap} (@uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/})
4889 @acronym{SDT} probes are supported on ELF-compatible systems. See
4890 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/AddingUserSpaceProbingToApps}
4891 for more information on how to add @code{SystemTap} @acronym{SDT} probes
4892 in your applications.
4893
4894 @cindex semaphores on static probe points
4895 Some probes have an associated semaphore variable; for instance, this
4896 happens automatically if you defined your probe using a DTrace-style
4897 @file{.d} file. If your probe has a semaphore, @value{GDBN} will
4898 automatically enable it when you specify a breakpoint using the
4899 @samp{-probe-stap} notation. But, if you put a breakpoint at a probe's
4900 location by some other method (e.g., @code{break file:line}), then
4901 @value{GDBN} will not automatically set the semaphore.
4902
4903 You can examine the available static static probes using @code{info
4904 probes}, with optional arguments:
4905
4906 @table @code
4907 @kindex info probes
4908 @item info probes stap @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
4909 If given, @var{provider} is a regular expression used to match against provider
4910 names when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probes by all
4911 probes from all providers are listed.
4912
4913 If given, @var{name} is a regular expression to match against probe names
4914 when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probe names are not
4915 considered when deciding whether to display them.
4916
4917 If given, @var{objfile} is a regular expression used to select which
4918 object files (executable or shared libraries) to examine. If not
4919 given, all object files are considered.
4920
4921 @item info probes all
4922 List the available static probes, from all types.
4923 @end table
4924
4925 @vindex $_probe_arg@r{, convenience variable}
4926 A probe may specify up to twelve arguments. These are available at the
4927 point at which the probe is defined---that is, when the current PC is
4928 at the probe's location. The arguments are available using the
4929 convenience variables (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
4930 @code{$_probe_arg0}@dots{}@code{$_probe_arg11}. Each probe argument is
4931 an integer of the appropriate size; types are not preserved. The
4932 convenience variable @code{$_probe_argc} holds the number of arguments
4933 at the current probe point.
4934
4935 These variables are always available, but attempts to access them at
4936 any location other than a probe point will cause @value{GDBN} to give
4937 an error message.
4938
4939
4940 @c @ifclear BARETARGET
4941 @node Error in Breakpoints
4942 @subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
4943
4944 If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
4945 watchpoints, you will see this error message:
4946
4947 @c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
4948 @c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
4949 @smallexample
4950 Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
4951 You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
4952 @end smallexample
4953
4954 @noindent
4955 This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
4956 only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
4957 watchpoints it needs to insert.
4958
4959 When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
4960 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
4961
4962 @node Breakpoint-related Warnings
4963 @subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
4964 @cindex breakpoint address adjusted
4965
4966 Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
4967 which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
4968 @value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
4969 with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
4970
4971 One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
4972 a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
4973 bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
4974 constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
4975 bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
4976 honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
4977 first in the bundle.
4978
4979 It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
4980 instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
4981 a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
4982 another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
4983 breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
4984 printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
4985 is hit.
4986
4987 A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
4988 that's been subject to address adjustment:
4989
4990 @smallexample
4991 warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
4992 @end smallexample
4993
4994 Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
4995 internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
4996 verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
4997 desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
4998 other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
4999 E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
5000 instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
5001 cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
5002
5003 @value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
5004 adjusted breakpoints:
5005
5006 @smallexample
5007 warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
5008 to 0x00010410.
5009 @end smallexample
5010
5011 When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
5012 action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
5013 frequently than expected.
5014
5015 @node Continuing and Stepping
5016 @section Continuing and Stepping
5017
5018 @cindex stepping
5019 @cindex continuing
5020 @cindex resuming execution
5021 @dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
5022 completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
5023 one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
5024 line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
5025 particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
5026 your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
5027 it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
5028 @samp{signal 0} to resume execution. @xref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
5029
5030 @table @code
5031 @kindex continue
5032 @kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
5033 @kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
5034 @item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5035 @itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5036 @itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5037 Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
5038 any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
5039 @var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
5040 ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
5041 @code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
5042
5043 The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
5044 stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
5045 @code{continue} is ignored.
5046
5047 The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
5048 debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
5049 purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
5050 @code{continue}.
5051 @end table
5052
5053 To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
5054 (@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
5055 calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
5056 Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
5057
5058 A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
5059 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
5060 beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
5061 is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
5062 and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
5063 interesting, until you see the problem happen.
5064
5065 @table @code
5066 @kindex step
5067 @kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
5068 @item step
5069 Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
5070 line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
5071 abbreviated @code{s}.
5072
5073 @quotation
5074 @c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
5075 @c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
5076 @c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
5077 @c distinction here.
5078 @emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
5079 within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
5080 execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
5081 debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
5082 is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
5083 without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
5084 below.
5085 @end quotation
5086
5087 The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
5088 line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5089 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
5090 to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
5091 the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
5092 called within the line.
5093
5094 Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
5095 number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
5096 @code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
5097 on @acronym{MIPS} machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
5098 was any debugging information about the routine.
5099
5100 @item step @var{count}
5101 Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
5102 breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
5103 @var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
5104
5105 @kindex next
5106 @kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
5107 @item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5108 Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
5109 This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
5110 the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
5111 control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
5112 that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
5113 is abbreviated @code{n}.
5114
5115 An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
5116
5117
5118 @c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
5119 @c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
5120 @c
5121 @c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
5122 @c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
5123 @c function are executed without stopping.
5124
5125 The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
5126 source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5127 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
5128
5129 @kindex set step-mode
5130 @item set step-mode
5131 @cindex functions without line info, and stepping
5132 @cindex stepping into functions with no line info
5133 @itemx set step-mode on
5134 The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
5135 stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
5136 information rather than stepping over it.
5137
5138 This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
5139 machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
5140 want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
5141
5142 @item set step-mode off
5143 Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
5144 debug information. This is the default.
5145
5146 @item show step-mode
5147 Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
5148 source line debug information.
5149
5150 @kindex finish
5151 @kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
5152 @item finish
5153 Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
5154 returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
5155 abbreviated as @code{fin}.
5156
5157 Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
5158 ,Returning from a Function}).
5159
5160 @kindex until
5161 @kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
5162 @cindex run until specified location
5163 @item until
5164 @itemx u
5165 Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
5166 current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
5167 stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
5168 command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
5169 automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
5170 than the address of the jump.
5171
5172 This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
5173 though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
5174 exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
5175 simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
5176 through the next iteration.
5177
5178 @code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
5179 stack frame.
5180
5181 @code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
5182 of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
5183 example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
5184 (@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
5185 @code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
5186
5187 @smallexample
5188 (@value{GDBP}) f
5189 #0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
5190 206 expand_input();
5191 (@value{GDBP}) until
5192 195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
5193 @end smallexample
5194
5195 This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
5196 generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
5197 start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
5198 written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
5199 to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
5200 expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
5201 statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
5202
5203 @code{until} with no argument works by means of single
5204 instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
5205 argument.
5206
5207 @item until @var{location}
5208 @itemx u @var{location}
5209 Continue running your program until either the specified location is
5210 reached, or the current stack frame returns. @var{location} is any of
5211 the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
5212 This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
5213 hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
5214 location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
5215 implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
5216 invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
5217 line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
5218 line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
5219 invocations have returned.
5220
5221 @smallexample
5222 94 int factorial (int value)
5223 95 @{
5224 96 if (value > 1) @{
5225 97 value *= factorial (value - 1);
5226 98 @}
5227 99 return (value);
5228 100 @}
5229 @end smallexample
5230
5231
5232 @kindex advance @var{location}
5233 @item advance @var{location}
5234 Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
5235 required, which should be of one of the forms described in
5236 @ref{Specify Location}.
5237 Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
5238 frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
5239 not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
5240 have to be in the same frame as the current one.
5241
5242
5243 @kindex stepi
5244 @kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
5245 @item stepi
5246 @itemx stepi @var{arg}
5247 @itemx si
5248 Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
5249
5250 It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
5251 instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
5252 instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
5253 Display,, Automatic Display}.
5254
5255 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
5256
5257 @need 750
5258 @kindex nexti
5259 @kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
5260 @item nexti
5261 @itemx nexti @var{arg}
5262 @itemx ni
5263 Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
5264 proceed until the function returns.
5265
5266 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
5267
5268 @end table
5269
5270 @anchor{range stepping}
5271 @cindex range stepping
5272 @cindex target-assisted range stepping
5273 By default, and if available, @value{GDBN} makes use of
5274 target-assisted @dfn{range stepping}. In other words, whenever you
5275 use a stepping command (e.g., @code{step}, @code{next}), @value{GDBN}
5276 tells the target to step the corresponding range of instruction
5277 addresses instead of issuing multiple single-steps. This speeds up
5278 line stepping, particularly for remote targets. Ideally, there should
5279 be no reason you would want to turn range stepping off. However, it's
5280 possible that a bug in the debug info, a bug in the remote stub (for
5281 remote targets), or even a bug in @value{GDBN} could make line
5282 stepping behave incorrectly when target-assisted range stepping is
5283 enabled. You can use the following command to turn off range stepping
5284 if necessary:
5285
5286 @table @code
5287 @kindex set range-stepping
5288 @kindex show range-stepping
5289 @item set range-stepping
5290 @itemx show range-stepping
5291 Control whether range stepping is enabled.
5292
5293 If @code{on}, and the target supports it, @value{GDBN} tells the
5294 target to step a range of addresses itself, instead of issuing
5295 multiple single-steps. If @code{off}, @value{GDBN} always issues
5296 single-steps, even if range stepping is supported by the target. The
5297 default is @code{on}.
5298
5299 @end table
5300
5301 @node Skipping Over Functions and Files
5302 @section Skipping Over Functions and Files
5303 @cindex skipping over functions and files
5304
5305 The program you are debugging may contain some functions which are
5306 uninteresting to debug. The @code{skip} comand lets you tell @value{GDBN} to
5307 skip a function or all functions in a file when stepping.
5308
5309 For example, consider the following C function:
5310
5311 @smallexample
5312 101 int func()
5313 102 @{
5314 103 foo(boring());
5315 104 bar(boring());
5316 105 @}
5317 @end smallexample
5318
5319 @noindent
5320 Suppose you wish to step into the functions @code{foo} and @code{bar}, but you
5321 are not interested in stepping through @code{boring}. If you run @code{step}
5322 at line 103, you'll enter @code{boring()}, but if you run @code{next}, you'll
5323 step over both @code{foo} and @code{boring}!
5324
5325 One solution is to @code{step} into @code{boring} and use the @code{finish}
5326 command to immediately exit it. But this can become tedious if @code{boring}
5327 is called from many places.
5328
5329 A more flexible solution is to execute @kbd{skip boring}. This instructs
5330 @value{GDBN} never to step into @code{boring}. Now when you execute
5331 @code{step} at line 103, you'll step over @code{boring} and directly into
5332 @code{foo}.
5333
5334 You can also instruct @value{GDBN} to skip all functions in a file, with, for
5335 example, @code{skip file boring.c}.
5336
5337 @table @code
5338 @kindex skip function
5339 @item skip @r{[}@var{linespec}@r{]}
5340 @itemx skip function @r{[}@var{linespec}@r{]}
5341 After running this command, the function named by @var{linespec} or the
5342 function containing the line named by @var{linespec} will be skipped over when
5343 stepping. @xref{Specify Location}.
5344
5345 If you do not specify @var{linespec}, the function you're currently debugging
5346 will be skipped.
5347
5348 (If you have a function called @code{file} that you want to skip, use
5349 @kbd{skip function file}.)
5350
5351 @kindex skip file
5352 @item skip file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
5353 After running this command, any function whose source lives in @var{filename}
5354 will be skipped over when stepping.
5355
5356 If you do not specify @var{filename}, functions whose source lives in the file
5357 you're currently debugging will be skipped.
5358 @end table
5359
5360 Skips can be listed, deleted, disabled, and enabled, much like breakpoints.
5361 These are the commands for managing your list of skips:
5362
5363 @table @code
5364 @kindex info skip
5365 @item info skip @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5366 Print details about the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified,
5367 print a table with details about all functions and files marked for skipping.
5368 @code{info skip} prints the following information about each skip:
5369
5370 @table @emph
5371 @item Identifier
5372 A number identifying this skip.
5373 @item Type
5374 The type of this skip, either @samp{function} or @samp{file}.
5375 @item Enabled or Disabled
5376 Enabled skips are marked with @samp{y}. Disabled skips are marked with @samp{n}.
5377 @item Address
5378 For function skips, this column indicates the address in memory of the function
5379 being skipped. If you've set a function skip on a function which has not yet
5380 been loaded, this field will contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Once a shared library
5381 which has the function is loaded, @code{info skip} will show the function's
5382 address here.
5383 @item What
5384 For file skips, this field contains the filename being skipped. For functions
5385 skips, this field contains the function name and its line number in the file
5386 where it is defined.
5387 @end table
5388
5389 @kindex skip delete
5390 @item skip delete @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5391 Delete the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, delete all
5392 skips.
5393
5394 @kindex skip enable
5395 @item skip enable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5396 Enable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, enable all
5397 skips.
5398
5399 @kindex skip disable
5400 @item skip disable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5401 Disable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, disable all
5402 skips.
5403
5404 @end table
5405
5406 @node Signals
5407 @section Signals
5408 @cindex signals
5409
5410 A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
5411 operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
5412 kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
5413 signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
5414 @code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
5415 memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
5416 the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
5417 requested an alarm).
5418
5419 @cindex fatal signals
5420 Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
5421 functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
5422 errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
5423 program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
5424 @code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
5425 fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
5426
5427 @value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
5428 program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
5429 signal.
5430
5431 @cindex handling signals
5432 Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
5433 @code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
5434 (so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
5435 but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
5436 You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
5437
5438 @table @code
5439 @kindex info signals
5440 @kindex info handle
5441 @item info signals
5442 @itemx info handle
5443 Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
5444 handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
5445 the defined types of signals.
5446
5447 @item info signals @var{sig}
5448 Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
5449
5450 @code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
5451
5452 @item catch signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
5453 Set a catchpoint for the indicated signals. @xref{Set Catchpoints},
5454 for details about this command.
5455
5456 @kindex handle
5457 @item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
5458 Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. @var{signal}
5459 can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
5460 @samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
5461 @samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
5462 known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
5463 say what change to make.
5464 @end table
5465
5466 @c @group
5467 The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
5468 Their full names are:
5469
5470 @table @code
5471 @item nostop
5472 @value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
5473 still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
5474
5475 @item stop
5476 @value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
5477 the @code{print} keyword as well.
5478
5479 @item print
5480 @value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
5481
5482 @item noprint
5483 @value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
5484 implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
5485
5486 @item pass
5487 @itemx noignore
5488 @value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
5489 can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
5490 and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
5491
5492 @item nopass
5493 @itemx ignore
5494 @value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
5495 @code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
5496 @end table
5497 @c @end group
5498
5499 When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
5500 program until you
5501 continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
5502 effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
5503 after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
5504 command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
5505 program sees that signal when you continue.
5506
5507 The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
5508 non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
5509 @code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
5510 erroneous signals.
5511
5512 You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
5513 seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
5514 or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
5515 due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
5516 values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
5517 execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
5518 a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
5519 you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
5520 Program a Signal}.
5521
5522 @cindex extra signal information
5523 @anchor{extra signal information}
5524
5525 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can inspect extra signal information
5526 associated with the intercepted signal, before it is actually
5527 delivered to the program being debugged. This information is exported
5528 by the convenience variable @code{$_siginfo}, and consists of data
5529 that is passed by the kernel to the signal handler at the time of the
5530 receipt of a signal. The data type of the information itself is
5531 target dependent. You can see the data type using the @code{ptype
5532 $_siginfo} command. On Unix systems, it typically corresponds to the
5533 standard @code{siginfo_t} type, as defined in the @file{signal.h}
5534 system header.
5535
5536 Here's an example, on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, printing the stray
5537 referenced address that raised a segmentation fault.
5538
5539 @smallexample
5540 @group
5541 (@value{GDBP}) continue
5542 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
5543 0x0000000000400766 in main ()
5544 69 *(int *)p = 0;
5545 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo
5546 type = struct @{
5547 int si_signo;
5548 int si_errno;
5549 int si_code;
5550 union @{
5551 int _pad[28];
5552 struct @{...@} _kill;
5553 struct @{...@} _timer;
5554 struct @{...@} _rt;
5555 struct @{...@} _sigchld;
5556 struct @{...@} _sigfault;
5557 struct @{...@} _sigpoll;
5558 @} _sifields;
5559 @}
5560 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault
5561 type = struct @{
5562 void *si_addr;
5563 @}
5564 (@value{GDBP}) p $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault.si_addr
5565 $1 = (void *) 0x7ffff7ff7000
5566 @end group
5567 @end smallexample
5568
5569 Depending on target support, @code{$_siginfo} may also be writable.
5570
5571 @node Thread Stops
5572 @section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
5573
5574 @cindex stopped threads
5575 @cindex threads, stopped
5576
5577 @cindex continuing threads
5578 @cindex threads, continuing
5579
5580 @value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
5581 (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
5582 are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
5583 debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
5584 when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
5585 or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
5586 @value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
5587 @dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
5588 you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
5589
5590 @menu
5591 * All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
5592 * Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
5593 * Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
5594 * Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
5595 * Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
5596 * Observer Mode:: GDB does not alter program behavior
5597 @end menu
5598
5599 @node All-Stop Mode
5600 @subsection All-Stop Mode
5601
5602 @cindex all-stop mode
5603
5604 In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
5605 @emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
5606 allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
5607 switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
5608 underfoot.
5609
5610 Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
5611 executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
5612 like @code{step} or @code{next}.
5613
5614 In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
5615 Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
5616 system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
5617 execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
5618 single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
5619 statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
5620 stops.
5621
5622 You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
5623 continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
5624 thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
5625 first thread completes whatever you requested.
5626
5627 @cindex automatic thread selection
5628 @cindex switching threads automatically
5629 @cindex threads, automatic switching
5630 Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
5631 signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
5632 signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
5633 message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
5634 thread.
5635
5636 On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
5637 locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
5638
5639 @table @code
5640 @item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
5641 @cindex scheduler locking mode
5642 @cindex lock scheduler
5643 Set the scheduler locking mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
5644 locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only the
5645 current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The @code{step}
5646 mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other threads
5647 from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so that
5648 the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly.
5649 Other threads only rarely (or never) get a chance to run
5650 when you step. They are more likely to run when you @samp{next} over a
5651 function call, and they are completely free to run when you use commands
5652 like @samp{continue}, @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another
5653 thread hits a breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change
5654 the current thread away from the thread that you are debugging.
5655
5656 @item show scheduler-locking
5657 Display the current scheduler locking mode.
5658 @end table
5659
5660 @cindex resume threads of multiple processes simultaneously
5661 By default, when you issue one of the execution commands such as
5662 @code{continue}, @code{next} or @code{step}, @value{GDBN} allows only
5663 threads of the current inferior to run. For example, if @value{GDBN}
5664 is attached to two inferiors, each with two threads, the
5665 @code{continue} command resumes only the two threads of the current
5666 inferior. This is useful, for example, when you debug a program that
5667 forks and you want to hold the parent stopped (so that, for instance,
5668 it doesn't run to exit), while you debug the child. In other
5669 situations, you may not be interested in inspecting the current state
5670 of any of the processes @value{GDBN} is attached to, and you may want
5671 to resume them all until some breakpoint is hit. In the latter case,
5672 you can instruct @value{GDBN} to allow all threads of all the
5673 inferiors to run with the @w{@code{set schedule-multiple}} command.
5674
5675 @table @code
5676 @kindex set schedule-multiple
5677 @item set schedule-multiple
5678 Set the mode for allowing threads of multiple processes to be resumed
5679 when an execution command is issued. When @code{on}, all threads of
5680 all processes are allowed to run. When @code{off}, only the threads
5681 of the current process are resumed. The default is @code{off}. The
5682 @code{scheduler-locking} mode takes precedence when set to @code{on},
5683 or while you are stepping and set to @code{step}.
5684
5685 @item show schedule-multiple
5686 Display the current mode for resuming the execution of threads of
5687 multiple processes.
5688 @end table
5689
5690 @node Non-Stop Mode
5691 @subsection Non-Stop Mode
5692
5693 @cindex non-stop mode
5694
5695 @c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
5696 @c with more details.
5697
5698 For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
5699 mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
5700 the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
5701 minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
5702 where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
5703 respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
5704
5705 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
5706 @emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
5707 threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
5708 execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
5709 only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
5710 in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
5711 ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
5712 one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
5713 one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
5714 independently and simultaneously.
5715
5716 To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
5717 or attach to your program:
5718
5719 @smallexample
5720 # Enable the async interface.
5721 set target-async 1
5722
5723 # If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
5724 set pagination off
5725
5726 # Finally, turn it on!
5727 set non-stop on
5728 @end smallexample
5729
5730 You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
5731
5732 @table @code
5733 @kindex set non-stop
5734 @item set non-stop on
5735 Enable selection of non-stop mode.
5736 @item set non-stop off
5737 Disable selection of non-stop mode.
5738 @kindex show non-stop
5739 @item show non-stop
5740 Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
5741 @end table
5742
5743 Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
5744 not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
5745 In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
5746 @value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
5747 not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
5748 since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
5749 non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
5750 default.
5751
5752 In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
5753 by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
5754 To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
5755
5756 You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
5757 (@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
5758 while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
5759 The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
5760 always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
5761
5762 Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
5763 running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
5764 In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
5765 but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
5766 To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
5767
5768 Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
5769
5770 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
5771 that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
5772 thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
5773 command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
5774 changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
5775 previously current thread.
5776
5777 @node Background Execution
5778 @subsection Background Execution
5779
5780 @cindex foreground execution
5781 @cindex background execution
5782 @cindex asynchronous execution
5783 @cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
5784
5785 @value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
5786 foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
5787 (asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
5788 the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
5789 another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
5790 a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
5791
5792 You need to explicitly enable asynchronous mode before you can use
5793 background execution commands. You can use these commands to
5794 manipulate the asynchronous mode setting:
5795
5796 @table @code
5797 @kindex set target-async
5798 @item set target-async on
5799 Enable asynchronous mode.
5800 @item set target-async off
5801 Disable asynchronous mode.
5802 @kindex show target-async
5803 @item show target-async
5804 Show the current target-async setting.
5805 @end table
5806
5807 If the target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error
5808 message if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
5809
5810 To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
5811 the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
5812 just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
5813 are:
5814
5815 @table @code
5816 @kindex run&
5817 @item run
5818 @xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
5819
5820 @item attach
5821 @kindex attach&
5822 @xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
5823
5824 @item step
5825 @kindex step&
5826 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
5827
5828 @item stepi
5829 @kindex stepi&
5830 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
5831
5832 @item next
5833 @kindex next&
5834 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
5835
5836 @item nexti
5837 @kindex nexti&
5838 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, nexti}.
5839
5840 @item continue
5841 @kindex continue&
5842 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
5843
5844 @item finish
5845 @kindex finish&
5846 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
5847
5848 @item until
5849 @kindex until&
5850 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
5851
5852 @end table
5853
5854 Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
5855 mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
5856 However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
5857 the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
5858 previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
5859 mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
5860
5861 You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
5862 using the @code{interrupt} command.
5863
5864 @table @code
5865 @kindex interrupt
5866 @item interrupt
5867 @itemx interrupt -a
5868
5869 Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
5870 @code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
5871 only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
5872 use @code{interrupt -a}.
5873 @end table
5874
5875 @node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5876 @subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5877
5878 When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
5879 Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
5880 breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
5881
5882 @table @code
5883 @cindex breakpoints and threads
5884 @cindex thread breakpoints
5885 @kindex break @dots{} thread @var{threadno}
5886 @item break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno}
5887 @itemx break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno} if @dots{}
5888 @var{linespec} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
5889 writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
5890 specify some source line.
5891
5892 Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{threadno}} with a breakpoint command
5893 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
5894 particular thread reaches this breakpoint. @var{threadno} is one of the
5895 numeric thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
5896 column of the @samp{info threads} display.
5897
5898 If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{threadno}} when you set a
5899 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
5900 program.
5901
5902 You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
5903 well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{threadno}} before or
5904 after the breakpoint condition, like this:
5905
5906 @smallexample
5907 (@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
5908 @end smallexample
5909
5910 @end table
5911
5912 Thread-specific breakpoints are automatically deleted when
5913 @value{GDBN} detects the corresponding thread is no longer in the
5914 thread list. For example:
5915
5916 @smallexample
5917 (@value{GDBP}) c
5918 Thread-specific breakpoint 3 deleted - thread 28 no longer in the thread list.
5919 @end smallexample
5920
5921 There are several ways for a thread to disappear, such as a regular
5922 thread exit, but also when you detach from the process with the
5923 @code{detach} command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running
5924 Process}), or if @value{GDBN} loses the remote connection
5925 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), etc. Note that with some targets,
5926 @value{GDBN} is only able to detect a thread has exited when the user
5927 explictly asks for the thread list with the @code{info threads}
5928 command.
5929
5930 @node Interrupted System Calls
5931 @subsection Interrupted System Calls
5932
5933 @cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
5934 @cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
5935 @cindex premature return from system calls
5936 There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
5937 multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
5938 breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
5939 system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
5940 consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
5941 that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
5942 stop execution.
5943
5944 To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
5945 each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
5946 style anyways.
5947
5948 For example, do not write code like this:
5949
5950 @smallexample
5951 sleep (10);
5952 @end smallexample
5953
5954 The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
5955 at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
5956
5957 Instead, write this:
5958
5959 @smallexample
5960 int unslept = 10;
5961 while (unslept > 0)
5962 unslept = sleep (unslept);
5963 @end smallexample
5964
5965 A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
5966 conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
5967 multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
5968 @value{GDBN}.
5969
5970 Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
5971 monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
5972 When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
5973 prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
5974
5975 @node Observer Mode
5976 @subsection Observer Mode
5977
5978 If you want to build on non-stop mode and observe program behavior
5979 without any chance of disruption by @value{GDBN}, you can set
5980 variables to disable all of the debugger's attempts to modify state,
5981 whether by writing memory, inserting breakpoints, etc. These operate
5982 at a low level, intercepting operations from all commands.
5983
5984 When all of these are set to @code{off}, then @value{GDBN} is said to
5985 be @dfn{observer mode}. As a convenience, the variable
5986 @code{observer} can be set to disable these, plus enable non-stop
5987 mode.
5988
5989 Note that @value{GDBN} will not prevent you from making nonsensical
5990 combinations of these settings. For instance, if you have enabled
5991 @code{may-insert-breakpoints} but disabled @code{may-write-memory},
5992 then breakpoints that work by writing trap instructions into the code
5993 stream will still not be able to be placed.
5994
5995 @table @code
5996
5997 @kindex observer
5998 @item set observer on
5999 @itemx set observer off
6000 When set to @code{on}, this disables all the permission variables
6001 below (except for @code{insert-fast-tracepoints}), plus enables
6002 non-stop debugging. Setting this to @code{off} switches back to
6003 normal debugging, though remaining in non-stop mode.
6004
6005 @item show observer
6006 Show whether observer mode is on or off.
6007
6008 @kindex may-write-registers
6009 @item set may-write-registers on
6010 @itemx set may-write-registers off
6011 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the values of
6012 registers, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}, or the
6013 @code{jump} command. It defaults to @code{on}.
6014
6015 @item show may-write-registers
6016 Show the current permission to write registers.
6017
6018 @kindex may-write-memory
6019 @item set may-write-memory on
6020 @itemx set may-write-memory off
6021 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the contents
6022 of memory, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}. It
6023 defaults to @code{on}.
6024
6025 @item show may-write-memory
6026 Show the current permission to write memory.
6027
6028 @kindex may-insert-breakpoints
6029 @item set may-insert-breakpoints on
6030 @itemx set may-insert-breakpoints off
6031 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert breakpoints.
6032 This affects all breakpoints, including internal breakpoints defined
6033 by @value{GDBN}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6034
6035 @item show may-insert-breakpoints
6036 Show the current permission to insert breakpoints.
6037
6038 @kindex may-insert-tracepoints
6039 @item set may-insert-tracepoints on
6040 @itemx set may-insert-tracepoints off
6041 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert (regular)
6042 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
6043 non-fast tracepoints, fast tracepoints being under the control of
6044 @code{may-insert-fast-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6045
6046 @item show may-insert-tracepoints
6047 Show the current permission to insert tracepoints.
6048
6049 @kindex may-insert-fast-tracepoints
6050 @item set may-insert-fast-tracepoints on
6051 @itemx set may-insert-fast-tracepoints off
6052 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert fast
6053 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
6054 fast tracepoints, regular (non-fast) tracepoints being under the
6055 control of @code{may-insert-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6056
6057 @item show may-insert-fast-tracepoints
6058 Show the current permission to insert fast tracepoints.
6059
6060 @kindex may-interrupt
6061 @item set may-interrupt on
6062 @itemx set may-interrupt off
6063 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to interrupt or stop
6064 program execution. When this variable is @code{off}, the
6065 @code{interrupt} command will have no effect, nor will
6066 @kbd{Ctrl-c}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6067
6068 @item show may-interrupt
6069 Show the current permission to interrupt or stop the program.
6070
6071 @end table
6072
6073 @node Reverse Execution
6074 @chapter Running programs backward
6075 @cindex reverse execution
6076 @cindex running programs backward
6077
6078 When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
6079 you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
6080 If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
6081 ``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
6082
6083 A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
6084 to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
6085 program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
6086 revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
6087 deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
6088 all target environments can support reverse execution.
6089
6090 When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
6091 have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
6092 order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
6093 thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
6094 the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
6095 instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
6096 a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
6097 should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
6098 prior values@footnote{
6099 Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
6100 memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
6101 targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
6102
6103 The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
6104 requires only that the target do something reasonable when
6105 @value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
6106 results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
6107 @value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
6108 assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
6109 consistant state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
6110 }.
6111
6112 If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
6113 reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
6114
6115 @table @code
6116 @kindex reverse-continue
6117 @kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
6118 @item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6119 @itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6120 Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
6121 in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
6122 exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
6123 asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
6124
6125 @kindex reverse-step
6126 @kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
6127 @item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6128 Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
6129 different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
6130
6131 Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
6132 at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
6133 executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
6134 debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
6135 the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
6136 statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
6137
6138 Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
6139 called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
6140
6141 @kindex reverse-stepi
6142 @kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
6143 @item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6144 Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
6145 to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
6146 counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
6147 if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
6148 back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
6149
6150 @kindex reverse-next
6151 @kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
6152 @item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6153 Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
6154 the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
6155 calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
6156 the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
6157 to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
6158 just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
6159 line of a function back to its return to its caller
6160 @footnote{Unless the code is too heavily optimized.}.
6161
6162 @kindex reverse-nexti
6163 @kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
6164 @item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6165 Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
6166 in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
6167 That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
6168 another function, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
6169 in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
6170 frame) is reached.
6171
6172 @kindex reverse-finish
6173 @item reverse-finish
6174 Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
6175 current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
6176 where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
6177 function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
6178
6179 @kindex set exec-direction
6180 @item set exec-direction
6181 Set the direction of target execution.
6182 @item set exec-direction reverse
6183 @cindex execute forward or backward in time
6184 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
6185 exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
6186 @code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
6187 command cannot be used in reverse mode.
6188 @item set exec-direction forward
6189 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
6190 This is the default.
6191 @end table
6192
6193
6194 @node Process Record and Replay
6195 @chapter Recording Inferior's Execution and Replaying It
6196 @cindex process record and replay
6197 @cindex recording inferior's execution and replaying it
6198
6199 On some platforms, @value{GDBN} provides a special @dfn{process record
6200 and replay} target that can record a log of the process execution, and
6201 replay it later with both forward and reverse execution commands.
6202
6203 @cindex replay mode
6204 When this target is in use, if the execution log includes the record
6205 for the next instruction, @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{replay
6206 mode}. In the replay mode, the inferior does not really execute code
6207 instructions. Instead, all the events that normally happen during
6208 code execution are taken from the execution log. While code is not
6209 really executed in replay mode, the values of registers (including the
6210 program counter register) and the memory of the inferior are still
6211 changed as they normally would. Their contents are taken from the
6212 execution log.
6213
6214 @cindex record mode
6215 If the record for the next instruction is not in the execution log,
6216 @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{record mode}. In this mode, the
6217 inferior executes normally, and @value{GDBN} records the execution log
6218 for future replay.
6219
6220 The process record and replay target supports reverse execution
6221 (@pxref{Reverse Execution}), even if the platform on which the
6222 inferior runs does not. However, the reverse execution is limited in
6223 this case by the range of the instructions recorded in the execution
6224 log. In other words, reverse execution on platforms that don't
6225 support it directly can only be done in the replay mode.
6226
6227 When debugging in the reverse direction, @value{GDBN} will work in
6228 replay mode as long as the execution log includes the record for the
6229 previous instruction; otherwise, it will work in record mode, if the
6230 platform supports reverse execution, or stop if not.
6231
6232 For architecture environments that support process record and replay,
6233 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands:
6234
6235 @table @code
6236 @kindex target record
6237 @kindex target record-full
6238 @kindex target record-btrace
6239 @kindex record
6240 @kindex record full
6241 @kindex record btrace
6242 @kindex rec
6243 @kindex rec full
6244 @kindex rec btrace
6245 @item record @var{method}
6246 This command starts the process record and replay target. The
6247 recording method can be specified as parameter. Without a parameter
6248 the command uses the @code{full} recording method. The following
6249 recording methods are available:
6250
6251 @table @code
6252 @item full
6253 Full record/replay recording using @value{GDBN}'s software record and
6254 replay implementation. This method allows replaying and reverse
6255 execution.
6256
6257 @item btrace
6258 Hardware-supported instruction recording. This method does not allow
6259 replaying and reverse execution.
6260
6261 This recording method may not be available on all processors.
6262 @end table
6263
6264 The process record and replay target can only debug a process that is
6265 already running. Therefore, you need first to start the process with
6266 the @kbd{run} or @kbd{start} commands, and then start the recording
6267 with the @kbd{record @var{method}} command.
6268
6269 Both @code{record @var{method}} and @code{rec @var{method}} are
6270 aliases of @code{target record-@var{method}}.
6271
6272 @cindex displaced stepping, and process record and replay
6273 Displaced stepping (@pxref{Maintenance Commands,, displaced stepping})
6274 will be automatically disabled when process record and replay target
6275 is started. That's because the process record and replay target
6276 doesn't support displaced stepping.
6277
6278 @cindex non-stop mode, and process record and replay
6279 @cindex asynchronous execution, and process record and replay
6280 If the inferior is in the non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) or in
6281 the asynchronous execution mode (@pxref{Background Execution}), not
6282 all recording methods are available. The @code{full} recording method
6283 does not support these two modes.
6284
6285 @kindex record stop
6286 @kindex rec s
6287 @item record stop
6288 Stop the process record and replay target. When process record and
6289 replay target stops, the entire execution log will be deleted and the
6290 inferior will either be terminated, or will remain in its final state.
6291
6292 When you stop the process record and replay target in record mode (at
6293 the end of the execution log), the inferior will be stopped at the
6294 next instruction that would have been recorded. In other words, if
6295 you record for a while and then stop recording, the inferior process
6296 will be left in the same state as if the recording never happened.
6297
6298 On the other hand, if the process record and replay target is stopped
6299 while in replay mode (that is, not at the end of the execution log,
6300 but at some earlier point), the inferior process will become ``live''
6301 at that earlier state, and it will then be possible to continue the
6302 usual ``live'' debugging of the process from that state.
6303
6304 When the inferior process exits, or @value{GDBN} detaches from it,
6305 process record and replay target will automatically stop itself.
6306
6307 @kindex record goto
6308 @item record goto
6309 Go to a specific location in the execution log. There are several
6310 ways to specify the location to go to:
6311
6312 @table @code
6313 @item record goto begin
6314 @itemx record goto start
6315 Go to the beginning of the execution log.
6316
6317 @item record goto end
6318 Go to the end of the execution log.
6319
6320 @item record goto @var{n}
6321 Go to instruction number @var{n} in the execution log.
6322 @end table
6323
6324 @kindex record save
6325 @item record save @var{filename}
6326 Save the execution log to a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6327 Default filename is @file{gdb_record.@var{process_id}}, where
6328 @var{process_id} is the process ID of the inferior.
6329
6330 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
6331
6332 @kindex record restore
6333 @item record restore @var{filename}
6334 Restore the execution log from a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6335 File must have been created with @code{record save}.
6336
6337 @kindex set record full
6338 @item set record full insn-number-max @var{limit}
6339 @itemx set record full insn-number-max unlimited
6340 Set the limit of instructions to be recorded for the @code{full}
6341 recording method. Default value is 200000.
6342
6343 If @var{limit} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will start
6344 deleting instructions from the log once the number of the record
6345 instructions becomes greater than @var{limit}. For every new recorded
6346 instruction, @value{GDBN} will delete the earliest recorded
6347 instruction to keep the number of recorded instructions at the limit.
6348 (Since deleting recorded instructions loses information, @value{GDBN}
6349 lets you control what happens when the limit is reached, by means of
6350 the @code{stop-at-limit} option, described below.)
6351
6352 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will never
6353 delete recorded instructions from the execution log. The number of
6354 recorded instructions is limited only by the available memory.
6355
6356 @kindex show record full
6357 @item show record full insn-number-max
6358 Show the limit of instructions to be recorded with the @code{full}
6359 recording method.
6360
6361 @item set record full stop-at-limit
6362 Control the behavior of the @code{full} recording method when the
6363 number of recorded instructions reaches the limit. If ON (the
6364 default), @value{GDBN} will stop when the limit is reached for the
6365 first time and ask you whether you want to stop the inferior or
6366 continue running it and recording the execution log. If you decide
6367 to continue recording, each new recorded instruction will cause the
6368 oldest one to be deleted.
6369
6370 If this option is OFF, @value{GDBN} will automatically delete the
6371 oldest record to make room for each new one, without asking.
6372
6373 @item show record full stop-at-limit
6374 Show the current setting of @code{stop-at-limit}.
6375
6376 @item set record full memory-query
6377 Control the behavior when @value{GDBN} is unable to record memory
6378 changes caused by an instruction for the @code{full} recording method.
6379 If ON, @value{GDBN} will query whether to stop the inferior in that
6380 case.
6381
6382 If this option is OFF (the default), @value{GDBN} will automatically
6383 ignore the effect of such instructions on memory. Later, when
6384 @value{GDBN} replays this execution log, it will mark the log of this
6385 instruction as not accessible, and it will not affect the replay
6386 results.
6387
6388 @item show record full memory-query
6389 Show the current setting of @code{memory-query}.
6390
6391 @kindex info record
6392 @item info record
6393 Show various statistics about the recording depending on the recording
6394 method:
6395
6396 @table @code
6397 @item full
6398 For the @code{full} recording method, it shows the state of process
6399 record and its in-memory execution log buffer, including:
6400
6401 @itemize @bullet
6402 @item
6403 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
6404 @item
6405 Lowest recorded instruction number (counting from when the current execution log started recording instructions).
6406 @item
6407 Highest recorded instruction number.
6408 @item
6409 Current instruction about to be replayed (if in replay mode).
6410 @item
6411 Number of instructions contained in the execution log.
6412 @item
6413 Maximum number of instructions that may be contained in the execution log.
6414 @end itemize
6415
6416 @item btrace
6417 For the @code{btrace} recording method, it shows the number of
6418 instructions that have been recorded and the number of blocks of
6419 sequential control-flow that is formed by the recorded instructions.
6420 @end table
6421
6422 @kindex record delete
6423 @kindex rec del
6424 @item record delete
6425 When record target runs in replay mode (``in the past''), delete the
6426 subsequent execution log and begin to record a new execution log starting
6427 from the current address. This means you will abandon the previously
6428 recorded ``future'' and begin recording a new ``future''.
6429
6430 @kindex record instruction-history
6431 @kindex rec instruction-history
6432 @item record instruction-history
6433 Disassembles instructions from the recorded execution log. By
6434 default, ten instructions are disassembled. This can be changed using
6435 the @code{set record instruction-history-size} command. Instructions
6436 are printed in execution order. There are several ways to specify
6437 what part of the execution log to disassemble:
6438
6439 @table @code
6440 @item record instruction-history @var{insn}
6441 Disassembles ten instructions starting from instruction number
6442 @var{insn}.
6443
6444 @item record instruction-history @var{insn}, +/-@var{n}
6445 Disassembles @var{n} instructions around instruction number
6446 @var{insn}. If @var{n} is preceded with @code{+}, disassembles
6447 @var{n} instructions after instruction number @var{insn}. If
6448 @var{n} is preceded with @code{-}, disassembles @var{n}
6449 instructions before instruction number @var{insn}.
6450
6451 @item record instruction-history
6452 Disassembles ten more instructions after the last disassembly.
6453
6454 @item record instruction-history -
6455 Disassembles ten more instructions before the last disassembly.
6456
6457 @item record instruction-history @var{begin} @var{end}
6458 Disassembles instructions beginning with instruction number
6459 @var{begin} until instruction number @var{end}. The instruction
6460 number @var{end} is not included.
6461 @end table
6462
6463 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
6464
6465 @kindex set record
6466 @item set record instruction-history-size @var{size}
6467 @itemx set record instruction-history-size unlimited
6468 Define how many instructions to disassemble in the @code{record
6469 instruction-history} command. The default value is 10.
6470 A @var{size} of @code{unlimited} means unlimited instructions.
6471
6472 @kindex show record
6473 @item show record instruction-history-size
6474 Show how many instructions to disassemble in the @code{record
6475 instruction-history} command.
6476
6477 @kindex record function-call-history
6478 @kindex rec function-call-history
6479 @item record function-call-history
6480 Prints the execution history at function granularity. It prints one
6481 line for each sequence of instructions that belong to the same
6482 function giving the name of that function, the source lines
6483 for this instruction sequence (if the @code{/l} modifier is
6484 specified), and the instructions numbers that form the sequence (if
6485 the @code{/i} modifier is specified).
6486
6487 @smallexample
6488 (@value{GDBP}) @b{list 1, 10}
6489 1 void foo (void)
6490 2 @{
6491 3 @}
6492 4
6493 5 void bar (void)
6494 6 @{
6495 7 ...
6496 8 foo ();
6497 9 ...
6498 10 @}
6499 (@value{GDBP}) @b{record function-call-history /l}
6500 1 foo.c:6-8 bar
6501 2 foo.c:2-3 foo
6502 3 foo.c:9-10 bar
6503 @end smallexample
6504
6505 By default, ten lines are printed. This can be changed using the
6506 @code{set record function-call-history-size} command. Functions are
6507 printed in execution order. There are several ways to specify what
6508 to print:
6509
6510 @table @code
6511 @item record function-call-history @var{func}
6512 Prints ten functions starting from function number @var{func}.
6513
6514 @item record function-call-history @var{func}, +/-@var{n}
6515 Prints @var{n} functions around function number @var{func}. If
6516 @var{n} is preceded with @code{+}, prints @var{n} functions after
6517 function number @var{func}. If @var{n} is preceded with @code{-},
6518 prints @var{n} functions before function number @var{func}.
6519
6520 @item record function-call-history
6521 Prints ten more functions after the last ten-line print.
6522
6523 @item record function-call-history -
6524 Prints ten more functions before the last ten-line print.
6525
6526 @item record function-call-history @var{begin} @var{end}
6527 Prints functions beginning with function number @var{begin} until
6528 function number @var{end}. The function number @var{end} is not
6529 included.
6530 @end table
6531
6532 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
6533
6534 @item set record function-call-history-size @var{size}
6535 @itemx set record function-call-history-size unlimited
6536 Define how many lines to print in the
6537 @code{record function-call-history} command. The default value is 10.
6538 A size of @code{unlimited} means unlimited lines.
6539
6540 @item show record function-call-history-size
6541 Show how many lines to print in the
6542 @code{record function-call-history} command.
6543 @end table
6544
6545
6546 @node Stack
6547 @chapter Examining the Stack
6548
6549 When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
6550 stopped and how it got there.
6551
6552 @cindex call stack
6553 Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
6554 is generated.
6555 That information includes the location of the call in your program,
6556 the arguments of the call,
6557 and the local variables of the function being called.
6558 The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
6559 The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
6560 stack}.
6561
6562 When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
6563 stack allow you to see all of this information.
6564
6565 @cindex selected frame
6566 One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
6567 @value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
6568 particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
6569 your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
6570 special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
6571 interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
6572
6573 When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
6574 currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
6575 @code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
6576
6577 @menu
6578 * Frames:: Stack frames
6579 * Backtrace:: Backtraces
6580 * Frame Filter Management:: Managing frame filters
6581 * Selection:: Selecting a frame
6582 * Frame Info:: Information on a frame
6583
6584 @end menu
6585
6586 @node Frames
6587 @section Stack Frames
6588
6589 @cindex frame, definition
6590 @cindex stack frame
6591 The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
6592 frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
6593 with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
6594 to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
6595 which the function is executing.
6596
6597 @cindex initial frame
6598 @cindex outermost frame
6599 @cindex innermost frame
6600 When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
6601 function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
6602 @dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
6603 made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
6604 is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
6605 the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
6606 actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
6607 recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
6608
6609 @cindex frame pointer
6610 Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
6611 stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
6612 kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
6613 address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
6614 in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
6615 (@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
6616
6617 @cindex frame number
6618 @value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
6619 zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
6620 and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
6621 they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
6622 frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
6623
6624 @c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
6625 @c underflow problems.
6626 @cindex frameless execution
6627 Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
6628 without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
6629 @smallexample
6630 @samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
6631 @end smallexample
6632 generates functions without a frame.)
6633 This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
6634 the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
6635 with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
6636 has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
6637 it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
6638 correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
6639 no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
6640
6641 @table @code
6642 @kindex frame@r{, command}
6643 @cindex current stack frame
6644 @item frame @var{args}
6645 The @code{frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame to another,
6646 and to print the stack frame you select. @var{args} may be either the
6647 address of the frame or the stack frame number. Without an argument,
6648 @code{frame} prints the current stack frame.
6649
6650 @kindex select-frame
6651 @cindex selecting frame silently
6652 @item select-frame
6653 The @code{select-frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame
6654 to another without printing the frame. This is the silent version of
6655 @code{frame}.
6656 @end table
6657
6658 @node Backtrace
6659 @section Backtraces
6660
6661 @cindex traceback
6662 @cindex call stack traces
6663 A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
6664 line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
6665 frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
6666 stack.
6667
6668 @anchor{backtrace-command}
6669 @table @code
6670 @kindex backtrace
6671 @kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
6672 @item backtrace
6673 @itemx bt
6674 Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
6675 frames in the stack.
6676
6677 You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
6678 character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
6679
6680 @item backtrace @var{n}
6681 @itemx bt @var{n}
6682 Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
6683
6684 @item backtrace -@var{n}
6685 @itemx bt -@var{n}
6686 Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
6687
6688 @item backtrace full
6689 @itemx bt full
6690 @itemx bt full @var{n}
6691 @itemx bt full -@var{n}
6692 Print the values of the local variables also. @var{n} specifies the
6693 number of frames to print, as described above.
6694
6695 @item backtrace no-filters
6696 @itemx bt no-filters
6697 @itemx bt no-filters @var{n}
6698 @itemx bt no-filters -@var{n}
6699 @itemx bt no-filters full
6700 @itemx bt no-filters full @var{n}
6701 @itemx bt no-filters full -@var{n}
6702 Do not run Python frame filters on this backtrace. @xref{Frame
6703 Filter API}, for more information. Additionally use @ref{disable
6704 frame-filter all} to turn off all frame filters. This is only
6705 relevant when @value{GDBN} has been configured with @code{Python}
6706 support.
6707 @end table
6708
6709 @kindex where
6710 @kindex info stack
6711 The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
6712 are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
6713
6714 @cindex multiple threads, backtrace
6715 In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
6716 backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
6717 several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
6718 (@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
6719 apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
6720 the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
6721 multi-threaded program.
6722
6723 Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
6724 The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
6725 print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
6726 line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
6727 counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
6728 line number.
6729
6730 Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
6731 @samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
6732
6733 @smallexample
6734 @group
6735 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
6736 at builtin.c:993
6737 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600, data=...) at macro.c:242
6738 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
6739 at macro.c:71
6740 (More stack frames follow...)
6741 @end group
6742 @end smallexample
6743
6744 @noindent
6745 The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
6746 value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
6747 code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
6748
6749 @noindent
6750 The value of parameter @code{data} in frame 1 has been replaced by
6751 @code{@dots{}}. By default, @value{GDBN} prints the value of a parameter
6752 only if it is a scalar (integer, pointer, enumeration, etc). See command
6753 @kbd{set print frame-arguments} in @ref{Print Settings} for more details
6754 on how to configure the way function parameter values are printed.
6755
6756 @cindex optimized out, in backtrace
6757 @cindex function call arguments, optimized out
6758 If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
6759 optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
6760 never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
6761 passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
6762 in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
6763 arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
6764 such a backtrace might look like:
6765
6766 @smallexample
6767 @group
6768 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
6769 at builtin.c:993
6770 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<optimized out>) at macro.c:242
6771 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
6772 at macro.c:71
6773 (More stack frames follow...)
6774 @end group
6775 @end smallexample
6776
6777 @noindent
6778 The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
6779 shown as @samp{<optimized out>}.
6780
6781 If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
6782 either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
6783 you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
6784
6785 @cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
6786 @cindex program entry point
6787 @cindex startup code, and backtrace
6788 Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
6789 libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
6790 @code{main}@footnote{
6791 Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
6792 environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
6793 entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
6794 When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
6795 it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
6796 system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
6797
6798 If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
6799 in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
6800
6801 @table @code
6802 @item set backtrace past-main
6803 @itemx set backtrace past-main on
6804 @kindex set backtrace
6805 Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
6806
6807 @item set backtrace past-main off
6808 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
6809 default.
6810
6811 @item show backtrace past-main
6812 @kindex show backtrace
6813 Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
6814
6815 @item set backtrace past-entry
6816 @itemx set backtrace past-entry on
6817 Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
6818 This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
6819 and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
6820
6821 @item set backtrace past-entry off
6822 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
6823 application. This is the default.
6824
6825 @item show backtrace past-entry
6826 Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
6827
6828 @item set backtrace limit @var{n}
6829 @itemx set backtrace limit 0
6830 @itemx set backtrace limit unlimited
6831 @cindex backtrace limit
6832 Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of @code{unlimited}
6833 or zero means unlimited levels.
6834
6835 @item show backtrace limit
6836 Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
6837 @end table
6838
6839 You can control how file names are displayed.
6840
6841 @table @code
6842 @item set filename-display
6843 @itemx set filename-display relative
6844 @cindex filename-display
6845 Display file names relative to the compilation directory. This is the default.
6846
6847 @item set filename-display basename
6848 Display only basename of a filename.
6849
6850 @item set filename-display absolute
6851 Display an absolute filename.
6852
6853 @item show filename-display
6854 Show the current way to display filenames.
6855 @end table
6856
6857 @node Frame Filter Management
6858 @section Management of Frame Filters.
6859 @cindex managing frame filters
6860
6861 Frame filters are Python based utilities to manage and decorate the
6862 output of frames. @xref{Frame Filter API}, for further information.
6863
6864 Managing frame filters is performed by several commands available
6865 within @value{GDBN}, detailed here.
6866
6867 @table @code
6868 @kindex info frame-filter
6869 @item info frame-filter
6870 Print a list of installed frame filters from all dictionaries, showing
6871 their name, priority and enabled status.
6872
6873 @kindex disable frame-filter
6874 @anchor{disable frame-filter all}
6875 @item disable frame-filter @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
6876 Disable a frame filter in the dictionary matching
6877 @var{filter-dictionary}, or @code{all}, and @var{filter-name}.
6878 @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{all}, @code{global},
6879 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
6880 dictionary resides. When @code{all} is specified, all frame filters
6881 across all dictionaries are disabled. @var{filter-name} is the name
6882 of the frame filter and is used when @code{all} is not the option for
6883 @var{filter-dictionary}. A disabled frame-filter is not deleted, it
6884 may be enabled again later.
6885
6886 @kindex enable frame-filter
6887 @item enable frame-filter @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
6888 Enable a frame filter in the dictionary matching
6889 @var{filter-dictionary}, or @code{all}, and @var{filter-name}.
6890 @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{all}, @code{global},
6891 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
6892 dictionary resides. When @code{all} is specified, all frame filters across
6893 all dictionaries are enabled. @var{filter-name} is the name of the frame
6894 filter and is used when @code{all} is not the option for
6895 @var{filter-dictionary}.
6896
6897 Example:
6898
6899 @smallexample
6900 (gdb) info frame-filter
6901
6902 global frame-filters:
6903 Priority Enabled Name
6904 1000 No PrimaryFunctionFilter
6905 100 Yes Reverse
6906
6907 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
6908 Priority Enabled Name
6909 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
6910
6911 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
6912 Priority Enabled Name
6913 999 Yes BuildProgra Filter
6914
6915 (gdb) disable frame-filter /build/test BuildProgramFilter
6916 (gdb) info frame-filter
6917
6918 global frame-filters:
6919 Priority Enabled Name
6920 1000 No PrimaryFunctionFilter
6921 100 Yes Reverse
6922
6923 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
6924 Priority Enabled Name
6925 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
6926
6927 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
6928 Priority Enabled Name
6929 999 No BuildProgramFilter
6930
6931 (gdb) enable frame-filter global PrimaryFunctionFilter
6932 (gdb) info frame-filter
6933
6934 global frame-filters:
6935 Priority Enabled Name
6936 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
6937 100 Yes Reverse
6938
6939 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
6940 Priority Enabled Name
6941 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
6942
6943 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
6944 Priority Enabled Name
6945 999 No BuildProgramFilter
6946 @end smallexample
6947
6948 @kindex set frame-filter priority
6949 @item set frame-filter priority @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name} @var{priority}
6950 Set the @var{priority} of a frame filter in the dictionary matching
6951 @var{filter-dictionary}, and the frame filter name matching
6952 @var{filter-name}. @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{global},
6953 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
6954 dictionary resides. @var{priority} is an integer.
6955
6956 @kindex show frame-filter priority
6957 @item show frame-filter priority @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
6958 Show the @var{priority} of a frame filter in the dictionary matching
6959 @var{filter-dictionary}, and the frame filter name matching
6960 @var{filter-name}. @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{global},
6961 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
6962 dictionary resides.
6963
6964 Example:
6965
6966 @smallexample
6967 (gdb) info frame-filter
6968
6969 global frame-filters:
6970 Priority Enabled Name
6971 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
6972 100 Yes Reverse
6973
6974 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
6975 Priority Enabled Name
6976 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
6977
6978 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
6979 Priority Enabled Name
6980 999 No BuildProgramFilter
6981
6982 (gdb) set frame-filter priority global Reverse 50
6983 (gdb) info frame-filter
6984
6985 global frame-filters:
6986 Priority Enabled Name
6987 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
6988 50 Yes Reverse
6989
6990 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
6991 Priority Enabled Name
6992 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
6993
6994 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
6995 Priority Enabled Name
6996 999 No BuildProgramFilter
6997 @end smallexample
6998 @end table
6999
7000 @node Selection
7001 @section Selecting a Frame
7002
7003 Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
7004 whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
7005 selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
7006 of the stack frame just selected.
7007
7008 @table @code
7009 @kindex frame@r{, selecting}
7010 @kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
7011 @item frame @var{n}
7012 @itemx f @var{n}
7013 Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
7014 (currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
7015 innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
7016 @code{main}.
7017
7018 @item frame @var{addr}
7019 @itemx f @var{addr}
7020 Select the frame at address @var{addr}. This is useful mainly if the
7021 chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
7022 impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
7023 addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
7024 switches between them.
7025
7026 On the SPARC architecture, @code{frame} needs two addresses to
7027 select an arbitrary frame: a frame pointer and a stack pointer.
7028
7029 On the @acronym{MIPS} and Alpha architecture, it needs two addresses: a stack
7030 pointer and a program counter.
7031
7032 On the 29k architecture, it needs three addresses: a register stack
7033 pointer, a program counter, and a memory stack pointer.
7034
7035 @kindex up
7036 @item up @var{n}
7037 Move @var{n} frames up the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
7038 advances toward the outermost frame, to higher frame numbers, to frames
7039 that have existed longer. @var{n} defaults to one.
7040
7041 @kindex down
7042 @kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
7043 @item down @var{n}
7044 Move @var{n} frames down the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
7045 advances toward the innermost frame, to lower frame numbers, to frames
7046 that were created more recently. @var{n} defaults to one. You may
7047 abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
7048 @end table
7049
7050 All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
7051 frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
7052 arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
7053 frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
7054
7055 @need 1000
7056 For example:
7057
7058 @smallexample
7059 @group
7060 (@value{GDBP}) up
7061 #1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
7062 at env.c:10
7063 10 read_input_file (argv[i]);
7064 @end group
7065 @end smallexample
7066
7067 After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
7068 prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
7069 You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
7070 editing program by typing @code{edit}.
7071 @xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
7072 for details.
7073
7074 @table @code
7075 @kindex down-silently
7076 @kindex up-silently
7077 @item up-silently @var{n}
7078 @itemx down-silently @var{n}
7079 These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
7080 respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
7081 causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
7082 in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
7083 distracting.
7084 @end table
7085
7086 @node Frame Info
7087 @section Information About a Frame
7088
7089 There are several other commands to print information about the selected
7090 stack frame.
7091
7092 @table @code
7093 @item frame
7094 @itemx f
7095 When used without any argument, this command does not change which
7096 frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
7097 selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
7098 argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
7099 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7100
7101 @kindex info frame
7102 @kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
7103 @item info frame
7104 @itemx info f
7105 This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
7106 including:
7107
7108 @itemize @bullet
7109 @item
7110 the address of the frame
7111 @item
7112 the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
7113 @item
7114 the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
7115 @item
7116 the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
7117 @item
7118 the address of the frame's arguments
7119 @item
7120 the address of the frame's local variables
7121 @item
7122 the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
7123 @item
7124 which registers were saved in the frame
7125 @end itemize
7126
7127 @noindent The verbose description is useful when
7128 something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
7129 the usual conventions.
7130
7131 @item info frame @var{addr}
7132 @itemx info f @var{addr}
7133 Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr}, without
7134 selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by this
7135 command. This requires the same kind of address (more than one for some
7136 architectures) that you specify in the @code{frame} command.
7137 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7138
7139 @kindex info args
7140 @item info args
7141 Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
7142
7143 @item info locals
7144 @kindex info locals
7145 Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
7146 line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
7147 accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
7148
7149 @end table
7150
7151
7152 @node Source
7153 @chapter Examining Source Files
7154
7155 @value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
7156 information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
7157 used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
7158 the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
7159 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
7160 execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
7161 source files by explicit command.
7162
7163 If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
7164 prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
7165 @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
7166
7167 @menu
7168 * List:: Printing source lines
7169 * Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
7170 * Edit:: Editing source files
7171 * Search:: Searching source files
7172 * Source Path:: Specifying source directories
7173 * Machine Code:: Source and machine code
7174 @end menu
7175
7176 @node List
7177 @section Printing Source Lines
7178
7179 @kindex list
7180 @kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
7181 To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
7182 (abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
7183 There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
7184 print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
7185
7186 Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
7187
7188 @table @code
7189 @item list @var{linenum}
7190 Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
7191 current source file.
7192
7193 @item list @var{function}
7194 Print lines centered around the beginning of function
7195 @var{function}.
7196
7197 @item list
7198 Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
7199 @code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
7200 printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
7201 as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
7202 Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
7203
7204 @item list -
7205 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
7206 @end table
7207
7208 @cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
7209 By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
7210 the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
7211
7212 @table @code
7213 @kindex set listsize
7214 @item set listsize @var{count}
7215 @itemx set listsize unlimited
7216 Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
7217 the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
7218 Setting @var{count} to @code{unlimited} or 0 means there's no limit.
7219
7220 @kindex show listsize
7221 @item show listsize
7222 Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
7223 @end table
7224
7225 Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
7226 so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
7227 than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
7228 argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
7229 each repetition moves up in the source file.
7230
7231 In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
7232 @dfn{linespecs}. Linespecs specify source lines; there are several ways
7233 of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
7234 to specify some source line.
7235
7236 Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
7237
7238 @table @code
7239 @item list @var{linespec}
7240 Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{linespec}.
7241
7242 @item list @var{first},@var{last}
7243 Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
7244 linespecs. When a @code{list} command has two linespecs, and the
7245 source file of the second linespec is omitted, this refers to
7246 the same source file as the first linespec.
7247
7248 @item list ,@var{last}
7249 Print lines ending with @var{last}.
7250
7251 @item list @var{first},
7252 Print lines starting with @var{first}.
7253
7254 @item list +
7255 Print lines just after the lines last printed.
7256
7257 @item list -
7258 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
7259
7260 @item list
7261 As described in the preceding table.
7262 @end table
7263
7264 @node Specify Location
7265 @section Specifying a Location
7266 @cindex specifying location
7267 @cindex linespec
7268
7269 Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
7270 of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
7271 debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code;
7272 for that reason, locations are also known as @dfn{linespecs}.
7273
7274 Here are all the different ways of specifying a code location that
7275 @value{GDBN} understands:
7276
7277 @table @code
7278 @item @var{linenum}
7279 Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
7280
7281 @item -@var{offset}
7282 @itemx +@var{offset}
7283 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
7284 line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
7285 printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
7286 execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
7287 (@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
7288 used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
7289 this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
7290 linespec.
7291
7292 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
7293 Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
7294 If @var{filename} is a relative file name, then it will match any
7295 source file name with the same trailing components. For example, if
7296 @var{filename} is @samp{gcc/expr.c}, then it will match source file
7297 name of @file{/build/trunk/gcc/expr.c}, but not
7298 @file{/build/trunk/libcpp/expr.c} or @file{/build/trunk/gcc/x-expr.c}.
7299
7300 @item @var{function}
7301 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
7302 For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
7303
7304 @item @var{function}:@var{label}
7305 Specifies the line where @var{label} appears in @var{function}.
7306
7307 @item @var{filename}:@var{function}
7308 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
7309 in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
7310 function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
7311 functions in different source files.
7312
7313 @item @var{label}
7314 Specifies the line at which the label named @var{label} appears.
7315 @value{GDBN} searches for the label in the function corresponding to
7316 the currently selected stack frame. If there is no current selected
7317 stack frame (for instance, if the inferior is not running), then
7318 @value{GDBN} will not search for a label.
7319
7320 @item *@var{address}
7321 Specifies the program address @var{address}. For line-oriented
7322 commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this specifies a source
7323 line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and other
7324 breakpoint oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
7325 parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
7326 source files.
7327
7328 Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
7329 language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
7330 address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
7331 semantics of expressions used in locations to cover the situations
7332 that frequently happen during debugging. Here are the various forms
7333 of @var{address}:
7334
7335 @table @code
7336 @item @var{expression}
7337 Any expression valid in the current working language.
7338
7339 @item @var{funcaddr}
7340 An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
7341 C@t{++}, Java, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
7342 simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
7343 of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
7344 @code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
7345 (although the Pascal form also works).
7346
7347 This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
7348 before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
7349
7350 @item '@var{filename}'::@var{funcaddr}
7351 Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
7352 file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
7353 specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
7354 functions with identical names in different source files.
7355 @end table
7356
7357 @cindex breakpoint at static probe point
7358 @item -pstap|-probe-stap @r{[}@var{objfile}:@r{[}@var{provider}:@r{]}@r{]}@var{name}
7359 The @sc{gnu}/Linux tool @code{SystemTap} provides a way for
7360 applications to embed static probes. @xref{Static Probe Points}, for more
7361 information on finding and using static probes. This form of linespec
7362 specifies the location of such a static probe.
7363
7364 If @var{objfile} is given, only probes coming from that shared library
7365 or executable matching @var{objfile} as a regular expression are considered.
7366 If @var{provider} is given, then only probes from that provider are considered.
7367 If several probes match the spec, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at
7368 each one of those probes.
7369
7370 @end table
7371
7372
7373 @node Edit
7374 @section Editing Source Files
7375 @cindex editing source files
7376
7377 @kindex edit
7378 @kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
7379 To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
7380 The editing program of your choice
7381 is invoked with the current line set to
7382 the active line in the program.
7383 Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
7384 want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
7385
7386 @table @code
7387 @item edit @var{location}
7388 Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
7389 that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
7390 specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
7391 of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
7392 command most commonly used:
7393
7394 @table @code
7395 @item edit @var{number}
7396 Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
7397
7398 @item edit @var{function}
7399 Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
7400 @end table
7401
7402 @end table
7403
7404 @subsection Choosing your Editor
7405 You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
7406 @footnote{
7407 The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
7408 following command-line syntax:
7409 @smallexample
7410 ex +@var{number} file
7411 @end smallexample
7412 The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
7413 the file where to start editing.}.
7414 By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
7415 by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
7416 @value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
7417 @code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
7418 @smallexample
7419 EDITOR=/usr/bin/vi
7420 export EDITOR
7421 gdb @dots{}
7422 @end smallexample
7423 or in the @code{csh} shell,
7424 @smallexample
7425 setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
7426 gdb @dots{}
7427 @end smallexample
7428
7429 @node Search
7430 @section Searching Source Files
7431 @cindex searching source files
7432
7433 There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
7434 regular expression.
7435
7436 @table @code
7437 @kindex search
7438 @kindex forward-search
7439 @kindex fo @r{(@code{forward-search})}
7440 @item forward-search @var{regexp}
7441 @itemx search @var{regexp}
7442 The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
7443 starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
7444 @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
7445 synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
7446 @code{fo}.
7447
7448 @kindex reverse-search
7449 @item reverse-search @var{regexp}
7450 The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
7451 with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
7452 for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
7453 this command as @code{rev}.
7454 @end table
7455
7456 @node Source Path
7457 @section Specifying Source Directories
7458
7459 @cindex source path
7460 @cindex directories for source files
7461 Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
7462 files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
7463 the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
7464 session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
7465 this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
7466 it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
7467 in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
7468
7469 For example, suppose an executable references the file
7470 @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
7471 @file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
7472 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
7473 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
7474 message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
7475 source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
7476 Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
7477 the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
7478 @file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
7479 @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
7480
7481 Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
7482 names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
7483 instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
7484 is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
7485 @file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
7486 that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
7487
7488 Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
7489 source files.
7490
7491 Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
7492 any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
7493 each line is in the file.
7494
7495 @kindex directory
7496 @kindex dir
7497 When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
7498 and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
7499 To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
7500
7501 The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
7502 script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
7503
7504 In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
7505 that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
7506 rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
7507 debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
7508 directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
7509 two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
7510 the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
7511 In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
7512 @var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
7513 of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
7514 source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
7515 name to look up the sources.
7516
7517 Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
7518 moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
7519 @value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
7520 @file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
7521 @file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
7522 of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
7523 substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
7524 (@pxref{set substitute-path}).
7525
7526 To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
7527 @var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
7528 For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
7529 @file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
7530 not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
7531 is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
7532 not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
7533
7534 In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
7535 command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
7536 the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
7537 subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
7538 subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
7539 preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
7540 allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
7541 command.
7542
7543 @code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
7544 The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
7545 longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
7546 the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
7547 for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
7548 located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
7549 method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
7550
7551 @cindex @samp{--with-relocated-sources}
7552 @cindex default source path substitution
7553 You can configure a default source path substitution rule by
7554 configuring @value{GDBN} with the
7555 @samp{--with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}} option. The @var{dir}
7556 should be the name of a directory under @value{GDBN}'s configured
7557 prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or @samp{--exec-prefix}), and
7558 directory names in debug information under @var{dir} will be adjusted
7559 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
7560 location. This is useful if @value{GDBN}, libraries or executables
7561 with debug information and corresponding source code are being moved
7562 together.
7563
7564 @table @code
7565 @item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
7566 @item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
7567 Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
7568 directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
7569 (@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
7570 part of absolute file names) or
7571 whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
7572 path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
7573
7574 @kindex cdir
7575 @kindex cwd
7576 @vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
7577 @vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
7578 @cindex compilation directory
7579 @cindex current directory
7580 @cindex working directory
7581 @cindex directory, current
7582 @cindex directory, compilation
7583 You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
7584 directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
7585 working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
7586 tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
7587 session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
7588 directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
7589
7590 @item directory
7591 Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
7592
7593 @c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
7594 @c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
7595
7596 @item set directories @var{path-list}
7597 @kindex set directories
7598 Set the source path to @var{path-list}.
7599 @samp{$cdir:$cwd} are added if missing.
7600
7601 @item show directories
7602 @kindex show directories
7603 Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
7604
7605 @anchor{set substitute-path}
7606 @item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
7607 @kindex set substitute-path
7608 Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
7609 current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
7610 @var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
7611
7612 For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
7613 @file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
7614
7615 @smallexample
7616 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/cross
7617 @end smallexample
7618
7619 @noindent
7620 will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/usr/src} with
7621 @samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
7622 @file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
7623
7624 In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
7625 the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
7626 defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
7627 the substitution.
7628
7629 For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
7630
7631 @smallexample
7632 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
7633 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
7634 @end smallexample
7635
7636 @noindent
7637 @value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
7638 @file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
7639 use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
7640 @file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
7641
7642
7643 @item unset substitute-path [path]
7644 @kindex unset substitute-path
7645 If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
7646 for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
7647 A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
7648
7649 If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
7650
7651 @item show substitute-path [path]
7652 @kindex show substitute-path
7653 If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
7654 which would rewrite that path, if any.
7655
7656 If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
7657 rules.
7658
7659 @end table
7660
7661 If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
7662 interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
7663 versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
7664
7665 @enumerate
7666 @item
7667 Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
7668
7669 @item
7670 Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
7671 directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
7672 directories in one command.
7673 @end enumerate
7674
7675 @node Machine Code
7676 @section Source and Machine Code
7677 @cindex source line and its code address
7678
7679 You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
7680 addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
7681 a range of addresses as machine instructions. You can use the command
7682 @code{set disassemble-next-line} to set whether to disassemble next
7683 source line when execution stops. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
7684 mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
7685 line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
7686 well as hex.
7687
7688 @table @code
7689 @kindex info line
7690 @item info line @var{linespec}
7691 Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
7692 source line @var{linespec}. You can specify source lines in any of
7693 the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}.
7694 @end table
7695
7696 For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
7697 the object code for the first line of function
7698 @code{m4_changequote}:
7699
7700 @c FIXME: I think this example should also show the addresses in
7701 @c symbolic form, as they usually would be displayed.
7702 @smallexample
7703 (@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
7704 Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
7705 @end smallexample
7706
7707 @noindent
7708 @cindex code address and its source line
7709 We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
7710 @var{linespec}) what source line covers a particular address:
7711 @smallexample
7712 (@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
7713 Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
7714 @end smallexample
7715
7716 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
7717 @cindex @code{x} command, default address
7718 @kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
7719 After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
7720 is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
7721 sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
7722 ,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
7723 convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
7724 Variables}).
7725
7726 @table @code
7727 @kindex disassemble
7728 @cindex assembly instructions
7729 @cindex instructions, assembly
7730 @cindex machine instructions
7731 @cindex listing machine instructions
7732 @item disassemble
7733 @itemx disassemble /m
7734 @itemx disassemble /r
7735 This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
7736 instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
7737 the @code{/m} modifier and print the raw instructions in hex as well as
7738 in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r}.
7739 The default memory range is the function surrounding the
7740 program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
7741 command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
7742 surrounding this value. When two arguments are given, they should
7743 be separated by a comma, possibly surrounded by whitespace. The
7744 arguments specify a range of addresses to dump, in one of two forms:
7745
7746 @table @code
7747 @item @var{start},@var{end}
7748 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to @var{end} (exclusive)
7749 @item @var{start},+@var{length}
7750 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to
7751 @code{@var{start}+@var{length}} (exclusive).
7752 @end table
7753
7754 @noindent
7755 When 2 arguments are specified, the name of the function is also
7756 printed (since there could be several functions in the given range).
7757
7758 The argument(s) can be any expression yielding a numeric value, such as
7759 @samp{0x32c4}, @samp{&main+10} or @samp{$pc - 8}.
7760
7761 If the range of memory being disassembled contains current program counter,
7762 the instruction at that location is shown with a @code{=>} marker.
7763 @end table
7764
7765 The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
7766 HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
7767
7768 @smallexample
7769 (@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4, 0x32e4
7770 Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
7771 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
7772 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
7773 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
7774 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
7775 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
7776 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
7777 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
7778 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
7779 End of assembler dump.
7780 @end smallexample
7781
7782 Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86, when the
7783 program is stopped just after function prologue:
7784
7785 @smallexample
7786 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
7787 Dump of assembler code for function main:
7788 5 @{
7789 0x08048330 <+0>: push %ebp
7790 0x08048331 <+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
7791 0x08048333 <+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
7792 0x08048336 <+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
7793 0x08048339 <+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
7794
7795 6 printf ("Hello.\n");
7796 => 0x0804833c <+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
7797 0x08048343 <+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
7798
7799 7 return 0;
7800 8 @}
7801 0x08048348 <+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
7802 0x0804834d <+29>: leave
7803 0x0804834e <+30>: ret
7804
7805 End of assembler dump.
7806 @end smallexample
7807
7808 Here is another example showing raw instructions in hex for AMD x86-64,
7809
7810 @smallexample
7811 (gdb) disas /r 0x400281,+10
7812 Dump of assembler code from 0x400281 to 0x40028b:
7813 0x0000000000400281: 38 36 cmp %dh,(%rsi)
7814 0x0000000000400283: 2d 36 34 2e 73 sub $0x732e3436,%eax
7815 0x0000000000400288: 6f outsl %ds:(%rsi),(%dx)
7816 0x0000000000400289: 2e 32 00 xor %cs:(%rax),%al
7817 End of assembler dump.
7818 @end smallexample
7819
7820 Addresses cannot be specified as a linespec (@pxref{Specify Location}).
7821 So, for example, if you want to disassemble function @code{bar}
7822 in file @file{foo.c}, you must type @samp{disassemble 'foo.c'::bar}
7823 and not @samp{disassemble foo.c:bar}.
7824
7825 Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
7826 mnemonics or other syntax.
7827
7828 For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
7829 instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
7830 libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
7831 location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
7832 might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
7833
7834 @table @code
7835 @kindex set disassembly-flavor
7836 @cindex Intel disassembly flavor
7837 @cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
7838 @item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
7839 Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
7840 program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
7841
7842 Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
7843 can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
7844 The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
7845 assemblers for x86-based targets.
7846
7847 @kindex show disassembly-flavor
7848 @item show disassembly-flavor
7849 Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
7850 @end table
7851
7852 @table @code
7853 @kindex set disassemble-next-line
7854 @kindex show disassemble-next-line
7855 @item set disassemble-next-line
7856 @itemx show disassemble-next-line
7857 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will disassemble the next source
7858 line or instruction when execution stops. If ON, @value{GDBN} will
7859 display disassembly of the next source line when execution of the
7860 program being debugged stops. This is @emph{in addition} to
7861 displaying the source line itself, which @value{GDBN} always does if
7862 possible. If the next source line cannot be displayed for some reason
7863 (e.g., if @value{GDBN} cannot find the source file, or there's no line
7864 info in the debug info), @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of the
7865 next @emph{instruction} instead of showing the next source line. If
7866 AUTO, @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of next instruction only
7867 if the source line cannot be displayed. This setting causes
7868 @value{GDBN} to display some feedback when you step through a function
7869 with no line info or whose source file is unavailable. The default is
7870 OFF, which means never display the disassembly of the next line or
7871 instruction.
7872 @end table
7873
7874
7875 @node Data
7876 @chapter Examining Data
7877
7878 @cindex printing data
7879 @cindex examining data
7880 @kindex print
7881 @kindex inspect
7882 The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
7883 command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
7884 evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
7885 program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
7886 Different Languages}). It may also print the expression using a
7887 Python-based pretty-printer (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
7888
7889 @table @code
7890 @item print @var{expr}
7891 @itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
7892 @var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
7893 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
7894 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
7895 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
7896 Formats}.
7897
7898 @item print
7899 @itemx print /@var{f}
7900 @cindex reprint the last value
7901 If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
7902 @dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
7903 conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
7904 @end table
7905
7906 A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
7907 It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
7908 specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
7909
7910 If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
7911 fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
7912 command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
7913 Table}.
7914
7915 @cindex exploring hierarchical data structures
7916 @kindex explore
7917 Another way of examining values of expressions and type information is
7918 through the Python extension command @code{explore} (available only if
7919 the @value{GDBN} build is configured with @code{--with-python}). It
7920 offers an interactive way to start at the highest level (or, the most
7921 abstract level) of the data type of an expression (or, the data type
7922 itself) and explore all the way down to leaf scalar values/fields
7923 embedded in the higher level data types.
7924
7925 @table @code
7926 @item explore @var{arg}
7927 @var{arg} is either an expression (in the source language), or a type
7928 visible in the current context of the program being debugged.
7929 @end table
7930
7931 The working of the @code{explore} command can be illustrated with an
7932 example. If a data type @code{struct ComplexStruct} is defined in your
7933 C program as
7934
7935 @smallexample
7936 struct SimpleStruct
7937 @{
7938 int i;
7939 double d;
7940 @};
7941
7942 struct ComplexStruct
7943 @{
7944 struct SimpleStruct *ss_p;
7945 int arr[10];
7946 @};
7947 @end smallexample
7948
7949 @noindent
7950 followed by variable declarations as
7951
7952 @smallexample
7953 struct SimpleStruct ss = @{ 10, 1.11 @};
7954 struct ComplexStruct cs = @{ &ss, @{ 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 @} @};
7955 @end smallexample
7956
7957 @noindent
7958 then, the value of the variable @code{cs} can be explored using the
7959 @code{explore} command as follows.
7960
7961 @smallexample
7962 (gdb) explore cs
7963 The value of `cs' is a struct/class of type `struct ComplexStruct' with
7964 the following fields:
7965
7966 ss_p = <Enter 0 to explore this field of type `struct SimpleStruct *'>
7967 arr = <Enter 1 to explore this field of type `int [10]'>
7968
7969 Enter the field number of choice:
7970 @end smallexample
7971
7972 @noindent
7973 Since the fields of @code{cs} are not scalar values, you are being
7974 prompted to chose the field you want to explore. Let's say you choose
7975 the field @code{ss_p} by entering @code{0}. Then, since this field is a
7976 pointer, you will be asked if it is pointing to a single value. From
7977 the declaration of @code{cs} above, it is indeed pointing to a single
7978 value, hence you enter @code{y}. If you enter @code{n}, then you will
7979 be asked if it were pointing to an array of values, in which case this
7980 field will be explored as if it were an array.
7981
7982 @smallexample
7983 `cs.ss_p' is a pointer to a value of type `struct SimpleStruct'
7984 Continue exploring it as a pointer to a single value [y/n]: y
7985 The value of `*(cs.ss_p)' is a struct/class of type `struct
7986 SimpleStruct' with the following fields:
7987
7988 i = 10 .. (Value of type `int')
7989 d = 1.1100000000000001 .. (Value of type `double')
7990
7991 Press enter to return to parent value:
7992 @end smallexample
7993
7994 @noindent
7995 If the field @code{arr} of @code{cs} was chosen for exploration by
7996 entering @code{1} earlier, then since it is as array, you will be
7997 prompted to enter the index of the element in the array that you want
7998 to explore.
7999
8000 @smallexample
8001 `cs.arr' is an array of `int'.
8002 Enter the index of the element you want to explore in `cs.arr': 5
8003
8004 `(cs.arr)[5]' is a scalar value of type `int'.
8005
8006 (cs.arr)[5] = 4
8007
8008 Press enter to return to parent value:
8009 @end smallexample
8010
8011 In general, at any stage of exploration, you can go deeper towards the
8012 leaf values by responding to the prompts appropriately, or hit the
8013 return key to return to the enclosing data structure (the @i{higher}
8014 level data structure).
8015
8016 Similar to exploring values, you can use the @code{explore} command to
8017 explore types. Instead of specifying a value (which is typically a
8018 variable name or an expression valid in the current context of the
8019 program being debugged), you specify a type name. If you consider the
8020 same example as above, your can explore the type
8021 @code{struct ComplexStruct} by passing the argument
8022 @code{struct ComplexStruct} to the @code{explore} command.
8023
8024 @smallexample
8025 (gdb) explore struct ComplexStruct
8026 @end smallexample
8027
8028 @noindent
8029 By responding to the prompts appropriately in the subsequent interactive
8030 session, you can explore the type @code{struct ComplexStruct} in a
8031 manner similar to how the value @code{cs} was explored in the above
8032 example.
8033
8034 The @code{explore} command also has two sub-commands,
8035 @code{explore value} and @code{explore type}. The former sub-command is
8036 a way to explicitly specify that value exploration of the argument is
8037 being invoked, while the latter is a way to explicitly specify that type
8038 exploration of the argument is being invoked.
8039
8040 @table @code
8041 @item explore value @var{expr}
8042 @cindex explore value
8043 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the value of the
8044 expression @var{expr} (if @var{expr} is an expression valid in the
8045 current context of the program being debugged). The behavior of this
8046 command is identical to that of the behavior of the @code{explore}
8047 command being passed the argument @var{expr}.
8048
8049 @item explore type @var{arg}
8050 @cindex explore type
8051 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the type of @var{arg} (if
8052 @var{arg} is a type visible in the current context of program being
8053 debugged), or the type of the value/expression @var{arg} (if @var{arg}
8054 is an expression valid in the current context of the program being
8055 debugged). If @var{arg} is a type, then the behavior of this command is
8056 identical to that of the @code{explore} command being passed the
8057 argument @var{arg}. If @var{arg} is an expression, then the behavior of
8058 this command will be identical to that of the @code{explore} command
8059 being passed the type of @var{arg} as the argument.
8060 @end table
8061
8062 @menu
8063 * Expressions:: Expressions
8064 * Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
8065 * Variables:: Program variables
8066 * Arrays:: Artificial arrays
8067 * Output Formats:: Output formats
8068 * Memory:: Examining memory
8069 * Auto Display:: Automatic display
8070 * Print Settings:: Print settings
8071 * Pretty Printing:: Python pretty printing
8072 * Value History:: Value history
8073 * Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
8074 * Convenience Funs:: Convenience functions
8075 * Registers:: Registers
8076 * Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
8077 * Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
8078 * OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
8079 * Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
8080 * Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
8081 * Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
8082 * Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
8083 character set than GDB does
8084 * Caching Target Data:: Data caching for targets
8085 * Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
8086 @end menu
8087
8088 @node Expressions
8089 @section Expressions
8090
8091 @cindex expressions
8092 @code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
8093 compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
8094 by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
8095 @value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
8096 casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
8097 you compiled your program to include this information; see
8098 @ref{Compilation}.
8099
8100 @cindex arrays in expressions
8101 @value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
8102 the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
8103 you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
8104 of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
8105 to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
8106 is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
8107
8108 Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
8109 this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
8110 Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
8111 languages.
8112
8113 In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
8114 expressions regardless of your programming language.
8115
8116 @cindex casts, in expressions
8117 Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
8118 useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
8119 at that address in memory.
8120 @c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
8121
8122 @value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
8123 to programming languages:
8124
8125 @table @code
8126 @item @@
8127 @samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
8128 @xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
8129
8130 @item ::
8131 @samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
8132 function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
8133
8134 @cindex @{@var{type}@}
8135 @cindex type casting memory
8136 @cindex memory, viewing as typed object
8137 @cindex casts, to view memory
8138 @item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
8139 Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
8140 memory. @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is an integer or
8141 pointer (but parentheses are required around binary operators, just as in
8142 a cast). This construct is allowed regardless of what kind of data is
8143 normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
8144 @end table
8145
8146 @node Ambiguous Expressions
8147 @section Ambiguous Expressions
8148 @cindex ambiguous expressions
8149
8150 Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
8151 some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
8152 a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
8153 different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
8154 involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
8155 templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
8156 the same function name being defined in different contexts.
8157
8158 In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
8159 the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
8160 can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
8161 @kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
8162 qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
8163 as well.
8164
8165 When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
8166 has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
8167 possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
8168 The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
8169 aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
8170 used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
8171 menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
8172 choices.
8173
8174 For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
8175 breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
8176 We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
8177
8178 @c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
8179 @smallexample
8180 @group
8181 (@value{GDBP}) b String::after
8182 [0] cancel
8183 [1] all
8184 [2] file:String.cc; line number:867
8185 [3] file:String.cc; line number:860
8186 [4] file:String.cc; line number:875
8187 [5] file:String.cc; line number:853
8188 [6] file:String.cc; line number:846
8189 [7] file:String.cc; line number:735
8190 > 2 4 6
8191 Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
8192 Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
8193 Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
8194 Multiple breakpoints were set.
8195 Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
8196 breakpoints.
8197 (@value{GDBP})
8198 @end group
8199 @end smallexample
8200
8201 @table @code
8202 @kindex set multiple-symbols
8203 @item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
8204 @cindex multiple-symbols menu
8205
8206 This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
8207 is ambiguous.
8208
8209 By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
8210 the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
8211 automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
8212 a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
8213 inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
8214 then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
8215 For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
8216 in the use of the menu.
8217
8218 When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
8219 when an ambiguity is detected.
8220
8221 Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
8222 an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
8223
8224 @kindex show multiple-symbols
8225 @item show multiple-symbols
8226 Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
8227 @end table
8228
8229 @node Variables
8230 @section Program Variables
8231
8232 The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
8233 in your program.
8234
8235 Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
8236 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
8237
8238 @itemize @bullet
8239 @item
8240 global (or file-static)
8241 @end itemize
8242
8243 @noindent or
8244
8245 @itemize @bullet
8246 @item
8247 visible according to the scope rules of the
8248 programming language from the point of execution in that frame
8249 @end itemize
8250
8251 @noindent This means that in the function
8252
8253 @smallexample
8254 foo (a)
8255 int a;
8256 @{
8257 bar (a);
8258 @{
8259 int b = test ();
8260 bar (b);
8261 @}
8262 @}
8263 @end smallexample
8264
8265 @noindent
8266 you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
8267 executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
8268 examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
8269 the block where @code{b} is declared.
8270
8271 @cindex variable name conflict
8272 There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
8273 scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
8274 in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
8275 function with the same name (in different source files). If that
8276 happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
8277 you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file by
8278 using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
8279
8280 @cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
8281 @ifnotinfo
8282 @c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
8283 @cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
8284 @end ifnotinfo
8285 @smallexample
8286 @var{file}::@var{variable}
8287 @var{function}::@var{variable}
8288 @end smallexample
8289
8290 @noindent
8291 Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
8292 static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
8293 make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
8294 to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
8295
8296 @smallexample
8297 (@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
8298 @end smallexample
8299
8300 The @code{::} notation is normally used for referring to
8301 static variables, since you typically disambiguate uses of local variables
8302 in functions by selecting the appropriate frame and using the
8303 simple name of the variable. However, you may also use this notation
8304 to refer to local variables in frames enclosing the selected frame:
8305
8306 @smallexample
8307 void
8308 foo (int a)
8309 @{
8310 if (a < 10)
8311 bar (a);
8312 else
8313 process (a); /* Stop here */
8314 @}
8315
8316 int
8317 bar (int a)
8318 @{
8319 foo (a + 5);
8320 @}
8321 @end smallexample
8322
8323 @noindent
8324 For example, if there is a breakpoint at the commented line,
8325 here is what you might see
8326 when the program stops after executing the call @code{bar(0)}:
8327
8328 @smallexample
8329 (@value{GDBP}) p a
8330 $1 = 10
8331 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
8332 $2 = 5
8333 (@value{GDBP}) up 2
8334 #2 0x080483d0 in foo (a=5) at foobar.c:12
8335 (@value{GDBP}) p a
8336 $3 = 5
8337 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
8338 $4 = 0
8339 @end smallexample
8340
8341 @cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
8342 These uses of @samp{::} are very rarely in conflict with the very
8343 similar use of the same notation in C@t{++}. When they are in
8344 conflict, the C@t{++} meaning takes precedence; however, this can be
8345 overridden by quoting the file or function name with single quotes.
8346
8347 For example, suppose the program is stopped in a method of a class
8348 that has a field named @code{includefile}, and there is also an
8349 include file named @file{includefile} that defines a variable,
8350 @code{some_global}.
8351
8352 @smallexample
8353 (@value{GDBP}) p includefile
8354 $1 = 23
8355 (@value{GDBP}) p includefile::some_global
8356 A syntax error in expression, near `'.
8357 (@value{GDBP}) p 'includefile'::some_global
8358 $2 = 27
8359 @end smallexample
8360
8361 @cindex wrong values
8362 @cindex variable values, wrong
8363 @cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
8364 @cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
8365 @quotation
8366 @emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
8367 wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
8368 scope, and just before exit.
8369 @end quotation
8370 You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
8371 This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
8372 set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
8373 stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
8374 values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
8375 also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
8376 after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
8377 variable definitions may be gone.
8378
8379 This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
8380 To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
8381 when compiling.
8382
8383 @cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
8384 Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
8385 unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
8386 opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
8387 offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
8388 might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
8389 happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
8390
8391 @smallexample
8392 No symbol "foo" in current context.
8393 @end smallexample
8394
8395 To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
8396 different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
8397 formats. @xref{Compilation}, for more information on choosing compiler
8398 options. @xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug
8399 info formats that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
8400
8401 If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
8402 @value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
8403 by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
8404 type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
8405
8406 If you append @kbd{@@entry} string to a function parameter name you get its
8407 value at the time the function got called. If the value is not available an
8408 error message is printed. Entry values are available only with some compilers.
8409 Entry values are normally also printed at the function parameter list according
8410 to @ref{set print entry-values}.
8411
8412 @smallexample
8413 Breakpoint 1, d (i=30) at gdb.base/entry-value.c:29
8414 29 i++;
8415 (gdb) next
8416 30 e (i);
8417 (gdb) print i
8418 $1 = 31
8419 (gdb) print i@@entry
8420 $2 = 30
8421 @end smallexample
8422
8423 Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
8424 signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
8425 printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
8426 @code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
8427 defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
8428 For program code
8429
8430 @smallexample
8431 char var0[] = "A";
8432 signed char var1[] = "A";
8433 @end smallexample
8434
8435 You get during debugging
8436 @smallexample
8437 (gdb) print var0
8438 $1 = "A"
8439 (gdb) print var1
8440 $2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
8441 @end smallexample
8442
8443 @node Arrays
8444 @section Artificial Arrays
8445
8446 @cindex artificial array
8447 @cindex arrays
8448 @kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
8449 It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
8450 same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
8451 dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
8452 program.
8453
8454 You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
8455 @dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
8456 operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
8457 and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
8458 of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
8459 the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
8460 argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
8461 following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
8462 example. If a program says
8463
8464 @smallexample
8465 int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
8466 @end smallexample
8467
8468 @noindent
8469 you can print the contents of @code{array} with
8470
8471 @smallexample
8472 p *array@@len
8473 @end smallexample
8474
8475 The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
8476 with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
8477 subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
8478 Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
8479 (@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
8480
8481 Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
8482 This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
8483 The value need not be in memory:
8484 @smallexample
8485 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
8486 $1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
8487 @end smallexample
8488
8489 As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
8490 @samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
8491 the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
8492 @smallexample
8493 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
8494 $2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
8495 @end smallexample
8496
8497 Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
8498 moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
8499 actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
8500 of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
8501 to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
8502 Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
8503 interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
8504 instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
8505 structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
8506 in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
8507
8508 @smallexample
8509 set $i = 0
8510 p dtab[$i++]->fv
8511 @key{RET}
8512 @key{RET}
8513 @dots{}
8514 @end smallexample
8515
8516 @node Output Formats
8517 @section Output Formats
8518
8519 @cindex formatted output
8520 @cindex output formats
8521 By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
8522 this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
8523 in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
8524 at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
8525 these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
8526
8527 The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
8528 already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
8529 @code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
8530 letters supported are:
8531
8532 @table @code
8533 @item x
8534 Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
8535 hexadecimal.
8536
8537 @item d
8538 Print as integer in signed decimal.
8539
8540 @item u
8541 Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
8542
8543 @item o
8544 Print as integer in octal.
8545
8546 @item t
8547 Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
8548 @footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
8549 used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
8550 see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
8551
8552 @item a
8553 @cindex unknown address, locating
8554 @cindex locate address
8555 Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
8556 the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
8557 where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
8558
8559 @smallexample
8560 (@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
8561 $3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
8562 @end smallexample
8563
8564 @noindent
8565 The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
8566 @xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
8567
8568 @item c
8569 Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
8570 prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
8571 character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
8572 for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
8573
8574 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
8575 @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
8576 constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
8577 data.
8578
8579 @item f
8580 Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
8581 using typical floating point syntax.
8582
8583 @item s
8584 @cindex printing strings
8585 @cindex printing byte arrays
8586 Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
8587 data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
8588 are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
8589 natural types.
8590
8591 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
8592 @code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
8593 strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
8594 array.
8595
8596 @item z
8597 Like @samp{x} formatting, the value is treated as an integer and
8598 printed as hexadecimal, but leading zeros are printed to pad the value
8599 to the size of the integer type.
8600
8601 @item r
8602 @cindex raw printing
8603 Print using the @samp{raw} formatting. By default, @value{GDBN} will
8604 use a Python-based pretty-printer, if one is available (@pxref{Pretty
8605 Printing}). This typically results in a higher-level display of the
8606 value's contents. The @samp{r} format bypasses any Python
8607 pretty-printer which might exist.
8608 @end table
8609
8610 For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
8611
8612 @smallexample
8613 p/x $pc
8614 @end smallexample
8615
8616 @noindent
8617 Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
8618 names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
8619
8620 To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
8621 you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
8622 expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
8623
8624 @node Memory
8625 @section Examining Memory
8626
8627 You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
8628 any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
8629
8630 @cindex examining memory
8631 @table @code
8632 @kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
8633 @item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
8634 @itemx x @var{addr}
8635 @itemx x
8636 Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
8637 @end table
8638
8639 @var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
8640 much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
8641 expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
8642 If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
8643 Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
8644
8645 @table @r
8646 @item @var{n}, the repeat count
8647 The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
8648 how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display.
8649 @c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
8650 @c 4.1.2.
8651
8652 @item @var{f}, the display format
8653 The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
8654 (@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
8655 @samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
8656 The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
8657 each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
8658
8659 @item @var{u}, the unit size
8660 The unit size is any of
8661
8662 @table @code
8663 @item b
8664 Bytes.
8665 @item h
8666 Halfwords (two bytes).
8667 @item w
8668 Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
8669 @item g
8670 Giant words (eight bytes).
8671 @end table
8672
8673 Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
8674 default unit the next time you use @code{x}. For the @samp{i} format,
8675 the unit size is ignored and is normally not written. For the @samp{s} format,
8676 the unit size defaults to @samp{b}, unless it is explicitly given.
8677 Use @kbd{x /hs} to display 16-bit char strings and @kbd{x /ws} to display
8678 32-bit strings. The next use of @kbd{x /s} will again display 8-bit strings.
8679 Note that the results depend on the programming language of the
8680 current compilation unit. If the language is C, the @samp{s}
8681 modifier will use the UTF-16 encoding while @samp{w} will use
8682 UTF-32. The encoding is set by the programming language and cannot
8683 be altered.
8684
8685 @item @var{addr}, starting display address
8686 @var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
8687 memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
8688 it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
8689 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
8690 @var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
8691 other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
8692 the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
8693 starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
8694 a value from memory).
8695 @end table
8696
8697 For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
8698 (@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
8699 starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
8700 words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
8701 @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
8702
8703 Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
8704 letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
8705 unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
8706 specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
8707 (However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
8708
8709 Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
8710 and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
8711 @samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
8712 including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
8713 the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
8714 slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
8715 follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
8716 @code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
8717 instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
8718
8719 All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
8720 easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
8721 you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
8722 instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
8723 with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
8724 the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
8725 for successive uses of @code{x}.
8726
8727 When examining machine instructions, the instruction at current program
8728 counter is shown with a @code{=>} marker. For example:
8729
8730 @smallexample
8731 (@value{GDBP}) x/5i $pc-6
8732 0x804837f <main+11>: mov %esp,%ebp
8733 0x8048381 <main+13>: push %ecx
8734 0x8048382 <main+14>: sub $0x4,%esp
8735 => 0x8048385 <main+17>: movl $0x8048460,(%esp)
8736 0x804838c <main+24>: call 0x80482d4 <puts@@plt>
8737 @end smallexample
8738
8739 @cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
8740 The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
8741 in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
8742 would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
8743 subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
8744 @code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
8745 examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
8746 @code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
8747 the convenience variable @code{$__}.
8748
8749 If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
8750 are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
8751 address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
8752
8753 @cindex remote memory comparison
8754 @cindex verify remote memory image
8755 When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
8756 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image in the
8757 remote machine's memory against the executable file you downloaded to
8758 the target. The @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such
8759 situations.
8760
8761 @table @code
8762 @kindex compare-sections
8763 @item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{]}
8764 Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
8765 executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
8766 the remote machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
8767 arguments, compares all loadable sections. This command's
8768 availability depends on the target's support for the @code{"qCRC"}
8769 remote request.
8770 @end table
8771
8772 @node Auto Display
8773 @section Automatic Display
8774 @cindex automatic display
8775 @cindex display of expressions
8776
8777 If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
8778 (to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
8779 display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
8780 Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
8781 to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
8782 The automatic display looks like this:
8783
8784 @smallexample
8785 2: foo = 38
8786 3: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
8787 @end smallexample
8788
8789 @noindent
8790 This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
8791 displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
8792 specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
8793 whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
8794 specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
8795 or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
8796
8797 @table @code
8798 @kindex display
8799 @item display @var{expr}
8800 Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
8801 each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
8802
8803 @code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
8804
8805 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
8806 For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
8807 count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
8808 arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
8809 @xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
8810
8811 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
8812 For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
8813 number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
8814 be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
8815 doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
8816 @end table
8817
8818 For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
8819 instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
8820 is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
8821
8822 @table @code
8823 @kindex delete display
8824 @kindex undisplay
8825 @item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
8826 @itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
8827 Remove items from the list of expressions to display. Specify the
8828 numbers of the displays that you want affected with the command
8829 argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one of the
8830 numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display} display;
8831 or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
8832
8833 @code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
8834 (Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
8835
8836 @kindex disable display
8837 @item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
8838 Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
8839 item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
8840 enabled again later. Specify the numbers of the displays that you
8841 want affected with the command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a
8842 single display number, one of the numbers shown in the first field of
8843 the @samp{info display} display; or it could be a range of display
8844 numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
8845
8846 @kindex enable display
8847 @item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
8848 Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
8849 again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
8850 Specify the numbers of the displays that you want affected with the
8851 command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one
8852 of the numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display}
8853 display; or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
8854
8855 @item display
8856 Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
8857 done when your program stops.
8858
8859 @kindex info display
8860 @item info display
8861 Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
8862 automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
8863 values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
8864 It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
8865 because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
8866 @end table
8867
8868 @cindex display disabled out of scope
8869 If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
8870 sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
8871 expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
8872 variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
8873 @code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
8874 @code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
8875 continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
8876 there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
8877 automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
8878 is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
8879
8880 @node Print Settings
8881 @section Print Settings
8882
8883 @cindex format options
8884 @cindex print settings
8885 @value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
8886 and symbols are printed.
8887
8888 @noindent
8889 These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
8890
8891 @table @code
8892 @kindex set print
8893 @item set print address
8894 @itemx set print address on
8895 @cindex print/don't print memory addresses
8896 @value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
8897 traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
8898 even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
8899 is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
8900 @code{set print address on}:
8901
8902 @smallexample
8903 @group
8904 (@value{GDBP}) f
8905 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
8906 at input.c:530
8907 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
8908 @end group
8909 @end smallexample
8910
8911 @item set print address off
8912 Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
8913 this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
8914
8915 @smallexample
8916 @group
8917 (@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
8918 (@value{GDBP}) f
8919 #0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
8920 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
8921 @end group
8922 @end smallexample
8923
8924 You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
8925 dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
8926 @code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
8927 all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
8928
8929 @kindex show print
8930 @item show print address
8931 Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
8932 @end table
8933
8934 When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
8935 closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
8936 identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
8937 source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
8938 @code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
8939 you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
8940 it prints a symbolic address:
8941
8942 @table @code
8943 @item set print symbol-filename on
8944 @cindex source file and line of a symbol
8945 @cindex symbol, source file and line
8946 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
8947 symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
8948
8949 @item set print symbol-filename off
8950 Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
8951 default.
8952
8953 @item show print symbol-filename
8954 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
8955 line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
8956 @end table
8957
8958 Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
8959 numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
8960 number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
8961
8962 Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
8963 printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
8964
8965 @table @code
8966 @item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
8967 @itemx set print max-symbolic-offset unlimited
8968 @cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
8969 Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
8970 offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
8971 @var{max-offset}. The default is @code{unlimited}, which tells @value{GDBN}
8972 to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes
8973 it. Zero is equivalent to @code{unlimited}.
8974
8975 @item show print max-symbolic-offset
8976 Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
8977 symbolic address.
8978 @end table
8979
8980 @cindex wild pointer, interpreting
8981 @cindex pointer, finding referent
8982 If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
8983 @samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
8984 and source file location of the variable where it points, using
8985 @samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
8986 For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
8987 at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
8988
8989 @smallexample
8990 (@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
8991 (@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
8992 $4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
8993 @end smallexample
8994
8995 @quotation
8996 @emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
8997 does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
8998 the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
8999 @end quotation
9000
9001 You can also enable @samp{/a}-like formatting all the time using
9002 @samp{set print symbol on}:
9003
9004 @table @code
9005 @item set print symbol on
9006 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the symbol corresponding to an address, if
9007 one exists.
9008
9009 @item set print symbol off
9010 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print the symbol corresponding to an
9011 address. In this mode, @value{GDBN} will still print the symbol
9012 corresponding to pointers to functions. This is the default.
9013
9014 @item show print symbol
9015 Show whether @value{GDBN} will display the symbol corresponding to an
9016 address.
9017 @end table
9018
9019 Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
9020
9021 @table @code
9022 @item set print array
9023 @itemx set print array on
9024 @cindex pretty print arrays
9025 Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
9026 but uses more space. The default is off.
9027
9028 @item set print array off
9029 Return to compressed format for arrays.
9030
9031 @item show print array
9032 Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
9033 arrays.
9034
9035 @cindex print array indexes
9036 @item set print array-indexes
9037 @itemx set print array-indexes on
9038 Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
9039 convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
9040 index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
9041
9042 @item set print array-indexes off
9043 Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
9044
9045 @item show print array-indexes
9046 Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
9047 arrays.
9048
9049 @item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
9050 @itemx set print elements unlimited
9051 @cindex number of array elements to print
9052 @cindex limit on number of printed array elements
9053 Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
9054 If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
9055 printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
9056 This limit also applies to the display of strings.
9057 When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
9058 Setting @var{number-of-elements} to @code{unlimited} or zero means
9059 that the number of elements to print is unlimited.
9060
9061 @item show print elements
9062 Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
9063 If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
9064
9065 @item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
9066 @kindex set print frame-arguments
9067 @cindex printing frame argument values
9068 @cindex print all frame argument values
9069 @cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
9070 @cindex do not print frame argument values
9071 This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
9072 when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
9073 values are:
9074
9075 @table @code
9076 @item all
9077 The values of all arguments are printed.
9078
9079 @item scalars
9080 Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
9081 complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
9082 by @code{@dots{}}. This is the default. Here is an example where
9083 only scalar arguments are shown:
9084
9085 @smallexample
9086 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
9087 at frame-args.c:23
9088 @end smallexample
9089
9090 @item none
9091 None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
9092 is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
9093
9094 @smallexample
9095 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
9096 at frame-args.c:23
9097 @end smallexample
9098 @end table
9099
9100 By default, only scalar arguments are printed. This command can be used
9101 to configure the debugger to print the value of all arguments, regardless
9102 of their type. However, it is often advantageous to not print the value
9103 of more complex parameters. For instance, it reduces the amount of
9104 information printed in each frame, making the backtrace more readable.
9105 Also, it improves performance when displaying Ada frames, because
9106 the computation of large arguments can sometimes be CPU-intensive,
9107 especially in large applications. Setting @code{print frame-arguments}
9108 to @code{scalars} (the default) or @code{none} avoids this computation,
9109 thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
9110
9111 @item show print frame-arguments
9112 Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
9113
9114 @item set print raw frame-arguments on
9115 Print frame arguments in raw, non pretty-printed, form.
9116
9117 @item set print raw frame-arguments off
9118 Print frame arguments in pretty-printed form, if there is a pretty-printer
9119 for the value (@pxref{Pretty Printing}),
9120 otherwise print the value in raw form.
9121 This is the default.
9122
9123 @item show print raw frame-arguments
9124 Show whether to print frame arguments in raw form.
9125
9126 @anchor{set print entry-values}
9127 @item set print entry-values @var{value}
9128 @kindex set print entry-values
9129 Set printing of frame argument values at function entry. In some cases
9130 @value{GDBN} can determine the value of function argument which was passed by
9131 the function caller, even if the value was modified inside the called function
9132 and therefore is different. With optimized code, the current value could be
9133 unavailable, but the entry value may still be known.
9134
9135 The default value is @code{default} (see below for its description). Older
9136 @value{GDBN} behaved as with the setting @code{no}. Compilers not supporting
9137 this feature will behave in the @code{default} setting the same way as with the
9138 @code{no} setting.
9139
9140 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
9141 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_GNU_call_site} tags. With
9142 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
9143 this information.
9144
9145 The @var{value} parameter can be one of the following:
9146
9147 @table @code
9148 @item no
9149 Print only actual parameter values, never print values from function entry
9150 point.
9151 @smallexample
9152 #0 equal (val=5)
9153 #0 different (val=6)
9154 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>)
9155 #0 born (val=10)
9156 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
9157 @end smallexample
9158
9159 @item only
9160 Print only parameter values from function entry point. The actual parameter
9161 values are never printed.
9162 @smallexample
9163 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
9164 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
9165 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9166 #0 born (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9167 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9168 @end smallexample
9169
9170 @item preferred
9171 Print only parameter values from function entry point. If value from function
9172 entry point is not known while the actual value is known, print the actual
9173 value for such parameter.
9174 @smallexample
9175 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
9176 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
9177 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9178 #0 born (val=10)
9179 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9180 @end smallexample
9181
9182 @item if-needed
9183 Print actual parameter values. If actual parameter value is not known while
9184 value from function entry point is known, print the entry point value for such
9185 parameter.
9186 @smallexample
9187 #0 equal (val=5)
9188 #0 different (val=6)
9189 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9190 #0 born (val=10)
9191 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
9192 @end smallexample
9193
9194 @item both
9195 Always print both the actual parameter value and its value from function entry
9196 point, even if values of one or both are not available due to compiler
9197 optimizations.
9198 @smallexample
9199 #0 equal (val=5, val@@entry=5)
9200 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
9201 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
9202 #0 born (val=10, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9203 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9204 @end smallexample
9205
9206 @item compact
9207 Print the actual parameter value if it is known and also its value from
9208 function entry point if it is known. If neither is known, print for the actual
9209 value @code{<optimized out>}. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and if both
9210 values are known and identical, print the shortened
9211 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
9212 @smallexample
9213 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
9214 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
9215 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9216 #0 born (val=10)
9217 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
9218 @end smallexample
9219
9220 @item default
9221 Always print the actual parameter value. Print also its value from function
9222 entry point, but only if it is known. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and
9223 if both values are known and identical, print the shortened
9224 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
9225 @smallexample
9226 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
9227 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
9228 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
9229 #0 born (val=10)
9230 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
9231 @end smallexample
9232 @end table
9233
9234 For analysis messages on possible failures of frame argument values at function
9235 entry resolution see @ref{set debug entry-values}.
9236
9237 @item show print entry-values
9238 Show the method being used for printing of frame argument values at function
9239 entry.
9240
9241 @item set print repeats @var{number-of-repeats}
9242 @itemx set print repeats unlimited
9243 @cindex repeated array elements
9244 Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
9245 elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
9246 array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
9247 @code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
9248 identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
9249 themselves. Setting the threshold to @code{unlimited} or zero will
9250 cause all elements to be individually printed. The default threshold
9251 is 10.
9252
9253 @item show print repeats
9254 Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
9255 elements.
9256
9257 @item set print null-stop
9258 @cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
9259 Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
9260 @sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
9261 contain only short strings.
9262 The default is off.
9263
9264 @item show print null-stop
9265 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
9266 @sc{null} character.
9267
9268 @item set print pretty on
9269 @cindex print structures in indented form
9270 @cindex indentation in structure display
9271 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
9272 per line, like this:
9273
9274 @smallexample
9275 @group
9276 $1 = @{
9277 next = 0x0,
9278 flags = @{
9279 sweet = 1,
9280 sour = 1
9281 @},
9282 meat = 0x54 "Pork"
9283 @}
9284 @end group
9285 @end smallexample
9286
9287 @item set print pretty off
9288 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
9289
9290 @smallexample
9291 @group
9292 $1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
9293 meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
9294 @end group
9295 @end smallexample
9296
9297 @noindent
9298 This is the default format.
9299
9300 @item show print pretty
9301 Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
9302
9303 @item set print sevenbit-strings on
9304 @cindex eight-bit characters in strings
9305 @cindex octal escapes in strings
9306 Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
9307 @value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
9308 character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
9309 best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
9310 high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
9311
9312 @item set print sevenbit-strings off
9313 Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
9314 international character sets, and is the default.
9315
9316 @item show print sevenbit-strings
9317 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
9318
9319 @item set print union on
9320 @cindex unions in structures, printing
9321 Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
9322 and other unions. This is the default setting.
9323
9324 @item set print union off
9325 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
9326 structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
9327 instead.
9328
9329 @item show print union
9330 Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
9331 structures and other unions.
9332
9333 For example, given the declarations
9334
9335 @smallexample
9336 typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
9337 typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
9338 typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
9339 Bug_forms;
9340
9341 struct thing @{
9342 Species it;
9343 union @{
9344 Tree_forms tree;
9345 Bug_forms bug;
9346 @} form;
9347 @};
9348
9349 struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
9350 @end smallexample
9351
9352 @noindent
9353 with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
9354
9355 @smallexample
9356 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
9357 @end smallexample
9358
9359 @noindent
9360 and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
9361
9362 @smallexample
9363 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
9364 @end smallexample
9365
9366 @noindent
9367 @code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
9368 and in Pascal.
9369 @end table
9370
9371 @need 1000
9372 @noindent
9373 These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
9374
9375 @table @code
9376 @cindex demangling C@t{++} names
9377 @item set print demangle
9378 @itemx set print demangle on
9379 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
9380 (``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
9381 linkage. The default is on.
9382
9383 @item show print demangle
9384 Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
9385
9386 @item set print asm-demangle
9387 @itemx set print asm-demangle on
9388 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
9389 in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
9390 The default is off.
9391
9392 @item show print asm-demangle
9393 Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
9394 or demangled form.
9395
9396 @cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
9397 @cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
9398 @kindex set demangle-style
9399 @item set demangle-style @var{style}
9400 Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
9401 represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
9402
9403 @table @code
9404 @item auto
9405 Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
9406 This is the default.
9407
9408 @item gnu
9409 Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
9410
9411 @item hp
9412 Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
9413
9414 @item lucid
9415 Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
9416
9417 @item arm
9418 Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
9419 @strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
9420 debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
9421 require further enhancement to permit that.
9422
9423 @end table
9424 If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
9425
9426 @item show demangle-style
9427 Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
9428
9429 @item set print object
9430 @itemx set print object on
9431 @cindex derived type of an object, printing
9432 @cindex display derived types
9433 When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
9434 (derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
9435 the virtual function table. Note that the virtual function table is
9436 required---this feature can only work for objects that have run-time
9437 type identification; a single virtual method in the object's declared
9438 type is sufficient. Note that this setting is also taken into account when
9439 working with variable objects via MI (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
9440
9441 @item set print object off
9442 Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
9443 virtual function table. This is the default setting.
9444
9445 @item show print object
9446 Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
9447
9448 @item set print static-members
9449 @itemx set print static-members on
9450 @cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
9451 Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
9452
9453 @item set print static-members off
9454 Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
9455
9456 @item show print static-members
9457 Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
9458
9459 @item set print pascal_static-members
9460 @itemx set print pascal_static-members on
9461 @cindex static members of Pascal objects
9462 @cindex Pascal objects, static members display
9463 Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
9464
9465 @item set print pascal_static-members off
9466 Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
9467
9468 @item show print pascal_static-members
9469 Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
9470
9471 @c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
9472 @item set print vtbl
9473 @itemx set print vtbl on
9474 @cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
9475 @cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
9476 @cindex VTBL display
9477 Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
9478 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
9479 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
9480
9481 @item set print vtbl off
9482 Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
9483
9484 @item show print vtbl
9485 Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
9486 @end table
9487
9488 @node Pretty Printing
9489 @section Pretty Printing
9490
9491 @value{GDBN} provides a mechanism to allow pretty-printing of values using
9492 Python code. It greatly simplifies the display of complex objects. This
9493 mechanism works for both MI and the CLI.
9494
9495 @menu
9496 * Pretty-Printer Introduction:: Introduction to pretty-printers
9497 * Pretty-Printer Example:: An example pretty-printer
9498 * Pretty-Printer Commands:: Pretty-printer commands
9499 @end menu
9500
9501 @node Pretty-Printer Introduction
9502 @subsection Pretty-Printer Introduction
9503
9504 When @value{GDBN} prints a value, it first sees if there is a pretty-printer
9505 registered for the value. If there is then @value{GDBN} invokes the
9506 pretty-printer to print the value. Otherwise the value is printed normally.
9507
9508 Pretty-printers are normally named. This makes them easy to manage.
9509 The @samp{info pretty-printer} command will list all the installed
9510 pretty-printers with their names.
9511 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
9512 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
9513 Each such subprinter has its own name.
9514 The format of the name is @var{printer-name};@var{subprinter-name}.
9515
9516 Pretty-printers are installed by @dfn{registering} them with @value{GDBN}.
9517 Typically they are automatically loaded and registered when the corresponding
9518 debug information is loaded, thus making them available without having to
9519 do anything special.
9520
9521 There are three places where a pretty-printer can be registered.
9522
9523 @itemize @bullet
9524 @item
9525 Pretty-printers registered globally are available when debugging
9526 all inferiors.
9527
9528 @item
9529 Pretty-printers registered with a program space are available only
9530 when debugging that program.
9531 @xref{Progspaces In Python}, for more details on program spaces in Python.
9532
9533 @item
9534 Pretty-printers registered with an objfile are loaded and unloaded
9535 with the corresponding objfile (e.g., shared library).
9536 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for more details on objfiles in Python.
9537 @end itemize
9538
9539 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for further information on how
9540 pretty-printers are selected,
9541
9542 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for implementing pretty printers
9543 for new types.
9544
9545 @node Pretty-Printer Example
9546 @subsection Pretty-Printer Example
9547
9548 Here is how a C@t{++} @code{std::string} looks without a pretty-printer:
9549
9550 @smallexample
9551 (@value{GDBP}) print s
9552 $1 = @{
9553 static npos = 4294967295,
9554 _M_dataplus = @{
9555 <std::allocator<char>> = @{
9556 <__gnu_cxx::new_allocator<char>> = @{
9557 <No data fields>@}, <No data fields>
9558 @},
9559 members of std::basic_string<char, std::char_traits<char>,
9560 std::allocator<char> >::_Alloc_hider:
9561 _M_p = 0x804a014 "abcd"
9562 @}
9563 @}
9564 @end smallexample
9565
9566 With a pretty-printer for @code{std::string} only the contents are printed:
9567
9568 @smallexample
9569 (@value{GDBP}) print s
9570 $2 = "abcd"
9571 @end smallexample
9572
9573 @node Pretty-Printer Commands
9574 @subsection Pretty-Printer Commands
9575 @cindex pretty-printer commands
9576
9577 @table @code
9578 @kindex info pretty-printer
9579 @item info pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
9580 Print the list of installed pretty-printers.
9581 This includes disabled pretty-printers, which are marked as such.
9582
9583 @var{object-regexp} is a regular expression matching the objects
9584 whose pretty-printers to list.
9585 Objects can be @code{global}, the program space's file
9586 (@pxref{Progspaces In Python}),
9587 and the object files within that program space (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}).
9588 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for details on how @value{GDBN}
9589 looks up a printer from these three objects.
9590
9591 @var{name-regexp} is a regular expression matching the name of the printers
9592 to list.
9593
9594 @kindex disable pretty-printer
9595 @item disable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
9596 Disable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
9597 A disabled pretty-printer is not forgotten, it may be enabled again later.
9598
9599 @kindex enable pretty-printer
9600 @item enable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
9601 Enable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
9602 @end table
9603
9604 Example:
9605
9606 Suppose we have three pretty-printers installed: one from library1.so
9607 named @code{foo} that prints objects of type @code{foo}, and
9608 another from library2.so named @code{bar} that prints two types of objects,
9609 @code{bar1} and @code{bar2}.
9610
9611 @smallexample
9612 (gdb) info pretty-printer
9613 library1.so:
9614 foo
9615 library2.so:
9616 bar
9617 bar1
9618 bar2
9619 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
9620 library2.so:
9621 bar
9622 bar1
9623 bar2
9624 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library1
9625 1 printer disabled
9626 2 of 3 printers enabled
9627 (gdb) info pretty-printer
9628 library1.so:
9629 foo [disabled]
9630 library2.so:
9631 bar
9632 bar1
9633 bar2
9634 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar:bar1
9635 1 printer disabled
9636 1 of 3 printers enabled
9637 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
9638 library1.so:
9639 foo [disabled]
9640 library2.so:
9641 bar
9642 bar1 [disabled]
9643 bar2
9644 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar
9645 1 printer disabled
9646 0 of 3 printers enabled
9647 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
9648 library1.so:
9649 foo [disabled]
9650 library2.so:
9651 bar [disabled]
9652 bar1 [disabled]
9653 bar2
9654 @end smallexample
9655
9656 Note that for @code{bar} the entire printer can be disabled,
9657 as can each individual subprinter.
9658
9659 @node Value History
9660 @section Value History
9661
9662 @cindex value history
9663 @cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
9664 Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
9665 @dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
9666 Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
9667 (for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
9668 When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
9669 since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
9670 symbol table.
9671
9672 @cindex @code{$}
9673 @cindex @code{$$}
9674 @cindex history number
9675 The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
9676 refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
9677 @code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
9678 printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
9679 history number.
9680
9681 To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
9682 history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
9683 remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
9684 the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
9685 @code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
9686 is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
9687 @code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
9688
9689 For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
9690 want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
9691
9692 @smallexample
9693 p *$
9694 @end smallexample
9695
9696 If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
9697 to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
9698
9699 @smallexample
9700 p *$.next
9701 @end smallexample
9702
9703 @noindent
9704 You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
9705 command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
9706
9707 Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
9708 @code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
9709
9710 @smallexample
9711 print x
9712 set x=5
9713 @end smallexample
9714
9715 @noindent
9716 then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
9717 remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
9718
9719 @table @code
9720 @kindex show values
9721 @item show values
9722 Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
9723 This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
9724 values} does not change the history.
9725
9726 @item show values @var{n}
9727 Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
9728
9729 @item show values +
9730 Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
9731 values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
9732 @end table
9733
9734 Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
9735 same effect as @samp{show values +}.
9736
9737 @node Convenience Vars
9738 @section Convenience Variables
9739
9740 @cindex convenience variables
9741 @cindex user-defined variables
9742 @value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
9743 @value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
9744 exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
9745 setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
9746 of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
9747
9748 Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
9749 @samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
9750 the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
9751 (Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
9752 by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
9753
9754 You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
9755 expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
9756 For example:
9757
9758 @smallexample
9759 set $foo = *object_ptr
9760 @end smallexample
9761
9762 @noindent
9763 would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
9764 @code{object_ptr}.
9765
9766 Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
9767 value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
9768 value with another assignment at any time.
9769
9770 Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
9771 variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
9772 that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
9773 variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
9774
9775 @table @code
9776 @kindex show convenience
9777 @cindex show all user variables and functions
9778 @item show convenience
9779 Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values,
9780 as well as a list of the convenience functions.
9781 Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
9782
9783 @kindex init-if-undefined
9784 @cindex convenience variables, initializing
9785 @item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
9786 Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
9787 for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
9788 to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
9789 convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
9790 override default values used in a command script.
9791
9792 If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
9793 any side-effects do not occur.
9794 @end table
9795
9796 One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
9797 incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
9798 a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
9799
9800 @smallexample
9801 set $i = 0
9802 print bar[$i++]->contents
9803 @end smallexample
9804
9805 @noindent
9806 Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
9807
9808 Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
9809 values likely to be useful.
9810
9811 @table @code
9812 @vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
9813 @item $_
9814 The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
9815 the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
9816 commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
9817 set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
9818 and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
9819 except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
9820 to the type of @code{$__}.
9821
9822 @vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
9823 @item $__
9824 The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
9825 to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
9826 to match the format in which the data was printed.
9827
9828 @item $_exitcode
9829 @vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
9830 When the program being debugged terminates normally, @value{GDBN}
9831 automatically sets this variable to the exit code of the program, and
9832 resets @code{$_exitsignal} to @code{void}.
9833
9834 @item $_exitsignal
9835 @vindex $_exitsignal@r{, convenience variable}
9836 When the program being debugged dies due to an uncaught signal,
9837 @value{GDBN} automatically sets this variable to that signal's number,
9838 and resets @code{$_exitcode} to @code{void}.
9839
9840 To distinguish between whether the program being debugged has exited
9841 (i.e., @code{$_exitcode} is not @code{void}) or signalled (i.e.,
9842 @code{$_exitsignal} is not @code{void}), the convenience function
9843 @code{$_isvoid} can be used (@pxref{Convenience Funs,, Convenience
9844 Functions}). For example, considering the following source code:
9845
9846 @smallexample
9847 #include <signal.h>
9848
9849 int
9850 main (int argc, char *argv[])
9851 @{
9852 raise (SIGALRM);
9853 return 0;
9854 @}
9855 @end smallexample
9856
9857 A valid way of telling whether the program being debugged has exited
9858 or signalled would be:
9859
9860 @smallexample
9861 (@value{GDBP}) define has_exited_or_signalled
9862 Type commands for definition of ``has_exited_or_signalled''.
9863 End with a line saying just ``end''.
9864 >if $_isvoid ($_exitsignal)
9865 >echo The program has exited\n
9866 >else
9867 >echo The program has signalled\n
9868 >end
9869 >end
9870 (@value{GDBP}) run
9871 Starting program:
9872
9873 Program terminated with signal SIGALRM, Alarm clock.
9874 The program no longer exists.
9875 (@value{GDBP}) has_exited_or_signalled
9876 The program has signalled
9877 @end smallexample
9878
9879 As can be seen, @value{GDBN} correctly informs that the program being
9880 debugged has signalled, since it calls @code{raise} and raises a
9881 @code{SIGALRM} signal. If the program being debugged had not called
9882 @code{raise}, then @value{GDBN} would report a normal exit:
9883
9884 @smallexample
9885 (@value{GDBP}) has_exited_or_signalled
9886 The program has exited
9887 @end smallexample
9888
9889 @item $_exception
9890 The variable @code{$_exception} is set to the exception object being
9891 thrown at an exception-related catchpoint. @xref{Set Catchpoints}.
9892
9893 @item $_probe_argc
9894 @itemx $_probe_arg0@dots{}$_probe_arg11
9895 Arguments to a static probe. @xref{Static Probe Points}.
9896
9897 @item $_sdata
9898 @vindex $_sdata@r{, inspect, convenience variable}
9899 The variable @code{$_sdata} contains extra collected static tracepoint
9900 data. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}. Note that
9901 @code{$_sdata} could be empty, if not inspecting a trace buffer, or
9902 if extra static tracepoint data has not been collected.
9903
9904 @item $_siginfo
9905 @vindex $_siginfo@r{, convenience variable}
9906 The variable @code{$_siginfo} contains extra signal information
9907 (@pxref{extra signal information}). Note that @code{$_siginfo}
9908 could be empty, if the application has not yet received any signals.
9909 For example, it will be empty before you execute the @code{run} command.
9910
9911 @item $_tlb
9912 @vindex $_tlb@r{, convenience variable}
9913 The variable @code{$_tlb} is automatically set when debugging
9914 applications running on MS-Windows in native mode or connected to
9915 gdbserver that supports the @code{qGetTIBAddr} request.
9916 @xref{General Query Packets}.
9917 This variable contains the address of the thread information block.
9918
9919 @end table
9920
9921 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
9922 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
9923 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
9924
9925 @node Convenience Funs
9926 @section Convenience Functions
9927
9928 @cindex convenience functions
9929 @value{GDBN} also supplies some @dfn{convenience functions}. These
9930 have a syntax similar to convenience variables. A convenience
9931 function can be used in an expression just like an ordinary function;
9932 however, a convenience function is implemented internally to
9933 @value{GDBN}.
9934
9935 These functions do not require @value{GDBN} to be configured with
9936 @code{Python} support, which means that they are always available.
9937
9938 @table @code
9939
9940 @item $_isvoid (@var{expr})
9941 @findex $_isvoid@r{, convenience function}
9942 Return one if the expression @var{expr} is @code{void}. Otherwise it
9943 returns zero.
9944
9945 A @code{void} expression is an expression where the type of the result
9946 is @code{void}. For example, you can examine a convenience variable
9947 (see @ref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}) to check whether
9948 it is @code{void}:
9949
9950 @smallexample
9951 (@value{GDBP}) print $_exitcode
9952 $1 = void
9953 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($_exitcode)
9954 $2 = 1
9955 (@value{GDBP}) run
9956 Starting program: ./a.out
9957 [Inferior 1 (process 29572) exited normally]
9958 (@value{GDBP}) print $_exitcode
9959 $3 = 0
9960 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($_exitcode)
9961 $4 = 0
9962 @end smallexample
9963
9964 In the example above, we used @code{$_isvoid} to check whether
9965 @code{$_exitcode} is @code{void} before and after the execution of the
9966 program being debugged. Before the execution there is no exit code to
9967 be examined, therefore @code{$_exitcode} is @code{void}. After the
9968 execution the program being debugged returned zero, therefore
9969 @code{$_exitcode} is zero, which means that it is not @code{void}
9970 anymore.
9971
9972 The @code{void} expression can also be a call of a function from the
9973 program being debugged. For example, given the following function:
9974
9975 @smallexample
9976 void
9977 foo (void)
9978 @{
9979 @}
9980 @end smallexample
9981
9982 The result of calling it inside @value{GDBN} is @code{void}:
9983
9984 @smallexample
9985 (@value{GDBP}) print foo ()
9986 $1 = void
9987 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid (foo ())
9988 $2 = 1
9989 (@value{GDBP}) set $v = foo ()
9990 (@value{GDBP}) print $v
9991 $3 = void
9992 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($v)
9993 $4 = 1
9994 @end smallexample
9995
9996 @end table
9997
9998 These functions require @value{GDBN} to be configured with
9999 @code{Python} support.
10000
10001 @table @code
10002
10003 @item $_memeq(@var{buf1}, @var{buf2}, @var{length})
10004 @findex $_memeq@r{, convenience function}
10005 Returns one if the @var{length} bytes at the addresses given by
10006 @var{buf1} and @var{buf2} are equal.
10007 Otherwise it returns zero.
10008
10009 @item $_regex(@var{str}, @var{regex})
10010 @findex $_regex@r{, convenience function}
10011 Returns one if the string @var{str} matches the regular expression
10012 @var{regex}. Otherwise it returns zero.
10013 The syntax of the regular expression is that specified by @code{Python}'s
10014 regular expression support.
10015
10016 @item $_streq(@var{str1}, @var{str2})
10017 @findex $_streq@r{, convenience function}
10018 Returns one if the strings @var{str1} and @var{str2} are equal.
10019 Otherwise it returns zero.
10020
10021 @item $_strlen(@var{str})
10022 @findex $_strlen@r{, convenience function}
10023 Returns the length of string @var{str}.
10024
10025 @end table
10026
10027 @value{GDBN} provides the ability to list and get help on
10028 convenience functions.
10029
10030 @table @code
10031 @item help function
10032 @kindex help function
10033 @cindex show all convenience functions
10034 Print a list of all convenience functions.
10035 @end table
10036
10037 @node Registers
10038 @section Registers
10039
10040 @cindex registers
10041 You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
10042 with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
10043 for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
10044 your machine.
10045
10046 @table @code
10047 @kindex info registers
10048 @item info registers
10049 Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
10050 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
10051
10052 @kindex info all-registers
10053 @cindex floating point registers
10054 @item info all-registers
10055 Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
10056 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
10057
10058 @item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
10059 Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
10060 As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
10061 the selected stack frame. @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
10062 the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
10063 @end table
10064
10065 @cindex stack pointer register
10066 @cindex program counter register
10067 @cindex process status register
10068 @cindex frame pointer register
10069 @cindex standard registers
10070 @value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
10071 expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
10072 architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
10073 @code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
10074 the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
10075 pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
10076 register that contains the processor status. For example,
10077 you could print the program counter in hex with
10078
10079 @smallexample
10080 p/x $pc
10081 @end smallexample
10082
10083 @noindent
10084 or print the instruction to be executed next with
10085
10086 @smallexample
10087 x/i $pc
10088 @end smallexample
10089
10090 @noindent
10091 or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
10092 one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
10093 memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
10094 stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
10095 stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
10096 regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
10097 see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
10098
10099 @smallexample
10100 set $sp += 4
10101 @end smallexample
10102
10103 Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
10104 your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
10105 so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
10106 shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
10107 registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
10108 can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
10109 is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
10110
10111 @value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
10112 integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
10113 special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
10114 registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
10115 to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
10116 (although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
10117 @samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
10118
10119 Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
10120 means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
10121 the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
10122 sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
10123 coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
10124 programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
10125 cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
10126 that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
10127 prints the data in both formats.
10128
10129 @cindex SSE registers (x86)
10130 @cindex MMX registers (x86)
10131 Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
10132 in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
10133 have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
10134 together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
10135 registers in @code{struct} notation:
10136
10137 @smallexample
10138 (@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
10139 $1 = @{
10140 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
10141 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
10142 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
10143 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
10144 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
10145 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
10146 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
10147 @}
10148 @end smallexample
10149
10150 @noindent
10151 To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
10152 view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
10153 value to a @code{struct} member:
10154
10155 @smallexample
10156 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
10157 @end smallexample
10158
10159 Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
10160 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
10161 value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
10162 were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
10163 true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
10164 frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
10165
10166 @cindex caller-saved registers
10167 @cindex call-clobbered registers
10168 @cindex volatile registers
10169 @cindex <not saved> values
10170 Usually ABIs reserve some registers as not needed to be saved by the
10171 callee (a.k.a.: ``caller-saved'', ``call-clobbered'' or ``volatile''
10172 registers). It may therefore not be possible for @value{GDBN} to know
10173 the value a register had before the call (in other words, in the outer
10174 frame), if the register value has since been changed by the callee.
10175 @value{GDBN} tries to deduce where the inner frame saved
10176 (``callee-saved'') registers, from the debug info, unwind info, or the
10177 machine code generated by your compiler. If some register is not
10178 saved, and @value{GDBN} knows the register is ``caller-saved'' (via
10179 its own knowledge of the ABI, or because the debug/unwind info
10180 explicitly says the register's value is undefined), @value{GDBN}
10181 displays @w{@samp{<not saved>}} as the register's value. With targets
10182 that @value{GDBN} has no knowledge of the register saving convention,
10183 if a register was not saved by the callee, then its value and location
10184 in the outer frame are assumed to be the same of the inner frame.
10185 This is usually harmless, because if the register is call-clobbered,
10186 the caller either does not care what is in the register after the
10187 call, or has code to restore the value that it does care about. Note,
10188 however, that if you change such a register in the outer frame, you
10189 may also be affecting the inner frame. Also, the more ``outer'' the
10190 frame is you're looking at, the more likely a call-clobbered
10191 register's value is to be wrong, in the sense that it doesn't actually
10192 represent the value the register had just before the call.
10193
10194 @node Floating Point Hardware
10195 @section Floating Point Hardware
10196 @cindex floating point
10197
10198 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
10199 you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
10200
10201 @table @code
10202 @kindex info float
10203 @item info float
10204 Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
10205 point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
10206 floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
10207 the ARM and x86 machines.
10208 @end table
10209
10210 @node Vector Unit
10211 @section Vector Unit
10212 @cindex vector unit
10213
10214 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
10215 more information about the status of the vector unit.
10216
10217 @table @code
10218 @kindex info vector
10219 @item info vector
10220 Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
10221 layout vary depending on the hardware.
10222 @end table
10223
10224 @node OS Information
10225 @section Operating System Auxiliary Information
10226 @cindex OS information
10227
10228 @value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
10229 you debug your program.
10230
10231 @cindex auxiliary vector
10232 @cindex vector, auxiliary
10233 Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
10234 startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
10235 specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
10236 binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
10237 hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
10238 identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
10239 Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
10240 @value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
10241 targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
10242 support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
10243 @ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
10244
10245 @table @code
10246 @kindex info auxv
10247 @item info auxv
10248 Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
10249 live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
10250 numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
10251 tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
10252 pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
10253 most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
10254 an unrecognized tag.
10255 @end table
10256
10257 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating system-specific
10258 information and show it to you. The types of information available
10259 will differ depending on the type of operating system running on the
10260 target. The mechanism used to fetch the data is described in
10261 @ref{Operating System Information}. For remote targets, this
10262 functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
10263 @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
10264
10265 @table @code
10266 @kindex info os
10267 @item info os @var{infotype}
10268
10269 Display OS information of the requested type.
10270
10271 On @sc{gnu}/Linux, the following values of @var{infotype} are valid:
10272
10273 @anchor{linux info os infotypes}
10274 @table @code
10275 @kindex info os processes
10276 @item processes
10277 Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
10278 @value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, the
10279 command corresponding to the process, and the list of processor cores
10280 that the process is currently running on. (To understand what these
10281 properties mean, for this and the following info types, please consult
10282 the general @sc{gnu}/Linux documentation.)
10283
10284 @kindex info os procgroups
10285 @item procgroups
10286 Display the list of process groups on the target. For each process,
10287 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process group that it belongs
10288 to, the command corresponding to the process group leader, the process
10289 identifier, and the command line of the process. The list is sorted
10290 first by the process group identifier, then by the process identifier,
10291 so that processes belonging to the same process group are grouped together
10292 and the process group leader is listed first.
10293
10294 @kindex info os threads
10295 @item threads
10296 Display the list of threads running on the target. For each thread,
10297 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process that the thread
10298 belongs to, the command of the process, the thread identifier, and the
10299 processor core that it is currently running on. The main thread of a
10300 process is not listed.
10301
10302 @kindex info os files
10303 @item files
10304 Display the list of open file descriptors on the target. For each
10305 file descriptor, @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process
10306 owning the descriptor, the command of the owning process, the value
10307 of the descriptor, and the target of the descriptor.
10308
10309 @kindex info os sockets
10310 @item sockets
10311 Display the list of Internet-domain sockets on the target. For each
10312 socket, @value{GDBN} prints the address and port of the local and
10313 remote endpoints, the current state of the connection, the creator of
10314 the socket, the IP address family of the socket, and the type of the
10315 connection.
10316
10317 @kindex info os shm
10318 @item shm
10319 Display the list of all System V shared-memory regions on the target.
10320 For each shared-memory region, @value{GDBN} prints the region key,
10321 the shared-memory identifier, the access permissions, the size of the
10322 region, the process that created the region, the process that last
10323 attached to or detached from the region, the current number of live
10324 attaches to the region, and the times at which the region was last
10325 attached to, detach from, and changed.
10326
10327 @kindex info os semaphores
10328 @item semaphores
10329 Display the list of all System V semaphore sets on the target. For each
10330 semaphore set, @value{GDBN} prints the semaphore set key, the semaphore
10331 set identifier, the access permissions, the number of semaphores in the
10332 set, the user and group of the owner and creator of the semaphore set,
10333 and the times at which the semaphore set was operated upon and changed.
10334
10335 @kindex info os msg
10336 @item msg
10337 Display the list of all System V message queues on the target. For each
10338 message queue, @value{GDBN} prints the message queue key, the message
10339 queue identifier, the access permissions, the current number of bytes
10340 on the queue, the current number of messages on the queue, the processes
10341 that last sent and received a message on the queue, the user and group
10342 of the owner and creator of the message queue, the times at which a
10343 message was last sent and received on the queue, and the time at which
10344 the message queue was last changed.
10345
10346 @kindex info os modules
10347 @item modules
10348 Display the list of all loaded kernel modules on the target. For each
10349 module, @value{GDBN} prints the module name, the size of the module in
10350 bytes, the number of times the module is used, the dependencies of the
10351 module, the status of the module, and the address of the loaded module
10352 in memory.
10353 @end table
10354
10355 @item info os
10356 If @var{infotype} is omitted, then list the possible values for
10357 @var{infotype} and the kind of OS information available for each
10358 @var{infotype}. If the target does not return a list of possible
10359 types, this command will report an error.
10360 @end table
10361
10362 @node Memory Region Attributes
10363 @section Memory Region Attributes
10364 @cindex memory region attributes
10365
10366 @dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
10367 required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
10368 attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
10369 accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
10370 target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
10371 fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
10372 user can override the fetched regions.
10373
10374 Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
10375 memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
10376 accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
10377 been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
10378 all memory.
10379
10380 When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
10381 to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
10382
10383 @table @code
10384 @kindex mem
10385 @item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
10386 Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
10387 attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
10388 monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
10389 case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
10390 (0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
10391
10392 @item mem auto
10393 Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
10394 regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
10395
10396 @kindex delete mem
10397 @item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
10398 Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
10399 monitored by @value{GDBN}.
10400
10401 @kindex disable mem
10402 @item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
10403 Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
10404 A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
10405 It may be enabled again later.
10406
10407 @kindex enable mem
10408 @item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
10409 Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
10410
10411 @kindex info mem
10412 @item info mem
10413 Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
10414 for each region:
10415
10416 @table @emph
10417 @item Memory Region Number
10418 @item Enabled or Disabled.
10419 Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
10420 Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
10421
10422 @item Lo Address
10423 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
10424
10425 @item Hi Address
10426 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
10427
10428 @item Attributes
10429 The list of attributes set for this memory region.
10430 @end table
10431 @end table
10432
10433
10434 @subsection Attributes
10435
10436 @subsubsection Memory Access Mode
10437 The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
10438 write accesses to a memory region.
10439
10440 While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
10441 memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
10442 etc.@: from accessing memory.
10443
10444 @table @code
10445 @item ro
10446 Memory is read only.
10447 @item wo
10448 Memory is write only.
10449 @item rw
10450 Memory is read/write. This is the default.
10451 @end table
10452
10453 @subsubsection Memory Access Size
10454 The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
10455 accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
10456 require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
10457 specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
10458
10459 @table @code
10460 @item 8
10461 Use 8 bit memory accesses.
10462 @item 16
10463 Use 16 bit memory accesses.
10464 @item 32
10465 Use 32 bit memory accesses.
10466 @item 64
10467 Use 64 bit memory accesses.
10468 @end table
10469
10470 @c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
10471 @c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
10472 @c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
10473 @c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
10474 @c
10475 @c @table @code
10476 @c @item hwbreak
10477 @c Always use hardware breakpoints
10478 @c @item swbreak (default)
10479 @c @end table
10480
10481 @subsubsection Data Cache
10482 The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
10483 memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
10484 protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
10485 does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
10486 registers.
10487
10488 @table @code
10489 @item cache
10490 Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
10491 @item nocache
10492 Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
10493 @end table
10494
10495 @subsection Memory Access Checking
10496 @value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
10497 not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
10498 regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
10499 better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
10500
10501 @table @code
10502 @kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
10503 @item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
10504 If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
10505 explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
10506 to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
10507 memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
10508 treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
10509 The default value is @code{on}.
10510 @kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
10511 @item show mem inaccessible-by-default
10512 Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
10513 @end table
10514
10515
10516 @c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
10517 @c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
10518 @c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
10519 @c
10520 @c @table @code
10521 @c @item verify
10522 @c @item noverify (default)
10523 @c @end table
10524
10525 @node Dump/Restore Files
10526 @section Copy Between Memory and a File
10527 @cindex dump/restore files
10528 @cindex append data to a file
10529 @cindex dump data to a file
10530 @cindex restore data from a file
10531
10532 You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
10533 @code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
10534 @code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
10535 @code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
10536 memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex, or
10537 Tektronix Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only append to binary
10538 files.
10539
10540 @table @code
10541
10542 @kindex dump
10543 @item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
10544 @itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
10545 Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
10546 or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
10547
10548 The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
10549 @table @code
10550 @item binary
10551 Raw binary form.
10552 @item ihex
10553 Intel hex format.
10554 @item srec
10555 Motorola S-record format.
10556 @item tekhex
10557 Tektronix Hex format.
10558 @end table
10559
10560 @value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
10561 @sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
10562 @var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
10563 form.
10564
10565 @kindex append
10566 @item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
10567 @itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
10568 Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
10569 or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
10570 (@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
10571
10572 @kindex restore
10573 @item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
10574 Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
10575 @code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
10576 file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
10577 must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
10578
10579 If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
10580 contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
10581 they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
10582 a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
10583 from that location.
10584
10585 If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
10586 file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
10587 These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
10588 the @var{bias} argument is applied.
10589
10590 @end table
10591
10592 @node Core File Generation
10593 @section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
10594 @cindex dump core from inferior
10595
10596 A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
10597 image of a running process and its process status (register values
10598 etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
10599 crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
10600 automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
10601 the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
10602 the post-mortem debugging mode.
10603
10604 Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
10605 are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
10606 @value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
10607
10608 @table @code
10609 @kindex gcore
10610 @kindex generate-core-file
10611 @item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
10612 @itemx gcore [@var{file}]
10613 Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
10614 @var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
10615 specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
10616 @var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
10617
10618 Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
10619 this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, and S390).
10620 @end table
10621
10622 @node Character Sets
10623 @section Character Sets
10624 @cindex character sets
10625 @cindex charset
10626 @cindex translating between character sets
10627 @cindex host character set
10628 @cindex target character set
10629
10630 If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
10631 represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
10632 @value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
10633 you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
10634 character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
10635 @dfn{target character set}.
10636
10637 For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
10638 uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
10639 remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
10640 running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
10641 then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
10642 @sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
10643 target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
10644 @sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
10645 character and string literals in expressions.
10646
10647 @value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
10648 the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
10649 target-charset} command, described below.
10650
10651 Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
10652 support:
10653
10654 @table @code
10655 @item set target-charset @var{charset}
10656 @kindex set target-charset
10657 Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. To display the
10658 list of supported target character sets, type
10659 @kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
10660
10661 @item set host-charset @var{charset}
10662 @kindex set host-charset
10663 Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
10664
10665 By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
10666 system it is running on; you can override that default using the
10667 @code{set host-charset} command. On some systems, @value{GDBN} cannot
10668 automatically determine the appropriate host character set. In this
10669 case, @value{GDBN} uses @samp{UTF-8}.
10670
10671 @value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
10672 set. If you type @kbd{@w{set host-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
10673 @value{GDBN} will list the host character sets it supports.
10674
10675 @item set charset @var{charset}
10676 @kindex set charset
10677 Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
10678 above, if you type @kbd{@w{set charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
10679 @value{GDBN} will list the names of the character sets that can be used
10680 for both host and target.
10681
10682 @item show charset
10683 @kindex show charset
10684 Show the names of the current host and target character sets.
10685
10686 @item show host-charset
10687 @kindex show host-charset
10688 Show the name of the current host character set.
10689
10690 @item show target-charset
10691 @kindex show target-charset
10692 Show the name of the current target character set.
10693
10694 @item set target-wide-charset @var{charset}
10695 @kindex set target-wide-charset
10696 Set the current target's wide character set to @var{charset}. This is
10697 the character set used by the target's @code{wchar_t} type. To
10698 display the list of supported wide character sets, type
10699 @kbd{@w{set target-wide-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
10700
10701 @item show target-wide-charset
10702 @kindex show target-wide-charset
10703 Show the name of the current target's wide character set.
10704 @end table
10705
10706 Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
10707 Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
10708 @file{charset-test.c}:
10709
10710 @smallexample
10711 #include <stdio.h>
10712
10713 char ascii_hello[]
10714 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
10715 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
10716 char ibm1047_hello[]
10717 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
10718 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
10719
10720 main ()
10721 @{
10722 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
10723 @}
10724 @end smallexample
10725
10726 In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
10727 containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
10728 encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
10729
10730 We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
10731
10732 @smallexample
10733 $ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
10734 $ gdb -nw charset-test
10735 GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
10736 Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
10737 @dots{}
10738 (@value{GDBP})
10739 @end smallexample
10740
10741 We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
10742 @value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
10743 strings:
10744
10745 @smallexample
10746 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
10747 The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
10748 (@value{GDBP})
10749 @end smallexample
10750
10751 For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
10752 initial character set:
10753 @smallexample
10754 (@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
10755 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
10756 The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
10757 (@value{GDBP})
10758 @end smallexample
10759
10760 Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
10761 host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
10762 characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
10763 them properly. Since our current target character set is also
10764 @sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
10765
10766 @smallexample
10767 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
10768 $1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
10769 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
10770 $2 = 72 'H'
10771 (@value{GDBP})
10772 @end smallexample
10773
10774 @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
10775 literals you use in expressions:
10776
10777 @smallexample
10778 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
10779 $3 = 43 '+'
10780 (@value{GDBP})
10781 @end smallexample
10782
10783 The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
10784 character.
10785
10786 @value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
10787 target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
10788 character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
10789
10790 @smallexample
10791 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
10792 $4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
10793 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
10794 $5 = 200 '\310'
10795 (@value{GDBP})
10796 @end smallexample
10797
10798 If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
10799 @value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
10800
10801 @smallexample
10802 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
10803 ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
10804 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
10805 @end smallexample
10806
10807 We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
10808 program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
10809 @value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
10810 target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
10811 @sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
10812
10813 @smallexample
10814 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
10815 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
10816 The current host character set is `ASCII'.
10817 The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
10818 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
10819 $6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
10820 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
10821 $7 = 72 '\110'
10822 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
10823 $8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
10824 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
10825 $9 = 200 'H'
10826 (@value{GDBP})
10827 @end smallexample
10828
10829 As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
10830 string literals you use in expressions:
10831
10832 @smallexample
10833 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
10834 $10 = 78 '+'
10835 (@value{GDBP})
10836 @end smallexample
10837
10838 The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
10839 character.
10840
10841 @node Caching Target Data
10842 @section Caching Data of Targets
10843 @cindex caching data of targets
10844
10845 @value{GDBN} caches data exchanged between the debugger and a target.
10846 Each cache is associated with the address space of the inferior.
10847 @xref{Inferiors and Programs}, about inferior and address space.
10848 Such caching generally improves performance in remote debugging
10849 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), because it reduces the overhead of the
10850 remote protocol by bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks.
10851 Unfortunately, simply caching everything would lead to incorrect results,
10852 since @value{GDBN} does not necessarily know anything about volatile
10853 values, memory-mapped I/O addresses, etc. Furthermore, in non-stop mode
10854 (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) memory can be changed @emph{while} a gdb command
10855 is executing.
10856 Therefore, by default, @value{GDBN} only caches data
10857 known to be on the stack@footnote{In non-stop mode, it is moderately
10858 rare for a running thread to modify the stack of a stopped thread
10859 in a way that would interfere with a backtrace, and caching of
10860 stack reads provides a significant speed up of remote backtraces.} or
10861 in the code segment.
10862 Other regions of memory can be explicitly marked as
10863 cacheable; @pxref{Memory Region Attributes}.
10864
10865 @table @code
10866 @kindex set remotecache
10867 @item set remotecache on
10868 @itemx set remotecache off
10869 This option no longer does anything; it exists for compatibility
10870 with old scripts.
10871
10872 @kindex show remotecache
10873 @item show remotecache
10874 Show the current state of the obsolete remotecache flag.
10875
10876 @kindex set stack-cache
10877 @item set stack-cache on
10878 @itemx set stack-cache off
10879 Enable or disable caching of stack accesses. When @code{on}, use
10880 caching. By default, this option is @code{on}.
10881
10882 @kindex show stack-cache
10883 @item show stack-cache
10884 Show the current state of data caching for memory accesses.
10885
10886 @kindex set code-cache
10887 @item set code-cache on
10888 @itemx set code-cache off
10889 Enable or disable caching of code segment accesses. When @code{on},
10890 use caching. By default, this option is @code{on}. This improves
10891 performance of disassembly in remote debugging.
10892
10893 @kindex show code-cache
10894 @item show code-cache
10895 Show the current state of target memory cache for code segment
10896 accesses.
10897
10898 @kindex info dcache
10899 @item info dcache @r{[}line@r{]}
10900 Print the information about the performance of data cache of the
10901 current inferior's address space. The information displayed
10902 includes the dcache width and depth, and for each cache line, its
10903 number, address, and how many times it was referenced. This
10904 command is useful for debugging the data cache operation.
10905
10906 If a line number is specified, the contents of that line will be
10907 printed in hex.
10908
10909 @item set dcache size @var{size}
10910 @cindex dcache size
10911 @kindex set dcache size
10912 Set maximum number of entries in dcache (dcache depth above).
10913
10914 @item set dcache line-size @var{line-size}
10915 @cindex dcache line-size
10916 @kindex set dcache line-size
10917 Set number of bytes each dcache entry caches (dcache width above).
10918 Must be a power of 2.
10919
10920 @item show dcache size
10921 @kindex show dcache size
10922 Show maximum number of dcache entries. @xref{Caching Target Data, info dcache}.
10923
10924 @item show dcache line-size
10925 @kindex show dcache line-size
10926 Show default size of dcache lines.
10927
10928 @end table
10929
10930 @node Searching Memory
10931 @section Search Memory
10932 @cindex searching memory
10933
10934 Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
10935 @code{find} command.
10936
10937 @table @code
10938 @kindex find
10939 @item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
10940 @itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
10941 Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
10942 etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
10943 @var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
10944 @end table
10945
10946 @var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
10947 They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
10948
10949 @table @r
10950 @item @var{s}, search query size
10951 The size of each search query value.
10952
10953 @table @code
10954 @item b
10955 bytes
10956 @item h
10957 halfwords (two bytes)
10958 @item w
10959 words (four bytes)
10960 @item g
10961 giant words (eight bytes)
10962 @end table
10963
10964 All values are interpreted in the current language.
10965 This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
10966 then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
10967
10968 If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
10969 value's type in the current language.
10970 This is useful when one wants to specify the search
10971 pattern as a mixture of types.
10972 Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
10973 a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
10974 which is typically four bytes.
10975
10976 @item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
10977 The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
10978 @end table
10979
10980 You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
10981 (@code{"}).
10982 The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
10983 regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
10984
10985 The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
10986 number of matches found.
10987
10988 The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
10989 @samp{$_}.
10990 A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
10991
10992 For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
10993
10994 @smallexample
10995 void
10996 hello ()
10997 @{
10998 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
10999 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
11000 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
11001 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
11002 printf ("%s\n", hello);
11003 @}
11004 @end smallexample
11005
11006 @noindent
11007 you get during debugging:
11008
11009 @smallexample
11010 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
11011 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
11012 1 pattern found
11013 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
11014 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
11015 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
11016 2 patterns found
11017 (gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
11018 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
11019 1 pattern found
11020 (gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
11021 0x8049560 <mixed.1625>
11022 1 pattern found
11023 (gdb) print $numfound
11024 $1 = 1
11025 (gdb) print $_
11026 $2 = (void *) 0x8049560
11027 @end smallexample
11028
11029 @node Optimized Code
11030 @chapter Debugging Optimized Code
11031 @cindex optimized code, debugging
11032 @cindex debugging optimized code
11033
11034 Almost all compilers support optimization. With optimization
11035 disabled, the compiler generates assembly code that corresponds
11036 directly to your source code, in a simplistic way. As the compiler
11037 applies more powerful optimizations, the generated assembly code
11038 diverges from your original source code. With help from debugging
11039 information generated by the compiler, @value{GDBN} can map from
11040 the running program back to constructs from your original source.
11041
11042 @value{GDBN} is more accurate with optimization disabled. If you
11043 can recompile without optimization, it is easier to follow the
11044 progress of your program during debugging. But, there are many cases
11045 where you may need to debug an optimized version.
11046
11047 When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
11048 optimizer has rearranged your code; the debugger shows you what is
11049 really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
11050 exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
11051 variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
11052 variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
11053
11054 Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
11055 @samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
11056 doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
11057 please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
11058 @xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
11059
11060 @menu
11061 * Inline Functions:: How @value{GDBN} presents inlining
11062 * Tail Call Frames:: @value{GDBN} analysis of jumps to functions
11063 @end menu
11064
11065 @node Inline Functions
11066 @section Inline Functions
11067 @cindex inline functions, debugging
11068
11069 @dfn{Inlining} is an optimization that inserts a copy of the function
11070 body directly at each call site, instead of jumping to a shared
11071 routine. @value{GDBN} displays inlined functions just like
11072 non-inlined functions. They appear in backtraces. You can view their
11073 arguments and local variables, step into them with @code{step}, skip
11074 them with @code{next}, and escape from them with @code{finish}.
11075 You can check whether a function was inlined by using the
11076 @code{info frame} command.
11077
11078 For @value{GDBN} to support inlined functions, the compiler must
11079 record information about inlining in the debug information ---
11080 @value{NGCC} using the @sc{dwarf 2} format does this, and several
11081 other compilers do also. @value{GDBN} only supports inlined functions
11082 when using @sc{dwarf 2}. Versions of @value{NGCC} before 4.1
11083 do not emit two required attributes (@samp{DW_AT_call_file} and
11084 @samp{DW_AT_call_line}); @value{GDBN} does not display inlined
11085 function calls with earlier versions of @value{NGCC}. It instead
11086 displays the arguments and local variables of inlined functions as
11087 local variables in the caller.
11088
11089 The body of an inlined function is directly included at its call site;
11090 unlike a non-inlined function, there are no instructions devoted to
11091 the call. @value{GDBN} still pretends that the call site and the
11092 start of the inlined function are different instructions. Stepping to
11093 the call site shows the call site, and then stepping again shows
11094 the first line of the inlined function, even though no additional
11095 instructions are executed.
11096
11097 This makes source-level debugging much clearer; you can see both the
11098 context of the call and then the effect of the call. Only stepping by
11099 a single instruction using @code{stepi} or @code{nexti} does not do
11100 this; single instruction steps always show the inlined body.
11101
11102 There are some ways that @value{GDBN} does not pretend that inlined
11103 function calls are the same as normal calls:
11104
11105 @itemize @bullet
11106 @item
11107 Setting breakpoints at the call site of an inlined function may not
11108 work, because the call site does not contain any code. @value{GDBN}
11109 may incorrectly move the breakpoint to the next line of the enclosing
11110 function, after the call. This limitation will be removed in a future
11111 version of @value{GDBN}; until then, set a breakpoint on an earlier line
11112 or inside the inlined function instead.
11113
11114 @item
11115 @value{GDBN} cannot locate the return value of inlined calls after
11116 using the @code{finish} command. This is a limitation of compiler-generated
11117 debugging information; after @code{finish}, you can step to the next line
11118 and print a variable where your program stored the return value.
11119
11120 @end itemize
11121
11122 @node Tail Call Frames
11123 @section Tail Call Frames
11124 @cindex tail call frames, debugging
11125
11126 Function @code{B} can call function @code{C} in its very last statement. In
11127 unoptimized compilation the call of @code{C} is immediately followed by return
11128 instruction at the end of @code{B} code. Optimizing compiler may replace the
11129 call and return in function @code{B} into one jump to function @code{C}
11130 instead. Such use of a jump instruction is called @dfn{tail call}.
11131
11132 During execution of function @code{C}, there will be no indication in the
11133 function call stack frames that it was tail-called from @code{B}. If function
11134 @code{A} regularly calls function @code{B} which tail-calls function @code{C},
11135 then @value{GDBN} will see @code{A} as the caller of @code{C}. However, in
11136 some cases @value{GDBN} can determine that @code{C} was tail-called from
11137 @code{B}, and it will then create fictitious call frame for that, with the
11138 return address set up as if @code{B} called @code{C} normally.
11139
11140 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
11141 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_GNU_call_site} tags. With
11142 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
11143 this information.
11144
11145 @kbd{info frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info}) will indicate the tail call frame
11146 kind by text @code{tail call frame} such as in this sample @value{GDBN} output:
11147
11148 @smallexample
11149 (gdb) x/i $pc - 2
11150 0x40066b <b(int, double)+11>: jmp 0x400640 <c(int, double)>
11151 (gdb) info frame
11152 Stack level 1, frame at 0x7fffffffda30:
11153 rip = 0x40066d in b (amd64-entry-value.cc:59); saved rip 0x4004c5
11154 tail call frame, caller of frame at 0x7fffffffda30
11155 source language c++.
11156 Arglist at unknown address.
11157 Locals at unknown address, Previous frame's sp is 0x7fffffffda30
11158 @end smallexample
11159
11160 The detection of all the possible code path executions can find them ambiguous.
11161 There is no execution history stored (possible @ref{Reverse Execution} is never
11162 used for this purpose) and the last known caller could have reached the known
11163 callee by multiple different jump sequences. In such case @value{GDBN} still
11164 tries to show at least all the unambiguous top tail callers and all the
11165 unambiguous bottom tail calees, if any.
11166
11167 @table @code
11168 @anchor{set debug entry-values}
11169 @item set debug entry-values
11170 @kindex set debug entry-values
11171 When set to on, enables printing of analysis messages for both frame argument
11172 values at function entry and tail calls. It will show all the possible valid
11173 tail calls code paths it has considered. It will also print the intersection
11174 of them with the final unambiguous (possibly partial or even empty) code path
11175 result.
11176
11177 @item show debug entry-values
11178 @kindex show debug entry-values
11179 Show the current state of analysis messages printing for both frame argument
11180 values at function entry and tail calls.
11181 @end table
11182
11183 The analysis messages for tail calls can for example show why the virtual tail
11184 call frame for function @code{c} has not been recognized (due to the indirect
11185 reference by variable @code{x}):
11186
11187 @smallexample
11188 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void);
11189 void (*x) (void) = c;
11190 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
11191 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ a (); @}
11192 int main (void) @{ x (); return 0; @}
11193
11194 Breakpoint 1, DW_OP_GNU_entry_value resolving cannot find
11195 DW_TAG_GNU_call_site 0x40039a in main
11196 a () at t.c:3
11197 3 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
11198 (gdb) bt
11199 #0 a () at t.c:3
11200 #1 0x000000000040039a in main () at t.c:5
11201 @end smallexample
11202
11203 Another possibility is an ambiguous virtual tail call frames resolution:
11204
11205 @smallexample
11206 int i;
11207 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) f (void) @{ i++; @}
11208 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) e (void) @{ f (); @}
11209 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) d (void) @{ f (); @}
11210 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ d (); @}
11211 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (void)
11212 @{ if (i) c (); else e (); @}
11213 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ b (); @}
11214 int main (void) @{ a (); return 0; @}
11215
11216 tailcall: initial: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004ce(b) 0x4004b2(c) 0x4004a2(d)
11217 tailcall: compare: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004cc(b) 0x400492(e)
11218 tailcall: reduced: 0x4004d2(a) |
11219 (gdb) bt
11220 #0 f () at t.c:2
11221 #1 0x00000000004004d2 in a () at t.c:8
11222 #2 0x0000000000400395 in main () at t.c:9
11223 @end smallexample
11224
11225 @set CALLSEQ1A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}c@value{ARROW}d@value{ARROW}f}
11226 @set CALLSEQ2A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}e@value{ARROW}f}
11227
11228 @c Convert CALLSEQ#A to CALLSEQ#B depending on HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK.
11229 @ifset HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
11230 @set ARROW @click{}
11231 @set CALLSEQ1B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ1A}}
11232 @set CALLSEQ2B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ2A}}
11233 @end ifset
11234 @ifclear HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
11235 @set ARROW ->
11236 @set CALLSEQ1B @value{CALLSEQ1A}
11237 @set CALLSEQ2B @value{CALLSEQ2A}
11238 @end ifclear
11239
11240 Frames #0 and #2 are real, #1 is a virtual tail call frame.
11241 The code can have possible execution paths @value{CALLSEQ1B} or
11242 @value{CALLSEQ2B}, @value{GDBN} cannot find which one from the inferior state.
11243
11244 @code{initial:} state shows some random possible calling sequence @value{GDBN}
11245 has found. It then finds another possible calling sequcen - that one is
11246 prefixed by @code{compare:}. The non-ambiguous intersection of these two is
11247 printed as the @code{reduced:} calling sequence. That one could have many
11248 futher @code{compare:} and @code{reduced:} statements as long as there remain
11249 any non-ambiguous sequence entries.
11250
11251 For the frame of function @code{b} in both cases there are different possible
11252 @code{$pc} values (@code{0x4004cc} or @code{0x4004ce}), therefore this frame is
11253 also ambigous. The only non-ambiguous frame is the one for function @code{a},
11254 therefore this one is displayed to the user while the ambiguous frames are
11255 omitted.
11256
11257 There can be also reasons why printing of frame argument values at function
11258 entry may fail:
11259
11260 @smallexample
11261 int v;
11262 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (int i) @{ v++; @}
11263 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i);
11264 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (int i) @{ a (i); @}
11265 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i)
11266 @{ if (i) b (i - 1); else c (0); @}
11267 int main (void) @{ a (5); return 0; @}
11268
11269 (gdb) bt
11270 #0 c (i=i@@entry=0) at t.c:2
11271 #1 0x0000000000400428 in a (DW_OP_GNU_entry_value resolving has found
11272 function "a" at 0x400420 can call itself via tail calls
11273 i=<optimized out>) at t.c:6
11274 #2 0x000000000040036e in main () at t.c:7
11275 @end smallexample
11276
11277 @value{GDBN} cannot find out from the inferior state if and how many times did
11278 function @code{a} call itself (via function @code{b}) as these calls would be
11279 tail calls. Such tail calls would modify thue @code{i} variable, therefore
11280 @value{GDBN} cannot be sure the value it knows would be right - @value{GDBN}
11281 prints @code{<optimized out>} instead.
11282
11283 @node Macros
11284 @chapter C Preprocessor Macros
11285
11286 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
11287 ``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
11288 @value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
11289 the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
11290 where it was defined.
11291
11292 You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
11293 with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
11294 include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
11295 with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
11296
11297 A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
11298 and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
11299 points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
11300 no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
11301 uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
11302 @value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
11303 see @ref{List}.
11304
11305 Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
11306 macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
11307 the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
11308
11309 @table @code
11310
11311 @kindex macro expand
11312 @cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
11313 @cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
11314 @cindex expanding preprocessor macros
11315 @item macro expand @var{expression}
11316 @itemx macro exp @var{expression}
11317 Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
11318 @var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
11319 not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
11320 it can be any string of tokens.
11321
11322 @kindex macro exp1
11323 @item macro expand-once @var{expression}
11324 @itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
11325 @cindex expand macro once
11326 @i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
11327 expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
11328 @var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
11329 left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
11330 particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
11331 expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
11332 parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
11333 can be any string of tokens.
11334
11335 @kindex info macro
11336 @cindex macro definition, showing
11337 @cindex definition of a macro, showing
11338 @cindex macros, from debug info
11339 @item info macro [-a|-all] [--] @var{macro}
11340 Show the current definition or all definitions of the named @var{macro},
11341 and describe the source location or compiler command-line where that
11342 definition was established. The optional double dash is to signify the end of
11343 argument processing and the beginning of @var{macro} for non C-like macros where
11344 the macro may begin with a hyphen.
11345
11346 @kindex info macros
11347 @item info macros @var{linespec}
11348 Show all macro definitions that are in effect at the location specified
11349 by @var{linespec}, and describe the source location or compiler
11350 command-line where those definitions were established.
11351
11352 @kindex macro define
11353 @cindex user-defined macros
11354 @cindex defining macros interactively
11355 @cindex macros, user-defined
11356 @item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
11357 @itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
11358 Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
11359 invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
11360 @var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
11361 ``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
11362 defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
11363 @var{arglist}.
11364
11365 A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
11366 expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
11367 @code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
11368 all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
11369 as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
11370
11371 @kindex macro undef
11372 @item macro undef @var{macro}
11373 Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
11374 This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
11375 define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
11376 in the program being debugged.
11377
11378 @kindex macro list
11379 @item macro list
11380 List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
11381 @end table
11382
11383 @cindex macros, example of debugging with
11384 Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
11385 show our source files:
11386
11387 @smallexample
11388 $ cat sample.c
11389 #include <stdio.h>
11390 #include "sample.h"
11391
11392 #define M 42
11393 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
11394
11395 main ()
11396 @{
11397 #define N 28
11398 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
11399 #undef N
11400 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
11401 #define N 1729
11402 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
11403 @}
11404 $ cat sample.h
11405 #define Q <
11406 $
11407 @end smallexample
11408
11409 Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
11410 @value{NGCC}. We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2}@footnote{This is the
11411 minimum. Recent versions of @value{NGCC} support @option{-gdwarf-3}
11412 and @option{-gdwarf-4}; we recommend always choosing the most recent
11413 version of DWARF.} @emph{and} @option{-g3} flags to ensure the compiler
11414 includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
11415 information.
11416
11417 @smallexample
11418 $ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
11419 $
11420 @end smallexample
11421
11422 Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
11423
11424 @smallexample
11425 $ gdb -nw sample
11426 GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
11427 Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
11428 GDB is free software, @dots{}
11429 (@value{GDBP})
11430 @end smallexample
11431
11432 We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
11433 program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
11434 to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
11435
11436 @smallexample
11437 (@value{GDBP}) list main
11438 3
11439 4 #define M 42
11440 5 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
11441 6
11442 7 main ()
11443 8 @{
11444 9 #define N 28
11445 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
11446 11 #undef N
11447 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
11448 (@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
11449 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
11450 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
11451 (@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
11452 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
11453 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
11454 #define Q <
11455 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
11456 expands to: (42 + 1)
11457 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
11458 expands to: once (M + 1)
11459 (@value{GDBP})
11460 @end smallexample
11461
11462 In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
11463 the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
11464 @code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
11465 which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
11466
11467 Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
11468 force at the source line of the current stack frame:
11469
11470 @smallexample
11471 (@value{GDBP}) break main
11472 Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
11473 (@value{GDBP}) run
11474 Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
11475
11476 Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
11477 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
11478 (@value{GDBP})
11479 @end smallexample
11480
11481 At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
11482
11483 @smallexample
11484 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
11485 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
11486 #define N 28
11487 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
11488 expands to: 28 < 42
11489 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
11490 $1 = 1
11491 (@value{GDBP})
11492 @end smallexample
11493
11494 As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
11495 give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
11496 thereof) in force at each point:
11497
11498 @smallexample
11499 (@value{GDBP}) next
11500 Hello, world!
11501 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
11502 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
11503 The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
11504 at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
11505 (@value{GDBP}) next
11506 We're so creative.
11507 14 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
11508 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
11509 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
11510 #define N 1729
11511 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
11512 expands to: 1729 < 42
11513 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
11514 $2 = 0
11515 (@value{GDBP})
11516 @end smallexample
11517
11518 In addition to source files, macros can be defined on the compilation command
11519 line using the @option{-D@var{name}=@var{value}} syntax. For macros defined in
11520 such a way, @value{GDBN} displays the location of their definition as line zero
11521 of the source file submitted to the compiler.
11522
11523 @smallexample
11524 (@value{GDBP}) info macro __STDC__
11525 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:0
11526 -D__STDC__=1
11527 (@value{GDBP})
11528 @end smallexample
11529
11530
11531 @node Tracepoints
11532 @chapter Tracepoints
11533 @c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
11534 @c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
11535
11536 @cindex tracepoints
11537 In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
11538 the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
11539 anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
11540 depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
11541 might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
11542 fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
11543 to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
11544
11545 Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
11546 specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
11547 arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
11548 Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
11549 those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
11550 expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
11551 for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
11552 a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
11553 in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
11554 values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
11555 unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
11556
11557 The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
11558 targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
11559 how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
11560 remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
11561 support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
11562 packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
11563 Packets}.
11564
11565 It is also possible to get trace data from a file, in a manner reminiscent
11566 of corefiles; you specify the filename, and use @code{tfind} to search
11567 through the file. @xref{Trace Files}, for more details.
11568
11569 This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
11570
11571 @menu
11572 * Set Tracepoints::
11573 * Analyze Collected Data::
11574 * Tracepoint Variables::
11575 * Trace Files::
11576 @end menu
11577
11578 @node Set Tracepoints
11579 @section Commands to Set Tracepoints
11580
11581 Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
11582 tracepoints can be set. A tracepoint is actually a special type of
11583 breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), so you can manipulate it using
11584 standard breakpoint commands. For instance, as with breakpoints,
11585 tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from one, and many
11586 of the commands associated with tracepoints take the tracepoint number
11587 as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to work on.
11588
11589 For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
11590 of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
11591 it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
11592 local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
11593 commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
11594 tracepoint was hit.
11595
11596 Tracepoints do not support every breakpoint feature. Ignore counts on
11597 tracepoints have no effect, and tracepoints cannot run @value{GDBN}
11598 commands when they are hit. Tracepoints may not be thread-specific
11599 either.
11600
11601 @cindex fast tracepoints
11602 Some targets may support @dfn{fast tracepoints}, which are inserted in
11603 a different way (such as with a jump instead of a trap), that is
11604 faster but possibly restricted in where they may be installed.
11605
11606 @cindex static tracepoints
11607 @cindex markers, static tracepoints
11608 @cindex probing markers, static tracepoints
11609 Regular and fast tracepoints are dynamic tracing facilities, meaning
11610 that they can be used to insert tracepoints at (almost) any location
11611 in the target. Some targets may also support controlling @dfn{static
11612 tracepoints} from @value{GDBN}. With static tracing, a set of
11613 instrumentation points, also known as @dfn{markers}, are embedded in
11614 the target program, and can be activated or deactivated by name or
11615 address. These are usually placed at locations which facilitate
11616 investigating what the target is actually doing. @value{GDBN}'s
11617 support for static tracing includes being able to list instrumentation
11618 points, and attach them with @value{GDBN} defined high level
11619 tracepoints that expose the whole range of convenience of
11620 @value{GDBN}'s tracepoints support. Namely, support for collecting
11621 registers values and values of global or local (to the instrumentation
11622 point) variables; tracepoint conditions and trace state variables.
11623 The act of installing a @value{GDBN} static tracepoint on an
11624 instrumentation point, or marker, is referred to as @dfn{probing} a
11625 static tracepoint marker.
11626
11627 @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints on some target systems.
11628 @xref{Server,,Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}}.
11629
11630 This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
11631 conditions and actions.
11632
11633 @menu
11634 * Create and Delete Tracepoints::
11635 * Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
11636 * Tracepoint Passcounts::
11637 * Tracepoint Conditions::
11638 * Trace State Variables::
11639 * Tracepoint Actions::
11640 * Listing Tracepoints::
11641 * Listing Static Tracepoint Markers::
11642 * Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
11643 * Tracepoint Restrictions::
11644 @end menu
11645
11646 @node Create and Delete Tracepoints
11647 @subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
11648
11649 @table @code
11650 @cindex set tracepoint
11651 @kindex trace
11652 @item trace @var{location}
11653 The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
11654 Its argument @var{location} can be a source line, a function name, or
11655 an address in the target program. @xref{Specify Location}. The
11656 @code{trace} command defines a tracepoint, which is a point in the
11657 target program where the debugger will briefly stop, collect some
11658 data, and then allow the program to continue. Setting a tracepoint or
11659 changing its actions takes effect immediately if the remote stub
11660 supports the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature (@pxref{install tracepoint
11661 in tracing}).
11662 If remote stub doesn't support the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature, all
11663 these changes don't take effect until the next @code{tstart}
11664 command, and once a trace experiment is running, further changes will
11665 not have any effect until the next trace experiment starts. In addition,
11666 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{pending tracepoints}---tracepoints whose
11667 address is not yet resolved. (This is similar to pending breakpoints.)
11668 Pending tracepoints are not downloaded to the target and not installed
11669 until they are resolved. The resolution of pending tracepoints requires
11670 @value{GDBN} support---when debugging with the remote target, and
11671 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the remote stub (@pxref{disconnected
11672 tracing}), pending tracepoints can not be resolved (and downloaded to
11673 the remote stub) while @value{GDBN} is disconnected.
11674
11675 Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
11676
11677 @smallexample
11678 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
11679
11680 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
11681
11682 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
11683
11684 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
11685
11686 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
11687 @end smallexample
11688
11689 @noindent
11690 You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
11691
11692 @item trace @var{location} if @var{cond}
11693 Set a tracepoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
11694 @var{cond} each time the tracepoint is reached, and collect data only
11695 if the value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
11696 @xref{Tracepoint Conditions, ,Tracepoint Conditions}, for more
11697 information on tracepoint conditions.
11698
11699 @item ftrace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
11700 @cindex set fast tracepoint
11701 @cindex fast tracepoints, setting
11702 @kindex ftrace
11703 The @code{ftrace} command sets a fast tracepoint. For targets that
11704 support them, fast tracepoints will use a more efficient but possibly
11705 less general technique to trigger data collection, such as a jump
11706 instruction instead of a trap, or some sort of hardware support. It
11707 may not be possible to create a fast tracepoint at the desired
11708 location, in which case the command will exit with an explanatory
11709 message.
11710
11711 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{ftrace} exactly as for
11712 @code{trace}.
11713
11714 On 32-bit x86-architecture systems, fast tracepoints normally need to
11715 be placed at an instruction that is 5 bytes or longer, but can be
11716 placed at 4-byte instructions if the low 64K of memory of the target
11717 program is available to install trampolines. Some Unix-type systems,
11718 such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, exclude low addresses from the program's
11719 address space; but for instance with the Linux kernel it is possible
11720 to let @value{GDBN} use this area by doing a @command{sysctl} command
11721 to set the @code{mmap_min_addr} kernel parameter, as in
11722
11723 @example
11724 sudo sysctl -w vm.mmap_min_addr=32768
11725 @end example
11726
11727 @noindent
11728 which sets the low address to 32K, which leaves plenty of room for
11729 trampolines. The minimum address should be set to a page boundary.
11730
11731 @item strace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
11732 @cindex set static tracepoint
11733 @cindex static tracepoints, setting
11734 @cindex probe static tracepoint marker
11735 @kindex strace
11736 The @code{strace} command sets a static tracepoint. For targets that
11737 support it, setting a static tracepoint probes a static
11738 instrumentation point, or marker, found at @var{location}. It may not
11739 be possible to set a static tracepoint at the desired location, in
11740 which case the command will exit with an explanatory message.
11741
11742 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{strace} exactly as for
11743 @code{trace}, with the addition that the user can also specify
11744 @code{-m @var{marker}} as @var{location}. This probes the marker
11745 identified by the @var{marker} string identifier. This identifier
11746 depends on the static tracepoint backend library your program is
11747 using. You can find all the marker identifiers in the @samp{ID} field
11748 of the @code{info static-tracepoint-markers} command output.
11749 @xref{Listing Static Tracepoint Markers,,Listing Static Tracepoint
11750 Markers}. For example, in the following small program using the UST
11751 tracing engine:
11752
11753 @smallexample
11754 main ()
11755 @{
11756 trace_mark(ust, bar33, "str %s", "FOOBAZ");
11757 @}
11758 @end smallexample
11759
11760 @noindent
11761 the marker id is composed of joining the first two arguments to the
11762 @code{trace_mark} call with a slash, which translates to:
11763
11764 @smallexample
11765 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
11766 Cnt Enb ID Address What
11767 1 n ust/bar33 0x0000000000400ddc in main at stexample.c:22
11768 Data: "str %s"
11769 [etc...]
11770 @end smallexample
11771
11772 @noindent
11773 so you may probe the marker above with:
11774
11775 @smallexample
11776 (@value{GDBP}) strace -m ust/bar33
11777 @end smallexample
11778
11779 Static tracepoints accept an extra collect action --- @code{collect
11780 $_sdata}. This collects arbitrary user data passed in the probe point
11781 call to the tracing library. In the UST example above, you'll see
11782 that the third argument to @code{trace_mark} is a printf-like format
11783 string. The user data is then the result of running that formating
11784 string against the following arguments. Note that @code{info
11785 static-tracepoint-markers} command output lists that format string in
11786 the @samp{Data:} field.
11787
11788 You can inspect this data when analyzing the trace buffer, by printing
11789 the $_sdata variable like any other variable available to
11790 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}.
11791
11792 @vindex $tpnum
11793 @cindex last tracepoint number
11794 @cindex recent tracepoint number
11795 @cindex tracepoint number
11796 The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
11797 of the most recently set tracepoint.
11798
11799 @kindex delete tracepoint
11800 @cindex tracepoint deletion
11801 @item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11802 Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
11803 default is to delete all tracepoints. Note that the regular
11804 @code{delete} command can remove tracepoints also.
11805
11806 Examples:
11807
11808 @smallexample
11809 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
11810
11811 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
11812 @end smallexample
11813
11814 @noindent
11815 You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
11816 @end table
11817
11818 @node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
11819 @subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
11820
11821 These commands are deprecated; they are equivalent to plain @code{disable} and @code{enable}.
11822
11823 @table @code
11824 @kindex disable tracepoint
11825 @item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11826 Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
11827 @var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
11828 a trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
11829 a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
11830 If the command is issued during a trace experiment and the debug target
11831 has support for disabling tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the
11832 change will be effective immediately. Otherwise, it will be applied to the
11833 next trace experiment.
11834
11835 @kindex enable tracepoint
11836 @item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11837 Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. If this command is
11838 issued during a trace experiment and the debug target supports enabling
11839 tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the enabled tracepoints will
11840 become effective immediately. Otherwise, they will become effective the
11841 next time a trace experiment is run.
11842 @end table
11843
11844 @node Tracepoint Passcounts
11845 @subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
11846
11847 @table @code
11848 @kindex passcount
11849 @cindex tracepoint pass count
11850 @item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
11851 Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
11852 automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
11853 @var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
11854 the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
11855 @var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
11856 passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
11857 given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
11858 user.
11859
11860 Examples:
11861
11862 @smallexample
11863 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
11864 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
11865
11866 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
11867 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
11868 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
11869 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
11870 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
11871 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
11872 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
11873 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
11874 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
11875 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
11876 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
11877 @end smallexample
11878 @end table
11879
11880 @node Tracepoint Conditions
11881 @subsection Tracepoint Conditions
11882 @cindex conditional tracepoints
11883 @cindex tracepoint conditions
11884
11885 The simplest sort of tracepoint collects data every time your program
11886 reaches a specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for
11887 a tracepoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
11888 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A
11889 tracepoint with a condition evaluates the expression each time your
11890 program reaches it, and data collection happens only if the condition
11891 is true.
11892
11893 Tracepoint conditions can be specified when a tracepoint is set, by
11894 using @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{trace} command.
11895 @xref{Create and Delete Tracepoints, ,Setting Tracepoints}. They can
11896 also be set or changed at any time with the @code{condition} command,
11897 just as with breakpoints.
11898
11899 Unlike breakpoint conditions, @value{GDBN} does not actually evaluate
11900 the conditional expression itself. Instead, @value{GDBN} encodes the
11901 expression into an agent expression (@pxref{Agent Expressions})
11902 suitable for execution on the target, independently of @value{GDBN}.
11903 Global variables become raw memory locations, locals become stack
11904 accesses, and so forth.
11905
11906 For instance, suppose you have a function that is usually called
11907 frequently, but should not be called after an error has occurred. You
11908 could use the following tracepoint command to collect data about calls
11909 of that function that happen while the error code is propagating
11910 through the program; an unconditional tracepoint could end up
11911 collecting thousands of useless trace frames that you would have to
11912 search through.
11913
11914 @smallexample
11915 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{trace normal_operation if errcode > 0}
11916 @end smallexample
11917
11918 @node Trace State Variables
11919 @subsection Trace State Variables
11920 @cindex trace state variables
11921
11922 A @dfn{trace state variable} is a special type of variable that is
11923 created and managed by target-side code. The syntax is the same as
11924 that for GDB's convenience variables (a string prefixed with ``$''),
11925 but they are stored on the target. They must be created explicitly,
11926 using a @code{tvariable} command. They are always 64-bit signed
11927 integers.
11928
11929 Trace state variables are remembered by @value{GDBN}, and downloaded
11930 to the target along with tracepoint information when the trace
11931 experiment starts. There are no intrinsic limits on the number of
11932 trace state variables, beyond memory limitations of the target.
11933
11934 @cindex convenience variables, and trace state variables
11935 Although trace state variables are managed by the target, you can use
11936 them in print commands and expressions as if they were convenience
11937 variables; @value{GDBN} will get the current value from the target
11938 while the trace experiment is running. Trace state variables share
11939 the same namespace as other ``$'' variables, which means that you
11940 cannot have trace state variables with names like @code{$23} or
11941 @code{$pc}, nor can you have a trace state variable and a convenience
11942 variable with the same name.
11943
11944 @table @code
11945
11946 @item tvariable $@var{name} [ = @var{expression} ]
11947 @kindex tvariable
11948 The @code{tvariable} command creates a new trace state variable named
11949 @code{$@var{name}}, and optionally gives it an initial value of
11950 @var{expression}. @var{expression} is evaluated when this command is
11951 entered; the result will be converted to an integer if possible,
11952 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error. A subsequent
11953 @code{tvariable} command specifying the same name does not create a
11954 variable, but instead assigns the supplied initial value to the
11955 existing variable of that name, overwriting any previous initial
11956 value. The default initial value is 0.
11957
11958 @item info tvariables
11959 @kindex info tvariables
11960 List all the trace state variables along with their initial values.
11961 Their current values may also be displayed, if the trace experiment is
11962 currently running.
11963
11964 @item delete tvariable @r{[} $@var{name} @dots{} @r{]}
11965 @kindex delete tvariable
11966 Delete the given trace state variables, or all of them if no arguments
11967 are specified.
11968
11969 @end table
11970
11971 @node Tracepoint Actions
11972 @subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
11973
11974 @table @code
11975 @kindex actions
11976 @cindex tracepoint actions
11977 @item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11978 This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
11979 tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
11980 specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
11981 recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
11982 @code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
11983 actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
11984 terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
11985 far, the only defined actions are @code{collect}, @code{teval}, and
11986 @code{while-stepping}.
11987
11988 @code{actions} is actually equivalent to @code{commands} (@pxref{Break
11989 Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}), except that only the defined
11990 actions are allowed; any other @value{GDBN} command is rejected.
11991
11992 @cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
11993 To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
11994 and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
11995
11996 @smallexample
11997 (@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
11998
11999 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
12000
12001 (@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
12002 @end smallexample
12003
12004 In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
12005 commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
12006 hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
12007 following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
12008 followed by the list of things to be collected after each step in a
12009 sequence of single steps. The @code{while-stepping} command is
12010 terminated by its own separate @code{end} command. Lastly, the action
12011 list is terminated by an @code{end} command.
12012
12013 @smallexample
12014 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
12015 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
12016 Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
12017 > collect bar,baz
12018 > collect $regs
12019 > while-stepping 12
12020 > collect $pc, arr[i]
12021 > end
12022 end
12023 @end smallexample
12024
12025 @kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
12026 @item collect@r{[}/@var{mods}@r{]} @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
12027 Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
12028 This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
12029 In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
12030 special arguments are supported:
12031
12032 @table @code
12033 @item $regs
12034 Collect all registers.
12035
12036 @item $args
12037 Collect all function arguments.
12038
12039 @item $locals
12040 Collect all local variables.
12041
12042 @item $_ret
12043 Collect the return address. This is helpful if you want to see more
12044 of a backtrace.
12045
12046 @item $_probe_argc
12047 Collects the number of arguments from the static probe at which the
12048 tracepoint is located.
12049 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
12050
12051 @item $_probe_arg@var{n}
12052 @var{n} is an integer between 0 and 11. Collects the @var{n}th argument
12053 from the static probe at which the tracepoint is located.
12054 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
12055
12056 @item $_sdata
12057 @vindex $_sdata@r{, collect}
12058 Collect static tracepoint marker specific data. Only available for
12059 static tracepoints. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action
12060 Lists}. On the UST static tracepoints library backend, an
12061 instrumentation point resembles a @code{printf} function call. The
12062 tracing library is able to collect user specified data formatted to a
12063 character string using the format provided by the programmer that
12064 instrumented the program. Other backends have similar mechanisms.
12065 Here's an example of a UST marker call:
12066
12067 @smallexample
12068 const char master_name[] = "$your_name";
12069 trace_mark(channel1, marker1, "hello %s", master_name)
12070 @end smallexample
12071
12072 In this case, collecting @code{$_sdata} collects the string
12073 @samp{hello $yourname}. When analyzing the trace buffer, you can
12074 inspect @samp{$_sdata} like any other variable available to
12075 @value{GDBN}.
12076 @end table
12077
12078 You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
12079 with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
12080 arguments separated by commas; the effect is the same.
12081
12082 The optional @var{mods} changes the usual handling of the arguments.
12083 @code{s} requests that pointers to chars be handled as strings, in
12084 particular collecting the contents of the memory being pointed at, up
12085 to the first zero. The upper bound is by default the value of the
12086 @code{print elements} variable; if @code{s} is followed by a decimal
12087 number, that is the upper bound instead. So for instance
12088 @samp{collect/s25 mystr} collects as many as 25 characters at
12089 @samp{mystr}.
12090
12091 The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
12092 particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
12093
12094 @kindex teval @r{(tracepoints)}
12095 @item teval @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
12096 Evaluate the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit. This
12097 command accepts a comma-separated list of expressions. The results
12098 are discarded, so this is mainly useful for assigning values to trace
12099 state variables (@pxref{Trace State Variables}) without adding those
12100 values to the trace buffer, as would be the case if the @code{collect}
12101 action were used.
12102
12103 @kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
12104 @item while-stepping @var{n}
12105 Perform @var{n} single-step instruction traces after the tracepoint,
12106 collecting new data after each step. The @code{while-stepping}
12107 command is followed by the list of what to collect while stepping
12108 (followed by its own @code{end} command):
12109
12110 @smallexample
12111 > while-stepping 12
12112 > collect $regs, myglobal
12113 > end
12114 >
12115 @end smallexample
12116
12117 @noindent
12118 Note that @code{$pc} is not automatically collected by
12119 @code{while-stepping}; you need to explicitly collect that register if
12120 you need it. You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
12121 @code{stepping}.
12122
12123 @item set default-collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
12124 @kindex set default-collect
12125 @cindex default collection action
12126 This variable is a list of expressions to collect at each tracepoint
12127 hit. It is effectively an additional @code{collect} action prepended
12128 to every tracepoint action list. The expressions are parsed
12129 individually for each tracepoint, so for instance a variable named
12130 @code{xyz} may be interpreted as a global for one tracepoint, and a
12131 local for another, as appropriate to the tracepoint's location.
12132
12133 @item show default-collect
12134 @kindex show default-collect
12135 Show the list of expressions that are collected by default at each
12136 tracepoint hit.
12137
12138 @end table
12139
12140 @node Listing Tracepoints
12141 @subsection Listing Tracepoints
12142
12143 @table @code
12144 @kindex info tracepoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
12145 @kindex info tp @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
12146 @cindex information about tracepoints
12147 @item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@dots{}@r{]}
12148 Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't
12149 specify a tracepoint number, displays information about all the
12150 tracepoints defined so far. The format is similar to that used for
12151 @code{info breakpoints}; in fact, @code{info tracepoints} is the same
12152 command, simply restricting itself to tracepoints.
12153
12154 A tracepoint's listing may include additional information specific to
12155 tracing:
12156
12157 @itemize @bullet
12158 @item
12159 its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
12160
12161 @item
12162 the state about installed on target of each location
12163 @end itemize
12164
12165 @smallexample
12166 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
12167 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
12168 1 tracepoint keep y 0x0804ab57 in foo() at main.cxx:7
12169 while-stepping 20
12170 collect globfoo, $regs
12171 end
12172 collect globfoo2
12173 end
12174 pass count 1200
12175 2 tracepoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
12176 collect $eip
12177 2.1 y 0x0804859c in func4 at change-loc.h:35
12178 installed on target
12179 2.2 y 0xb7ffc480 in func4 at change-loc.h:35
12180 installed on target
12181 2.3 y <PENDING> set_tracepoint
12182 3 tracepoint keep y 0x080485b1 in foo at change-loc.c:29
12183 not installed on target
12184 (@value{GDBP})
12185 @end smallexample
12186
12187 @noindent
12188 This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
12189 @end table
12190
12191 @node Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
12192 @subsection Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
12193
12194 @table @code
12195 @kindex info static-tracepoint-markers
12196 @cindex information about static tracepoint markers
12197 @item info static-tracepoint-markers
12198 Display information about all static tracepoint markers defined in the
12199 program.
12200
12201 For each marker, the following columns are printed:
12202
12203 @table @emph
12204 @item Count
12205 An incrementing counter, output to help readability. This is not a
12206 stable identifier.
12207 @item ID
12208 The marker ID, as reported by the target.
12209 @item Enabled or Disabled
12210 Probed markers are tagged with @samp{y}. @samp{n} identifies marks
12211 that are not enabled.
12212 @item Address
12213 Where the marker is in your program, as a memory address.
12214 @item What
12215 Where the marker is in the source for your program, as a file and line
12216 number. If the debug information included in the program does not
12217 allow @value{GDBN} to locate the source of the marker, this column
12218 will be left blank.
12219 @end table
12220
12221 @noindent
12222 In addition, the following information may be printed for each marker:
12223
12224 @table @emph
12225 @item Data
12226 User data passed to the tracing library by the marker call. In the
12227 UST backend, this is the format string passed as argument to the
12228 marker call.
12229 @item Static tracepoints probing the marker
12230 The list of static tracepoints attached to the marker.
12231 @end table
12232
12233 @smallexample
12234 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
12235 Cnt ID Enb Address What
12236 1 ust/bar2 y 0x0000000000400e1a in main at stexample.c:25
12237 Data: number1 %d number2 %d
12238 Probed by static tracepoints: #2
12239 2 ust/bar33 n 0x0000000000400c87 in main at stexample.c:24
12240 Data: str %s
12241 (@value{GDBP})
12242 @end smallexample
12243 @end table
12244
12245 @node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
12246 @subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
12247
12248 @table @code
12249 @kindex tstart [ @var{notes} ]
12250 @cindex start a new trace experiment
12251 @cindex collected data discarded
12252 @item tstart
12253 This command starts the trace experiment, and begins collecting data.
12254 It has the side effect of discarding all the data collected in the
12255 trace buffer during the previous trace experiment. If any arguments
12256 are supplied, they are taken as a note and stored with the trace
12257 experiment's state. The notes may be arbitrary text, and are
12258 especially useful with disconnected tracing in a multi-user context;
12259 the notes can explain what the trace is doing, supply user contact
12260 information, and so forth.
12261
12262 @kindex tstop [ @var{notes} ]
12263 @cindex stop a running trace experiment
12264 @item tstop
12265 This command stops the trace experiment. If any arguments are
12266 supplied, they are recorded with the experiment as a note. This is
12267 useful if you are stopping a trace started by someone else, for
12268 instance if the trace is interfering with the system's behavior and
12269 needs to be stopped quickly.
12270
12271 @strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
12272 automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
12273 (@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
12274
12275 @kindex tstatus
12276 @cindex status of trace data collection
12277 @cindex trace experiment, status of
12278 @item tstatus
12279 This command displays the status of the current trace data
12280 collection.
12281 @end table
12282
12283 Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
12284
12285 @smallexample
12286 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
12287 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
12288 Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
12289 > collect $regs,$locals,$args
12290 > while-stepping 11
12291 > collect $regs
12292 > end
12293 > end
12294 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
12295 [time passes @dots{}]
12296 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
12297 @end smallexample
12298
12299 @anchor{disconnected tracing}
12300 @cindex disconnected tracing
12301 You can choose to continue running the trace experiment even if
12302 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target, voluntarily or
12303 involuntarily. For commands such as @code{detach}, the debugger will
12304 ask what you want to do with the trace. But for unexpected
12305 terminations (@value{GDBN} crash, network outage), it would be
12306 unfortunate to lose hard-won trace data, so the variable
12307 @code{disconnected-tracing} lets you decide whether the trace should
12308 continue running without @value{GDBN}.
12309
12310 @table @code
12311 @item set disconnected-tracing on
12312 @itemx set disconnected-tracing off
12313 @kindex set disconnected-tracing
12314 Choose whether a tracing run should continue to run if @value{GDBN}
12315 has disconnected from the target. Note that @code{detach} or
12316 @code{quit} will ask you directly what to do about a running trace no
12317 matter what this variable's setting, so the variable is mainly useful
12318 for handling unexpected situations, such as loss of the network.
12319
12320 @item show disconnected-tracing
12321 @kindex show disconnected-tracing
12322 Show the current choice for disconnected tracing.
12323
12324 @end table
12325
12326 When you reconnect to the target, the trace experiment may or may not
12327 still be running; it might have filled the trace buffer in the
12328 meantime, or stopped for one of the other reasons. If it is running,
12329 it will continue after reconnection.
12330
12331 Upon reconnection, the target will upload information about the
12332 tracepoints in effect. @value{GDBN} will then compare that
12333 information to the set of tracepoints currently defined, and attempt
12334 to match them up, allowing for the possibility that the numbers may
12335 have changed due to creation and deletion in the meantime. If one of
12336 the target's tracepoints does not match any in @value{GDBN}, the
12337 debugger will create a new tracepoint, so that you have a number with
12338 which to specify that tracepoint. This matching-up process is
12339 necessarily heuristic, and it may result in useless tracepoints being
12340 created; you may simply delete them if they are of no use.
12341
12342 @cindex circular trace buffer
12343 If your target agent supports a @dfn{circular trace buffer}, then you
12344 can run a trace experiment indefinitely without filling the trace
12345 buffer; when space runs out, the agent deletes already-collected trace
12346 frames, oldest first, until there is enough room to continue
12347 collecting. This is especially useful if your tracepoints are being
12348 hit too often, and your trace gets terminated prematurely because the
12349 buffer is full. To ask for a circular trace buffer, simply set
12350 @samp{circular-trace-buffer} to on. You can set this at any time,
12351 including during tracing; if the agent can do it, it will change
12352 buffer handling on the fly, otherwise it will not take effect until
12353 the next run.
12354
12355 @table @code
12356 @item set circular-trace-buffer on
12357 @itemx set circular-trace-buffer off
12358 @kindex set circular-trace-buffer
12359 Choose whether a tracing run should use a linear or circular buffer
12360 for trace data. A linear buffer will not lose any trace data, but may
12361 fill up prematurely, while a circular buffer will discard old trace
12362 data, but it will have always room for the latest tracepoint hits.
12363
12364 @item show circular-trace-buffer
12365 @kindex show circular-trace-buffer
12366 Show the current choice for the trace buffer. Note that this may not
12367 match the agent's current buffer handling, nor is it guaranteed to
12368 match the setting that might have been in effect during a past run,
12369 for instance if you are looking at frames from a trace file.
12370
12371 @end table
12372
12373 @table @code
12374 @item set trace-buffer-size @var{n}
12375 @itemx set trace-buffer-size unlimited
12376 @kindex set trace-buffer-size
12377 Request that the target use a trace buffer of @var{n} bytes. Not all
12378 targets will honor the request; they may have a compiled-in size for
12379 the trace buffer, or some other limitation. Set to a value of
12380 @code{unlimited} or @code{-1} to let the target use whatever size it
12381 likes. This is also the default.
12382
12383 @item show trace-buffer-size
12384 @kindex show trace-buffer-size
12385 Show the current requested size for the trace buffer. Note that this
12386 will only match the actual size if the target supports size-setting,
12387 and was able to handle the requested size. For instance, if the
12388 target can only change buffer size between runs, this variable will
12389 not reflect the change until the next run starts. Use @code{tstatus}
12390 to get a report of the actual buffer size.
12391 @end table
12392
12393 @table @code
12394 @item set trace-user @var{text}
12395 @kindex set trace-user
12396
12397 @item show trace-user
12398 @kindex show trace-user
12399
12400 @item set trace-notes @var{text}
12401 @kindex set trace-notes
12402 Set the trace run's notes.
12403
12404 @item show trace-notes
12405 @kindex show trace-notes
12406 Show the trace run's notes.
12407
12408 @item set trace-stop-notes @var{text}
12409 @kindex set trace-stop-notes
12410 Set the trace run's stop notes. The handling of the note is as for
12411 @code{tstop} arguments; the set command is convenient way to fix a
12412 stop note that is mistaken or incomplete.
12413
12414 @item show trace-stop-notes
12415 @kindex show trace-stop-notes
12416 Show the trace run's stop notes.
12417
12418 @end table
12419
12420 @node Tracepoint Restrictions
12421 @subsection Tracepoint Restrictions
12422
12423 @cindex tracepoint restrictions
12424 There are a number of restrictions on the use of tracepoints. As
12425 described above, tracepoint data gathering occurs on the target
12426 without interaction from @value{GDBN}. Thus the full capabilities of
12427 the debugger are not available during data gathering, and then at data
12428 examination time, you will be limited by only having what was
12429 collected. The following items describe some common problems, but it
12430 is not exhaustive, and you may run into additional difficulties not
12431 mentioned here.
12432
12433 @itemize @bullet
12434
12435 @item
12436 Tracepoint expressions are intended to gather objects (lvalues). Thus
12437 the full flexibility of GDB's expression evaluator is not available.
12438 You cannot call functions, cast objects to aggregate types, access
12439 convenience variables or modify values (except by assignment to trace
12440 state variables). Some language features may implicitly call
12441 functions (for instance Objective-C fields with accessors), and therefore
12442 cannot be collected either.
12443
12444 @item
12445 Collection of local variables, either individually or in bulk with
12446 @code{$locals} or @code{$args}, during @code{while-stepping} may
12447 behave erratically. The stepping action may enter a new scope (for
12448 instance by stepping into a function), or the location of the variable
12449 may change (for instance it is loaded into a register). The
12450 tracepoint data recorded uses the location information for the
12451 variables that is correct for the tracepoint location. When the
12452 tracepoint is created, it is not possible, in general, to determine
12453 where the steps of a @code{while-stepping} sequence will advance the
12454 program---particularly if a conditional branch is stepped.
12455
12456 @item
12457 Collection of an incompletely-initialized or partially-destroyed object
12458 may result in something that @value{GDBN} cannot display, or displays
12459 in a misleading way.
12460
12461 @item
12462 When @value{GDBN} displays a pointer to character it automatically
12463 dereferences the pointer to also display characters of the string
12464 being pointed to. However, collecting the pointer during tracing does
12465 not automatically collect the string. You need to explicitly
12466 dereference the pointer and provide size information if you want to
12467 collect not only the pointer, but the memory pointed to. For example,
12468 @code{*ptr@@50} can be used to collect the 50 element array pointed to
12469 by @code{ptr}.
12470
12471 @item
12472 It is not possible to collect a complete stack backtrace at a
12473 tracepoint. Instead, you may collect the registers and a few hundred
12474 bytes from the stack pointer with something like @code{*(unsigned char *)$esp@@300}
12475 (adjust to use the name of the actual stack pointer register on your
12476 target architecture, and the amount of stack you wish to capture).
12477 Then the @code{backtrace} command will show a partial backtrace when
12478 using a trace frame. The number of stack frames that can be examined
12479 depends on the sizes of the frames in the collected stack. Note that
12480 if you ask for a block so large that it goes past the bottom of the
12481 stack, the target agent may report an error trying to read from an
12482 invalid address.
12483
12484 @item
12485 If you do not collect registers at a tracepoint, @value{GDBN} can
12486 infer that the value of @code{$pc} must be the same as the address of
12487 the tracepoint and use that when you are looking at a trace frame
12488 for that tracepoint. However, this cannot work if the tracepoint has
12489 multiple locations (for instance if it was set in a function that was
12490 inlined), or if it has a @code{while-stepping} loop. In those cases
12491 @value{GDBN} will warn you that it can't infer @code{$pc}, and default
12492 it to zero.
12493
12494 @end itemize
12495
12496 @node Analyze Collected Data
12497 @section Using the Collected Data
12498
12499 After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
12500 for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
12501 collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
12502 snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
12503 consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
12504 examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
12505 specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
12506 snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
12507 registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
12508 rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
12509 debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
12510 (@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
12511 behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
12512 when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
12513 the buffer will fail.
12514
12515 @menu
12516 * tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
12517 * tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
12518 * save tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
12519 @end menu
12520
12521 @node tfind
12522 @subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
12523
12524 @kindex tfind
12525 @cindex select trace snapshot
12526 @cindex find trace snapshot
12527 The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
12528 @code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
12529 counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
12530 snapshot is selected.
12531
12532 Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
12533
12534 @table @code
12535 @item tfind start
12536 Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
12537 @code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
12538
12539 @item tfind none
12540 Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
12541
12542 @item tfind end
12543 Same as @samp{tfind none}.
12544
12545 @item tfind
12546 No argument means find the next trace snapshot.
12547
12548 @item tfind -
12549 Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
12550 retracing earlier steps.
12551
12552 @item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
12553 Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
12554 proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
12555 argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
12556 for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
12557
12558 @item tfind pc @var{addr}
12559 Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
12560 program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
12561 snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
12562 snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
12563
12564 @item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
12565 Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
12566 addresses (exclusive).
12567
12568 @item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
12569 Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
12570 @var{addr2} (inclusive).
12571
12572 @item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
12573 Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
12574 the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
12575 that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
12576 trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
12577 next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
12578 @code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
12579 stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
12580 @end table
12581
12582 The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
12583 designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
12584 instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
12585 snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
12586 trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
12587 simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
12588 snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
12589 @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
12590 The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
12591 for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
12592 no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
12593 (PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
12594 no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
12595 tracepoint as the current one.
12596
12597 In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
12598 these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
12599 scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
12600 you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
12601 registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
12602
12603 @smallexample
12604 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
12605 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
12606 > printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
12607 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
12608 > tfind
12609 > end
12610
12611 Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
12612 Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
12613 Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
12614 Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
12615 Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
12616 Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
12617 Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
12618 Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
12619 Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
12620 Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
12621 Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
12622 @end smallexample
12623
12624 Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
12625 the buffer:
12626
12627 @smallexample
12628 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
12629 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
12630 > printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
12631 > tfind line
12632 > end
12633
12634 Frame 0, X = 1
12635 Frame 7, X = 2
12636 Frame 13, X = 255
12637 @end smallexample
12638
12639 @node tdump
12640 @subsection @code{tdump}
12641 @kindex tdump
12642 @cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
12643 @cindex tracepoint data, display
12644
12645 This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
12646 the current trace snapshot.
12647
12648 @smallexample
12649 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
12650 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
12651 Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
12652 > collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
12653 > end
12654
12655 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
12656
12657 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
12658 #0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
12659 at gdb_test.c:444
12660 444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
12661
12662 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
12663 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
12664 d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
12665 d1 0x18 24
12666 d2 0x80 128
12667 d3 0x33 51
12668 d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
12669 d5 0x22 34
12670 d6 0xe0 224
12671 d7 0x380035 3670069
12672 a0 0x19e24a 1696330
12673 a1 0x3000668 50333288
12674 a2 0x100 256
12675 a3 0x322000 3284992
12676 a4 0x3000698 50333336
12677 a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
12678 fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
12679 sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
12680 ps 0x0 0
12681 pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
12682 fpcontrol 0x0 0
12683 fpstatus 0x0 0
12684 fpiaddr 0x0 0
12685 p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
12686 p1 = (void *) 0x11
12687 p2 = (void *) 0x22
12688 p3 = (void *) 0x33
12689 p4 = (void *) 0x44
12690 p5 = (void *) 0x55
12691 p6 = (void *) 0x66
12692 gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
12693
12694 (@value{GDBP})
12695 @end smallexample
12696
12697 @code{tdump} works by scanning the tracepoint's current collection
12698 actions and printing the value of each expression listed. So
12699 @code{tdump} can fail, if after a run, you change the tracepoint's
12700 actions to mention variables that were not collected during the run.
12701
12702 Also, for tracepoints with @code{while-stepping} loops, @code{tdump}
12703 uses the collected value of @code{$pc} to distinguish between trace
12704 frames that were collected at the tracepoint hit, and frames that were
12705 collected while stepping. This allows it to correctly choose whether
12706 to display the basic list of collections, or the collections from the
12707 body of the while-stepping loop. However, if @code{$pc} was not collected,
12708 then @code{tdump} will always attempt to dump using the basic collection
12709 list, and may fail if a while-stepping frame does not include all the
12710 same data that is collected at the tracepoint hit.
12711 @c This is getting pretty arcane, example would be good.
12712
12713 @node save tracepoints
12714 @subsection @code{save tracepoints @var{filename}}
12715 @kindex save tracepoints
12716 @kindex save-tracepoints
12717 @cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
12718
12719 This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
12720 their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
12721 suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
12722 tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
12723 Files}). The @w{@code{save-tracepoints}} command is a deprecated
12724 alias for @w{@code{save tracepoints}}
12725
12726 @node Tracepoint Variables
12727 @section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
12728 @cindex tracepoint variables
12729 @cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
12730
12731 @table @code
12732 @vindex $trace_frame
12733 @item (int) $trace_frame
12734 The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
12735 snapshot is selected.
12736
12737 @vindex $tracepoint
12738 @item (int) $tracepoint
12739 The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
12740
12741 @vindex $trace_line
12742 @item (int) $trace_line
12743 The line number for the current trace snapshot.
12744
12745 @vindex $trace_file
12746 @item (char []) $trace_file
12747 The source file for the current trace snapshot.
12748
12749 @vindex $trace_func
12750 @item (char []) $trace_func
12751 The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
12752 @end table
12753
12754 Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
12755 use @code{output} instead.
12756
12757 Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
12758 stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
12759 data. Note that these are not the same as trace state variables,
12760 which are managed by the target.
12761
12762 @smallexample
12763 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
12764
12765 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
12766 > output $trace_file
12767 > printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
12768 > tfind
12769 > end
12770 @end smallexample
12771
12772 @node Trace Files
12773 @section Using Trace Files
12774 @cindex trace files
12775
12776 In some situations, the target running a trace experiment may no
12777 longer be available; perhaps it crashed, or the hardware was needed
12778 for a different activity. To handle these cases, you can arrange to
12779 dump the trace data into a file, and later use that file as a source
12780 of trace data, via the @code{target tfile} command.
12781
12782 @table @code
12783
12784 @kindex tsave
12785 @item tsave [ -r ] @var{filename}
12786 @itemx tsave [-ctf] @var{dirname}
12787 Save the trace data to @var{filename}. By default, this command
12788 assumes that @var{filename} refers to the host filesystem, so if
12789 necessary @value{GDBN} will copy raw trace data up from the target and
12790 then save it. If the target supports it, you can also supply the
12791 optional argument @code{-r} (``remote'') to direct the target to save
12792 the data directly into @var{filename} in its own filesystem, which may be
12793 more efficient if the trace buffer is very large. (Note, however, that
12794 @code{target tfile} can only read from files accessible to the host.)
12795 By default, this command will save trace frame in tfile format.
12796 You can supply the optional argument @code{-ctf} to save date in CTF
12797 format. The @dfn{Common Trace Format} (CTF) is proposed as a trace format
12798 that can be shared by multiple debugging and tracing tools. Please go to
12799 @indicateurl{http://www.efficios.com/ctf} to get more information.
12800
12801 @kindex target tfile
12802 @kindex tfile
12803 @kindex target ctf
12804 @kindex ctf
12805 @item target tfile @var{filename}
12806 @itemx target ctf @var{dirname}
12807 Use the file named @var{filename} or directory named @var{dirname} as
12808 a source of trace data. Commands that examine data work as they do with
12809 a live target, but it is not possible to run any new trace experiments.
12810 @code{tstatus} will report the state of the trace run at the moment
12811 the data was saved, as well as the current trace frame you are examining.
12812 @var{filename} or @var{dirname} must be on a filesystem accessible to
12813 the host.
12814
12815 @smallexample
12816 (@value{GDBP}) target ctf ctf.ctf
12817 (@value{GDBP}) tfind
12818 Found trace frame 0, tracepoint 2
12819 39 ++a; /* set tracepoint 1 here */
12820 (@value{GDBP}) tdump
12821 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 0:
12822 i = 0
12823 a = 0
12824 b = 1 '\001'
12825 c = @{"123", "456", "789", "123", "456", "789"@}
12826 d = @{@{@{a = 1, b = 2@}, @{a = 3, b = 4@}@}, @{@{a = 5, b = 6@}, @{a = 7, b = 8@}@}@}
12827 (@value{GDBP}) p b
12828 $1 = 1
12829 @end smallexample
12830
12831 @end table
12832
12833 @node Overlays
12834 @chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
12835 @cindex overlays
12836
12837 If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
12838 memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
12839 problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
12840 use overlays.
12841
12842 @menu
12843 * How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
12844 * Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
12845 * Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
12846 mapped by asking the inferior.
12847 * Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
12848 @end menu
12849
12850 @node How Overlays Work
12851 @section How Overlays Work
12852 @cindex mapped overlays
12853 @cindex unmapped overlays
12854 @cindex load address, overlay's
12855 @cindex mapped address
12856 @cindex overlay area
12857
12858 Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
12859 kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
12860 other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
12861 management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
12862 adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
12863
12864 One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
12865 independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
12866 @dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
12867 their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
12868 instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
12869 largest overlay as well.
12870
12871 Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
12872 overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
12873 for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
12874 there.
12875
12876 @c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
12877 @c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
12878 @c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
12879
12880 @smallexample
12881 @group
12882 Data Instruction Larger
12883 Address Space Address Space Address Space
12884 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
12885 | | | | | |
12886 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
12887 | program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
12888 | variables | | program | | +-----------+
12889 | and heap | | | | | |
12890 +-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
12891 | | +-----------+ | | | load address
12892 +-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
12893 | | | | | |
12894 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
12895 address | | | | | |
12896 | overlay | <-' | | |
12897 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
12898 | | <---. | | load address
12899 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
12900 | | | |
12901 +-----------+ | |
12902 +-----------+
12903 | |
12904 +-----------+
12905
12906 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
12907 @end group
12908 @end smallexample
12909
12910 The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
12911 and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
12912 its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
12913 Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
12914 may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
12915 data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
12916 program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
12917 program and the overlay area.
12918
12919 An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
12920 @dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
12921 instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
12922 in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
12923 is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
12924 the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
12925 called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
12926
12927 Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
12928 program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
12929 global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
12930
12931 @itemize @bullet
12932
12933 @item
12934 Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
12935 must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
12936 return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
12937 overlay, and your program will probably crash.
12938
12939 @item
12940 If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
12941 will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
12942 your program's performance.
12943
12944 @item
12945 The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
12946 overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
12947 mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
12948 and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
12949 You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
12950 addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
12951 ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
12952
12953 @item
12954 The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
12955 to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
12956 instruction and data spaces.
12957
12958 @end itemize
12959
12960 The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
12961 improved in many ways:
12962
12963 @itemize @bullet
12964
12965 @item
12966 If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
12967 hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
12968 contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
12969 This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
12970 area in the usual way.
12971
12972 @item
12973 If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
12974 overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
12975
12976 @item
12977 You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
12978 general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
12979 code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
12980 return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
12981 the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
12982 must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
12983 different data overlay into the same mapped area.
12984
12985 @end itemize
12986
12987
12988 @node Overlay Commands
12989 @section Overlay Commands
12990
12991 To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
12992 correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
12993 virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
12994 mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
12995 @value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
12996 variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
12997
12998 @value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
12999 you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
13000
13001 @table @code
13002 @item overlay off
13003 @kindex overlay
13004 Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
13005 disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
13006 always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
13007 overlay support is disabled.
13008
13009 @item overlay manual
13010 @cindex manual overlay debugging
13011 Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
13012 relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
13013 using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
13014 commands described below.
13015
13016 @item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
13017 @itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
13018 @cindex map an overlay
13019 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
13020 be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
13021 overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
13022 functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
13023 that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
13024 @var{overlay} are now unmapped.
13025
13026 @item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
13027 @itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
13028 @cindex unmap an overlay
13029 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
13030 must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
13031 When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
13032 overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
13033
13034 @item overlay auto
13035 Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
13036 consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
13037 to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
13038 Overlay Debugging}.
13039
13040 @item overlay load-target
13041 @itemx overlay load
13042 @cindex reloading the overlay table
13043 Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
13044 re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
13045 stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
13046 overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
13047 useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
13048
13049 @item overlay list-overlays
13050 @itemx overlay list
13051 @cindex listing mapped overlays
13052 Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
13053 addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
13054
13055 @end table
13056
13057 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
13058 of the function the address falls in:
13059
13060 @smallexample
13061 (@value{GDBP}) print main
13062 $3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
13063 @end smallexample
13064 @noindent
13065 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
13066 unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
13067 asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
13068 unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
13069
13070 @smallexample
13071 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
13072 No sections are mapped.
13073 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
13074 $5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
13075 @end smallexample
13076 @noindent
13077 When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
13078 name normally:
13079
13080 @smallexample
13081 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
13082 Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
13083 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
13084 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
13085 $6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
13086 @end smallexample
13087
13088 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
13089 address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
13090 overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
13091 @code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
13092 code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
13093
13094 @itemize @bullet
13095 @item
13096 @cindex breakpoints in overlays
13097 @cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
13098 You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
13099 @value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
13100 @item
13101 @value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
13102 unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
13103 overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
13104 you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
13105 breakpoints properly.
13106 @end itemize
13107
13108
13109 @node Automatic Overlay Debugging
13110 @section Automatic Overlay Debugging
13111 @cindex automatic overlay debugging
13112
13113 @value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
13114 are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
13115 inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
13116 @code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
13117 looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
13118 current state of the overlays.
13119
13120 Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
13121 @value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
13122
13123 @table @asis
13124
13125 @item @code{_ovly_table}:
13126 This variable must be an array of the following structures:
13127
13128 @smallexample
13129 struct
13130 @{
13131 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
13132 unsigned long vma;
13133
13134 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
13135 unsigned long size;
13136
13137 /* The overlay's load address. */
13138 unsigned long lma;
13139
13140 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
13141 zero otherwise. */
13142 unsigned long mapped;
13143 @}
13144 @end smallexample
13145
13146 @item @code{_novlys}:
13147 This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
13148 number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
13149
13150 @end table
13151
13152 To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
13153 looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
13154 @code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
13155 executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
13156 the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
13157 currently mapped.
13158
13159 In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
13160 @code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
13161 will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
13162 calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
13163 will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
13164 are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
13165 in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
13166 overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
13167 are not being executed.
13168
13169 @node Overlay Sample Program
13170 @section Overlay Sample Program
13171 @cindex overlay example program
13172
13173 When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
13174 at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
13175 addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
13176 Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
13177 since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
13178 architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
13179 portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
13180
13181 However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
13182 program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
13183 suite. The program consists of the following files from
13184 @file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
13185
13186 @table @file
13187 @item overlays.c
13188 The main program file.
13189 @item ovlymgr.c
13190 A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
13191 @item foo.c
13192 @itemx bar.c
13193 @itemx baz.c
13194 @itemx grbx.c
13195 Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
13196 @item d10v.ld
13197 @itemx m32r.ld
13198 Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
13199 and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
13200 @end table
13201
13202 You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
13203 cross-compiler like this:
13204
13205 @smallexample
13206 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
13207 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
13208 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
13209 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
13210 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
13211 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
13212 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
13213 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
13214 @end smallexample
13215
13216 The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
13217 you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
13218 target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
13219
13220
13221 @node Languages
13222 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
13223 @cindex languages
13224
13225 Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
13226 rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
13227 dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
13228 Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
13229 represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
13230 @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
13231
13232 @cindex working language
13233 Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
13234 allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
13235 native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
13236 consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
13237 language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
13238 language}.
13239
13240 @menu
13241 * Setting:: Switching between source languages
13242 * Show:: Displaying the language
13243 * Checks:: Type and range checks
13244 * Supported Languages:: Supported languages
13245 * Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
13246 @end menu
13247
13248 @node Setting
13249 @section Switching Between Source Languages
13250
13251 There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
13252 set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
13253 @code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
13254 defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
13255 used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
13256 are printed, etc.
13257
13258 In addition to the working language, every source file that
13259 @value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
13260 file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
13261 source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
13262 language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
13263 controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
13264 show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
13265 set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
13266 set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
13267 Displaying the Language}.
13268
13269 This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
13270 as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
13271 another language. In that case, make the
13272 program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
13273 @value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
13274 program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
13275
13276 @menu
13277 * Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
13278 * Manually:: Setting the working language manually
13279 * Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
13280 @end menu
13281
13282 @node Filenames
13283 @subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
13284
13285 If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
13286 @value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
13287
13288 @table @file
13289 @item .ada
13290 @itemx .ads
13291 @itemx .adb
13292 @itemx .a
13293 Ada source file.
13294
13295 @item .c
13296 C source file
13297
13298 @item .C
13299 @itemx .cc
13300 @itemx .cp
13301 @itemx .cpp
13302 @itemx .cxx
13303 @itemx .c++
13304 C@t{++} source file
13305
13306 @item .d
13307 D source file
13308
13309 @item .m
13310 Objective-C source file
13311
13312 @item .f
13313 @itemx .F
13314 Fortran source file
13315
13316 @item .mod
13317 Modula-2 source file
13318
13319 @item .s
13320 @itemx .S
13321 Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
13322 @value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
13323 @end table
13324
13325 In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
13326 extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
13327
13328 @node Manually
13329 @subsection Setting the Working Language
13330
13331 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
13332 expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
13333 your program.
13334
13335 @kindex set language
13336 If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
13337 command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
13338 a language, such as
13339 @code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
13340 For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
13341
13342 Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
13343 language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
13344 to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
13345 source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
13346 languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
13347 source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
13348 command such as:
13349
13350 @smallexample
13351 print a = b + c
13352 @end smallexample
13353
13354 @noindent
13355 might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
13356 @code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
13357 printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
13358 @code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
13359
13360 @node Automatically
13361 @subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
13362
13363 To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
13364 @samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
13365 then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
13366 frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
13367 working language to the language recorded for the function in that
13368 frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
13369 or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
13370 does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
13371 not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
13372
13373 This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
13374 entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
13375 written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
13376 a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
13377 case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
13378
13379 @node Show
13380 @section Displaying the Language
13381
13382 The following commands help you find out which language is the
13383 working language, and also what language source files were written in.
13384
13385 @table @code
13386 @item show language
13387 @anchor{show language}
13388 @kindex show language
13389 Display the current working language. This is the
13390 language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
13391 build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
13392
13393 @item info frame
13394 @kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
13395 Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
13396 working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
13397 @xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
13398 information listed here.
13399
13400 @item info source
13401 @kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
13402 Display the source language of this source file.
13403 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
13404 information listed here.
13405 @end table
13406
13407 In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
13408 not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
13409 with a language explicitly:
13410
13411 @table @code
13412 @item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
13413 @kindex set extension-language
13414 Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
13415 assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
13416
13417 @item info extensions
13418 @kindex info extensions
13419 List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
13420 @end table
13421
13422 @node Checks
13423 @section Type and Range Checking
13424
13425 Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
13426 errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
13427 checking the type of arguments to functions and operators and making
13428 sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
13429 these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
13430 by eliminating type mismatches and providing active checks for range
13431 errors when your program is running.
13432
13433 By default @value{GDBN} checks for these errors according to the
13434 rules of the current source language. Although @value{GDBN} does not check
13435 the statements in your program, it can check expressions entered directly
13436 into @value{GDBN} for evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example.
13437
13438 @menu
13439 * Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
13440 * Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
13441 @end menu
13442
13443 @cindex type checking
13444 @cindex checks, type
13445 @node Type Checking
13446 @subsection An Overview of Type Checking
13447
13448 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, are strongly typed, meaning that the
13449 arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
13450 otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
13451 errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
13452
13453 @smallexample
13454 int klass::my_method(char *b) @{ return b ? 1 : 2; @}
13455
13456 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0)
13457 $1 = 2
13458 @exdent but
13459 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0x1234)
13460 Cannot resolve method klass::my_method to any overloaded instance
13461 @end smallexample
13462
13463 The second example fails because in C@t{++} the integer constant
13464 @samp{0x1234} is not type-compatible with the pointer parameter type.
13465
13466 For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
13467 @value{GDBN} to not enforce strict type checking or
13468 to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
13469 When type checking is disabled, @value{GDBN} successfully evaluates
13470 expressions like the second example above.
13471
13472 Even if type checking is off, there may be other reasons
13473 related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
13474 For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
13475 a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
13476 with the language in use and usually arise from expressions which make
13477 little sense to evaluate anyway.
13478
13479 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling type checking:
13480
13481 @kindex set check type
13482 @kindex show check type
13483 @table @code
13484 @item set check type on
13485 @itemx set check type off
13486 Set strict type checking on or off. If any type mismatches occur in
13487 evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
13488 message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
13489
13490 @item show check type
13491 Show the current setting of type checking and whether @value{GDBN}
13492 is enforcing strict type checking rules.
13493 @end table
13494
13495 @cindex range checking
13496 @cindex checks, range
13497 @node Range Checking
13498 @subsection An Overview of Range Checking
13499
13500 In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
13501 bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
13502 checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
13503 computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
13504 not exceed the bounds of the array.
13505
13506 For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
13507 @value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
13508 always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
13509 warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
13510
13511 A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
13512 array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
13513 of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
13514 error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
13515 result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
13516 the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
13517
13518 @smallexample
13519 @var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
13520 @end smallexample
13521
13522 This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
13523 specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
13524 Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
13525
13526 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
13527
13528 @kindex set check range
13529 @kindex show check range
13530 @table @code
13531 @item set check range auto
13532 Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
13533 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
13534 each language.
13535
13536 @item set check range on
13537 @itemx set check range off
13538 Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
13539 current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
13540 match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
13541 then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
13542
13543 @item set check range warn
13544 Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
13545 but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
13546 expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
13547 memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
13548 systems).
13549
13550 @item show range
13551 Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
13552 being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
13553 @end table
13554
13555 @node Supported Languages
13556 @section Supported Languages
13557
13558 @value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, D, Go, Objective-C, Fortran, Java,
13559 OpenCL C, Pascal, assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
13560 @c This is false ...
13561 Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
13562 language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
13563 and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
13564 ,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
13565 language.
13566
13567 The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
13568 supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
13569 tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
13570 @value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
13571 formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
13572 books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
13573 language reference or tutorial.
13574
13575 @menu
13576 * C:: C and C@t{++}
13577 * D:: D
13578 * Go:: Go
13579 * Objective-C:: Objective-C
13580 * OpenCL C:: OpenCL C
13581 * Fortran:: Fortran
13582 * Pascal:: Pascal
13583 * Modula-2:: Modula-2
13584 * Ada:: Ada
13585 @end menu
13586
13587 @node C
13588 @subsection C and C@t{++}
13589
13590 @cindex C and C@t{++}
13591 @cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
13592
13593 Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
13594 to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
13595 together.
13596
13597 @cindex C@t{++}
13598 @cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
13599 @cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
13600 The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
13601 compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
13602 effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
13603 C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
13604 compiler (@code{aCC}).
13605
13606 @menu
13607 * C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
13608 * C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
13609 * C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
13610 * C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
13611 * C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
13612 * Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
13613 * Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
13614 * Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
13615 @end menu
13616
13617 @node C Operators
13618 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
13619
13620 @cindex C and C@t{++} operators
13621
13622 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
13623 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
13624 often defined on groups of types.
13625
13626 For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
13627
13628 @itemize @bullet
13629
13630 @item
13631 @emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
13632 specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
13633
13634 @item
13635 @emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
13636 @code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
13637
13638 @item
13639 @emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
13640
13641 @item
13642 @emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
13643
13644 @end itemize
13645
13646 @noindent
13647 The following operators are supported. They are listed here
13648 in order of increasing precedence:
13649
13650 @table @code
13651 @item ,
13652 The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
13653 are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
13654 expression being the last expression evaluated.
13655
13656 @item =
13657 Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
13658 assigned. Defined on scalar types.
13659
13660 @item @var{op}=
13661 Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
13662 and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
13663 @w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence.
13664 @var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
13665 @code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
13666
13667 @item ?:
13668 The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
13669 of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. @var{a} should be of an
13670 integral type.
13671
13672 @item ||
13673 Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
13674
13675 @item &&
13676 Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
13677
13678 @item |
13679 Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
13680
13681 @item ^
13682 Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
13683
13684 @item &
13685 Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
13686
13687 @item ==@r{, }!=
13688 Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
13689 expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
13690
13691 @item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
13692 Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
13693 Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
13694 and non-zero for true.
13695
13696 @item <<@r{, }>>
13697 left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
13698
13699 @item @@
13700 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
13701
13702 @item +@r{, }-
13703 Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
13704 pointer types.
13705
13706 @item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
13707 Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
13708 defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
13709 integral types.
13710
13711 @item ++@r{, }--
13712 Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
13713 operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
13714 when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
13715 operation takes place.
13716
13717 @item *
13718 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
13719 @code{++}.
13720
13721 @item &
13722 Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
13723
13724 For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
13725 allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
13726 to examine the address
13727 where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
13728 stored.
13729
13730 @item -
13731 Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
13732 precedence as @code{++}.
13733
13734 @item !
13735 Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
13736 @code{++}.
13737
13738 @item ~
13739 Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
13740 @code{++}.
13741
13742
13743 @item .@r{, }->
13744 Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
13745 @value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
13746 pointer based on the stored type information.
13747 Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
13748
13749 @item .*@r{, }->*
13750 Dereferences of pointers to members.
13751
13752 @item []
13753 Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
13754 @code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
13755
13756 @item ()
13757 Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
13758
13759 @item ::
13760 C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
13761 and @code{class} types.
13762
13763 @item ::
13764 Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
13765 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
13766 above.
13767 @end table
13768
13769 If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
13770 attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
13771 predefined meaning.
13772
13773 @node C Constants
13774 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
13775
13776 @cindex C and C@t{++} constants
13777
13778 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
13779 following ways:
13780
13781 @itemize @bullet
13782 @item
13783 Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
13784 specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
13785 by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
13786 @samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
13787 @code{long} value.
13788
13789 @item
13790 Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
13791 point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
13792 exponent. An exponent is of the form:
13793 @samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
13794 sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
13795 A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
13796 @samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
13797 the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
13798 a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
13799 constant.
13800
13801 @item
13802 Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
13803 integral equivalents.
13804
13805 @item
13806 Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
13807 (@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
13808 (usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
13809 be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
13810 the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
13811 of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
13812 @samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
13813 @samp{\n} for newline.
13814
13815 Wide character constants can be written by prefixing a character
13816 constant with @samp{L}, as in C. For example, @samp{L'x'} is the wide
13817 form of @samp{x}. The target wide character set is used when
13818 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
13819
13820 @item
13821 String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
13822 double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
13823 above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
13824 a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
13825 characters.
13826
13827 Wide string constants can be written by prefixing a string constant
13828 with @samp{L}, as in C. The target wide character set is used when
13829 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
13830
13831 @item
13832 Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
13833 to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
13834
13835 @item
13836 Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
13837 and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
13838 integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
13839 and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
13840 @end itemize
13841
13842 @node C Plus Plus Expressions
13843 @subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
13844
13845 @cindex expressions in C@t{++}
13846 @value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
13847
13848 @cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
13849 @cindex C@t{++} compilers
13850 @cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
13851 @cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
13852 @quotation
13853 @emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use
13854 the proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently,
13855 @value{GDBN} works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled
13856 with the most recent version of @value{NGCC} possible. The DWARF
13857 debugging format is preferred; @value{NGCC} defaults to this on most
13858 popular platforms. Other compilers and/or debug formats are likely to
13859 work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug C@t{++}
13860 code. @xref{Compilation}.
13861 @end quotation
13862
13863 @enumerate
13864
13865 @cindex member functions
13866 @item
13867 Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
13868
13869 @smallexample
13870 count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
13871 @end smallexample
13872
13873 @vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
13874 @cindex namespace in C@t{++}
13875 @item
13876 While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
13877 expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
13878 that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
13879 pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}. @code{using}
13880 declarations in the current scope are also respected by @value{GDBN}.
13881
13882 @cindex call overloaded functions
13883 @cindex overloaded functions, calling
13884 @cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
13885 @item
13886 You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
13887 call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
13888 perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
13889 calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
13890 in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
13891 default arguments.
13892
13893 It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
13894 promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
13895 class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
13896 functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
13897 number of function arguments.
13898
13899 Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
13900 @code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
13901 ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
13902
13903 You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
13904 explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
13905 @smallexample
13906 p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
13907 @end smallexample
13908
13909 The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
13910 see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
13911
13912 @cindex reference declarations
13913 @item
13914 @value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} references; you can use
13915 them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++} source---they are automatically
13916 dereferenced.
13917
13918 In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
13919 reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
13920 avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
13921 The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
13922 you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
13923
13924 @item
13925 @value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
13926 expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
13927 one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
13928 necessary, for example in an expression like
13929 @samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
13930 resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
13931 debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
13932
13933 @item
13934 @value{GDBN} performs argument-dependent lookup, following the C@t{++}
13935 specification.
13936 @end enumerate
13937
13938 @node C Defaults
13939 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
13940
13941 @cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
13942
13943 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set range checking automatically, it
13944 defaults to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
13945 C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
13946 selects the working language.
13947
13948 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
13949 recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
13950 @file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
13951 these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
13952 @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
13953 for further details.
13954
13955 @node C Checks
13956 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
13957
13958 @cindex C and C@t{++} checks
13959
13960 By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, strict type
13961 checking is used. However, if you turn type checking off, @value{GDBN}
13962 will allow certain non-standard conversions, such as promoting integer
13963 constants to pointers.
13964
13965 Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
13966 indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
13967 that is not itself an array.
13968
13969 @node Debugging C
13970 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
13971
13972 The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
13973 the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
13974 inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
13975 appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
13976
13977 The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
13978 with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
13979 ,Expressions}.
13980
13981 @node Debugging C Plus Plus
13982 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
13983
13984 @cindex commands for C@t{++}
13985
13986 Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
13987 designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
13988
13989 @table @code
13990 @cindex break in overloaded functions
13991 @item @r{breakpoint menus}
13992 When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
13993 @value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
13994 locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
13995 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
13996
13997 @cindex overloading in C@t{++}
13998 @item rbreak @var{regex}
13999 Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
14000 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
14001 classes.
14002 @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
14003
14004 @cindex C@t{++} exception handling
14005 @item catch throw
14006 @itemx catch rethrow
14007 @itemx catch catch
14008 Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
14009 Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
14010
14011 @cindex inheritance
14012 @item ptype @var{typename}
14013 Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
14014 @var{typename}.
14015 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
14016
14017 @item info vtbl @var{expression}.
14018 The @code{info vtbl} command can be used to display the virtual
14019 method tables of the object computed by @var{expression}. This shows
14020 one entry per virtual table; there may be multiple virtual tables when
14021 multiple inheritance is in use.
14022
14023 @cindex C@t{++} symbol display
14024 @item set print demangle
14025 @itemx show print demangle
14026 @itemx set print asm-demangle
14027 @itemx show print asm-demangle
14028 Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
14029 displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
14030 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
14031
14032 @item set print object
14033 @itemx show print object
14034 Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
14035 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
14036
14037 @item set print vtbl
14038 @itemx show print vtbl
14039 Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
14040 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
14041 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
14042 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
14043
14044 @kindex set overload-resolution
14045 @cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
14046 @item set overload-resolution on
14047 Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
14048 is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
14049 and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
14050 using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
14051 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
14052 If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
14053
14054 @item set overload-resolution off
14055 Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
14056 overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
14057 chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
14058 symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
14059 overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
14060 searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
14061 argument types.
14062
14063 @kindex show overload-resolution
14064 @item show overload-resolution
14065 Show the current setting of overload resolution.
14066
14067 @item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
14068 You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
14069 the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
14070 @code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
14071 also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
14072 available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
14073 @xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
14074 @end table
14075
14076 @node Decimal Floating Point
14077 @subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
14078 @cindex decimal floating point format
14079
14080 @value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
14081 decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
14082 @code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
14083 specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
14084
14085 There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
14086 Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
14087 PowerPC and S/390. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the
14088 configured target.
14089
14090 Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
14091 to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
14092 (using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
14093
14094 In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
14095 point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
14096 underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
14097
14098 In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
14099 to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers.
14100 See @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
14101
14102 @node D
14103 @subsection D
14104
14105 @cindex D
14106 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in D and compiled with
14107 GDC, LDC or DMD compilers. Currently @value{GDBN} supports only one D
14108 specific feature --- dynamic arrays.
14109
14110 @node Go
14111 @subsection Go
14112
14113 @cindex Go (programming language)
14114 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Go and compiled with
14115 @file{gccgo} or @file{6g} compilers.
14116
14117 Here is a summary of the Go-specific features and restrictions:
14118
14119 @table @code
14120 @cindex current Go package
14121 @item The current Go package
14122 The name of the current package does not need to be specified when
14123 specifying global variables and functions.
14124
14125 For example, given the program:
14126
14127 @example
14128 package main
14129 var myglob = "Shall we?"
14130 func main () @{
14131 // ...
14132 @}
14133 @end example
14134
14135 When stopped inside @code{main} either of these work:
14136
14137 @example
14138 (gdb) p myglob
14139 (gdb) p main.myglob
14140 @end example
14141
14142 @cindex builtin Go types
14143 @item Builtin Go types
14144 The @code{string} type is recognized by @value{GDBN} and is printed
14145 as a string.
14146
14147 @cindex builtin Go functions
14148 @item Builtin Go functions
14149 The @value{GDBN} expression parser recognizes the @code{unsafe.Sizeof}
14150 function and handles it internally.
14151
14152 @cindex restrictions on Go expressions
14153 @item Restrictions on Go expressions
14154 All Go operators are supported except @code{&^}.
14155 The Go @code{_} ``blank identifier'' is not supported.
14156 Automatic dereferencing of pointers is not supported.
14157 @end table
14158
14159 @node Objective-C
14160 @subsection Objective-C
14161
14162 @cindex Objective-C
14163 This section provides information about some commands and command
14164 options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
14165 @ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
14166 few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
14167
14168 @menu
14169 * Method Names in Commands::
14170 * The Print Command with Objective-C::
14171 @end menu
14172
14173 @node Method Names in Commands
14174 @subsubsection Method Names in Commands
14175
14176 The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
14177 names as line specifications:
14178
14179 @kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
14180 @kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
14181 @kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
14182 @kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
14183 @kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
14184 @itemize
14185 @item @code{clear}
14186 @item @code{break}
14187 @item @code{info line}
14188 @item @code{jump}
14189 @item @code{list}
14190 @end itemize
14191
14192 A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
14193
14194 @smallexample
14195 -[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
14196 @end smallexample
14197
14198 where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
14199 plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
14200 name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
14201 brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
14202 source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
14203 instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
14204 debugged, enter:
14205
14206 @smallexample
14207 break -[Fruit create]
14208 @end smallexample
14209
14210 To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
14211 enter:
14212
14213 @smallexample
14214 list +[NSText initialize]
14215 @end smallexample
14216
14217 In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
14218 required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
14219 sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
14220 is also possible to specify just a method name:
14221
14222 @smallexample
14223 break create
14224 @end smallexample
14225
14226 You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
14227 your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
14228 you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
14229 method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
14230 none apply.
14231
14232 As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
14233 @code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
14234
14235 @smallexample
14236 clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
14237 @end smallexample
14238
14239 @node The Print Command with Objective-C
14240 @subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
14241 @cindex Objective-C, print objects
14242 @kindex print-object
14243 @kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
14244
14245 The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
14246
14247 @smallexample
14248 print -[@var{object} hash]
14249 @end smallexample
14250
14251 @cindex print an Objective-C object description
14252 @cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
14253 @noindent
14254 will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
14255 and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
14256 @code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
14257 the description of an object. However, this command may only work
14258 with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
14259 function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
14260
14261 @node OpenCL C
14262 @subsection OpenCL C
14263
14264 @cindex OpenCL C
14265 This section provides information about @value{GDBN}s OpenCL C support.
14266
14267 @menu
14268 * OpenCL C Datatypes::
14269 * OpenCL C Expressions::
14270 * OpenCL C Operators::
14271 @end menu
14272
14273 @node OpenCL C Datatypes
14274 @subsubsection OpenCL C Datatypes
14275
14276 @cindex OpenCL C Datatypes
14277 @value{GDBN} supports the builtin scalar and vector datatypes specified
14278 by OpenCL 1.1. In addition the half- and double-precision floating point
14279 data types of the @code{cl_khr_fp16} and @code{cl_khr_fp64} OpenCL
14280 extensions are also known to @value{GDBN}.
14281
14282 @node OpenCL C Expressions
14283 @subsubsection OpenCL C Expressions
14284
14285 @cindex OpenCL C Expressions
14286 @value{GDBN} supports accesses to vector components including the access as
14287 lvalue where possible. Since OpenCL C is based on C99 most C expressions
14288 supported by @value{GDBN} can be used as well.
14289
14290 @node OpenCL C Operators
14291 @subsubsection OpenCL C Operators
14292
14293 @cindex OpenCL C Operators
14294 @value{GDBN} supports the operators specified by OpenCL 1.1 for scalar and
14295 vector data types.
14296
14297 @node Fortran
14298 @subsection Fortran
14299 @cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
14300
14301 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
14302 currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
14303
14304 @cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
14305 Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
14306 among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
14307 functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
14308 will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
14309 underscore.
14310
14311 @menu
14312 * Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
14313 * Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
14314 * Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
14315 @end menu
14316
14317 @node Fortran Operators
14318 @subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
14319
14320 @cindex Fortran operators and expressions
14321
14322 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
14323 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
14324 arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
14325
14326 @table @code
14327 @item **
14328 The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
14329 of the second one.
14330
14331 @item :
14332 The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
14333 represent a section of array.
14334
14335 @item %
14336 The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
14337 types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
14338 this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
14339 union type.
14340 @end table
14341
14342 @node Fortran Defaults
14343 @subsubsection Fortran Defaults
14344
14345 @cindex Fortran Defaults
14346
14347 Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
14348 default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
14349 change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
14350 @ref{Symbols}, for the details.
14351
14352 @node Special Fortran Commands
14353 @subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
14354
14355 @cindex Special Fortran commands
14356
14357 @value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
14358 such as displaying common blocks.
14359
14360 @table @code
14361 @cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
14362 @kindex info common
14363 @item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
14364 This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
14365 block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
14366 all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
14367 printed.
14368 @end table
14369
14370 @node Pascal
14371 @subsection Pascal
14372
14373 @cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
14374 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
14375 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
14376 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
14377 syntax.
14378
14379 The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
14380 controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
14381 @xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
14382
14383 @node Modula-2
14384 @subsection Modula-2
14385
14386 @cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
14387
14388 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
14389 output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
14390 developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
14391 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
14392 to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
14393 table.
14394
14395 @cindex expressions in Modula-2
14396 @menu
14397 * M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
14398 * Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
14399 * M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
14400 * M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
14401 * M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
14402 * Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
14403 * M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
14404 * M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
14405 * GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
14406 @end menu
14407
14408 @node M2 Operators
14409 @subsubsection Operators
14410 @cindex Modula-2 operators
14411
14412 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
14413 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
14414 often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
14415 following definitions hold:
14416
14417 @itemize @bullet
14418
14419 @item
14420 @emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
14421 their subranges.
14422
14423 @item
14424 @emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
14425
14426 @item
14427 @emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
14428
14429 @item
14430 @emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
14431 @var{type}}.
14432
14433 @item
14434 @emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
14435
14436 @item
14437 @emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
14438
14439 @item
14440 @emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
14441 @end itemize
14442
14443 @noindent
14444 The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
14445 increasing precedence:
14446
14447 @table @code
14448 @item ,
14449 Function argument or array index separator.
14450
14451 @item :=
14452 Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
14453 @var{value}.
14454
14455 @item <@r{, }>
14456 Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
14457 types.
14458
14459 @item <=@r{, }>=
14460 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
14461 on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
14462 set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
14463
14464 @item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
14465 Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
14466 Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
14467 available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
14468 comment character.
14469
14470 @item IN
14471 Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
14472 Same precedence as @code{<}.
14473
14474 @item OR
14475 Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
14476
14477 @item AND@r{, }&
14478 Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
14479
14480 @item @@
14481 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
14482
14483 @item +@r{, }-
14484 Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
14485 and difference on set types.
14486
14487 @item *
14488 Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
14489 on set types.
14490
14491 @item /
14492 Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
14493 types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
14494
14495 @item DIV@r{, }MOD
14496 Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
14497 precedence as @code{*}.
14498
14499 @item -
14500 Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
14501
14502 @item ^
14503 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
14504
14505 @item NOT
14506 Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
14507 @code{^}.
14508
14509 @item .
14510 @code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
14511 precedence as @code{^}.
14512
14513 @item []
14514 Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
14515
14516 @item ()
14517 Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
14518 as @code{^}.
14519
14520 @item ::@r{, }.
14521 @value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
14522 @end table
14523
14524 @quotation
14525 @emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
14526 treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
14527 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
14528 @code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
14529 @end quotation
14530
14531
14532 @node Built-In Func/Proc
14533 @subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
14534 @cindex Modula-2 built-ins
14535
14536 Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
14537 In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
14538
14539 @table @var
14540
14541 @item a
14542 represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
14543
14544 @item c
14545 represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
14546
14547 @item i
14548 represents a variable or constant of integral type.
14549
14550 @item m
14551 represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
14552 same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
14553 be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
14554
14555 @item n
14556 represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
14557
14558 @item r
14559 represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
14560
14561 @item t
14562 represents a type.
14563
14564 @item v
14565 represents a variable.
14566
14567 @item x
14568 represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
14569 explanation of the function for details.
14570 @end table
14571
14572 All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
14573
14574 @table @code
14575 @item ABS(@var{n})
14576 Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
14577
14578 @item CAP(@var{c})
14579 If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
14580 equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
14581
14582 @item CHR(@var{i})
14583 Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
14584
14585 @item DEC(@var{v})
14586 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
14587
14588 @item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
14589 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
14590 new value.
14591
14592 @item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
14593 Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
14594 set.
14595
14596 @item FLOAT(@var{i})
14597 Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
14598
14599 @item HIGH(@var{a})
14600 Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
14601
14602 @item INC(@var{v})
14603 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
14604
14605 @item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
14606 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
14607 new value.
14608
14609 @item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
14610 Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
14611 there. Returns the new set.
14612
14613 @item MAX(@var{t})
14614 Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
14615
14616 @item MIN(@var{t})
14617 Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
14618
14619 @item ODD(@var{i})
14620 Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
14621
14622 @item ORD(@var{x})
14623 Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
14624 value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting the
14625 @sc{ascii} character set). @var{x} must be of an ordered type, which include
14626 integral, character and enumerated types.
14627
14628 @item SIZE(@var{x})
14629 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
14630
14631 @item TRUNC(@var{r})
14632 Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
14633
14634 @item TSIZE(@var{x})
14635 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
14636
14637 @item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
14638 Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
14639 @end table
14640
14641 @quotation
14642 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
14643 @value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
14644 an error.
14645 @end quotation
14646
14647 @cindex Modula-2 constants
14648 @node M2 Constants
14649 @subsubsection Constants
14650
14651 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
14652 ways:
14653
14654 @itemize @bullet
14655
14656 @item
14657 Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
14658 expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
14659 rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
14660 trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
14661
14662 @item
14663 Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
14664 decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
14665 then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
14666 @samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
14667 digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
14668 digits.
14669
14670 @item
14671 Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
14672 like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
14673 also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
14674 followed by a @samp{C}.
14675
14676 @item
14677 String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
14678 pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
14679 Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
14680 Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
14681 sequences.
14682
14683 @item
14684 Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
14685
14686 @item
14687 Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
14688 @code{FALSE}.
14689
14690 @item
14691 Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
14692
14693 @item
14694 Set constants are not yet supported.
14695 @end itemize
14696
14697 @node M2 Types
14698 @subsubsection Modula-2 Types
14699 @cindex Modula-2 types
14700
14701 Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
14702 syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
14703 types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
14704 print the contents of variables declared using these type.
14705 This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
14706 sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
14707
14708 The first example contains the following section of code:
14709
14710 @smallexample
14711 VAR
14712 s: SET OF CHAR ;
14713 r: [20..40] ;
14714 @end smallexample
14715
14716 @noindent
14717 and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
14718 @code{r} and @code{s}.
14719
14720 @smallexample
14721 (@value{GDBP}) print s
14722 @{'A'..'C', 'Z'@}
14723 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14724 SET OF CHAR
14725 (@value{GDBP}) print r
14726 21
14727 (@value{GDBP}) ptype r
14728 [20..40]
14729 @end smallexample
14730
14731 @noindent
14732 Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
14733
14734 @smallexample
14735 VAR
14736 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
14737 @end smallexample
14738
14739 @noindent
14740 then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
14741
14742 @smallexample
14743 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14744 type = SET ['A'..'Z']
14745 @end smallexample
14746
14747 @noindent
14748 Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
14749 expressions using the debugger.
14750
14751 The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
14752 and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
14753
14754 @smallexample
14755 VAR
14756 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
14757 @end smallexample
14758
14759 @smallexample
14760 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14761 ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
14762 @end smallexample
14763
14764 Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
14765 is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
14766 arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
14767 above.
14768
14769 Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
14770
14771 @smallexample
14772 TYPE
14773 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
14774 t = [blue..yellow] ;
14775 VAR
14776 s: t ;
14777 BEGIN
14778 s := blue ;
14779 @end smallexample
14780
14781 @noindent
14782 The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
14783 and value of a variable.
14784
14785 @smallexample
14786 (@value{GDBP}) print s
14787 $1 = blue
14788 (@value{GDBP}) ptype t
14789 type = [blue..yellow]
14790 @end smallexample
14791
14792 @noindent
14793 In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
14794 displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
14795 their @code{C} counterparts.
14796
14797 @smallexample
14798 VAR
14799 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
14800 BEGIN
14801 s[1] := 1 ;
14802 @end smallexample
14803
14804 @smallexample
14805 (@value{GDBP}) print s
14806 $1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
14807 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14808 type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
14809 @end smallexample
14810
14811 The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
14812 pointer types as shown in this example:
14813
14814 @smallexample
14815 VAR
14816 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
14817 BEGIN
14818 NEW(s) ;
14819 s^[1] := 1 ;
14820 @end smallexample
14821
14822 @noindent
14823 and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
14824
14825 @smallexample
14826 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14827 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
14828 @end smallexample
14829
14830 @value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
14831 Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
14832 types:
14833
14834 @smallexample
14835 TYPE
14836 foo = RECORD
14837 f1: CARDINAL ;
14838 f2: CHAR ;
14839 f3: myarray ;
14840 END ;
14841
14842 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
14843 myrange = [-2..2] ;
14844 VAR
14845 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
14846 @end smallexample
14847
14848 @noindent
14849 and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
14850 below.
14851
14852 @smallexample
14853 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14854 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
14855 f1 : CARDINAL;
14856 f2 : CHAR;
14857 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
14858 END
14859 @end smallexample
14860
14861 @node M2 Defaults
14862 @subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
14863 @cindex Modula-2 defaults
14864
14865 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
14866 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
14867 Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
14868 selected the working language.
14869
14870 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
14871 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
14872 working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
14873 Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
14874
14875 @node Deviations
14876 @subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
14877 @cindex Modula-2, deviations from
14878
14879 A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
14880 This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
14881
14882 @itemize @bullet
14883 @item
14884 Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
14885 integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
14886 debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
14887 pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
14888 through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
14889 returned a pointer.)
14890
14891 @item
14892 C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
14893 non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
14894 escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
14895 printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
14896
14897 @item
14898 The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
14899 argument.
14900
14901 @item
14902 All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
14903 @end itemize
14904
14905 @node M2 Checks
14906 @subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
14907 @cindex Modula-2 checks
14908
14909 @quotation
14910 @emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
14911 range checking.
14912 @end quotation
14913 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
14914
14915 @value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
14916
14917 @itemize @bullet
14918 @item
14919 They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
14920 @var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
14921
14922 @item
14923 They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
14924 @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
14925 @end itemize
14926
14927 As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
14928 whose types are not equivalent is an error.
14929
14930 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
14931 index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
14932
14933 @node M2 Scope
14934 @subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
14935 @cindex scope
14936 @cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
14937 @cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
14938 @ifinfo
14939 @vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
14940 @c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
14941 @end ifinfo
14942 @ifnotinfo
14943 @vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
14944 @end ifnotinfo
14945
14946 There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
14947 (@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
14948 similar syntax:
14949
14950 @smallexample
14951
14952 @var{module} . @var{id}
14953 @var{scope} :: @var{id}
14954 @end smallexample
14955
14956 @noindent
14957 where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
14958 @var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
14959 identifier within your program, except another module.
14960
14961 Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
14962 specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
14963 found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
14964 enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
14965
14966 Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
14967 the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
14968 definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
14969 an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
14970 module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
14971 @var{module}.
14972
14973 @node GDB/M2
14974 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
14975
14976 Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
14977 Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
14978 specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
14979 @samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
14980 apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
14981 analogue in Modula-2.
14982
14983 The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
14984 with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
14985 intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
14986 created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
14987 address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
14988 @samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
14989
14990 @cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
14991 In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
14992 interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
14993
14994 @node Ada
14995 @subsection Ada
14996 @cindex Ada
14997
14998 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
14999 output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
15000 Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
15001 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
15002 to be difficult.
15003
15004
15005 @cindex expressions in Ada
15006 @menu
15007 * Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
15008 and semantics supported by Ada mode
15009 in @value{GDBN}.
15010 * Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
15011 * Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
15012 * Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
15013 * Ada Exceptions:: Ada Exceptions
15014 * Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
15015 * Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
15016 * Ravenscar Profile:: Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar
15017 Profile
15018 * Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
15019 @end menu
15020
15021 @node Ada Mode Intro
15022 @subsubsection Introduction
15023 @cindex Ada mode, general
15024
15025 The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
15026 syntax, with some extensions.
15027 The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
15028
15029 @itemize @bullet
15030 @item
15031 That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
15032 arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
15033 leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
15034 program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
15035
15036 @item
15037 That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
15038 are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
15039
15040 @item
15041 That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
15042 @end itemize
15043
15044 Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
15045 user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
15046 according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
15047 names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
15048 ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
15049
15050 The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
15051 As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
15052 was translated from an Ada source file.
15053
15054 While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
15055 mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
15056 (@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
15057 middle (to allow based literals).
15058
15059 The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
15060 the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
15061 actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
15062 the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
15063 procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
15064 functions to procedures elsewhere.
15065
15066 @node Omissions from Ada
15067 @subsubsection Omissions from Ada
15068 @cindex Ada, omissions from
15069
15070 Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
15071
15072 @itemize @bullet
15073 @item
15074 Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
15075
15076 @itemize @minus
15077 @item
15078 @t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
15079 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
15080
15081 @item
15082 @t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
15083
15084 @item
15085 @t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
15086
15087 @item
15088 @t{'Tag}.
15089
15090 @item
15091 @t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
15092 operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
15093
15094 @item
15095 @t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
15096 @t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
15097
15098 @item
15099 @t{'Address}.
15100 @end itemize
15101
15102 @item
15103 The names in
15104 @code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
15105 concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
15106 not currently available.
15107
15108 @item
15109 Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
15110 equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
15111 for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
15112 They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
15113 types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
15114 (in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
15115 zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
15116 indeterminate values.
15117
15118 @item
15119 The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
15120 @code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
15121 are not implemented.
15122
15123 @item
15124 @cindex array aggregates (Ada)
15125 @cindex record aggregates (Ada)
15126 @cindex aggregates (Ada)
15127 There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
15128 permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
15129
15130 @smallexample
15131 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
15132 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
15133 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
15134 (@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
15135 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
15136 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
15137 @end smallexample
15138
15139 Changing a
15140 discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
15141 undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
15142 However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
15143 them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
15144 aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
15145 declared to have a type such as:
15146
15147 @smallexample
15148 type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
15149 Id : Integer;
15150 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
15151 end record;
15152 @end smallexample
15153
15154 you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
15155 assignments:
15156
15157 @smallexample
15158 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
15159 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
15160 @end smallexample
15161
15162 As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
15163 rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
15164 components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
15165 component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
15166 original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
15167 indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
15168 redundant component associations, although which component values are
15169 assigned in such cases is not defined.
15170
15171 @item
15172 Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
15173
15174 @item
15175 The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
15176 than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
15177 which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
15178 looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
15179 function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
15180 the proper resolution.
15181
15182 @item
15183 The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
15184
15185 @item
15186 Entry calls are not implemented.
15187
15188 @item
15189 Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
15190 formats are not supported.
15191
15192 @item
15193 It is not possible to slice a packed array.
15194
15195 @item
15196 The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
15197 are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
15198 context.
15199 Should your program
15200 redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
15201 you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
15202 @end itemize
15203
15204 @node Additions to Ada
15205 @subsubsection Additions to Ada
15206 @cindex Ada, deviations from
15207
15208 As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
15209 extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
15210
15211 @itemize @bullet
15212 @item
15213 If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
15214 a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
15215 then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
15216 @var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
15217 Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
15218 in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
15219 Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
15220 which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
15221
15222 @item
15223 @code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
15224 appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
15225 you must typically surround it in single quotes.
15226
15227 @item
15228 The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
15229 @var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
15230
15231 @item
15232 A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
15233 (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
15234 @end itemize
15235
15236 In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
15237 additions specific to Ada:
15238
15239 @itemize @bullet
15240 @item
15241 The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
15242 its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
15243
15244 @smallexample
15245 (@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
15246 (@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
15247 @end smallexample
15248
15249 @item
15250 The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
15251 the value of its right-hand operand.
15252 This allows, for example,
15253 complex conditional breaks:
15254
15255 @smallexample
15256 (@value{GDBP}) break f
15257 (@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
15258 @end smallexample
15259
15260 @item
15261 Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
15262 characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
15263 which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
15264 @samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
15265 (single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
15266 sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
15267 in strings. For example,
15268 @smallexample
15269 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
15270 @end smallexample
15271 @noindent
15272 contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
15273 after each period.
15274
15275 @item
15276 The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
15277 @t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
15278 to write
15279
15280 @smallexample
15281 (@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
15282 @end smallexample
15283
15284 @item
15285 When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
15286 array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
15287 For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
15288 of 3 might print as
15289
15290 @smallexample
15291 (3 => 10, 17, 1)
15292 @end smallexample
15293
15294 @noindent
15295 That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
15296 clause.
15297
15298 @item
15299 You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
15300 multi-character subsequence of
15301 their names (an exact match gets preference).
15302 For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
15303 in place of @t{a'length}.
15304
15305 @item
15306 @cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
15307 Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
15308 to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
15309 some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
15310 For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
15311 enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
15312 For example,
15313 @smallexample
15314 (@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
15315 @end smallexample
15316
15317 @item
15318 Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
15319 access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
15320 specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
15321 selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
15322 object.
15323
15324 @end itemize
15325
15326 @node Stopping Before Main Program
15327 @subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
15328
15329 @cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
15330 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
15331 before reaching the main procedure.
15332 As defined in the Ada Reference
15333 Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
15334 @code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
15335 elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
15336 @code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
15337
15338 @node Ada Exceptions
15339 @subsubsection Ada Exceptions
15340
15341 A command is provided to list all Ada exceptions:
15342
15343 @table @code
15344 @kindex info exceptions
15345 @item info exceptions
15346 @itemx info exceptions @var{regexp}
15347 The @code{info exceptions} command allows you to list all Ada exceptions
15348 defined within the program being debugged, as well as their addresses.
15349 With a regular expression, @var{regexp}, as argument, only those exceptions
15350 whose names match @var{regexp} are listed.
15351 @end table
15352
15353 Below is a small example, showing how the command can be used, first
15354 without argument, and next with a regular expression passed as an
15355 argument.
15356
15357 @smallexample
15358 (@value{GDBP}) info exceptions
15359 All defined Ada exceptions:
15360 constraint_error: 0x613da0
15361 program_error: 0x613d20
15362 storage_error: 0x613ce0
15363 tasking_error: 0x613ca0
15364 const.aint_global_e: 0x613b00
15365 (@value{GDBP}) info exceptions const.aint
15366 All Ada exceptions matching regular expression "const.aint":
15367 constraint_error: 0x613da0
15368 const.aint_global_e: 0x613b00
15369 @end smallexample
15370
15371 It is also possible to ask @value{GDBN} to stop your program's execution
15372 when an exception is raised. For more details, see @ref{Set Catchpoints}.
15373
15374 @node Ada Tasks
15375 @subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
15376 @cindex Ada, tasking
15377
15378 Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
15379 @value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
15380
15381 @table @code
15382 @kindex info tasks
15383 @item info tasks
15384 This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
15385
15386
15387 @smallexample
15388 @iftex
15389 @leftskip=0.5cm
15390 @end iftex
15391 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
15392 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
15393 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15394 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
15395 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
15396 * 4 80ae800 3 15 Runnable c
15397
15398 @end smallexample
15399
15400 @noindent
15401 In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
15402 task currently being inspected.
15403
15404 @table @asis
15405 @item ID
15406 Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
15407
15408 @item TID
15409 The Ada task ID.
15410
15411 @item P-ID
15412 The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
15413
15414 @item Pri
15415 The base priority of the task.
15416
15417 @item State
15418 Current state of the task.
15419
15420 @table @code
15421 @item Unactivated
15422 The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
15423 executing.
15424
15425 @item Runnable
15426 The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
15427 for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
15428
15429 @item Terminated
15430 The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
15431 that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
15432 terminated themselves.
15433
15434 @item Child Activation Wait
15435 The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
15436
15437 @item Accept Statement
15438 The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
15439
15440 @item Waiting on entry call
15441 The task is waiting on an entry call.
15442
15443 @item Async Select Wait
15444 The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
15445 select statement.
15446
15447 @item Delay Sleep
15448 The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
15449 alternative open.
15450
15451 @item Child Termination Wait
15452 The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
15453 waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
15454 waiting on a terminate Phase.
15455
15456 @item Wait Child in Term Alt
15457 The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
15458 finish terminating.
15459
15460 @item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
15461 The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
15462 @end table
15463
15464 @item Name
15465 Name of the task in the program.
15466
15467 @end table
15468
15469 @kindex info task @var{taskno}
15470 @item info task @var{taskno}
15471 This command shows detailled informations on the specified task, as in
15472 the following example:
15473 @smallexample
15474 @iftex
15475 @leftskip=0.5cm
15476 @end iftex
15477 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
15478 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
15479 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15480 * 2 807c468 1 15 Runnable task_1
15481 (@value{GDBP}) info task 2
15482 Ada Task: 0x807c468
15483 Name: task_1
15484 Thread: 0x807f378
15485 Parent: 1 (main_task)
15486 Base Priority: 15
15487 State: Runnable
15488 @end smallexample
15489
15490 @item task
15491 @kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
15492 @cindex current Ada task ID
15493 This command prints the ID of the current task.
15494
15495 @smallexample
15496 @iftex
15497 @leftskip=0.5cm
15498 @end iftex
15499 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
15500 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
15501 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15502 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
15503 (@value{GDBP}) task
15504 [Current task is 2]
15505 @end smallexample
15506
15507 @item task @var{taskno}
15508 @cindex Ada task switching
15509 This command is like the @code{thread @var{threadno}}
15510 command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
15511 from the current task to the given task.
15512
15513 @smallexample
15514 @iftex
15515 @leftskip=0.5cm
15516 @end iftex
15517 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
15518 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
15519 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15520 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
15521 (@value{GDBP}) task 1
15522 [Switching to task 1]
15523 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
15524 (@value{GDBP}) bt
15525 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
15526 #1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
15527 #2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
15528 #3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
15529 #4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
15530 @end smallexample
15531
15532 @item break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno}
15533 @itemx break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno} if @dots{}
15534 @cindex breakpoints and tasks, in Ada
15535 @cindex task breakpoints, in Ada
15536 @kindex break @dots{} task @var{taskno}@r{ (Ada)}
15537 These commands are like the @code{break @dots{} thread @dots{}}
15538 command (@pxref{Thread Stops}).
15539 @var{linespec} specifies source lines, as described
15540 in @ref{Specify Location}.
15541
15542 Use the qualifier @samp{task @var{taskno}} with a breakpoint command
15543 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
15544 particular Ada task reaches this breakpoint. @var{taskno} is one of the
15545 numeric task identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
15546 column of the @samp{info tasks} display.
15547
15548 If you do not specify @samp{task @var{taskno}} when you set a
15549 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} tasks of your
15550 program.
15551
15552 You can use the @code{task} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
15553 well; in this case, place @samp{task @var{taskno}} before the
15554 breakpoint condition (before the @code{if}).
15555
15556 For example,
15557
15558 @smallexample
15559 @iftex
15560 @leftskip=0.5cm
15561 @end iftex
15562 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
15563 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
15564 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15565 2 140045060 1 15 Accept/Select Wait t2
15566 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
15567 * 4 140056040 1 15 Runnable t3
15568 (@value{GDBP}) b 15 task 2
15569 Breakpoint 5 at 0x120044cb0: file test_task_debug.adb, line 15.
15570 (@value{GDBP}) cont
15571 Continuing.
15572 task # 1 running
15573 task # 2 running
15574
15575 Breakpoint 5, test_task_debug () at test_task_debug.adb:15
15576 15 flush;
15577 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
15578 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
15579 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15580 * 2 140045060 1 15 Runnable t2
15581 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
15582 4 140056040 1 15 Delay Sleep t3
15583 @end smallexample
15584 @end table
15585
15586 @node Ada Tasks and Core Files
15587 @subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
15588 @cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
15589
15590 When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
15591 tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
15592 the platform being used.
15593 For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
15594 switching is not supported. On Tru64, however, task switching will work
15595 as usual.
15596
15597 On certain platforms, including Tru64, the debugger needs to perform some
15598 memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
15599 a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
15600 privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
15601 Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
15602 file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
15603
15604 @node Ravenscar Profile
15605 @subsubsection Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar Profile
15606 @cindex Ravenscar Profile
15607
15608 The @dfn{Ravenscar Profile} is a subset of the Ada tasking features,
15609 specifically designed for systems with safety-critical real-time
15610 requirements.
15611
15612 @table @code
15613 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching on
15614 @cindex task switching with program using Ravenscar Profile
15615 @item set ravenscar task-switching on
15616 Allows task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
15617 Profile. This is the default.
15618
15619 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching off
15620 @item set ravenscar task-switching off
15621 Turn off task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
15622 Profile. This is mostly intended to disable the code that adds support
15623 for the Ravenscar Profile, in case a bug in either @value{GDBN} or in
15624 the Ravenscar runtime is preventing @value{GDBN} from working properly.
15625 To be effective, this command should be run before the program is started.
15626
15627 @kindex show ravenscar task-switching
15628 @item show ravenscar task-switching
15629 Show whether it is possible to switch from task to task in a program
15630 using the Ravenscar Profile.
15631
15632 @end table
15633
15634 @node Ada Glitches
15635 @subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
15636 @cindex Ada, problems
15637
15638 Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
15639 we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
15640 @value{GDBN},
15641 some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
15642 and the GNU Ada compiler.
15643
15644 @itemize @bullet
15645 @item
15646 Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
15647 storage are invisible to the debugger.
15648
15649 @item
15650 Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
15651 argument lists are treated as positional).
15652
15653 @item
15654 Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
15655
15656 @item
15657 Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
15658 floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
15659 the host machine.
15660
15661 @item
15662 The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
15663 the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
15664 this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
15665 look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
15666 symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
15667 defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
15668 local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
15669 GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
15670 you can usually resolve the confusion
15671 by qualifying the problematic names with package
15672 @code{Standard} explicitly.
15673 @end itemize
15674
15675 Older versions of the compiler sometimes generate erroneous debugging
15676 information, resulting in the debugger incorrectly printing the value
15677 of affected entities. In some cases, the debugger is able to work
15678 around an issue automatically. In other cases, the debugger is able
15679 to work around the issue, but the work-around has to be specifically
15680 enabled.
15681
15682 @kindex set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
15683 @kindex show ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
15684 @table @code
15685
15686 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS on
15687 Configure GDB to strictly follow the GNAT encoding when computing the
15688 value of Ada entities, particularly when @code{PAD} and @code{PAD___XVS}
15689 types are involved (see @code{ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources for
15690 a complete description of the encoding used by the GNAT compiler).
15691 This is the default.
15692
15693 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS off
15694 This is related to the encoding using by the GNAT compiler. If @value{GDBN}
15695 sometimes prints the wrong value for certain entities, changing @code{ada
15696 trust-PAD-over-XVS} to @code{off} activates a work-around which may fix
15697 the issue. It is always safe to set @code{ada trust-PAD-over-XVS} to
15698 @code{off}, but this incurs a slight performance penalty, so it is
15699 recommended to leave this setting to @code{on} unless necessary.
15700
15701 @end table
15702
15703 @node Unsupported Languages
15704 @section Unsupported Languages
15705
15706 @cindex unsupported languages
15707 @cindex minimal language
15708 In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
15709 @value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
15710 It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
15711 of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
15712 This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
15713 an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
15714
15715 If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
15716 select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
15717 language.
15718
15719 @node Symbols
15720 @chapter Examining the Symbol Table
15721
15722 The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
15723 symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
15724 program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
15725 does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
15726 program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
15727 (@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
15728 file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
15729
15730 @cindex symbol names
15731 @cindex names of symbols
15732 @cindex quoting names
15733 Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
15734 characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
15735 most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
15736 source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
15737 are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
15738 ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
15739 @samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
15740 @samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
15741
15742 @smallexample
15743 p 'foo.c'::x
15744 @end smallexample
15745
15746 @noindent
15747 looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
15748
15749 @table @code
15750 @cindex case-insensitive symbol names
15751 @cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
15752 @kindex set case-sensitive
15753 @item set case-sensitive on
15754 @itemx set case-sensitive off
15755 @itemx set case-sensitive auto
15756 Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
15757 with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
15758 Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
15759 case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
15760 case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
15761 you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
15762 suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
15763 matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
15764 case-insensitive matches.
15765
15766 @kindex show case-sensitive
15767 @item show case-sensitive
15768 This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
15769 lookups.
15770
15771 @kindex set print type methods
15772 @item set print type methods
15773 @itemx set print type methods on
15774 @itemx set print type methods off
15775 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any methods
15776 declared in that class. You can control this behavior either by
15777 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
15778 print type methods}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
15779 display the methods; this is the default. Specifying @code{off} will
15780 cause @value{GDBN} to omit the methods.
15781
15782 @kindex show print type methods
15783 @item show print type methods
15784 This command shows the current setting of method display when printing
15785 classes.
15786
15787 @kindex set print type typedefs
15788 @item set print type typedefs
15789 @itemx set print type typedefs on
15790 @itemx set print type typedefs off
15791
15792 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any typedefs
15793 defined in that class. You can control this behavior either by
15794 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
15795 print type typedefs}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
15796 display the typedef definitions; this is the default. Specifying
15797 @code{off} will cause @value{GDBN} to omit the typedef definitions.
15798 Note that this controls whether the typedef definition itself is
15799 printed, not whether typedef names are substituted when printing other
15800 types.
15801
15802 @kindex show print type typedefs
15803 @item show print type typedefs
15804 This command shows the current setting of typedef display when
15805 printing classes.
15806
15807 @kindex info address
15808 @cindex address of a symbol
15809 @item info address @var{symbol}
15810 Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
15811 variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
15812 local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
15813 is always stored.
15814
15815 Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
15816 at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
15817 the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
15818
15819 @kindex info symbol
15820 @cindex symbol from address
15821 @cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
15822 @item info symbol @var{addr}
15823 Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
15824 If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
15825 nearest symbol and an offset from it:
15826
15827 @smallexample
15828 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
15829 _initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
15830 @end smallexample
15831
15832 @noindent
15833 This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
15834 it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
15835
15836 For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
15837 library containing the symbol is also printed:
15838
15839 @smallexample
15840 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
15841 _start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
15842 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
15843 __read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
15844 @end smallexample
15845
15846 @kindex whatis
15847 @item whatis[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
15848 Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression
15849 or a name of a data type. With no argument, print the data type of
15850 @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
15851
15852 If @var{arg} is an expression (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), it
15853 is not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
15854 assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place.
15855
15856 If @var{arg} is a variable or an expression, @code{whatis} prints its
15857 literal type as it is used in the source code. If the type was
15858 defined using a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will @emph{not} print
15859 the data type underlying the @code{typedef}. If the type of the
15860 variable or the expression is a compound data type, such as
15861 @code{struct} or @code{class}, @code{whatis} never prints their
15862 fields or methods. It just prints the @code{struct}/@code{class}
15863 name (a.k.a.@: its @dfn{tag}). If you want to see the members of
15864 such a compound data type, use @code{ptype}.
15865
15866 If @var{arg} is a type name that was defined using @code{typedef},
15867 @code{whatis} @dfn{unrolls} only one level of that @code{typedef}.
15868 Unrolling means that @code{whatis} will show the underlying type used
15869 in the @code{typedef} declaration of @var{arg}. However, if that
15870 underlying type is also a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will not
15871 unroll it.
15872
15873 For C code, the type names may also have the form @samp{class
15874 @var{class-name}}, @samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union
15875 @var{union-tag}} or @samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
15876
15877 @var{flags} can be used to modify how the type is displayed.
15878 Available flags are:
15879
15880 @table @code
15881 @item r
15882 Display in ``raw'' form. Normally, @value{GDBN} substitutes template
15883 parameters and typedefs defined in a class when printing the class'
15884 members. The @code{/r} flag disables this.
15885
15886 @item m
15887 Do not print methods defined in the class.
15888
15889 @item M
15890 Print methods defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
15891 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type methods}.
15892
15893 @item t
15894 Do not print typedefs defined in the class. Note that this controls
15895 whether the typedef definition itself is printed, not whether typedef
15896 names are substituted when printing other types.
15897
15898 @item T
15899 Print typedefs defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
15900 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type typedefs}.
15901 @end table
15902
15903 @kindex ptype
15904 @item ptype[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
15905 @code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
15906 detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
15907 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
15908
15909 Contrary to @code{whatis}, @code{ptype} always unrolls any
15910 @code{typedef}s in its argument declaration, whether the argument is
15911 a variable, expression, or a data type. This means that @code{ptype}
15912 of a variable or an expression will not print literally its type as
15913 present in the source code---use @code{whatis} for that. @code{typedef}s at
15914 the pointer or reference targets are also unrolled. Only @code{typedef}s of
15915 fields, methods and inner @code{class typedef}s of @code{struct}s,
15916 @code{class}es and @code{union}s are not unrolled even with @code{ptype}.
15917
15918 For example, for this variable declaration:
15919
15920 @smallexample
15921 typedef double real_t;
15922 struct complex @{ real_t real; double imag; @};
15923 typedef struct complex complex_t;
15924 complex_t var;
15925 real_t *real_pointer_var;
15926 @end smallexample
15927
15928 @noindent
15929 the two commands give this output:
15930
15931 @smallexample
15932 @group
15933 (@value{GDBP}) whatis var
15934 type = complex_t
15935 (@value{GDBP}) ptype var
15936 type = struct complex @{
15937 real_t real;
15938 double imag;
15939 @}
15940 (@value{GDBP}) whatis complex_t
15941 type = struct complex
15942 (@value{GDBP}) whatis struct complex
15943 type = struct complex
15944 (@value{GDBP}) ptype struct complex
15945 type = struct complex @{
15946 real_t real;
15947 double imag;
15948 @}
15949 (@value{GDBP}) whatis real_pointer_var
15950 type = real_t *
15951 (@value{GDBP}) ptype real_pointer_var
15952 type = double *
15953 @end group
15954 @end smallexample
15955
15956 @noindent
15957 As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
15958 the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
15959
15960 @cindex incomplete type
15961 Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
15962 of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
15963 program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
15964 the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
15965 given these declarations:
15966
15967 @smallexample
15968 struct foo;
15969 struct foo *fooptr;
15970 @end smallexample
15971
15972 @noindent
15973 but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
15974
15975 @smallexample
15976 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
15977 $1 = <incomplete type>
15978 @end smallexample
15979
15980 @noindent
15981 ``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
15982 completely specified.
15983
15984 @kindex info types
15985 @item info types @var{regexp}
15986 @itemx info types
15987 Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
15988 expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
15989 no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
15990 complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
15991 types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
15992 @samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
15993 name is @code{value}.
15994
15995 This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
15996 @code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
15997 lists all source files where a type is defined.
15998
15999 @kindex info type-printers
16000 @item info type-printers
16001 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled may
16002 have ``type printers'' available. When using @command{ptype} or
16003 @command{whatis}, these printers are consulted when the name of a type
16004 is needed. @xref{Type Printing API}, for more information on writing
16005 type printers.
16006
16007 @code{info type-printers} displays all the available type printers.
16008
16009 @kindex enable type-printer
16010 @kindex disable type-printer
16011 @item enable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
16012 @item disable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
16013 These commands can be used to enable or disable type printers.
16014
16015 @kindex info scope
16016 @cindex local variables
16017 @item info scope @var{location}
16018 List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
16019 accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
16020 an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
16021 to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
16022 details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
16023
16024 @smallexample
16025 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
16026 Scope for command_line_handler:
16027 Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
16028 Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
16029 Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
16030 Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
16031 Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
16032 Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
16033 Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
16034 @end smallexample
16035
16036 @noindent
16037 This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
16038 during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
16039 collect}.
16040
16041 @kindex info source
16042 @item info source
16043 Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
16044 the function containing the current point of execution:
16045 @itemize @bullet
16046 @item
16047 the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
16048 @item
16049 the directory it was compiled in,
16050 @item
16051 its length, in lines,
16052 @item
16053 which programming language it is written in,
16054 @item
16055 whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
16056 if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
16057 @item
16058 whether the debugging information includes information about
16059 preprocessor macros.
16060 @end itemize
16061
16062
16063 @kindex info sources
16064 @item info sources
16065 Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
16066 debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
16067 have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
16068
16069 @kindex info functions
16070 @item info functions
16071 Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
16072
16073 @item info functions @var{regexp}
16074 Print the names and data types of all defined functions
16075 whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
16076 Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
16077 include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
16078 start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters
16079 that conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
16080 @samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
16081
16082 @kindex info variables
16083 @item info variables
16084 Print the names and data types of all variables that are defined
16085 outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
16086
16087 @item info variables @var{regexp}
16088 Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
16089 variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
16090 @var{regexp}.
16091
16092 @kindex info classes
16093 @cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
16094 @item info classes
16095 @itemx info classes @var{regexp}
16096 Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
16097 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
16098 expression.
16099
16100 @kindex info selectors
16101 @item info selectors
16102 @itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
16103 Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
16104 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
16105 expression.
16106
16107 @ignore
16108 This was never implemented.
16109 @kindex info methods
16110 @item info methods
16111 @itemx info methods @var{regexp}
16112 The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
16113 methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
16114 specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
16115 C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
16116 from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
16117 @code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
16118 which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
16119 @end ignore
16120
16121 @cindex opaque data types
16122 @kindex set opaque-type-resolution
16123 @item set opaque-type-resolution on
16124 Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
16125 declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
16126 @code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
16127 source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
16128 another source file. The default is on.
16129
16130 A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
16131 the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
16132
16133 @item set opaque-type-resolution off
16134 Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
16135 is printed as follows:
16136 @smallexample
16137 @{<no data fields>@}
16138 @end smallexample
16139
16140 @kindex show opaque-type-resolution
16141 @item show opaque-type-resolution
16142 Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
16143
16144 @kindex maint print symbols
16145 @cindex symbol dump
16146 @kindex maint print psymbols
16147 @cindex partial symbol dump
16148 @kindex maint print msymbols
16149 @cindex minimal symbol dump
16150 @item maint print symbols @var{filename}
16151 @itemx maint print psymbols @var{filename}
16152 @itemx maint print msymbols @var{filename}
16153 Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename}.
16154 These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code. Only
16155 symbols with debugging data are included. If you use @samp{maint print
16156 symbols}, @value{GDBN} includes all the symbols for which it has already
16157 collected full details: that is, @var{filename} reflects symbols for
16158 only those files whose symbols @value{GDBN} has read. You can use the
16159 command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are. If you
16160 use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information about
16161 symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols defined in
16162 files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely. Finally,
16163 @samp{maint print msymbols} dumps just the minimal symbol information
16164 required for each object file from which @value{GDBN} has read some symbols.
16165 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
16166 @value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
16167
16168 @kindex maint info symtabs
16169 @kindex maint info psymtabs
16170 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
16171 @cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
16172 @cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
16173 @cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
16174 @item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
16175 @itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
16176
16177 List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
16178 structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
16179 given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
16180 copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
16181 structure in more detail. For example:
16182
16183 @smallexample
16184 (@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
16185 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
16186 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
16187 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
16188 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
16189 readin no
16190 fullname (null)
16191 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
16192 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
16193 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
16194 dependencies (none)
16195 @}
16196 @}
16197 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
16198 (@value{GDBP})
16199 @end smallexample
16200 @noindent
16201 We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
16202 the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
16203 and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
16204 If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
16205 read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
16206
16207 @smallexample
16208 (@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
16209 Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
16210 line 1574.
16211 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
16212 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
16213 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
16214 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
16215 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
16216 dirname (null)
16217 fullname (null)
16218 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
16219 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
16220 debugformat DWARF 2
16221 @}
16222 @}
16223 (@value{GDBP})
16224 @end smallexample
16225 @end table
16226
16227
16228 @node Altering
16229 @chapter Altering Execution
16230
16231 Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
16232 find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
16233 correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
16234 experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
16235 program.
16236
16237 For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
16238 locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
16239 address, or even return prematurely from a function.
16240
16241 @menu
16242 * Assignment:: Assignment to variables
16243 * Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
16244 * Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
16245 * Returning:: Returning from a function
16246 * Calling:: Calling your program's functions
16247 * Patching:: Patching your program
16248 @end menu
16249
16250 @node Assignment
16251 @section Assignment to Variables
16252
16253 @cindex assignment
16254 @cindex setting variables
16255 To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
16256 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
16257
16258 @smallexample
16259 print x=4
16260 @end smallexample
16261
16262 @noindent
16263 stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
16264 value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
16265 @xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
16266 information on operators in supported languages.
16267
16268 @kindex set variable
16269 @cindex variables, setting
16270 If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
16271 @code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
16272 really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
16273 not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
16274 ,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
16275
16276 If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
16277 appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
16278 variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
16279 to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
16280 program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
16281 a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
16282 command @code{set width}:
16283
16284 @smallexample
16285 (@value{GDBP}) whatis width
16286 type = double
16287 (@value{GDBP}) p width
16288 $4 = 13
16289 (@value{GDBP}) set width=47
16290 Invalid syntax in expression.
16291 @end smallexample
16292
16293 @noindent
16294 The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
16295 order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
16296
16297 @smallexample
16298 (@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
16299 @end smallexample
16300
16301 Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
16302 with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
16303 @code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
16304 your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
16305 to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
16306 the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
16307
16308 @smallexample
16309 @group
16310 (@value{GDBP}) whatis g
16311 type = double
16312 (@value{GDBP}) p g
16313 $1 = 1
16314 (@value{GDBP}) set g=4
16315 (@value{GDBP}) p g
16316 $2 = 1
16317 (@value{GDBP}) r
16318 The program being debugged has been started already.
16319 Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
16320 Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
16321 "/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
16322 Invalid bfd target.
16323 (@value{GDBP}) show g
16324 The current BFD target is "=4".
16325 @end group
16326 @end smallexample
16327
16328 @noindent
16329 The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
16330 @code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
16331 @code{g}, use
16332
16333 @smallexample
16334 (@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
16335 @end smallexample
16336
16337 @value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
16338 freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
16339 and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
16340 same length or shorter.
16341 @comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
16342 @comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
16343
16344 To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
16345 construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
16346 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
16347 to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
16348 and representation in memory), and
16349
16350 @smallexample
16351 set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
16352 @end smallexample
16353
16354 @noindent
16355 stores the value 4 into that memory location.
16356
16357 @node Jumping
16358 @section Continuing at a Different Address
16359
16360 Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
16361 it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
16362 an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
16363
16364 @table @code
16365 @kindex jump
16366 @kindex j @r{(@code{jump})}
16367 @item jump @var{linespec}
16368 @itemx j @var{linespec}
16369 @itemx jump @var{location}
16370 @itemx j @var{location}
16371 Resume execution at line @var{linespec} or at address given by
16372 @var{location}. Execution stops again immediately if there is a
16373 breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
16374 different forms of @var{linespec} and @var{location}. It is common
16375 practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
16376 @code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
16377
16378 The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
16379 the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
16380 register other than the program counter. If line @var{linespec} is in
16381 a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
16382 be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
16383 of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
16384 confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
16385 executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
16386 well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
16387 @end table
16388
16389 @c Doesn't work on HP-UX; have to set $pcoqh and $pcoqt.
16390 On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
16391 command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
16392 difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
16393 changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
16394 example,
16395
16396 @smallexample
16397 set $pc = 0x485
16398 @end smallexample
16399
16400 @noindent
16401 makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
16402 address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
16403 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
16404
16405 The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
16406 up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
16407 that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
16408 detail.
16409
16410 @c @group
16411 @node Signaling
16412 @section Giving your Program a Signal
16413 @cindex deliver a signal to a program
16414
16415 @table @code
16416 @kindex signal
16417 @item signal @var{signal}
16418 Resume execution where your program stopped, but immediately give it the
16419 signal @var{signal}. @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
16420 signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
16421 SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
16422
16423 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
16424 giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
16425 a signal and would ordinarily see the signal when resumed with the
16426 @code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
16427 signal.
16428
16429 @code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
16430 after executing the command.
16431 @end table
16432 @c @end group
16433
16434 Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
16435 @code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
16436 causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
16437 the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
16438 passes the signal directly to your program.
16439
16440
16441 @node Returning
16442 @section Returning from a Function
16443
16444 @table @code
16445 @cindex returning from a function
16446 @kindex return
16447 @item return
16448 @itemx return @var{expression}
16449 You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
16450 command. If you give an
16451 @var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
16452 value.
16453 @end table
16454
16455 When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
16456 (and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
16457 discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
16458 be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
16459
16460 This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
16461 Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
16462 innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
16463 specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
16464 of functions.
16465
16466 The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
16467 program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
16468 returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
16469 and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
16470 selected stack frame returns naturally.
16471
16472 @value{GDBN} needs to know how the @var{expression} argument should be set for
16473 the inferior. The concrete registers assignment depends on the OS ABI and the
16474 type being returned by the selected stack frame. For example it is common for
16475 OS ABI to return floating point values in FPU registers while integer values in
16476 CPU registers. Still some ABIs return even floating point values in CPU
16477 registers. Larger integer widths (such as @code{long long int}) also have
16478 specific placement rules. @value{GDBN} already knows the OS ABI from its
16479 current target so it needs to find out also the type being returned to make the
16480 assignment into the right register(s).
16481
16482 Normally, the selected stack frame has debug info. @value{GDBN} will always
16483 use the debug info instead of the implicit type of @var{expression} when the
16484 debug info is available. For example, if you type @kbd{return -1}, and the
16485 function in the current stack frame is declared to return a @code{long long
16486 int}, @value{GDBN} transparently converts the implicit @code{int} value of -1
16487 into a @code{long long int}:
16488
16489 @smallexample
16490 Breakpoint 1, func () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:29
16491 29 return 31;
16492 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
16493 Make func return now? (y or n) y
16494 #0 0x004004f6 in main () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:43
16495 43 printf ("result=%lld\n", func ());
16496 (@value{GDBP})
16497 @end smallexample
16498
16499 However, if the selected stack frame does not have a debug info, e.g., if the
16500 function was compiled without debug info, @value{GDBN} has to find out the type
16501 to return from user. Specifying a different type by mistake may set the value
16502 in different inferior registers than the caller code expects. For example,
16503 typing @kbd{return -1} with its implicit type @code{int} would set only a part
16504 of a @code{long long int} result for a debug info less function (on 32-bit
16505 architectures). Therefore the user is required to specify the return type by
16506 an appropriate cast explicitly:
16507
16508 @smallexample
16509 Breakpoint 2, 0x0040050b in func ()
16510 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
16511 Return value type not available for selected stack frame.
16512 Please use an explicit cast of the value to return.
16513 (@value{GDBP}) return (long long int) -1
16514 Make selected stack frame return now? (y or n) y
16515 #0 0x00400526 in main ()
16516 (@value{GDBP})
16517 @end smallexample
16518
16519 @node Calling
16520 @section Calling Program Functions
16521
16522 @table @code
16523 @cindex calling functions
16524 @cindex inferior functions, calling
16525 @item print @var{expr}
16526 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
16527 @var{expr} may include calls to functions in the program being
16528 debugged.
16529
16530 @kindex call
16531 @item call @var{expr}
16532 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
16533 returned values.
16534
16535 You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
16536 execute a function from your program that does not return anything
16537 (a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
16538 with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
16539 print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
16540 value history.
16541 @end table
16542
16543 It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
16544 @code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
16545 the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
16546 in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
16547
16548 Similarly, with a C@t{++} program it is possible for the function you
16549 call via the @code{print} or @code{call} command to generate an
16550 exception that is not handled due to the constraints of the dummy
16551 frame. In this case, any exception that is raised in the frame, but has
16552 an out-of-frame exception handler will not be found. GDB builds a
16553 dummy-frame for the inferior function call, and the unwinder cannot
16554 seek for exception handlers outside of this dummy-frame. What happens
16555 in that case is controlled by the
16556 @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception} command.
16557
16558 @table @code
16559 @item set unwindonsignal
16560 @kindex set unwindonsignal
16561 @cindex unwind stack in called functions
16562 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding
16563 Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
16564 that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
16565 @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
16566 the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
16567 default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
16568 received.
16569
16570 @item show unwindonsignal
16571 @kindex show unwindonsignal
16572 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
16573 @value{GDBN}.
16574
16575 @item set unwind-on-terminating-exception
16576 @kindex set unwind-on-terminating-exception
16577 @cindex unwind stack in called functions with unhandled exceptions
16578 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding on unhandled exception.
16579 Set unwinding of the stack if a C@t{++} exception is raised, but left
16580 unhandled while in a function that @value{GDBN} called in the program being
16581 debugged. If set to on (the default), @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack
16582 it created for the call and restores the context to what it was before
16583 the call. If set to off, @value{GDBN} the exception is delivered to
16584 the default C@t{++} exception handler and the inferior terminated.
16585
16586 @item show unwind-on-terminating-exception
16587 @kindex show unwind-on-terminating-exception
16588 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
16589 @value{GDBN}.
16590
16591 @end table
16592
16593 @cindex weak alias functions
16594 Sometimes, a function you wish to call is actually a @dfn{weak alias}
16595 for another function. In such case, @value{GDBN} might not pick up
16596 the type information, including the types of the function arguments,
16597 which causes @value{GDBN} to call the inferior function incorrectly.
16598 As a result, the called function will function erroneously and may
16599 even crash. A solution to that is to use the name of the aliased
16600 function instead.
16601
16602 @node Patching
16603 @section Patching Programs
16604
16605 @cindex patching binaries
16606 @cindex writing into executables
16607 @cindex writing into corefiles
16608
16609 By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
16610 executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
16611 alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
16612 patching your program's binary.
16613
16614 If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
16615 explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
16616 want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
16617 repairs.
16618
16619 @table @code
16620 @kindex set write
16621 @item set write on
16622 @itemx set write off
16623 If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
16624 core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
16625 off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
16626
16627 If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
16628 @code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
16629 write}, for your new setting to take effect.
16630
16631 @item show write
16632 @kindex show write
16633 Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
16634 as well as reading.
16635 @end table
16636
16637 @node GDB Files
16638 @chapter @value{GDBN} Files
16639
16640 @value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
16641 both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
16642 program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
16643 @value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
16644
16645 @menu
16646 * Files:: Commands to specify files
16647 * Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
16648 * MiniDebugInfo:: Debugging information in a special section
16649 * Index Files:: Index files speed up GDB
16650 * Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
16651 * Data Files:: GDB data files
16652 @end menu
16653
16654 @node Files
16655 @section Commands to Specify Files
16656
16657 @cindex symbol table
16658 @cindex core dump file
16659
16660 You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
16661 way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
16662 @value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
16663 Out of @value{GDBN}}).
16664
16665 Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
16666 @value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
16667 specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
16668 via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
16669 Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
16670 new files are useful.
16671
16672 @table @code
16673 @cindex executable file
16674 @kindex file
16675 @item file @var{filename}
16676 Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
16677 symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
16678 executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
16679 directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
16680 @value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
16681 directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
16682 to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
16683 and your program, using the @code{path} command.
16684
16685 @cindex unlinked object files
16686 @cindex patching object files
16687 You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
16688 the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
16689 file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
16690 if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
16691 @kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
16692 that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
16693 case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
16694 the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
16695
16696 @item file
16697 @code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
16698 has on both executable file and the symbol table.
16699
16700 @kindex exec-file
16701 @item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
16702 Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
16703 in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
16704 if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
16705 discard information on the executable file.
16706
16707 @kindex symbol-file
16708 @item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
16709 Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
16710 searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
16711 table and program to run from the same file.
16712
16713 @code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
16714 program's symbol table.
16715
16716 The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
16717 some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
16718 contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
16719 which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
16720 @value{GDBN}.
16721
16722 @code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
16723 executing it once.
16724
16725 When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
16726 understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
16727 generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
16728 other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
16729 Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
16730 using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
16731 optimized code.
16732
16733 For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
16734 using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
16735 symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
16736 quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
16737 details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
16738
16739 The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
16740 start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
16741 occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
16742 file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
16743 pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
16744 Warnings and Messages}.)
16745
16746 We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
16747 symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
16748 symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
16749 still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
16750 in stabs format.
16751
16752 @kindex readnow
16753 @cindex reading symbols immediately
16754 @cindex symbols, reading immediately
16755 @item symbol-file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
16756 @itemx file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
16757 You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
16758 tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
16759 load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
16760 entire symbol table available.
16761
16762 @c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
16763 @c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
16764 @c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
16765 @c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
16766 @c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
16767 @c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
16768 @c files.
16769
16770 @kindex core-file
16771 @item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
16772 @itemx core
16773 Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
16774 of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
16775 address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
16776 executable file itself for other parts.
16777
16778 @code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
16779 to be used.
16780
16781 Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
16782 under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
16783 wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
16784 the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
16785 (@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
16786
16787 @kindex add-symbol-file
16788 @cindex dynamic linking
16789 @item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
16790 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
16791 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} -s @var{section} @var{address} @dots{}
16792 The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
16793 information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
16794 when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
16795 into the program that is running. @var{address} should be the memory
16796 address at which the file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure
16797 this out for itself. You can additionally specify an arbitrary number
16798 of @samp{-s @var{section} @var{address}} pairs, to give an explicit
16799 section name and base address for that section. You can specify any
16800 @var{address} as an expression.
16801
16802 The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
16803 originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
16804 @code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
16805 thus read is kept in addition to the old.
16806
16807 Changes can be reverted using the command @code{remove-symbol-file}.
16808
16809 @cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
16810 @cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
16811 @cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
16812 @cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
16813 @cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
16814 Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
16815 executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
16816 relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
16817 information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
16818
16819 @itemize @bullet
16820 @item
16821 the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
16822 that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
16823 @item
16824 every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
16825 been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
16826 @item
16827 you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
16828 provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
16829 @end itemize
16830
16831 @noindent
16832 Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
16833 relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
16834 typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
16835 important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
16836 procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
16837 assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
16838 general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
16839 relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
16840 as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
16841 way.
16842
16843 @code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
16844
16845 @kindex remove-symbol-file
16846 @item remove-symbol-file @var{filename}
16847 @item remove-symbol-file -a @var{address}
16848 Remove a symbol file added via the @code{add-symbol-file} command. The
16849 file to remove can be identified by its @var{filename} or by an @var{address}
16850 that lies within the boundaries of this symbol file in memory. Example:
16851
16852 @smallexample
16853 (gdb) add-symbol-file /home/user/gdb/mylib.so 0x7ffff7ff9480
16854 add symbol table from file "/home/user/gdb/mylib.so" at
16855 .text_addr = 0x7ffff7ff9480
16856 (y or n) y
16857 Reading symbols from /home/user/gdb/mylib.so...done.
16858 (gdb) remove-symbol-file -a 0x7ffff7ff9480
16859 Remove symbol table from file "/home/user/gdb/mylib.so"? (y or n) y
16860 (gdb)
16861 @end smallexample
16862
16863
16864 @code{remove-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
16865
16866 @kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
16867 @cindex @code{syscall DSO}
16868 @cindex load symbols from memory
16869 @item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
16870 Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
16871 object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
16872 For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
16873 process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
16874 some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
16875 evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
16876 For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
16877 @code{exec-file} commands in advance.
16878
16879 @kindex add-shared-symbol-files
16880 @kindex assf
16881 @item add-shared-symbol-files @var{library-file}
16882 @itemx assf @var{library-file}
16883 The @code{add-shared-symbol-files} command can currently be used only
16884 in the Cygwin build of @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows OS, where it is an
16885 alias for the @code{dll-symbols} command (@pxref{Cygwin Native}).
16886 @value{GDBN} automatically looks for shared libraries, however if
16887 @value{GDBN} does not find yours, you can invoke
16888 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}. It takes one argument: the shared
16889 library's file name. @code{assf} is a shorthand alias for
16890 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}.
16891
16892 @kindex section
16893 @item section @var{section} @var{addr}
16894 The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
16895 @var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
16896 exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
16897 @code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
16898 itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
16899 @code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
16900 their addresses.
16901
16902 @kindex info files
16903 @kindex info target
16904 @item info files
16905 @itemx info target
16906 @code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
16907 current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
16908 including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
16909 use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
16910 command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
16911 current ones.
16912
16913 @kindex maint info sections
16914 @item maint info sections
16915 Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
16916 is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
16917 displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
16918 offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
16919 @code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
16920 may be arbitrarily combined):
16921
16922 @table @code
16923 @item ALLOBJ
16924 Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
16925 @item @var{sections}
16926 Display info only for named @var{sections}.
16927 @item @var{section-flags}
16928 Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
16929 The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
16930 @table @code
16931 @item ALLOC
16932 Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
16933 Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
16934 @item LOAD
16935 Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
16936 Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
16937 @item RELOC
16938 Section needs to be relocated before loading.
16939 @item READONLY
16940 Section cannot be modified by the child process.
16941 @item CODE
16942 Section contains executable code only.
16943 @item DATA
16944 Section contains data only (no executable code).
16945 @item ROM
16946 Section will reside in ROM.
16947 @item CONSTRUCTOR
16948 Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
16949 @item HAS_CONTENTS
16950 Section is not empty.
16951 @item NEVER_LOAD
16952 An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
16953 @item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
16954 A notification to the linker that the section contains
16955 COFF shared library information.
16956 @item IS_COMMON
16957 Section contains common symbols.
16958 @end table
16959 @end table
16960 @kindex set trust-readonly-sections
16961 @cindex read-only sections
16962 @item set trust-readonly-sections on
16963 Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
16964 really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
16965 In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
16966 out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
16967 For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
16968 enhancement to debugging performance.
16969
16970 The default is off.
16971
16972 @item set trust-readonly-sections off
16973 Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
16974 the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
16975 and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
16976
16977 @item show trust-readonly-sections
16978 Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
16979 @end table
16980
16981 All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
16982 as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
16983 name and remembers it that way.
16984
16985 @cindex shared libraries
16986 @anchor{Shared Libraries}
16987 @value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, HP-UX, SunOS, SVr4, Irix,
16988 and IBM RS/6000 AIX shared libraries.
16989
16990 On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
16991 shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
16992
16993 @value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
16994 when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
16995 (Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
16996 references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
16997 debugging a core file).
16998
16999 On HP-UX, if the program loads a library explicitly, @value{GDBN}
17000 automatically loads the symbols at the time of the @code{shl_load} call.
17001
17002 @c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
17003 @c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
17004 @c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
17005
17006 There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
17007 symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
17008 particularly large or there are many of them.
17009
17010 To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
17011 commands:
17012
17013 @table @code
17014 @kindex set auto-solib-add
17015 @item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
17016 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
17017 will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
17018 attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
17019 informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
17020 is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
17021 @code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
17022
17023 @cindex memory used for symbol tables
17024 If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
17025 takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
17026 memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
17027 symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
17028 auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
17029 library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
17030 @var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
17031 the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
17032
17033 @kindex show auto-solib-add
17034 @item show auto-solib-add
17035 Display the current autoloading mode.
17036 @end table
17037
17038 @cindex load shared library
17039 To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
17040 command:
17041
17042 @table @code
17043 @kindex info sharedlibrary
17044 @kindex info share
17045 @item info share @var{regex}
17046 @itemx info sharedlibrary @var{regex}
17047 Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded
17048 that match @var{regex}. If @var{regex} is omitted then print
17049 all shared libraries that are loaded.
17050
17051 @kindex sharedlibrary
17052 @kindex share
17053 @item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
17054 @itemx share @var{regex}
17055 Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
17056 Unix regular expression.
17057 As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
17058 required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
17059 @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
17060 loaded.
17061
17062 @item nosharedlibrary
17063 @kindex nosharedlibrary
17064 @cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
17065 Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
17066 that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
17067 libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
17068 discarded.
17069 @end table
17070
17071 Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
17072 when any of shared library events happen. The best way to do this is
17073 to use @code{catch load} and @code{catch unload} (@pxref{Set
17074 Catchpoints}).
17075
17076 @value{GDBN} also supports the the @code{set stop-on-solib-events}
17077 command for this. This command exists for historical reasons. It is
17078 less useful than setting a catchpoint, because it does not allow for
17079 conditions or commands as a catchpoint does.
17080
17081 @table @code
17082 @item set stop-on-solib-events
17083 @kindex set stop-on-solib-events
17084 This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
17085 when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
17086 The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
17087 shared library.
17088
17089 @item show stop-on-solib-events
17090 @kindex show stop-on-solib-events
17091 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
17092 library events happen.
17093 @end table
17094
17095 Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
17096 configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
17097 this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
17098 on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
17099 libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
17100 provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
17101 copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
17102 not.
17103
17104 @cindex where to look for shared libraries
17105 For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
17106 libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
17107 may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
17108 to specify the search directories for target libraries.
17109
17110 @table @code
17111 @cindex prefix for shared library file names
17112 @cindex system root, alternate
17113 @kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
17114 @kindex set sysroot
17115 @item set sysroot @var{path}
17116 Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
17117 absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
17118 runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
17119 target program's memory. If you use @code{set sysroot} to find shared
17120 libraries, they need to be laid out in the same way that they are on
17121 the target, with e.g.@: a @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy
17122 under @var{path}.
17123
17124 If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{remote:}, @value{GDBN} will
17125 retrieve the target libraries from the remote system. This is only
17126 supported when using a remote target that supports the @code{remote get}
17127 command (@pxref{File Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}).
17128 The part of @var{path} following the initial @file{remote:}
17129 (if present) is used as system root prefix on the remote file system.
17130 @footnote{If you want to specify a local system root using a directory
17131 that happens to be named @file{remote:}, you need to use some equivalent
17132 variant of the name like @file{./remote:}.}
17133
17134 For targets with an MS-DOS based filesystem, such as MS-Windows and
17135 SymbianOS, @value{GDBN} tries prefixing a few variants of the target
17136 absolute file name with @var{path}. But first, on Unix hosts,
17137 @value{GDBN} converts all backslash directory separators into forward
17138 slashes, because the backslash is not a directory separator on Unix:
17139
17140 @smallexample
17141 c:\foo\bar.dll @result{} c:/foo/bar.dll
17142 @end smallexample
17143
17144 Then, @value{GDBN} attempts prefixing the target file name with
17145 @var{path}, and looks for the resulting file name in the host file
17146 system:
17147
17148 @smallexample
17149 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c:/foo/bar.dll
17150 @end smallexample
17151
17152 If that does not find the shared library, @value{GDBN} tries removing
17153 the @samp{:} character from the drive spec, both for convenience, and,
17154 for the case of the host file system not supporting file names with
17155 colons:
17156
17157 @smallexample
17158 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c/foo/bar.dll
17159 @end smallexample
17160
17161 This makes it possible to have a system root that mirrors a target
17162 with more than one drive. E.g., you may want to setup your local
17163 copies of the target system shared libraries like so (note @samp{c} vs
17164 @samp{z}):
17165
17166 @smallexample
17167 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/foo.dll}
17168 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/bar.dll}
17169 @file{/path/to/sysroot/z/sys/bin/bar.dll}
17170 @end smallexample
17171
17172 @noindent
17173 and point the system root at @file{/path/to/sysroot}, so that
17174 @value{GDBN} can find the correct copies of both
17175 @file{c:\sys\bin\foo.dll}, and @file{z:\sys\bin\bar.dll}.
17176
17177 If that still does not find the shared library, @value{GDBN} tries
17178 removing the whole drive spec from the target file name:
17179
17180 @smallexample
17181 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/foo/bar.dll
17182 @end smallexample
17183
17184 This last lookup makes it possible to not care about the drive name,
17185 if you don't want or need to.
17186
17187 The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
17188 sysroot}.
17189
17190 @cindex default system root
17191 @cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
17192 You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
17193 @samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
17194 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
17195 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
17196 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
17197 location.
17198
17199 @kindex show sysroot
17200 @item show sysroot
17201 Display the current shared library prefix.
17202
17203 @kindex set solib-search-path
17204 @item set solib-search-path @var{path}
17205 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
17206 directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
17207 is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
17208 path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
17209 use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
17210 @samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
17211 finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
17212 it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
17213 of shared library symbols.
17214
17215 @kindex show solib-search-path
17216 @item show solib-search-path
17217 Display the current shared library search path.
17218
17219 @cindex DOS file-name semantics of file names.
17220 @kindex set target-file-system-kind (unix|dos-based|auto)
17221 @kindex show target-file-system-kind
17222 @item set target-file-system-kind @var{kind}
17223 Set assumed file system kind for target reported file names.
17224
17225 Shared library file names as reported by the target system may not
17226 make sense as is on the system @value{GDBN} is running on. For
17227 example, when remote debugging a target that has MS-DOS based file
17228 system semantics, from a Unix host, the target may be reporting to
17229 @value{GDBN} a list of loaded shared libraries with file names such as
17230 @file{c:\Windows\kernel32.dll}. On Unix hosts, there's no concept of
17231 drive letters, so the @samp{c:\} prefix is not normally understood as
17232 indicating an absolute file name, and neither is the backslash
17233 normally considered a directory separator character. In that case,
17234 the native file system would interpret this whole absolute file name
17235 as a relative file name with no directory components. This would make
17236 it impossible to point @value{GDBN} at a copy of the remote target's
17237 shared libraries on the host using @code{set sysroot}, and impractical
17238 with @code{set solib-search-path}. Setting
17239 @code{target-file-system-kind} to @code{dos-based} tells @value{GDBN}
17240 to interpret such file names similarly to how the target would, and to
17241 map them to file names valid on @value{GDBN}'s native file system
17242 semantics. The value of @var{kind} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition
17243 to one of the supported file system kinds. In that case, @value{GDBN}
17244 tries to determine the appropriate file system variant based on the
17245 current target's operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the
17246 Current ABI}). The supported file system settings are:
17247
17248 @table @code
17249 @item unix
17250 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is of Unix
17251 kind. Only file names starting the forward slash (@samp{/}) character
17252 are considered absolute, and the directory separator character is also
17253 the forward slash.
17254
17255 @item dos-based
17256 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is DOS based.
17257 File names starting with either a forward slash, or a drive letter
17258 followed by a colon (e.g., @samp{c:}), are considered absolute, and
17259 both the slash (@samp{/}) and the backslash (@samp{\\}) characters are
17260 considered directory separators.
17261
17262 @item auto
17263 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the file system kind associated with the
17264 target operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
17265 This is the default.
17266 @end table
17267 @end table
17268
17269 @cindex file name canonicalization
17270 @cindex base name differences
17271 When processing file names provided by the user, @value{GDBN}
17272 frequently needs to compare them to the file names recorded in the
17273 program's debug info. Normally, @value{GDBN} compares just the
17274 @dfn{base names} of the files as strings, which is reasonably fast
17275 even for very large programs. (The base name of a file is the last
17276 portion of its name, after stripping all the leading directories.)
17277 This shortcut in comparison is based upon the assumption that files
17278 cannot have more than one base name. This is usually true, but
17279 references to files that use symlinks or similar filesystem
17280 facilities violate that assumption. If your program records files
17281 using such facilities, or if you provide file names to @value{GDBN}
17282 using symlinks etc., you can set @code{basenames-may-differ} to
17283 @code{true} to instruct @value{GDBN} to completely canonicalize each
17284 pair of file names it needs to compare. This will make file-name
17285 comparisons accurate, but at a price of a significant slowdown.
17286
17287 @table @code
17288 @item set basenames-may-differ
17289 @kindex set basenames-may-differ
17290 Set whether a source file may have multiple base names.
17291
17292 @item show basenames-may-differ
17293 @kindex show basenames-may-differ
17294 Show whether a source file may have multiple base names.
17295 @end table
17296
17297 @node Separate Debug Files
17298 @section Debugging Information in Separate Files
17299 @cindex separate debugging information files
17300 @cindex debugging information in separate files
17301 @cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
17302 @cindex debugging information directory, global
17303 @cindex global debugging information directories
17304 @cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
17305 @cindex @file{.build-id} directory
17306
17307 @value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
17308 file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
17309 @value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
17310 Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
17311 than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
17312 information for their executables in separate files, which users can
17313 install only when they need to debug a problem.
17314
17315 @value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
17316 file:
17317
17318 @itemize @bullet
17319 @item
17320 The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
17321 the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
17322 usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
17323 name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
17324 (e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
17325 debug link specifies a 32-bit @dfn{Cyclic Redundancy Check} (CRC)
17326 checksum for the debug file, which @value{GDBN} uses to validate that
17327 the executable and the debug file came from the same build.
17328
17329 @item
17330 The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
17331 also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
17332 only on some operating systems, notably those which use the ELF format
17333 for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
17334 this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
17335 command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld.info,
17336 The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
17337 explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
17338 below.
17339 @end itemize
17340
17341 Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
17342 uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
17343
17344 @itemize @bullet
17345 @item
17346 For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
17347 the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
17348 directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under each one of the global debug
17349 directories, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
17350 directories of the executable's absolute file name.
17351
17352 @item
17353 For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
17354 @file{.build-id} subdirectory of each one of the global debug directories for
17355 a file named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
17356 first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
17357 are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
17358 hex characters, not 10.)
17359 @end itemize
17360
17361 So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
17362 @file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
17363 file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
17364 @code{abcdef1234}. If the list of the global debug directories includes
17365 @file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
17366 debug information files, in the indicated order:
17367
17368 @itemize @minus
17369 @item
17370 @file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
17371 @item
17372 @file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
17373 @item
17374 @file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
17375 @item
17376 @file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
17377 @end itemize
17378
17379 @anchor{debug-file-directory}
17380 Global debugging info directories default to what is set by @value{GDBN}
17381 configure option @option{--with-separate-debug-dir}. During @value{GDBN} run
17382 you can also set the global debugging info directories, and view the list
17383 @value{GDBN} is currently using.
17384
17385 @table @code
17386
17387 @kindex set debug-file-directory
17388 @item set debug-file-directory @var{directories}
17389 Set the directories which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
17390 information files to @var{directory}. Multiple path components can be set
17391 concatenating them by a path separator.
17392
17393 @kindex show debug-file-directory
17394 @item show debug-file-directory
17395 Show the directories @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
17396 information files.
17397
17398 @end table
17399
17400 @cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
17401 @cindex debug link sections
17402 A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
17403 @code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
17404
17405 @itemize
17406 @item
17407 A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
17408 a zero byte,
17409 @item
17410 zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
17411 boundary within the section, and
17412 @item
17413 a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
17414 executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
17415 information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
17416 zero as the @var{crc} argument.
17417 @end itemize
17418
17419 Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
17420 contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
17421 described above.
17422
17423 @cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
17424 @cindex build ID sections
17425 The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
17426 ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
17427 often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
17428 It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
17429 the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
17430 algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
17431 content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
17432 value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
17433 stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
17434
17435 The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
17436 executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
17437 debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
17438 should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
17439 but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
17440 in an ordinary executable.
17441
17442 The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
17443 @samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
17444 the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
17445 following commands:
17446
17447 @smallexample
17448 @kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
17449 @kbd{strip -g foo}
17450 @end smallexample
17451
17452 @noindent
17453 These commands remove the debugging
17454 information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
17455 @file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
17456 two files:
17457
17458 @itemize @bullet
17459 @item
17460 The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
17461 behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
17462
17463 @smallexample
17464 @kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
17465 @end smallexample
17466
17467 Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
17468 a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
17469 foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
17470 the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
17471
17472 @item
17473 Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
17474 the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
17475 compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
17476 utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
17477 @end itemize
17478
17479 @noindent
17480
17481 @cindex CRC algorithm definition
17482 The CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink} is the CRC-32 defined in
17483 IEEE 802.3 using the polynomial:
17484
17485 @c TexInfo requires naked braces for multi-digit exponents for Tex
17486 @c output, but this causes HTML output to barf. HTML has to be set using
17487 @c raw commands. So we end up having to specify this equation in 2
17488 @c different ways!
17489 @ifhtml
17490 @display
17491 @html
17492 <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>
17493 + <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
17494 @end html
17495 @end display
17496 @end ifhtml
17497 @ifnothtml
17498 @display
17499 @math{x^{32} + x^{26} + x^{23} + x^{22} + x^{16} + x^{12} + x^{11}}
17500 @math{+ x^{10} + x^8 + x^7 + x^5 + x^4 + x^2 + x + 1}
17501 @end display
17502 @end ifnothtml
17503
17504 The function is computed byte at a time, taking the least
17505 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern
17506 @code{0xffffffff} is used, to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC and
17507 the final result is inverted to ensure trailing zeros also affect the
17508 CRC.
17509
17510 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC polynomial as used in handling the
17511 @dfn{Remote Serial Protocol} @code{qCRC} packet (@pxref{Remote Protocol,
17512 , @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol}). However in the
17513 case of the Remote Serial Protocol, the CRC is computed @emph{most}
17514 significant bit first, and the result is not inverted, so trailing
17515 zeros have no effect on the CRC value.
17516
17517 To complete the description, we show below the code of the function
17518 which produces the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}. Inverting the
17519 initially supplied @code{crc} argument means that an initial call to
17520 this function passing in zero will start computing the CRC using
17521 @code{0xffffffff}.
17522
17523 @kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
17524 @smallexample
17525 unsigned long
17526 gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
17527 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
17528 @{
17529 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
17530 @{
17531 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
17532 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
17533 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
17534 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
17535 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
17536 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
17537 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
17538 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
17539 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
17540 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
17541 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
17542 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
17543 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
17544 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
17545 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
17546 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
17547 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
17548 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
17549 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
17550 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
17551 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
17552 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
17553 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
17554 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
17555 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
17556 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
17557 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
17558 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
17559 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
17560 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
17561 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
17562 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
17563 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
17564 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
17565 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
17566 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
17567 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
17568 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
17569 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
17570 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
17571 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
17572 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
17573 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
17574 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
17575 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
17576 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
17577 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
17578 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
17579 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
17580 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
17581 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
17582 0x2d02ef8d
17583 @};
17584 unsigned char *end;
17585
17586 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
17587 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
17588 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
17589 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
17590 @}
17591 @end smallexample
17592
17593 @noindent
17594 This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
17595
17596 @node MiniDebugInfo
17597 @section Debugging information in a special section
17598 @cindex separate debug sections
17599 @cindex @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section
17600
17601 Some systems ship pre-built executables and libraries that have a
17602 special @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section. This feature is called
17603 @dfn{MiniDebugInfo}. This section holds an LZMA-compressed object and
17604 is used to supply extra symbols for backtraces.
17605
17606 The intent of this section is to provide extra minimal debugging
17607 information for use in simple backtraces. It is not intended to be a
17608 replacement for full separate debugging information (@pxref{Separate
17609 Debug Files}). The example below shows the intended use; however,
17610 @value{GDBN} does not currently put restrictions on what sort of
17611 debugging information might be included in the section.
17612
17613 @value{GDBN} has support for this extension. If the section exists,
17614 then it is used provided that no other source of debugging information
17615 can be found, and that @value{GDBN} was configured with LZMA support.
17616
17617 This section can be easily created using @command{objcopy} and other
17618 standard utilities:
17619
17620 @smallexample
17621 # Extract the dynamic symbols from the main binary, there is no need
17622 # to also have these in the normal symbol table.
17623 nm -D @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
17624 | awk '@{ print $1 @}' | sort > dynsyms
17625
17626 # Extract all the text (i.e. function) symbols from the debuginfo.
17627 # (Note that we actually also accept "D" symbols, for the benefit
17628 # of platforms like PowerPC64 that use function descriptors.)
17629 nm @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
17630 | awk '@{ if ($2 == "T" || $2 == "t" || $2 == "D") print $1 @}' \
17631 | sort > funcsyms
17632
17633 # Keep all the function symbols not already in the dynamic symbol
17634 # table.
17635 comm -13 dynsyms funcsyms > keep_symbols
17636
17637 # Separate full debug info into debug binary.
17638 objcopy --only-keep-debug @var{binary} debug
17639
17640 # Copy the full debuginfo, keeping only a minimal set of symbols and
17641 # removing some unnecessary sections.
17642 objcopy -S --remove-section .gdb_index --remove-section .comment \
17643 --keep-symbols=keep_symbols debug mini_debuginfo
17644
17645 # Drop the full debug info from the original binary.
17646 strip --strip-all -R .comment @var{binary}
17647
17648 # Inject the compressed data into the .gnu_debugdata section of the
17649 # original binary.
17650 xz mini_debuginfo
17651 objcopy --add-section .gnu_debugdata=mini_debuginfo.xz @var{binary}
17652 @end smallexample
17653
17654 @node Index Files
17655 @section Index Files Speed Up @value{GDBN}
17656 @cindex index files
17657 @cindex @samp{.gdb_index} section
17658
17659 When @value{GDBN} finds a symbol file, it scans the symbols in the
17660 file in order to construct an internal symbol table. This lets most
17661 @value{GDBN} operations work quickly---at the cost of a delay early
17662 on. For large programs, this delay can be quite lengthy, so
17663 @value{GDBN} provides a way to build an index, which speeds up
17664 startup.
17665
17666 The index is stored as a section in the symbol file. @value{GDBN} can
17667 write the index to a file, then you can put it into the symbol file
17668 using @command{objcopy}.
17669
17670 To create an index file, use the @code{save gdb-index} command:
17671
17672 @table @code
17673 @item save gdb-index @var{directory}
17674 @kindex save gdb-index
17675 Create an index file for each symbol file currently known by
17676 @value{GDBN}. Each file is named after its corresponding symbol file,
17677 with @samp{.gdb-index} appended, and is written into the given
17678 @var{directory}.
17679 @end table
17680
17681 Once you have created an index file you can merge it into your symbol
17682 file, here named @file{symfile}, using @command{objcopy}:
17683
17684 @smallexample
17685 $ objcopy --add-section .gdb_index=symfile.gdb-index \
17686 --set-section-flags .gdb_index=readonly symfile symfile
17687 @end smallexample
17688
17689 @value{GDBN} will normally ignore older versions of @file{.gdb_index}
17690 sections that have been deprecated. Usually they are deprecated because
17691 they are missing a new feature or have performance issues.
17692 To tell @value{GDBN} to use a deprecated index section anyway
17693 specify @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
17694 The default is @code{off}.
17695 This can speed up startup, but may result in some functionality being lost.
17696 @xref{Index Section Format}.
17697
17698 @emph{Warning:} Setting @code{use-deprecated-index-sections} to @code{on}
17699 must be done before gdb reads the file. The following will not work:
17700
17701 @smallexample
17702 $ gdb -ex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
17703 @end smallexample
17704
17705 Instead you must do, for example,
17706
17707 @smallexample
17708 $ gdb -iex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
17709 @end smallexample
17710
17711 There are currently some limitation on indices. They only work when
17712 for DWARF debugging information, not stabs. And, they do not
17713 currently work for programs using Ada.
17714
17715 @node Symbol Errors
17716 @section Errors Reading Symbol Files
17717
17718 While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
17719 such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
17720 output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
17721 they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
17722 debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
17723 about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
17724 only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
17725 times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
17726 to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
17727 complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
17728 Messages}).
17729
17730 The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
17731
17732 @table @code
17733 @item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
17734
17735 The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
17736 (such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
17737 error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
17738 in its outer scope blocks.
17739
17740 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
17741 the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
17742 may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
17743 function.
17744
17745 @item block at @var{address} out of order
17746
17747 The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
17748 order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
17749 do so.
17750
17751 @value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
17752 locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
17753 can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
17754 @code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
17755 Messages}.)
17756
17757 @item bad block start address patched
17758
17759 The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
17760 smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
17761 to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
17762
17763 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
17764 starting on the previous source line.
17765
17766 @item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
17767
17768 @cindex foo
17769 Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
17770 larger than the size of the string table.
17771
17772 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
17773 name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
17774 with this name.
17775
17776 @item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
17777
17778 The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
17779 not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
17780 uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
17781
17782 @value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
17783 This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
17784 are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
17785 debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
17786 on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
17787 and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
17788
17789 @item stub type has NULL name
17790
17791 @value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
17792
17793 @item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
17794 The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
17795 information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
17796 it.
17797
17798 @item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
17799
17800 @value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
17801
17802 @end table
17803
17804 @node Data Files
17805 @section GDB Data Files
17806
17807 @cindex prefix for data files
17808 @value{GDBN} will sometimes read an auxiliary data file. These files
17809 are kept in a directory known as the @dfn{data directory}.
17810
17811 You can set the data directory's name, and view the name @value{GDBN}
17812 is currently using.
17813
17814 @table @code
17815 @kindex set data-directory
17816 @item set data-directory @var{directory}
17817 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files
17818 to @var{directory}.
17819
17820 @kindex show data-directory
17821 @item show data-directory
17822 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files.
17823 @end table
17824
17825 @cindex default data directory
17826 @cindex @samp{--with-gdb-datadir}
17827 You can set the default data directory by using the configure-time
17828 @samp{--with-gdb-datadir} option. If the data directory is inside
17829 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
17830 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default data directory will be updated
17831 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
17832 location.
17833
17834 The data directory may also be specified with the
17835 @code{--data-directory} command line option.
17836 @xref{Mode Options}.
17837
17838 @node Targets
17839 @chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
17840
17841 @cindex debugging target
17842 A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
17843
17844 Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
17845 in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
17846 you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
17847 flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
17848 host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
17849 realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
17850 command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
17851 (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
17852
17853 @cindex target architecture
17854 It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
17855 architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
17856 one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
17857 command.
17858
17859 @table @code
17860 @kindex set architecture
17861 @kindex show architecture
17862 @item set architecture @var{arch}
17863 This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
17864 value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
17865 supported architectures.
17866
17867 @item show architecture
17868 Show the current target architecture.
17869
17870 @item set processor
17871 @itemx processor
17872 @kindex set processor
17873 @kindex show processor
17874 These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
17875 and @code{show architecture}.
17876 @end table
17877
17878 @menu
17879 * Active Targets:: Active targets
17880 * Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
17881 * Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
17882 @end menu
17883
17884 @node Active Targets
17885 @section Active Targets
17886
17887 @cindex stacking targets
17888 @cindex active targets
17889 @cindex multiple targets
17890
17891 There are multiple classes of targets such as: processes, executable files or
17892 recording sessions. Core files belong to the process class, making core file
17893 and process mutually exclusive. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} can work concurrently
17894 on multiple active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for
17895 example) start a process and inspect its activity, while still having access to
17896 the executable file after the process finishes. Or if you start process
17897 recording (@pxref{Reverse Execution}) and @code{reverse-step} there, you are
17898 presented a virtual layer of the recording target, while the process target
17899 remains stopped at the chronologically last point of the process execution.
17900
17901 Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new core
17902 file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}). To
17903 specify as a target a process that is already running, use the @code{attach}
17904 command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
17905
17906 @node Target Commands
17907 @section Commands for Managing Targets
17908
17909 @table @code
17910 @item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
17911 Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
17912 process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
17913 facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
17914 protocol of the target machine.
17915
17916 Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
17917 typically include things like device names or host names to connect
17918 with, process numbers, and baud rates.
17919
17920 The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
17921 after executing the command.
17922
17923 @kindex help target
17924 @item help target
17925 Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
17926 currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
17927 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
17928
17929 @item help target @var{name}
17930 Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
17931 select it.
17932
17933 @kindex set gnutarget
17934 @item set gnutarget @var{args}
17935 @value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
17936 knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
17937 a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
17938 with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
17939 with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
17940
17941 @quotation
17942 @emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
17943 you must know the actual BFD name.
17944 @end quotation
17945
17946 @noindent
17947 @xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
17948
17949 @kindex show gnutarget
17950 @item show gnutarget
17951 Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
17952 @code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
17953 @value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
17954 and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BFD target is "auto"}.
17955 @end table
17956
17957 @cindex common targets
17958 Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
17959 configuration):
17960
17961 @table @code
17962 @kindex target
17963 @item target exec @var{program}
17964 @cindex executable file target
17965 An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
17966 @samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
17967
17968 @item target core @var{filename}
17969 @cindex core dump file target
17970 A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
17971 @samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
17972
17973 @item target remote @var{medium}
17974 @cindex remote target
17975 A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
17976 connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
17977 protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
17978
17979 For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
17980 machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
17981
17982 @smallexample
17983 target remote /dev/ttya
17984 @end smallexample
17985
17986 @code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
17987 useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
17988 system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
17989 clobbered by the download.
17990
17991 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
17992 @cindex built-in simulator target
17993 Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
17994 In general,
17995 @smallexample
17996 target sim
17997 load
17998 run
17999 @end smallexample
18000 @noindent
18001 works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
18002 drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
18003 provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
18004 see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
18005 Processors}.
18006
18007 @end table
18008
18009 Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
18010 your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
18011
18012 Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
18013 you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
18014 various aspects of this process.
18015
18016 @table @code
18017
18018 @item set hash
18019 @kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
18020 @cindex hash mark while downloading
18021 This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
18022 downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
18023 displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
18024 monitor.
18025
18026 @item show hash
18027 @kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
18028 Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
18029
18030 @item set debug monitor
18031 @kindex set debug monitor
18032 @cindex display remote monitor communications
18033 Enable or disable display of communications messages between
18034 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
18035
18036 @item show debug monitor
18037 @kindex show debug monitor
18038 Show the current status of displaying communications between
18039 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
18040 @end table
18041
18042 @table @code
18043
18044 @kindex load @var{filename}
18045 @item load @var{filename}
18046 @anchor{load}
18047 Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
18048 @value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
18049 is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
18050 on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
18051 @code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
18052 the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
18053
18054 If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
18055 execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
18056 target is @dots{}}''
18057
18058 The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
18059 For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
18060 link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
18061 specifies a fixed address.
18062 @c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
18063
18064 Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
18065 load programs into flash memory.
18066
18067 @code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
18068 @end table
18069
18070 @node Byte Order
18071 @section Choosing Target Byte Order
18072
18073 @cindex choosing target byte order
18074 @cindex target byte order
18075
18076 Some types of processors, such as the @acronym{MIPS}, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
18077 offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
18078 orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
18079 designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
18080 which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
18081 @value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
18082
18083 @table @code
18084 @kindex set endian
18085 @item set endian big
18086 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
18087
18088 @item set endian little
18089 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
18090
18091 @item set endian auto
18092 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
18093 executable.
18094
18095 @item show endian
18096 Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
18097
18098 @end table
18099
18100 Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
18101 data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
18102 target system.
18103
18104
18105 @node Remote Debugging
18106 @chapter Debugging Remote Programs
18107 @cindex remote debugging
18108
18109 If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
18110 @value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
18111 For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
18112 or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
18113 powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
18114
18115 Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
18116 to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
18117 @value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
18118 but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
18119 write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
18120 communicate with @value{GDBN}.
18121
18122 Other remote targets may be available in your
18123 configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
18124
18125 @menu
18126 * Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
18127 * File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
18128 * Server:: Using the gdbserver program
18129 * Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
18130 * Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
18131 @end menu
18132
18133 @node Connecting
18134 @section Connecting to a Remote Target
18135
18136 On the @value{GDBN} host machine, you will need an unstripped copy of
18137 your program, since @value{GDBN} needs symbol and debugging information.
18138 Start up @value{GDBN} as usual, using the name of the local copy of your
18139 program as the first argument.
18140
18141 @cindex @code{target remote}
18142 @value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, or
18143 over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
18144 each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
18145 program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
18146 @code{target remote} command establishes a connection to the target.
18147 Its arguments indicate which medium to use:
18148
18149 @table @code
18150
18151 @item target remote @var{serial-device}
18152 @cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
18153 Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
18154 to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
18155
18156 @smallexample
18157 target remote /dev/ttyb
18158 @end smallexample
18159
18160 If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
18161 @samp{--baud} option, or use the @code{set serial baud} command
18162 (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set serial baud}) before the
18163 @code{target} command.
18164
18165 @item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
18166 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
18167 @cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
18168 Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
18169 The @var{host} may be either a host name or a numeric @acronym{IP}
18170 address; @var{port} must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be
18171 the target machine itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or
18172 it might be a terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the
18173 target.
18174
18175 For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
18176 @code{manyfarms}:
18177
18178 @smallexample
18179 target remote manyfarms:2828
18180 @end smallexample
18181
18182 If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
18183 debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
18184 same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
18185 port 1234 on your local machine:
18186
18187 @smallexample
18188 target remote :1234
18189 @end smallexample
18190 @noindent
18191
18192 Note that the colon is still required here.
18193
18194 @item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
18195 @cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
18196 Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
18197 connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
18198
18199 @smallexample
18200 target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
18201 @end smallexample
18202
18203 When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
18204 keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
18205 can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
18206 cause havoc with your debugging session.
18207
18208 @item target remote | @var{command}
18209 @cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
18210 Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
18211 pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
18212 by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
18213 protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
18214 standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
18215 that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
18216 using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
18217
18218 If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
18219 @value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
18220 program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
18221
18222 @end table
18223
18224 Once the connection has been established, you can use all the usual
18225 commands to examine and change data. The remote program is already
18226 running; you can use @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}, and you do not
18227 need to use @kbd{run}.
18228
18229 @cindex interrupting remote programs
18230 @cindex remote programs, interrupting
18231 Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
18232 interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
18233 program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
18234 and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
18235 interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
18236
18237 @smallexample
18238 Interrupted while waiting for the program.
18239 Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
18240 @end smallexample
18241
18242 If you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons the remote debugging session.
18243 (If you decide you want to try again later, you can use @samp{target
18244 remote} again to connect once more.) If you type @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN}
18245 goes back to waiting.
18246
18247 @table @code
18248 @kindex detach (remote)
18249 @item detach
18250 When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
18251 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
18252 Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
18253 will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
18254 command, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to another target.
18255
18256 @kindex disconnect
18257 @item disconnect
18258 The @code{disconnect} command behaves like @code{detach}, except that
18259 the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
18260 (this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
18261 the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
18262 another target.
18263
18264 @cindex send command to remote monitor
18265 @cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
18266 @cindex add new commands for external monitor
18267 @kindex monitor
18268 @item monitor @var{cmd}
18269 This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
18270 remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
18271 sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
18272 can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
18273 and implement.
18274 @end table
18275
18276 @node File Transfer
18277 @section Sending files to a remote system
18278 @cindex remote target, file transfer
18279 @cindex file transfer
18280 @cindex sending files to remote systems
18281
18282 Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
18283 connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
18284 for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
18285 running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
18286 e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
18287 the only way to upload or download files.
18288
18289 Not all remote targets support these commands.
18290
18291 @table @code
18292 @kindex remote put
18293 @item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
18294 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
18295 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
18296
18297 @kindex remote get
18298 @item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
18299 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
18300 on the host system.
18301
18302 @kindex remote delete
18303 @item remote delete @var{targetfile}
18304 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
18305
18306 @end table
18307
18308 @node Server
18309 @section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
18310
18311 @kindex gdbserver
18312 @cindex remote connection without stubs
18313 @code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
18314 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
18315 @code{target remote}---but without linking in the usual debugging stub.
18316
18317 @code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
18318 because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
18319 that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
18320 @code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
18321 @value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
18322 because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
18323 also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
18324 started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
18325 Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
18326 the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
18327 do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
18328 by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
18329 choice for debugging.
18330
18331 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
18332 or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
18333 protocol.
18334
18335 @quotation
18336 @emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
18337 Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
18338 @value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
18339 target system with the same privileges as the user running
18340 @code{gdbserver}.
18341 @end quotation
18342
18343 @subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
18344 @cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
18345 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, command-line arguments
18346
18347 Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
18348 program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
18349 @code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
18350 strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
18351 system does all the symbol handling.
18352
18353 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
18354 the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
18355 syntax is:
18356
18357 @smallexample
18358 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
18359 @end smallexample
18360
18361 @var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line), or a TCP
18362 hostname and portnumber, or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
18363 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}.
18364 For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
18365 @samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
18366 @file{/dev/com1}:
18367
18368 @smallexample
18369 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
18370 @end smallexample
18371
18372 @code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
18373 with it.
18374
18375 To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
18376
18377 @smallexample
18378 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
18379 @end smallexample
18380
18381 The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
18382 specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
18383 TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
18384 expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
18385 (Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
18386 you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
18387 TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
18388 reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
18389 conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
18390 and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
18391 @code{target remote} command.
18392
18393 The @code{stdio} connection is useful when starting @code{gdbserver}
18394 with ssh:
18395
18396 @smallexample
18397 (gdb) target remote | ssh -T hostname gdbserver - hello
18398 @end smallexample
18399
18400 The @samp{-T} option to ssh is provided because we don't need a remote pty,
18401 and we don't want escape-character handling. Ssh does this by default when
18402 a command is provided, the flag is provided to make it explicit.
18403 You could elide it if you want to.
18404
18405 Programs started with stdio-connected gdbserver have @file{/dev/null} for
18406 @code{stdin}, and @code{stdout},@code{stderr} are sent back to gdb for
18407 display through a pipe connected to gdbserver.
18408 Both @code{stdout} and @code{stderr} use the same pipe.
18409
18410 @subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
18411 @cindex attach to a program, @code{gdbserver}
18412 @cindex @option{--attach}, @code{gdbserver} option
18413
18414 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
18415 This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
18416
18417 @smallexample
18418 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
18419 @end smallexample
18420
18421 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't necessary
18422 to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
18423
18424 @pindex pidof
18425 You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
18426 @code{pidof} utility:
18427
18428 @smallexample
18429 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
18430 @end smallexample
18431
18432 In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
18433 has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
18434 @code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
18435
18436 @subsubsection Multi-Process Mode for @code{gdbserver}
18437 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, multiple processes
18438 @cindex multiple processes with @code{gdbserver}
18439
18440 When you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target remote},
18441 @code{gdbserver} debugs the specified program only once. When the
18442 program exits, or you detach from it, @value{GDBN} closes the connection
18443 and @code{gdbserver} exits.
18444
18445 If you connect using @kbd{target extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver}
18446 enters multi-process mode. When the debugged program exits, or you
18447 detach from it, @value{GDBN} stays connected to @code{gdbserver} even
18448 though no program is running. The @code{run} and @code{attach}
18449 commands instruct @code{gdbserver} to run or attach to a new program.
18450 The @code{run} command uses @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set
18451 remote exec-file}) to select the program to run. Command line
18452 arguments are supported, except for wildcard expansion and I/O
18453 redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
18454
18455 @cindex @option{--multi}, @code{gdbserver} option
18456 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
18457 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
18458 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
18459 the program you want to debug.
18460
18461 In multi-process mode @code{gdbserver} does not automatically exit unless you
18462 use the option @option{--once}. You can terminate it by using
18463 @code{monitor exit} (@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}). Note that the
18464 conditions under which @code{gdbserver} terminates depend on how @value{GDBN}
18465 connects to it (@kbd{target remote} or @kbd{target extended-remote}). The
18466 @option{--multi} option to @code{gdbserver} has no influence on that.
18467
18468 @subsubsection TCP port allocation lifecycle of @code{gdbserver}
18469
18470 This section applies only when @code{gdbserver} is run to listen on a TCP port.
18471
18472 @code{gdbserver} normally terminates after all of its debugged processes have
18473 terminated in @kbd{target remote} mode. On the other hand, for @kbd{target
18474 extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver} stays running even with no processes left.
18475 @value{GDBN} normally terminates the spawned debugged process on its exit,
18476 which normally also terminates @code{gdbserver} in the @kbd{target remote}
18477 mode. Therefore, when the connection drops unexpectedly, and @value{GDBN}
18478 cannot ask @code{gdbserver} to kill its debugged processes, @code{gdbserver}
18479 stays running even in the @kbd{target remote} mode.
18480
18481 When @code{gdbserver} stays running, @value{GDBN} can connect to it again later.
18482 Such reconnecting is useful for features like @ref{disconnected tracing}. For
18483 completeness, at most one @value{GDBN} can be connected at a time.
18484
18485 @cindex @option{--once}, @code{gdbserver} option
18486 By default, @code{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
18487 subsequent connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
18488 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
18489 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session. This
18490 means no further connections to @code{gdbserver} will be possible after the
18491 first one. It also means @code{gdbserver} will terminate after the first
18492 connection with remote @value{GDBN} has closed, even for unexpectedly closed
18493 connections and even in the @kbd{target extended-remote} mode. The
18494 @option{--once} option allows reusing the same port number for connecting to
18495 multiple instances of @code{gdbserver} running on the same host, since each
18496 instance closes its port after the first connection.
18497
18498 @subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
18499
18500 @cindex @option{--debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
18501 The @option{--debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display extra
18502 status information about the debugging process.
18503 @cindex @option{--remote-debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
18504 The @option{--remote-debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display
18505 remote protocol debug output. These options are intended for
18506 @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to the developers.
18507
18508 @cindex @option{--wrapper}, @code{gdbserver} option
18509 The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
18510 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
18511 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
18512 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
18513
18514 @code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
18515 command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
18516 program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
18517 runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
18518
18519 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
18520 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
18521 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
18522 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
18523
18524 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
18525 the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
18526 environment:
18527
18528 @smallexample
18529 $ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
18530 @end smallexample
18531
18532 @subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
18533
18534 Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
18535
18536 First make sure you have the necessary symbol files. Load symbols for
18537 your application using the @code{file} command before you connect. Use
18538 @code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN}
18539 was compiled with the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}).
18540
18541 The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
18542 and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
18543 system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
18544 are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
18545 during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
18546 files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
18547 programs.
18548
18549 Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
18550 For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
18551 the @code{target remote} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
18552 text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
18553 @samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
18554 command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{gdbserver}, since the program is
18555 already on the target.
18556
18557 @subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
18558 @cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
18559 @anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
18560
18561 During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
18562 @code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
18563 Here are the available commands.
18564
18565 @table @code
18566 @item monitor help
18567 List the available monitor commands.
18568
18569 @item monitor set debug 0
18570 @itemx monitor set debug 1
18571 Disable or enable general debugging messages.
18572
18573 @item monitor set remote-debug 0
18574 @itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
18575 Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
18576 protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
18577
18578 @item monitor set libthread-db-search-path [PATH]
18579 @cindex gdbserver, search path for @code{libthread_db}
18580 When this command is issued, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
18581 directories to search for @code{libthread_db} (@pxref{Threads,,set
18582 libthread-db-search-path}). If you omit @var{path},
18583 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to its default value.
18584
18585 The special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path} is
18586 not supported in @code{gdbserver}.
18587
18588 @item monitor exit
18589 Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
18590 @code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
18591 detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
18592 Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
18593 of a multi-process mode debug session.
18594
18595 @end table
18596
18597 @subsection Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
18598 @cindex tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
18599
18600 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints, fast
18601 tracepoints and static tracepoints.
18602
18603 For fast or static tracepoints to work, a special library called the
18604 @dfn{in-process agent} (IPA), must be loaded in the inferior process.
18605 This library is built and distributed as an integral part of
18606 @code{gdbserver}. In addition, support for static tracepoints
18607 requires building the in-process agent library with static tracepoints
18608 support. At present, the UST (LTTng Userspace Tracer,
18609 @url{http://lttng.org/ust}) tracing engine is supported. This support
18610 is automatically available if UST development headers are found in the
18611 standard include path when @code{gdbserver} is built, or if
18612 @code{gdbserver} was explicitly configured using @option{--with-ust}
18613 to point at such headers. You can explicitly disable the support
18614 using @option{--with-ust=no}.
18615
18616 There are several ways to load the in-process agent in your program:
18617
18618 @table @code
18619 @item Specifying it as dependency at link time
18620
18621 You can link your program dynamically with the in-process agent
18622 library. On most systems, this is accomplished by adding
18623 @code{-linproctrace} to the link command.
18624
18625 @item Using the system's preloading mechanisms
18626
18627 You can force loading the in-process agent at startup time by using
18628 your system's support for preloading shared libraries. Many Unixes
18629 support the concept of preloading user defined libraries. In most
18630 cases, you do that by specifying @code{LD_PRELOAD=libinproctrace.so}
18631 in the environment. See also the description of @code{gdbserver}'s
18632 @option{--wrapper} command line option.
18633
18634 @item Using @value{GDBN} to force loading the agent at run time
18635
18636 On some systems, you can force the inferior to load a shared library,
18637 by calling a dynamic loader function in the inferior that takes care
18638 of dynamically looking up and loading a shared library. On most Unix
18639 systems, the function is @code{dlopen}. You'll use the @code{call}
18640 command for that. For example:
18641
18642 @smallexample
18643 (@value{GDBP}) call dlopen ("libinproctrace.so", ...)
18644 @end smallexample
18645
18646 Note that on most Unix systems, for the @code{dlopen} function to be
18647 available, the program needs to be linked with @code{-ldl}.
18648 @end table
18649
18650 On systems that have a userspace dynamic loader, like most Unix
18651 systems, when you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target
18652 remote}, you'll find that the program is stopped at the dynamic
18653 loader's entry point, and no shared library has been loaded in the
18654 program's address space yet, including the in-process agent. In that
18655 case, before being able to use any of the fast or static tracepoints
18656 features, you need to let the loader run and load the shared
18657 libraries. The simplest way to do that is to run the program to the
18658 main procedure. E.g., if debugging a C or C@t{++} program, start
18659 @code{gdbserver} like so:
18660
18661 @smallexample
18662 $ gdbserver :9999 myprogram
18663 @end smallexample
18664
18665 Start GDB and connect to @code{gdbserver} like so, and run to main:
18666
18667 @smallexample
18668 $ gdb myprogram
18669 (@value{GDBP}) target remote myhost:9999
18670 0x00007f215893ba60 in ?? () from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
18671 (@value{GDBP}) b main
18672 (@value{GDBP}) continue
18673 @end smallexample
18674
18675 The in-process tracing agent library should now be loaded into the
18676 process; you can confirm it with the @code{info sharedlibrary}
18677 command, which will list @file{libinproctrace.so} as loaded in the
18678 process. You are now ready to install fast tracepoints, list static
18679 tracepoint markers, probe static tracepoints markers, and start
18680 tracing.
18681
18682 @node Remote Configuration
18683 @section Remote Configuration
18684
18685 @kindex set remote
18686 @kindex show remote
18687 This section documents the configuration options available when
18688 debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
18689 extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
18690 system-call-allowed}.
18691
18692 @table @code
18693 @item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
18694 @cindex address size for remote targets
18695 @cindex bits in remote address
18696 Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
18697 number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
18698 that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
18699 default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
18700
18701 @item show remoteaddresssize
18702 Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
18703
18704 @item set serial baud @var{n}
18705 @cindex baud rate for remote targets
18706 Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
18707 value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
18708 remote targets.
18709
18710 @item show serial baud
18711 Show the current speed of the remote connection.
18712
18713 @item set remotebreak
18714 @cindex interrupt remote programs
18715 @cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
18716 @anchor{set remotebreak}
18717 If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
18718 when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
18719 on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
18720 character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
18721 expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
18722
18723 @item show remotebreak
18724 Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
18725 interrupt the remote program.
18726
18727 @item set remoteflow on
18728 @itemx set remoteflow off
18729 @kindex set remoteflow
18730 Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
18731 on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
18732
18733 @item show remoteflow
18734 @kindex show remoteflow
18735 Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
18736
18737 @item set remotelogbase @var{base}
18738 Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
18739 communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
18740 @code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
18741 @code{ascii}.
18742
18743 @item show remotelogbase
18744 Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
18745 protocol.
18746
18747 @item set remotelogfile @var{file}
18748 @cindex record serial communications on file
18749 Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
18750 default is not to record at all.
18751
18752 @item show remotelogfile.
18753 Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
18754 serial communications.
18755
18756 @item set remotetimeout @var{num}
18757 @cindex timeout for serial communications
18758 @cindex remote timeout
18759 Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
18760 @var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
18761
18762 @item show remotetimeout
18763 Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
18764 responses.
18765
18766 @cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
18767 @cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
18768 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
18769 @anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
18770 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
18771 @itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
18772 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware breakpoint or
18773 watchpoints. A limit of -1, the default, is treated as unlimited.
18774
18775 @cindex limit hardware watchpoints length
18776 @cindex remote target, limit watchpoints length
18777 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit}
18778 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit @var{limit}
18779 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} bytes for the maximum length of
18780 a remote hardware watchpoint. A limit of -1, the default, is treated
18781 as unlimited.
18782
18783 @item show remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit
18784 Show the current limit (in bytes) of the maximum length of
18785 a remote hardware watchpoint.
18786
18787 @item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
18788 @itemx show remote exec-file
18789 @anchor{set remote exec-file}
18790 @cindex executable file, for remote target
18791 Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
18792 extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
18793 target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
18794 filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
18795
18796 @item set remote interrupt-sequence
18797 @cindex interrupt remote programs
18798 @cindex select Ctrl-C, BREAK or BREAK-g
18799 Allow the user to select one of @samp{Ctrl-C}, a @code{BREAK} or
18800 @samp{BREAK-g} as the
18801 sequence to the remote target in order to interrupt the execution.
18802 @samp{Ctrl-C} is a default. Some system prefers @code{BREAK} which
18803 is high level of serial line for some certain time.
18804 Linux kernel prefers @samp{BREAK-g}, a.k.a Magic SysRq g.
18805 It is @code{BREAK} signal followed by character @code{g}.
18806
18807 @item show interrupt-sequence
18808 Show which of @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or @code{BREAK-g}
18809 is sent by @value{GDBN} to interrupt the remote program.
18810 @code{BREAK-g} is BREAK signal followed by @code{g} and
18811 also known as Magic SysRq g.
18812
18813 @item set remote interrupt-on-connect
18814 @cindex send interrupt-sequence on start
18815 Specify whether interrupt-sequence is sent to remote target when
18816 @value{GDBN} connects to it. This is mostly needed when you debug
18817 Linux kernel. Linux kernel expects @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}
18818 which is known as Magic SysRq g in order to connect @value{GDBN}.
18819
18820 @item show interrupt-on-connect
18821 Show whether interrupt-sequence is sent
18822 to remote target when @value{GDBN} connects to it.
18823
18824 @kindex set tcp
18825 @kindex show tcp
18826 @item set tcp auto-retry on
18827 @cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
18828 Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
18829 debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
18830 condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
18831 before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
18832 enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
18833 to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
18834 @code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
18835
18836 @item set tcp auto-retry off
18837 Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
18838
18839 @item show tcp auto-retry
18840 Show the current auto-retry setting.
18841
18842 @item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
18843 @itemx set tcp connect-timeout unlimited
18844 @cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
18845 @cindex timeout, for remote target connection
18846 Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
18847 @var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
18848 (enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
18849 that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
18850 value. If @var{seconds} is @code{unlimited}, there is no timeout and
18851 @value{GDBN} will keep attempting to establish a connection forever,
18852 unless interrupted with @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The default is 15 seconds.
18853
18854 @item show tcp connect-timeout
18855 Show the current connection timeout setting.
18856 @end table
18857
18858 @cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
18859 The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
18860 your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
18861 can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
18862 packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
18863 packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
18864 or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
18865 all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
18866 see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
18867
18868 During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
18869 If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
18870 in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
18871 @value{GDBN} developers.
18872
18873 For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
18874 packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
18875 are:
18876
18877 @multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
18878 @item Command Name
18879 @tab Remote Packet
18880 @tab Related Features
18881
18882 @item @code{fetch-register}
18883 @tab @code{p}
18884 @tab @code{info registers}
18885
18886 @item @code{set-register}
18887 @tab @code{P}
18888 @tab @code{set}
18889
18890 @item @code{binary-download}
18891 @tab @code{X}
18892 @tab @code{load}, @code{set}
18893
18894 @item @code{read-aux-vector}
18895 @tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
18896 @tab @code{info auxv}
18897
18898 @item @code{symbol-lookup}
18899 @tab @code{qSymbol}
18900 @tab Detecting multiple threads
18901
18902 @item @code{attach}
18903 @tab @code{vAttach}
18904 @tab @code{attach}
18905
18906 @item @code{verbose-resume}
18907 @tab @code{vCont}
18908 @tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
18909
18910 @item @code{run}
18911 @tab @code{vRun}
18912 @tab @code{run}
18913
18914 @item @code{software-breakpoint}
18915 @tab @code{Z0}
18916 @tab @code{break}
18917
18918 @item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
18919 @tab @code{Z1}
18920 @tab @code{hbreak}
18921
18922 @item @code{write-watchpoint}
18923 @tab @code{Z2}
18924 @tab @code{watch}
18925
18926 @item @code{read-watchpoint}
18927 @tab @code{Z3}
18928 @tab @code{rwatch}
18929
18930 @item @code{access-watchpoint}
18931 @tab @code{Z4}
18932 @tab @code{awatch}
18933
18934 @item @code{target-features}
18935 @tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
18936 @tab @code{set architecture}
18937
18938 @item @code{library-info}
18939 @tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
18940 @tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
18941
18942 @item @code{memory-map}
18943 @tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
18944 @tab @code{info mem}
18945
18946 @item @code{read-sdata-object}
18947 @tab @code{qXfer:sdata:read}
18948 @tab @code{print $_sdata}
18949
18950 @item @code{read-spu-object}
18951 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
18952 @tab @code{info spu}
18953
18954 @item @code{write-spu-object}
18955 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
18956 @tab @code{info spu}
18957
18958 @item @code{read-siginfo-object}
18959 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:read}
18960 @tab @code{print $_siginfo}
18961
18962 @item @code{write-siginfo-object}
18963 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:write}
18964 @tab @code{set $_siginfo}
18965
18966 @item @code{threads}
18967 @tab @code{qXfer:threads:read}
18968 @tab @code{info threads}
18969
18970 @item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
18971 @tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
18972 @tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
18973
18974 @item @code{get-thread-information-block-address}
18975 @tab @code{qGetTIBAddr}
18976 @tab Display MS-Windows Thread Information Block.
18977
18978 @item @code{search-memory}
18979 @tab @code{qSearch:memory}
18980 @tab @code{find}
18981
18982 @item @code{supported-packets}
18983 @tab @code{qSupported}
18984 @tab Remote communications parameters
18985
18986 @item @code{pass-signals}
18987 @tab @code{QPassSignals}
18988 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
18989
18990 @item @code{program-signals}
18991 @tab @code{QProgramSignals}
18992 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
18993
18994 @item @code{hostio-close-packet}
18995 @tab @code{vFile:close}
18996 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18997
18998 @item @code{hostio-open-packet}
18999 @tab @code{vFile:open}
19000 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
19001
19002 @item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
19003 @tab @code{vFile:pread}
19004 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
19005
19006 @item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
19007 @tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
19008 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
19009
19010 @item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
19011 @tab @code{vFile:unlink}
19012 @tab @code{remote delete}
19013
19014 @item @code{hostio-readlink-packet}
19015 @tab @code{vFile:readlink}
19016 @tab Host I/O
19017
19018 @item @code{noack-packet}
19019 @tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
19020 @tab Packet acknowledgment
19021
19022 @item @code{osdata}
19023 @tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
19024 @tab @code{info os}
19025
19026 @item @code{query-attached}
19027 @tab @code{qAttached}
19028 @tab Querying remote process attach state.
19029
19030 @item @code{trace-buffer-size}
19031 @tab @code{QTBuffer:size}
19032 @tab @code{set trace-buffer-size}
19033
19034 @item @code{trace-status}
19035 @tab @code{qTStatus}
19036 @tab @code{tstatus}
19037
19038 @item @code{traceframe-info}
19039 @tab @code{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
19040 @tab Traceframe info
19041
19042 @item @code{install-in-trace}
19043 @tab @code{InstallInTrace}
19044 @tab Install tracepoint in tracing
19045
19046 @item @code{disable-randomization}
19047 @tab @code{QDisableRandomization}
19048 @tab @code{set disable-randomization}
19049
19050 @item @code{conditional-breakpoints-packet}
19051 @tab @code{Z0 and Z1}
19052 @tab @code{Support for target-side breakpoint condition evaluation}
19053 @end multitable
19054
19055 @node Remote Stub
19056 @section Implementing a Remote Stub
19057
19058 @cindex debugging stub, example
19059 @cindex remote stub, example
19060 @cindex stub example, remote debugging
19061 The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
19062 communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
19063 @value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
19064 these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
19065 implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
19066 with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
19067 organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
19068
19069 @cindex remote serial debugging, overview
19070 To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
19071 @dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
19072 prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
19073 program, you need:
19074
19075 @enumerate
19076 @item
19077 A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
19078 have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
19079 your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
19080
19081 @item
19082 A C subroutine library to support your program's
19083 subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
19084
19085 @item
19086 A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
19087 download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
19088 manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
19089 documentation.
19090 @end enumerate
19091
19092 The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
19093 communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
19094 machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
19095
19096 @table @emph
19097 @item On the host,
19098 @value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
19099 else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
19100 (@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
19101
19102 @item On the target,
19103 you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
19104 implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
19105 subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
19106
19107 On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
19108 @code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
19109 @xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
19110 @end table
19111
19112 The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
19113 machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
19114 @sc{sparc} boards.
19115
19116 @cindex remote serial stub list
19117 These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
19118
19119 @table @code
19120
19121 @item i386-stub.c
19122 @cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
19123 @cindex Intel
19124 @cindex i386
19125 For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
19126
19127 @item m68k-stub.c
19128 @cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
19129 @cindex Motorola 680x0
19130 @cindex m680x0
19131 For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
19132
19133 @item sh-stub.c
19134 @cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
19135 @cindex Renesas
19136 @cindex SH
19137 For Renesas SH architectures.
19138
19139 @item sparc-stub.c
19140 @cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
19141 @cindex Sparc
19142 For @sc{sparc} architectures.
19143
19144 @item sparcl-stub.c
19145 @cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
19146 @cindex Fujitsu
19147 @cindex SparcLite
19148 For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
19149
19150 @end table
19151
19152 The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
19153 recently added stubs.
19154
19155 @menu
19156 * Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
19157 * Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
19158 * Debug Session:: Putting it all together
19159 @end menu
19160
19161 @node Stub Contents
19162 @subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
19163
19164 @cindex remote serial stub
19165 The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
19166 subroutines:
19167
19168 @table @code
19169 @item set_debug_traps
19170 @findex set_debug_traps
19171 @cindex remote serial stub, initialization
19172 This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
19173 program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly in your
19174 program's startup code.
19175
19176 @item handle_exception
19177 @findex handle_exception
19178 @cindex remote serial stub, main routine
19179 This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
19180 explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
19181 run when a trap is triggered.
19182
19183 @code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
19184 execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
19185 with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
19186 protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
19187 representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
19188 information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
19189 retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
19190 execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
19191 @code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
19192 machine.
19193
19194 @item breakpoint
19195 @cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
19196 Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
19197 breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
19198 way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
19199 machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
19200 pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
19201 @code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
19202 simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
19203 again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
19204 your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
19205 @value{GDBN} session gets control.
19206
19207 Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
19208 to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
19209 start of your debugging session.
19210 @end table
19211
19212 @node Bootstrapping
19213 @subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
19214
19215 @cindex remote stub, support routines
19216 The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
19217 chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
19218 debugging target machine.
19219
19220 First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
19221 serial port.
19222
19223 @table @code
19224 @item int getDebugChar()
19225 @findex getDebugChar
19226 Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
19227 It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
19228 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
19229
19230 @item void putDebugChar(int)
19231 @findex putDebugChar
19232 Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
19233 It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
19234 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
19235 @end table
19236
19237 @cindex control C, and remote debugging
19238 @cindex interrupting remote targets
19239 If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
19240 running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
19241 for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
19242 character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
19243 remote system to stop.
19244
19245 Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
19246 probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
19247 is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
19248 @value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
19249
19250 Other routines you need to supply are:
19251
19252 @table @code
19253 @item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
19254 @findex exceptionHandler
19255 Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
19256 handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
19257 way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
19258 are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
19259 containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
19260 @var{exception_number} is the exception number which should be changed;
19261 its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
19262 might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
19263 exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
19264 @var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
19265 and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
19266 you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
19267 should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
19268
19269 For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
19270 gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
19271 should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
19272 @sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
19273 help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
19274
19275 @item void flush_i_cache()
19276 @findex flush_i_cache
19277 On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
19278 instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
19279 instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
19280
19281 On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
19282 function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
19283 @end table
19284
19285 @noindent
19286 You must also make sure this library routine is available:
19287
19288 @table @code
19289 @item void *memset(void *, int, int)
19290 @findex memset
19291 This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
19292 memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
19293 @code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
19294 either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
19295 @end table
19296
19297 If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
19298 library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
19299 but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
19300 subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
19301
19302
19303 @node Debug Session
19304 @subsection Putting it All Together
19305
19306 @cindex remote serial debugging summary
19307 In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
19308 steps.
19309
19310 @enumerate
19311 @item
19312 Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
19313 (@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
19314 @display
19315 @code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
19316 @code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
19317 @end display
19318
19319 @item
19320 Insert these lines in your program's startup code, before the main
19321 procedure is called:
19322
19323 @smallexample
19324 set_debug_traps();
19325 breakpoint();
19326 @end smallexample
19327
19328 On some machines, when a breakpoint trap is raised, the hardware
19329 automatically makes the PC point to the instruction after the
19330 breakpoint. If your machine doesn't do that, you may need to adjust
19331 @code{handle_exception} to arrange for it to return to the instruction
19332 after the breakpoint on this first invocation, so that your program
19333 doesn't keep hitting the initial breakpoint instead of making
19334 progress.
19335
19336 @item
19337 For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
19338 @code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
19339
19340 @smallexample
19341 void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
19342 @end smallexample
19343
19344 @noindent
19345 but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
19346 function in your program, that function is called when
19347 @code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
19348 error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
19349 one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
19350
19351 @item
19352 Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
19353 your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
19354
19355 @item
19356 Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
19357 the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
19358
19359 @item
19360 @c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
19361 @c document that. FIXME.
19362 Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
19363 whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
19364
19365 @item
19366 Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
19367 (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
19368
19369 @end enumerate
19370
19371 @node Configurations
19372 @chapter Configuration-Specific Information
19373
19374 While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
19375 cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
19376 describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
19377
19378 There are three major categories of configurations: native
19379 configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
19380 operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
19381 different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
19382 are quite different from each other.
19383
19384 @menu
19385 * Native::
19386 * Embedded OS::
19387 * Embedded Processors::
19388 * Architectures::
19389 @end menu
19390
19391 @node Native
19392 @section Native
19393
19394 This section describes details specific to particular native
19395 configurations.
19396
19397 @menu
19398 * HP-UX:: HP-UX
19399 * BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
19400 * SVR4 Process Information:: SVR4 process information
19401 * DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
19402 * Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
19403 * Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
19404 * Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
19405 @end menu
19406
19407 @node HP-UX
19408 @subsection HP-UX
19409
19410 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
19411 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
19412 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
19413
19414
19415 @node BSD libkvm Interface
19416 @subsection BSD libkvm Interface
19417
19418 @cindex libkvm
19419 @cindex kernel memory image
19420 @cindex kernel crash dump
19421
19422 BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
19423 interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
19424 memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
19425 uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
19426 dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
19427 special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
19428 the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
19429 @code{kvm} target:
19430
19431 @smallexample
19432 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
19433 @end smallexample
19434
19435 For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
19436 argument:
19437
19438 @smallexample
19439 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
19440 @end smallexample
19441
19442 Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
19443 available:
19444
19445 @table @code
19446 @kindex kvm
19447 @item kvm pcb
19448 Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
19449
19450 @item kvm proc
19451 Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
19452 modern FreeBSD systems.
19453 @end table
19454
19455 @node SVR4 Process Information
19456 @subsection SVR4 Process Information
19457 @cindex /proc
19458 @cindex examine process image
19459 @cindex process info via @file{/proc}
19460
19461 Many versions of SVR4 and compatible systems provide a facility called
19462 @samp{/proc} that can be used to examine the image of a running
19463 process using file-system subroutines.
19464
19465 If @value{GDBN} is configured for an operating system with this
19466 facility, the command @code{info proc} is available to report
19467 information about the process running your program, or about any
19468 process running on your system. This includes, as of this writing,
19469 @sc{gnu}/Linux, OSF/1 (Digital Unix), Solaris, and Irix, but
19470 not HP-UX, for example.
19471
19472 This command may also work on core files that were created on a system
19473 that has the @samp{/proc} facility.
19474
19475 @table @code
19476 @kindex info proc
19477 @cindex process ID
19478 @item info proc
19479 @itemx info proc @var{process-id}
19480 Summarize available information about any running process. If a
19481 process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
19482 that process; otherwise display information about the program being
19483 debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
19484 line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
19485 executable file's absolute file name.
19486
19487 On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
19488 @samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
19489 within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
19490 a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
19491 needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
19492 a process ID rather than a thread ID).
19493
19494 @item info proc cmdline
19495 @cindex info proc cmdline
19496 Show the original command line of the process. This command is
19497 specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
19498
19499 @item info proc cwd
19500 @cindex info proc cwd
19501 Show the current working directory of the process. This command is
19502 specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
19503
19504 @item info proc exe
19505 @cindex info proc exe
19506 Show the name of executable of the process. This command is specific
19507 to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
19508
19509 @item info proc mappings
19510 @cindex memory address space mappings
19511 Report the memory address space ranges accessible in the program, with
19512 information on whether the process has read, write, or execute access
19513 rights to each range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, each memory range
19514 includes the object file which is mapped to that range, instead of the
19515 memory access rights to that range.
19516
19517 @item info proc stat
19518 @itemx info proc status
19519 @cindex process detailed status information
19520 These subcommands are specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. They show
19521 the process-related information, including the user ID and group ID;
19522 how many threads are there in the process; its virtual memory usage;
19523 the signals that are pending, blocked, and ignored; its TTY; its
19524 consumption of system and user time; its stack size; its @samp{nice}
19525 value; etc. For more information, see the @samp{proc} man page
19526 (type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
19527
19528 @item info proc all
19529 Show all the information about the process described under all of the
19530 above @code{info proc} subcommands.
19531
19532 @ignore
19533 @comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
19534 @comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
19535 @comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
19536 @kindex info proc times
19537 @item info proc times
19538 Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
19539 its children.
19540
19541 @kindex info proc id
19542 @item info proc id
19543 Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
19544 the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
19545 @end ignore
19546
19547 @item set procfs-trace
19548 @kindex set procfs-trace
19549 @cindex @code{procfs} API calls
19550 This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
19551
19552 @item show procfs-trace
19553 @kindex show procfs-trace
19554 Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
19555
19556 @item set procfs-file @var{file}
19557 @kindex set procfs-file
19558 Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
19559 @var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
19560 contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
19561 standard output.
19562
19563 @item show procfs-file
19564 @kindex show procfs-file
19565 Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
19566
19567 @item proc-trace-entry
19568 @itemx proc-trace-exit
19569 @itemx proc-untrace-entry
19570 @itemx proc-untrace-exit
19571 @kindex proc-trace-entry
19572 @kindex proc-trace-exit
19573 @kindex proc-untrace-entry
19574 @kindex proc-untrace-exit
19575 These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
19576 from the @code{syscall} interface.
19577
19578 @item info pidlist
19579 @kindex info pidlist
19580 @cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
19581 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
19582 processes and all the threads within each process.
19583
19584 @item info meminfo
19585 @kindex info meminfo
19586 @cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
19587 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
19588 @end table
19589
19590 @node DJGPP Native
19591 @subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
19592 @cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
19593 @cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
19594 @cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
19595
19596 @cindex DPMI
19597 @sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
19598 MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
19599 that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
19600 top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
19601
19602 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
19603 defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
19604 subsection describes those commands.
19605
19606 @table @code
19607 @kindex info dos
19608 @item info dos
19609 This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
19610 information about the target system and important OS structures.
19611
19612 @kindex sysinfo
19613 @cindex MS-DOS system info
19614 @cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
19615 @item info dos sysinfo
19616 This command displays assorted information about the underlying
19617 platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
19618 DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
19619
19620 @cindex GDT
19621 @cindex LDT
19622 @cindex IDT
19623 @cindex segment descriptor tables
19624 @cindex descriptor tables display
19625 @item info dos gdt
19626 @itemx info dos ldt
19627 @itemx info dos idt
19628 These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
19629 and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
19630 tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
19631 that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
19632 descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
19633 descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
19634 rights.
19635
19636 A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
19637 segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
19638 allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
19639 conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
19640 additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
19641
19642 @cindex garbled pointers
19643 These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
19644 Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
19645 displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
19646 display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
19647 example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
19648 debugged program's data segment:
19649
19650 @smallexample
19651 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
19652 @exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
19653 @end smallexample
19654
19655 @noindent
19656 This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
19657 the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
19658
19659 @cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
19660 @item info dos pde
19661 @itemx info dos pte
19662 These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
19663 Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
19664 data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
19665 into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
19666 page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
19667 may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
19668 Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
19669 that is currently in use.
19670
19671 Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
19672 Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
19673 the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
19674 @kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
19675 Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
19676 means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
19677 the specified entry in the Page Directory.
19678
19679 @cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
19680 These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
19681 Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
19682 controller.
19683
19684 These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
19685
19686 @cindex physical address from linear address
19687 @item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
19688 This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
19689 address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
19690 already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
19691 because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
19692 segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
19693 the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
19694
19695 @smallexample
19696 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
19697 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
19698 @exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
19699 @end smallexample
19700
19701 @noindent
19702 This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
19703 whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
19704 attributes of that page.
19705
19706 Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
19707 since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
19708 address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
19709 be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
19710 declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
19711 @code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
19712
19713 Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
19714 transfer buffer:
19715
19716 @smallexample
19717 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
19718 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
19719 @exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
19720 @end smallexample
19721
19722 @noindent
19723 (The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
19724 3rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
19725 clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
19726 memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
19727 linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
19728
19729 This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
19730 @end table
19731
19732 @cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
19733 In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
19734 debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
19735 to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
19736
19737 @table @code
19738 @kindex set com1base
19739 @kindex set com1irq
19740 @kindex set com2base
19741 @kindex set com2irq
19742 @kindex set com3base
19743 @kindex set com3irq
19744 @kindex set com4base
19745 @kindex set com4irq
19746 @item set com1base @var{addr}
19747 This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
19748 port.
19749
19750 @item set com1irq @var{irq}
19751 This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
19752 for the @file{COM1} serial port.
19753
19754 There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
19755 etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
19756 other 3 COM ports.
19757
19758 @kindex show com1base
19759 @kindex show com1irq
19760 @kindex show com2base
19761 @kindex show com2irq
19762 @kindex show com3base
19763 @kindex show com3irq
19764 @kindex show com4base
19765 @kindex show com4irq
19766 The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
19767 display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
19768 lines used by the COM ports.
19769
19770 @item info serial
19771 @kindex info serial
19772 @cindex DOS serial port status
19773 This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
19774 port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
19775 IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
19776 counts of various errors encountered so far.
19777 @end table
19778
19779
19780 @node Cygwin Native
19781 @subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
19782 @cindex MS Windows debugging
19783 @cindex native Cygwin debugging
19784 @cindex Cygwin-specific commands
19785
19786 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
19787 DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information.
19788
19789 @cindex Ctrl-BREAK, MS-Windows
19790 @cindex interrupt debuggee on MS-Windows
19791 MS-Windows programs that call @code{SetConsoleMode} to switch off the
19792 special meaning of the @samp{Ctrl-C} keystroke cannot be interrupted
19793 by typing @kbd{C-c}. For this reason, @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows
19794 supports @kbd{C-@key{BREAK}} as an alternative interrupt key
19795 sequence, which can be used to interrupt the debuggee even if it
19796 ignores @kbd{C-c}.
19797
19798 There are various additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in
19799 this section. Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is
19800 described in @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
19801
19802 @table @code
19803 @kindex info w32
19804 @item info w32
19805 This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
19806 information about the target system and important OS structures.
19807
19808 @item info w32 selector
19809 This command displays information returned by
19810 the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
19811 It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
19812 a long value to give the information about this given selector.
19813 Without argument, this command displays information
19814 about the six segment registers.
19815
19816 @item info w32 thread-information-block
19817 This command displays thread specific information stored in the
19818 Thread Information Block (readable on the X86 CPU family using @code{$fs}
19819 selector for 32-bit programs and @code{$gs} for 64-bit programs).
19820
19821 @kindex info dll
19822 @item info dll
19823 This is a Cygwin-specific alias of @code{info shared}.
19824
19825 @kindex dll-symbols
19826 @item dll-symbols
19827 This command loads symbols from a dll similarly to
19828 add-sym command but without the need to specify a base address.
19829
19830 @kindex set cygwin-exceptions
19831 @cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
19832 @cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
19833 @item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
19834 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
19835 happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
19836 @value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
19837 exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
19838 ``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
19839 Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
19840 @value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
19841
19842 @kindex show cygwin-exceptions
19843 @item show cygwin-exceptions
19844 Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
19845 inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
19846
19847 @kindex set new-console
19848 @item set new-console @var{mode}
19849 If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
19850 be started in a new console on next start.
19851 If @var{mode} is @code{off}, the debuggee will
19852 be started in the same console as the debugger.
19853
19854 @kindex show new-console
19855 @item show new-console
19856 Displays whether a new console is used
19857 when the debuggee is started.
19858
19859 @kindex set new-group
19860 @item set new-group @var{mode}
19861 This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
19862 start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
19863 This affects the way the Windows OS handles
19864 @samp{Ctrl-C}.
19865
19866 @kindex show new-group
19867 @item show new-group
19868 Displays current value of new-group boolean.
19869
19870 @kindex set debugevents
19871 @item set debugevents
19872 This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
19873 to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
19874 signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
19875 unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
19876 Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
19877
19878 @kindex set debugexec
19879 @item set debugexec
19880 This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
19881 (such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
19882
19883 @kindex set debugexceptions
19884 @item set debugexceptions
19885 This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
19886 debuggee seen by the debugger.
19887
19888 @kindex set debugmemory
19889 @item set debugmemory
19890 This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
19891 and writes by the debugger.
19892
19893 @kindex set shell
19894 @item set shell
19895 This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
19896 via a shell or directly (default value is on).
19897
19898 @kindex show shell
19899 @item show shell
19900 Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
19901
19902 @end table
19903
19904 @menu
19905 * Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
19906 @end menu
19907
19908 @node Non-debug DLL Symbols
19909 @subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
19910 @cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
19911 @cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
19912
19913 Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
19914 not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
19915 @file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
19916 symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
19917 information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
19918 describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
19919 ``minimal symbols''.
19920
19921 Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
19922 will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
19923 start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
19924 program run once to completion. It is also possible to force
19925 @value{GDBN} to load a particular DLL before starting the executable ---
19926 see the shared library information in @ref{Files}, or the
19927 @code{dll-symbols} command in @ref{Cygwin Native}. Currently,
19928 explicitly loading symbols from a DLL with no debugging information will
19929 cause the symbol names to be duplicated in @value{GDBN}'s lookup table,
19930 which may adversely affect symbol lookup performance.
19931
19932 @subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
19933
19934 In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
19935 tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
19936 DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
19937 also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
19938 sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
19939 (particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
19940 necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
19941 contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
19942 exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
19943
19944 Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
19945 though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
19946 symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
19947 some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
19948 @code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
19949 (@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
19950
19951 @smallexample
19952 (@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
19953 All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
19954
19955 Non-debugging symbols:
19956 0x77e885f4 CreateFileA
19957 0x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
19958 @end smallexample
19959
19960 @smallexample
19961 (@value{GDBP}) info function !
19962 All functions matching regular expression "!":
19963
19964 Non-debugging symbols:
19965 0x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
19966 0x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
19967 0x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
19968 [etc...]
19969 @end smallexample
19970
19971 @subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
19972
19973 Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
19974 type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
19975 refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
19976 contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
19977 contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
19978 means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
19979 a function within a DLL without a running program.
19980
19981 Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
19982 automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
19983 variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
19984 type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
19985 problem:
19986
19987 @smallexample
19988 (@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
19989 $1 = 268572168
19990 @end smallexample
19991
19992 @smallexample
19993 (@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
19994 0x10021610: "\230y\""
19995 @end smallexample
19996
19997 And two possible solutions:
19998
19999 @smallexample
20000 (@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
20001 $2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
20002 @end smallexample
20003
20004 @smallexample
20005 (@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
20006 0x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
20007 (@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
20008 0x10021608: 0x0022fd98
20009 (@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
20010 0x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
20011 @end smallexample
20012
20013 Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
20014 starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
20015 examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
20016 function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
20017 to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
20018
20019 @smallexample
20020 (@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
20021 Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
20022 @end smallexample
20023
20024 The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
20025 break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
20026 safe.
20027
20028 @node Hurd Native
20029 @subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
20030 @cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
20031
20032 This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
20033 @sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
20034
20035 @table @code
20036 @item set signals
20037 @itemx set sigs
20038 @kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
20039 @kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
20040 This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
20041 @value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
20042 affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
20043 @code{signals}.
20044
20045 @item show signals
20046 @itemx show sigs
20047 @kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
20048 @kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
20049 Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
20050
20051 @item set signal-thread
20052 @itemx set sigthread
20053 @kindex set signal-thread
20054 @kindex set sigthread
20055 This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
20056 thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
20057 process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
20058 signal-thread}.
20059
20060 @item show signal-thread
20061 @itemx show sigthread
20062 @kindex show signal-thread
20063 @kindex show sigthread
20064 These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
20065 delivered a signal.
20066
20067 @item set stopped
20068 @kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
20069 This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
20070 as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
20071 continued by delivering a signal to it.
20072
20073 @item show stopped
20074 @kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
20075 This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
20076 stopped.
20077
20078 @item set exceptions
20079 @kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
20080 Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
20081 When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
20082 single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
20083 trapping on.
20084
20085 @item show exceptions
20086 @kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
20087 Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
20088
20089 @item set task pause
20090 @kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
20091 @cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
20092 @cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
20093 This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
20094 Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
20095 whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
20096 effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
20097 to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
20098 thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
20099
20100 @item show task pause
20101 @kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
20102 Show the current state of task suspension.
20103
20104 @item set task detach-suspend-count
20105 @cindex task suspend count
20106 @cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
20107 This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
20108 @value{GDBN} detaches from it.
20109
20110 @item show task detach-suspend-count
20111 Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
20112
20113 @item set task exception-port
20114 @itemx set task excp
20115 @cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
20116 This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
20117 forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
20118 rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
20119
20120 @item set noninvasive
20121 @cindex noninvasive task options
20122 This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
20123 invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
20124 is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
20125 @code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
20126
20127 @item info send-rights
20128 @itemx info receive-rights
20129 @itemx info port-rights
20130 @itemx info port-sets
20131 @itemx info dead-names
20132 @itemx info ports
20133 @itemx info psets
20134 @cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
20135 @cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
20136 @cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
20137 @cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
20138 @cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
20139 These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
20140 receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
20141 There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
20142 port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
20143
20144 @item set thread pause
20145 @kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
20146 @cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
20147 @cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
20148 This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
20149 control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
20150 thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
20151 off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
20152 Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
20153 control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
20154 task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
20155 only the current thread.
20156
20157 @item show thread pause
20158 @kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
20159 This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
20160
20161 @item set thread run
20162 This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
20163
20164 @item show thread run
20165 Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
20166
20167 @item set thread detach-suspend-count
20168 @cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
20169 @cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
20170 This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
20171 thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
20172 found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
20173 takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
20174
20175 @item show thread detach-suspend-count
20176 Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
20177 detaching.
20178
20179 @item set thread exception-port
20180 @itemx set thread excp
20181 Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
20182 overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
20183 @code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
20184
20185 @item set thread takeover-suspend-count
20186 Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
20187 value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
20188 changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
20189
20190 @item set thread default
20191 @itemx show thread default
20192 @cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
20193 Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
20194 default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
20195 thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
20196 variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
20197 threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
20198 the non-default commands.
20199 @end table
20200
20201 @node Darwin
20202 @subsection Darwin
20203 @cindex Darwin
20204
20205 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
20206
20207 @table @code
20208 @item set debug darwin @var{num}
20209 @kindex set debug darwin
20210 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
20211 the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
20212
20213 @item show debug darwin
20214 @kindex show debug darwin
20215 Show the current state of Darwin messages.
20216
20217 @item set debug mach-o @var{num}
20218 @kindex set debug mach-o
20219 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
20220 @value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
20221 file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
20222 values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
20223 problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
20224 usage.
20225
20226 @item show debug mach-o
20227 @kindex show debug mach-o
20228 Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
20229
20230 @item set mach-exceptions on
20231 @itemx set mach-exceptions off
20232 @kindex set mach-exceptions
20233 On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
20234 mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
20235 Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
20236 better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
20237
20238 @item show mach-exceptions
20239 @kindex show mach-exceptions
20240 Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
20241 @end table
20242
20243
20244 @node Embedded OS
20245 @section Embedded Operating Systems
20246
20247 This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
20248 embedded operating systems that are available for several different
20249 architectures.
20250
20251 @menu
20252 * VxWorks:: Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
20253 @end menu
20254
20255 @value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
20256 various real-time operating systems.
20257
20258 @node VxWorks
20259 @subsection Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
20260
20261 @cindex VxWorks
20262
20263 @table @code
20264
20265 @kindex target vxworks
20266 @item target vxworks @var{machinename}
20267 A VxWorks system, attached via TCP/IP. The argument @var{machinename}
20268 is the target system's machine name or IP address.
20269
20270 @end table
20271
20272 On VxWorks, @code{load} links @var{filename} dynamically on the
20273 current target system as well as adding its symbols in @value{GDBN}.
20274
20275 @value{GDBN} enables developers to spawn and debug tasks running on networked
20276 VxWorks targets from a Unix host. Already-running tasks spawned from
20277 the VxWorks shell can also be debugged. @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
20278 both the Unix host and on the VxWorks target. The program
20279 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host. (It may be
20280 installed with the name @code{vxgdb}, to distinguish it from a
20281 @value{GDBN} for debugging programs on the host itself.)
20282
20283 @table @code
20284 @item VxWorks-timeout @var{args}
20285 @kindex vxworks-timeout
20286 All VxWorks-based targets now support the option @code{vxworks-timeout}.
20287 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
20288 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses to rpc's. You might use this if
20289 your VxWorks target is a slow software simulator or is on the far side
20290 of a thin network line.
20291 @end table
20292
20293 The following information on connecting to VxWorks was current when
20294 this manual was produced; newer releases of VxWorks may use revised
20295 procedures.
20296
20297 @findex INCLUDE_RDB
20298 To use @value{GDBN} with VxWorks, you must rebuild your VxWorks kernel
20299 to include the remote debugging interface routines in the VxWorks
20300 library @file{rdb.a}. To do this, define @code{INCLUDE_RDB} in the
20301 VxWorks configuration file @file{configAll.h} and rebuild your VxWorks
20302 kernel. The resulting kernel contains @file{rdb.a}, and spawns the
20303 source debugging task @code{tRdbTask} when VxWorks is booted. For more
20304 information on configuring and remaking VxWorks, see the manufacturer's
20305 manual.
20306 @c VxWorks, see the @cite{VxWorks Programmer's Guide}.
20307
20308 Once you have included @file{rdb.a} in your VxWorks system image and set
20309 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
20310 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}} (or
20311 @code{vxgdb}, depending on your installation).
20312
20313 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
20314
20315 @smallexample
20316 (vxgdb)
20317 @end smallexample
20318
20319 @menu
20320 * VxWorks Connection:: Connecting to VxWorks
20321 * VxWorks Download:: VxWorks download
20322 * VxWorks Attach:: Running tasks
20323 @end menu
20324
20325 @node VxWorks Connection
20326 @subsubsection Connecting to VxWorks
20327
20328 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a VxWorks target on the
20329 network. To connect to a target whose host name is ``@code{tt}'', type:
20330
20331 @smallexample
20332 (vxgdb) target vxworks tt
20333 @end smallexample
20334
20335 @need 750
20336 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
20337
20338 @smallexample
20339 Attaching remote machine across net...
20340 Connected to tt.
20341 @end smallexample
20342
20343 @need 1000
20344 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol tables of any object modules
20345 loaded into the VxWorks target since it was last booted. @value{GDBN} locates
20346 these files by searching the directories listed in the command search
20347 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}); if it fails
20348 to find an object file, it displays a message such as:
20349
20350 @smallexample
20351 prog.o: No such file or directory.
20352 @end smallexample
20353
20354 When this happens, add the appropriate directory to the search path with
20355 the @value{GDBN} command @code{path}, and execute the @code{target}
20356 command again.
20357
20358 @node VxWorks Download
20359 @subsubsection VxWorks Download
20360
20361 @cindex download to VxWorks
20362 If you have connected to the VxWorks target and you want to debug an
20363 object that has not yet been loaded, you can use the @value{GDBN}
20364 @code{load} command to download a file from Unix to VxWorks
20365 incrementally. The object file given as an argument to the @code{load}
20366 command is actually opened twice: first by the VxWorks target in order
20367 to download the code, then by @value{GDBN} in order to read the symbol
20368 table. This can lead to problems if the current working directories on
20369 the two systems differ. If both systems have NFS mounted the same
20370 filesystems, you can avoid these problems by using absolute paths.
20371 Otherwise, it is simplest to set the working directory on both systems
20372 to the directory in which the object file resides, and then to reference
20373 the file by its name, without any path. For instance, a program
20374 @file{prog.o} may reside in @file{@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb} in VxWorks
20375 and in @file{@var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb} on the host. To load this
20376 program, type this on VxWorks:
20377
20378 @smallexample
20379 -> cd "@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb"
20380 @end smallexample
20381
20382 @noindent
20383 Then, in @value{GDBN}, type:
20384
20385 @smallexample
20386 (vxgdb) cd @var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb
20387 (vxgdb) load prog.o
20388 @end smallexample
20389
20390 @value{GDBN} displays a response similar to this:
20391
20392 @smallexample
20393 Reading symbol data from wherever/vw/demo/rdb/prog.o... done.
20394 @end smallexample
20395
20396 You can also use the @code{load} command to reload an object module
20397 after editing and recompiling the corresponding source file. Note that
20398 this makes @value{GDBN} delete all currently-defined breakpoints,
20399 auto-displays, and convenience variables, and to clear the value
20400 history. (This is necessary in order to preserve the integrity of
20401 debugger's data structures that reference the target system's symbol
20402 table.)
20403
20404 @node VxWorks Attach
20405 @subsubsection Running Tasks
20406
20407 @cindex running VxWorks tasks
20408 You can also attach to an existing task using the @code{attach} command as
20409 follows:
20410
20411 @smallexample
20412 (vxgdb) attach @var{task}
20413 @end smallexample
20414
20415 @noindent
20416 where @var{task} is the VxWorks hexadecimal task ID. The task can be running
20417 or suspended when you attach to it. Running tasks are suspended at
20418 the time of attachment.
20419
20420 @node Embedded Processors
20421 @section Embedded Processors
20422
20423 This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
20424 configurations.
20425
20426 @cindex send command to simulator
20427 Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
20428 allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
20429
20430 @table @code
20431 @item sim @var{command}
20432 @kindex sim@r{, a command}
20433 Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
20434 documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
20435 acceptable commands.
20436 @end table
20437
20438
20439 @menu
20440 * ARM:: ARM RDI
20441 * M32R/D:: Renesas M32R/D
20442 * M68K:: Motorola M68K
20443 * MicroBlaze:: Xilinx MicroBlaze
20444 * MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
20445 * PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
20446 * PA:: HP PA Embedded
20447 * Sparclet:: Tsqware Sparclet
20448 * Sparclite:: Fujitsu Sparclite
20449 * Z8000:: Zilog Z8000
20450 * AVR:: Atmel AVR
20451 * CRIS:: CRIS
20452 * Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
20453 @end menu
20454
20455 @node ARM
20456 @subsection ARM
20457 @cindex ARM RDI
20458
20459 @table @code
20460 @kindex target rdi
20461 @item target rdi @var{dev}
20462 ARM Angel monitor, via RDI library interface to ADP protocol. You may
20463 use this target to communicate with both boards running the Angel
20464 monitor, or with the EmbeddedICE JTAG debug device.
20465
20466 @kindex target rdp
20467 @item target rdp @var{dev}
20468 ARM Demon monitor.
20469
20470 @end table
20471
20472 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
20473
20474 @table @code
20475 @item set arm disassembler
20476 @kindex set arm
20477 This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
20478 @code{"std"} style is the standard style.
20479
20480 @item show arm disassembler
20481 @kindex show arm
20482 Show the current disassembly style.
20483
20484 @item set arm apcs32
20485 @cindex ARM 32-bit mode
20486 This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
20487
20488 @item show arm apcs32
20489 Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
20490
20491 @item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
20492 This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
20493 argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
20494
20495 @table @code
20496 @item auto
20497 Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
20498 @item softfpa
20499 Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
20500 processors.
20501 @item fpa
20502 GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
20503 @item softvfp
20504 Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
20505 @item vfp
20506 VFP co-processor.
20507 @end table
20508
20509 @item show arm fpu
20510 Show the current type of the FPU.
20511
20512 @item set arm abi
20513 This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
20514
20515 @item show arm abi
20516 Show the currently used ABI.
20517
20518 @item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
20519 @value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
20520 whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
20521 @value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
20522 available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
20523 use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
20524 register).
20525
20526 @item show arm fallback-mode
20527 Show the current fallback instruction mode.
20528
20529 @item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
20530 This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
20531 instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
20532 causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
20533 of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
20534
20535 @item show arm force-mode
20536 Show the current forced instruction mode.
20537
20538 @item set debug arm
20539 Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
20540 target support subsystem.
20541
20542 @item show debug arm
20543 Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
20544 @end table
20545
20546 The following commands are available when an ARM target is debugged
20547 using the RDI interface:
20548
20549 @table @code
20550 @item rdilogfile @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
20551 @kindex rdilogfile
20552 @cindex ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) logging
20553 Set the filename for the ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) packet log.
20554 With an argument, sets the log file to the specified @var{file}. With
20555 no argument, show the current log file name. The default log file is
20556 @file{rdi.log}.
20557
20558 @item rdilogenable @r{[}@var{arg}@r{]}
20559 @kindex rdilogenable
20560 Control logging of ADP packets. With an argument of 1 or @code{"yes"}
20561 enables logging, with an argument 0 or @code{"no"} disables it. With
20562 no arguments displays the current setting. When logging is enabled,
20563 ADP packets exchanged between @value{GDBN} and the RDI target device
20564 are logged to a file.
20565
20566 @item set rdiromatzero
20567 @kindex set rdiromatzero
20568 @cindex ROM at zero address, RDI
20569 Tell @value{GDBN} whether the target has ROM at address 0. If on,
20570 vector catching is disabled, so that zero address can be used. If off
20571 (the default), vector catching is enabled. For this command to take
20572 effect, it needs to be invoked prior to the @code{target rdi} command.
20573
20574 @item show rdiromatzero
20575 @kindex show rdiromatzero
20576 Show the current setting of ROM at zero address.
20577
20578 @item set rdiheartbeat
20579 @kindex set rdiheartbeat
20580 @cindex RDI heartbeat
20581 Enable or disable RDI heartbeat packets. It is not recommended to
20582 turn on this option, since it confuses ARM and EPI JTAG interface, as
20583 well as the Angel monitor.
20584
20585 @item show rdiheartbeat
20586 @kindex show rdiheartbeat
20587 Show the setting of RDI heartbeat packets.
20588 @end table
20589
20590 @table @code
20591 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
20592 The @value{GDBN} ARM simulator accepts the following optional arguments.
20593
20594 @table @code
20595 @item --swi-support=@var{type}
20596 Tell the simulator which SWI interfaces to support.
20597 @var{type} may be a comma separated list of the following values.
20598 The default value is @code{all}.
20599
20600 @table @code
20601 @item none
20602 @item demon
20603 @item angel
20604 @item redboot
20605 @item all
20606 @end table
20607 @end table
20608 @end table
20609
20610 @node M32R/D
20611 @subsection Renesas M32R/D and M32R/SDI
20612
20613 @table @code
20614 @kindex target m32r
20615 @item target m32r @var{dev}
20616 Renesas M32R/D ROM monitor.
20617
20618 @kindex target m32rsdi
20619 @item target m32rsdi @var{dev}
20620 Renesas M32R SDI server, connected via parallel port to the board.
20621 @end table
20622
20623 The following @value{GDBN} commands are specific to the M32R monitor:
20624
20625 @table @code
20626 @item set download-path @var{path}
20627 @kindex set download-path
20628 @cindex find downloadable @sc{srec} files (M32R)
20629 Set the default path for finding downloadable @sc{srec} files.
20630
20631 @item show download-path
20632 @kindex show download-path
20633 Show the default path for downloadable @sc{srec} files.
20634
20635 @item set board-address @var{addr}
20636 @kindex set board-address
20637 @cindex M32-EVA target board address
20638 Set the IP address for the M32R-EVA target board.
20639
20640 @item show board-address
20641 @kindex show board-address
20642 Show the current IP address of the target board.
20643
20644 @item set server-address @var{addr}
20645 @kindex set server-address
20646 @cindex download server address (M32R)
20647 Set the IP address for the download server, which is the @value{GDBN}'s
20648 host machine.
20649
20650 @item show server-address
20651 @kindex show server-address
20652 Display the IP address of the download server.
20653
20654 @item upload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
20655 @kindex upload@r{, M32R}
20656 Upload the specified @sc{srec} @var{file} via the monitor's Ethernet
20657 upload capability. If no @var{file} argument is given, the current
20658 executable file is uploaded.
20659
20660 @item tload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
20661 @kindex tload@r{, M32R}
20662 Test the @code{upload} command.
20663 @end table
20664
20665 The following commands are available for M32R/SDI:
20666
20667 @table @code
20668 @item sdireset
20669 @kindex sdireset
20670 @cindex reset SDI connection, M32R
20671 This command resets the SDI connection.
20672
20673 @item sdistatus
20674 @kindex sdistatus
20675 This command shows the SDI connection status.
20676
20677 @item debug_chaos
20678 @kindex debug_chaos
20679 @cindex M32R/Chaos debugging
20680 Instructs the remote that M32R/Chaos debugging is to be used.
20681
20682 @item use_debug_dma
20683 @kindex use_debug_dma
20684 Instructs the remote to use the DEBUG_DMA method of accessing memory.
20685
20686 @item use_mon_code
20687 @kindex use_mon_code
20688 Instructs the remote to use the MON_CODE method of accessing memory.
20689
20690 @item use_ib_break
20691 @kindex use_ib_break
20692 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by IB break.
20693
20694 @item use_dbt_break
20695 @kindex use_dbt_break
20696 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by DBT.
20697 @end table
20698
20699 @node M68K
20700 @subsection M68k
20701
20702 The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support, and a
20703 target command for the following ROM monitor.
20704
20705 @table @code
20706
20707 @kindex target dbug
20708 @item target dbug @var{dev}
20709 dBUG ROM monitor for Motorola ColdFire.
20710
20711 @end table
20712
20713 @node MicroBlaze
20714 @subsection MicroBlaze
20715 @cindex Xilinx MicroBlaze
20716 @cindex XMD, Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger
20717
20718 The MicroBlaze is a soft-core processor supported on various Xilinx
20719 FPGAs, such as Spartan or Virtex series. Boards with these processors
20720 usually have JTAG ports which connect to a host system running the Xilinx
20721 Embedded Development Kit (EDK) or Software Development Kit (SDK).
20722 This host system is used to download the configuration bitstream to
20723 the target FPGA. The Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger (XMD) program
20724 communicates with the target board using the JTAG interface and
20725 presents a @code{gdbserver} interface to the board. By default
20726 @code{xmd} uses port @code{1234}. (While it is possible to change
20727 this default port, it requires the use of undocumented @code{xmd}
20728 commands. Contact Xilinx support if you need to do this.)
20729
20730 Use these GDB commands to connect to the MicroBlaze target processor.
20731
20732 @table @code
20733 @item target remote :1234
20734 Use this command to connect to the target if you are running @value{GDBN}
20735 on the same system as @code{xmd}.
20736
20737 @item target remote @var{xmd-host}:1234
20738 Use this command to connect to the target if it is connected to @code{xmd}
20739 running on a different system named @var{xmd-host}.
20740
20741 @item load
20742 Use this command to download a program to the MicroBlaze target.
20743
20744 @item set debug microblaze @var{n}
20745 Enable MicroBlaze-specific debugging messages if non-zero.
20746
20747 @item show debug microblaze @var{n}
20748 Show MicroBlaze-specific debugging level.
20749 @end table
20750
20751 @node MIPS Embedded
20752 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Embedded
20753
20754 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} boards
20755 @value{GDBN} can use the @acronym{MIPS} remote debugging protocol to talk to a
20756 @acronym{MIPS} board attached to a serial line. This is available when
20757 you configure @value{GDBN} with @samp{--target=mips-elf}.
20758
20759 @need 1000
20760 Use these @value{GDBN} commands to specify the connection to your target board:
20761
20762 @table @code
20763 @item target mips @var{port}
20764 @kindex target mips @var{port}
20765 To run a program on the board, start up @code{@value{GDBP}} with the
20766 name of your program as the argument. To connect to the board, use the
20767 command @samp{target mips @var{port}}, where @var{port} is the name of
20768 the serial port connected to the board. If the program has not already
20769 been downloaded to the board, you may use the @code{load} command to
20770 download it. You can then use all the usual @value{GDBN} commands.
20771
20772 For example, this sequence connects to the target board through a serial
20773 port, and loads and runs a program called @var{prog} through the
20774 debugger:
20775
20776 @smallexample
20777 host$ @value{GDBP} @var{prog}
20778 @value{GDBN} is free software and @dots{}
20779 (@value{GDBP}) target mips /dev/ttyb
20780 (@value{GDBP}) load @var{prog}
20781 (@value{GDBP}) run
20782 @end smallexample
20783
20784 @item target mips @var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}
20785 On some @value{GDBN} host configurations, you can specify a TCP
20786 connection (for instance, to a serial line managed by a terminal
20787 concentrator) instead of a serial port, using the syntax
20788 @samp{@var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}}.
20789
20790 @item target pmon @var{port}
20791 @kindex target pmon @var{port}
20792 PMON ROM monitor.
20793
20794 @item target ddb @var{port}
20795 @kindex target ddb @var{port}
20796 NEC's DDB variant of PMON for Vr4300.
20797
20798 @item target lsi @var{port}
20799 @kindex target lsi @var{port}
20800 LSI variant of PMON.
20801
20802 @kindex target r3900
20803 @item target r3900 @var{dev}
20804 Densan DVE-R3900 ROM monitor for Toshiba R3900 Mips.
20805
20806 @kindex target array
20807 @item target array @var{dev}
20808 Array Tech LSI33K RAID controller board.
20809
20810 @end table
20811
20812
20813 @noindent
20814 @value{GDBN} also supports these special commands for @acronym{MIPS} targets:
20815
20816 @table @code
20817 @item set mipsfpu double
20818 @itemx set mipsfpu single
20819 @itemx set mipsfpu none
20820 @itemx set mipsfpu auto
20821 @itemx show mipsfpu
20822 @kindex set mipsfpu
20823 @kindex show mipsfpu
20824 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} remote floating point
20825 @cindex floating point, @acronym{MIPS} remote
20826 If your target board does not support the @acronym{MIPS} floating point
20827 coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
20828 need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
20829 file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
20830 functions which return floating point values. It also allows
20831 @value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
20832 functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
20833 with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
20834 processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
20835 double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
20836 @samp{set mipsfpu double}.
20837
20838 In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
20839 floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
20840 and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
20841
20842 As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
20843 @samp{show mipsfpu}.
20844
20845 @item set timeout @var{seconds}
20846 @itemx set retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}
20847 @itemx show timeout
20848 @itemx show retransmit-timeout
20849 @cindex @code{timeout}, @acronym{MIPS} protocol
20850 @cindex @code{retransmit-timeout}, @acronym{MIPS} protocol
20851 @kindex set timeout
20852 @kindex show timeout
20853 @kindex set retransmit-timeout
20854 @kindex show retransmit-timeout
20855 You can control the timeout used while waiting for a packet, in the @acronym{MIPS}
20856 remote protocol, with the @code{set timeout @var{seconds}} command. The
20857 default is 5 seconds. Similarly, you can control the timeout used while
20858 waiting for an acknowledgment of a packet with the @code{set
20859 retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}} command. The default is 3 seconds.
20860 You can inspect both values with @code{show timeout} and @code{show
20861 retransmit-timeout}. (These commands are @emph{only} available when
20862 @value{GDBN} is configured for @samp{--target=mips-elf}.)
20863
20864 The timeout set by @code{set timeout} does not apply when @value{GDBN}
20865 is waiting for your program to stop. In that case, @value{GDBN} waits
20866 forever because it has no way of knowing how long the program is going
20867 to run before stopping.
20868
20869 @item set syn-garbage-limit @var{num}
20870 @kindex set syn-garbage-limit@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20871 @cindex synchronize with remote @acronym{MIPS} target
20872 Limit the maximum number of characters @value{GDBN} should ignore when
20873 it tries to synchronize with the remote target. The default is 10
20874 characters. Setting the limit to -1 means there's no limit.
20875
20876 @item show syn-garbage-limit
20877 @kindex show syn-garbage-limit@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20878 Show the current limit on the number of characters to ignore when
20879 trying to synchronize with the remote system.
20880
20881 @item set monitor-prompt @var{prompt}
20882 @kindex set monitor-prompt@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20883 @cindex remote monitor prompt
20884 Tell @value{GDBN} to expect the specified @var{prompt} string from the
20885 remote monitor. The default depends on the target:
20886 @table @asis
20887 @item pmon target
20888 @samp{PMON}
20889 @item ddb target
20890 @samp{NEC010}
20891 @item lsi target
20892 @samp{PMON>}
20893 @end table
20894
20895 @item show monitor-prompt
20896 @kindex show monitor-prompt@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20897 Show the current strings @value{GDBN} expects as the prompt from the
20898 remote monitor.
20899
20900 @item set monitor-warnings
20901 @kindex set monitor-warnings@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20902 Enable or disable monitor warnings about hardware breakpoints. This
20903 has effect only for the @code{lsi} target. When on, @value{GDBN} will
20904 display warning messages whose codes are returned by the @code{lsi}
20905 PMON monitor for breakpoint commands.
20906
20907 @item show monitor-warnings
20908 @kindex show monitor-warnings@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20909 Show the current setting of printing monitor warnings.
20910
20911 @item pmon @var{command}
20912 @kindex pmon@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20913 @cindex send PMON command
20914 This command allows sending an arbitrary @var{command} string to the
20915 monitor. The monitor must be in debug mode for this to work.
20916 @end table
20917
20918 @node PowerPC Embedded
20919 @subsection PowerPC Embedded
20920
20921 @cindex DVC register
20922 @value{GDBN} supports using the DVC (Data Value Compare) register to
20923 implement in hardware simple hardware watchpoint conditions of the form:
20924
20925 @smallexample
20926 (@value{GDBP}) watch @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} \
20927 if @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} == @var{CONSTANT EXPRESSION}
20928 @end smallexample
20929
20930 The DVC register will be automatically used when @value{GDBN} detects
20931 such pattern in a condition expression, and the created watchpoint uses one
20932 debug register (either the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on and the
20933 variable is scalar, or the variable has a length of one byte). This feature
20934 is available in native @value{GDBN} running on a Linux kernel version 2.6.34
20935 or newer.
20936
20937 When running on PowerPC embedded processors, @value{GDBN} automatically uses
20938 ranged hardware watchpoints, unless the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on,
20939 in which case watchpoints using only one debug register are created when
20940 watching variables of scalar types.
20941
20942 You can create an artificial array to watch an arbitrary memory
20943 region using one of the following commands (@pxref{Expressions}):
20944
20945 @smallexample
20946 (@value{GDBP}) watch *((char *) @var{address})@@@var{length}
20947 (@value{GDBP}) watch @{char[@var{length}]@} @var{address}
20948 @end smallexample
20949
20950 PowerPC embedded processors support masked watchpoints. See the discussion
20951 about the @code{mask} argument in @ref{Set Watchpoints}.
20952
20953 @cindex ranged breakpoint
20954 PowerPC embedded processors support hardware accelerated
20955 @dfn{ranged breakpoints}. A ranged breakpoint stops execution of
20956 the inferior whenever it executes an instruction at any address within
20957 the range it specifies. To set a ranged breakpoint in @value{GDBN},
20958 use the @code{break-range} command.
20959
20960 @value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
20961
20962 @table @code
20963 @kindex break-range
20964 @item break-range @var{start-location}, @var{end-location}
20965 Set a breakpoint for an address range.
20966 @var{start-location} and @var{end-location} can specify a function name,
20967 a line number, an offset of lines from the current line or from the start
20968 location, or an address of an instruction (see @ref{Specify Location},
20969 for a list of all the possible ways to specify a @var{location}.)
20970 The breakpoint will stop execution of the inferior whenever it
20971 executes an instruction at any address within the specified range,
20972 (including @var{start-location} and @var{end-location}.)
20973
20974 @kindex set powerpc
20975 @item set powerpc soft-float
20976 @itemx show powerpc soft-float
20977 Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
20978 convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
20979 on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
20980
20981 @item set powerpc vector-abi
20982 @itemx show powerpc vector-abi
20983 Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
20984 arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
20985 @samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
20986 @samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
20987 registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
20988 based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
20989
20990 @item set powerpc exact-watchpoints
20991 @itemx show powerpc exact-watchpoints
20992 Allow @value{GDBN} to use only one debug register when watching a variable
20993 of scalar type, thus assuming that the variable is accessed through the
20994 address of its first byte.
20995
20996 @kindex target dink32
20997 @item target dink32 @var{dev}
20998 DINK32 ROM monitor.
20999
21000 @kindex target ppcbug
21001 @item target ppcbug @var{dev}
21002 @kindex target ppcbug1
21003 @item target ppcbug1 @var{dev}
21004 PPCBUG ROM monitor for PowerPC.
21005
21006 @kindex target sds
21007 @item target sds @var{dev}
21008 SDS monitor, running on a PowerPC board (such as Motorola's ADS).
21009 @end table
21010
21011 @cindex SDS protocol
21012 The following commands specific to the SDS protocol are supported
21013 by @value{GDBN}:
21014
21015 @table @code
21016 @item set sdstimeout @var{nsec}
21017 @kindex set sdstimeout
21018 Set the timeout for SDS protocol reads to be @var{nsec} seconds. The
21019 default is 2 seconds.
21020
21021 @item show sdstimeout
21022 @kindex show sdstimeout
21023 Show the current value of the SDS timeout.
21024
21025 @item sds @var{command}
21026 @kindex sds@r{, a command}
21027 Send the specified @var{command} string to the SDS monitor.
21028 @end table
21029
21030
21031 @node PA
21032 @subsection HP PA Embedded
21033
21034 @table @code
21035
21036 @kindex target op50n
21037 @item target op50n @var{dev}
21038 OP50N monitor, running on an OKI HPPA board.
21039
21040 @kindex target w89k
21041 @item target w89k @var{dev}
21042 W89K monitor, running on a Winbond HPPA board.
21043
21044 @end table
21045
21046 @node Sparclet
21047 @subsection Tsqware Sparclet
21048
21049 @cindex Sparclet
21050
21051 @value{GDBN} enables developers to debug tasks running on
21052 Sparclet targets from a Unix host.
21053 @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
21054 both the Unix host and on the Sparclet target. The program
21055 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host.
21056
21057 @table @code
21058 @item remotetimeout @var{args}
21059 @kindex remotetimeout
21060 @value{GDBN} supports the option @code{remotetimeout}.
21061 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
21062 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses.
21063 @end table
21064
21065 @cindex compiling, on Sparclet
21066 When compiling for debugging, include the options @samp{-g} to get debug
21067 information and @samp{-Ttext} to relocate the program to where you wish to
21068 load it on the target. You may also want to add the options @samp{-n} or
21069 @samp{-N} in order to reduce the size of the sections. Example:
21070
21071 @smallexample
21072 sparclet-aout-gcc prog.c -Ttext 0x12010000 -g -o prog -N
21073 @end smallexample
21074
21075 You can use @code{objdump} to verify that the addresses are what you intended:
21076
21077 @smallexample
21078 sparclet-aout-objdump --headers --syms prog
21079 @end smallexample
21080
21081 @cindex running, on Sparclet
21082 Once you have set
21083 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
21084 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}}
21085 (or @code{sparclet-aout-gdb}, depending on your installation).
21086
21087 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
21088
21089 @smallexample
21090 (gdbslet)
21091 @end smallexample
21092
21093 @menu
21094 * Sparclet File:: Setting the file to debug
21095 * Sparclet Connection:: Connecting to Sparclet
21096 * Sparclet Download:: Sparclet download
21097 * Sparclet Execution:: Running and debugging
21098 @end menu
21099
21100 @node Sparclet File
21101 @subsubsection Setting File to Debug
21102
21103 The @value{GDBN} command @code{file} lets you choose with program to debug.
21104
21105 @smallexample
21106 (gdbslet) file prog
21107 @end smallexample
21108
21109 @need 1000
21110 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol table of @file{prog}.
21111 @value{GDBN} locates
21112 the file by searching the directories listed in the command search
21113 path.
21114 If the file was compiled with debug information (option @samp{-g}), source
21115 files will be searched as well.
21116 @value{GDBN} locates
21117 the source files by searching the directories listed in the directory search
21118 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}).
21119 If it fails
21120 to find a file, it displays a message such as:
21121
21122 @smallexample
21123 prog: No such file or directory.
21124 @end smallexample
21125
21126 When this happens, add the appropriate directories to the search paths with
21127 the @value{GDBN} commands @code{path} and @code{dir}, and execute the
21128 @code{target} command again.
21129
21130 @node Sparclet Connection
21131 @subsubsection Connecting to Sparclet
21132
21133 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a Sparclet target.
21134 To connect to a target on serial port ``@code{ttya}'', type:
21135
21136 @smallexample
21137 (gdbslet) target sparclet /dev/ttya
21138 Remote target sparclet connected to /dev/ttya
21139 main () at ../prog.c:3
21140 @end smallexample
21141
21142 @need 750
21143 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
21144
21145 @smallexample
21146 Connected to ttya.
21147 @end smallexample
21148
21149 @node Sparclet Download
21150 @subsubsection Sparclet Download
21151
21152 @cindex download to Sparclet
21153 Once connected to the Sparclet target,
21154 you can use the @value{GDBN}
21155 @code{load} command to download the file from the host to the target.
21156 The file name and load offset should be given as arguments to the @code{load}
21157 command.
21158 Since the file format is aout, the program must be loaded to the starting
21159 address. You can use @code{objdump} to find out what this value is. The load
21160 offset is an offset which is added to the VMA (virtual memory address)
21161 of each of the file's sections.
21162 For instance, if the program
21163 @file{prog} was linked to text address 0x1201000, with data at 0x12010160
21164 and bss at 0x12010170, in @value{GDBN}, type:
21165
21166 @smallexample
21167 (gdbslet) load prog 0x12010000
21168 Loading section .text, size 0xdb0 vma 0x12010000
21169 @end smallexample
21170
21171 If the code is loaded at a different address then what the program was linked
21172 to, you may need to use the @code{section} and @code{add-symbol-file} commands
21173 to tell @value{GDBN} where to map the symbol table.
21174
21175 @node Sparclet Execution
21176 @subsubsection Running and Debugging
21177
21178 @cindex running and debugging Sparclet programs
21179 You can now begin debugging the task using @value{GDBN}'s execution control
21180 commands, @code{b}, @code{step}, @code{run}, etc. See the @value{GDBN}
21181 manual for the list of commands.
21182
21183 @smallexample
21184 (gdbslet) b main
21185 Breakpoint 1 at 0x12010000: file prog.c, line 3.
21186 (gdbslet) run
21187 Starting program: prog
21188 Breakpoint 1, main (argc=1, argv=0xeffff21c) at prog.c:3
21189 3 char *symarg = 0;
21190 (gdbslet) step
21191 4 char *execarg = "hello!";
21192 (gdbslet)
21193 @end smallexample
21194
21195 @node Sparclite
21196 @subsection Fujitsu Sparclite
21197
21198 @table @code
21199
21200 @kindex target sparclite
21201 @item target sparclite @var{dev}
21202 Fujitsu sparclite boards, used only for the purpose of loading.
21203 You must use an additional command to debug the program.
21204 For example: target remote @var{dev} using @value{GDBN} standard
21205 remote protocol.
21206
21207 @end table
21208
21209 @node Z8000
21210 @subsection Zilog Z8000
21211
21212 @cindex Z8000
21213 @cindex simulator, Z8000
21214 @cindex Zilog Z8000 simulator
21215
21216 When configured for debugging Zilog Z8000 targets, @value{GDBN} includes
21217 a Z8000 simulator.
21218
21219 For the Z8000 family, @samp{target sim} simulates either the Z8002 (the
21220 unsegmented variant of the Z8000 architecture) or the Z8001 (the
21221 segmented variant). The simulator recognizes which architecture is
21222 appropriate by inspecting the object code.
21223
21224 @table @code
21225 @item target sim @var{args}
21226 @kindex sim
21227 @kindex target sim@r{, with Z8000}
21228 Debug programs on a simulated CPU. If the simulator supports setup
21229 options, specify them via @var{args}.
21230 @end table
21231
21232 @noindent
21233 After specifying this target, you can debug programs for the simulated
21234 CPU in the same style as programs for your host computer; use the
21235 @code{file} command to load a new program image, the @code{run} command
21236 to run your program, and so on.
21237
21238 As well as making available all the usual machine registers
21239 (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}), the Z8000 simulator provides three
21240 additional items of information as specially named registers:
21241
21242 @table @code
21243
21244 @item cycles
21245 Counts clock-ticks in the simulator.
21246
21247 @item insts
21248 Counts instructions run in the simulator.
21249
21250 @item time
21251 Execution time in 60ths of a second.
21252
21253 @end table
21254
21255 You can refer to these values in @value{GDBN} expressions with the usual
21256 conventions; for example, @w{@samp{b fputc if $cycles>5000}} sets a
21257 conditional breakpoint that suspends only after at least 5000
21258 simulated clock ticks.
21259
21260 @node AVR
21261 @subsection Atmel AVR
21262 @cindex AVR
21263
21264 When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
21265 following AVR-specific commands:
21266
21267 @table @code
21268 @item info io_registers
21269 @kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
21270 @cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
21271 This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
21272 each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
21273 @end table
21274
21275 @node CRIS
21276 @subsection CRIS
21277 @cindex CRIS
21278
21279 When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
21280 following CRIS-specific commands:
21281
21282 @table @code
21283 @item set cris-version @var{ver}
21284 @cindex CRIS version
21285 Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
21286 The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
21287 case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
21288
21289 @item show cris-version
21290 Show the current CRIS version.
21291
21292 @item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
21293 @cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
21294 Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
21295 Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
21296 @code{R59}.
21297
21298 @item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
21299 Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
21300
21301 @item set cris-mode @var{mode}
21302 @cindex CRIS mode
21303 Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
21304 debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
21305 @samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
21306
21307 @item show cris-mode
21308 Show the current CRIS mode.
21309 @end table
21310
21311 @node Super-H
21312 @subsection Renesas Super-H
21313 @cindex Super-H
21314
21315 For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
21316 commands:
21317
21318 @table @code
21319 @item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
21320 @kindex set sh calling-convention
21321 Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
21322 Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
21323 With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
21324 convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
21325 that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
21326 is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
21327 is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
21328 regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
21329 default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
21330 does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
21331
21332 @item show sh calling-convention
21333 @kindex show sh calling-convention
21334 Show the current calling convention setting.
21335
21336 @end table
21337
21338
21339 @node Architectures
21340 @section Architectures
21341
21342 This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
21343 all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
21344
21345 @menu
21346 * AArch64::
21347 * i386::
21348 * Alpha::
21349 * MIPS::
21350 * HPPA:: HP PA architecture
21351 * SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
21352 * PowerPC::
21353 * Nios II::
21354 @end menu
21355
21356 @node AArch64
21357 @subsection AArch64
21358 @cindex AArch64 support
21359
21360 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides the
21361 following special commands:
21362
21363 @table @code
21364 @item set debug aarch64
21365 @kindex set debug aarch64
21366 This command determines whether AArch64 architecture-specific debugging
21367 messages are to be displayed.
21368
21369 @item show debug aarch64
21370 Show whether AArch64 debugging messages are displayed.
21371
21372 @end table
21373
21374 @node i386
21375 @subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
21376
21377 @table @code
21378 @item set struct-convention @var{mode}
21379 @kindex set struct-convention
21380 @cindex struct return convention
21381 @cindex struct/union returned in registers
21382 Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
21383 @code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
21384 @var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
21385 default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
21386 are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
21387 @code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
21388 be returned in a register.
21389
21390 @item show struct-convention
21391 @kindex show struct-convention
21392 Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
21393 from functions.
21394 @end table
21395
21396 @subsubsection Intel(R) @dfn{Memory Protection Extensions} (MPX).
21397 @cindex Intel(R) Memory Protection Extensions (MPX).
21398
21399 Memory Protection Extension (MPX) adds the bound registers @samp{BND0}
21400 @footnote{The register named with capital letters represent the architecture
21401 registers.} through @samp{BND3}. Bound registers store a pair of 64-bit values
21402 which are the lower bound and upper bound. Bounds are effective addresses or
21403 memory locations. The upper bounds are architecturally represented in 1's
21404 complement form. A bound having lower bound = 0, and upper bound = 0
21405 (1's complement of all bits set) will allow access to the entire address space.
21406
21407 @samp{BND0} through @samp{BND3} are represented in @value{GDBN} as @samp{bnd0raw}
21408 through @samp{bnd3raw}. Pseudo registers @samp{bnd0} through @samp{bnd3}
21409 display the upper bound performing the complement of one operation on the
21410 upper bound value, i.e.@ when upper bound in @samp{bnd0raw} is 0 in the
21411 @value{GDBN} @samp{bnd0} it will be @code{0xfff@dots{}}. In this sense it
21412 can also be noted that the upper bounds are inclusive.
21413
21414 As an example, assume that the register BND0 holds bounds for a pointer having
21415 access allowed for the range between 0x32 and 0x71. The values present on
21416 bnd0raw and bnd registers are presented as follows:
21417
21418 @smallexample
21419 bnd0raw = @{0x32, 0xffffffff8e@}
21420 bnd0 = @{lbound = 0x32, ubound = 0x71@} : size 64
21421 @end smallexample
21422
21423 This way the raw value can be accessed via bnd0raw@dots{}bnd3raw. Any
21424 change on bnd0@dots{}bnd3 or bnd0raw@dots{}bnd3raw is reflect on its
21425 counterpart. When the bnd0@dots{}bnd3 registers are displayed via
21426 Python, the display includes the memory size, in bits, accessible to
21427 the pointer.
21428
21429 @node Alpha
21430 @subsection Alpha
21431
21432 See the following section.
21433
21434 @node MIPS
21435 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}
21436
21437 @cindex stack on Alpha
21438 @cindex stack on @acronym{MIPS}
21439 @cindex Alpha stack
21440 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} stack
21441 Alpha- and @acronym{MIPS}-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
21442 sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
21443 find the beginning of a function.
21444
21445 @cindex response time, @acronym{MIPS} debugging
21446 To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
21447 @value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
21448 you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
21449 commands:
21450
21451 @table @code
21452 @cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, @acronym{MIPS})
21453 @item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
21454 Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
21455 search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
21456 default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
21457 larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
21458 and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
21459 this command when debugging a stripped executable.
21460
21461 @item show heuristic-fence-post
21462 Display the current limit.
21463 @end table
21464
21465 @noindent
21466 These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
21467 for debugging programs on Alpha or @acronym{MIPS} processors.
21468
21469 Several @acronym{MIPS}-specific commands are available when debugging @acronym{MIPS}
21470 programs:
21471
21472 @table @code
21473 @item set mips abi @var{arg}
21474 @kindex set mips abi
21475 @cindex set ABI for @acronym{MIPS}
21476 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
21477 values of @var{arg} are:
21478
21479 @table @samp
21480 @item auto
21481 The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
21482 default).
21483 @item o32
21484 @item o64
21485 @item n32
21486 @item n64
21487 @item eabi32
21488 @item eabi64
21489 @end table
21490
21491 @item show mips abi
21492 @kindex show mips abi
21493 Show the @acronym{MIPS} ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
21494
21495 @item set mips compression @var{arg}
21496 @kindex set mips compression
21497 @cindex code compression, @acronym{MIPS}
21498 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} compressed
21499 @acronym{ISA, Instruction Set Architecture} encoding is used by the
21500 inferior. @value{GDBN} uses this for code disassembly and other
21501 internal interpretation purposes. This setting is only referred to
21502 when no executable has been associated with the debugging session or
21503 the executable does not provide information about the encoding it uses.
21504 Otherwise this setting is automatically updated from information
21505 provided by the executable.
21506
21507 Possible values of @var{arg} are @samp{mips16} and @samp{micromips}.
21508 The default compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding is @samp{mips16}, as
21509 executables containing @acronym{MIPS16} code frequently are not
21510 identified as such.
21511
21512 This setting is ``sticky''; that is, it retains its value across
21513 debugging sessions until reset either explicitly with this command or
21514 implicitly from an executable.
21515
21516 The compiler and/or assembler typically add symbol table annotations to
21517 identify functions compiled for the @acronym{MIPS16} or
21518 @acronym{microMIPS} @acronym{ISA}s. If these function-scope annotations
21519 are present, @value{GDBN} uses them in preference to the global
21520 compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding setting.
21521
21522 @item show mips compression
21523 @kindex show mips compression
21524 Show the @acronym{MIPS} compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding used by
21525 @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
21526
21527 @item set mipsfpu
21528 @itemx show mipsfpu
21529 @xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
21530
21531 @item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
21532 @kindex set mips mask-address
21533 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} addresses, masking
21534 This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
21535 @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
21536 @samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
21537 setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
21538
21539 @item show mips mask-address
21540 @kindex show mips mask-address
21541 Show whether the upper 32 bits of @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off or
21542 not.
21543
21544 @item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
21545 @kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
21546 This command controls compatibility with 64-bit @acronym{MIPS} targets that
21547 transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old @acronym{MIPS} 64 target
21548 that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
21549 and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
21550
21551 @item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
21552 @kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
21553 Show the current setting of compatibility with older @acronym{MIPS} 64 targets.
21554
21555 @item set debug mips
21556 @kindex set debug mips
21557 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the @acronym{MIPS}-specific
21558 target code in @value{GDBN}.
21559
21560 @item show debug mips
21561 @kindex show debug mips
21562 Show the current setting of @acronym{MIPS} debugging messages.
21563 @end table
21564
21565
21566 @node HPPA
21567 @subsection HPPA
21568 @cindex HPPA support
21569
21570 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
21571 following special commands:
21572
21573 @table @code
21574 @item set debug hppa
21575 @kindex set debug hppa
21576 This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
21577 messages are to be displayed.
21578
21579 @item show debug hppa
21580 Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
21581
21582 @item maint print unwind @var{address}
21583 @kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
21584 This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
21585 given @var{address}.
21586
21587 @end table
21588
21589
21590 @node SPU
21591 @subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
21592 @cindex Cell Broadband Engine
21593 @cindex SPU
21594
21595 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
21596 it provides the following special commands:
21597
21598 @table @code
21599 @item info spu event
21600 @kindex info spu
21601 Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
21602 and pending event status.
21603
21604 @item info spu signal
21605 Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
21606 signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
21607 notification channels.
21608
21609 @item info spu mailbox
21610 Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
21611 in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
21612 SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
21613
21614 @item info spu dma
21615 Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
21616 DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
21617 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
21618
21619 @item info spu proxydma
21620 Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
21621 Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
21622 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
21623
21624 @end table
21625
21626 When @value{GDBN} is debugging a combined PowerPC/SPU application
21627 on the Cell Broadband Engine, it provides in addition the following
21628 special commands:
21629
21630 @table @code
21631 @item set spu stop-on-load @var{arg}
21632 @kindex set spu
21633 Set whether to stop for new SPE threads. When set to @code{on}, @value{GDBN}
21634 will give control to the user when a new SPE thread enters its @code{main}
21635 function. The default is @code{off}.
21636
21637 @item show spu stop-on-load
21638 @kindex show spu
21639 Show whether to stop for new SPE threads.
21640
21641 @item set spu auto-flush-cache @var{arg}
21642 Set whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache. When set to
21643 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will automatically cause the SPE software-managed
21644 cache to be flushed whenever SPE execution stops. This provides a consistent
21645 view of PowerPC memory that is accessed via the cache. If an application
21646 does not use the software-managed cache, this option has no effect.
21647
21648 @item show spu auto-flush-cache
21649 Show whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache.
21650
21651 @end table
21652
21653 @node PowerPC
21654 @subsection PowerPC
21655 @cindex PowerPC architecture
21656
21657 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
21658 pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
21659 numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
21660 in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
21661 @code{f0} or @code{f2}.
21662
21663 The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
21664 by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
21665 @code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
21666
21667 For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
21668 wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
21669
21670 @node Nios II
21671 @subsection Nios II
21672 @cindex Nios II architecture
21673
21674 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Nios II architecture,
21675 it provides the following special commands:
21676
21677 @table @code
21678
21679 @item set debug nios2
21680 @kindex set debug nios2
21681 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the Nios II
21682 target code in @value{GDBN}.
21683
21684 @item show debug nios2
21685 @kindex show debug nios2
21686 Show the current setting of Nios II debugging messages.
21687 @end table
21688
21689 @node Controlling GDB
21690 @chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
21691
21692 You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
21693 @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
21694 data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
21695 described here.
21696
21697 @menu
21698 * Prompt:: Prompt
21699 * Editing:: Command editing
21700 * Command History:: Command history
21701 * Screen Size:: Screen size
21702 * Numbers:: Numbers
21703 * ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
21704 * Auto-loading:: Automatically loading associated files
21705 * Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
21706 * Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
21707 * Other Misc Settings:: Other Miscellaneous Settings
21708 @end menu
21709
21710 @node Prompt
21711 @section Prompt
21712
21713 @cindex prompt
21714
21715 @value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
21716 called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
21717 can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
21718 instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
21719 the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
21720 which one you are talking to.
21721
21722 @emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
21723 prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
21724 or a prompt that does not.
21725
21726 @table @code
21727 @kindex set prompt
21728 @item set prompt @var{newprompt}
21729 Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
21730
21731 @kindex show prompt
21732 @item show prompt
21733 Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
21734 @end table
21735
21736 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled have
21737 prompt extensions. The commands for interacting with these extensions
21738 are:
21739
21740 @table @code
21741 @kindex set extended-prompt
21742 @item set extended-prompt @var{prompt}
21743 Set an extended prompt that allows for substitutions.
21744 @xref{gdb.prompt}, for a list of escape sequences that can be used for
21745 substitution. Any escape sequences specified as part of the prompt
21746 string are replaced with the corresponding strings each time the prompt
21747 is displayed.
21748
21749 For example:
21750
21751 @smallexample
21752 set extended-prompt Current working directory: \w (gdb)
21753 @end smallexample
21754
21755 Note that when an extended-prompt is set, it takes control of the
21756 @var{prompt_hook} hook. @xref{prompt_hook}, for further information.
21757
21758 @kindex show extended-prompt
21759 @item show extended-prompt
21760 Prints the extended prompt. Any escape sequences specified as part of
21761 the prompt string with @code{set extended-prompt}, are replaced with the
21762 corresponding strings each time the prompt is displayed.
21763 @end table
21764
21765 @node Editing
21766 @section Command Editing
21767 @cindex readline
21768 @cindex command line editing
21769
21770 @value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
21771 @sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
21772 command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
21773 or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
21774 substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
21775 debugging sessions.
21776
21777 You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
21778 command @code{set}.
21779
21780 @table @code
21781 @kindex set editing
21782 @cindex editing
21783 @item set editing
21784 @itemx set editing on
21785 Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
21786
21787 @item set editing off
21788 Disable command line editing.
21789
21790 @kindex show editing
21791 @item show editing
21792 Show whether command line editing is enabled.
21793 @end table
21794
21795 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
21796 @xref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library},
21797 @end ifset
21798 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
21799 @xref{Command Line Editing},
21800 @end ifclear
21801 for more details about the Readline
21802 interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
21803 encouraged to read that chapter.
21804
21805 @node Command History
21806 @section Command History
21807 @cindex command history
21808
21809 @value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
21810 debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
21811 happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
21812 history facility.
21813
21814 @value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
21815 package, to provide the history facility.
21816 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
21817 @xref{Using History Interactively, , , history, GNU History Library},
21818 @end ifset
21819 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
21820 @xref{Using History Interactively},
21821 @end ifclear
21822 for the detailed description of the History library.
21823
21824 To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
21825 the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
21826 (@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
21827 means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
21828 affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
21829 pressed on a line by itself.
21830
21831 @cindex @code{server}, command prefix
21832 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
21833 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
21834 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
21835
21836 Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
21837 history.
21838
21839 @table @code
21840 @cindex history substitution
21841 @cindex history file
21842 @kindex set history filename
21843 @cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
21844 @item set history filename @var{fname}
21845 Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
21846 This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
21847 list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
21848 exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
21849 the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
21850 to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
21851 @file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
21852 is not set.
21853
21854 @cindex save command history
21855 @kindex set history save
21856 @item set history save
21857 @itemx set history save on
21858 Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
21859 @code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
21860
21861 @item set history save off
21862 Stop recording command history in a file.
21863
21864 @cindex history size
21865 @kindex set history size
21866 @cindex @env{HISTSIZE}, environment variable
21867 @item set history size @var{size}
21868 @itemx set history size unlimited
21869 Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
21870 This defaults to the value of the environment variable
21871 @code{HISTSIZE}, or to 256 if this variable is not set. If @var{size}
21872 is @code{unlimited}, the number of commands @value{GDBN} keeps in the
21873 history list is unlimited.
21874 @end table
21875
21876 History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
21877 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
21878 @xref{Event Designators, , , history, GNU History Library},
21879 @end ifset
21880 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
21881 @xref{Event Designators},
21882 @end ifclear
21883 for more details.
21884
21885 @cindex history expansion, turn on/off
21886 Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
21887 is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
21888 @code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
21889 follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
21890 a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
21891 history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
21892 @kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
21893
21894 The commands to control history expansion are:
21895
21896 @table @code
21897 @item set history expansion on
21898 @itemx set history expansion
21899 @kindex set history expansion
21900 Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
21901
21902 @item set history expansion off
21903 Disable history expansion.
21904
21905 @c @group
21906 @kindex show history
21907 @item show history
21908 @itemx show history filename
21909 @itemx show history save
21910 @itemx show history size
21911 @itemx show history expansion
21912 These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
21913 @code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
21914 @c @end group
21915 @end table
21916
21917 @table @code
21918 @kindex show commands
21919 @cindex show last commands
21920 @cindex display command history
21921 @item show commands
21922 Display the last ten commands in the command history.
21923
21924 @item show commands @var{n}
21925 Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
21926
21927 @item show commands +
21928 Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
21929 @end table
21930
21931 @node Screen Size
21932 @section Screen Size
21933 @cindex size of screen
21934 @cindex pauses in output
21935
21936 Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
21937 information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
21938 @value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
21939 output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
21940 to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
21941 determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
21942 printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
21943 rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
21944
21945 Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
21946 driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
21947 together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
21948 @code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
21949 you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
21950 width} commands:
21951
21952 @table @code
21953 @kindex set height
21954 @kindex set width
21955 @kindex show width
21956 @kindex show height
21957 @item set height @var{lpp}
21958 @itemx set height unlimited
21959 @itemx show height
21960 @itemx set width @var{cpl}
21961 @itemx set width unlimited
21962 @itemx show width
21963 These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
21964 a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
21965 commands display the current settings.
21966
21967 If you specify a height of either @code{unlimited} or zero lines,
21968 @value{GDBN} does not pause during output no matter how long the
21969 output is. This is useful if output is to a file or to an editor
21970 buffer.
21971
21972 Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width unlimited} or @samp{set
21973 width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN} from wrapping its output.
21974
21975 @item set pagination on
21976 @itemx set pagination off
21977 @kindex set pagination
21978 Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
21979 pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height unlimited}. Note that
21980 running @value{GDBN} with the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode
21981 Options, -batch}) also automatically disables pagination.
21982
21983 @item show pagination
21984 @kindex show pagination
21985 Show the current pagination mode.
21986 @end table
21987
21988 @node Numbers
21989 @section Numbers
21990 @cindex number representation
21991 @cindex entering numbers
21992
21993 You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
21994 @value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
21995 @samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
21996 begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
21997 @samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
21998 10; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
21999 format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
22000 both input and output with the commands described below.
22001
22002 @table @code
22003 @kindex set input-radix
22004 @item set input-radix @var{base}
22005 Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
22006 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
22007 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
22008 example, any of
22009
22010 @smallexample
22011 set input-radix 012
22012 set input-radix 10.
22013 set input-radix 0xa
22014 @end smallexample
22015
22016 @noindent
22017 sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
22018 leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
22019 @samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
22020 interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
22021 @samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
22022 change the radix.
22023
22024 @kindex set output-radix
22025 @item set output-radix @var{base}
22026 Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
22027 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
22028 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
22029
22030 @kindex show input-radix
22031 @item show input-radix
22032 Display the current default base for numeric input.
22033
22034 @kindex show output-radix
22035 @item show output-radix
22036 Display the current default base for numeric display.
22037
22038 @item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
22039 @itemx show radix
22040 @kindex set radix
22041 @kindex show radix
22042 These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
22043 of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
22044 the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
22045 default value of 10.
22046
22047 @end table
22048
22049 @node ABI
22050 @section Configuring the Current ABI
22051
22052 @value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
22053 application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
22054 conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
22055 current ABI.
22056
22057 @cindex OS ABI
22058 @kindex set osabi
22059 @kindex show osabi
22060 @cindex Newlib OS ABI and its influence on the longjmp handling
22061
22062 One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
22063 system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
22064 @value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
22065 but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
22066 One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
22067 an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
22068 not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
22069 platform provides.
22070
22071 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides a
22072 ``Newlib'' OS ABI. This is useful for handling @code{setjmp} and
22073 @code{longjmp} when debugging binaries that use the @sc{newlib} C library.
22074 The ``Newlib'' OS ABI can be selected by @code{set osabi Newlib}.
22075
22076 @table @code
22077 @item show osabi
22078 Show the OS ABI currently in use.
22079
22080 @item set osabi
22081 With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
22082
22083 @item set osabi @var{abi}
22084 Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
22085 @end table
22086
22087 @cindex float promotion
22088
22089 Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
22090 function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
22091 (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
22092 according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
22093 (i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
22094 @code{double} and then passed.
22095
22096 Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
22097 a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
22098 as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
22099
22100 @table @code
22101 @kindex set coerce-float-to-double
22102 @item set coerce-float-to-double
22103 @itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
22104 Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
22105 to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
22106
22107 @item set coerce-float-to-double off
22108 Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
22109 functions.
22110
22111 @kindex show coerce-float-to-double
22112 @item show coerce-float-to-double
22113 Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
22114 @end table
22115
22116 @kindex set cp-abi
22117 @kindex show cp-abi
22118 @value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
22119 objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
22120 used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
22121 programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
22122 multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
22123 program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
22124 Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
22125 before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
22126 ``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
22127 use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
22128 ``auto''.
22129
22130 @table @code
22131 @item show cp-abi
22132 Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
22133
22134 @item set cp-abi
22135 With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
22136
22137 @item set cp-abi @var{abi}
22138 @itemx set cp-abi auto
22139 Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
22140 @end table
22141
22142 @node Auto-loading
22143 @section Automatically loading associated files
22144 @cindex auto-loading
22145
22146 @value{GDBN} sometimes reads files with commands and settings automatically,
22147 without being explicitly told so by the user. We call this feature
22148 @dfn{auto-loading}. While auto-loading is useful for automatically adapting
22149 @value{GDBN} to the needs of your project, it can sometimes produce unexpected
22150 results or introduce security risks (e.g., if the file comes from untrusted
22151 sources).
22152
22153 @menu
22154 * Init File in the Current Directory:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load local-gdbinit}
22155 * libthread_db.so.1 file:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load libthread-db}
22156
22157 * Auto-loading safe path:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load safe-path}
22158 * Auto-loading verbose mode:: @samp{set/show debug auto-load}
22159 @end menu
22160
22161 There are various kinds of files @value{GDBN} can automatically load.
22162 In addition to these files, @value{GDBN} supports auto-loading code written
22163 in various extension languages. @xref{Auto-loading extensions}.
22164
22165 Note that loading of these associated files (including the local @file{.gdbinit}
22166 file) requires accordingly configured @code{auto-load safe-path}
22167 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
22168
22169 For these reasons, @value{GDBN} includes commands and options to let you
22170 control when to auto-load files and which files should be auto-loaded.
22171
22172 @table @code
22173 @anchor{set auto-load off}
22174 @kindex set auto-load off
22175 @item set auto-load off
22176 Globally disable loading of all auto-loaded files.
22177 You may want to use this command with the @samp{-iex} option
22178 (@pxref{Option -init-eval-command}) such as:
22179 @smallexample
22180 $ @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load off" untrusted-executable corefile}
22181 @end smallexample
22182
22183 Be aware that system init file (@pxref{System-wide configuration})
22184 and init files from your home directory (@pxref{Home Directory Init File})
22185 still get read (as they come from generally trusted directories).
22186 To prevent @value{GDBN} from auto-loading even those init files, use the
22187 @option{-nx} option (@pxref{Mode Options}), in addition to
22188 @code{set auto-load no}.
22189
22190 @anchor{show auto-load}
22191 @kindex show auto-load
22192 @item show auto-load
22193 Show whether auto-loading of each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) is enabled
22194 or disabled.
22195
22196 @smallexample
22197 (gdb) show auto-load
22198 gdb-scripts: Auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is on.
22199 libthread-db: Auto-loading of inferior specific libthread_db is on.
22200 local-gdbinit: Auto-loading of .gdbinit script from current directory
22201 is on.
22202 python-scripts: Auto-loading of Python scripts is on.
22203 safe-path: List of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
22204 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
22205 scripts-directory: List of directories from which to load auto-loaded scripts
22206 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
22207 @end smallexample
22208
22209 @anchor{info auto-load}
22210 @kindex info auto-load
22211 @item info auto-load
22212 Print whether each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) have been auto-loaded or
22213 not.
22214
22215 @smallexample
22216 (gdb) info auto-load
22217 gdb-scripts:
22218 Loaded Script
22219 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb
22220 libthread-db: No auto-loaded libthread-db.
22221 local-gdbinit: Local .gdbinit file "/home/user/gdb/.gdbinit" has been
22222 loaded.
22223 python-scripts:
22224 Loaded Script
22225 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py
22226 @end smallexample
22227 @end table
22228
22229 These are @value{GDBN} control commands for the auto-loading:
22230
22231 @multitable @columnfractions .5 .5
22232 @item @xref{set auto-load off}.
22233 @tab Disable auto-loading globally.
22234 @item @xref{show auto-load}.
22235 @tab Show setting of all kinds of files.
22236 @item @xref{info auto-load}.
22237 @tab Show state of all kinds of files.
22238 @item @xref{set auto-load gdb-scripts}.
22239 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} command scripts.
22240 @item @xref{show auto-load gdb-scripts}.
22241 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
22242 @item @xref{info auto-load gdb-scripts}.
22243 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
22244 @item @xref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
22245 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
22246 @item @xref{show auto-load python-scripts}.
22247 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
22248 @item @xref{info auto-load python-scripts}.
22249 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
22250 @item @xref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
22251 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
22252 @item @xref{show auto-load scripts-directory}.
22253 @tab Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
22254 @item @xref{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
22255 @tab Control for init file in the current directory.
22256 @item @xref{show auto-load local-gdbinit}.
22257 @tab Show setting of init file in the current directory.
22258 @item @xref{info auto-load local-gdbinit}.
22259 @tab Show state of init file in the current directory.
22260 @item @xref{set auto-load libthread-db}.
22261 @tab Control for thread debugging library.
22262 @item @xref{show auto-load libthread-db}.
22263 @tab Show setting of thread debugging library.
22264 @item @xref{info auto-load libthread-db}.
22265 @tab Show state of thread debugging library.
22266 @item @xref{set auto-load safe-path}.
22267 @tab Control directories trusted for automatic loading.
22268 @item @xref{show auto-load safe-path}.
22269 @tab Show directories trusted for automatic loading.
22270 @item @xref{add-auto-load-safe-path}.
22271 @tab Add directory trusted for automatic loading.
22272 @end multitable
22273
22274 @node Init File in the Current Directory
22275 @subsection Automatically loading init file in the current directory
22276 @cindex auto-loading init file in the current directory
22277
22278 By default, @value{GDBN} reads and executes the canned sequences of commands
22279 from init file (if any) in the current working directory,
22280 see @ref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}.
22281
22282 Note that loading of this local @file{.gdbinit} file also requires accordingly
22283 configured @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
22284
22285 @table @code
22286 @anchor{set auto-load local-gdbinit}
22287 @kindex set auto-load local-gdbinit
22288 @item set auto-load local-gdbinit [on|off]
22289 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands
22290 (@pxref{Sequences}) found in init file in the current directory.
22291
22292 @anchor{show auto-load local-gdbinit}
22293 @kindex show auto-load local-gdbinit
22294 @item show auto-load local-gdbinit
22295 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands from init file in the
22296 current directory is enabled or disabled.
22297
22298 @anchor{info auto-load local-gdbinit}
22299 @kindex info auto-load local-gdbinit
22300 @item info auto-load local-gdbinit
22301 Print whether canned sequences of commands from init file in the
22302 current directory have been auto-loaded.
22303 @end table
22304
22305 @node libthread_db.so.1 file
22306 @subsection Automatically loading thread debugging library
22307 @cindex auto-loading libthread_db.so.1
22308
22309 This feature is currently present only on @sc{gnu}/Linux native hosts.
22310
22311 @value{GDBN} reads in some cases thread debugging library from places specific
22312 to the inferior (@pxref{set libthread-db-search-path}).
22313
22314 The special @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entry @samp{$sdir} is processed
22315 without checking this @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} switch as system
22316 libraries have to be trusted in general. In all other cases of
22317 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entries @value{GDBN} checks first if @samp{set
22318 auto-load libthread-db} is enabled before trying to open such thread debugging
22319 library.
22320
22321 Note that loading of this debugging library also requires accordingly configured
22322 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
22323
22324 @table @code
22325 @anchor{set auto-load libthread-db}
22326 @kindex set auto-load libthread-db
22327 @item set auto-load libthread-db [on|off]
22328 Enable or disable the auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library.
22329
22330 @anchor{show auto-load libthread-db}
22331 @kindex show auto-load libthread-db
22332 @item show auto-load libthread-db
22333 Show whether auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library is
22334 enabled or disabled.
22335
22336 @anchor{info auto-load libthread-db}
22337 @kindex info auto-load libthread-db
22338 @item info auto-load libthread-db
22339 Print the list of all loaded inferior specific thread debugging libraries and
22340 for each such library print list of inferior @var{pid}s using it.
22341 @end table
22342
22343 @node Auto-loading safe path
22344 @subsection Security restriction for auto-loading
22345 @cindex auto-loading safe-path
22346
22347 As the files of inferior can come from untrusted source (such as submitted by
22348 an application user) @value{GDBN} does not always load any files automatically.
22349 @value{GDBN} provides the @samp{set auto-load safe-path} setting to list
22350 directories trusted for loading files not explicitly requested by user.
22351 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern.
22352
22353 If the path is not set properly you will see a warning and the file will not
22354 get loaded:
22355
22356 @smallexample
22357 $ ./gdb -q ./gdb
22358 Reading symbols from /home/user/gdb/gdb...done.
22359 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been
22360 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
22361 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
22362 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py" auto-loading has been
22363 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
22364 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
22365 @end smallexample
22366
22367 @noindent
22368 To instruct @value{GDBN} to go ahead and use the init files anyway,
22369 invoke @value{GDBN} like this:
22370
22371 @smallexample
22372 $ gdb -q -iex "set auto-load safe-path /home/user/gdb" ./gdb
22373 @end smallexample
22374
22375 The list of trusted directories is controlled by the following commands:
22376
22377 @table @code
22378 @anchor{set auto-load safe-path}
22379 @kindex set auto-load safe-path
22380 @item set auto-load safe-path @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
22381 Set the list of directories (and their subdirectories) trusted for automatic
22382 loading and execution of scripts. You can also enter a specific trusted file.
22383 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern; wildcards do not match
22384 directory separator - see @code{FNM_PATHNAME} for system function @code{fnmatch}
22385 (@pxref{Wildcard Matching, fnmatch, , libc, GNU C Library Reference Manual}).
22386 If you omit @var{directories}, @samp{auto-load safe-path} will be reset to
22387 its default value as specified during @value{GDBN} compilation.
22388
22389 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
22390 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
22391 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
22392
22393 @anchor{show auto-load safe-path}
22394 @kindex show auto-load safe-path
22395 @item show auto-load safe-path
22396 Show the list of directories trusted for automatic loading and execution of
22397 scripts.
22398
22399 @anchor{add-auto-load-safe-path}
22400 @kindex add-auto-load-safe-path
22401 @item add-auto-load-safe-path
22402 Add an entry (or list of entries) the list of directories trusted for automatic
22403 loading and execution of scripts. Multiple entries may be delimited by the
22404 host platform path separator in use.
22405 @end table
22406
22407 This variable defaults to what @code{--with-auto-load-dir} has been configured
22408 to (@pxref{with-auto-load-dir}). @file{$debugdir} and @file{$datadir}
22409 substitution applies the same as for @ref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
22410 The default @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by
22411 @value{GDBN} configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-safe-path}.
22412
22413 Setting this variable to @file{/} disables this security protection,
22414 corresponding @value{GDBN} configuration option is
22415 @option{--without-auto-load-safe-path}.
22416 This variable is supposed to be set to the system directories writable by the
22417 system superuser only. Users can add their source directories in init files in
22418 their home directories (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). See also deprecated
22419 init file in the current directory
22420 (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}).
22421
22422 To force @value{GDBN} to load the files it declined to load in the previous
22423 example, you could use one of the following ways:
22424
22425 @table @asis
22426 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{add-auto-load-safe-path ~/src/gdb}
22427 Specify this trusted directory (or a file) as additional component of the list.
22428 You have to specify also any existing directories displayed by
22429 by @samp{show auto-load safe-path} (such as @samp{/usr:/bin} in this example).
22430
22431 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /usr:/bin:~/src/gdb" @dots{}}
22432 Specify this directory as in the previous case but just for a single
22433 @value{GDBN} session.
22434
22435 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /" @dots{}}
22436 Disable auto-loading safety for a single @value{GDBN} session.
22437 This assumes all the files you debug during this @value{GDBN} session will come
22438 from trusted sources.
22439
22440 @item @kbd{./configure --without-auto-load-safe-path}
22441 During compilation of @value{GDBN} you may disable any auto-loading safety.
22442 This assumes all the files you will ever debug with this @value{GDBN} come from
22443 trusted sources.
22444 @end table
22445
22446 On the other hand you can also explicitly forbid automatic files loading which
22447 also suppresses any such warning messages:
22448
22449 @table @asis
22450 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load no" @dots{}}
22451 You can use @value{GDBN} command-line option for a single @value{GDBN} session.
22452
22453 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{set auto-load no}
22454 Disable auto-loading globally for the user
22455 (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). While it is improbable, you could also
22456 use system init file instead (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
22457 @end table
22458
22459 This setting applies to the file names as entered by user. If no entry matches
22460 @value{GDBN} tries as a last resort to also resolve all the file names into
22461 their canonical form (typically resolving symbolic links) and compare the
22462 entries again. @value{GDBN} already canonicalizes most of the filenames on its
22463 own before starting the comparison so a canonical form of directories is
22464 recommended to be entered.
22465
22466 @node Auto-loading verbose mode
22467 @subsection Displaying files tried for auto-load
22468 @cindex auto-loading verbose mode
22469
22470 For better visibility of all the file locations where you can place scripts to
22471 be auto-loaded with inferior --- or to protect yourself against accidental
22472 execution of untrusted scripts --- @value{GDBN} provides a feature for printing
22473 all the files attempted to be loaded. Both existing and non-existing files may
22474 be printed.
22475
22476 For example the list of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
22477 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}) applies also to canonicalized filenames which
22478 may not be too obvious while setting it up.
22479
22480 @smallexample
22481 (gdb) set debug auto-load on
22482 (gdb) file ~/src/t/true
22483 auto-load: Loading canned sequences of commands script "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb"
22484 for objfile "/tmp/true".
22485 auto-load: Updating directories of "/usr:/opt".
22486 auto-load: Using directory "/usr".
22487 auto-load: Using directory "/opt".
22488 warning: File "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been declined
22489 by your `auto-load safe-path' set to "/usr:/opt".
22490 @end smallexample
22491
22492 @table @code
22493 @anchor{set debug auto-load}
22494 @kindex set debug auto-load
22495 @item set debug auto-load [on|off]
22496 Set whether to print the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded.
22497
22498 @anchor{show debug auto-load}
22499 @kindex show debug auto-load
22500 @item show debug auto-load
22501 Show whether printing of the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded is turned
22502 on or off.
22503 @end table
22504
22505 @node Messages/Warnings
22506 @section Optional Warnings and Messages
22507
22508 @cindex verbose operation
22509 @cindex optional warnings
22510 By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
22511 running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
22512 command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
22513 internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
22514
22515 Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
22516 which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
22517 see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
22518
22519 @table @code
22520 @kindex set verbose
22521 @item set verbose on
22522 Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
22523
22524 @item set verbose off
22525 Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
22526
22527 @kindex show verbose
22528 @item show verbose
22529 Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
22530 @end table
22531
22532 By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
22533 object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
22534 find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
22535 Symbol Files}).
22536
22537 @table @code
22538
22539 @kindex set complaints
22540 @item set complaints @var{limit}
22541 Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
22542 unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
22543 @var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
22544 to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
22545
22546 @kindex show complaints
22547 @item show complaints
22548 Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
22549
22550 @end table
22551
22552 @anchor{confirmation requests}
22553 By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
22554 lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
22555 you try to run a program which is already running:
22556
22557 @smallexample
22558 (@value{GDBP}) run
22559 The program being debugged has been started already.
22560 Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
22561 @end smallexample
22562
22563 If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
22564 commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
22565
22566 @table @code
22567
22568 @kindex set confirm
22569 @cindex flinching
22570 @cindex confirmation
22571 @cindex stupid questions
22572 @item set confirm off
22573 Disables confirmation requests. Note that running @value{GDBN} with
22574 the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode Options, -batch}) also
22575 automatically disables confirmation requests.
22576
22577 @item set confirm on
22578 Enables confirmation requests (the default).
22579
22580 @kindex show confirm
22581 @item show confirm
22582 Displays state of confirmation requests.
22583
22584 @end table
22585
22586 @cindex command tracing
22587 If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
22588 useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
22589 printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
22590 quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
22591
22592 @table @code
22593 @kindex set trace-commands
22594 @cindex command scripts, debugging
22595 @item set trace-commands on
22596 Enable command tracing.
22597 @item set trace-commands off
22598 Disable command tracing.
22599 @item show trace-commands
22600 Display the current state of command tracing.
22601 @end table
22602
22603 @node Debugging Output
22604 @section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
22605 @cindex optional debugging messages
22606
22607 @value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
22608 various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
22609 interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
22610 section documents those commands.
22611
22612 @table @code
22613 @kindex set exec-done-display
22614 @item set exec-done-display
22615 Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
22616 completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
22617 asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
22618 @kindex show exec-done-display
22619 @item show exec-done-display
22620 Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
22621 notification.
22622 @kindex set debug
22623 @cindex ARM AArch64
22624 @item set debug aarch64
22625 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to ARM AArch64.
22626 The default is off.
22627 @kindex show debug
22628 @item show debug aarch64
22629 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
22630 ARM AArch64.
22631 @cindex gdbarch debugging info
22632 @cindex architecture debugging info
22633 @item set debug arch
22634 Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
22635 @item show debug arch
22636 Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
22637 @item set debug aix-solib
22638 @cindex AIX shared library debugging
22639 Control display of debugging messages from the AIX shared library
22640 support module. The default is off.
22641 @item show debug aix-thread
22642 Show the current state of displaying AIX shared library debugging messages.
22643 @item set debug aix-thread
22644 @cindex AIX threads
22645 Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
22646 module.
22647 @item show debug aix-thread
22648 Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
22649 @item set debug check-physname
22650 @cindex physname
22651 Check the results of the ``physname'' computation. When reading DWARF
22652 debugging information for C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} attempts to compute
22653 each entity's name. @value{GDBN} can do this computation in two
22654 different ways, depending on exactly what information is present.
22655 When enabled, this setting causes @value{GDBN} to compute the names
22656 both ways and display any discrepancies.
22657 @item show debug check-physname
22658 Show the current state of ``physname'' checking.
22659 @item set debug coff-pe-read
22660 @cindex COFF/PE exported symbols
22661 Control display of debugging messages related to reading of COFF/PE
22662 exported symbols. The default is off.
22663 @item show debug coff-pe-read
22664 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
22665 reading of COFF/PE exported symbols.
22666 @item set debug dwarf2-die
22667 @cindex DWARF2 DIEs
22668 Dump DWARF2 DIEs after they are read in.
22669 The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
22670 A value of zero turns off the display.
22671 @item show debug dwarf2-die
22672 Show the current state of DWARF2 DIE debugging.
22673 @item set debug dwarf2-read
22674 @cindex DWARF2 Reading
22675 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to reading
22676 DWARF debug info. The default is 0 (off).
22677 A value of 1 provides basic information.
22678 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
22679 @item show debug dwarf2-read
22680 Show the current state of DWARF2 reader debugging.
22681 @item set debug displaced
22682 @cindex displaced stepping debugging info
22683 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
22684 displaced stepping support. The default is off.
22685 @item show debug displaced
22686 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
22687 related to displaced stepping.
22688 @item set debug event
22689 @cindex event debugging info
22690 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
22691 default is off.
22692 @item show debug event
22693 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
22694 info.
22695 @item set debug expression
22696 @cindex expression debugging info
22697 Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
22698 expression parsing. The default is off.
22699 @item show debug expression
22700 Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
22701 @value{GDBN} expression parsing.
22702 @item set debug frame
22703 @cindex frame debugging info
22704 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
22705 default is off.
22706 @item show debug frame
22707 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
22708 info.
22709 @item set debug gnu-nat
22710 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug messages
22711 Turns on or off debugging messages from the @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug support.
22712 @item show debug gnu-nat
22713 Show the current state of @sc{gnu}/Hurd debugging messages.
22714 @item set debug infrun
22715 @cindex inferior debugging info
22716 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
22717 The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
22718 for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
22719 @item show debug infrun
22720 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
22721 @item set debug jit
22722 @cindex just-in-time compilation, debugging messages
22723 Turns on or off debugging messages from JIT debug support.
22724 @item show debug jit
22725 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} JIT debugging.
22726 @item set debug lin-lwp
22727 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
22728 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
22729 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
22730 @item show debug lin-lwp
22731 Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
22732 @item set debug mach-o
22733 @cindex Mach-O symbols processing
22734 Control display of debugging messages related to Mach-O symbols
22735 processing. The default is off.
22736 @item show debug mach-o
22737 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
22738 reading of COFF/PE exported symbols.
22739 @item set debug notification
22740 @cindex remote async notification debugging info
22741 Turns on or off debugging messages about remote async notification.
22742 The default is off.
22743 @item show debug notification
22744 Displays the current state of remote async notification debugging messages.
22745 @item set debug observer
22746 @cindex observer debugging info
22747 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
22748 includes info such as the notification of observable events.
22749 @item show debug observer
22750 Displays the current state of observer debugging.
22751 @item set debug overload
22752 @cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
22753 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
22754 info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
22755 is off.
22756 @item show debug overload
22757 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
22758 debugging info.
22759 @cindex expression parser, debugging info
22760 @cindex debug expression parser
22761 @item set debug parser
22762 Turns on or off the display of expression parser debugging output.
22763 Internally, this sets the @code{yydebug} variable in the expression
22764 parser. @xref{Tracing, , Tracing Your Parser, bison, Bison}, for
22765 details. The default is off.
22766 @item show debug parser
22767 Show the current state of expression parser debugging.
22768 @cindex packets, reporting on stdout
22769 @cindex serial connections, debugging
22770 @cindex debug remote protocol
22771 @cindex remote protocol debugging
22772 @cindex display remote packets
22773 @item set debug remote
22774 Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
22775 the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
22776 @value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
22777 @item show debug remote
22778 Displays the state of display of remote packets.
22779 @item set debug serial
22780 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
22781 default is off.
22782 @item show debug serial
22783 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
22784 info.
22785 @item set debug solib-frv
22786 @cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
22787 Turns on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
22788 @item show debug solib-frv
22789 Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
22790 messages.
22791 @item set debug symfile
22792 @cindex symbol file functions
22793 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol file functions.
22794 The default is off. @xref{Files}.
22795 @item show debug symfile
22796 Show the current state of symbol file debugging messages.
22797 @item set debug symtab-create
22798 @cindex symbol table creation
22799 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol table creation.
22800 The default is 0 (off).
22801 A value of 1 provides basic information.
22802 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
22803 @item show debug symtab-create
22804 Show the current state of symbol table creation debugging.
22805 @item set debug target
22806 @cindex target debugging info
22807 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
22808 includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
22809 default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
22810 value of large memory transfers. Changes to this flag do not take effect
22811 until the next time you connect to a target or use the @code{run} command.
22812 @item show debug target
22813 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
22814 info.
22815 @item set debug timestamp
22816 @cindex timestampping debugging info
22817 Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
22818 When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
22819 message.
22820 @item show debug timestamp
22821 Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
22822 debugging info.
22823 @item set debugvarobj
22824 @cindex variable object debugging info
22825 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
22826 info. The default is off.
22827 @item show debugvarobj
22828 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
22829 debugging info.
22830 @item set debug xml
22831 @cindex XML parser debugging
22832 Turns on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
22833 @item show debug xml
22834 Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
22835 @end table
22836
22837 @node Other Misc Settings
22838 @section Other Miscellaneous Settings
22839 @cindex miscellaneous settings
22840
22841 @table @code
22842 @kindex set interactive-mode
22843 @item set interactive-mode
22844 If @code{on}, forces @value{GDBN} to assume that GDB was started
22845 in a terminal. In practice, this means that @value{GDBN} should wait
22846 for the user to answer queries generated by commands entered at
22847 the command prompt. If @code{off}, forces @value{GDBN} to operate
22848 in the opposite mode, and it uses the default answers to all queries.
22849 If @code{auto} (the default), @value{GDBN} tries to determine whether
22850 its standard input is a terminal, and works in interactive-mode if it
22851 is, non-interactively otherwise.
22852
22853 In the vast majority of cases, the debugger should be able to guess
22854 correctly which mode should be used. But this setting can be useful
22855 in certain specific cases, such as running a MinGW @value{GDBN}
22856 inside a cygwin window.
22857
22858 @kindex show interactive-mode
22859 @item show interactive-mode
22860 Displays whether the debugger is operating in interactive mode or not.
22861 @end table
22862
22863 @node Extending GDB
22864 @chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
22865 @cindex extending GDB
22866
22867 @value{GDBN} provides several mechanisms for extension.
22868 @value{GDBN} also provides the ability to automatically load
22869 extensions when it reads a file for debugging. This allows the
22870 user to automatically customize @value{GDBN} for the program
22871 being debugged.
22872
22873 @menu
22874 * Sequences:: Canned Sequences of @value{GDBN} Commands
22875 * Python:: Extending @value{GDBN} using Python
22876 * Auto-loading extensions:: Automatically loading extensions
22877 * Aliases:: Creating new spellings of existing commands
22878 @end menu
22879
22880 To facilitate the use of extension languages, @value{GDBN} is capable
22881 of evaluating the contents of a file. When doing so, @value{GDBN}
22882 can recognize which extension language is being used by looking at
22883 the filename extension. Files with an unrecognized filename extension
22884 are always treated as a @value{GDBN} Command Files.
22885 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
22886
22887 You can control how @value{GDBN} evaluates these files with the following
22888 setting:
22889
22890 @table @code
22891 @kindex set script-extension
22892 @kindex show script-extension
22893 @item set script-extension off
22894 All scripts are always evaluated as @value{GDBN} Command Files.
22895
22896 @item set script-extension soft
22897 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
22898 extension. If this scripting language is supported, @value{GDBN}
22899 evaluates the script using that language. Otherwise, it evaluates
22900 the file as a @value{GDBN} Command File.
22901
22902 @item set script-extension strict
22903 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
22904 extension, and evaluates the script using that language. If the
22905 language is not supported, then the evaluation fails.
22906
22907 @item show script-extension
22908 Display the current value of the @code{script-extension} option.
22909
22910 @end table
22911
22912 @node Sequences
22913 @section Canned Sequences of Commands
22914
22915 Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
22916 Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
22917 commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
22918 files.
22919
22920 @menu
22921 * Define:: How to define your own commands
22922 * Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
22923 * Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
22924 * Output:: Commands for controlled output
22925 * Auto-loading sequences:: Controlling auto-loaded command files
22926 @end menu
22927
22928 @node Define
22929 @subsection User-defined Commands
22930
22931 @cindex user-defined command
22932 @cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
22933 A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
22934 which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
22935 @code{define} command. User commands may accept up to 10 arguments
22936 separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
22937 via @code{$arg0@dots{}$arg9}. A trivial example:
22938
22939 @smallexample
22940 define adder
22941 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
22942 end
22943 @end smallexample
22944
22945 @noindent
22946 To execute the command use:
22947
22948 @smallexample
22949 adder 1 2 3
22950 @end smallexample
22951
22952 @noindent
22953 This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
22954 its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
22955 reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
22956 functions calls.
22957
22958 @cindex argument count in user-defined commands
22959 @cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
22960 In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
22961 been passed. This expands to a number in the range 0@dots{}10.
22962
22963 @smallexample
22964 define adder
22965 if $argc == 2
22966 print $arg0 + $arg1
22967 end
22968 if $argc == 3
22969 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
22970 end
22971 end
22972 @end smallexample
22973
22974 @table @code
22975
22976 @kindex define
22977 @item define @var{commandname}
22978 Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
22979 by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
22980 @var{commandname} may be a bare command name consisting of letters,
22981 numbers, dashes, and underscores. It may also start with any predefined
22982 prefix command. For example, @samp{define target my-target} creates
22983 a user-defined @samp{target my-target} command.
22984
22985 The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
22986 which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
22987 commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
22988
22989 @kindex document
22990 @kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
22991 @item document @var{commandname}
22992 Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
22993 accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
22994 defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
22995 reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
22996 After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
22997 @var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
22998
22999 You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
23000 documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
23001 does not change the documentation.
23002
23003 @kindex dont-repeat
23004 @cindex don't repeat command
23005 @item dont-repeat
23006 Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
23007 command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
23008 (@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
23009
23010 @kindex help user-defined
23011 @item help user-defined
23012 List all user-defined commands and all python commands defined in class
23013 COMAND_USER. The first line of the documentation or docstring is
23014 included (if any).
23015
23016 @kindex show user
23017 @item show user
23018 @itemx show user @var{commandname}
23019 Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
23020 not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
23021 definitions for all user-defined commands.
23022 This does not work for user-defined python commands.
23023
23024 @cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
23025 @kindex show max-user-call-depth
23026 @kindex set max-user-call-depth
23027 @item show max-user-call-depth
23028 @itemx set max-user-call-depth
23029 The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
23030 levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
23031 infinite recursion and aborts the command.
23032 This does not apply to user-defined python commands.
23033 @end table
23034
23035 In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
23036 use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
23037
23038 When user-defined commands are executed, the
23039 commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
23040 stops execution of the user-defined command.
23041
23042 If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
23043 without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
23044 commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
23045 messages when used in a user-defined command.
23046
23047 @node Hooks
23048 @subsection User-defined Command Hooks
23049 @cindex command hooks
23050 @cindex hooks, for commands
23051 @cindex hooks, pre-command
23052
23053 @kindex hook
23054 You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
23055 command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
23056 command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
23057 before that command.
23058
23059 @cindex hooks, post-command
23060 @kindex hookpost
23061 A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
23062 Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
23063 @samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
23064 that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
23065 pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
23066
23067 It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
23068 occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
23069
23070 @c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
23071 @c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
23072
23073 @kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
23074 In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
23075 (@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
23076 execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
23077 displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
23078
23079 For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
23080 single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
23081 you could define:
23082
23083 @smallexample
23084 define hook-stop
23085 handle SIGALRM nopass
23086 end
23087
23088 define hook-run
23089 handle SIGALRM pass
23090 end
23091
23092 define hook-continue
23093 handle SIGALRM pass
23094 end
23095 @end smallexample
23096
23097 As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
23098 command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
23099 you could define:
23100
23101 @smallexample
23102 define hook-echo
23103 echo <<<---
23104 end
23105
23106 define hookpost-echo
23107 echo --->>>\n
23108 end
23109
23110 (@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
23111 <<<---Hello World--->>>
23112 (@value{GDBP})
23113
23114 @end smallexample
23115
23116 You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
23117 not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
23118 name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
23119 @c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
23120 @c or not?
23121 You can hook a multi-word command by adding @code{hook-} or
23122 @code{hookpost-} to the last word of the command, e.g.@:
23123 @samp{define target hook-remote} to add a hook to @samp{target remote}.
23124
23125 If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
23126 @value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
23127 (before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
23128
23129 If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
23130 get a warning from the @code{define} command.
23131
23132 @node Command Files
23133 @subsection Command Files
23134
23135 @cindex command files
23136 @cindex scripting commands
23137 A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
23138 @value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
23139 also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
23140 does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
23141 terminal.
23142
23143 You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
23144 command. Note that the @code{source} command is also used to evaluate
23145 scripts that are not Command Files. The exact behavior can be configured
23146 using the @code{script-extension} setting.
23147 @xref{Extending GDB,, Extending GDB}.
23148
23149 @table @code
23150 @kindex source
23151 @cindex execute commands from a file
23152 @item source [-s] [-v] @var{filename}
23153 Execute the command file @var{filename}.
23154 @end table
23155
23156 The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
23157 unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
23158 @emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
23159 printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
23160 execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
23161
23162 @value{GDBN} first searches for @var{filename} in the current directory.
23163 If the file is not found there, and @var{filename} does not specify a
23164 directory, then @value{GDBN} also looks for the file on the source search path
23165 (specified with the @samp{directory} command);
23166 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched because the compilation directory
23167 is not relevant to scripts.
23168
23169 If @code{-s} is specified, then @value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename}
23170 on the search path even if @var{filename} specifies a directory.
23171 The search is done by appending @var{filename} to each element of the
23172 search path. So, for example, if @var{filename} is @file{mylib/myscript}
23173 and the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
23174 look for the script @file{/home/user/mylib/myscript}.
23175 The search is also done if @var{filename} is an absolute path.
23176 For example, if @var{filename} is @file{/tmp/myscript} and
23177 the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
23178 look for the script @file{/home/user/tmp/myscript}.
23179 For DOS-like systems, if @var{filename} contains a drive specification,
23180 it is stripped before concatenation. For example, if @var{filename} is
23181 @file{d:myscript} and the search path contains @file{c:/tmp} then @value{GDBN}
23182 will look for the script @file{c:/tmp/myscript}.
23183
23184 If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
23185 each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
23186 @var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
23187
23188 Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
23189 without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
23190 normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
23191 when called from command files.
23192
23193 @value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
23194 mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
23195 standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
23196 not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
23197 the next command.
23198
23199 @smallexample
23200 gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
23201 @end smallexample
23202
23203 (The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
23204 will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
23205 would be directed to @file{log}.
23206
23207 Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
23208 commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
23209 complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
23210 variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
23211 built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
23212 deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
23213 complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
23214 conditionally, etc.
23215
23216 @table @code
23217 @kindex if
23218 @kindex else
23219 @item if
23220 @itemx else
23221 This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
23222 commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
23223 expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
23224 are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
23225 There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
23226 of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
23227 end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
23228
23229 @kindex while
23230 @item while
23231 This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
23232 @code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
23233 to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
23234 line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
23235 @dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
23236 executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
23237
23238 @kindex loop_break
23239 @item loop_break
23240 This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
23241 Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
23242 line.
23243
23244 @kindex loop_continue
23245 @item loop_continue
23246 This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
23247 in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
23248 branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
23249 the controlling expression.
23250
23251 @kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
23252 @item end
23253 Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
23254 @code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
23255 @end table
23256
23257
23258 @node Output
23259 @subsection Commands for Controlled Output
23260
23261 During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
23262 @value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
23263 explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
23264 describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
23265 want.
23266
23267 @table @code
23268 @kindex echo
23269 @item echo @var{text}
23270 @c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
23271 @c because it is not in ANSI.
23272 Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
23273 @var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
23274 newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
23275 In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
23276 by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
23277 string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
23278 trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
23279 To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
23280 @samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
23281
23282 A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
23283 the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
23284
23285 @smallexample
23286 echo This is some text\n\
23287 which is continued\n\
23288 onto several lines.\n
23289 @end smallexample
23290
23291 produces the same output as
23292
23293 @smallexample
23294 echo This is some text\n
23295 echo which is continued\n
23296 echo onto several lines.\n
23297 @end smallexample
23298
23299 @kindex output
23300 @item output @var{expression}
23301 Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
23302 newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
23303 value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
23304 on expressions.
23305
23306 @item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
23307 Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
23308 the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
23309 Formats}, for more information.
23310
23311 @kindex printf
23312 @item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
23313 Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
23314 the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
23315 @var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
23316 which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
23317 specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
23318 executing the code below:
23319
23320 @smallexample
23321 printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
23322 @end smallexample
23323
23324 As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
23325 are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
23326 by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
23327 evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
23328 style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
23329 printed.
23330
23331 For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
23332
23333 @smallexample
23334 printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
23335 @end smallexample
23336
23337 @code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
23338 specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
23339 character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
23340
23341 @itemize @bullet
23342 @item
23343 The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
23344
23345 @item
23346 The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
23347 width.
23348
23349 @item
23350 The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
23351 @code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
23352
23353 @item
23354 The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
23355 supported.
23356
23357 @item
23358 The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
23359
23360 @item
23361 The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
23362 @end itemize
23363
23364 @noindent
23365 Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
23366 underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
23367 the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
23368 supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
23369
23370 As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
23371 sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
23372 @samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
23373 single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
23374 supported.
23375
23376 Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
23377 (@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
23378 together with a floating point specifier.
23379 letters:
23380
23381 @itemize @bullet
23382 @item
23383 @samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
23384
23385 @item
23386 @samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
23387
23388 @item
23389 @samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
23390 @end itemize
23391
23392 If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
23393 support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
23394 such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
23395
23396 In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
23397 available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
23398
23399 Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
23400 @smallexample
23401 printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
23402 @end smallexample
23403
23404 @kindex eval
23405 @item eval @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
23406 Convert the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
23407 the string @var{template} to a command line, and call it.
23408
23409 @end table
23410
23411 @node Auto-loading sequences
23412 @subsection Controlling auto-loading native @value{GDBN} scripts
23413 @cindex native script auto-loading
23414
23415 When a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
23416 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library),
23417 @value{GDBN} will look for the command file @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}.
23418 @xref{Auto-loading extensions}.
23419
23420 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
23421 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
23422
23423 @table @code
23424 @anchor{set auto-load gdb-scripts}
23425 @kindex set auto-load gdb-scripts
23426 @item set auto-load gdb-scripts [on|off]
23427 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts.
23428
23429 @anchor{show auto-load gdb-scripts}
23430 @kindex show auto-load gdb-scripts
23431 @item show auto-load gdb-scripts
23432 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is enabled or
23433 disabled.
23434
23435 @anchor{info auto-load gdb-scripts}
23436 @kindex info auto-load gdb-scripts
23437 @cindex print list of auto-loaded canned sequences of commands scripts
23438 @item info auto-load gdb-scripts [@var{regexp}]
23439 Print the list of all canned sequences of commands scripts that @value{GDBN}
23440 auto-loaded.
23441 @end table
23442
23443 If @var{regexp} is supplied only canned sequences of commands scripts with
23444 matching names are printed.
23445
23446 @node Python
23447 @section Extending @value{GDBN} using Python
23448 @cindex python scripting
23449 @cindex scripting with python
23450
23451 You can extend @value{GDBN} using the @uref{http://www.python.org/,
23452 Python programming language}. This feature is available only if
23453 @value{GDBN} was configured using @option{--with-python}.
23454
23455 @cindex python directory
23456 Python scripts used by @value{GDBN} should be installed in
23457 @file{@var{data-directory}/python}, where @var{data-directory} is
23458 the data directory as determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}).
23459 This directory, known as the @dfn{python directory},
23460 is automatically added to the Python Search Path in order to allow
23461 the Python interpreter to locate all scripts installed at this location.
23462
23463 Additionally, @value{GDBN} commands and convenience functions which
23464 are written in Python and are located in the
23465 @file{@var{data-directory}/python/gdb/command} or
23466 @file{@var{data-directory}/python/gdb/function} directories are
23467 automatically imported when @value{GDBN} starts.
23468
23469 @menu
23470 * Python Commands:: Accessing Python from @value{GDBN}.
23471 * Python API:: Accessing @value{GDBN} from Python.
23472 * Python Auto-loading:: Automatically loading Python code.
23473 * Python modules:: Python modules provided by @value{GDBN}.
23474 @end menu
23475
23476 @node Python Commands
23477 @subsection Python Commands
23478 @cindex python commands
23479 @cindex commands to access python
23480
23481 @value{GDBN} provides two commands for accessing the Python interpreter,
23482 and one related setting:
23483
23484 @table @code
23485 @kindex python-interactive
23486 @kindex pi
23487 @item python-interactive @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
23488 @itemx pi @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
23489 Without an argument, the @code{python-interactive} command can be used
23490 to start an interactive Python prompt. To return to @value{GDBN},
23491 type the @code{EOF} character (e.g., @kbd{Ctrl-D} on an empty prompt).
23492
23493 Alternatively, a single-line Python command can be given as an
23494 argument and evaluated. If the command is an expression, the result
23495 will be printed; otherwise, nothing will be printed. For example:
23496
23497 @smallexample
23498 (@value{GDBP}) python-interactive 2 + 3
23499 5
23500 @end smallexample
23501
23502 @kindex python
23503 @kindex py
23504 @item python @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
23505 @itemx py @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
23506 The @code{python} command can be used to evaluate Python code.
23507
23508 If given an argument, the @code{python} command will evaluate the
23509 argument as a Python command. For example:
23510
23511 @smallexample
23512 (@value{GDBP}) python print 23
23513 23
23514 @end smallexample
23515
23516 If you do not provide an argument to @code{python}, it will act as a
23517 multi-line command, like @code{define}. In this case, the Python
23518 script is made up of subsequent command lines, given after the
23519 @code{python} command. This command list is terminated using a line
23520 containing @code{end}. For example:
23521
23522 @smallexample
23523 (@value{GDBP}) python
23524 Type python script
23525 End with a line saying just "end".
23526 >print 23
23527 >end
23528 23
23529 @end smallexample
23530
23531 @kindex set python print-stack
23532 @item set python print-stack
23533 By default, @value{GDBN} will print only the message component of a
23534 Python exception when an error occurs in a Python script. This can be
23535 controlled using @code{set python print-stack}: if @code{full}, then
23536 full Python stack printing is enabled; if @code{none}, then Python stack
23537 and message printing is disabled; if @code{message}, the default, only
23538 the message component of the error is printed.
23539 @end table
23540
23541 It is also possible to execute a Python script from the @value{GDBN}
23542 interpreter:
23543
23544 @table @code
23545 @item source @file{script-name}
23546 The script name must end with @samp{.py} and @value{GDBN} must be configured
23547 to recognize the script language based on filename extension using
23548 the @code{script-extension} setting. @xref{Extending GDB, ,Extending GDB}.
23549
23550 @item python execfile ("script-name")
23551 This method is based on the @code{execfile} Python built-in function,
23552 and thus is always available.
23553 @end table
23554
23555 @node Python API
23556 @subsection Python API
23557 @cindex python api
23558 @cindex programming in python
23559
23560 You can get quick online help for @value{GDBN}'s Python API by issuing
23561 the command @w{@kbd{python help (gdb)}}.
23562
23563 Functions and methods which have two or more optional arguments allow
23564 them to be specified using keyword syntax. This allows passing some
23565 optional arguments while skipping others. Example:
23566 @w{@code{gdb.some_function ('foo', bar = 1, baz = 2)}}.
23567
23568 @menu
23569 * Basic Python:: Basic Python Functions.
23570 * Exception Handling:: How Python exceptions are translated.
23571 * Values From Inferior:: Python representation of values.
23572 * Types In Python:: Python representation of types.
23573 * Pretty Printing API:: Pretty-printing values.
23574 * Selecting Pretty-Printers:: How GDB chooses a pretty-printer.
23575 * Writing a Pretty-Printer:: Writing a Pretty-Printer.
23576 * Type Printing API:: Pretty-printing types.
23577 * Frame Filter API:: Filtering Frames.
23578 * Frame Decorator API:: Decorating Frames.
23579 * Writing a Frame Filter:: Writing a Frame Filter.
23580 * Inferiors In Python:: Python representation of inferiors (processes)
23581 * Events In Python:: Listening for events from @value{GDBN}.
23582 * Threads In Python:: Accessing inferior threads from Python.
23583 * Commands In Python:: Implementing new commands in Python.
23584 * Parameters In Python:: Adding new @value{GDBN} parameters.
23585 * Functions In Python:: Writing new convenience functions.
23586 * Progspaces In Python:: Program spaces.
23587 * Objfiles In Python:: Object files.
23588 * Frames In Python:: Accessing inferior stack frames from Python.
23589 * Blocks In Python:: Accessing blocks from Python.
23590 * Symbols In Python:: Python representation of symbols.
23591 * Symbol Tables In Python:: Python representation of symbol tables.
23592 * Line Tables In Python:: Python representation of line tables.
23593 * Breakpoints In Python:: Manipulating breakpoints using Python.
23594 * Finish Breakpoints in Python:: Setting Breakpoints on function return
23595 using Python.
23596 * Lazy Strings In Python:: Python representation of lazy strings.
23597 * Architectures In Python:: Python representation of architectures.
23598 @end menu
23599
23600 @node Basic Python
23601 @subsubsection Basic Python
23602
23603 @cindex python stdout
23604 @cindex python pagination
23605 At startup, @value{GDBN} overrides Python's @code{sys.stdout} and
23606 @code{sys.stderr} to print using @value{GDBN}'s output-paging streams.
23607 A Python program which outputs to one of these streams may have its
23608 output interrupted by the user (@pxref{Screen Size}). In this
23609 situation, a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception is thrown.
23610
23611 Some care must be taken when writing Python code to run in
23612 @value{GDBN}. Two things worth noting in particular:
23613
23614 @itemize @bullet
23615 @item
23616 @value{GDBN} install handlers for @code{SIGCHLD} and @code{SIGINT}.
23617 Python code must not override these, or even change the options using
23618 @code{sigaction}. If your program changes the handling of these
23619 signals, @value{GDBN} will most likely stop working correctly. Note
23620 that it is unfortunately common for GUI toolkits to install a
23621 @code{SIGCHLD} handler.
23622
23623 @item
23624 @value{GDBN} takes care to mark its internal file descriptors as
23625 close-on-exec. However, this cannot be done in a thread-safe way on
23626 all platforms. Your Python programs should be aware of this and
23627 should both create new file descriptors with the close-on-exec flag
23628 set and arrange to close unneeded file descriptors before starting a
23629 child process.
23630 @end itemize
23631
23632 @cindex python functions
23633 @cindex python module
23634 @cindex gdb module
23635 @value{GDBN} introduces a new Python module, named @code{gdb}. All
23636 methods and classes added by @value{GDBN} are placed in this module.
23637 @value{GDBN} automatically @code{import}s the @code{gdb} module for
23638 use in all scripts evaluated by the @code{python} command.
23639
23640 @findex gdb.PYTHONDIR
23641 @defvar gdb.PYTHONDIR
23642 A string containing the python directory (@pxref{Python}).
23643 @end defvar
23644
23645 @findex gdb.execute
23646 @defun gdb.execute (command @r{[}, from_tty @r{[}, to_string@r{]]})
23647 Evaluate @var{command}, a string, as a @value{GDBN} CLI command.
23648 If a GDB exception happens while @var{command} runs, it is
23649 translated as described in @ref{Exception Handling,,Exception Handling}.
23650
23651 @var{from_tty} specifies whether @value{GDBN} ought to consider this
23652 command as having originated from the user invoking it interactively.
23653 It must be a boolean value. If omitted, it defaults to @code{False}.
23654
23655 By default, any output produced by @var{command} is sent to
23656 @value{GDBN}'s standard output. If the @var{to_string} parameter is
23657 @code{True}, then output will be collected by @code{gdb.execute} and
23658 returned as a string. The default is @code{False}, in which case the
23659 return value is @code{None}. If @var{to_string} is @code{True}, the
23660 @value{GDBN} virtual terminal will be temporarily set to unlimited width
23661 and height, and its pagination will be disabled; @pxref{Screen Size}.
23662 @end defun
23663
23664 @findex gdb.breakpoints
23665 @defun gdb.breakpoints ()
23666 Return a sequence holding all of @value{GDBN}'s breakpoints.
23667 @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for more information.
23668 @end defun
23669
23670 @findex gdb.parameter
23671 @defun gdb.parameter (parameter)
23672 Return the value of a @value{GDBN} parameter. @var{parameter} is a
23673 string naming the parameter to look up; @var{parameter} may contain
23674 spaces if the parameter has a multi-part name. For example,
23675 @samp{print object} is a valid parameter name.
23676
23677 If the named parameter does not exist, this function throws a
23678 @code{gdb.error} (@pxref{Exception Handling}). Otherwise, the
23679 parameter's value is converted to a Python value of the appropriate
23680 type, and returned.
23681 @end defun
23682
23683 @findex gdb.history
23684 @defun gdb.history (number)
23685 Return a value from @value{GDBN}'s value history (@pxref{Value
23686 History}). @var{number} indicates which history element to return.
23687 If @var{number} is negative, then @value{GDBN} will take its absolute value
23688 and count backward from the last element (i.e., the most recent element) to
23689 find the value to return. If @var{number} is zero, then @value{GDBN} will
23690 return the most recent element. If the element specified by @var{number}
23691 doesn't exist in the value history, a @code{gdb.error} exception will be
23692 raised.
23693
23694 If no exception is raised, the return value is always an instance of
23695 @code{gdb.Value} (@pxref{Values From Inferior}).
23696 @end defun
23697
23698 @findex gdb.parse_and_eval
23699 @defun gdb.parse_and_eval (expression)
23700 Parse @var{expression} as an expression in the current language,
23701 evaluate it, and return the result as a @code{gdb.Value}.
23702 @var{expression} must be a string.
23703
23704 This function can be useful when implementing a new command
23705 (@pxref{Commands In Python}), as it provides a way to parse the
23706 command's argument as an expression. It is also useful simply to
23707 compute values, for example, it is the only way to get the value of a
23708 convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) as a @code{gdb.Value}.
23709 @end defun
23710
23711 @findex gdb.find_pc_line
23712 @defun gdb.find_pc_line (pc)
23713 Return the @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object corresponding to the
23714 @var{pc} value. @xref{Symbol Tables In Python}. If an invalid
23715 value of @var{pc} is passed as an argument, then the @code{symtab} and
23716 @code{line} attributes of the returned @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object
23717 will be @code{None} and 0 respectively.
23718 @end defun
23719
23720 @findex gdb.post_event
23721 @defun gdb.post_event (event)
23722 Put @var{event}, a callable object taking no arguments, into
23723 @value{GDBN}'s internal event queue. This callable will be invoked at
23724 some later point, during @value{GDBN}'s event processing. Events
23725 posted using @code{post_event} will be run in the order in which they
23726 were posted; however, there is no way to know when they will be
23727 processed relative to other events inside @value{GDBN}.
23728
23729 @value{GDBN} is not thread-safe. If your Python program uses multiple
23730 threads, you must be careful to only call @value{GDBN}-specific
23731 functions in the main @value{GDBN} thread. @code{post_event} ensures
23732 this. For example:
23733
23734 @smallexample
23735 (@value{GDBP}) python
23736 >import threading
23737 >
23738 >class Writer():
23739 > def __init__(self, message):
23740 > self.message = message;
23741 > def __call__(self):
23742 > gdb.write(self.message)
23743 >
23744 >class MyThread1 (threading.Thread):
23745 > def run (self):
23746 > gdb.post_event(Writer("Hello "))
23747 >
23748 >class MyThread2 (threading.Thread):
23749 > def run (self):
23750 > gdb.post_event(Writer("World\n"))
23751 >
23752 >MyThread1().start()
23753 >MyThread2().start()
23754 >end
23755 (@value{GDBP}) Hello World
23756 @end smallexample
23757 @end defun
23758
23759 @findex gdb.write
23760 @defun gdb.write (string @r{[}, stream{]})
23761 Print a string to @value{GDBN}'s paginated output stream. The
23762 optional @var{stream} determines the stream to print to. The default
23763 stream is @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream. Possible stream
23764 values are:
23765
23766 @table @code
23767 @findex STDOUT
23768 @findex gdb.STDOUT
23769 @item gdb.STDOUT
23770 @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream.
23771
23772 @findex STDERR
23773 @findex gdb.STDERR
23774 @item gdb.STDERR
23775 @value{GDBN}'s standard error stream.
23776
23777 @findex STDLOG
23778 @findex gdb.STDLOG
23779 @item gdb.STDLOG
23780 @value{GDBN}'s log stream (@pxref{Logging Output}).
23781 @end table
23782
23783 Writing to @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
23784 call this function and will automatically direct the output to the
23785 relevant stream.
23786 @end defun
23787
23788 @findex gdb.flush
23789 @defun gdb.flush ()
23790 Flush the buffer of a @value{GDBN} paginated stream so that the
23791 contents are displayed immediately. @value{GDBN} will flush the
23792 contents of a stream automatically when it encounters a newline in the
23793 buffer. The optional @var{stream} determines the stream to flush. The
23794 default stream is @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream. Possible
23795 stream values are:
23796
23797 @table @code
23798 @findex STDOUT
23799 @findex gdb.STDOUT
23800 @item gdb.STDOUT
23801 @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream.
23802
23803 @findex STDERR
23804 @findex gdb.STDERR
23805 @item gdb.STDERR
23806 @value{GDBN}'s standard error stream.
23807
23808 @findex STDLOG
23809 @findex gdb.STDLOG
23810 @item gdb.STDLOG
23811 @value{GDBN}'s log stream (@pxref{Logging Output}).
23812
23813 @end table
23814
23815 Flushing @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
23816 call this function for the relevant stream.
23817 @end defun
23818
23819 @findex gdb.target_charset
23820 @defun gdb.target_charset ()
23821 Return the name of the current target character set (@pxref{Character
23822 Sets}). This differs from @code{gdb.parameter('target-charset')} in
23823 that @samp{auto} is never returned.
23824 @end defun
23825
23826 @findex gdb.target_wide_charset
23827 @defun gdb.target_wide_charset ()
23828 Return the name of the current target wide character set
23829 (@pxref{Character Sets}). This differs from
23830 @code{gdb.parameter('target-wide-charset')} in that @samp{auto} is
23831 never returned.
23832 @end defun
23833
23834 @findex gdb.solib_name
23835 @defun gdb.solib_name (address)
23836 Return the name of the shared library holding the given @var{address}
23837 as a string, or @code{None}.
23838 @end defun
23839
23840 @findex gdb.decode_line
23841 @defun gdb.decode_line @r{[}expression@r{]}
23842 Return locations of the line specified by @var{expression}, or of the
23843 current line if no argument was given. This function returns a Python
23844 tuple containing two elements. The first element contains a string
23845 holding any unparsed section of @var{expression} (or @code{None} if
23846 the expression has been fully parsed). The second element contains
23847 either @code{None} or another tuple that contains all the locations
23848 that match the expression represented as @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line}
23849 objects (@pxref{Symbol Tables In Python}). If @var{expression} is
23850 provided, it is decoded the way that @value{GDBN}'s inbuilt
23851 @code{break} or @code{edit} commands do (@pxref{Specify Location}).
23852 @end defun
23853
23854 @defun gdb.prompt_hook (current_prompt)
23855 @anchor{prompt_hook}
23856
23857 If @var{prompt_hook} is callable, @value{GDBN} will call the method
23858 assigned to this operation before a prompt is displayed by
23859 @value{GDBN}.
23860
23861 The parameter @code{current_prompt} contains the current @value{GDBN}
23862 prompt. This method must return a Python string, or @code{None}. If
23863 a string is returned, the @value{GDBN} prompt will be set to that
23864 string. If @code{None} is returned, @value{GDBN} will continue to use
23865 the current prompt.
23866
23867 Some prompts cannot be substituted in @value{GDBN}. Secondary prompts
23868 such as those used by readline for command input, and annotation
23869 related prompts are prohibited from being changed.
23870 @end defun
23871
23872 @node Exception Handling
23873 @subsubsection Exception Handling
23874 @cindex python exceptions
23875 @cindex exceptions, python
23876
23877 When executing the @code{python} command, Python exceptions
23878 uncaught within the Python code are translated to calls to
23879 @value{GDBN} error-reporting mechanism. If the command that called
23880 @code{python} does not handle the error, @value{GDBN} will
23881 terminate it and print an error message containing the Python
23882 exception name, the associated value, and the Python call stack
23883 backtrace at the point where the exception was raised. Example:
23884
23885 @smallexample
23886 (@value{GDBP}) python print foo
23887 Traceback (most recent call last):
23888 File "<string>", line 1, in <module>
23889 NameError: name 'foo' is not defined
23890 @end smallexample
23891
23892 @value{GDBN} errors that happen in @value{GDBN} commands invoked by
23893 Python code are converted to Python exceptions. The type of the
23894 Python exception depends on the error.
23895
23896 @ftable @code
23897 @item gdb.error
23898 This is the base class for most exceptions generated by @value{GDBN}.
23899 It is derived from @code{RuntimeError}, for compatibility with earlier
23900 versions of @value{GDBN}.
23901
23902 If an error occurring in @value{GDBN} does not fit into some more
23903 specific category, then the generated exception will have this type.
23904
23905 @item gdb.MemoryError
23906 This is a subclass of @code{gdb.error} which is thrown when an
23907 operation tried to access invalid memory in the inferior.
23908
23909 @item KeyboardInterrupt
23910 User interrupt (via @kbd{C-c} or by typing @kbd{q} at a pagination
23911 prompt) is translated to a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception.
23912 @end ftable
23913
23914 In all cases, your exception handler will see the @value{GDBN} error
23915 message as its value and the Python call stack backtrace at the Python
23916 statement closest to where the @value{GDBN} error occured as the
23917 traceback.
23918
23919 @findex gdb.GdbError
23920 When implementing @value{GDBN} commands in Python via @code{gdb.Command},
23921 it is useful to be able to throw an exception that doesn't cause a
23922 traceback to be printed. For example, the user may have invoked the
23923 command incorrectly. Use the @code{gdb.GdbError} exception
23924 to handle this case. Example:
23925
23926 @smallexample
23927 (gdb) python
23928 >class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
23929 > """Greet the whole world."""
23930 > def __init__ (self):
23931 > super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_USER)
23932 > def invoke (self, args, from_tty):
23933 > argv = gdb.string_to_argv (args)
23934 > if len (argv) != 0:
23935 > raise gdb.GdbError ("hello-world takes no arguments")
23936 > print "Hello, World!"
23937 >HelloWorld ()
23938 >end
23939 (gdb) hello-world 42
23940 hello-world takes no arguments
23941 @end smallexample
23942
23943 @node Values From Inferior
23944 @subsubsection Values From Inferior
23945 @cindex values from inferior, with Python
23946 @cindex python, working with values from inferior
23947
23948 @cindex @code{gdb.Value}
23949 @value{GDBN} provides values it obtains from the inferior program in
23950 an object of type @code{gdb.Value}. @value{GDBN} uses this object
23951 for its internal bookkeeping of the inferior's values, and for
23952 fetching values when necessary.
23953
23954 Inferior values that are simple scalars can be used directly in
23955 Python expressions that are valid for the value's data type. Here's
23956 an example for an integer or floating-point value @code{some_val}:
23957
23958 @smallexample
23959 bar = some_val + 2
23960 @end smallexample
23961
23962 @noindent
23963 As result of this, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object
23964 whose values are of the same type as those of @code{some_val}.
23965
23966 Inferior values that are structures or instances of some class can
23967 be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}. For example, if
23968 @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance holding a structure, you
23969 can access its @code{foo} element with:
23970
23971 @smallexample
23972 bar = some_val['foo']
23973 @end smallexample
23974
23975 @cindex getting structure elements using gdb.Field objects as subscripts
23976 Again, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object. Structure
23977 elements can also be accessed by using @code{gdb.Field} objects as
23978 subscripts (@pxref{Types In Python}, for more information on
23979 @code{gdb.Field} objects). For example, if @code{foo_field} is a
23980 @code{gdb.Field} object corresponding to element @code{foo} of the above
23981 structure, then @code{bar} can also be accessed as follows:
23982
23983 @smallexample
23984 bar = some_val[foo_field]
23985 @end smallexample
23986
23987 A @code{gdb.Value} that represents a function can be executed via
23988 inferior function call. Any arguments provided to the call must match
23989 the function's prototype, and must be provided in the order specified
23990 by that prototype.
23991
23992 For example, @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance
23993 representing a function that takes two integers as arguments. To
23994 execute this function, call it like so:
23995
23996 @smallexample
23997 result = some_val (10,20)
23998 @end smallexample
23999
24000 Any values returned from a function call will be stored as a
24001 @code{gdb.Value}.
24002
24003 The following attributes are provided:
24004
24005 @defvar Value.address
24006 If this object is addressable, this read-only attribute holds a
24007 @code{gdb.Value} object representing the address. Otherwise,
24008 this attribute holds @code{None}.
24009 @end defvar
24010
24011 @cindex optimized out value in Python
24012 @defvar Value.is_optimized_out
24013 This read-only boolean attribute is true if the compiler optimized out
24014 this value, thus it is not available for fetching from the inferior.
24015 @end defvar
24016
24017 @defvar Value.type
24018 The type of this @code{gdb.Value}. The value of this attribute is a
24019 @code{gdb.Type} object (@pxref{Types In Python}).
24020 @end defvar
24021
24022 @defvar Value.dynamic_type
24023 The dynamic type of this @code{gdb.Value}. This uses C@t{++} run-time
24024 type information (@acronym{RTTI}) to determine the dynamic type of the
24025 value. If this value is of class type, it will return the class in
24026 which the value is embedded, if any. If this value is of pointer or
24027 reference to a class type, it will compute the dynamic type of the
24028 referenced object, and return a pointer or reference to that type,
24029 respectively. In all other cases, it will return the value's static
24030 type.
24031
24032 Note that this feature will only work when debugging a C@t{++} program
24033 that includes @acronym{RTTI} for the object in question. Otherwise,
24034 it will just return the static type of the value as in @kbd{ptype foo}
24035 (@pxref{Symbols, ptype}).
24036 @end defvar
24037
24038 @defvar Value.is_lazy
24039 The value of this read-only boolean attribute is @code{True} if this
24040 @code{gdb.Value} has not yet been fetched from the inferior.
24041 @value{GDBN} does not fetch values until necessary, for efficiency.
24042 For example:
24043
24044 @smallexample
24045 myval = gdb.parse_and_eval ('somevar')
24046 @end smallexample
24047
24048 The value of @code{somevar} is not fetched at this time. It will be
24049 fetched when the value is needed, or when the @code{fetch_lazy}
24050 method is invoked.
24051 @end defvar
24052
24053 The following methods are provided:
24054
24055 @defun Value.__init__ (@var{val})
24056 Many Python values can be converted directly to a @code{gdb.Value} via
24057 this object initializer. Specifically:
24058
24059 @table @asis
24060 @item Python boolean
24061 A Python boolean is converted to the boolean type from the current
24062 language.
24063
24064 @item Python integer
24065 A Python integer is converted to the C @code{long} type for the
24066 current architecture.
24067
24068 @item Python long
24069 A Python long is converted to the C @code{long long} type for the
24070 current architecture.
24071
24072 @item Python float
24073 A Python float is converted to the C @code{double} type for the
24074 current architecture.
24075
24076 @item Python string
24077 A Python string is converted to a target string, using the current
24078 target encoding.
24079
24080 @item @code{gdb.Value}
24081 If @code{val} is a @code{gdb.Value}, then a copy of the value is made.
24082
24083 @item @code{gdb.LazyString}
24084 If @code{val} is a @code{gdb.LazyString} (@pxref{Lazy Strings In
24085 Python}), then the lazy string's @code{value} method is called, and
24086 its result is used.
24087 @end table
24088 @end defun
24089
24090 @defun Value.cast (type)
24091 Return a new instance of @code{gdb.Value} that is the result of
24092 casting this instance to the type described by @var{type}, which must
24093 be a @code{gdb.Type} object. If the cast cannot be performed for some
24094 reason, this method throws an exception.
24095 @end defun
24096
24097 @defun Value.dereference ()
24098 For pointer data types, this method returns a new @code{gdb.Value} object
24099 whose contents is the object pointed to by the pointer. For example, if
24100 @code{foo} is a C pointer to an @code{int}, declared in your C program as
24101
24102 @smallexample
24103 int *foo;
24104 @end smallexample
24105
24106 @noindent
24107 then you can use the corresponding @code{gdb.Value} to access what
24108 @code{foo} points to like this:
24109
24110 @smallexample
24111 bar = foo.dereference ()
24112 @end smallexample
24113
24114 The result @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Value} object holding the
24115 value pointed to by @code{foo}.
24116
24117 A similar function @code{Value.referenced_value} exists which also
24118 returns @code{gdb.Value} objects corresonding to the values pointed to
24119 by pointer values (and additionally, values referenced by reference
24120 values). However, the behavior of @code{Value.dereference}
24121 differs from @code{Value.referenced_value} by the fact that the
24122 behavior of @code{Value.dereference} is identical to applying the C
24123 unary operator @code{*} on a given value. For example, consider a
24124 reference to a pointer @code{ptrref}, declared in your C@t{++} program
24125 as
24126
24127 @smallexample
24128 typedef int *intptr;
24129 ...
24130 int val = 10;
24131 intptr ptr = &val;
24132 intptr &ptrref = ptr;
24133 @end smallexample
24134
24135 Though @code{ptrref} is a reference value, one can apply the method
24136 @code{Value.dereference} to the @code{gdb.Value} object corresponding
24137 to it and obtain a @code{gdb.Value} which is identical to that
24138 corresponding to @code{val}. However, if you apply the method
24139 @code{Value.referenced_value}, the result would be a @code{gdb.Value}
24140 object identical to that corresponding to @code{ptr}.
24141
24142 @smallexample
24143 py_ptrref = gdb.parse_and_eval ("ptrref")
24144 py_val = py_ptrref.dereference ()
24145 py_ptr = py_ptrref.referenced_value ()
24146 @end smallexample
24147
24148 The @code{gdb.Value} object @code{py_val} is identical to that
24149 corresponding to @code{val}, and @code{py_ptr} is identical to that
24150 corresponding to @code{ptr}. In general, @code{Value.dereference} can
24151 be applied whenever the C unary operator @code{*} can be applied
24152 to the corresponding C value. For those cases where applying both
24153 @code{Value.dereference} and @code{Value.referenced_value} is allowed,
24154 the results obtained need not be identical (as we have seen in the above
24155 example). The results are however identical when applied on
24156 @code{gdb.Value} objects corresponding to pointers (@code{gdb.Value}
24157 objects with type code @code{TYPE_CODE_PTR}) in a C/C@t{++} program.
24158 @end defun
24159
24160 @defun Value.referenced_value ()
24161 For pointer or reference data types, this method returns a new
24162 @code{gdb.Value} object corresponding to the value referenced by the
24163 pointer/reference value. For pointer data types,
24164 @code{Value.dereference} and @code{Value.referenced_value} produce
24165 identical results. The difference between these methods is that
24166 @code{Value.dereference} cannot get the values referenced by reference
24167 values. For example, consider a reference to an @code{int}, declared
24168 in your C@t{++} program as
24169
24170 @smallexample
24171 int val = 10;
24172 int &ref = val;
24173 @end smallexample
24174
24175 @noindent
24176 then applying @code{Value.dereference} to the @code{gdb.Value} object
24177 corresponding to @code{ref} will result in an error, while applying
24178 @code{Value.referenced_value} will result in a @code{gdb.Value} object
24179 identical to that corresponding to @code{val}.
24180
24181 @smallexample
24182 py_ref = gdb.parse_and_eval ("ref")
24183 er_ref = py_ref.dereference () # Results in error
24184 py_val = py_ref.referenced_value () # Returns the referenced value
24185 @end smallexample
24186
24187 The @code{gdb.Value} object @code{py_val} is identical to that
24188 corresponding to @code{val}.
24189 @end defun
24190
24191 @defun Value.dynamic_cast (type)
24192 Like @code{Value.cast}, but works as if the C@t{++} @code{dynamic_cast}
24193 operator were used. Consult a C@t{++} reference for details.
24194 @end defun
24195
24196 @defun Value.reinterpret_cast (type)
24197 Like @code{Value.cast}, but works as if the C@t{++} @code{reinterpret_cast}
24198 operator were used. Consult a C@t{++} reference for details.
24199 @end defun
24200
24201 @defun Value.string (@r{[}encoding@r{[}, errors@r{[}, length@r{]]]})
24202 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
24203 converts the contents to a Python string. Otherwise, this method will
24204 throw an exception.
24205
24206 Strings are recognized in a language-specific way; whether a given
24207 @code{gdb.Value} represents a string is determined by the current
24208 language.
24209
24210 For C-like languages, a value is a string if it is a pointer to or an
24211 array of characters or ints. The string is assumed to be terminated
24212 by a zero of the appropriate width. However if the optional length
24213 argument is given, the string will be converted to that given length,
24214 ignoring any embedded zeros that the string may contain.
24215
24216 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
24217 naming the encoding of the string in the @code{gdb.Value}, such as
24218 @code{"ascii"}, @code{"iso-8859-6"} or @code{"utf-8"}. It accepts
24219 the same encodings as the corresponding argument to Python's
24220 @code{string.decode} method, and the Python codec machinery will be used
24221 to convert the string. If @var{encoding} is not given, or if
24222 @var{encoding} is the empty string, then either the @code{target-charset}
24223 (@pxref{Character Sets}) will be used, or a language-specific encoding
24224 will be used, if the current language is able to supply one.
24225
24226 The optional @var{errors} argument is the same as the corresponding
24227 argument to Python's @code{string.decode} method.
24228
24229 If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
24230 fetched and converted to the given length.
24231 @end defun
24232
24233 @defun Value.lazy_string (@r{[}encoding @r{[}, length@r{]]})
24234 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
24235 converts the contents to a @code{gdb.LazyString} (@pxref{Lazy Strings
24236 In Python}). Otherwise, this method will throw an exception.
24237
24238 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
24239 naming the encoding of the @code{gdb.LazyString}. Some examples are:
24240 @samp{ascii}, @samp{iso-8859-6} or @samp{utf-8}. If the
24241 @var{encoding} argument is an encoding that @value{GDBN} does
24242 recognize, @value{GDBN} will raise an error.
24243
24244 When a lazy string is printed, the @value{GDBN} encoding machinery is
24245 used to convert the string during printing. If the optional
24246 @var{encoding} argument is not provided, or is an empty string,
24247 @value{GDBN} will automatically select the encoding most suitable for
24248 the string type. For further information on encoding in @value{GDBN}
24249 please see @ref{Character Sets}.
24250
24251 If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
24252 fetched and encoded to the length of characters specified. If
24253 the @var{length} argument is not provided, the string will be fetched
24254 and encoded until a null of appropriate width is found.
24255 @end defun
24256
24257 @defun Value.fetch_lazy ()
24258 If the @code{gdb.Value} object is currently a lazy value
24259 (@code{gdb.Value.is_lazy} is @code{True}), then the value is
24260 fetched from the inferior. Any errors that occur in the process
24261 will produce a Python exception.
24262
24263 If the @code{gdb.Value} object is not a lazy value, this method
24264 has no effect.
24265
24266 This method does not return a value.
24267 @end defun
24268
24269
24270 @node Types In Python
24271 @subsubsection Types In Python
24272 @cindex types in Python
24273 @cindex Python, working with types
24274
24275 @tindex gdb.Type
24276 @value{GDBN} represents types from the inferior using the class
24277 @code{gdb.Type}.
24278
24279 The following type-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
24280 module:
24281
24282 @findex gdb.lookup_type
24283 @defun gdb.lookup_type (name @r{[}, block@r{]})
24284 This function looks up a type by name. @var{name} is the name of the
24285 type to look up. It must be a string.
24286
24287 If @var{block} is given, then @var{name} is looked up in that scope.
24288 Otherwise, it is searched for globally.
24289
24290 Ordinarily, this function will return an instance of @code{gdb.Type}.
24291 If the named type cannot be found, it will throw an exception.
24292 @end defun
24293
24294 If the type is a structure or class type, or an enum type, the fields
24295 of that type can be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}.
24296 For example, if @code{some_type} is a @code{gdb.Type} instance holding
24297 a structure type, you can access its @code{foo} field with:
24298
24299 @smallexample
24300 bar = some_type['foo']
24301 @end smallexample
24302
24303 @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Field} object; see below under the
24304 description of the @code{Type.fields} method for a description of the
24305 @code{gdb.Field} class.
24306
24307 An instance of @code{Type} has the following attributes:
24308
24309 @defvar Type.code
24310 The type code for this type. The type code will be one of the
24311 @code{TYPE_CODE_} constants defined below.
24312 @end defvar
24313
24314 @defvar Type.sizeof
24315 The size of this type, in target @code{char} units. Usually, a
24316 target's @code{char} type will be an 8-bit byte. However, on some
24317 unusual platforms, this type may have a different size.
24318 @end defvar
24319
24320 @defvar Type.tag
24321 The tag name for this type. The tag name is the name after
24322 @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} in C and C@t{++}; not all
24323 languages have this concept. If this type has no tag name, then
24324 @code{None} is returned.
24325 @end defvar
24326
24327 The following methods are provided:
24328
24329 @defun Type.fields ()
24330 For structure and union types, this method returns the fields. Range
24331 types have two fields, the minimum and maximum values. Enum types
24332 have one field per enum constant. Function and method types have one
24333 field per parameter. The base types of C@t{++} classes are also
24334 represented as fields. If the type has no fields, or does not fit
24335 into one of these categories, an empty sequence will be returned.
24336
24337 Each field is a @code{gdb.Field} object, with some pre-defined attributes:
24338 @table @code
24339 @item bitpos
24340 This attribute is not available for @code{enum} or @code{static}
24341 (as in C@t{++} or Java) fields. The value is the position, counting
24342 in bits, from the start of the containing type.
24343
24344 @item enumval
24345 This attribute is only available for @code{enum} fields, and its value
24346 is the enumeration member's integer representation.
24347
24348 @item name
24349 The name of the field, or @code{None} for anonymous fields.
24350
24351 @item artificial
24352 This is @code{True} if the field is artificial, usually meaning that
24353 it was provided by the compiler and not the user. This attribute is
24354 always provided, and is @code{False} if the field is not artificial.
24355
24356 @item is_base_class
24357 This is @code{True} if the field represents a base class of a C@t{++}
24358 structure. This attribute is always provided, and is @code{False}
24359 if the field is not a base class of the type that is the argument of
24360 @code{fields}, or if that type was not a C@t{++} class.
24361
24362 @item bitsize
24363 If the field is packed, or is a bitfield, then this will have a
24364 non-zero value, which is the size of the field in bits. Otherwise,
24365 this will be zero; in this case the field's size is given by its type.
24366
24367 @item type
24368 The type of the field. This is usually an instance of @code{Type},
24369 but it can be @code{None} in some situations.
24370
24371 @item parent_type
24372 The type which contains this field. This is an instance of
24373 @code{gdb.Type}.
24374 @end table
24375 @end defun
24376
24377 @defun Type.array (@var{n1} @r{[}, @var{n2}@r{]})
24378 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an array of this
24379 type. If one argument is given, it is the inclusive upper bound of
24380 the array; in this case the lower bound is zero. If two arguments are
24381 given, the first argument is the lower bound of the array, and the
24382 second argument is the upper bound of the array. An array's length
24383 must not be negative, but the bounds can be.
24384 @end defun
24385
24386 @defun Type.vector (@var{n1} @r{[}, @var{n2}@r{]})
24387 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a vector of this
24388 type. If one argument is given, it is the inclusive upper bound of
24389 the vector; in this case the lower bound is zero. If two arguments are
24390 given, the first argument is the lower bound of the vector, and the
24391 second argument is the upper bound of the vector. A vector's length
24392 must not be negative, but the bounds can be.
24393
24394 The difference between an @code{array} and a @code{vector} is that
24395 arrays behave like in C: when used in expressions they decay to a pointer
24396 to the first element whereas vectors are treated as first class values.
24397 @end defun
24398
24399 @defun Type.const ()
24400 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
24401 @code{const}-qualified variant of this type.
24402 @end defun
24403
24404 @defun Type.volatile ()
24405 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
24406 @code{volatile}-qualified variant of this type.
24407 @end defun
24408
24409 @defun Type.unqualified ()
24410 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an unqualified
24411 variant of this type. That is, the result is neither @code{const} nor
24412 @code{volatile}.
24413 @end defun
24414
24415 @defun Type.range ()
24416 Return a Python @code{Tuple} object that contains two elements: the
24417 low bound of the argument type and the high bound of that type. If
24418 the type does not have a range, @value{GDBN} will raise a
24419 @code{gdb.error} exception (@pxref{Exception Handling}).
24420 @end defun
24421
24422 @defun Type.reference ()
24423 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a reference to this
24424 type.
24425 @end defun
24426
24427 @defun Type.pointer ()
24428 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a pointer to this
24429 type.
24430 @end defun
24431
24432 @defun Type.strip_typedefs ()
24433 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} that represents the real type,
24434 after removing all layers of typedefs.
24435 @end defun
24436
24437 @defun Type.target ()
24438 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents the target type
24439 of this type.
24440
24441 For a pointer type, the target type is the type of the pointed-to
24442 object. For an array type (meaning C-like arrays), the target type is
24443 the type of the elements of the array. For a function or method type,
24444 the target type is the type of the return value. For a complex type,
24445 the target type is the type of the elements. For a typedef, the
24446 target type is the aliased type.
24447
24448 If the type does not have a target, this method will throw an
24449 exception.
24450 @end defun
24451
24452 @defun Type.template_argument (n @r{[}, block@r{]})
24453 If this @code{gdb.Type} is an instantiation of a template, this will
24454 return a new @code{gdb.Type} which represents the type of the
24455 @var{n}th template argument.
24456
24457 If this @code{gdb.Type} is not a template type, this will throw an
24458 exception. Ordinarily, only C@t{++} code will have template types.
24459
24460 If @var{block} is given, then @var{name} is looked up in that scope.
24461 Otherwise, it is searched for globally.
24462 @end defun
24463
24464
24465 Each type has a code, which indicates what category this type falls
24466 into. The available type categories are represented by constants
24467 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
24468
24469 @table @code
24470 @findex TYPE_CODE_PTR
24471 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_PTR
24472 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_PTR
24473 The type is a pointer.
24474
24475 @findex TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
24476 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
24477 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
24478 The type is an array.
24479
24480 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
24481 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
24482 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
24483 The type is a structure.
24484
24485 @findex TYPE_CODE_UNION
24486 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_UNION
24487 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_UNION
24488 The type is a union.
24489
24490 @findex TYPE_CODE_ENUM
24491 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ENUM
24492 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_ENUM
24493 The type is an enum.
24494
24495 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
24496 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
24497 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
24498 A bit flags type, used for things such as status registers.
24499
24500 @findex TYPE_CODE_FUNC
24501 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FUNC
24502 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_FUNC
24503 The type is a function.
24504
24505 @findex TYPE_CODE_INT
24506 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INT
24507 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_INT
24508 The type is an integer type.
24509
24510 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLT
24511 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLT
24512 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLT
24513 A floating point type.
24514
24515 @findex TYPE_CODE_VOID
24516 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_VOID
24517 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_VOID
24518 The special type @code{void}.
24519
24520 @findex TYPE_CODE_SET
24521 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_SET
24522 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_SET
24523 A Pascal set type.
24524
24525 @findex TYPE_CODE_RANGE
24526 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_RANGE
24527 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_RANGE
24528 A range type, that is, an integer type with bounds.
24529
24530 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRING
24531 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRING
24532 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRING
24533 A string type. Note that this is only used for certain languages with
24534 language-defined string types; C strings are not represented this way.
24535
24536 @findex TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
24537 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
24538 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
24539 A string of bits. It is deprecated.
24540
24541 @findex TYPE_CODE_ERROR
24542 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ERROR
24543 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_ERROR
24544 An unknown or erroneous type.
24545
24546 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHOD
24547 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHOD
24548 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHOD
24549 A method type, as found in C@t{++} or Java.
24550
24551 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
24552 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
24553 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
24554 A pointer-to-member-function.
24555
24556 @findex TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
24557 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
24558 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
24559 A pointer-to-member.
24560
24561 @findex TYPE_CODE_REF
24562 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_REF
24563 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_REF
24564 A reference type.
24565
24566 @findex TYPE_CODE_CHAR
24567 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_CHAR
24568 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_CHAR
24569 A character type.
24570
24571 @findex TYPE_CODE_BOOL
24572 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BOOL
24573 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_BOOL
24574 A boolean type.
24575
24576 @findex TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
24577 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
24578 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
24579 A complex float type.
24580
24581 @findex TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
24582 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
24583 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
24584 A typedef to some other type.
24585
24586 @findex TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
24587 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
24588 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
24589 A C@t{++} namespace.
24590
24591 @findex TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
24592 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
24593 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
24594 A decimal floating point type.
24595
24596 @findex TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
24597 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
24598 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
24599 A function internal to @value{GDBN}. This is the type used to represent
24600 convenience functions.
24601 @end table
24602
24603 Further support for types is provided in the @code{gdb.types}
24604 Python module (@pxref{gdb.types}).
24605
24606 @node Pretty Printing API
24607 @subsubsection Pretty Printing API
24608
24609 An example output is provided (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
24610
24611 A pretty-printer is just an object that holds a value and implements a
24612 specific interface, defined here.
24613
24614 @defun pretty_printer.children (self)
24615 @value{GDBN} will call this method on a pretty-printer to compute the
24616 children of the pretty-printer's value.
24617
24618 This method must return an object conforming to the Python iterator
24619 protocol. Each item returned by the iterator must be a tuple holding
24620 two elements. The first element is the ``name'' of the child; the
24621 second element is the child's value. The value can be any Python
24622 object which is convertible to a @value{GDBN} value.
24623
24624 This method is optional. If it does not exist, @value{GDBN} will act
24625 as though the value has no children.
24626 @end defun
24627
24628 @defun pretty_printer.display_hint (self)
24629 The CLI may call this method and use its result to change the
24630 formatting of a value. The result will also be supplied to an MI
24631 consumer as a @samp{displayhint} attribute of the variable being
24632 printed.
24633
24634 This method is optional. If it does exist, this method must return a
24635 string.
24636
24637 Some display hints are predefined by @value{GDBN}:
24638
24639 @table @samp
24640 @item array
24641 Indicate that the object being printed is ``array-like''. The CLI
24642 uses this to respect parameters such as @code{set print elements} and
24643 @code{set print array}.
24644
24645 @item map
24646 Indicate that the object being printed is ``map-like'', and that the
24647 children of this value can be assumed to alternate between keys and
24648 values.
24649
24650 @item string
24651 Indicate that the object being printed is ``string-like''. If the
24652 printer's @code{to_string} method returns a Python string of some
24653 kind, then @value{GDBN} will call its internal language-specific
24654 string-printing function to format the string. For the CLI this means
24655 adding quotation marks, possibly escaping some characters, respecting
24656 @code{set print elements}, and the like.
24657 @end table
24658 @end defun
24659
24660 @defun pretty_printer.to_string (self)
24661 @value{GDBN} will call this method to display the string
24662 representation of the value passed to the object's constructor.
24663
24664 When printing from the CLI, if the @code{to_string} method exists,
24665 then @value{GDBN} will prepend its result to the values returned by
24666 @code{children}. Exactly how this formatting is done is dependent on
24667 the display hint, and may change as more hints are added. Also,
24668 depending on the print settings (@pxref{Print Settings}), the CLI may
24669 print just the result of @code{to_string} in a stack trace, omitting
24670 the result of @code{children}.
24671
24672 If this method returns a string, it is printed verbatim.
24673
24674 Otherwise, if this method returns an instance of @code{gdb.Value},
24675 then @value{GDBN} prints this value. This may result in a call to
24676 another pretty-printer.
24677
24678 If instead the method returns a Python value which is convertible to a
24679 @code{gdb.Value}, then @value{GDBN} performs the conversion and prints
24680 the resulting value. Again, this may result in a call to another
24681 pretty-printer. Python scalars (integers, floats, and booleans) and
24682 strings are convertible to @code{gdb.Value}; other types are not.
24683
24684 Finally, if this method returns @code{None} then no further operations
24685 are peformed in this method and nothing is printed.
24686
24687 If the result is not one of these types, an exception is raised.
24688 @end defun
24689
24690 @value{GDBN} provides a function which can be used to look up the
24691 default pretty-printer for a @code{gdb.Value}:
24692
24693 @findex gdb.default_visualizer
24694 @defun gdb.default_visualizer (value)
24695 This function takes a @code{gdb.Value} object as an argument. If a
24696 pretty-printer for this value exists, then it is returned. If no such
24697 printer exists, then this returns @code{None}.
24698 @end defun
24699
24700 @node Selecting Pretty-Printers
24701 @subsubsection Selecting Pretty-Printers
24702
24703 The Python list @code{gdb.pretty_printers} contains an array of
24704 functions or callable objects that have been registered via addition
24705 as a pretty-printer. Printers in this list are called @code{global}
24706 printers, they're available when debugging all inferiors.
24707 Each @code{gdb.Progspace} contains a @code{pretty_printers} attribute.
24708 Each @code{gdb.Objfile} also contains a @code{pretty_printers}
24709 attribute.
24710
24711 Each function on these lists is passed a single @code{gdb.Value}
24712 argument and should return a pretty-printer object conforming to the
24713 interface definition above (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}). If a function
24714 cannot create a pretty-printer for the value, it should return
24715 @code{None}.
24716
24717 @value{GDBN} first checks the @code{pretty_printers} attribute of each
24718 @code{gdb.Objfile} in the current program space and iteratively calls
24719 each enabled lookup routine in the list for that @code{gdb.Objfile}
24720 until it receives a pretty-printer object.
24721 If no pretty-printer is found in the objfile lists, @value{GDBN} then
24722 searches the pretty-printer list of the current program space,
24723 calling each enabled function until an object is returned.
24724 After these lists have been exhausted, it tries the global
24725 @code{gdb.pretty_printers} list, again calling each enabled function until an
24726 object is returned.
24727
24728 The order in which the objfiles are searched is not specified. For a
24729 given list, functions are always invoked from the head of the list,
24730 and iterated over sequentially until the end of the list, or a printer
24731 object is returned.
24732
24733 For various reasons a pretty-printer may not work.
24734 For example, the underlying data structure may have changed and
24735 the pretty-printer is out of date.
24736
24737 The consequences of a broken pretty-printer are severe enough that
24738 @value{GDBN} provides support for enabling and disabling individual
24739 printers. For example, if @code{print frame-arguments} is on,
24740 a backtrace can become highly illegible if any argument is printed
24741 with a broken printer.
24742
24743 Pretty-printers are enabled and disabled by attaching an @code{enabled}
24744 attribute to the registered function or callable object. If this attribute
24745 is present and its value is @code{False}, the printer is disabled, otherwise
24746 the printer is enabled.
24747
24748 @node Writing a Pretty-Printer
24749 @subsubsection Writing a Pretty-Printer
24750 @cindex writing a pretty-printer
24751
24752 A pretty-printer consists of two parts: a lookup function to detect
24753 if the type is supported, and the printer itself.
24754
24755 Here is an example showing how a @code{std::string} printer might be
24756 written. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for details on the API this class
24757 must provide.
24758
24759 @smallexample
24760 class StdStringPrinter(object):
24761 "Print a std::string"
24762
24763 def __init__(self, val):
24764 self.val = val
24765
24766 def to_string(self):
24767 return self.val['_M_dataplus']['_M_p']
24768
24769 def display_hint(self):
24770 return 'string'
24771 @end smallexample
24772
24773 And here is an example showing how a lookup function for the printer
24774 example above might be written.
24775
24776 @smallexample
24777 def str_lookup_function(val):
24778 lookup_tag = val.type.tag
24779 if lookup_tag == None:
24780 return None
24781 regex = re.compile("^std::basic_string<char,.*>$")
24782 if regex.match(lookup_tag):
24783 return StdStringPrinter(val)
24784 return None
24785 @end smallexample
24786
24787 The example lookup function extracts the value's type, and attempts to
24788 match it to a type that it can pretty-print. If it is a type the
24789 printer can pretty-print, it will return a printer object. If not, it
24790 returns @code{None}.
24791
24792 We recommend that you put your core pretty-printers into a Python
24793 package. If your pretty-printers are for use with a library, we
24794 further recommend embedding a version number into the package name.
24795 This practice will enable @value{GDBN} to load multiple versions of
24796 your pretty-printers at the same time, because they will have
24797 different names.
24798
24799 You should write auto-loaded code (@pxref{Python Auto-loading}) such that it
24800 can be evaluated multiple times without changing its meaning. An
24801 ideal auto-load file will consist solely of @code{import}s of your
24802 printer modules, followed by a call to a register pretty-printers with
24803 the current objfile.
24804
24805 Taken as a whole, this approach will scale nicely to multiple
24806 inferiors, each potentially using a different library version.
24807 Embedding a version number in the Python package name will ensure that
24808 @value{GDBN} is able to load both sets of printers simultaneously.
24809 Then, because the search for pretty-printers is done by objfile, and
24810 because your auto-loaded code took care to register your library's
24811 printers with a specific objfile, @value{GDBN} will find the correct
24812 printers for the specific version of the library used by each
24813 inferior.
24814
24815 To continue the @code{std::string} example (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}),
24816 this code might appear in @code{gdb.libstdcxx.v6}:
24817
24818 @smallexample
24819 def register_printers(objfile):
24820 objfile.pretty_printers.append(str_lookup_function)
24821 @end smallexample
24822
24823 @noindent
24824 And then the corresponding contents of the auto-load file would be:
24825
24826 @smallexample
24827 import gdb.libstdcxx.v6
24828 gdb.libstdcxx.v6.register_printers(gdb.current_objfile())
24829 @end smallexample
24830
24831 The previous example illustrates a basic pretty-printer.
24832 There are a few things that can be improved on.
24833 The printer doesn't have a name, making it hard to identify in a
24834 list of installed printers. The lookup function has a name, but
24835 lookup functions can have arbitrary, even identical, names.
24836
24837 Second, the printer only handles one type, whereas a library typically has
24838 several types. One could install a lookup function for each desired type
24839 in the library, but one could also have a single lookup function recognize
24840 several types. The latter is the conventional way this is handled.
24841 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
24842 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
24843
24844 The @code{gdb.printing} module provides a formal way of solving these
24845 problems (@pxref{gdb.printing}).
24846 Here is another example that handles multiple types.
24847
24848 These are the types we are going to pretty-print:
24849
24850 @smallexample
24851 struct foo @{ int a, b; @};
24852 struct bar @{ struct foo x, y; @};
24853 @end smallexample
24854
24855 Here are the printers:
24856
24857 @smallexample
24858 class fooPrinter:
24859 """Print a foo object."""
24860
24861 def __init__(self, val):
24862 self.val = val
24863
24864 def to_string(self):
24865 return ("a=<" + str(self.val["a"]) +
24866 "> b=<" + str(self.val["b"]) + ">")
24867
24868 class barPrinter:
24869 """Print a bar object."""
24870
24871 def __init__(self, val):
24872 self.val = val
24873
24874 def to_string(self):
24875 return ("x=<" + str(self.val["x"]) +
24876 "> y=<" + str(self.val["y"]) + ">")
24877 @end smallexample
24878
24879 This example doesn't need a lookup function, that is handled by the
24880 @code{gdb.printing} module. Instead a function is provided to build up
24881 the object that handles the lookup.
24882
24883 @smallexample
24884 import gdb.printing
24885
24886 def build_pretty_printer():
24887 pp = gdb.printing.RegexpCollectionPrettyPrinter(
24888 "my_library")
24889 pp.add_printer('foo', '^foo$', fooPrinter)
24890 pp.add_printer('bar', '^bar$', barPrinter)
24891 return pp
24892 @end smallexample
24893
24894 And here is the autoload support:
24895
24896 @smallexample
24897 import gdb.printing
24898 import my_library
24899 gdb.printing.register_pretty_printer(
24900 gdb.current_objfile(),
24901 my_library.build_pretty_printer())
24902 @end smallexample
24903
24904 Finally, when this printer is loaded into @value{GDBN}, here is the
24905 corresponding output of @samp{info pretty-printer}:
24906
24907 @smallexample
24908 (gdb) info pretty-printer
24909 my_library.so:
24910 my_library
24911 foo
24912 bar
24913 @end smallexample
24914
24915 @node Type Printing API
24916 @subsubsection Type Printing API
24917 @cindex type printing API for Python
24918
24919 @value{GDBN} provides a way for Python code to customize type display.
24920 This is mainly useful for substituting canonical typedef names for
24921 types.
24922
24923 @cindex type printer
24924 A @dfn{type printer} is just a Python object conforming to a certain
24925 protocol. A simple base class implementing the protocol is provided;
24926 see @ref{gdb.types}. A type printer must supply at least:
24927
24928 @defivar type_printer enabled
24929 A boolean which is True if the printer is enabled, and False
24930 otherwise. This is manipulated by the @code{enable type-printer}
24931 and @code{disable type-printer} commands.
24932 @end defivar
24933
24934 @defivar type_printer name
24935 The name of the type printer. This must be a string. This is used by
24936 the @code{enable type-printer} and @code{disable type-printer}
24937 commands.
24938 @end defivar
24939
24940 @defmethod type_printer instantiate (self)
24941 This is called by @value{GDBN} at the start of type-printing. It is
24942 only called if the type printer is enabled. This method must return a
24943 new object that supplies a @code{recognize} method, as described below.
24944 @end defmethod
24945
24946
24947 When displaying a type, say via the @code{ptype} command, @value{GDBN}
24948 will compute a list of type recognizers. This is done by iterating
24949 first over the per-objfile type printers (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}),
24950 followed by the per-progspace type printers (@pxref{Progspaces In
24951 Python}), and finally the global type printers.
24952
24953 @value{GDBN} will call the @code{instantiate} method of each enabled
24954 type printer. If this method returns @code{None}, then the result is
24955 ignored; otherwise, it is appended to the list of recognizers.
24956
24957 Then, when @value{GDBN} is going to display a type name, it iterates
24958 over the list of recognizers. For each one, it calls the recognition
24959 function, stopping if the function returns a non-@code{None} value.
24960 The recognition function is defined as:
24961
24962 @defmethod type_recognizer recognize (self, type)
24963 If @var{type} is not recognized, return @code{None}. Otherwise,
24964 return a string which is to be printed as the name of @var{type}.
24965 @var{type} will be an instance of @code{gdb.Type} (@pxref{Types In
24966 Python}).
24967 @end defmethod
24968
24969 @value{GDBN} uses this two-pass approach so that type printers can
24970 efficiently cache information without holding on to it too long. For
24971 example, it can be convenient to look up type information in a type
24972 printer and hold it for a recognizer's lifetime; if a single pass were
24973 done then type printers would have to make use of the event system in
24974 order to avoid holding information that could become stale as the
24975 inferior changed.
24976
24977 @node Frame Filter API
24978 @subsubsection Filtering Frames.
24979 @cindex frame filters api
24980
24981 Frame filters are Python objects that manipulate the visibility of a
24982 frame or frames when a backtrace (@pxref{Backtrace}) is printed by
24983 @value{GDBN}.
24984
24985 Only commands that print a backtrace, or, in the case of @sc{gdb/mi}
24986 commands (@pxref{GDB/MI}), those that return a collection of frames
24987 are affected. The commands that work with frame filters are:
24988
24989 @code{backtrace} (@pxref{backtrace-command,, The backtrace command}),
24990 @code{-stack-list-frames}
24991 (@pxref{-stack-list-frames,, The -stack-list-frames command}),
24992 @code{-stack-list-variables} (@pxref{-stack-list-variables,, The
24993 -stack-list-variables command}), @code{-stack-list-arguments}
24994 @pxref{-stack-list-arguments,, The -stack-list-arguments command}) and
24995 @code{-stack-list-locals} (@pxref{-stack-list-locals,, The
24996 -stack-list-locals command}).
24997
24998 A frame filter works by taking an iterator as an argument, applying
24999 actions to the contents of that iterator, and returning another
25000 iterator (or, possibly, the same iterator it was provided in the case
25001 where the filter does not perform any operations). Typically, frame
25002 filters utilize tools such as the Python's @code{itertools} module to
25003 work with and create new iterators from the source iterator.
25004 Regardless of how a filter chooses to apply actions, it must not alter
25005 the underlying @value{GDBN} frame or frames, or attempt to alter the
25006 call-stack within @value{GDBN}. This preserves data integrity within
25007 @value{GDBN}. Frame filters are executed on a priority basis and care
25008 should be taken that some frame filters may have been executed before,
25009 and that some frame filters will be executed after.
25010
25011 An important consideration when designing frame filters, and well
25012 worth reflecting upon, is that frame filters should avoid unwinding
25013 the call stack if possible. Some stacks can run very deep, into the
25014 tens of thousands in some cases. To search every frame when a frame
25015 filter executes may be too expensive at that step. The frame filter
25016 cannot know how many frames it has to iterate over, and it may have to
25017 iterate through them all. This ends up duplicating effort as
25018 @value{GDBN} performs this iteration when it prints the frames. If
25019 the filter can defer unwinding frames until frame decorators are
25020 executed, after the last filter has executed, it should. @xref{Frame
25021 Decorator API}, for more information on decorators. Also, there are
25022 examples for both frame decorators and filters in later chapters.
25023 @xref{Writing a Frame Filter}, for more information.
25024
25025 The Python dictionary @code{gdb.frame_filters} contains key/object
25026 pairings that comprise a frame filter. Frame filters in this
25027 dictionary are called @code{global} frame filters, and they are
25028 available when debugging all inferiors. These frame filters must
25029 register with the dictionary directly. In addition to the
25030 @code{global} dictionary, there are other dictionaries that are loaded
25031 with different inferiors via auto-loading (@pxref{Python
25032 Auto-loading}). The two other areas where frame filter dictionaries
25033 can be found are: @code{gdb.Progspace} which contains a
25034 @code{frame_filters} dictionary attribute, and each @code{gdb.Objfile}
25035 object which also contains a @code{frame_filters} dictionary
25036 attribute.
25037
25038 When a command is executed from @value{GDBN} that is compatible with
25039 frame filters, @value{GDBN} combines the @code{global},
25040 @code{gdb.Progspace} and all @code{gdb.Objfile} dictionaries currently
25041 loaded. All of the @code{gdb.Objfile} dictionaries are combined, as
25042 several frames, and thus several object files, might be in use.
25043 @value{GDBN} then prunes any frame filter whose @code{enabled}
25044 attribute is @code{False}. This pruned list is then sorted according
25045 to the @code{priority} attribute in each filter.
25046
25047 Once the dictionaries are combined, pruned and sorted, @value{GDBN}
25048 creates an iterator which wraps each frame in the call stack in a
25049 @code{FrameDecorator} object, and calls each filter in order. The
25050 output from the previous filter will always be the input to the next
25051 filter, and so on.
25052
25053 Frame filters have a mandatory interface which each frame filter must
25054 implement, defined here:
25055
25056 @defun FrameFilter.filter (iterator)
25057 @value{GDBN} will call this method on a frame filter when it has
25058 reached the order in the priority list for that filter.
25059
25060 For example, if there are four frame filters:
25061
25062 @smallexample
25063 Name Priority
25064
25065 Filter1 5
25066 Filter2 10
25067 Filter3 100
25068 Filter4 1
25069 @end smallexample
25070
25071 The order that the frame filters will be called is:
25072
25073 @smallexample
25074 Filter3 -> Filter2 -> Filter1 -> Filter4
25075 @end smallexample
25076
25077 Note that the output from @code{Filter3} is passed to the input of
25078 @code{Filter2}, and so on.
25079
25080 This @code{filter} method is passed a Python iterator. This iterator
25081 contains a sequence of frame decorators that wrap each
25082 @code{gdb.Frame}, or a frame decorator that wraps another frame
25083 decorator. The first filter that is executed in the sequence of frame
25084 filters will receive an iterator entirely comprised of default
25085 @code{FrameDecorator} objects. However, after each frame filter is
25086 executed, the previous frame filter may have wrapped some or all of
25087 the frame decorators with their own frame decorator. As frame
25088 decorators must also conform to a mandatory interface, these
25089 decorators can be assumed to act in a uniform manner (@pxref{Frame
25090 Decorator API}).
25091
25092 This method must return an object conforming to the Python iterator
25093 protocol. Each item in the iterator must be an object conforming to
25094 the frame decorator interface. If a frame filter does not wish to
25095 perform any operations on this iterator, it should return that
25096 iterator untouched.
25097
25098 This method is not optional. If it does not exist, @value{GDBN} will
25099 raise and print an error.
25100 @end defun
25101
25102 @defvar FrameFilter.name
25103 The @code{name} attribute must be Python string which contains the
25104 name of the filter displayed by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Frame Filter
25105 Management}). This attribute may contain any combination of letters
25106 or numbers. Care should be taken to ensure that it is unique. This
25107 attribute is mandatory.
25108 @end defvar
25109
25110 @defvar FrameFilter.enabled
25111 The @code{enabled} attribute must be Python boolean. This attribute
25112 indicates to @value{GDBN} whether the frame filter is enabled, and
25113 should be considered when frame filters are executed. If
25114 @code{enabled} is @code{True}, then the frame filter will be executed
25115 when any of the backtrace commands detailed earlier in this chapter
25116 are executed. If @code{enabled} is @code{False}, then the frame
25117 filter will not be executed. This attribute is mandatory.
25118 @end defvar
25119
25120 @defvar FrameFilter.priority
25121 The @code{priority} attribute must be Python integer. This attribute
25122 controls the order of execution in relation to other frame filters.
25123 There are no imposed limits on the range of @code{priority} other than
25124 it must be a valid integer. The higher the @code{priority} attribute,
25125 the sooner the frame filter will be executed in relation to other
25126 frame filters. Although @code{priority} can be negative, it is
25127 recommended practice to assume zero is the lowest priority that a
25128 frame filter can be assigned. Frame filters that have the same
25129 priority are executed in unsorted order in that priority slot. This
25130 attribute is mandatory.
25131 @end defvar
25132
25133 @node Frame Decorator API
25134 @subsubsection Decorating Frames.
25135 @cindex frame decorator api
25136
25137 Frame decorators are sister objects to frame filters (@pxref{Frame
25138 Filter API}). Frame decorators are applied by a frame filter and can
25139 only be used in conjunction with frame filters.
25140
25141 The purpose of a frame decorator is to customize the printed content
25142 of each @code{gdb.Frame} in commands where frame filters are executed.
25143 This concept is called decorating a frame. Frame decorators decorate
25144 a @code{gdb.Frame} with Python code contained within each API call.
25145 This separates the actual data contained in a @code{gdb.Frame} from
25146 the decorated data produced by a frame decorator. This abstraction is
25147 necessary to maintain integrity of the data contained in each
25148 @code{gdb.Frame}.
25149
25150 Frame decorators have a mandatory interface, defined below.
25151
25152 @value{GDBN} already contains a frame decorator called
25153 @code{FrameDecorator}. This contains substantial amounts of
25154 boilerplate code to decorate the content of a @code{gdb.Frame}. It is
25155 recommended that other frame decorators inherit and extend this
25156 object, and only to override the methods needed.
25157
25158 @defun FrameDecorator.elided (self)
25159
25160 The @code{elided} method groups frames together in a hierarchical
25161 system. An example would be an interpreter, where multiple low-level
25162 frames make up a single call in the interpreted language. In this
25163 example, the frame filter would elide the low-level frames and present
25164 a single high-level frame, representing the call in the interpreted
25165 language, to the user.
25166
25167 The @code{elided} function must return an iterable and this iterable
25168 must contain the frames that are being elided wrapped in a suitable
25169 frame decorator. If no frames are being elided this function may
25170 return an empty iterable, or @code{None}. Elided frames are indented
25171 from normal frames in a @code{CLI} backtrace, or in the case of
25172 @code{GDB/MI}, are placed in the @code{children} field of the eliding
25173 frame.
25174
25175 It is the frame filter's task to also filter out the elided frames from
25176 the source iterator. This will avoid printing the frame twice.
25177 @end defun
25178
25179 @defun FrameDecorator.function (self)
25180
25181 This method returns the name of the function in the frame that is to
25182 be printed.
25183
25184 This method must return a Python string describing the function, or
25185 @code{None}.
25186
25187 If this function returns @code{None}, @value{GDBN} will not print any
25188 data for this field.
25189 @end defun
25190
25191 @defun FrameDecorator.address (self)
25192
25193 This method returns the address of the frame that is to be printed.
25194
25195 This method must return a Python numeric integer type of sufficient
25196 size to describe the address of the frame, or @code{None}.
25197
25198 If this function returns a @code{None}, @value{GDBN} will not print
25199 any data for this field.
25200 @end defun
25201
25202 @defun FrameDecorator.filename (self)
25203
25204 This method returns the filename and path associated with this frame.
25205
25206 This method must return a Python string containing the filename and
25207 the path to the object file backing the frame, or @code{None}.
25208
25209 If this function returns a @code{None}, @value{GDBN} will not print
25210 any data for this field.
25211 @end defun
25212
25213 @defun FrameDecorator.line (self):
25214
25215 This method returns the line number associated with the current
25216 position within the function addressed by this frame.
25217
25218 This method must return a Python integer type, or @code{None}.
25219
25220 If this function returns a @code{None}, @value{GDBN} will not print
25221 any data for this field.
25222 @end defun
25223
25224 @defun FrameDecorator.frame_args (self)
25225 @anchor{frame_args}
25226
25227 This method must return an iterable, or @code{None}. Returning an
25228 empty iterable, or @code{None} means frame arguments will not be
25229 printed for this frame. This iterable must contain objects that
25230 implement two methods, described here.
25231
25232 This object must implement a @code{argument} method which takes a
25233 single @code{self} parameter and must return a @code{gdb.Symbol}
25234 (@pxref{Symbols In Python}), or a Python string. The object must also
25235 implement a @code{value} method which takes a single @code{self}
25236 parameter and must return a @code{gdb.Value} (@pxref{Values From
25237 Inferior}), a Python value, or @code{None}. If the @code{value}
25238 method returns @code{None}, and the @code{argument} method returns a
25239 @code{gdb.Symbol}, @value{GDBN} will look-up and print the value of
25240 the @code{gdb.Symbol} automatically.
25241
25242 A brief example:
25243
25244 @smallexample
25245 class SymValueWrapper():
25246
25247 def __init__(self, symbol, value):
25248 self.sym = symbol
25249 self.val = value
25250
25251 def value(self):
25252 return self.val
25253
25254 def symbol(self):
25255 return self.sym
25256
25257 class SomeFrameDecorator()
25258 ...
25259 ...
25260 def frame_args(self):
25261 args = []
25262 try:
25263 block = self.inferior_frame.block()
25264 except:
25265 return None
25266
25267 # Iterate over all symbols in a block. Only add
25268 # symbols that are arguments.
25269 for sym in block:
25270 if not sym.is_argument:
25271 continue
25272 args.append(SymValueWrapper(sym,None))
25273
25274 # Add example synthetic argument.
25275 args.append(SymValueWrapper(``foo'', 42))
25276
25277 return args
25278 @end smallexample
25279 @end defun
25280
25281 @defun FrameDecorator.frame_locals (self)
25282
25283 This method must return an iterable or @code{None}. Returning an
25284 empty iterable, or @code{None} means frame local arguments will not be
25285 printed for this frame.
25286
25287 The object interface, the description of the various strategies for
25288 reading frame locals, and the example are largely similar to those
25289 described in the @code{frame_args} function, (@pxref{frame_args,,The
25290 frame filter frame_args function}). Below is a modified example:
25291
25292 @smallexample
25293 class SomeFrameDecorator()
25294 ...
25295 ...
25296 def frame_locals(self):
25297 vars = []
25298 try:
25299 block = self.inferior_frame.block()
25300 except:
25301 return None
25302
25303 # Iterate over all symbols in a block. Add all
25304 # symbols, except arguments.
25305 for sym in block:
25306 if sym.is_argument:
25307 continue
25308 vars.append(SymValueWrapper(sym,None))
25309
25310 # Add an example of a synthetic local variable.
25311 vars.append(SymValueWrapper(``bar'', 99))
25312
25313 return vars
25314 @end smallexample
25315 @end defun
25316
25317 @defun FrameDecorator.inferior_frame (self):
25318
25319 This method must return the underlying @code{gdb.Frame} that this
25320 frame decorator is decorating. @value{GDBN} requires the underlying
25321 frame for internal frame information to determine how to print certain
25322 values when printing a frame.
25323 @end defun
25324
25325 @node Writing a Frame Filter
25326 @subsubsection Writing a Frame Filter
25327 @cindex writing a frame filter
25328
25329 There are three basic elements that a frame filter must implement: it
25330 must correctly implement the documented interface (@pxref{Frame Filter
25331 API}), it must register itself with @value{GDBN}, and finally, it must
25332 decide if it is to work on the data provided by @value{GDBN}. In all
25333 cases, whether it works on the iterator or not, each frame filter must
25334 return an iterator. A bare-bones frame filter follows the pattern in
25335 the following example.
25336
25337 @smallexample
25338 import gdb
25339
25340 class FrameFilter():
25341
25342 def __init__(self):
25343 # Frame filter attribute creation.
25344 #
25345 # 'name' is the name of the filter that GDB will display.
25346 #
25347 # 'priority' is the priority of the filter relative to other
25348 # filters.
25349 #
25350 # 'enabled' is a boolean that indicates whether this filter is
25351 # enabled and should be executed.
25352
25353 self.name = "Foo"
25354 self.priority = 100
25355 self.enabled = True
25356
25357 # Register this frame filter with the global frame_filters
25358 # dictionary.
25359 gdb.frame_filters[self.name] = self
25360
25361 def filter(self, frame_iter):
25362 # Just return the iterator.
25363 return frame_iter
25364 @end smallexample
25365
25366 The frame filter in the example above implements the three
25367 requirements for all frame filters. It implements the API, self
25368 registers, and makes a decision on the iterator (in this case, it just
25369 returns the iterator untouched).
25370
25371 The first step is attribute creation and assignment, and as shown in
25372 the comments the filter assigns the following attributes: @code{name},
25373 @code{priority} and whether the filter should be enabled with the
25374 @code{enabled} attribute.
25375
25376 The second step is registering the frame filter with the dictionary or
25377 dictionaries that the frame filter has interest in. As shown in the
25378 comments, this filter just registers itself with the global dictionary
25379 @code{gdb.frame_filters}. As noted earlier, @code{gdb.frame_filters}
25380 is a dictionary that is initialized in the @code{gdb} module when
25381 @value{GDBN} starts. What dictionary a filter registers with is an
25382 important consideration. Generally, if a filter is specific to a set
25383 of code, it should be registered either in the @code{objfile} or
25384 @code{progspace} dictionaries as they are specific to the program
25385 currently loaded in @value{GDBN}. The global dictionary is always
25386 present in @value{GDBN} and is never unloaded. Any filters registered
25387 with the global dictionary will exist until @value{GDBN} exits. To
25388 avoid filters that may conflict, it is generally better to register
25389 frame filters against the dictionaries that more closely align with
25390 the usage of the filter currently in question. @xref{Python
25391 Auto-loading}, for further information on auto-loading Python scripts.
25392
25393 @value{GDBN} takes a hands-off approach to frame filter registration,
25394 therefore it is the frame filter's responsibility to ensure
25395 registration has occurred, and that any exceptions are handled
25396 appropriately. In particular, you may wish to handle exceptions
25397 relating to Python dictionary key uniqueness. It is mandatory that
25398 the dictionary key is the same as frame filter's @code{name}
25399 attribute. When a user manages frame filters (@pxref{Frame Filter
25400 Management}), the names @value{GDBN} will display are those contained
25401 in the @code{name} attribute.
25402
25403 The final step of this example is the implementation of the
25404 @code{filter} method. As shown in the example comments, we define the
25405 @code{filter} method and note that the method must take an iterator,
25406 and also must return an iterator. In this bare-bones example, the
25407 frame filter is not very useful as it just returns the iterator
25408 untouched. However this is a valid operation for frame filters that
25409 have the @code{enabled} attribute set, but decide not to operate on
25410 any frames.
25411
25412 In the next example, the frame filter operates on all frames and
25413 utilizes a frame decorator to perform some work on the frames.
25414 @xref{Frame Decorator API}, for further information on the frame
25415 decorator interface.
25416
25417 This example works on inlined frames. It highlights frames which are
25418 inlined by tagging them with an ``[inlined]'' tag. By applying a
25419 frame decorator to all frames with the Python @code{itertools imap}
25420 method, the example defers actions to the frame decorator. Frame
25421 decorators are only processed when @value{GDBN} prints the backtrace.
25422
25423 This introduces a new decision making topic: whether to perform
25424 decision making operations at the filtering step, or at the printing
25425 step. In this example's approach, it does not perform any filtering
25426 decisions at the filtering step beyond mapping a frame decorator to
25427 each frame. This allows the actual decision making to be performed
25428 when each frame is printed. This is an important consideration, and
25429 well worth reflecting upon when designing a frame filter. An issue
25430 that frame filters should avoid is unwinding the stack if possible.
25431 Some stacks can run very deep, into the tens of thousands in some
25432 cases. To search every frame to determine if it is inlined ahead of
25433 time may be too expensive at the filtering step. The frame filter
25434 cannot know how many frames it has to iterate over, and it would have
25435 to iterate through them all. This ends up duplicating effort as
25436 @value{GDBN} performs this iteration when it prints the frames.
25437
25438 In this example decision making can be deferred to the printing step.
25439 As each frame is printed, the frame decorator can examine each frame
25440 in turn when @value{GDBN} iterates. From a performance viewpoint,
25441 this is the most appropriate decision to make as it avoids duplicating
25442 the effort that the printing step would undertake anyway. Also, if
25443 there are many frame filters unwinding the stack during filtering, it
25444 can substantially delay the printing of the backtrace which will
25445 result in large memory usage, and a poor user experience.
25446
25447 @smallexample
25448 class InlineFilter():
25449
25450 def __init__(self):
25451 self.name = "InlinedFrameFilter"
25452 self.priority = 100
25453 self.enabled = True
25454 gdb.frame_filters[self.name] = self
25455
25456 def filter(self, frame_iter):
25457 frame_iter = itertools.imap(InlinedFrameDecorator,
25458 frame_iter)
25459 return frame_iter
25460 @end smallexample
25461
25462 This frame filter is somewhat similar to the earlier example, except
25463 that the @code{filter} method applies a frame decorator object called
25464 @code{InlinedFrameDecorator} to each element in the iterator. The
25465 @code{imap} Python method is light-weight. It does not proactively
25466 iterate over the iterator, but rather creates a new iterator which
25467 wraps the existing one.
25468
25469 Below is the frame decorator for this example.
25470
25471 @smallexample
25472 class InlinedFrameDecorator(FrameDecorator):
25473
25474 def __init__(self, fobj):
25475 super(InlinedFrameDecorator, self).__init__(fobj)
25476
25477 def function(self):
25478 frame = fobj.inferior_frame()
25479 name = str(frame.name())
25480
25481 if frame.type() == gdb.INLINE_FRAME:
25482 name = name + " [inlined]"
25483
25484 return name
25485 @end smallexample
25486
25487 This frame decorator only defines and overrides the @code{function}
25488 method. It lets the supplied @code{FrameDecorator}, which is shipped
25489 with @value{GDBN}, perform the other work associated with printing
25490 this frame.
25491
25492 The combination of these two objects create this output from a
25493 backtrace:
25494
25495 @smallexample
25496 #0 0x004004e0 in bar () at inline.c:11
25497 #1 0x00400566 in max [inlined] (b=6, a=12) at inline.c:21
25498 #2 0x00400566 in main () at inline.c:31
25499 @end smallexample
25500
25501 So in the case of this example, a frame decorator is applied to all
25502 frames, regardless of whether they may be inlined or not. As
25503 @value{GDBN} iterates over the iterator produced by the frame filters,
25504 @value{GDBN} executes each frame decorator which then makes a decision
25505 on what to print in the @code{function} callback. Using a strategy
25506 like this is a way to defer decisions on the frame content to printing
25507 time.
25508
25509 @subheading Eliding Frames
25510
25511 It might be that the above example is not desirable for representing
25512 inlined frames, and a hierarchical approach may be preferred. If we
25513 want to hierarchically represent frames, the @code{elided} frame
25514 decorator interface might be preferable.
25515
25516 This example approaches the issue with the @code{elided} method. This
25517 example is quite long, but very simplistic. It is out-of-scope for
25518 this section to write a complete example that comprehensively covers
25519 all approaches of finding and printing inlined frames. However, this
25520 example illustrates the approach an author might use.
25521
25522 This example comprises of three sections.
25523
25524 @smallexample
25525 class InlineFrameFilter():
25526
25527 def __init__(self):
25528 self.name = "InlinedFrameFilter"
25529 self.priority = 100
25530 self.enabled = True
25531 gdb.frame_filters[self.name] = self
25532
25533 def filter(self, frame_iter):
25534 return ElidingInlineIterator(frame_iter)
25535 @end smallexample
25536
25537 This frame filter is very similar to the other examples. The only
25538 difference is this frame filter is wrapping the iterator provided to
25539 it (@code{frame_iter}) with a custom iterator called
25540 @code{ElidingInlineIterator}. This again defers actions to when
25541 @value{GDBN} prints the backtrace, as the iterator is not traversed
25542 until printing.
25543
25544 The iterator for this example is as follows. It is in this section of
25545 the example where decisions are made on the content of the backtrace.
25546
25547 @smallexample
25548 class ElidingInlineIterator:
25549 def __init__(self, ii):
25550 self.input_iterator = ii
25551
25552 def __iter__(self):
25553 return self
25554
25555 def next(self):
25556 frame = next(self.input_iterator)
25557
25558 if frame.inferior_frame().type() != gdb.INLINE_FRAME:
25559 return frame
25560
25561 try:
25562 eliding_frame = next(self.input_iterator)
25563 except StopIteration:
25564 return frame
25565 return ElidingFrameDecorator(eliding_frame, [frame])
25566 @end smallexample
25567
25568 This iterator implements the Python iterator protocol. When the
25569 @code{next} function is called (when @value{GDBN} prints each frame),
25570 the iterator checks if this frame decorator, @code{frame}, is wrapping
25571 an inlined frame. If it is not, it returns the existing frame decorator
25572 untouched. If it is wrapping an inlined frame, it assumes that the
25573 inlined frame was contained within the next oldest frame,
25574 @code{eliding_frame}, which it fetches. It then creates and returns a
25575 frame decorator, @code{ElidingFrameDecorator}, which contains both the
25576 elided frame, and the eliding frame.
25577
25578 @smallexample
25579 class ElidingInlineDecorator(FrameDecorator):
25580
25581 def __init__(self, frame, elided_frames):
25582 super(ElidingInlineDecorator, self).__init__(frame)
25583 self.frame = frame
25584 self.elided_frames = elided_frames
25585
25586 def elided(self):
25587 return iter(self.elided_frames)
25588 @end smallexample
25589
25590 This frame decorator overrides one function and returns the inlined
25591 frame in the @code{elided} method. As before it lets
25592 @code{FrameDecorator} do the rest of the work involved in printing
25593 this frame. This produces the following output.
25594
25595 @smallexample
25596 #0 0x004004e0 in bar () at inline.c:11
25597 #2 0x00400529 in main () at inline.c:25
25598 #1 0x00400529 in max (b=6, a=12) at inline.c:15
25599 @end smallexample
25600
25601 In that output, @code{max} which has been inlined into @code{main} is
25602 printed hierarchically. Another approach would be to combine the
25603 @code{function} method, and the @code{elided} method to both print a
25604 marker in the inlined frame, and also show the hierarchical
25605 relationship.
25606
25607 @node Inferiors In Python
25608 @subsubsection Inferiors In Python
25609 @cindex inferiors in Python
25610
25611 @findex gdb.Inferior
25612 Programs which are being run under @value{GDBN} are called inferiors
25613 (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). Python scripts can access
25614 information about and manipulate inferiors controlled by @value{GDBN}
25615 via objects of the @code{gdb.Inferior} class.
25616
25617 The following inferior-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
25618 module:
25619
25620 @defun gdb.inferiors ()
25621 Return a tuple containing all inferior objects.
25622 @end defun
25623
25624 @defun gdb.selected_inferior ()
25625 Return an object representing the current inferior.
25626 @end defun
25627
25628 A @code{gdb.Inferior} object has the following attributes:
25629
25630 @defvar Inferior.num
25631 ID of inferior, as assigned by GDB.
25632 @end defvar
25633
25634 @defvar Inferior.pid
25635 Process ID of the inferior, as assigned by the underlying operating
25636 system.
25637 @end defvar
25638
25639 @defvar Inferior.was_attached
25640 Boolean signaling whether the inferior was created using `attach', or
25641 started by @value{GDBN} itself.
25642 @end defvar
25643
25644 A @code{gdb.Inferior} object has the following methods:
25645
25646 @defun Inferior.is_valid ()
25647 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Inferior} object is valid,
25648 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Inferior} object will become invalid
25649 if the inferior no longer exists within @value{GDBN}. All other
25650 @code{gdb.Inferior} methods will throw an exception if it is invalid
25651 at the time the method is called.
25652 @end defun
25653
25654 @defun Inferior.threads ()
25655 This method returns a tuple holding all the threads which are valid
25656 when it is called. If there are no valid threads, the method will
25657 return an empty tuple.
25658 @end defun
25659
25660 @findex Inferior.read_memory
25661 @defun Inferior.read_memory (address, length)
25662 Read @var{length} bytes of memory from the inferior, starting at
25663 @var{address}. Returns a buffer object, which behaves much like an array
25664 or a string. It can be modified and given to the
25665 @code{Inferior.write_memory} function. In @code{Python} 3, the return
25666 value is a @code{memoryview} object.
25667 @end defun
25668
25669 @findex Inferior.write_memory
25670 @defun Inferior.write_memory (address, buffer @r{[}, length@r{]})
25671 Write the contents of @var{buffer} to the inferior, starting at
25672 @var{address}. The @var{buffer} parameter must be a Python object
25673 which supports the buffer protocol, i.e., a string, an array or the
25674 object returned from @code{Inferior.read_memory}. If given, @var{length}
25675 determines the number of bytes from @var{buffer} to be written.
25676 @end defun
25677
25678 @findex gdb.search_memory
25679 @defun Inferior.search_memory (address, length, pattern)
25680 Search a region of the inferior memory starting at @var{address} with
25681 the given @var{length} using the search pattern supplied in
25682 @var{pattern}. The @var{pattern} parameter must be a Python object
25683 which supports the buffer protocol, i.e., a string, an array or the
25684 object returned from @code{gdb.read_memory}. Returns a Python @code{Long}
25685 containing the address where the pattern was found, or @code{None} if
25686 the pattern could not be found.
25687 @end defun
25688
25689 @node Events In Python
25690 @subsubsection Events In Python
25691 @cindex inferior events in Python
25692
25693 @value{GDBN} provides a general event facility so that Python code can be
25694 notified of various state changes, particularly changes that occur in
25695 the inferior.
25696
25697 An @dfn{event} is just an object that describes some state change. The
25698 type of the object and its attributes will vary depending on the details
25699 of the change. All the existing events are described below.
25700
25701 In order to be notified of an event, you must register an event handler
25702 with an @dfn{event registry}. An event registry is an object in the
25703 @code{gdb.events} module which dispatches particular events. A registry
25704 provides methods to register and unregister event handlers:
25705
25706 @defun EventRegistry.connect (object)
25707 Add the given callable @var{object} to the registry. This object will be
25708 called when an event corresponding to this registry occurs.
25709 @end defun
25710
25711 @defun EventRegistry.disconnect (object)
25712 Remove the given @var{object} from the registry. Once removed, the object
25713 will no longer receive notifications of events.
25714 @end defun
25715
25716 Here is an example:
25717
25718 @smallexample
25719 def exit_handler (event):
25720 print "event type: exit"
25721 print "exit code: %d" % (event.exit_code)
25722
25723 gdb.events.exited.connect (exit_handler)
25724 @end smallexample
25725
25726 In the above example we connect our handler @code{exit_handler} to the
25727 registry @code{events.exited}. Once connected, @code{exit_handler} gets
25728 called when the inferior exits. The argument @dfn{event} in this example is
25729 of type @code{gdb.ExitedEvent}. As you can see in the example the
25730 @code{ExitedEvent} object has an attribute which indicates the exit code of
25731 the inferior.
25732
25733 The following is a listing of the event registries that are available and
25734 details of the events they emit:
25735
25736 @table @code
25737
25738 @item events.cont
25739 Emits @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
25740
25741 Some events can be thread specific when @value{GDBN} is running in non-stop
25742 mode. When represented in Python, these events all extend
25743 @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}. Note, this event is not emitted directly; instead,
25744 events which are emitted by this or other modules might extend this event.
25745 Examples of these events are @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} and
25746 @code{gdb.ContinueEvent}.
25747
25748 @defvar ThreadEvent.inferior_thread
25749 In non-stop mode this attribute will be set to the specific thread which was
25750 involved in the emitted event. Otherwise, it will be set to @code{None}.
25751 @end defvar
25752
25753 Emits @code{gdb.ContinueEvent} which extends @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
25754
25755 This event indicates that the inferior has been continued after a stop. For
25756 inherited attribute refer to @code{gdb.ThreadEvent} above.
25757
25758 @item events.exited
25759 Emits @code{events.ExitedEvent} which indicates that the inferior has exited.
25760 @code{events.ExitedEvent} has two attributes:
25761 @defvar ExitedEvent.exit_code
25762 An integer representing the exit code, if available, which the inferior
25763 has returned. (The exit code could be unavailable if, for example,
25764 @value{GDBN} detaches from the inferior.) If the exit code is unavailable,
25765 the attribute does not exist.
25766 @end defvar
25767 @defvar ExitedEvent inferior
25768 A reference to the inferior which triggered the @code{exited} event.
25769 @end defvar
25770
25771 @item events.stop
25772 Emits @code{gdb.StopEvent} which extends @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
25773
25774 Indicates that the inferior has stopped. All events emitted by this registry
25775 extend StopEvent. As a child of @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}, @code{gdb.StopEvent}
25776 will indicate the stopped thread when @value{GDBN} is running in non-stop
25777 mode. Refer to @code{gdb.ThreadEvent} above for more details.
25778
25779 Emits @code{gdb.SignalEvent} which extends @code{gdb.StopEvent}.
25780
25781 This event indicates that the inferior or one of its threads has received as
25782 signal. @code{gdb.SignalEvent} has the following attributes:
25783
25784 @defvar SignalEvent.stop_signal
25785 A string representing the signal received by the inferior. A list of possible
25786 signal values can be obtained by running the command @code{info signals} in
25787 the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
25788 @end defvar
25789
25790 Also emits @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} which extends @code{gdb.StopEvent}.
25791
25792 @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} event indicates that one or more breakpoints have
25793 been hit, and has the following attributes:
25794
25795 @defvar BreakpointEvent.breakpoints
25796 A sequence containing references to all the breakpoints (type
25797 @code{gdb.Breakpoint}) that were hit.
25798 @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for details of the @code{gdb.Breakpoint} object.
25799 @end defvar
25800 @defvar BreakpointEvent.breakpoint
25801 A reference to the first breakpoint that was hit.
25802 This function is maintained for backward compatibility and is now deprecated
25803 in favor of the @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent.breakpoints} attribute.
25804 @end defvar
25805
25806 @item events.new_objfile
25807 Emits @code{gdb.NewObjFileEvent} which indicates that a new object file has
25808 been loaded by @value{GDBN}. @code{gdb.NewObjFileEvent} has one attribute:
25809
25810 @defvar NewObjFileEvent.new_objfile
25811 A reference to the object file (@code{gdb.Objfile}) which has been loaded.
25812 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for details of the @code{gdb.Objfile} object.
25813 @end defvar
25814
25815 @end table
25816
25817 @node Threads In Python
25818 @subsubsection Threads In Python
25819 @cindex threads in python
25820
25821 @findex gdb.InferiorThread
25822 Python scripts can access information about, and manipulate inferior threads
25823 controlled by @value{GDBN}, via objects of the @code{gdb.InferiorThread} class.
25824
25825 The following thread-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
25826 module:
25827
25828 @findex gdb.selected_thread
25829 @defun gdb.selected_thread ()
25830 This function returns the thread object for the selected thread. If there
25831 is no selected thread, this will return @code{None}.
25832 @end defun
25833
25834 A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object has the following attributes:
25835
25836 @defvar InferiorThread.name
25837 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using
25838 @code{thread name}, then this returns that name. Otherwise, if an
25839 OS-supplied name is available, then it is returned. Otherwise, this
25840 returns @code{None}.
25841
25842 This attribute can be assigned to. The new value must be a string
25843 object, which sets the new name, or @code{None}, which removes any
25844 user-specified thread name.
25845 @end defvar
25846
25847 @defvar InferiorThread.num
25848 ID of the thread, as assigned by GDB.
25849 @end defvar
25850
25851 @defvar InferiorThread.ptid
25852 ID of the thread, as assigned by the operating system. This attribute is a
25853 tuple containing three integers. The first is the Process ID (PID); the second
25854 is the Lightweight Process ID (LWPID), and the third is the Thread ID (TID).
25855 Either the LWPID or TID may be 0, which indicates that the operating system
25856 does not use that identifier.
25857 @end defvar
25858
25859 A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object has the following methods:
25860
25861 @defun InferiorThread.is_valid ()
25862 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object is valid,
25863 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object will become
25864 invalid if the thread exits, or the inferior that the thread belongs
25865 is deleted. All other @code{gdb.InferiorThread} methods will throw an
25866 exception if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
25867 @end defun
25868
25869 @defun InferiorThread.switch ()
25870 This changes @value{GDBN}'s currently selected thread to the one represented
25871 by this object.
25872 @end defun
25873
25874 @defun InferiorThread.is_stopped ()
25875 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is stopped.
25876 @end defun
25877
25878 @defun InferiorThread.is_running ()
25879 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is running.
25880 @end defun
25881
25882 @defun InferiorThread.is_exited ()
25883 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is exited.
25884 @end defun
25885
25886 @node Commands In Python
25887 @subsubsection Commands In Python
25888
25889 @cindex commands in python
25890 @cindex python commands
25891 You can implement new @value{GDBN} CLI commands in Python. A CLI
25892 command is implemented using an instance of the @code{gdb.Command}
25893 class, most commonly using a subclass.
25894
25895 @defun Command.__init__ (name, @var{command_class} @r{[}, @var{completer_class} @r{[}, @var{prefix}@r{]]})
25896 The object initializer for @code{Command} registers the new command
25897 with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked from the
25898 subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
25899
25900 @var{name} is the name of the command. If @var{name} consists of
25901 multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
25902 commands. In this case, if one of the prefix commands does not exist,
25903 an exception is raised.
25904
25905 There is no support for multi-line commands.
25906
25907 @var{command_class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
25908 defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to categorize the
25909 new command in the help system.
25910
25911 @var{completer_class} is an optional argument. If given, it should be
25912 one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined below. This argument
25913 tells @value{GDBN} how to perform completion for this command. If not
25914 given, @value{GDBN} will attempt to complete using the object's
25915 @code{complete} method (see below); if no such method is found, an
25916 error will occur when completion is attempted.
25917
25918 @var{prefix} is an optional argument. If @code{True}, then the new
25919 command is a prefix command; sub-commands of this command may be
25920 registered.
25921
25922 The help text for the new command is taken from the Python
25923 documentation string for the command's class, if there is one. If no
25924 documentation string is provided, the default value ``This command is
25925 not documented.'' is used.
25926 @end defun
25927
25928 @cindex don't repeat Python command
25929 @defun Command.dont_repeat ()
25930 By default, a @value{GDBN} command is repeated when the user enters a
25931 blank line at the command prompt. A command can suppress this
25932 behavior by invoking the @code{dont_repeat} method. This is similar
25933 to the user command @code{dont-repeat}, see @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
25934 @end defun
25935
25936 @defun Command.invoke (argument, from_tty)
25937 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when this command is invoked.
25938
25939 @var{argument} is a string. It is the argument to the command, after
25940 leading and trailing whitespace has been stripped.
25941
25942 @var{from_tty} is a boolean argument. When true, this means that the
25943 command was entered by the user at the terminal; when false it means
25944 that the command came from elsewhere.
25945
25946 If this method throws an exception, it is turned into a @value{GDBN}
25947 @code{error} call. Otherwise, the return value is ignored.
25948
25949 @findex gdb.string_to_argv
25950 To break @var{argument} up into an argv-like string use
25951 @code{gdb.string_to_argv}. This function behaves identically to
25952 @value{GDBN}'s internal argument lexer @code{buildargv}.
25953 It is recommended to use this for consistency.
25954 Arguments are separated by spaces and may be quoted.
25955 Example:
25956
25957 @smallexample
25958 print gdb.string_to_argv ("1 2\ \\\"3 '4 \"5' \"6 '7\"")
25959 ['1', '2 "3', '4 "5', "6 '7"]
25960 @end smallexample
25961
25962 @end defun
25963
25964 @cindex completion of Python commands
25965 @defun Command.complete (text, word)
25966 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when the user attempts
25967 completion on this command. All forms of completion are handled by
25968 this method, that is, the @key{TAB} and @key{M-?} key bindings
25969 (@pxref{Completion}), and the @code{complete} command (@pxref{Help,
25970 complete}).
25971
25972 The arguments @var{text} and @var{word} are both strings. @var{text}
25973 holds the complete command line up to the cursor's location.
25974 @var{word} holds the last word of the command line; this is computed
25975 using a word-breaking heuristic.
25976
25977 The @code{complete} method can return several values:
25978 @itemize @bullet
25979 @item
25980 If the return value is a sequence, the contents of the sequence are
25981 used as the completions. It is up to @code{complete} to ensure that the
25982 contents actually do complete the word. A zero-length sequence is
25983 allowed, it means that there were no completions available. Only
25984 string elements of the sequence are used; other elements in the
25985 sequence are ignored.
25986
25987 @item
25988 If the return value is one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined
25989 below, then the corresponding @value{GDBN}-internal completion
25990 function is invoked, and its result is used.
25991
25992 @item
25993 All other results are treated as though there were no available
25994 completions.
25995 @end itemize
25996 @end defun
25997
25998 When a new command is registered, it must be declared as a member of
25999 some general class of commands. This is used to classify top-level
26000 commands in the on-line help system; note that prefix commands are not
26001 listed under their own category but rather that of their top-level
26002 command. The available classifications are represented by constants
26003 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
26004
26005 @table @code
26006 @findex COMMAND_NONE
26007 @findex gdb.COMMAND_NONE
26008 @item gdb.COMMAND_NONE
26009 The command does not belong to any particular class. A command in
26010 this category will not be displayed in any of the help categories.
26011
26012 @findex COMMAND_RUNNING
26013 @findex gdb.COMMAND_RUNNING
26014 @item gdb.COMMAND_RUNNING
26015 The command is related to running the inferior. For example,
26016 @code{start}, @code{step}, and @code{continue} are in this category.
26017 Type @kbd{help running} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
26018 commands in this category.
26019
26020 @findex COMMAND_DATA
26021 @findex gdb.COMMAND_DATA
26022 @item gdb.COMMAND_DATA
26023 The command is related to data or variables. For example,
26024 @code{call}, @code{find}, and @code{print} are in this category. Type
26025 @kbd{help data} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands
26026 in this category.
26027
26028 @findex COMMAND_STACK
26029 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STACK
26030 @item gdb.COMMAND_STACK
26031 The command has to do with manipulation of the stack. For example,
26032 @code{backtrace}, @code{frame}, and @code{return} are in this
26033 category. Type @kbd{help stack} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a
26034 list of commands in this category.
26035
26036 @findex COMMAND_FILES
26037 @findex gdb.COMMAND_FILES
26038 @item gdb.COMMAND_FILES
26039 This class is used for file-related commands. For example,
26040 @code{file}, @code{list} and @code{section} are in this category.
26041 Type @kbd{help files} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
26042 commands in this category.
26043
26044 @findex COMMAND_SUPPORT
26045 @findex gdb.COMMAND_SUPPORT
26046 @item gdb.COMMAND_SUPPORT
26047 This should be used for ``support facilities'', generally meaning
26048 things that are useful to the user when interacting with @value{GDBN},
26049 but not related to the state of the inferior. For example,
26050 @code{help}, @code{make}, and @code{shell} are in this category. Type
26051 @kbd{help support} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
26052 commands in this category.
26053
26054 @findex COMMAND_STATUS
26055 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STATUS
26056 @item gdb.COMMAND_STATUS
26057 The command is an @samp{info}-related command, that is, related to the
26058 state of @value{GDBN} itself. For example, @code{info}, @code{macro},
26059 and @code{show} are in this category. Type @kbd{help status} at the
26060 @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this category.
26061
26062 @findex COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
26063 @findex gdb.COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
26064 @item gdb.COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
26065 The command has to do with breakpoints. For example, @code{break},
26066 @code{clear}, and @code{delete} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
26067 breakpoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in
26068 this category.
26069
26070 @findex COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
26071 @findex gdb.COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
26072 @item gdb.COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
26073 The command has to do with tracepoints. For example, @code{trace},
26074 @code{actions}, and @code{tfind} are in this category. Type
26075 @kbd{help tracepoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
26076 commands in this category.
26077
26078 @findex COMMAND_USER
26079 @findex gdb.COMMAND_USER
26080 @item gdb.COMMAND_USER
26081 The command is a general purpose command for the user, and typically
26082 does not fit in one of the other categories.
26083 Type @kbd{help user-defined} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see
26084 a list of commands in this category, as well as the list of gdb macros
26085 (@pxref{Sequences}).
26086
26087 @findex COMMAND_OBSCURE
26088 @findex gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE
26089 @item gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE
26090 The command is only used in unusual circumstances, or is not of
26091 general interest to users. For example, @code{checkpoint},
26092 @code{fork}, and @code{stop} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
26093 obscure} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this
26094 category.
26095
26096 @findex COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
26097 @findex gdb.COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
26098 @item gdb.COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
26099 The command is only useful to @value{GDBN} maintainers. The
26100 @code{maintenance} and @code{flushregs} commands are in this category.
26101 Type @kbd{help internals} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
26102 commands in this category.
26103 @end table
26104
26105 A new command can use a predefined completion function, either by
26106 specifying it via an argument at initialization, or by returning it
26107 from the @code{complete} method. These predefined completion
26108 constants are all defined in the @code{gdb} module:
26109
26110 @table @code
26111 @findex COMPLETE_NONE
26112 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_NONE
26113 @item gdb.COMPLETE_NONE
26114 This constant means that no completion should be done.
26115
26116 @findex COMPLETE_FILENAME
26117 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_FILENAME
26118 @item gdb.COMPLETE_FILENAME
26119 This constant means that filename completion should be performed.
26120
26121 @findex COMPLETE_LOCATION
26122 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_LOCATION
26123 @item gdb.COMPLETE_LOCATION
26124 This constant means that location completion should be done.
26125 @xref{Specify Location}.
26126
26127 @findex COMPLETE_COMMAND
26128 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_COMMAND
26129 @item gdb.COMPLETE_COMMAND
26130 This constant means that completion should examine @value{GDBN}
26131 command names.
26132
26133 @findex COMPLETE_SYMBOL
26134 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_SYMBOL
26135 @item gdb.COMPLETE_SYMBOL
26136 This constant means that completion should be done using symbol names
26137 as the source.
26138
26139 @findex COMPLETE_EXPRESSION
26140 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_EXPRESSION
26141 @item gdb.COMPLETE_EXPRESSION
26142 This constant means that completion should be done on expressions.
26143 Often this means completing on symbol names, but some language
26144 parsers also have support for completing on field names.
26145 @end table
26146
26147 The following code snippet shows how a trivial CLI command can be
26148 implemented in Python:
26149
26150 @smallexample
26151 class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
26152 """Greet the whole world."""
26153
26154 def __init__ (self):
26155 super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_USER)
26156
26157 def invoke (self, arg, from_tty):
26158 print "Hello, World!"
26159
26160 HelloWorld ()
26161 @end smallexample
26162
26163 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
26164 registration of the command with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
26165 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
26166 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
26167
26168 @node Parameters In Python
26169 @subsubsection Parameters In Python
26170
26171 @cindex parameters in python
26172 @cindex python parameters
26173 @tindex gdb.Parameter
26174 @tindex Parameter
26175 You can implement new @value{GDBN} parameters using Python. A new
26176 parameter is implemented as an instance of the @code{gdb.Parameter}
26177 class.
26178
26179 Parameters are exposed to the user via the @code{set} and
26180 @code{show} commands. @xref{Help}.
26181
26182 There are many parameters that already exist and can be set in
26183 @value{GDBN}. Two examples are: @code{set follow fork} and
26184 @code{set charset}. Setting these parameters influences certain
26185 behavior in @value{GDBN}. Similarly, you can define parameters that
26186 can be used to influence behavior in custom Python scripts and commands.
26187
26188 @defun Parameter.__init__ (name, @var{command-class}, @var{parameter-class} @r{[}, @var{enum-sequence}@r{]})
26189 The object initializer for @code{Parameter} registers the new
26190 parameter with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked
26191 from the subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
26192
26193 @var{name} is the name of the new parameter. If @var{name} consists
26194 of multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
26195 parameters. An example of this can be illustrated with the
26196 @code{set print} set of parameters. If @var{name} is
26197 @code{print foo}, then @code{print} will be searched as the prefix
26198 parameter. In this case the parameter can subsequently be accessed in
26199 @value{GDBN} as @code{set print foo}.
26200
26201 If @var{name} consists of multiple words, and no prefix parameter group
26202 can be found, an exception is raised.
26203
26204 @var{command-class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
26205 (@pxref{Commands In Python}). This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to
26206 categorize the new parameter in the help system.
26207
26208 @var{parameter-class} should be one of the @samp{PARAM_} constants
26209 defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} the type of the new
26210 parameter; this information is used for input validation and
26211 completion.
26212
26213 If @var{parameter-class} is @code{PARAM_ENUM}, then
26214 @var{enum-sequence} must be a sequence of strings. These strings
26215 represent the possible values for the parameter.
26216
26217 If @var{parameter-class} is not @code{PARAM_ENUM}, then the presence
26218 of a fourth argument will cause an exception to be thrown.
26219
26220 The help text for the new parameter is taken from the Python
26221 documentation string for the parameter's class, if there is one. If
26222 there is no documentation string, a default value is used.
26223 @end defun
26224
26225 @defvar Parameter.set_doc
26226 If this attribute exists, and is a string, then its value is used as
26227 the help text for this parameter's @code{set} command. The value is
26228 examined when @code{Parameter.__init__} is invoked; subsequent changes
26229 have no effect.
26230 @end defvar
26231
26232 @defvar Parameter.show_doc
26233 If this attribute exists, and is a string, then its value is used as
26234 the help text for this parameter's @code{show} command. The value is
26235 examined when @code{Parameter.__init__} is invoked; subsequent changes
26236 have no effect.
26237 @end defvar
26238
26239 @defvar Parameter.value
26240 The @code{value} attribute holds the underlying value of the
26241 parameter. It can be read and assigned to just as any other
26242 attribute. @value{GDBN} does validation when assignments are made.
26243 @end defvar
26244
26245 There are two methods that should be implemented in any
26246 @code{Parameter} class. These are:
26247
26248 @defun Parameter.get_set_string (self)
26249 @value{GDBN} will call this method when a @var{parameter}'s value has
26250 been changed via the @code{set} API (for example, @kbd{set foo off}).
26251 The @code{value} attribute has already been populated with the new
26252 value and may be used in output. This method must return a string.
26253 @end defun
26254
26255 @defun Parameter.get_show_string (self, svalue)
26256 @value{GDBN} will call this method when a @var{parameter}'s
26257 @code{show} API has been invoked (for example, @kbd{show foo}). The
26258 argument @code{svalue} receives the string representation of the
26259 current value. This method must return a string.
26260 @end defun
26261
26262 When a new parameter is defined, its type must be specified. The
26263 available types are represented by constants defined in the @code{gdb}
26264 module:
26265
26266 @table @code
26267 @findex PARAM_BOOLEAN
26268 @findex gdb.PARAM_BOOLEAN
26269 @item gdb.PARAM_BOOLEAN
26270 The value is a plain boolean. The Python boolean values, @code{True}
26271 and @code{False} are the only valid values.
26272
26273 @findex PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
26274 @findex gdb.PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
26275 @item gdb.PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
26276 The value has three possible states: true, false, and @samp{auto}. In
26277 Python, true and false are represented using boolean constants, and
26278 @samp{auto} is represented using @code{None}.
26279
26280 @findex PARAM_UINTEGER
26281 @findex gdb.PARAM_UINTEGER
26282 @item gdb.PARAM_UINTEGER
26283 The value is an unsigned integer. The value of 0 should be
26284 interpreted to mean ``unlimited''.
26285
26286 @findex PARAM_INTEGER
26287 @findex gdb.PARAM_INTEGER
26288 @item gdb.PARAM_INTEGER
26289 The value is a signed integer. The value of 0 should be interpreted
26290 to mean ``unlimited''.
26291
26292 @findex PARAM_STRING
26293 @findex gdb.PARAM_STRING
26294 @item gdb.PARAM_STRING
26295 The value is a string. When the user modifies the string, any escape
26296 sequences, such as @samp{\t}, @samp{\f}, and octal escapes, are
26297 translated into corresponding characters and encoded into the current
26298 host charset.
26299
26300 @findex PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
26301 @findex gdb.PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
26302 @item gdb.PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
26303 The value is a string. When the user modifies the string, escapes are
26304 passed through untranslated.
26305
26306 @findex PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
26307 @findex gdb.PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
26308 @item gdb.PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
26309 The value is a either a filename (a string), or @code{None}.
26310
26311 @findex PARAM_FILENAME
26312 @findex gdb.PARAM_FILENAME
26313 @item gdb.PARAM_FILENAME
26314 The value is a filename. This is just like
26315 @code{PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE}, but uses file names for completion.
26316
26317 @findex PARAM_ZINTEGER
26318 @findex gdb.PARAM_ZINTEGER
26319 @item gdb.PARAM_ZINTEGER
26320 The value is an integer. This is like @code{PARAM_INTEGER}, except 0
26321 is interpreted as itself.
26322
26323 @findex PARAM_ENUM
26324 @findex gdb.PARAM_ENUM
26325 @item gdb.PARAM_ENUM
26326 The value is a string, which must be one of a collection string
26327 constants provided when the parameter is created.
26328 @end table
26329
26330 @node Functions In Python
26331 @subsubsection Writing new convenience functions
26332
26333 @cindex writing convenience functions
26334 @cindex convenience functions in python
26335 @cindex python convenience functions
26336 @tindex gdb.Function
26337 @tindex Function
26338 You can implement new convenience functions (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
26339 in Python. A convenience function is an instance of a subclass of the
26340 class @code{gdb.Function}.
26341
26342 @defun Function.__init__ (name)
26343 The initializer for @code{Function} registers the new function with
26344 @value{GDBN}. The argument @var{name} is the name of the function,
26345 a string. The function will be visible to the user as a convenience
26346 variable of type @code{internal function}, whose name is the same as
26347 the given @var{name}.
26348
26349 The documentation for the new function is taken from the documentation
26350 string for the new class.
26351 @end defun
26352
26353 @defun Function.invoke (@var{*args})
26354 When a convenience function is evaluated, its arguments are converted
26355 to instances of @code{gdb.Value}, and then the function's
26356 @code{invoke} method is called. Note that @value{GDBN} does not
26357 predetermine the arity of convenience functions. Instead, all
26358 available arguments are passed to @code{invoke}, following the
26359 standard Python calling convention. In particular, a convenience
26360 function can have default values for parameters without ill effect.
26361
26362 The return value of this method is used as its value in the enclosing
26363 expression. If an ordinary Python value is returned, it is converted
26364 to a @code{gdb.Value} following the usual rules.
26365 @end defun
26366
26367 The following code snippet shows how a trivial convenience function can
26368 be implemented in Python:
26369
26370 @smallexample
26371 class Greet (gdb.Function):
26372 """Return string to greet someone.
26373 Takes a name as argument."""
26374
26375 def __init__ (self):
26376 super (Greet, self).__init__ ("greet")
26377
26378 def invoke (self, name):
26379 return "Hello, %s!" % name.string ()
26380
26381 Greet ()
26382 @end smallexample
26383
26384 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
26385 registration of the function with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
26386 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
26387 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
26388
26389 Now you can use the function in an expression:
26390
26391 @smallexample
26392 (gdb) print $greet("Bob")
26393 $1 = "Hello, Bob!"
26394 @end smallexample
26395
26396 @node Progspaces In Python
26397 @subsubsection Program Spaces In Python
26398
26399 @cindex progspaces in python
26400 @tindex gdb.Progspace
26401 @tindex Progspace
26402 A program space, or @dfn{progspace}, represents a symbolic view
26403 of an address space.
26404 It consists of all of the objfiles of the program.
26405 @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
26406 @xref{Inferiors and Programs, program spaces}, for more details
26407 about program spaces.
26408
26409 The following progspace-related functions are available in the
26410 @code{gdb} module:
26411
26412 @findex gdb.current_progspace
26413 @defun gdb.current_progspace ()
26414 This function returns the program space of the currently selected inferior.
26415 @xref{Inferiors and Programs}.
26416 @end defun
26417
26418 @findex gdb.progspaces
26419 @defun gdb.progspaces ()
26420 Return a sequence of all the progspaces currently known to @value{GDBN}.
26421 @end defun
26422
26423 Each progspace is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Progspace}
26424 class.
26425
26426 @defvar Progspace.filename
26427 The file name of the progspace as a string.
26428 @end defvar
26429
26430 @defvar Progspace.pretty_printers
26431 The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
26432 used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
26433 function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
26434 search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
26435 which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for more
26436 information.
26437 @end defvar
26438
26439 @defvar Progspace.type_printers
26440 The @code{type_printers} attribute is a list of type printer objects.
26441 @xref{Type Printing API}, for more information.
26442 @end defvar
26443
26444 @defvar Progspace.frame_filters
26445 The @code{frame_filters} attribute is a dictionary of frame filter
26446 objects. @xref{Frame Filter API}, for more information.
26447 @end defvar
26448
26449 @node Objfiles In Python
26450 @subsubsection Objfiles In Python
26451
26452 @cindex objfiles in python
26453 @tindex gdb.Objfile
26454 @tindex Objfile
26455 @value{GDBN} loads symbols for an inferior from various
26456 symbol-containing files (@pxref{Files}). These include the primary
26457 executable file, any shared libraries used by the inferior, and any
26458 separate debug info files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}).
26459 @value{GDBN} calls these symbol-containing files @dfn{objfiles}.
26460
26461 The following objfile-related functions are available in the
26462 @code{gdb} module:
26463
26464 @findex gdb.current_objfile
26465 @defun gdb.current_objfile ()
26466 When auto-loading a Python script (@pxref{Python Auto-loading}), @value{GDBN}
26467 sets the ``current objfile'' to the corresponding objfile. This
26468 function returns the current objfile. If there is no current objfile,
26469 this function returns @code{None}.
26470 @end defun
26471
26472 @findex gdb.objfiles
26473 @defun gdb.objfiles ()
26474 Return a sequence of all the objfiles current known to @value{GDBN}.
26475 @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
26476 @end defun
26477
26478 Each objfile is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Objfile}
26479 class.
26480
26481 @defvar Objfile.filename
26482 The file name of the objfile as a string.
26483 @end defvar
26484
26485 @defvar Objfile.pretty_printers
26486 The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
26487 used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
26488 function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
26489 search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
26490 which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for more
26491 information.
26492 @end defvar
26493
26494 @defvar Objfile.type_printers
26495 The @code{type_printers} attribute is a list of type printer objects.
26496 @xref{Type Printing API}, for more information.
26497 @end defvar
26498
26499 @defvar Objfile.frame_filters
26500 The @code{frame_filters} attribute is a dictionary of frame filter
26501 objects. @xref{Frame Filter API}, for more information.
26502 @end defvar
26503
26504 A @code{gdb.Objfile} object has the following methods:
26505
26506 @defun Objfile.is_valid ()
26507 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Objfile} object is valid,
26508 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Objfile} object can become invalid
26509 if the object file it refers to is not loaded in @value{GDBN} any
26510 longer. All other @code{gdb.Objfile} methods will throw an exception
26511 if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
26512 @end defun
26513
26514 @node Frames In Python
26515 @subsubsection Accessing inferior stack frames from Python.
26516
26517 @cindex frames in python
26518 When the debugged program stops, @value{GDBN} is able to analyze its call
26519 stack (@pxref{Frames,,Stack frames}). The @code{gdb.Frame} class
26520 represents a frame in the stack. A @code{gdb.Frame} object is only valid
26521 while its corresponding frame exists in the inferior's stack. If you try
26522 to use an invalid frame object, @value{GDBN} will throw a @code{gdb.error}
26523 exception (@pxref{Exception Handling}).
26524
26525 Two @code{gdb.Frame} objects can be compared for equality with the @code{==}
26526 operator, like:
26527
26528 @smallexample
26529 (@value{GDBP}) python print gdb.newest_frame() == gdb.selected_frame ()
26530 True
26531 @end smallexample
26532
26533 The following frame-related functions are available in the @code{gdb} module:
26534
26535 @findex gdb.selected_frame
26536 @defun gdb.selected_frame ()
26537 Return the selected frame object. (@pxref{Selection,,Selecting a Frame}).
26538 @end defun
26539
26540 @findex gdb.newest_frame
26541 @defun gdb.newest_frame ()
26542 Return the newest frame object for the selected thread.
26543 @end defun
26544
26545 @defun gdb.frame_stop_reason_string (reason)
26546 Return a string explaining the reason why @value{GDBN} stopped unwinding
26547 frames, as expressed by the given @var{reason} code (an integer, see the
26548 @code{unwind_stop_reason} method further down in this section).
26549 @end defun
26550
26551 A @code{gdb.Frame} object has the following methods:
26552
26553 @defun Frame.is_valid ()
26554 Returns true if the @code{gdb.Frame} object is valid, false if not.
26555 A frame object can become invalid if the frame it refers to doesn't
26556 exist anymore in the inferior. All @code{gdb.Frame} methods will throw
26557 an exception if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
26558 @end defun
26559
26560 @defun Frame.name ()
26561 Returns the function name of the frame, or @code{None} if it can't be
26562 obtained.
26563 @end defun
26564
26565 @defun Frame.architecture ()
26566 Returns the @code{gdb.Architecture} object corresponding to the frame's
26567 architecture. @xref{Architectures In Python}.
26568 @end defun
26569
26570 @defun Frame.type ()
26571 Returns the type of the frame. The value can be one of:
26572 @table @code
26573 @item gdb.NORMAL_FRAME
26574 An ordinary stack frame.
26575
26576 @item gdb.DUMMY_FRAME
26577 A fake stack frame that was created by @value{GDBN} when performing an
26578 inferior function call.
26579
26580 @item gdb.INLINE_FRAME
26581 A frame representing an inlined function. The function was inlined
26582 into a @code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME} that is older than this one.
26583
26584 @item gdb.TAILCALL_FRAME
26585 A frame representing a tail call. @xref{Tail Call Frames}.
26586
26587 @item gdb.SIGTRAMP_FRAME
26588 A signal trampoline frame. This is the frame created by the OS when
26589 it calls into a signal handler.
26590
26591 @item gdb.ARCH_FRAME
26592 A fake stack frame representing a cross-architecture call.
26593
26594 @item gdb.SENTINEL_FRAME
26595 This is like @code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME}, but it is only used for the
26596 newest frame.
26597 @end table
26598 @end defun
26599
26600 @defun Frame.unwind_stop_reason ()
26601 Return an integer representing the reason why it's not possible to find
26602 more frames toward the outermost frame. Use
26603 @code{gdb.frame_stop_reason_string} to convert the value returned by this
26604 function to a string. The value can be one of:
26605
26606 @table @code
26607 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_NO_REASON
26608 No particular reason (older frames should be available).
26609
26610 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_NULL_ID
26611 The previous frame's analyzer returns an invalid result. This is no
26612 longer used by @value{GDBN}, and is kept only for backward
26613 compatibility.
26614
26615 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_OUTERMOST
26616 This frame is the outermost.
26617
26618 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_UNAVAILABLE
26619 Cannot unwind further, because that would require knowing the
26620 values of registers or memory that have not been collected.
26621
26622 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_INNER_ID
26623 This frame ID looks like it ought to belong to a NEXT frame,
26624 but we got it for a PREV frame. Normally, this is a sign of
26625 unwinder failure. It could also indicate stack corruption.
26626
26627 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_SAME_ID
26628 This frame has the same ID as the previous one. That means
26629 that unwinding further would almost certainly give us another
26630 frame with exactly the same ID, so break the chain. Normally,
26631 this is a sign of unwinder failure. It could also indicate
26632 stack corruption.
26633
26634 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_NO_SAVED_PC
26635 The frame unwinder did not find any saved PC, but we needed
26636 one to unwind further.
26637
26638 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_FIRST_ERROR
26639 Any stop reason greater or equal to this value indicates some kind
26640 of error. This special value facilitates writing code that tests
26641 for errors in unwinding in a way that will work correctly even if
26642 the list of the other values is modified in future @value{GDBN}
26643 versions. Using it, you could write:
26644 @smallexample
26645 reason = gdb.selected_frame().unwind_stop_reason ()
26646 reason_str = gdb.frame_stop_reason_string (reason)
26647 if reason >= gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_FIRST_ERROR:
26648 print "An error occured: %s" % reason_str
26649 @end smallexample
26650 @end table
26651
26652 @end defun
26653
26654 @defun Frame.pc ()
26655 Returns the frame's resume address.
26656 @end defun
26657
26658 @defun Frame.block ()
26659 Return the frame's code block. @xref{Blocks In Python}.
26660 @end defun
26661
26662 @defun Frame.function ()
26663 Return the symbol for the function corresponding to this frame.
26664 @xref{Symbols In Python}.
26665 @end defun
26666
26667 @defun Frame.older ()
26668 Return the frame that called this frame.
26669 @end defun
26670
26671 @defun Frame.newer ()
26672 Return the frame called by this frame.
26673 @end defun
26674
26675 @defun Frame.find_sal ()
26676 Return the frame's symtab and line object.
26677 @xref{Symbol Tables In Python}.
26678 @end defun
26679
26680 @defun Frame.read_var (variable @r{[}, block@r{]})
26681 Return the value of @var{variable} in this frame. If the optional
26682 argument @var{block} is provided, search for the variable from that
26683 block; otherwise start at the frame's current block (which is
26684 determined by the frame's current program counter). @var{variable}
26685 must be a string or a @code{gdb.Symbol} object. @var{block} must be a
26686 @code{gdb.Block} object.
26687 @end defun
26688
26689 @defun Frame.select ()
26690 Set this frame to be the selected frame. @xref{Stack, ,Examining the
26691 Stack}.
26692 @end defun
26693
26694 @node Blocks In Python
26695 @subsubsection Accessing blocks from Python.
26696
26697 @cindex blocks in python
26698 @tindex gdb.Block
26699
26700 In @value{GDBN}, symbols are stored in blocks. A block corresponds
26701 roughly to a scope in the source code. Blocks are organized
26702 hierarchically, and are represented individually in Python as a
26703 @code{gdb.Block}. Blocks rely on debugging information being
26704 available.
26705
26706 A frame has a block. Please see @ref{Frames In Python}, for a more
26707 in-depth discussion of frames.
26708
26709 The outermost block is known as the @dfn{global block}. The global
26710 block typically holds public global variables and functions.
26711
26712 The block nested just inside the global block is the @dfn{static
26713 block}. The static block typically holds file-scoped variables and
26714 functions.
26715
26716 @value{GDBN} provides a method to get a block's superblock, but there
26717 is currently no way to examine the sub-blocks of a block, or to
26718 iterate over all the blocks in a symbol table (@pxref{Symbol Tables In
26719 Python}).
26720
26721 Here is a short example that should help explain blocks:
26722
26723 @smallexample
26724 /* This is in the global block. */
26725 int global;
26726
26727 /* This is in the static block. */
26728 static int file_scope;
26729
26730 /* 'function' is in the global block, and 'argument' is
26731 in a block nested inside of 'function'. */
26732 int function (int argument)
26733 @{
26734 /* 'local' is in a block inside 'function'. It may or may
26735 not be in the same block as 'argument'. */
26736 int local;
26737
26738 @{
26739 /* 'inner' is in a block whose superblock is the one holding
26740 'local'. */
26741 int inner;
26742
26743 /* If this call is expanded by the compiler, you may see
26744 a nested block here whose function is 'inline_function'
26745 and whose superblock is the one holding 'inner'. */
26746 inline_function ();
26747 @}
26748 @}
26749 @end smallexample
26750
26751 A @code{gdb.Block} is iterable. The iterator returns the symbols
26752 (@pxref{Symbols In Python}) local to the block. Python programs
26753 should not assume that a specific block object will always contain a
26754 given symbol, since changes in @value{GDBN} features and
26755 infrastructure may cause symbols move across blocks in a symbol
26756 table.
26757
26758 The following block-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
26759 module:
26760
26761 @findex gdb.block_for_pc
26762 @defun gdb.block_for_pc (pc)
26763 Return the innermost @code{gdb.Block} containing the given @var{pc}
26764 value. If the block cannot be found for the @var{pc} value specified,
26765 the function will return @code{None}.
26766 @end defun
26767
26768 A @code{gdb.Block} object has the following methods:
26769
26770 @defun Block.is_valid ()
26771 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Block} object is valid,
26772 @code{False} if not. A block object can become invalid if the block it
26773 refers to doesn't exist anymore in the inferior. All other
26774 @code{gdb.Block} methods will throw an exception if it is invalid at
26775 the time the method is called. The block's validity is also checked
26776 during iteration over symbols of the block.
26777 @end defun
26778
26779 A @code{gdb.Block} object has the following attributes:
26780
26781 @defvar Block.start
26782 The start address of the block. This attribute is not writable.
26783 @end defvar
26784
26785 @defvar Block.end
26786 The end address of the block. This attribute is not writable.
26787 @end defvar
26788
26789 @defvar Block.function
26790 The name of the block represented as a @code{gdb.Symbol}. If the
26791 block is not named, then this attribute holds @code{None}. This
26792 attribute is not writable.
26793
26794 For ordinary function blocks, the superblock is the static block.
26795 However, you should note that it is possible for a function block to
26796 have a superblock that is not the static block -- for instance this
26797 happens for an inlined function.
26798 @end defvar
26799
26800 @defvar Block.superblock
26801 The block containing this block. If this parent block does not exist,
26802 this attribute holds @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
26803 @end defvar
26804
26805 @defvar Block.global_block
26806 The global block associated with this block. This attribute is not
26807 writable.
26808 @end defvar
26809
26810 @defvar Block.static_block
26811 The static block associated with this block. This attribute is not
26812 writable.
26813 @end defvar
26814
26815 @defvar Block.is_global
26816 @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Block} object is a global block,
26817 @code{False} if not. This attribute is not
26818 writable.
26819 @end defvar
26820
26821 @defvar Block.is_static
26822 @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Block} object is a static block,
26823 @code{False} if not. This attribute is not writable.
26824 @end defvar
26825
26826 @node Symbols In Python
26827 @subsubsection Python representation of Symbols.
26828
26829 @cindex symbols in python
26830 @tindex gdb.Symbol
26831
26832 @value{GDBN} represents every variable, function and type as an
26833 entry in a symbol table. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
26834 Similarly, Python represents these symbols in @value{GDBN} with the
26835 @code{gdb.Symbol} object.
26836
26837 The following symbol-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
26838 module:
26839
26840 @findex gdb.lookup_symbol
26841 @defun gdb.lookup_symbol (name @r{[}, block @r{[}, domain@r{]]})
26842 This function searches for a symbol by name. The search scope can be
26843 restricted to the parameters defined in the optional domain and block
26844 arguments.
26845
26846 @var{name} is the name of the symbol. It must be a string. The
26847 optional @var{block} argument restricts the search to symbols visible
26848 in that @var{block}. The @var{block} argument must be a
26849 @code{gdb.Block} object. If omitted, the block for the current frame
26850 is used. The optional @var{domain} argument restricts
26851 the search to the domain type. The @var{domain} argument must be a
26852 domain constant defined in the @code{gdb} module and described later
26853 in this chapter.
26854
26855 The result is a tuple of two elements.
26856 The first element is a @code{gdb.Symbol} object or @code{None} if the symbol
26857 is not found.
26858 If the symbol is found, the second element is @code{True} if the symbol
26859 is a field of a method's object (e.g., @code{this} in C@t{++}),
26860 otherwise it is @code{False}.
26861 If the symbol is not found, the second element is @code{False}.
26862 @end defun
26863
26864 @findex gdb.lookup_global_symbol
26865 @defun gdb.lookup_global_symbol (name @r{[}, domain@r{]})
26866 This function searches for a global symbol by name.
26867 The search scope can be restricted to by the domain argument.
26868
26869 @var{name} is the name of the symbol. It must be a string.
26870 The optional @var{domain} argument restricts the search to the domain type.
26871 The @var{domain} argument must be a domain constant defined in the @code{gdb}
26872 module and described later in this chapter.
26873
26874 The result is a @code{gdb.Symbol} object or @code{None} if the symbol
26875 is not found.
26876 @end defun
26877
26878 A @code{gdb.Symbol} object has the following attributes:
26879
26880 @defvar Symbol.type
26881 The type of the symbol or @code{None} if no type is recorded.
26882 This attribute is represented as a @code{gdb.Type} object.
26883 @xref{Types In Python}. This attribute is not writable.
26884 @end defvar
26885
26886 @defvar Symbol.symtab
26887 The symbol table in which the symbol appears. This attribute is
26888 represented as a @code{gdb.Symtab} object. @xref{Symbol Tables In
26889 Python}. This attribute is not writable.
26890 @end defvar
26891
26892 @defvar Symbol.line
26893 The line number in the source code at which the symbol was defined.
26894 This is an integer.
26895 @end defvar
26896
26897 @defvar Symbol.name
26898 The name of the symbol as a string. This attribute is not writable.
26899 @end defvar
26900
26901 @defvar Symbol.linkage_name
26902 The name of the symbol, as used by the linker (i.e., may be mangled).
26903 This attribute is not writable.
26904 @end defvar
26905
26906 @defvar Symbol.print_name
26907 The name of the symbol in a form suitable for output. This is either
26908 @code{name} or @code{linkage_name}, depending on whether the user
26909 asked @value{GDBN} to display demangled or mangled names.
26910 @end defvar
26911
26912 @defvar Symbol.addr_class
26913 The address class of the symbol. This classifies how to find the value
26914 of a symbol. Each address class is a constant defined in the
26915 @code{gdb} module and described later in this chapter.
26916 @end defvar
26917
26918 @defvar Symbol.needs_frame
26919 This is @code{True} if evaluating this symbol's value requires a frame
26920 (@pxref{Frames In Python}) and @code{False} otherwise. Typically,
26921 local variables will require a frame, but other symbols will not.
26922 @end defvar
26923
26924 @defvar Symbol.is_argument
26925 @code{True} if the symbol is an argument of a function.
26926 @end defvar
26927
26928 @defvar Symbol.is_constant
26929 @code{True} if the symbol is a constant.
26930 @end defvar
26931
26932 @defvar Symbol.is_function
26933 @code{True} if the symbol is a function or a method.
26934 @end defvar
26935
26936 @defvar Symbol.is_variable
26937 @code{True} if the symbol is a variable.
26938 @end defvar
26939
26940 A @code{gdb.Symbol} object has the following methods:
26941
26942 @defun Symbol.is_valid ()
26943 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symbol} object is valid,
26944 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symbol} object can become invalid if
26945 the symbol it refers to does not exist in @value{GDBN} any longer.
26946 All other @code{gdb.Symbol} methods will throw an exception if it is
26947 invalid at the time the method is called.
26948 @end defun
26949
26950 @defun Symbol.value (@r{[}frame@r{]})
26951 Compute the value of the symbol, as a @code{gdb.Value}. For
26952 functions, this computes the address of the function, cast to the
26953 appropriate type. If the symbol requires a frame in order to compute
26954 its value, then @var{frame} must be given. If @var{frame} is not
26955 given, or if @var{frame} is invalid, then this method will throw an
26956 exception.
26957 @end defun
26958
26959 The available domain categories in @code{gdb.Symbol} are represented
26960 as constants in the @code{gdb} module:
26961
26962 @table @code
26963 @findex SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
26964 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
26965 @item gdb.SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
26966 This is used when a domain has not been discovered or none of the
26967 following domains apply. This usually indicates an error either
26968 in the symbol information or in @value{GDBN}'s handling of symbols.
26969 @findex SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
26970 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
26971 @item gdb.SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
26972 This domain contains variables, function names, typedef names and enum
26973 type values.
26974 @findex SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
26975 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
26976 @item gdb.SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
26977 This domain holds struct, union and enum type names.
26978 @findex SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
26979 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
26980 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
26981 This domain contains names of labels (for gotos).
26982 @findex SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
26983 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
26984 @item gdb.SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
26985 This domain holds a subset of the @code{SYMBOLS_VAR_DOMAIN}; it
26986 contains everything minus functions and types.
26987 @findex SYMBOL_FUNCTIONS_DOMAIN
26988 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_FUNCTIONS_DOMAIN
26989 @item gdb.SYMBOL_FUNCTION_DOMAIN
26990 This domain contains all functions.
26991 @findex SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
26992 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
26993 @item gdb.SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
26994 This domain contains all types.
26995 @end table
26996
26997 The available address class categories in @code{gdb.Symbol} are represented
26998 as constants in the @code{gdb} module:
26999
27000 @table @code
27001 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
27002 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
27003 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
27004 If this is returned by address class, it indicates an error either in
27005 the symbol information or in @value{GDBN}'s handling of symbols.
27006 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
27007 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
27008 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
27009 Value is constant int.
27010 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
27011 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
27012 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
27013 Value is at a fixed address.
27014 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
27015 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
27016 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
27017 Value is in a register.
27018 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
27019 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
27020 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
27021 Value is an argument. This value is at the offset stored within the
27022 symbol inside the frame's argument list.
27023 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
27024 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
27025 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
27026 Value address is stored in the frame's argument list. Just like
27027 @code{LOC_ARG} except that the value's address is stored at the
27028 offset, not the value itself.
27029 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
27030 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
27031 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
27032 Value is a specified register. Just like @code{LOC_REGISTER} except
27033 the register holds the address of the argument instead of the argument
27034 itself.
27035 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
27036 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
27037 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
27038 Value is a local variable.
27039 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
27040 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
27041 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
27042 Value not used. Symbols in the domain @code{SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN} all
27043 have this class.
27044 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
27045 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
27046 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
27047 Value is a block.
27048 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
27049 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
27050 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
27051 Value is a byte-sequence.
27052 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
27053 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
27054 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
27055 Value is at a fixed address, but the address of the variable has to be
27056 determined from the minimal symbol table whenever the variable is
27057 referenced.
27058 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
27059 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
27060 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
27061 The value does not actually exist in the program.
27062 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
27063 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
27064 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
27065 The value's address is a computed location.
27066 @end table
27067
27068 @node Symbol Tables In Python
27069 @subsubsection Symbol table representation in Python.
27070
27071 @cindex symbol tables in python
27072 @tindex gdb.Symtab
27073 @tindex gdb.Symtab_and_line
27074
27075 Access to symbol table data maintained by @value{GDBN} on the inferior
27076 is exposed to Python via two objects: @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} and
27077 @code{gdb.Symtab}. Symbol table and line data for a frame is returned
27078 from the @code{find_sal} method in @code{gdb.Frame} object.
27079 @xref{Frames In Python}.
27080
27081 For more information on @value{GDBN}'s symbol table management, see
27082 @ref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, for more information.
27083
27084 A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object has the following attributes:
27085
27086 @defvar Symtab_and_line.symtab
27087 The symbol table object (@code{gdb.Symtab}) for this frame.
27088 This attribute is not writable.
27089 @end defvar
27090
27091 @defvar Symtab_and_line.pc
27092 Indicates the start of the address range occupied by code for the
27093 current source line. This attribute is not writable.
27094 @end defvar
27095
27096 @defvar Symtab_and_line.last
27097 Indicates the end of the address range occupied by code for the current
27098 source line. This attribute is not writable.
27099 @end defvar
27100
27101 @defvar Symtab_and_line.line
27102 Indicates the current line number for this object. This
27103 attribute is not writable.
27104 @end defvar
27105
27106 A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object has the following methods:
27107
27108 @defun Symtab_and_line.is_valid ()
27109 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object is valid,
27110 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object can become
27111 invalid if the Symbol table and line object it refers to does not
27112 exist in @value{GDBN} any longer. All other
27113 @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} methods will throw an exception if it is
27114 invalid at the time the method is called.
27115 @end defun
27116
27117 A @code{gdb.Symtab} object has the following attributes:
27118
27119 @defvar Symtab.filename
27120 The symbol table's source filename. This attribute is not writable.
27121 @end defvar
27122
27123 @defvar Symtab.objfile
27124 The symbol table's backing object file. @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
27125 This attribute is not writable.
27126 @end defvar
27127
27128 A @code{gdb.Symtab} object has the following methods:
27129
27130 @defun Symtab.is_valid ()
27131 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symtab} object is valid,
27132 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symtab} object can become invalid if
27133 the symbol table it refers to does not exist in @value{GDBN} any
27134 longer. All other @code{gdb.Symtab} methods will throw an exception
27135 if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
27136 @end defun
27137
27138 @defun Symtab.fullname ()
27139 Return the symbol table's source absolute file name.
27140 @end defun
27141
27142 @defun Symtab.global_block ()
27143 Return the global block of the underlying symbol table.
27144 @xref{Blocks In Python}.
27145 @end defun
27146
27147 @defun Symtab.static_block ()
27148 Return the static block of the underlying symbol table.
27149 @xref{Blocks In Python}.
27150 @end defun
27151
27152 @defun Symtab.linetable ()
27153 Return the line table associated with the symbol table.
27154 @xref{Line Tables In Python}.
27155 @end defun
27156
27157 @node Line Tables In Python
27158 @subsubsection Manipulating line tables using Python
27159
27160 @cindex line tables in python
27161 @tindex gdb.LineTable
27162
27163 Python code can request and inspect line table information from a
27164 symbol table that is loaded in @value{GDBN}. A line table is a
27165 mapping of source lines to their executable locations in memory. To
27166 acquire the line table information for a particular symbol table, use
27167 the @code{linetable} function (@pxref{Symbol Tables In Python}).
27168
27169 A @code{gdb.LineTable} is iterable. The iterator returns
27170 @code{LineTableEntry} objects that correspond to the source line and
27171 address for each line table entry. @code{LineTableEntry} objects have
27172 the following attributes:
27173
27174 @defvar LineTableEntry.line
27175 The source line number for this line table entry. This number
27176 corresponds to the actual line of source. This attribute is not
27177 writable.
27178 @end defvar
27179
27180 @defvar LineTableEntry.pc
27181 The address that is associated with the line table entry where the
27182 executable code for that source line resides in memory. This
27183 attribute is not writable.
27184 @end defvar
27185
27186 As there can be multiple addresses for a single source line, you may
27187 receive multiple @code{LineTableEntry} objects with matching
27188 @code{line} attributes, but with different @code{pc} attributes. The
27189 iterator is sorted in ascending @code{pc} order. Here is a small
27190 example illustrating iterating over a line table.
27191
27192 @smallexample
27193 symtab = gdb.selected_frame().find_sal().symtab
27194 linetable = symtab.linetable()
27195 for line in linetable:
27196 print "Line: "+str(line.line)+" Address: "+hex(line.pc)
27197 @end smallexample
27198
27199 This will have the following output:
27200
27201 @smallexample
27202 Line: 33 Address: 0x4005c8L
27203 Line: 37 Address: 0x4005caL
27204 Line: 39 Address: 0x4005d2L
27205 Line: 40 Address: 0x4005f8L
27206 Line: 42 Address: 0x4005ffL
27207 Line: 44 Address: 0x400608L
27208 Line: 42 Address: 0x40060cL
27209 Line: 45 Address: 0x400615L
27210 @end smallexample
27211
27212 In addition to being able to iterate over a @code{LineTable}, it also
27213 has the following direct access methods:
27214
27215 @defun LineTable.line (line)
27216 Return a Python @code{Tuple} of @code{LineTableEntry} objects for any
27217 entries in the line table for the given @var{line}. @var{line} refers
27218 to the source code line. If there are no entries for that source code
27219 @var{line}, the Python @code{None} is returned.
27220 @end defun
27221
27222 @defun LineTable.has_line (line)
27223 Return a Python @code{Boolean} indicating whether there is an entry in
27224 the line table for this source line. Return @code{True} if an entry
27225 is found, or @code{False} if not.
27226 @end defun
27227
27228 @defun LineTable.source_lines ()
27229 Return a Python @code{List} of the source line numbers in the symbol
27230 table. Only lines with executable code locations are returned. The
27231 contents of the @code{List} will just be the source line entries
27232 represented as Python @code{Long} values.
27233 @end defun
27234
27235 @node Breakpoints In Python
27236 @subsubsection Manipulating breakpoints using Python
27237
27238 @cindex breakpoints in python
27239 @tindex gdb.Breakpoint
27240
27241 Python code can manipulate breakpoints via the @code{gdb.Breakpoint}
27242 class.
27243
27244 @defun Breakpoint.__init__ (spec @r{[}, type @r{[}, wp_class @r{[},internal @r{[},temporary@r{]]]]})
27245 Create a new breakpoint. @var{spec} is a string naming the location
27246 of the breakpoint, or an expression that defines a watchpoint. The
27247 contents can be any location recognized by the @code{break} command,
27248 or in the case of a watchpoint, by the @code{watch} command. The
27249 optional @var{type} denotes the breakpoint to create from the types
27250 defined later in this chapter. This argument can be either:
27251 @code{gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT} or @code{gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT}. @var{type}
27252 defaults to @code{gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT}. The optional @var{internal}
27253 argument allows the breakpoint to become invisible to the user. The
27254 breakpoint will neither be reported when created, nor will it be
27255 listed in the output from @code{info breakpoints} (but will be listed
27256 with the @code{maint info breakpoints} command). The optional
27257 @var{temporary} argument makes the breakpoint a temporary breakpoint.
27258 Temporary breakpoints are deleted after they have been hit. Any
27259 further access to the Python breakpoint after it has been hit will
27260 result in a runtime error (as that breakpoint has now been
27261 automatically deleted). The optional @var{wp_class} argument defines
27262 the class of watchpoint to create, if @var{type} is
27263 @code{gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT}. If a watchpoint class is not provided, it
27264 is assumed to be a @code{gdb.WP_WRITE} class.
27265 @end defun
27266
27267 @defun Breakpoint.stop (self)
27268 The @code{gdb.Breakpoint} class can be sub-classed and, in
27269 particular, you may choose to implement the @code{stop} method.
27270 If this method is defined in a sub-class of @code{gdb.Breakpoint},
27271 it will be called when the inferior reaches any location of a
27272 breakpoint which instantiates that sub-class. If the method returns
27273 @code{True}, the inferior will be stopped at the location of the
27274 breakpoint, otherwise the inferior will continue.
27275
27276 If there are multiple breakpoints at the same location with a
27277 @code{stop} method, each one will be called regardless of the
27278 return status of the previous. This ensures that all @code{stop}
27279 methods have a chance to execute at that location. In this scenario
27280 if one of the methods returns @code{True} but the others return
27281 @code{False}, the inferior will still be stopped.
27282
27283 You should not alter the execution state of the inferior (i.e.@:, step,
27284 next, etc.), alter the current frame context (i.e.@:, change the current
27285 active frame), or alter, add or delete any breakpoint. As a general
27286 rule, you should not alter any data within @value{GDBN} or the inferior
27287 at this time.
27288
27289 Example @code{stop} implementation:
27290
27291 @smallexample
27292 class MyBreakpoint (gdb.Breakpoint):
27293 def stop (self):
27294 inf_val = gdb.parse_and_eval("foo")
27295 if inf_val == 3:
27296 return True
27297 return False
27298 @end smallexample
27299 @end defun
27300
27301 The available watchpoint types represented by constants are defined in the
27302 @code{gdb} module:
27303
27304 @table @code
27305 @findex WP_READ
27306 @findex gdb.WP_READ
27307 @item gdb.WP_READ
27308 Read only watchpoint.
27309
27310 @findex WP_WRITE
27311 @findex gdb.WP_WRITE
27312 @item gdb.WP_WRITE
27313 Write only watchpoint.
27314
27315 @findex WP_ACCESS
27316 @findex gdb.WP_ACCESS
27317 @item gdb.WP_ACCESS
27318 Read/Write watchpoint.
27319 @end table
27320
27321 @defun Breakpoint.is_valid ()
27322 Return @code{True} if this @code{Breakpoint} object is valid,
27323 @code{False} otherwise. A @code{Breakpoint} object can become invalid
27324 if the user deletes the breakpoint. In this case, the object still
27325 exists, but the underlying breakpoint does not. In the cases of
27326 watchpoint scope, the watchpoint remains valid even if execution of the
27327 inferior leaves the scope of that watchpoint.
27328 @end defun
27329
27330 @defun Breakpoint.delete
27331 Permanently deletes the @value{GDBN} breakpoint. This also
27332 invalidates the Python @code{Breakpoint} object. Any further access
27333 to this object's attributes or methods will raise an error.
27334 @end defun
27335
27336 @defvar Breakpoint.enabled
27337 This attribute is @code{True} if the breakpoint is enabled, and
27338 @code{False} otherwise. This attribute is writable.
27339 @end defvar
27340
27341 @defvar Breakpoint.silent
27342 This attribute is @code{True} if the breakpoint is silent, and
27343 @code{False} otherwise. This attribute is writable.
27344
27345 Note that a breakpoint can also be silent if it has commands and the
27346 first command is @code{silent}. This is not reported by the
27347 @code{silent} attribute.
27348 @end defvar
27349
27350 @defvar Breakpoint.thread
27351 If the breakpoint is thread-specific, this attribute holds the thread
27352 id. If the breakpoint is not thread-specific, this attribute is
27353 @code{None}. This attribute is writable.
27354 @end defvar
27355
27356 @defvar Breakpoint.task
27357 If the breakpoint is Ada task-specific, this attribute holds the Ada task
27358 id. If the breakpoint is not task-specific (or the underlying
27359 language is not Ada), this attribute is @code{None}. This attribute
27360 is writable.
27361 @end defvar
27362
27363 @defvar Breakpoint.ignore_count
27364 This attribute holds the ignore count for the breakpoint, an integer.
27365 This attribute is writable.
27366 @end defvar
27367
27368 @defvar Breakpoint.number
27369 This attribute holds the breakpoint's number --- the identifier used by
27370 the user to manipulate the breakpoint. This attribute is not writable.
27371 @end defvar
27372
27373 @defvar Breakpoint.type
27374 This attribute holds the breakpoint's type --- the identifier used to
27375 determine the actual breakpoint type or use-case. This attribute is not
27376 writable.
27377 @end defvar
27378
27379 @defvar Breakpoint.visible
27380 This attribute tells whether the breakpoint is visible to the user
27381 when set, or when the @samp{info breakpoints} command is run. This
27382 attribute is not writable.
27383 @end defvar
27384
27385 @defvar Breakpoint.temporary
27386 This attribute indicates whether the breakpoint was created as a
27387 temporary breakpoint. Temporary breakpoints are automatically deleted
27388 after that breakpoint has been hit. Access to this attribute, and all
27389 other attributes and functions other than the @code{is_valid}
27390 function, will result in an error after the breakpoint has been hit
27391 (as it has been automatically deleted). This attribute is not
27392 writable.
27393 @end defvar
27394
27395 The available types are represented by constants defined in the @code{gdb}
27396 module:
27397
27398 @table @code
27399 @findex BP_BREAKPOINT
27400 @findex gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT
27401 @item gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT
27402 Normal code breakpoint.
27403
27404 @findex BP_WATCHPOINT
27405 @findex gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT
27406 @item gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT
27407 Watchpoint breakpoint.
27408
27409 @findex BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
27410 @findex gdb.BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
27411 @item gdb.BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
27412 Hardware assisted watchpoint.
27413
27414 @findex BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
27415 @findex gdb.BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
27416 @item gdb.BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
27417 Hardware assisted read watchpoint.
27418
27419 @findex BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
27420 @findex gdb.BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
27421 @item gdb.BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
27422 Hardware assisted access watchpoint.
27423 @end table
27424
27425 @defvar Breakpoint.hit_count
27426 This attribute holds the hit count for the breakpoint, an integer.
27427 This attribute is writable, but currently it can only be set to zero.
27428 @end defvar
27429
27430 @defvar Breakpoint.location
27431 This attribute holds the location of the breakpoint, as specified by
27432 the user. It is a string. If the breakpoint does not have a location
27433 (that is, it is a watchpoint) the attribute's value is @code{None}. This
27434 attribute is not writable.
27435 @end defvar
27436
27437 @defvar Breakpoint.expression
27438 This attribute holds a breakpoint expression, as specified by
27439 the user. It is a string. If the breakpoint does not have an
27440 expression (the breakpoint is not a watchpoint) the attribute's value
27441 is @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
27442 @end defvar
27443
27444 @defvar Breakpoint.condition
27445 This attribute holds the condition of the breakpoint, as specified by
27446 the user. It is a string. If there is no condition, this attribute's
27447 value is @code{None}. This attribute is writable.
27448 @end defvar
27449
27450 @defvar Breakpoint.commands
27451 This attribute holds the commands attached to the breakpoint. If
27452 there are commands, this attribute's value is a string holding all the
27453 commands, separated by newlines. If there are no commands, this
27454 attribute is @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
27455 @end defvar
27456
27457 @node Finish Breakpoints in Python
27458 @subsubsection Finish Breakpoints
27459
27460 @cindex python finish breakpoints
27461 @tindex gdb.FinishBreakpoint
27462
27463 A finish breakpoint is a temporary breakpoint set at the return address of
27464 a frame, based on the @code{finish} command. @code{gdb.FinishBreakpoint}
27465 extends @code{gdb.Breakpoint}. The underlying breakpoint will be disabled
27466 and deleted when the execution will run out of the breakpoint scope (i.e.@:
27467 @code{Breakpoint.stop} or @code{FinishBreakpoint.out_of_scope} triggered).
27468 Finish breakpoints are thread specific and must be create with the right
27469 thread selected.
27470
27471 @defun FinishBreakpoint.__init__ (@r{[}frame@r{]} @r{[}, internal@r{]})
27472 Create a finish breakpoint at the return address of the @code{gdb.Frame}
27473 object @var{frame}. If @var{frame} is not provided, this defaults to the
27474 newest frame. The optional @var{internal} argument allows the breakpoint to
27475 become invisible to the user. @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for further
27476 details about this argument.
27477 @end defun
27478
27479 @defun FinishBreakpoint.out_of_scope (self)
27480 In some circumstances (e.g.@: @code{longjmp}, C@t{++} exceptions, @value{GDBN}
27481 @code{return} command, @dots{}), a function may not properly terminate, and
27482 thus never hit the finish breakpoint. When @value{GDBN} notices such a
27483 situation, the @code{out_of_scope} callback will be triggered.
27484
27485 You may want to sub-class @code{gdb.FinishBreakpoint} and override this
27486 method:
27487
27488 @smallexample
27489 class MyFinishBreakpoint (gdb.FinishBreakpoint)
27490 def stop (self):
27491 print "normal finish"
27492 return True
27493
27494 def out_of_scope ():
27495 print "abnormal finish"
27496 @end smallexample
27497 @end defun
27498
27499 @defvar FinishBreakpoint.return_value
27500 When @value{GDBN} is stopped at a finish breakpoint and the frame
27501 used to build the @code{gdb.FinishBreakpoint} object had debug symbols, this
27502 attribute will contain a @code{gdb.Value} object corresponding to the return
27503 value of the function. The value will be @code{None} if the function return
27504 type is @code{void} or if the return value was not computable. This attribute
27505 is not writable.
27506 @end defvar
27507
27508 @node Lazy Strings In Python
27509 @subsubsection Python representation of lazy strings.
27510
27511 @cindex lazy strings in python
27512 @tindex gdb.LazyString
27513
27514 A @dfn{lazy string} is a string whose contents is not retrieved or
27515 encoded until it is needed.
27516
27517 A @code{gdb.LazyString} is represented in @value{GDBN} as an
27518 @code{address} that points to a region of memory, an @code{encoding}
27519 that will be used to encode that region of memory, and a @code{length}
27520 to delimit the region of memory that represents the string. The
27521 difference between a @code{gdb.LazyString} and a string wrapped within
27522 a @code{gdb.Value} is that a @code{gdb.LazyString} will be treated
27523 differently by @value{GDBN} when printing. A @code{gdb.LazyString} is
27524 retrieved and encoded during printing, while a @code{gdb.Value}
27525 wrapping a string is immediately retrieved and encoded on creation.
27526
27527 A @code{gdb.LazyString} object has the following functions:
27528
27529 @defun LazyString.value ()
27530 Convert the @code{gdb.LazyString} to a @code{gdb.Value}. This value
27531 will point to the string in memory, but will lose all the delayed
27532 retrieval, encoding and handling that @value{GDBN} applies to a
27533 @code{gdb.LazyString}.
27534 @end defun
27535
27536 @defvar LazyString.address
27537 This attribute holds the address of the string. This attribute is not
27538 writable.
27539 @end defvar
27540
27541 @defvar LazyString.length
27542 This attribute holds the length of the string in characters. If the
27543 length is -1, then the string will be fetched and encoded up to the
27544 first null of appropriate width. This attribute is not writable.
27545 @end defvar
27546
27547 @defvar LazyString.encoding
27548 This attribute holds the encoding that will be applied to the string
27549 when the string is printed by @value{GDBN}. If the encoding is not
27550 set, or contains an empty string, then @value{GDBN} will select the
27551 most appropriate encoding when the string is printed. This attribute
27552 is not writable.
27553 @end defvar
27554
27555 @defvar LazyString.type
27556 This attribute holds the type that is represented by the lazy string's
27557 type. For a lazy string this will always be a pointer type. To
27558 resolve this to the lazy string's character type, use the type's
27559 @code{target} method. @xref{Types In Python}. This attribute is not
27560 writable.
27561 @end defvar
27562
27563 @node Architectures In Python
27564 @subsubsection Python representation of architectures
27565 @cindex Python architectures
27566
27567 @value{GDBN} uses architecture specific parameters and artifacts in a
27568 number of its various computations. An architecture is represented
27569 by an instance of the @code{gdb.Architecture} class.
27570
27571 A @code{gdb.Architecture} class has the following methods:
27572
27573 @defun Architecture.name ()
27574 Return the name (string value) of the architecture.
27575 @end defun
27576
27577 @defun Architecture.disassemble (@var{start_pc} @r{[}, @var{end_pc} @r{[}, @var{count}@r{]]})
27578 Return a list of disassembled instructions starting from the memory
27579 address @var{start_pc}. The optional arguments @var{end_pc} and
27580 @var{count} determine the number of instructions in the returned list.
27581 If both the optional arguments @var{end_pc} and @var{count} are
27582 specified, then a list of at most @var{count} disassembled instructions
27583 whose start address falls in the closed memory address interval from
27584 @var{start_pc} to @var{end_pc} are returned. If @var{end_pc} is not
27585 specified, but @var{count} is specified, then @var{count} number of
27586 instructions starting from the address @var{start_pc} are returned. If
27587 @var{count} is not specified but @var{end_pc} is specified, then all
27588 instructions whose start address falls in the closed memory address
27589 interval from @var{start_pc} to @var{end_pc} are returned. If neither
27590 @var{end_pc} nor @var{count} are specified, then a single instruction at
27591 @var{start_pc} is returned. For all of these cases, each element of the
27592 returned list is a Python @code{dict} with the following string keys:
27593
27594 @table @code
27595
27596 @item addr
27597 The value corresponding to this key is a Python long integer capturing
27598 the memory address of the instruction.
27599
27600 @item asm
27601 The value corresponding to this key is a string value which represents
27602 the instruction with assembly language mnemonics. The assembly
27603 language flavor used is the same as that specified by the current CLI
27604 variable @code{disassembly-flavor}. @xref{Machine Code}.
27605
27606 @item length
27607 The value corresponding to this key is the length (integer value) of the
27608 instruction in bytes.
27609
27610 @end table
27611 @end defun
27612
27613 @node Python Auto-loading
27614 @subsection Python Auto-loading
27615 @cindex Python auto-loading
27616
27617 When a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
27618 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library),
27619 @value{GDBN} will look for Python support scripts in several ways:
27620 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} and @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section.
27621 @xref{Auto-loading extensions}.
27622
27623 The auto-loading feature is useful for supplying application-specific
27624 debugging commands and scripts.
27625
27626 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
27627 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
27628
27629 @table @code
27630 @anchor{set auto-load python-scripts}
27631 @kindex set auto-load python-scripts
27632 @item set auto-load python-scripts [on|off]
27633 Enable or disable the auto-loading of Python scripts.
27634
27635 @anchor{show auto-load python-scripts}
27636 @kindex show auto-load python-scripts
27637 @item show auto-load python-scripts
27638 Show whether auto-loading of Python scripts is enabled or disabled.
27639
27640 @anchor{info auto-load python-scripts}
27641 @kindex info auto-load python-scripts
27642 @cindex print list of auto-loaded Python scripts
27643 @item info auto-load python-scripts [@var{regexp}]
27644 Print the list of all Python scripts that @value{GDBN} auto-loaded.
27645
27646 Also printed is the list of Python scripts that were mentioned in
27647 the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section and were not found
27648 (@pxref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}).
27649 This is useful because their names are not printed when @value{GDBN}
27650 tries to load them and fails. There may be many of them, and printing
27651 an error message for each one is problematic.
27652
27653 If @var{regexp} is supplied only Python scripts with matching names are printed.
27654
27655 Example:
27656
27657 @smallexample
27658 (gdb) info auto-load python-scripts
27659 Loaded Script
27660 Yes py-section-script.py
27661 full name: /tmp/py-section-script.py
27662 No my-foo-pretty-printers.py
27663 @end smallexample
27664 @end table
27665
27666 When reading an auto-loaded file, @value{GDBN} sets the
27667 @dfn{current objfile}. This is available via the @code{gdb.current_objfile}
27668 function (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}). This can be useful for
27669 registering objfile-specific pretty-printers and frame-filters.
27670
27671 @node Python modules
27672 @subsection Python modules
27673 @cindex python modules
27674
27675 @value{GDBN} comes with several modules to assist writing Python code.
27676
27677 @menu
27678 * gdb.printing:: Building and registering pretty-printers.
27679 * gdb.types:: Utilities for working with types.
27680 * gdb.prompt:: Utilities for prompt value substitution.
27681 @end menu
27682
27683 @node gdb.printing
27684 @subsubsection gdb.printing
27685 @cindex gdb.printing
27686
27687 This module provides a collection of utilities for working with
27688 pretty-printers.
27689
27690 @table @code
27691 @item PrettyPrinter (@var{name}, @var{subprinters}=None)
27692 This class specifies the API that makes @samp{info pretty-printer},
27693 @samp{enable pretty-printer} and @samp{disable pretty-printer} work.
27694 Pretty-printers should generally inherit from this class.
27695
27696 @item SubPrettyPrinter (@var{name})
27697 For printers that handle multiple types, this class specifies the
27698 corresponding API for the subprinters.
27699
27700 @item RegexpCollectionPrettyPrinter (@var{name})
27701 Utility class for handling multiple printers, all recognized via
27702 regular expressions.
27703 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for an example.
27704
27705 @item FlagEnumerationPrinter (@var{name})
27706 A pretty-printer which handles printing of @code{enum} values. Unlike
27707 @value{GDBN}'s built-in @code{enum} printing, this printer attempts to
27708 work properly when there is some overlap between the enumeration
27709 constants. @var{name} is the name of the printer and also the name of
27710 the @code{enum} type to look up.
27711
27712 @item register_pretty_printer (@var{obj}, @var{printer}, @var{replace}=False)
27713 Register @var{printer} with the pretty-printer list of @var{obj}.
27714 If @var{replace} is @code{True} then any existing copy of the printer
27715 is replaced. Otherwise a @code{RuntimeError} exception is raised
27716 if a printer with the same name already exists.
27717 @end table
27718
27719 @node gdb.types
27720 @subsubsection gdb.types
27721 @cindex gdb.types
27722
27723 This module provides a collection of utilities for working with
27724 @code{gdb.Type} objects.
27725
27726 @table @code
27727 @item get_basic_type (@var{type})
27728 Return @var{type} with const and volatile qualifiers stripped,
27729 and with typedefs and C@t{++} references converted to the underlying type.
27730
27731 C@t{++} example:
27732
27733 @smallexample
27734 typedef const int const_int;
27735 const_int foo (3);
27736 const_int& foo_ref (foo);
27737 int main () @{ return 0; @}
27738 @end smallexample
27739
27740 Then in gdb:
27741
27742 @smallexample
27743 (gdb) start
27744 (gdb) python import gdb.types
27745 (gdb) python foo_ref = gdb.parse_and_eval("foo_ref")
27746 (gdb) python print gdb.types.get_basic_type(foo_ref.type)
27747 int
27748 @end smallexample
27749
27750 @item has_field (@var{type}, @var{field})
27751 Return @code{True} if @var{type}, assumed to be a type with fields
27752 (e.g., a structure or union), has field @var{field}.
27753
27754 @item make_enum_dict (@var{enum_type})
27755 Return a Python @code{dictionary} type produced from @var{enum_type}.
27756
27757 @item deep_items (@var{type})
27758 Returns a Python iterator similar to the standard
27759 @code{gdb.Type.iteritems} method, except that the iterator returned
27760 by @code{deep_items} will recursively traverse anonymous struct or
27761 union fields. For example:
27762
27763 @smallexample
27764 struct A
27765 @{
27766 int a;
27767 union @{
27768 int b0;
27769 int b1;
27770 @};
27771 @};
27772 @end smallexample
27773
27774 @noindent
27775 Then in @value{GDBN}:
27776 @smallexample
27777 (@value{GDBP}) python import gdb.types
27778 (@value{GDBP}) python struct_a = gdb.lookup_type("struct A")
27779 (@value{GDBP}) python print struct_a.keys ()
27780 @{['a', '']@}
27781 (@value{GDBP}) python print [k for k,v in gdb.types.deep_items(struct_a)]
27782 @{['a', 'b0', 'b1']@}
27783 @end smallexample
27784
27785 @item get_type_recognizers ()
27786 Return a list of the enabled type recognizers for the current context.
27787 This is called by @value{GDBN} during the type-printing process
27788 (@pxref{Type Printing API}).
27789
27790 @item apply_type_recognizers (recognizers, type_obj)
27791 Apply the type recognizers, @var{recognizers}, to the type object
27792 @var{type_obj}. If any recognizer returns a string, return that
27793 string. Otherwise, return @code{None}. This is called by
27794 @value{GDBN} during the type-printing process (@pxref{Type Printing
27795 API}).
27796
27797 @item register_type_printer (locus, printer)
27798 This is a convenience function to register a type printer.
27799 @var{printer} is the type printer to register. It must implement the
27800 type printer protocol. @var{locus} is either a @code{gdb.Objfile}, in
27801 which case the printer is registered with that objfile; a
27802 @code{gdb.Progspace}, in which case the printer is registered with
27803 that progspace; or @code{None}, in which case the printer is
27804 registered globally.
27805
27806 @item TypePrinter
27807 This is a base class that implements the type printer protocol. Type
27808 printers are encouraged, but not required, to derive from this class.
27809 It defines a constructor:
27810
27811 @defmethod TypePrinter __init__ (self, name)
27812 Initialize the type printer with the given name. The new printer
27813 starts in the enabled state.
27814 @end defmethod
27815
27816 @end table
27817
27818 @node gdb.prompt
27819 @subsubsection gdb.prompt
27820 @cindex gdb.prompt
27821
27822 This module provides a method for prompt value-substitution.
27823
27824 @table @code
27825 @item substitute_prompt (@var{string})
27826 Return @var{string} with escape sequences substituted by values. Some
27827 escape sequences take arguments. You can specify arguments inside
27828 ``@{@}'' immediately following the escape sequence.
27829
27830 The escape sequences you can pass to this function are:
27831
27832 @table @code
27833 @item \\
27834 Substitute a backslash.
27835 @item \e
27836 Substitute an ESC character.
27837 @item \f
27838 Substitute the selected frame; an argument names a frame parameter.
27839 @item \n
27840 Substitute a newline.
27841 @item \p
27842 Substitute a parameter's value; the argument names the parameter.
27843 @item \r
27844 Substitute a carriage return.
27845 @item \t
27846 Substitute the selected thread; an argument names a thread parameter.
27847 @item \v
27848 Substitute the version of GDB.
27849 @item \w
27850 Substitute the current working directory.
27851 @item \[
27852 Begin a sequence of non-printing characters. These sequences are
27853 typically used with the ESC character, and are not counted in the string
27854 length. Example: ``\[\e[0;34m\](gdb)\[\e[0m\]'' will return a
27855 blue-colored ``(gdb)'' prompt where the length is five.
27856 @item \]
27857 End a sequence of non-printing characters.
27858 @end table
27859
27860 For example:
27861
27862 @smallexample
27863 substitute_prompt (``frame: \f,
27864 print arguments: \p@{print frame-arguments@}'')
27865 @end smallexample
27866
27867 @exdent will return the string:
27868
27869 @smallexample
27870 "frame: main, print arguments: scalars"
27871 @end smallexample
27872 @end table
27873
27874 @node Auto-loading extensions
27875 @section Auto-loading extensions
27876 @cindex auto-loading extensions
27877
27878 @value{GDBN} provides two mechanisms for automatically loading extensions
27879 when a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
27880 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library):
27881 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} and the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts}
27882 section of modern file formats like ELF.
27883
27884 @menu
27885 * objfile-gdb.ext file: objfile-gdbdotext file. The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} file
27886 * .debug_gdb_scripts section: dotdebug_gdb_scripts section. The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
27887 * Which flavor to choose?::
27888 @end menu
27889
27890 The auto-loading feature is useful for supplying application-specific
27891 debugging commands and features.
27892
27893 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
27894 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
27895 See the @samp{auto-loading} section of each extension language
27896 for more information.
27897 For @value{GDBN} command files see @ref{Auto-loading sequences}.
27898 For Python files see @ref{Python Auto-loading}.
27899
27900 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
27901 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
27902
27903 @node objfile-gdbdotext file
27904 @subsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} file
27905 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}
27906 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
27907 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.scm}
27908
27909 When a new object file is read, @value{GDBN} looks for a file named
27910 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.@var{ext}} (we call it @var{script-name} below),
27911 where @var{objfile} is the object file's name and
27912 where @var{ext} is the file extension for the extension language:
27913
27914 @table @code
27915 @item @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}
27916 GDB's own command language
27917 @item @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
27918 Python
27919 @end table
27920
27921 @var{script-name} is formed by ensuring that the file name of @var{objfile}
27922 is absolute, following all symlinks, and resolving @code{.} and @code{..}
27923 components, and appending the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} suffix.
27924 If this file exists and is readable, @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as a
27925 script in the specified extension language.
27926
27927 If this file does not exist, then @value{GDBN} will look for
27928 @var{script-name} file in all of the directories as specified below.
27929
27930 Note that loading of these files requires an accordingly configured
27931 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
27932
27933 For object files using @file{.exe} suffix @value{GDBN} tries to load first the
27934 scripts normally according to its @file{.exe} filename. But if no scripts are
27935 found @value{GDBN} also tries script filenames matching the object file without
27936 its @file{.exe} suffix. This @file{.exe} stripping is case insensitive and it
27937 is attempted on any platform. This makes the script filenames compatible
27938 between Unix and MS-Windows hosts.
27939
27940 @table @code
27941 @anchor{set auto-load scripts-directory}
27942 @kindex set auto-load scripts-directory
27943 @item set auto-load scripts-directory @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
27944 Control @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location. Multiple directory entries
27945 may be delimited by the host platform path separator in use
27946 (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS).
27947
27948 Each entry here needs to be covered also by the security setting
27949 @code{set auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{set auto-load safe-path}).
27950
27951 @anchor{with-auto-load-dir}
27952 This variable defaults to @file{$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load}. The default
27953 @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by @value{GDBN}
27954 configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-dir}.
27955
27956 Any reference to @file{$debugdir} will get replaced by
27957 @var{debug-file-directory} value (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}) and any
27958 reference to @file{$datadir} will get replaced by @var{data-directory} which is
27959 determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}). @file{$debugdir} and
27960 @file{$datadir} must be placed as a directory component --- either alone or
27961 delimited by @file{/} or @file{\} directory separators, depending on the host
27962 platform.
27963
27964 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
27965 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
27966 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
27967
27968 @anchor{show auto-load scripts-directory}
27969 @kindex show auto-load scripts-directory
27970 @item show auto-load scripts-directory
27971 Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
27972 @end table
27973
27974 @value{GDBN} does not track which files it has already auto-loaded this way.
27975 @value{GDBN} will load the associated script every time the corresponding
27976 @var{objfile} is opened.
27977 So your @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} file should be careful to avoid errors if it
27978 is evaluated more than once.
27979
27980 @node dotdebug_gdb_scripts section
27981 @subsection The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
27982 @cindex @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
27983
27984 For systems using file formats like ELF and COFF,
27985 when @value{GDBN} loads a new object file
27986 it will look for a special section named @code{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
27987 If this section exists, its contents is a list of NUL-terminated names
27988 of scripts to load. Each entry begins with a non-NULL prefix byte that
27989 specifies the kind of entry, typically the extension language.
27990
27991 @value{GDBN} will look for each specified script file first in the
27992 current directory and then along the source search path
27993 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}),
27994 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched, since the compilation
27995 directory is not relevant to scripts.
27996
27997 Entries can be placed in section @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} with,
27998 for example, this GCC macro for Python scripts.
27999
28000 @example
28001 /* Note: The "MS" section flags are to remove duplicates. */
28002 #define DEFINE_GDB_PY_SCRIPT(script_name) \
28003 asm("\
28004 .pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n\
28005 .byte 1 /* Python */\n\
28006 .asciz \"" script_name "\"\n\
28007 .popsection \n\
28008 ");
28009 @end example
28010
28011 @noindent
28012 Then one can reference the macro in a header or source file like this:
28013
28014 @example
28015 DEFINE_GDB_PY_SCRIPT ("my-app-scripts.py")
28016 @end example
28017
28018 The script name may include directories if desired.
28019
28020 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
28021 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
28022
28023 If the macro invocation is put in a header, any application or library
28024 using this header will get a reference to the specified script,
28025 and with the use of @code{"MS"} attributes on the section, the linker
28026 will remove duplicates.
28027
28028 @node Which flavor to choose?
28029 @subsection Which flavor to choose?
28030
28031 Given the multiple ways of auto-loading extensions, it might not always
28032 be clear which one to choose. This section provides some guidance.
28033
28034 @noindent
28035 Benefits of the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} way:
28036
28037 @itemize @bullet
28038 @item
28039 Can be used with file formats that don't support multiple sections.
28040
28041 @item
28042 Ease of finding scripts for public libraries.
28043
28044 Scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section are searched for
28045 in the source search path.
28046 For publicly installed libraries, e.g., @file{libstdc++}, there typically
28047 isn't a source directory in which to find the script.
28048
28049 @item
28050 Doesn't require source code additions.
28051 @end itemize
28052
28053 @noindent
28054 Benefits of the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} way:
28055
28056 @itemize @bullet
28057 @item
28058 Works with static linking.
28059
28060 Scripts for libraries done the @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} way require an objfile to
28061 trigger their loading. When an application is statically linked the only
28062 objfile available is the executable, and it is cumbersome to attach all the
28063 scripts from all the input libraries to the executable's
28064 @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} script.
28065
28066 @item
28067 Works with classes that are entirely inlined.
28068
28069 Some classes can be entirely inlined, and thus there may not be an associated
28070 shared library to attach a @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} script to.
28071
28072 @item
28073 Scripts needn't be copied out of the source tree.
28074
28075 In some circumstances, apps can be built out of large collections of internal
28076 libraries, and the build infrastructure necessary to install the
28077 @file{-gdb.@var{ext}} scripts in a place where @value{GDBN} can find them is
28078 cumbersome. It may be easier to specify the scripts in the
28079 @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section as relative paths, and add a path to the
28080 top of the source tree to the source search path.
28081 @end itemize
28082
28083 @node Aliases
28084 @section Creating new spellings of existing commands
28085 @cindex aliases for commands
28086
28087 It is often useful to define alternate spellings of existing commands.
28088 For example, if a new @value{GDBN} command defined in Python has
28089 a long name to type, it is handy to have an abbreviated version of it
28090 that involves less typing.
28091
28092 @value{GDBN} itself uses aliases. For example @samp{s} is an alias
28093 of the @samp{step} command even though it is otherwise an ambiguous
28094 abbreviation of other commands like @samp{set} and @samp{show}.
28095
28096 Aliases are also used to provide shortened or more common versions
28097 of multi-word commands. For example, @value{GDBN} provides the
28098 @samp{tty} alias of the @samp{set inferior-tty} command.
28099
28100 You can define a new alias with the @samp{alias} command.
28101
28102 @table @code
28103
28104 @kindex alias
28105 @item alias [-a] [--] @var{ALIAS} = @var{COMMAND}
28106
28107 @end table
28108
28109 @var{ALIAS} specifies the name of the new alias.
28110 Each word of @var{ALIAS} must consist of letters, numbers, dashes and
28111 underscores.
28112
28113 @var{COMMAND} specifies the name of an existing command
28114 that is being aliased.
28115
28116 The @samp{-a} option specifies that the new alias is an abbreviation
28117 of the command. Abbreviations are not shown in command
28118 lists displayed by the @samp{help} command.
28119
28120 The @samp{--} option specifies the end of options,
28121 and is useful when @var{ALIAS} begins with a dash.
28122
28123 Here is a simple example showing how to make an abbreviation
28124 of a command so that there is less to type.
28125 Suppose you were tired of typing @samp{disas}, the current
28126 shortest unambiguous abbreviation of the @samp{disassemble} command
28127 and you wanted an even shorter version named @samp{di}.
28128 The following will accomplish this.
28129
28130 @smallexample
28131 (gdb) alias -a di = disas
28132 @end smallexample
28133
28134 Note that aliases are different from user-defined commands.
28135 With a user-defined command, you also need to write documentation
28136 for it with the @samp{document} command.
28137 An alias automatically picks up the documentation of the existing command.
28138
28139 Here is an example where we make @samp{elms} an abbreviation of
28140 @samp{elements} in the @samp{set print elements} command.
28141 This is to show that you can make an abbreviation of any part
28142 of a command.
28143
28144 @smallexample
28145 (gdb) alias -a set print elms = set print elements
28146 (gdb) alias -a show print elms = show print elements
28147 (gdb) set p elms 20
28148 (gdb) show p elms
28149 Limit on string chars or array elements to print is 200.
28150 @end smallexample
28151
28152 Note that if you are defining an alias of a @samp{set} command,
28153 and you want to have an alias for the corresponding @samp{show}
28154 command, then you need to define the latter separately.
28155
28156 Unambiguously abbreviated commands are allowed in @var{COMMAND} and
28157 @var{ALIAS}, just as they are normally.
28158
28159 @smallexample
28160 (gdb) alias -a set pr elms = set p ele
28161 @end smallexample
28162
28163 Finally, here is an example showing the creation of a one word
28164 alias for a more complex command.
28165 This creates alias @samp{spe} of the command @samp{set print elements}.
28166
28167 @smallexample
28168 (gdb) alias spe = set print elements
28169 (gdb) spe 20
28170 @end smallexample
28171
28172 @node Interpreters
28173 @chapter Command Interpreters
28174 @cindex command interpreters
28175
28176 @value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
28177 infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
28178 between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
28179
28180 @value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
28181 interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
28182 and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
28183 describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
28184
28185 By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
28186 However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
28187 interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
28188 startup options. Defined interpreters include:
28189
28190 @table @code
28191 @item console
28192 @cindex console interpreter
28193 The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
28194 used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
28195 @value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
28196
28197 @item mi
28198 @cindex mi interpreter
28199 The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
28200 by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
28201 or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
28202 Interface}.
28203
28204 @item mi2
28205 @cindex mi2 interpreter
28206 The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
28207
28208 @item mi1
28209 @cindex mi1 interpreter
28210 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
28211
28212 @end table
28213
28214 @cindex invoke another interpreter
28215 The interpreter being used by @value{GDBN} may not be dynamically
28216 switched at runtime. Although possible, this could lead to a very
28217 precarious situation. Consider an IDE using @sc{gdb/mi}. If a user
28218 enters the command "interpreter-set console" in a console view,
28219 @value{GDBN} would switch to using the console interpreter, rendering
28220 the IDE inoperable!
28221
28222 @kindex interpreter-exec
28223 Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, you may execute
28224 commands in any interpreter from the current interpreter using the appropriate
28225 command. If you are running the console interpreter, simply use the
28226 @code{interpreter-exec} command:
28227
28228 @smallexample
28229 interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
28230 @end smallexample
28231
28232 @sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
28233 @value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
28234
28235 @node TUI
28236 @chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
28237 @cindex TUI
28238 @cindex Text User Interface
28239
28240 @menu
28241 * TUI Overview:: TUI overview
28242 * TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
28243 * TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
28244 * TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
28245 * TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
28246 @end menu
28247
28248 The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
28249 interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
28250 file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
28251 commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
28252 on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
28253 is available.
28254
28255 The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
28256 @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
28257 You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
28258 using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @kbd{C-x C-a}.
28259 @xref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
28260
28261 @node TUI Overview
28262 @section TUI Overview
28263
28264 In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
28265
28266 @table @emph
28267 @item command
28268 This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
28269 prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
28270 managed using readline.
28271
28272 @item source
28273 The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
28274 line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
28275
28276 @item assembly
28277 The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
28278
28279 @item register
28280 This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
28281 when their values change.
28282 @end table
28283
28284 The source and assembly windows show the current program position
28285 by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
28286 Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
28287 indicates the breakpoint type:
28288
28289 @table @code
28290 @item B
28291 Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
28292
28293 @item b
28294 Breakpoint which was never hit.
28295
28296 @item H
28297 Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
28298
28299 @item h
28300 Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
28301 @end table
28302
28303 The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
28304
28305 @table @code
28306 @item +
28307 Breakpoint is enabled.
28308
28309 @item -
28310 Breakpoint is disabled.
28311 @end table
28312
28313 The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
28314 thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
28315 changes.
28316
28317 These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
28318 window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
28319 layouts:
28320
28321 @itemize @bullet
28322 @item
28323 source only,
28324
28325 @item
28326 assembly only,
28327
28328 @item
28329 source and assembly,
28330
28331 @item
28332 source and registers, or
28333
28334 @item
28335 assembly and registers.
28336 @end itemize
28337
28338 A status line above the command window shows the following information:
28339
28340 @table @emph
28341 @item target
28342 Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
28343 (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
28344
28345 @item process
28346 Gives the current process or thread number.
28347 When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
28348
28349 @item function
28350 Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
28351 The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
28352 When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
28353 the string @code{??} is displayed.
28354
28355 @item line
28356 Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
28357 When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
28358
28359 @item pc
28360 Indicates the current program counter address.
28361 @end table
28362
28363 @node TUI Keys
28364 @section TUI Key Bindings
28365 @cindex TUI key bindings
28366
28367 The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
28368 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
28369 (@pxref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library}).
28370 @end ifset
28371 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
28372 (@pxref{Command Line Editing}).
28373 @end ifclear
28374 The following key bindings are installed for both TUI mode and the
28375 @value{GDBN} standard mode.
28376
28377 @table @kbd
28378 @kindex C-x C-a
28379 @item C-x C-a
28380 @kindex C-x a
28381 @itemx C-x a
28382 @kindex C-x A
28383 @itemx C-x A
28384 Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
28385 the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
28386 its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
28387 the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
28388 The screen is then refreshed.
28389
28390 @kindex C-x 1
28391 @item C-x 1
28392 Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
28393 either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
28394 is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
28395
28396 Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
28397
28398 @kindex C-x 2
28399 @item C-x 2
28400 Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
28401 layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
28402 When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
28403 previous layout and the new one.
28404
28405 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
28406
28407 @kindex C-x o
28408 @item C-x o
28409 Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
28410 (like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
28411 gives the focus to the next TUI window.
28412
28413 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
28414
28415 @kindex C-x s
28416 @item C-x s
28417 Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
28418 keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
28419 @end table
28420
28421 The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
28422
28423 @table @asis
28424 @kindex PgUp
28425 @item @key{PgUp}
28426 Scroll the active window one page up.
28427
28428 @kindex PgDn
28429 @item @key{PgDn}
28430 Scroll the active window one page down.
28431
28432 @kindex Up
28433 @item @key{Up}
28434 Scroll the active window one line up.
28435
28436 @kindex Down
28437 @item @key{Down}
28438 Scroll the active window one line down.
28439
28440 @kindex Left
28441 @item @key{Left}
28442 Scroll the active window one column left.
28443
28444 @kindex Right
28445 @item @key{Right}
28446 Scroll the active window one column right.
28447
28448 @kindex C-L
28449 @item @kbd{C-L}
28450 Refresh the screen.
28451 @end table
28452
28453 Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
28454 are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
28455 window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
28456 other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
28457 and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
28458
28459 @node TUI Single Key Mode
28460 @section TUI Single Key Mode
28461 @cindex TUI single key mode
28462
28463 The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
28464 frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
28465 switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
28466
28467 @table @kbd
28468 @kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28469 @item c
28470 continue
28471
28472 @kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28473 @item d
28474 down
28475
28476 @kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28477 @item f
28478 finish
28479
28480 @kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28481 @item n
28482 next
28483
28484 @kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28485 @item q
28486 exit the SingleKey mode.
28487
28488 @kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28489 @item r
28490 run
28491
28492 @kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28493 @item s
28494 step
28495
28496 @kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28497 @item u
28498 up
28499
28500 @kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28501 @item v
28502 info locals
28503
28504 @kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28505 @item w
28506 where
28507 @end table
28508
28509 Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
28510 The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
28511 it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
28512 with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
28513 SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
28514 this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
28515
28516
28517 @node TUI Commands
28518 @section TUI-specific Commands
28519 @cindex TUI commands
28520
28521 The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
28522 These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
28523 the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
28524 of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
28525
28526 Note that if @value{GDBN}'s @code{stdout} is not connected to a
28527 terminal, or @value{GDBN} has been started with the machine interface
28528 interpreter (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}), most of
28529 these commands will fail with an error, because it would not be
28530 possible or desirable to enable curses window management.
28531
28532 @table @code
28533 @item info win
28534 @kindex info win
28535 List and give the size of all displayed windows.
28536
28537 @item layout next
28538 @kindex layout
28539 Display the next layout.
28540
28541 @item layout prev
28542 Display the previous layout.
28543
28544 @item layout src
28545 Display the source window only.
28546
28547 @item layout asm
28548 Display the assembly window only.
28549
28550 @item layout split
28551 Display the source and assembly window.
28552
28553 @item layout regs
28554 Display the register window together with the source or assembly window.
28555
28556 @item focus next
28557 @kindex focus
28558 Make the next window active for scrolling.
28559
28560 @item focus prev
28561 Make the previous window active for scrolling.
28562
28563 @item focus src
28564 Make the source window active for scrolling.
28565
28566 @item focus asm
28567 Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
28568
28569 @item focus regs
28570 Make the register window active for scrolling.
28571
28572 @item focus cmd
28573 Make the command window active for scrolling.
28574
28575 @item refresh
28576 @kindex refresh
28577 Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
28578
28579 @item tui reg float
28580 @kindex tui reg
28581 Show the floating point registers in the register window.
28582
28583 @item tui reg general
28584 Show the general registers in the register window.
28585
28586 @item tui reg next
28587 Show the next register group. The list of register groups as well as
28588 their order is target specific. The predefined register groups are the
28589 following: @code{general}, @code{float}, @code{system}, @code{vector},
28590 @code{all}, @code{save}, @code{restore}.
28591
28592 @item tui reg system
28593 Show the system registers in the register window.
28594
28595 @item update
28596 @kindex update
28597 Update the source window and the current execution point.
28598
28599 @item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
28600 @itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
28601 @kindex winheight
28602 Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
28603 lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
28604 decrease it.
28605
28606 @item tabset @var{nchars}
28607 @kindex tabset
28608 Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters.
28609 @end table
28610
28611 @node TUI Configuration
28612 @section TUI Configuration Variables
28613 @cindex TUI configuration variables
28614
28615 Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
28616
28617 @table @code
28618 @item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
28619 @kindex set tui border-kind
28620 Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
28621 The possible values are the following:
28622 @table @code
28623 @item space
28624 Use a space character to draw the border.
28625
28626 @item ascii
28627 Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
28628
28629 @item acs
28630 Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
28631 drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
28632 @end table
28633
28634 @item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
28635 @kindex set tui border-mode
28636 @itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
28637 @kindex set tui active-border-mode
28638 Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
28639 or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
28640 @table @code
28641 @item normal
28642 Use normal attributes to display the border.
28643
28644 @item standout
28645 Use standout mode.
28646
28647 @item reverse
28648 Use reverse video mode.
28649
28650 @item half
28651 Use half bright mode.
28652
28653 @item half-standout
28654 Use half bright and standout mode.
28655
28656 @item bold
28657 Use extra bright or bold mode.
28658
28659 @item bold-standout
28660 Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
28661 @end table
28662 @end table
28663
28664 @node Emacs
28665 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
28666
28667 @cindex Emacs
28668 @cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
28669 A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
28670 edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
28671 @value{GDBN}.
28672
28673 To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
28674 executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
28675 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
28676 created Emacs buffer.
28677 @c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
28678
28679 Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
28680 things:
28681
28682 @itemize @bullet
28683 @item
28684 All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
28685 the GUD buffer.
28686
28687 This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
28688 and output done by the program you are debugging.
28689
28690 This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
28691 commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
28692 in this way.
28693
28694 All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
28695 with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
28696 way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
28697 stop.
28698
28699 @item
28700 @value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
28701
28702 Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
28703 source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
28704 left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
28705 source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
28706 and the source.
28707
28708 Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
28709 usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
28710 @end itemize
28711
28712 We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
28713 a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
28714 that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
28715 @xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
28716
28717 If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
28718 gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
28719 your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
28720 sets your current working directory to the directory associated
28721 with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
28722 program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
28723 some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
28724 @value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
28725 buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
28726
28727 The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
28728 line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
28729 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
28730 ,Commands to Specify Files}.
28731
28732 By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
28733 need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
28734 keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
28735 customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
28736 one you want.
28737
28738 In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
28739 addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
28740
28741 @table @kbd
28742 @item C-h m
28743 Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
28744
28745 @item C-c C-s
28746 Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
28747 update the display window to show the current file and location.
28748
28749 @item C-c C-n
28750 Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
28751 calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
28752 to show the current file and location.
28753
28754 @item C-c C-i
28755 Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
28756 display window accordingly.
28757
28758 @item C-c C-f
28759 Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
28760 @code{finish} command.
28761
28762 @item C-c C-r
28763 Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
28764 command.
28765
28766 @item C-c <
28767 Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
28768 (@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
28769 like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
28770
28771 @item C-c >
28772 Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
28773 @value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
28774 @end table
28775
28776 In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
28777 tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
28778
28779 In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
28780 separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
28781 Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
28782 become the current frame and display the associated source in the
28783 source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
28784 selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
28785 speedbar displays watch expressions.
28786
28787 If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
28788 it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
28789 request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
28790 the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
28791 frame.
28792
28793 The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
28794 which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
28795 the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
28796 communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
28797 delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
28798 to correspond properly with the code.
28799
28800 A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
28801 given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
28802 Emacs Manual}).
28803
28804 @node GDB/MI
28805 @chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
28806
28807 @unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
28808
28809 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
28810 @sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
28811 @value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
28812 @option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
28813 is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
28814 use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
28815
28816 This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
28817 in the form of a reference manual.
28818
28819 Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
28820 features described below are incomplete and subject to change
28821 (@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
28822
28823 @unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
28824
28825 @cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
28826 This chapter uses the following notation:
28827
28828 @itemize @bullet
28829 @item
28830 @code{|} separates two alternatives.
28831
28832 @item
28833 @code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
28834 it may or may not be given.
28835
28836 @item
28837 @code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
28838 may repeat zero or more times.
28839
28840 @item
28841 @code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
28842 may repeat one or more times.
28843
28844 @item
28845 @code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
28846 @end itemize
28847
28848 @ignore
28849 @heading Dependencies
28850 @end ignore
28851
28852 @menu
28853 * GDB/MI General Design::
28854 * GDB/MI Command Syntax::
28855 * GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
28856 * GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
28857 * GDB/MI Output Records::
28858 * GDB/MI Simple Examples::
28859 * GDB/MI Command Description Format::
28860 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
28861 * GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
28862 * GDB/MI Program Context::
28863 * GDB/MI Thread Commands::
28864 * GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands::
28865 * GDB/MI Program Execution::
28866 * GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
28867 * GDB/MI Variable Objects::
28868 * GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
28869 * GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
28870 * GDB/MI Symbol Query::
28871 * GDB/MI File Commands::
28872 @ignore
28873 * GDB/MI Kod Commands::
28874 * GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
28875 * GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
28876 @end ignore
28877 * GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
28878 * GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
28879 * GDB/MI Ada Exceptions Commands::
28880 * GDB/MI Support Commands::
28881 * GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
28882 @end menu
28883
28884 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28885 @node GDB/MI General Design
28886 @section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
28887 @cindex GDB/MI General Design
28888
28889 Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
28890 parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
28891 and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
28892 indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
28893 For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
28894 requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
28895 response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
28896 Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
28897 target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
28898 a command and reported as part of that command response.
28899
28900 The important examples of notifications are:
28901 @itemize @bullet
28902
28903 @item
28904 Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
28905 target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
28906 be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
28907 commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
28908 different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
28909 happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
28910 command itself was successfully executed.
28911
28912 @item
28913 Console output, and status notifications. Console output
28914 notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
28915 diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
28916 report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
28917 this information in command response would mean no output is produced
28918 until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
28919
28920 @item
28921 General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
28922 the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
28923 a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
28924 be included in command response, using notification allows for more
28925 orthogonal frontend design.
28926
28927 @end itemize
28928
28929 There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
28930 @value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
28931 the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
28932 processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
28933 we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
28934 the user interface.
28935
28936
28937 @menu
28938 * Context management::
28939 * Asynchronous and non-stop modes::
28940 * Thread groups::
28941 @end menu
28942
28943 @node Context management
28944 @subsection Context management
28945
28946 @subsubsection Threads and Frames
28947
28948 In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
28949 done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
28950 Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
28951 be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
28952 and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
28953 because a command line user would not want to specify that information
28954 explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
28955 @value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
28956 to what thread and frame are the current ones.
28957
28958 In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
28959 useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
28960 itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
28961 each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
28962 want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
28963 increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
28964 frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
28965 should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
28966 make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
28967 @samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} identifier
28968 for thread and frame to operate on.
28969
28970 Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
28971 a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
28972 operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
28973 current thread be changed. For example, when stopping on a breakpoint
28974 it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is hit. For
28975 another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} command via
28976 the frontend, it is desirable to change the frontend's selected thread to the
28977 one specified by user. @value{GDBN} communicates the suggestion to
28978 change current thread using the @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
28979 No such notification is available for the selected frame at the moment.
28980
28981 Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
28982 frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
28983 right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
28984 simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
28985 before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
28986 to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
28987 if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
28988 thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
28989 optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
28990 sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
28991 selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
28992 change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
28993 problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
28994 all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
28995 right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
28996 @samp{--frame} options.
28997
28998 @subsubsection Language
28999
29000 The execution of several commands depends on which language is selected.
29001 By default, the current language (@pxref{show language}) is used.
29002 But for commands known to be language-sensitive, it is recommended
29003 to use the @samp{--language} option. This option takes one argument,
29004 which is the name of the language to use while executing the command.
29005 For instance:
29006
29007 @smallexample
29008 -data-evaluate-expression --language c "sizeof (void*)"
29009 ^done,value="4"
29010 (gdb)
29011 @end smallexample
29012
29013 The valid language names are the same names accepted by the
29014 @samp{set language} command (@pxref{Manually}), excluding @samp{auto},
29015 @samp{local} or @samp{unknown}.
29016
29017 @node Asynchronous and non-stop modes
29018 @subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
29019
29020 On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
29021 even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
29022 command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
29023 specify a preferrence for asynchronous execution using the
29024 @code{-gdb-set target-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
29025 either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
29026 frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
29027 find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
29028 @code{-list-target-features} command.
29029
29030 Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
29031 many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
29032 running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
29033 when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
29034 it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
29035 are running.
29036
29037 When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
29038 target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
29039 some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
29040 stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
29041 modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
29042 that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
29043 @code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
29044 context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
29045 stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
29046 @samp{--thread} option).
29047
29048 Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
29049 highly target dependent. However, the two commands
29050 @code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
29051 to find the state of a thread, will always work.
29052
29053 @node Thread groups
29054 @subsection Thread groups
29055 @value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
29056 On some platfroms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
29057 hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
29058 processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
29059 mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
29060
29061 The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
29062 target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
29063 accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
29064 thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
29065 neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
29066 current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
29067 that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
29068 into processes.
29069
29070 To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
29071 hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
29072 @dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
29073 thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
29074 and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
29075 command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
29076 thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
29077 debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
29078 to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
29079 the members of specific thread group.
29080
29081 To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
29082 wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
29083 introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
29084 @value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
29085 @code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
29086 groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
29087 In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
29088 after attaching to that thread group.
29089
29090 Thread groups are related to inferiors (@pxref{Inferiors and
29091 Programs}). Each inferior corresponds to a thread group of a special
29092 type @samp{process}, and some additional operations are permitted on
29093 such thread groups.
29094
29095 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29096 @node GDB/MI Command Syntax
29097 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
29098
29099 @menu
29100 * GDB/MI Input Syntax::
29101 * GDB/MI Output Syntax::
29102 @end menu
29103
29104 @node GDB/MI Input Syntax
29105 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
29106
29107 @cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
29108 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
29109 @table @code
29110 @item @var{command} @expansion{}
29111 @code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
29112
29113 @item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
29114 @code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
29115 @var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
29116
29117 @item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
29118 @code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
29119 @code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
29120
29121 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
29122 "any sequence of digits"
29123
29124 @item @var{option} @expansion{}
29125 @code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
29126
29127 @item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
29128 @code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
29129
29130 @item @var{operation} @expansion{}
29131 @emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
29132
29133 @item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
29134 @emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
29135 "-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
29136
29137 @item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
29138 @code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
29139
29140 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
29141 @code{CR | CR-LF}
29142 @end table
29143
29144 @noindent
29145 Notes:
29146
29147 @itemize @bullet
29148 @item
29149 The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
29150 output is described below.
29151
29152 @item
29153 The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
29154 finishes.
29155
29156 @item
29157 Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
29158 list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
29159 followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
29160 parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
29161 @samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
29162 @end itemize
29163
29164 Pragmatics:
29165
29166 @itemize @bullet
29167 @item
29168 We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
29169
29170 @item
29171 We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
29172 @end itemize
29173
29174 @node GDB/MI Output Syntax
29175 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
29176
29177 @cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
29178 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
29179 The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
29180 followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
29181 is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
29182 terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
29183
29184 If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
29185 corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
29186 @var{token}.
29187
29188 @table @code
29189 @item @var{output} @expansion{}
29190 @code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
29191
29192 @item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
29193 @code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
29194
29195 @item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
29196 @code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
29197
29198 @item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
29199 @code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
29200
29201 @item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
29202 @code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output}}
29203
29204 @item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
29205 @code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output}}
29206
29207 @item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
29208 @code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output}}
29209
29210 @item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
29211 @code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
29212
29213 @item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
29214 @code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
29215
29216 @item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
29217 @code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
29218 depending on the needs---this is still in development).
29219
29220 @item @var{result} @expansion{}
29221 @code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
29222
29223 @item @var{variable} @expansion{}
29224 @code{ @var{string} }
29225
29226 @item @var{value} @expansion{}
29227 @code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
29228
29229 @item @var{const} @expansion{}
29230 @code{@var{c-string}}
29231
29232 @item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
29233 @code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
29234
29235 @item @var{list} @expansion{}
29236 @code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
29237 @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
29238
29239 @item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
29240 @code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
29241
29242 @item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
29243 @code{"~" @var{c-string}}
29244
29245 @item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
29246 @code{"@@" @var{c-string}}
29247
29248 @item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
29249 @code{"&" @var{c-string}}
29250
29251 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
29252 @code{CR | CR-LF}
29253
29254 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
29255 @emph{any sequence of digits}.
29256 @end table
29257
29258 @noindent
29259 Notes:
29260
29261 @itemize @bullet
29262 @item
29263 All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
29264
29265 @item
29266 The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
29267 for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
29268 may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
29269 output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
29270 all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
29271 target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
29272 prior command.
29273
29274 @item
29275 @cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
29276 @var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
29277 progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
29278 prefixed by @samp{+}.
29279
29280 @item
29281 @cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
29282 @var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
29283 (stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
29284 @samp{*}.
29285
29286 @item
29287 @cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
29288 @var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
29289 client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
29290 output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
29291
29292 @item
29293 @cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
29294 @var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
29295 console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
29296 output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
29297
29298 @item
29299 @cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
29300 @var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
29301 All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
29302
29303 @item
29304 @cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
29305 @var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
29306 instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
29307 the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
29308
29309 @item
29310 @cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
29311 New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
29312 @var{values}.
29313
29314
29315 @end itemize
29316
29317 @xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
29318 details about the various output records.
29319
29320 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29321 @node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
29322 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
29323
29324 @cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
29325 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
29326
29327 For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
29328 but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
29329 that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
29330 command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
29331 @code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
29332 @samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
29333
29334 This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
29335 recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
29336 (@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
29337
29338 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29339 @node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
29340 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
29341 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
29342
29343 The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
29344 program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
29345
29346 Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
29347 by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
29348 to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
29349 section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
29350 might change.
29351
29352 Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
29353 for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
29354 list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
29355 parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
29356
29357 @itemize @bullet
29358 @item
29359 New MI commands may be added.
29360
29361 @item
29362 New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
29363
29364 @item
29365 The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
29366 @code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
29367
29368 @c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
29369 @c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
29370
29371 @c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
29372 @c resolve inconsistencies.
29373 @end itemize
29374
29375 If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
29376 will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
29377 output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
29378 @value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
29379 responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
29380
29381 @c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
29382 @c version?
29383
29384 The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
29385 end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
29386 follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
29387 @email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
29388 @cindex mailing lists
29389
29390 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29391 @node GDB/MI Output Records
29392 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
29393
29394 @menu
29395 * GDB/MI Result Records::
29396 * GDB/MI Stream Records::
29397 * GDB/MI Async Records::
29398 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Information::
29399 * GDB/MI Frame Information::
29400 * GDB/MI Thread Information::
29401 * GDB/MI Ada Exception Information::
29402 @end menu
29403
29404 @node GDB/MI Result Records
29405 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
29406
29407 @cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
29408 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
29409 In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
29410 @sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
29411
29412 @table @code
29413 @findex ^done
29414 @item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
29415 The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
29416 values.
29417
29418 @item "^running"
29419 @findex ^running
29420 This result record is equivalent to @samp{^done}. Historically, it
29421 was output instead of @samp{^done} if the command has resumed the
29422 target. This behaviour is maintained for backward compatibility, but
29423 all frontends should treat @samp{^done} and @samp{^running}
29424 identically and rely on the @samp{*running} output record to determine
29425 which threads are resumed.
29426
29427 @item "^connected"
29428 @findex ^connected
29429 @value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
29430
29431 @item "^error" "," "msg=" @var{c-string} [ "," "code=" @var{c-string} ]
29432 @findex ^error
29433 The operation failed. The @code{msg=@var{c-string}} variable contains
29434 the corresponding error message.
29435
29436 If present, the @code{code=@var{c-string}} variable provides an error
29437 code on which consumers can rely on to detect the corresponding
29438 error condition. At present, only one error code is defined:
29439
29440 @table @samp
29441 @item "undefined-command"
29442 Indicates that the command causing the error does not exist.
29443 @end table
29444
29445 @item "^exit"
29446 @findex ^exit
29447 @value{GDBN} has terminated.
29448
29449 @end table
29450
29451 @node GDB/MI Stream Records
29452 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
29453
29454 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
29455 @cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
29456 @value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
29457 target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
29458 funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
29459
29460 Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
29461 identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
29462 Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
29463 @code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
29464 line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
29465
29466 @table @code
29467 @item "~" @var{string-output}
29468 The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
29469 CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
29470
29471 @item "@@" @var{string-output}
29472 The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
29473 target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
29474 asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
29475
29476 @item "&" @var{string-output}
29477 The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
29478 internals.
29479 @end table
29480
29481 @node GDB/MI Async Records
29482 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
29483
29484 @cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
29485 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
29486 @dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
29487 additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
29488 consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
29489 target activity (e.g., target stopped).
29490
29491 The following is the list of possible async records:
29492
29493 @table @code
29494
29495 @item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
29496 The target is now running. The @var{thread} field tells which
29497 specific thread is now running, and can be @samp{all} if all threads
29498 are running. The frontend should assume that no interaction with a
29499 running thread is possible after this notification is produced.
29500 The frontend should not assume that this notification is output
29501 only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may emit this notification
29502 several times, either for different threads, because it cannot resume
29503 all threads together, or even for a single thread, if the thread must
29504 be stepped though some code before letting it run freely.
29505
29506 @item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}",core="@var{core}"
29507 The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
29508 following values:
29509
29510 @table @code
29511 @item breakpoint-hit
29512 A breakpoint was reached.
29513 @item watchpoint-trigger
29514 A watchpoint was triggered.
29515 @item read-watchpoint-trigger
29516 A read watchpoint was triggered.
29517 @item access-watchpoint-trigger
29518 An access watchpoint was triggered.
29519 @item function-finished
29520 An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
29521 @item location-reached
29522 An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
29523 @item watchpoint-scope
29524 A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
29525 @item end-stepping-range
29526 An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
29527 similar CLI command was accomplished.
29528 @item exited-signalled
29529 The inferior exited because of a signal.
29530 @item exited
29531 The inferior exited.
29532 @item exited-normally
29533 The inferior exited normally.
29534 @item signal-received
29535 A signal was received by the inferior.
29536 @item solib-event
29537 The inferior has stopped due to a library being loaded or unloaded.
29538 This can happen when @code{stop-on-solib-events} (@pxref{Files}) is
29539 set or when a @code{catch load} or @code{catch unload} catchpoint is
29540 in use (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}).
29541 @item fork
29542 The inferior has forked. This is reported when @code{catch fork}
29543 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
29544 @item vfork
29545 The inferior has vforked. This is reported in when @code{catch vfork}
29546 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
29547 @item syscall-entry
29548 The inferior entered a system call. This is reported when @code{catch
29549 syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
29550 @item syscall-entry
29551 The inferior returned from a system call. This is reported when
29552 @code{catch syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
29553 @item exec
29554 The inferior called @code{exec}. This is reported when @code{catch exec}
29555 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
29556 @end table
29557
29558 The @var{id} field identifies the thread that directly caused the stop
29559 -- for example by hitting a breakpoint. Depending on whether all-stop
29560 mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
29561 stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
29562 If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
29563 value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
29564 field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
29565 always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
29566 several threads in the list. The @var{core} field reports the
29567 processor core on which the stop event has happened. This field may be absent
29568 if such information is not available.
29569
29570 @item =thread-group-added,id="@var{id}"
29571 @itemx =thread-group-removed,id="@var{id}"
29572 A thread group was either added or removed. The @var{id} field
29573 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. When a thread
29574 group is added, it generally might not be associated with a running
29575 process. When a thread group is removed, its id becomes invalid and
29576 cannot be used in any way.
29577
29578 @item =thread-group-started,id="@var{id}",pid="@var{pid}"
29579 A thread group became associated with a running program,
29580 either because the program was just started or the thread group
29581 was attached to a program. The @var{id} field contains the
29582 @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. The @var{pid} field
29583 contains process identifier, specific to the operating system.
29584
29585 @item =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"[,exit-code="@var{code}"]
29586 A thread group is no longer associated with a running program,
29587 either because the program has exited, or because it was detached
29588 from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
29589 thread group. @var{code} is the exit code of the inferior; it exists
29590 only when the inferior exited with some code.
29591
29592 @item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
29593 @itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
29594 A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
29595 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
29596 field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
29597
29598 @item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"
29599 Informs that the selected thread was changed as result of the last
29600 command. This notification is not emitted as result of @code{-thread-select}
29601 command but is emitted whenever an MI command that is not documented
29602 to change the selected thread actually changes it. In particular,
29603 invoking, directly or indirectly (via user-defined command), the CLI
29604 @code{thread} command, will generate this notification.
29605
29606 We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
29607 highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
29608 that thread.
29609
29610 @item =library-loaded,...
29611 Reports that a new library file was loaded by the program. This
29612 notification has 4 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name},
29613 @var{host-name}, and @var{symbols-loaded}. The @var{id} field is an
29614 opaque identifier of the library. For remote debugging case,
29615 @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} fields give the name of the
29616 library file on the target, and on the host respectively. For native
29617 debugging, both those fields have the same value. The
29618 @var{symbols-loaded} field is emitted only for backward compatibility
29619 and should not be relied on to convey any useful information. The
29620 @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the thread
29621 group in whose context the library was loaded. If the field is
29622 absent, it means the library was loaded in the context of all present
29623 thread groups.
29624
29625 @item =library-unloaded,...
29626 Reports that a library was unloaded by the program. This notification
29627 has 3 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} with
29628 the same meaning as for the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
29629 The @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the
29630 thread group in whose context the library was unloaded. If the field is
29631 absent, it means the library was unloaded in the context of all present
29632 thread groups.
29633
29634 @item =traceframe-changed,num=@var{tfnum},tracepoint=@var{tpnum}
29635 @itemx =traceframe-changed,end
29636 Reports that the trace frame was changed and its new number is
29637 @var{tfnum}. The number of the tracepoint associated with this trace
29638 frame is @var{tpnum}.
29639
29640 @item =tsv-created,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}
29641 Reports that the new trace state variable @var{name} is created with
29642 initial value @var{initial}.
29643
29644 @item =tsv-deleted,name=@var{name}
29645 @itemx =tsv-deleted
29646 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is deleted or all
29647 trace state variables are deleted.
29648
29649 @item =tsv-modified,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}[,current=@var{current}]
29650 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is modified with
29651 the initial value @var{initial}. The current value @var{current} of
29652 trace state variable is optional and is reported if the current
29653 value of trace state variable is known.
29654
29655 @item =breakpoint-created,bkpt=@{...@}
29656 @itemx =breakpoint-modified,bkpt=@{...@}
29657 @itemx =breakpoint-deleted,id=@var{number}
29658 Reports that a breakpoint was created, modified, or deleted,
29659 respectively. Only user-visible breakpoints are reported to the MI
29660 user.
29661
29662 The @var{bkpt} argument is of the same form as returned by the various
29663 breakpoint commands; @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}. The
29664 @var{number} is the ordinal number of the breakpoint.
29665
29666 Note that if a breakpoint is emitted in the result record of a
29667 command, then it will not also be emitted in an async record.
29668
29669 @item =record-started,thread-group="@var{id}"
29670 @itemx =record-stopped,thread-group="@var{id}"
29671 Execution log recording was either started or stopped on an
29672 inferior. The @var{id} is the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread
29673 group corresponding to the affected inferior.
29674
29675 @item =cmd-param-changed,param=@var{param},value=@var{value}
29676 Reports that a parameter of the command @code{set @var{param}} is
29677 changed to @var{value}. In the multi-word @code{set} command,
29678 the @var{param} is the whole parameter list to @code{set} command.
29679 For example, In command @code{set check type on}, @var{param}
29680 is @code{check type} and @var{value} is @code{on}.
29681
29682 @item =memory-changed,thread-group=@var{id},addr=@var{addr},len=@var{len}[,type="code"]
29683 Reports that bytes from @var{addr} to @var{data} + @var{len} were
29684 written in an inferior. The @var{id} is the identifier of the
29685 thread group corresponding to the affected inferior. The optional
29686 @code{type="code"} part is reported if the memory written to holds
29687 executable code.
29688 @end table
29689
29690 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Information
29691 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Information
29692
29693 When @value{GDBN} reports information about a breakpoint, a
29694 tracepoint, a watchpoint, or a catchpoint, it uses a tuple with the
29695 following fields:
29696
29697 @table @code
29698 @item number
29699 The breakpoint number. For a breakpoint that represents one location
29700 of a multi-location breakpoint, this will be a dotted pair, like
29701 @samp{1.2}.
29702
29703 @item type
29704 The type of the breakpoint. For ordinary breakpoints this will be
29705 @samp{breakpoint}, but many values are possible.
29706
29707 @item catch-type
29708 If the type of the breakpoint is @samp{catchpoint}, then this
29709 indicates the exact type of catchpoint.
29710
29711 @item disp
29712 This is the breakpoint disposition---either @samp{del}, meaning that
29713 the breakpoint will be deleted at the next stop, or @samp{keep},
29714 meaning that the breakpoint will not be deleted.
29715
29716 @item enabled
29717 This indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled, in which case the
29718 value is @samp{y}, or disabled, in which case the value is @samp{n}.
29719 Note that this is not the same as the field @code{enable}.
29720
29721 @item addr
29722 The address of the breakpoint. This may be a hexidecimal number,
29723 giving the address; or the string @samp{<PENDING>}, for a pending
29724 breakpoint; or the string @samp{<MULTIPLE>}, for a breakpoint with
29725 multiple locations. This field will not be present if no address can
29726 be determined. For example, a watchpoint does not have an address.
29727
29728 @item func
29729 If known, the function in which the breakpoint appears.
29730 If not known, this field is not present.
29731
29732 @item filename
29733 The name of the source file which contains this function, if known.
29734 If not known, this field is not present.
29735
29736 @item fullname
29737 The full file name of the source file which contains this function, if
29738 known. If not known, this field is not present.
29739
29740 @item line
29741 The line number at which this breakpoint appears, if known.
29742 If not known, this field is not present.
29743
29744 @item at
29745 If the source file is not known, this field may be provided. If
29746 provided, this holds the address of the breakpoint, possibly followed
29747 by a symbol name.
29748
29749 @item pending
29750 If this breakpoint is pending, this field is present and holds the
29751 text used to set the breakpoint, as entered by the user.
29752
29753 @item evaluated-by
29754 Where this breakpoint's condition is evaluated, either @samp{host} or
29755 @samp{target}.
29756
29757 @item thread
29758 If this is a thread-specific breakpoint, then this identifies the
29759 thread in which the breakpoint can trigger.
29760
29761 @item task
29762 If this breakpoint is restricted to a particular Ada task, then this
29763 field will hold the task identifier.
29764
29765 @item cond
29766 If the breakpoint is conditional, this is the condition expression.
29767
29768 @item ignore
29769 The ignore count of the breakpoint.
29770
29771 @item enable
29772 The enable count of the breakpoint.
29773
29774 @item traceframe-usage
29775 FIXME.
29776
29777 @item static-tracepoint-marker-string-id
29778 For a static tracepoint, the name of the static tracepoint marker.
29779
29780 @item mask
29781 For a masked watchpoint, this is the mask.
29782
29783 @item pass
29784 A tracepoint's pass count.
29785
29786 @item original-location
29787 The location of the breakpoint as originally specified by the user.
29788 This field is optional.
29789
29790 @item times
29791 The number of times the breakpoint has been hit.
29792
29793 @item installed
29794 This field is only given for tracepoints. This is either @samp{y},
29795 meaning that the tracepoint is installed, or @samp{n}, meaning that it
29796 is not.
29797
29798 @item what
29799 Some extra data, the exact contents of which are type-dependent.
29800
29801 @end table
29802
29803 For example, here is what the output of @code{-break-insert}
29804 (@pxref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}) might be:
29805
29806 @smallexample
29807 -> -break-insert main
29808 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
29809 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
29810 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
29811 times="0"@}
29812 <- (gdb)
29813 @end smallexample
29814
29815 @node GDB/MI Frame Information
29816 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
29817
29818 Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
29819 frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
29820 fields:
29821
29822 @table @code
29823 @item level
29824 The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
29825 zero. This field is always present.
29826
29827 @item func
29828 The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
29829 be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
29830
29831 @item addr
29832 The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
29833
29834 @item file
29835 The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
29836 address. This field may be absent.
29837
29838 @item line
29839 The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
29840 may be absent.
29841
29842 @item from
29843 The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
29844 corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
29845
29846 @end table
29847
29848 @node GDB/MI Thread Information
29849 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Information
29850
29851 Whenever @value{GDBN} has to report an information about a thread, it
29852 uses a tuple with the following fields:
29853
29854 @table @code
29855 @item id
29856 The numeric id assigned to the thread by @value{GDBN}. This field is
29857 always present.
29858
29859 @item target-id
29860 Target-specific string identifying the thread. This field is always present.
29861
29862 @item details
29863 Additional information about the thread provided by the target.
29864 It is supposed to be human-readable and not interpreted by the
29865 frontend. This field is optional.
29866
29867 @item state
29868 Either @samp{stopped} or @samp{running}, depending on whether the
29869 thread is presently running. This field is always present.
29870
29871 @item core
29872 The value of this field is an integer number of the processor core the
29873 thread was last seen on. This field is optional.
29874 @end table
29875
29876 @node GDB/MI Ada Exception Information
29877 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Exception Information
29878
29879 Whenever a @code{*stopped} record is emitted because the program
29880 stopped after hitting an exception catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}),
29881 @value{GDBN} provides the name of the exception that was raised via
29882 the @code{exception-name} field.
29883
29884 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29885 @node GDB/MI Simple Examples
29886 @section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
29887 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
29888
29889 This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
29890 the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
29891 following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
29892 the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
29893
29894 Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
29895 readability, they don't appear in the real output.
29896
29897 @subheading Setting a Breakpoint
29898
29899 Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
29900 information of the breakpoint.
29901
29902 @smallexample
29903 -> -break-insert main
29904 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
29905 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
29906 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
29907 times="0"@}
29908 <- (gdb)
29909 @end smallexample
29910
29911 @subheading Program Execution
29912
29913 Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
29914 reason that execution stopped.
29915
29916 @smallexample
29917 -> -exec-run
29918 <- ^running
29919 <- (gdb)
29920 <- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
29921 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
29922 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
29923 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68"@}
29924 <- (gdb)
29925 -> -exec-continue
29926 <- ^running
29927 <- (gdb)
29928 <- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
29929 <- (gdb)
29930 @end smallexample
29931
29932 @subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
29933
29934 Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
29935
29936 @smallexample
29937 -> (gdb)
29938 <- -gdb-exit
29939 <- ^exit
29940 @end smallexample
29941
29942 Please note that @samp{^exit} is printed immediately, but it might
29943 take some time for @value{GDBN} to actually exit. During that time, @value{GDBN}
29944 performs necessary cleanups, including killing programs being debugged
29945 or disconnecting from debug hardware, so the frontend should wait till
29946 @value{GDBN} exits and should only forcibly kill @value{GDBN} if it
29947 fails to exit in reasonable time.
29948
29949 @subheading A Bad Command
29950
29951 Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
29952
29953 @smallexample
29954 -> -rubbish
29955 <- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
29956 <- (gdb)
29957 @end smallexample
29958
29959
29960 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29961 @node GDB/MI Command Description Format
29962 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
29963
29964 The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
29965 commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
29966
29967 @subheading Motivation
29968
29969 The motivation for this collection of commands.
29970
29971 @subheading Introduction
29972
29973 A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
29974
29975 @subheading Commands
29976
29977 For each command in the block, the following is described:
29978
29979 @subsubheading Synopsis
29980
29981 @smallexample
29982 -command @var{args}@dots{}
29983 @end smallexample
29984
29985 @subsubheading Result
29986
29987 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29988
29989 The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
29990
29991 @subsubheading Example
29992
29993 Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
29994 not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
29995
29996
29997 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29998 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
29999 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
30000
30001 @cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
30002 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
30003 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
30004 breakpoints.
30005
30006 @subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
30007 @findex -break-after
30008
30009 @subsubheading Synopsis
30010
30011 @smallexample
30012 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
30013 @end smallexample
30014
30015 The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
30016 hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
30017 the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
30018 @samp{-break-list} command below.
30019
30020 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30021
30022 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
30023
30024 @subsubheading Example
30025
30026 @smallexample
30027 (gdb)
30028 -break-insert main
30029 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
30030 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
30031 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
30032 times="0"@}
30033 (gdb)
30034 -break-after 1 3
30035 ~
30036 ^done
30037 (gdb)
30038 -break-list
30039 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
30040 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30041 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30042 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30043 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30044 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30045 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30046 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30047 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
30048 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
30049 (gdb)
30050 @end smallexample
30051
30052 @ignore
30053 @subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
30054 @findex -break-catch
30055 @end ignore
30056
30057 @subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
30058 @findex -break-commands
30059
30060 @subsubheading Synopsis
30061
30062 @smallexample
30063 -break-commands @var{number} [ @var{command1} ... @var{commandN} ]
30064 @end smallexample
30065
30066 Specifies the CLI commands that should be executed when breakpoint
30067 @var{number} is hit. The parameters @var{command1} to @var{commandN}
30068 are the commands. If no command is specified, any previously-set
30069 commands are cleared. @xref{Break Commands}. Typical use of this
30070 functionality is tracing a program, that is, printing of values of
30071 some variables whenever breakpoint is hit and then continuing.
30072
30073 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30074
30075 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{commands}.
30076
30077 @subsubheading Example
30078
30079 @smallexample
30080 (gdb)
30081 -break-insert main
30082 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
30083 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
30084 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
30085 times="0"@}
30086 (gdb)
30087 -break-commands 1 "print v" "continue"
30088 ^done
30089 (gdb)
30090 @end smallexample
30091
30092 @subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
30093 @findex -break-condition
30094
30095 @subsubheading Synopsis
30096
30097 @smallexample
30098 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
30099 @end smallexample
30100
30101 Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
30102 @var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
30103 @samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
30104 command below).
30105
30106 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30107
30108 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
30109
30110 @subsubheading Example
30111
30112 @smallexample
30113 (gdb)
30114 -break-condition 1 1
30115 ^done
30116 (gdb)
30117 -break-list
30118 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
30119 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30120 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30121 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30122 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30123 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30124 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30125 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30126 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
30127 line="5",cond="1",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
30128 (gdb)
30129 @end smallexample
30130
30131 @subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
30132 @findex -break-delete
30133
30134 @subsubheading Synopsis
30135
30136 @smallexample
30137 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
30138 @end smallexample
30139
30140 Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
30141 list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
30142
30143 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30144
30145 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
30146
30147 @subsubheading Example
30148
30149 @smallexample
30150 (gdb)
30151 -break-delete 1
30152 ^done
30153 (gdb)
30154 -break-list
30155 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
30156 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30157 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30158 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30159 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30160 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30161 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30162 body=[]@}
30163 (gdb)
30164 @end smallexample
30165
30166 @subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
30167 @findex -break-disable
30168
30169 @subsubheading Synopsis
30170
30171 @smallexample
30172 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
30173 @end smallexample
30174
30175 Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
30176 break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
30177
30178 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30179
30180 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
30181
30182 @subsubheading Example
30183
30184 @smallexample
30185 (gdb)
30186 -break-disable 2
30187 ^done
30188 (gdb)
30189 -break-list
30190 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
30191 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30192 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30193 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30194 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30195 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30196 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30197 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
30198 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
30199 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
30200 (gdb)
30201 @end smallexample
30202
30203 @subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
30204 @findex -break-enable
30205
30206 @subsubheading Synopsis
30207
30208 @smallexample
30209 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
30210 @end smallexample
30211
30212 Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
30213
30214 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30215
30216 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
30217
30218 @subsubheading Example
30219
30220 @smallexample
30221 (gdb)
30222 -break-enable 2
30223 ^done
30224 (gdb)
30225 -break-list
30226 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
30227 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30228 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30229 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30230 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30231 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30232 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30233 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30234 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
30235 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
30236 (gdb)
30237 @end smallexample
30238
30239 @subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
30240 @findex -break-info
30241
30242 @subsubheading Synopsis
30243
30244 @smallexample
30245 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
30246 @end smallexample
30247
30248 @c REDUNDANT???
30249 Get information about a single breakpoint.
30250
30251 The result is a table of breakpoints. @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint
30252 Information}, for details on the format of each breakpoint in the
30253 table.
30254
30255 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30256
30257 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
30258
30259 @subsubheading Example
30260 N.A.
30261
30262 @subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
30263 @findex -break-insert
30264
30265 @subsubheading Synopsis
30266
30267 @smallexample
30268 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ] [ -d ] [ -a ]
30269 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
30270 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{location} ]
30271 @end smallexample
30272
30273 @noindent
30274 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
30275
30276 @itemize @bullet
30277 @item function
30278 @c @item +offset
30279 @c @item -offset
30280 @c @item linenum
30281 @item filename:linenum
30282 @item filename:function
30283 @item *address
30284 @end itemize
30285
30286 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
30287
30288 @table @samp
30289 @item -t
30290 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
30291 @item -h
30292 Insert a hardware breakpoint.
30293 @item -f
30294 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
30295 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
30296 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
30297 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
30298 cannot be parsed.
30299 @item -d
30300 Create a disabled breakpoint.
30301 @item -a
30302 Create a tracepoint. @xref{Tracepoints}. When this parameter
30303 is used together with @samp{-h}, a fast tracepoint is created.
30304 @item -c @var{condition}
30305 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
30306 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
30307 Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
30308 @item -p @var{thread-id}
30309 Restrict the breakpoint to the specified @var{thread-id}.
30310 @end table
30311
30312 @subsubheading Result
30313
30314 @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Information}, for details on the format of the
30315 resulting breakpoint.
30316
30317 Note: this format is open to change.
30318 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
30319
30320 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30321
30322 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
30323 @samp{hbreak}, and @samp{thbreak}. @c and @samp{rbreak}.
30324
30325 @subsubheading Example
30326
30327 @smallexample
30328 (gdb)
30329 -break-insert main
30330 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
30331 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
30332 times="0"@}
30333 (gdb)
30334 -break-insert -t foo
30335 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
30336 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
30337 times="0"@}
30338 (gdb)
30339 -break-list
30340 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
30341 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30342 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30343 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30344 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30345 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30346 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30347 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30348 addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
30349 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
30350 times="0"@},
30351 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
30352 addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
30353 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
30354 times="0"@}]@}
30355 (gdb)
30356 @c -break-insert -r foo.*
30357 @c ~int foo(int, int);
30358 @c ^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
30359 @c "fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
30360 @c times="0"@}
30361 @c (gdb)
30362 @end smallexample
30363
30364 @subheading The @code{-dprintf-insert} Command
30365 @findex -dprintf-insert
30366
30367 @subsubheading Synopsis
30368
30369 @smallexample
30370 -dprintf-insert [ -t ] [ -f ] [ -d ]
30371 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
30372 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{location} ] [ @var{format} ]
30373 [ @var{argument} ]
30374 @end smallexample
30375
30376 @noindent
30377 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
30378
30379 @itemize @bullet
30380 @item @var{function}
30381 @c @item +offset
30382 @c @item -offset
30383 @c @item @var{linenum}
30384 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
30385 @item @var{filename}:function
30386 @item *@var{address}
30387 @end itemize
30388
30389 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
30390
30391 @table @samp
30392 @item -t
30393 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
30394 @item -f
30395 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example, if it
30396 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
30397 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
30398 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
30399 cannot be parsed.
30400 @item -d
30401 Create a disabled breakpoint.
30402 @item -c @var{condition}
30403 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
30404 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
30405 Set the ignore count of the breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ignore count})
30406 to @var{ignore-count}.
30407 @item -p @var{thread-id}
30408 Restrict the breakpoint to the specified @var{thread-id}.
30409 @end table
30410
30411 @subsubheading Result
30412
30413 @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Information}, for details on the format of the
30414 resulting breakpoint.
30415
30416 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
30417
30418 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30419
30420 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dprintf}.
30421
30422 @subsubheading Example
30423
30424 @smallexample
30425 (gdb)
30426 4-dprintf-insert foo "At foo entry\n"
30427 4^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="dprintf",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30428 addr="0x000000000040061b",func="foo",file="mi-dprintf.c",
30429 fullname="mi-dprintf.c",line="25",thread-groups=["i1"],
30430 times="0",script=@{"printf \"At foo entry\\n\"","continue"@},
30431 original-location="foo"@}
30432 (gdb)
30433 5-dprintf-insert 26 "arg=%d, g=%d\n" arg g
30434 5^done,bkpt=@{number="2",type="dprintf",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30435 addr="0x000000000040062a",func="foo",file="mi-dprintf.c",
30436 fullname="mi-dprintf.c",line="26",thread-groups=["i1"],
30437 times="0",script=@{"printf \"arg=%d, g=%d\\n\", arg, g","continue"@},
30438 original-location="mi-dprintf.c:26"@}
30439 (gdb)
30440 @end smallexample
30441
30442 @subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
30443 @findex -break-list
30444
30445 @subsubheading Synopsis
30446
30447 @smallexample
30448 -break-list
30449 @end smallexample
30450
30451 Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
30452
30453 @table @samp
30454 @item Number
30455 number of the breakpoint
30456 @item Type
30457 type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
30458 @item Disposition
30459 should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
30460 or @samp{nokeep}
30461 @item Enabled
30462 is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
30463 @item Address
30464 memory location at which the breakpoint is set
30465 @item What
30466 logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
30467 name, line number
30468 @item Thread-groups
30469 list of thread groups to which this breakpoint applies
30470 @item Times
30471 number of times the breakpoint has been hit
30472 @end table
30473
30474 If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
30475 @code{body} field is an empty list.
30476
30477 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30478
30479 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
30480
30481 @subsubheading Example
30482
30483 @smallexample
30484 (gdb)
30485 -break-list
30486 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
30487 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30488 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30489 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30490 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30491 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30492 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30493 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30494 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
30495 times="0"@},
30496 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30497 addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
30498 line="13",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
30499 (gdb)
30500 @end smallexample
30501
30502 Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
30503
30504 @smallexample
30505 (gdb)
30506 -break-list
30507 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
30508 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30509 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30510 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30511 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30512 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30513 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30514 body=[]@}
30515 (gdb)
30516 @end smallexample
30517
30518 @subheading The @code{-break-passcount} Command
30519 @findex -break-passcount
30520
30521 @subsubheading Synopsis
30522
30523 @smallexample
30524 -break-passcount @var{tracepoint-number} @var{passcount}
30525 @end smallexample
30526
30527 Set the passcount for tracepoint @var{tracepoint-number} to
30528 @var{passcount}. If the breakpoint referred to by @var{tracepoint-number}
30529 is not a tracepoint, error is emitted. This corresponds to CLI
30530 command @samp{passcount}.
30531
30532 @subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
30533 @findex -break-watch
30534
30535 @subsubheading Synopsis
30536
30537 @smallexample
30538 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
30539 @end smallexample
30540
30541 Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
30542 @dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
30543 read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
30544 option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
30545 trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
30546 either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
30547 i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
30548 @xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
30549
30550 Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
30551 breakpoints inserted.
30552
30553 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30554
30555 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
30556 @samp{rwatch}.
30557
30558 @subsubheading Example
30559
30560 Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
30561
30562 @smallexample
30563 (gdb)
30564 -break-watch x
30565 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
30566 (gdb)
30567 -exec-continue
30568 ^running
30569 (gdb)
30570 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
30571 value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
30572 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
30573 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5"@}
30574 (gdb)
30575 @end smallexample
30576
30577 Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
30578 the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
30579 for the watchpoint going out of scope.
30580
30581 @smallexample
30582 (gdb)
30583 -break-watch C
30584 ^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
30585 (gdb)
30586 -exec-continue
30587 ^running
30588 (gdb)
30589 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
30590 wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
30591 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
30592 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30593 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
30594 (gdb)
30595 -exec-continue
30596 ^running
30597 (gdb)
30598 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
30599 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
30600 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
30601 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30602 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
30603 (gdb)
30604 @end smallexample
30605
30606 Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
30607 execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
30608 deleted.
30609
30610 @smallexample
30611 (gdb)
30612 -break-watch C
30613 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
30614 (gdb)
30615 -break-list
30616 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
30617 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30618 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30619 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30620 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30621 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30622 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30623 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30624 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
30625 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30626 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
30627 times="1"@},
30628 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
30629 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
30630 (gdb)
30631 -exec-continue
30632 ^running
30633 (gdb)
30634 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
30635 value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
30636 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
30637 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30638 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
30639 (gdb)
30640 -break-list
30641 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
30642 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30643 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30644 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30645 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30646 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30647 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30648 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30649 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
30650 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30651 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
30652 times="1"@},
30653 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
30654 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="-5"@}]@}
30655 (gdb)
30656 -exec-continue
30657 ^running
30658 ^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
30659 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
30660 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
30661 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30662 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
30663 (gdb)
30664 -break-list
30665 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
30666 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30667 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30668 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30669 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30670 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30671 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30672 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30673 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
30674 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30675 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
30676 thread-groups=["i1"],times="1"@}]@}
30677 (gdb)
30678 @end smallexample
30679
30680
30681 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30682 @node GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
30683 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoint Commands
30684
30685 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
30686 catchpoints.
30687
30688 @menu
30689 * Shared Library GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
30690 * Ada Exception GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
30691 @end menu
30692
30693 @node Shared Library GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
30694 @subsection Shared Library @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoints
30695
30696 @subheading The @code{-catch-load} Command
30697 @findex -catch-load
30698
30699 @subsubheading Synopsis
30700
30701 @smallexample
30702 -catch-load [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
30703 @end smallexample
30704
30705 Add a catchpoint for library load events. If the @samp{-t} option is used,
30706 the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
30707 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is created
30708 in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
30709 expression used to match the name of the loaded library.
30710
30711
30712 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30713
30714 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch load}.
30715
30716 @subsubheading Example
30717
30718 @smallexample
30719 -catch-load -t foo.so
30720 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="catchpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
30721 what="load of library matching foo.so",catch-type="load",times="0"@}
30722 (gdb)
30723 @end smallexample
30724
30725
30726 @subheading The @code{-catch-unload} Command
30727 @findex -catch-unload
30728
30729 @subsubheading Synopsis
30730
30731 @smallexample
30732 -catch-unload [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
30733 @end smallexample
30734
30735 Add a catchpoint for library unload events. If the @samp{-t} option is
30736 used, the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
30737 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is
30738 created in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
30739 expression used to match the name of the unloaded library.
30740
30741 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30742
30743 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch unload}.
30744
30745 @subsubheading Example
30746
30747 @smallexample
30748 -catch-unload -d bar.so
30749 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",type="catchpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
30750 what="load of library matching bar.so",catch-type="unload",times="0"@}
30751 (gdb)
30752 @end smallexample
30753
30754 @node Ada Exception GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
30755 @subsection Ada Exception @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoints
30756
30757 The following @sc{gdb/mi} commands can be used to create catchpoints
30758 that stop the execution when Ada exceptions are being raised.
30759
30760 @subheading The @code{-catch-assert} Command
30761 @findex -catch-assert
30762
30763 @subsubheading Synopsis
30764
30765 @smallexample
30766 -catch-assert [ -c @var{condition}] [ -d ] [ -t ]
30767 @end smallexample
30768
30769 Add a catchpoint for failed Ada assertions.
30770
30771 The possible optional parameters for this command are:
30772
30773 @table @samp
30774 @item -c @var{condition}
30775 Make the catchpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
30776 @item -d
30777 Create a disabled catchpoint.
30778 @item -t
30779 Create a temporary catchpoint.
30780 @end table
30781
30782 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30783
30784 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch assert}.
30785
30786 @subsubheading Example
30787
30788 @smallexample
30789 -catch-assert
30790 ^done,bkptno="5",bkpt=@{number="5",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
30791 enabled="y",addr="0x0000000000404888",what="failed Ada assertions",
30792 thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",
30793 original-location="__gnat_debug_raise_assert_failure"@}
30794 (gdb)
30795 @end smallexample
30796
30797 @subheading The @code{-catch-exception} Command
30798 @findex -catch-exception
30799
30800 @subsubheading Synopsis
30801
30802 @smallexample
30803 -catch-exception [ -c @var{condition}] [ -d ] [ -e @var{exception-name} ]
30804 [ -t ] [ -u ]
30805 @end smallexample
30806
30807 Add a catchpoint stopping when Ada exceptions are raised.
30808 By default, the command stops the program when any Ada exception
30809 gets raised. But it is also possible, by using some of the
30810 optional parameters described below, to create more selective
30811 catchpoints.
30812
30813 The possible optional parameters for this command are:
30814
30815 @table @samp
30816 @item -c @var{condition}
30817 Make the catchpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
30818 @item -d
30819 Create a disabled catchpoint.
30820 @item -e @var{exception-name}
30821 Only stop when @var{exception-name} is raised. This option cannot
30822 be used combined with @samp{-u}.
30823 @item -t
30824 Create a temporary catchpoint.
30825 @item -u
30826 Stop only when an unhandled exception gets raised. This option
30827 cannot be used combined with @samp{-e}.
30828 @end table
30829
30830 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30831
30832 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{catch exception}
30833 and @samp{catch exception unhandled}.
30834
30835 @subsubheading Example
30836
30837 @smallexample
30838 -catch-exception -e Program_Error
30839 ^done,bkptno="4",bkpt=@{number="4",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
30840 enabled="y",addr="0x0000000000404874",
30841 what="`Program_Error' Ada exception", thread-groups=["i1"],
30842 times="0",original-location="__gnat_debug_raise_exception"@}
30843 (gdb)
30844 @end smallexample
30845
30846 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30847 @node GDB/MI Program Context
30848 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
30849
30850 @subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
30851 @findex -exec-arguments
30852
30853
30854 @subsubheading Synopsis
30855
30856 @smallexample
30857 -exec-arguments @var{args}
30858 @end smallexample
30859
30860 Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
30861 @samp{-exec-run}.
30862
30863 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30864
30865 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
30866
30867 @subsubheading Example
30868
30869 @smallexample
30870 (gdb)
30871 -exec-arguments -v word
30872 ^done
30873 (gdb)
30874 @end smallexample
30875
30876
30877 @ignore
30878 @subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
30879 @findex -exec-show-arguments
30880
30881 @subsubheading Synopsis
30882
30883 @smallexample
30884 -exec-show-arguments
30885 @end smallexample
30886
30887 Print the arguments of the program.
30888
30889 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30890
30891 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
30892
30893 @subsubheading Example
30894 N.A.
30895 @end ignore
30896
30897
30898 @subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
30899 @findex -environment-cd
30900
30901 @subsubheading Synopsis
30902
30903 @smallexample
30904 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
30905 @end smallexample
30906
30907 Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
30908
30909 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30910
30911 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
30912
30913 @subsubheading Example
30914
30915 @smallexample
30916 (gdb)
30917 -environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
30918 ^done
30919 (gdb)
30920 @end smallexample
30921
30922
30923 @subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
30924 @findex -environment-directory
30925
30926 @subsubheading Synopsis
30927
30928 @smallexample
30929 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
30930 @end smallexample
30931
30932 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
30933 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
30934 search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
30935 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
30936 occurs as normal.
30937 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
30938 multiple directories in a single command
30939 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
30940 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
30941 If blanks are needed as
30942 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
30943 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
30944 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
30945 character must not be used
30946 in any directory name.
30947 If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
30948
30949 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30950
30951 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
30952
30953 @subsubheading Example
30954
30955 @smallexample
30956 (gdb)
30957 -environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
30958 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
30959 (gdb)
30960 -environment-directory ""
30961 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
30962 (gdb)
30963 -environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
30964 ^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
30965 (gdb)
30966 -environment-directory -r
30967 ^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
30968 (gdb)
30969 @end smallexample
30970
30971
30972 @subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
30973 @findex -environment-path
30974
30975 @subsubheading Synopsis
30976
30977 @smallexample
30978 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
30979 @end smallexample
30980
30981 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
30982 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
30983 search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
30984 supplied in addition to the
30985 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
30986 occurs as normal.
30987 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
30988 multiple directories in a single command
30989 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
30990 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
30991 If blanks are needed as
30992 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
30993 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
30994 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
30995 character must not be used
30996 in any directory name.
30997 If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
30998
30999
31000 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31001
31002 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
31003
31004 @subsubheading Example
31005
31006 @smallexample
31007 (gdb)
31008 -environment-path
31009 ^done,path="/usr/bin"
31010 (gdb)
31011 -environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
31012 ^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
31013 (gdb)
31014 -environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
31015 ^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
31016 (gdb)
31017 @end smallexample
31018
31019
31020 @subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
31021 @findex -environment-pwd
31022
31023 @subsubheading Synopsis
31024
31025 @smallexample
31026 -environment-pwd
31027 @end smallexample
31028
31029 Show the current working directory.
31030
31031 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31032
31033 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
31034
31035 @subsubheading Example
31036
31037 @smallexample
31038 (gdb)
31039 -environment-pwd
31040 ^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
31041 (gdb)
31042 @end smallexample
31043
31044 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31045 @node GDB/MI Thread Commands
31046 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
31047
31048
31049 @subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
31050 @findex -thread-info
31051
31052 @subsubheading Synopsis
31053
31054 @smallexample
31055 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
31056 @end smallexample
31057
31058 Reports information about either a specific thread, if
31059 the @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all
31060 threads. When printing information about all threads,
31061 also reports the current thread.
31062
31063 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31064
31065 The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
31066 about all threads.
31067
31068 @subsubheading Result
31069
31070 The result is a list of threads. The following attributes are
31071 defined for a given thread:
31072
31073 @table @samp
31074 @item current
31075 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
31076
31077 @item id
31078 The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the thread.
31079
31080 @item target-id
31081 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the thread.
31082
31083 @item details
31084 Extra information about the thread, in a target-specific format. This
31085 field is optional.
31086
31087 @item name
31088 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using the
31089 @code{thread name} command, then this name is given. Otherwise, if
31090 @value{GDBN} can extract the thread name from the target, then that
31091 name is given. If @value{GDBN} cannot find the thread name, then this
31092 field is omitted.
31093
31094 @item frame
31095 The stack frame currently executing in the thread.
31096
31097 @item state
31098 The thread's state. The @samp{state} field may have the following
31099 values:
31100
31101 @table @code
31102 @item stopped
31103 The thread is stopped. Frame information is available for stopped
31104 threads.
31105
31106 @item running
31107 The thread is running. There's no frame information for running
31108 threads.
31109
31110 @end table
31111
31112 @item core
31113 If @value{GDBN} can find the CPU core on which this thread is running,
31114 then this field is the core identifier. This field is optional.
31115
31116 @end table
31117
31118 @subsubheading Example
31119
31120 @smallexample
31121 -thread-info
31122 ^done,threads=[
31123 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
31124 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",
31125 args=[]@},state="running"@},
31126 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
31127 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",
31128 args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
31129 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},
31130 state="running"@}],
31131 current-thread-id="1"
31132 (gdb)
31133 @end smallexample
31134
31135 @subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
31136 @findex -thread-list-ids
31137
31138 @subsubheading Synopsis
31139
31140 @smallexample
31141 -thread-list-ids
31142 @end smallexample
31143
31144 Produces a list of the currently known @value{GDBN} thread ids. At the
31145 end of the list it also prints the total number of such threads.
31146
31147 This command is retained for historical reasons, the
31148 @code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
31149
31150 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31151
31152 Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
31153
31154 @subsubheading Example
31155
31156 @smallexample
31157 (gdb)
31158 -thread-list-ids
31159 ^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
31160 current-thread-id="1",number-of-threads="3"
31161 (gdb)
31162 @end smallexample
31163
31164
31165 @subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
31166 @findex -thread-select
31167
31168 @subsubheading Synopsis
31169
31170 @smallexample
31171 -thread-select @var{threadnum}
31172 @end smallexample
31173
31174 Make @var{threadnum} the current thread. It prints the number of the new
31175 current thread, and the topmost frame for that thread.
31176
31177 This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
31178 @samp{--thread} option to each command.
31179
31180 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31181
31182 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
31183
31184 @subsubheading Example
31185
31186 @smallexample
31187 (gdb)
31188 -exec-next
31189 ^running
31190 (gdb)
31191 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
31192 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
31193 (gdb)
31194 -thread-list-ids
31195 ^done,
31196 thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
31197 number-of-threads="3"
31198 (gdb)
31199 -thread-select 3
31200 ^done,new-thread-id="3",
31201 frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
31202 args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
31203 @{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31"@}
31204 (gdb)
31205 @end smallexample
31206
31207 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31208 @node GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands
31209 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Tasking Commands
31210
31211 @subheading The @code{-ada-task-info} Command
31212 @findex -ada-task-info
31213
31214 @subsubheading Synopsis
31215
31216 @smallexample
31217 -ada-task-info [ @var{task-id} ]
31218 @end smallexample
31219
31220 Reports information about either a specific Ada task, if the
31221 @var{task-id} parameter is present, or about all Ada tasks.
31222
31223 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31224
31225 The @samp{info tasks} command prints the same information
31226 about all Ada tasks (@pxref{Ada Tasks}).
31227
31228 @subsubheading Result
31229
31230 The result is a table of Ada tasks. The following columns are
31231 defined for each Ada task:
31232
31233 @table @samp
31234 @item current
31235 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
31236
31237 @item id
31238 The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the Ada task.
31239
31240 @item task-id
31241 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the Ada task.
31242
31243 @item thread-id
31244 The identifier of the thread corresponding to the Ada task.
31245
31246 This field should always exist, as Ada tasks are always implemented
31247 on top of a thread. But if @value{GDBN} cannot find this corresponding
31248 thread for any reason, the field is omitted.
31249
31250 @item parent-id
31251 This field exists only when the task was created by another task.
31252 In this case, it provides the ID of the parent task.
31253
31254 @item priority
31255 The base priority of the task.
31256
31257 @item state
31258 The current state of the task. For a detailed description of the
31259 possible states, see @ref{Ada Tasks}.
31260
31261 @item name
31262 The name of the task.
31263
31264 @end table
31265
31266 @subsubheading Example
31267
31268 @smallexample
31269 -ada-task-info
31270 ^done,tasks=@{nr_rows="3",nr_cols="8",
31271 hdr=[@{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr=""@},
31272 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="id",colhdr="ID"@},
31273 @{width="9",alignment="1",col_name="task-id",colhdr="TID"@},
31274 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="thread-id",colhdr=""@},
31275 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="parent-id",colhdr="P-ID"@},
31276 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="priority",colhdr="Pri"@},
31277 @{width="22",alignment="-1",col_name="state",colhdr="State"@},
31278 @{width="1",alignment="2",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@}],
31279 body=[@{current="*",id="1",task-id=" 644010",thread-id="1",priority="48",
31280 state="Child Termination Wait",name="main_task"@}]@}
31281 (gdb)
31282 @end smallexample
31283
31284 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31285 @node GDB/MI Program Execution
31286 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
31287
31288 These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
31289 record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
31290 asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
31291 other cases.
31292
31293 @subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
31294 @findex -exec-continue
31295
31296 @subsubheading Synopsis
31297
31298 @smallexample
31299 -exec-continue [--reverse] [--all|--thread-group N]
31300 @end smallexample
31301
31302 Resumes the execution of the inferior program, which will continue
31303 to execute until it reaches a debugger stop event. If the
31304 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, execution resumes in reverse until
31305 it reaches a stop event. Stop events may include
31306 @itemize @bullet
31307 @item
31308 breakpoints or watchpoints
31309 @item
31310 signals or exceptions
31311 @item
31312 the end of the process (or its beginning under @samp{--reverse})
31313 @item
31314 the end or beginning of a replay log if one is being used.
31315 @end itemize
31316 In all-stop mode (@pxref{All-Stop
31317 Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads, depending on the
31318 value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. If @samp{--all} is
31319 specified, all threads (in all inferiors) will be resumed. The @samp{--all} option is
31320 ignored in all-stop mode. If the @samp{--thread-group} options is
31321 specified, then all threads in that thread group are resumed.
31322
31323 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31324
31325 The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
31326
31327 @subsubheading Example
31328
31329 @smallexample
31330 -exec-continue
31331 ^running
31332 (gdb)
31333 @@Hello world
31334 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
31335 func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
31336 line="13"@}
31337 (gdb)
31338 @end smallexample
31339
31340
31341 @subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
31342 @findex -exec-finish
31343
31344 @subsubheading Synopsis
31345
31346 @smallexample
31347 -exec-finish [--reverse]
31348 @end smallexample
31349
31350 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
31351 function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
31352 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes the reverse
31353 execution of the inferior program until the point where current
31354 function was called.
31355
31356 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31357
31358 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
31359
31360 @subsubheading Example
31361
31362 Function returning @code{void}.
31363
31364 @smallexample
31365 -exec-finish
31366 ^running
31367 (gdb)
31368 @@hello from foo
31369 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
31370 file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7"@}
31371 (gdb)
31372 @end smallexample
31373
31374 Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
31375 @value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
31376 value itself.
31377
31378 @smallexample
31379 -exec-finish
31380 ^running
31381 (gdb)
31382 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
31383 args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
31384 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31385 gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
31386 (gdb)
31387 @end smallexample
31388
31389
31390 @subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
31391 @findex -exec-interrupt
31392
31393 @subsubheading Synopsis
31394
31395 @smallexample
31396 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
31397 @end smallexample
31398
31399 Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
31400 associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
31401 that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
31402 appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
31403 interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
31404
31405 Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
31406 asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
31407 @samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
31408 reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
31409
31410 In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
31411 All threads (in all inferiors) will be interrupted if the
31412 @samp{--all} option is specified. If the @samp{--thread-group}
31413 option is specified, all threads in that group will be interrupted.
31414
31415 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31416
31417 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
31418
31419 @subsubheading Example
31420
31421 @smallexample
31422 (gdb)
31423 111-exec-continue
31424 111^running
31425
31426 (gdb)
31427 222-exec-interrupt
31428 222^done
31429 (gdb)
31430 111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
31431 frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
31432 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13"@}
31433 (gdb)
31434
31435 (gdb)
31436 -exec-interrupt
31437 ^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
31438 (gdb)
31439 @end smallexample
31440
31441 @subheading The @code{-exec-jump} Command
31442 @findex -exec-jump
31443
31444 @subsubheading Synopsis
31445
31446 @smallexample
31447 -exec-jump @var{location}
31448 @end smallexample
31449
31450 Resumes execution of the inferior program at the location specified by
31451 parameter. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
31452 different forms of @var{location}.
31453
31454 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31455
31456 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{jump}.
31457
31458 @subsubheading Example
31459
31460 @smallexample
31461 -exec-jump foo.c:10
31462 *running,thread-id="all"
31463 ^running
31464 @end smallexample
31465
31466
31467 @subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
31468 @findex -exec-next
31469
31470 @subsubheading Synopsis
31471
31472 @smallexample
31473 -exec-next [--reverse]
31474 @end smallexample
31475
31476 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
31477 of the next source line is reached.
31478
31479 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
31480 of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the previous
31481 source line. If you issue this command on the first line of a
31482 function, it will take you back to the caller of that function, to the
31483 source line where the function was called.
31484
31485
31486 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31487
31488 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
31489
31490 @subsubheading Example
31491
31492 @smallexample
31493 -exec-next
31494 ^running
31495 (gdb)
31496 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
31497 (gdb)
31498 @end smallexample
31499
31500
31501 @subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
31502 @findex -exec-next-instruction
31503
31504 @subsubheading Synopsis
31505
31506 @smallexample
31507 -exec-next-instruction [--reverse]
31508 @end smallexample
31509
31510 Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
31511 call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
31512 instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
31513 printed as well.
31514
31515 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
31516 of the inferior program, stopping at the previous instruction. If the
31517 previously executed instruction was a return from another function,
31518 it will continue to execute in reverse until the call to that function
31519 (from the current stack frame) is reached.
31520
31521 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31522
31523 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
31524
31525 @subsubheading Example
31526
31527 @smallexample
31528 (gdb)
31529 -exec-next-instruction
31530 ^running
31531
31532 (gdb)
31533 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
31534 addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
31535 (gdb)
31536 @end smallexample
31537
31538
31539 @subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
31540 @findex -exec-return
31541
31542 @subsubheading Synopsis
31543
31544 @smallexample
31545 -exec-return
31546 @end smallexample
31547
31548 Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
31549 Displays the new current frame.
31550
31551 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31552
31553 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
31554
31555 @subsubheading Example
31556
31557 @smallexample
31558 (gdb)
31559 200-break-insert callee4
31560 200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
31561 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
31562 (gdb)
31563 000-exec-run
31564 000^running
31565 (gdb)
31566 000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
31567 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
31568 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31569 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
31570 (gdb)
31571 205-break-delete
31572 205^done
31573 (gdb)
31574 111-exec-return
31575 111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
31576 args=[@{name="strarg",
31577 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
31578 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31579 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
31580 (gdb)
31581 @end smallexample
31582
31583
31584 @subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
31585 @findex -exec-run
31586
31587 @subsubheading Synopsis
31588
31589 @smallexample
31590 -exec-run [ --all | --thread-group N ] [ --start ]
31591 @end smallexample
31592
31593 Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
31594 executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
31595 exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
31596 the program has exited exceptionally.
31597
31598 When neither the @samp{--all} nor the @samp{--thread-group} option
31599 is specified, the current inferior is started. If the
31600 @samp{--thread-group} option is specified, it should refer to a thread
31601 group of type @samp{process}, and that thread group will be started.
31602 If the @samp{--all} option is specified, then all inferiors will be started.
31603
31604 Using the @samp{--start} option instructs the debugger to stop
31605 the execution at the start of the inferior's main subprogram,
31606 following the same behavior as the @code{start} command
31607 (@pxref{Starting}).
31608
31609 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31610
31611 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
31612
31613 @subsubheading Examples
31614
31615 @smallexample
31616 (gdb)
31617 -break-insert main
31618 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
31619 (gdb)
31620 -exec-run
31621 ^running
31622 (gdb)
31623 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
31624 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
31625 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}
31626 (gdb)
31627 @end smallexample
31628
31629 @noindent
31630 Program exited normally:
31631
31632 @smallexample
31633 (gdb)
31634 -exec-run
31635 ^running
31636 (gdb)
31637 x = 55
31638 *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
31639 (gdb)
31640 @end smallexample
31641
31642 @noindent
31643 Program exited exceptionally:
31644
31645 @smallexample
31646 (gdb)
31647 -exec-run
31648 ^running
31649 (gdb)
31650 x = 55
31651 *stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
31652 (gdb)
31653 @end smallexample
31654
31655 Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
31656 @code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
31657
31658 @smallexample
31659 (gdb)
31660 *stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
31661 signal-meaning="Interrupt"
31662 @end smallexample
31663
31664
31665 @c @subheading -exec-signal
31666
31667
31668 @subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
31669 @findex -exec-step
31670
31671 @subsubheading Synopsis
31672
31673 @smallexample
31674 -exec-step [--reverse]
31675 @end smallexample
31676
31677 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
31678 of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
31679 function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
31680 function. If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse
31681 execution of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the
31682 previously executed source line.
31683
31684 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31685
31686 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
31687
31688 @subsubheading Example
31689
31690 Stepping into a function:
31691
31692 @smallexample
31693 -exec-step
31694 ^running
31695 (gdb)
31696 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
31697 frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
31698 @{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
31699 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@}
31700 (gdb)
31701 @end smallexample
31702
31703 Regular stepping:
31704
31705 @smallexample
31706 -exec-step
31707 ^running
31708 (gdb)
31709 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
31710 (gdb)
31711 @end smallexample
31712
31713
31714 @subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
31715 @findex -exec-step-instruction
31716
31717 @subsubheading Synopsis
31718
31719 @smallexample
31720 -exec-step-instruction [--reverse]
31721 @end smallexample
31722
31723 Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. If the
31724 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution of the
31725 inferior program, stopping at the previously executed instruction.
31726 The output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on
31727 whether we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the
31728 former case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed
31729 as well.
31730
31731 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31732
31733 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
31734
31735 @subsubheading Example
31736
31737 @smallexample
31738 (gdb)
31739 -exec-step-instruction
31740 ^running
31741
31742 (gdb)
31743 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
31744 frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
31745 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
31746 (gdb)
31747 -exec-step-instruction
31748 ^running
31749
31750 (gdb)
31751 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
31752 frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
31753 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
31754 (gdb)
31755 @end smallexample
31756
31757
31758 @subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
31759 @findex -exec-until
31760
31761 @subsubheading Synopsis
31762
31763 @smallexample
31764 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
31765 @end smallexample
31766
31767 Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
31768 argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
31769 until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
31770 reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
31771
31772 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31773
31774 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
31775
31776 @subsubheading Example
31777
31778 @smallexample
31779 (gdb)
31780 -exec-until recursive2.c:6
31781 ^running
31782 (gdb)
31783 x = 55
31784 *stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
31785 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6"@}
31786 (gdb)
31787 @end smallexample
31788
31789 @ignore
31790 @subheading -file-clear
31791 Is this going away????
31792 @end ignore
31793
31794 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31795 @node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
31796 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
31797
31798 @subheading The @code{-enable-frame-filters} Command
31799 @findex -enable-frame-filters
31800
31801 @smallexample
31802 -enable-frame-filters
31803 @end smallexample
31804
31805 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based frame filters to affect the output of
31806 the MI commands relating to stack traces. As there is no way to
31807 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
31808 request that this functionality be enabled.
31809
31810 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
31811
31812 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
31813 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
31814
31815 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
31816 @findex -stack-info-frame
31817
31818 @subsubheading Synopsis
31819
31820 @smallexample
31821 -stack-info-frame
31822 @end smallexample
31823
31824 Get info on the selected frame.
31825
31826 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31827
31828 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
31829 (without arguments).
31830
31831 @subsubheading Example
31832
31833 @smallexample
31834 (gdb)
31835 -stack-info-frame
31836 ^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
31837 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31838 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@}
31839 (gdb)
31840 @end smallexample
31841
31842 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
31843 @findex -stack-info-depth
31844
31845 @subsubheading Synopsis
31846
31847 @smallexample
31848 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
31849 @end smallexample
31850
31851 Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
31852 is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
31853
31854 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31855
31856 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
31857
31858 @subsubheading Example
31859
31860 For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
31861
31862 @smallexample
31863 (gdb)
31864 -stack-info-depth
31865 ^done,depth="12"
31866 (gdb)
31867 -stack-info-depth 4
31868 ^done,depth="4"
31869 (gdb)
31870 -stack-info-depth 12
31871 ^done,depth="12"
31872 (gdb)
31873 -stack-info-depth 11
31874 ^done,depth="11"
31875 (gdb)
31876 -stack-info-depth 13
31877 ^done,depth="12"
31878 (gdb)
31879 @end smallexample
31880
31881 @anchor{-stack-list-arguments}
31882 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
31883 @findex -stack-list-arguments
31884
31885 @subsubheading Synopsis
31886
31887 @smallexample
31888 -stack-list-arguments [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
31889 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
31890 @end smallexample
31891
31892 Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
31893 and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
31894 @var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
31895 call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
31896 at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
31897 larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
31898 @var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
31899 which case only existing frames will be returned.
31900
31901 If @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
31902 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
31903 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
31904 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
31905 structures and unions. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is
31906 supplied, then Python frame filters will not be executed.
31907
31908 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, arguments that
31909 are not available are not listed. Partially available arguments
31910 are still displayed, however.
31911
31912 Use of this command to obtain arguments in a single frame is
31913 deprecated in favor of the @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
31914
31915 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31916
31917 @value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
31918 @samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
31919 functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
31920
31921 @subsubheading Example
31922
31923 @smallexample
31924 (gdb)
31925 -stack-list-frames
31926 ^done,
31927 stack=[
31928 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
31929 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31930 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@},
31931 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
31932 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31933 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@},
31934 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
31935 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31936 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22"@},
31937 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
31938 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31939 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27"@},
31940 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
31941 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31942 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32"@}]
31943 (gdb)
31944 -stack-list-arguments 0
31945 ^done,
31946 stack-args=[
31947 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
31948 frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
31949 frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
31950 frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
31951 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
31952 (gdb)
31953 -stack-list-arguments 1
31954 ^done,
31955 stack-args=[
31956 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
31957 frame=@{level="1",
31958 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
31959 frame=@{level="2",args=[
31960 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
31961 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
31962 @{frame=@{level="3",args=[
31963 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
31964 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
31965 @{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
31966 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
31967 (gdb)
31968 -stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
31969 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
31970 (gdb)
31971 -stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
31972 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
31973 args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
31974 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
31975 (gdb)
31976 @end smallexample
31977
31978 @c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
31979
31980
31981 @anchor{-stack-list-frames}
31982 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
31983 @findex -stack-list-frames
31984
31985 @subsubheading Synopsis
31986
31987 @smallexample
31988 -stack-list-frames [ --no-frame-filters @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
31989 @end smallexample
31990
31991 List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
31992 following info:
31993
31994 @table @samp
31995 @item @var{level}
31996 The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
31997 @item @var{addr}
31998 The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
31999 @item @var{func}
32000 Function name.
32001 @item @var{file}
32002 File name of the source file where the function lives.
32003 @item @var{fullname}
32004 The full file name of the source file where the function lives.
32005 @item @var{line}
32006 Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
32007 @item @var{from}
32008 The shared library where this function is defined. This is only given
32009 if the frame's function is not known.
32010 @end table
32011
32012 If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
32013 whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
32014 levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
32015 are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
32016 an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
32017 frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
32018 actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be
32019 returned. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is supplied, then
32020 Python frame filters will not be executed.
32021
32022 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32023
32024 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
32025
32026 @subsubheading Example
32027
32028 Full stack backtrace:
32029
32030 @smallexample
32031 (gdb)
32032 -stack-list-frames
32033 ^done,stack=
32034 [frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
32035 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@},
32036 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
32037 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
32038 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
32039 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
32040 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
32041 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
32042 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
32043 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
32044 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
32045 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
32046 frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
32047 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
32048 frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
32049 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
32050 frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
32051 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
32052 frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
32053 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
32054 frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
32055 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
32056 frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
32057 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}]
32058 (gdb)
32059 @end smallexample
32060
32061 Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
32062
32063 @smallexample
32064 (gdb)
32065 -stack-list-frames 3 5
32066 ^done,stack=
32067 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
32068 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
32069 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
32070 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
32071 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
32072 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
32073 (gdb)
32074 @end smallexample
32075
32076 Show a single frame:
32077
32078 @smallexample
32079 (gdb)
32080 -stack-list-frames 3 3
32081 ^done,stack=
32082 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
32083 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
32084 (gdb)
32085 @end smallexample
32086
32087
32088 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
32089 @findex -stack-list-locals
32090 @anchor{-stack-list-locals}
32091
32092 @subsubheading Synopsis
32093
32094 @smallexample
32095 -stack-list-locals [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
32096 @end smallexample
32097
32098 Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
32099 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
32100 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
32101 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
32102 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
32103 structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
32104 display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
32105 other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
32106 more detail. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is supplied, then
32107 Python frame filters will not be executed.
32108
32109 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, local variables
32110 that are not available are not listed. Partially available local
32111 variables are still displayed, however.
32112
32113 This command is deprecated in favor of the
32114 @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
32115
32116 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32117
32118 @samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
32119
32120 @subsubheading Example
32121
32122 @smallexample
32123 (gdb)
32124 -stack-list-locals 0
32125 ^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
32126 (gdb)
32127 -stack-list-locals --all-values
32128 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
32129 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
32130 -stack-list-locals --simple-values
32131 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
32132 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
32133 (gdb)
32134 @end smallexample
32135
32136 @anchor{-stack-list-variables}
32137 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-variables} Command
32138 @findex -stack-list-variables
32139
32140 @subsubheading Synopsis
32141
32142 @smallexample
32143 -stack-list-variables [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
32144 @end smallexample
32145
32146 Display the names of local variables and function arguments for the selected frame. If
32147 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
32148 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
32149 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
32150 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
32151 structures and unions. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is
32152 supplied, then Python frame filters will not be executed.
32153
32154 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, local variables
32155 and arguments that are not available are not listed. Partially
32156 available arguments and local variables are still displayed, however.
32157
32158 @subsubheading Example
32159
32160 @smallexample
32161 (gdb)
32162 -stack-list-variables --thread 1 --frame 0 --all-values
32163 ^done,variables=[@{name="x",value="11"@},@{name="s",value="@{a = 1, b = 2@}"@}]
32164 (gdb)
32165 @end smallexample
32166
32167
32168 @subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
32169 @findex -stack-select-frame
32170
32171 @subsubheading Synopsis
32172
32173 @smallexample
32174 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
32175 @end smallexample
32176
32177 Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
32178 the stack.
32179
32180 This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
32181 option to every command.
32182
32183 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32184
32185 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
32186 @samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
32187
32188 @subsubheading Example
32189
32190 @smallexample
32191 (gdb)
32192 -stack-select-frame 2
32193 ^done
32194 (gdb)
32195 @end smallexample
32196
32197 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32198 @node GDB/MI Variable Objects
32199 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
32200
32201 @ignore
32202
32203 @subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
32204
32205 For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
32206 expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
32207 used by @code{Insight}.
32208
32209 The two main reasons for that are:
32210
32211 @enumerate 1
32212 @item
32213 It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
32214
32215 @item
32216 It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
32217 now).
32218 @end enumerate
32219
32220 The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
32221 slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
32222 describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
32223 hints about their use.
32224
32225 @emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
32226 expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
32227 least, the following operations:
32228
32229 @itemize @bullet
32230 @item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
32231 @item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
32232 @item @code{-stack-list-locals}
32233 @item @code{-stack-select-frame}
32234 @end itemize
32235
32236 @end ignore
32237
32238 @subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
32239
32240 @cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
32241
32242 Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
32243 changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
32244 work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
32245 simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
32246 is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
32247 frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
32248 expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
32249 expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
32250 variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
32251 operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
32252 object, or to change display format.
32253
32254 Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
32255 that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
32256 a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
32257 element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
32258 children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
32259 leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
32260 objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
32261 is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
32262 child will be created.
32263
32264 For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
32265 string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
32266 obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
32267 that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
32268 contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
32269
32270 A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
32271 the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
32272 variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
32273 operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
32274 be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
32275 objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
32276 real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
32277 variables that frontend has created.
32278
32279 The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
32280 might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
32281 and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
32282 relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
32283 to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
32284 visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
32285 called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
32286 implicitly updated.
32287
32288 Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
32289 fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
32290 object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
32291 variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
32292 variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
32293 expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
32294 frame. Consider this example:
32295
32296 @smallexample
32297 void do_work(...)
32298 @{
32299 struct work_state state;
32300
32301 if (...)
32302 do_work(...);
32303 @}
32304 @end smallexample
32305
32306 If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
32307 this function, and we enter the recursive call, the variable
32308 object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
32309 @code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
32310 object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
32311
32312 If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
32313 refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
32314 thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
32315 variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
32316 thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
32317 and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
32318
32319 The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
32320 access this functionality:
32321
32322 @multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
32323 @item @strong{Operation}
32324 @tab @strong{Description}
32325
32326 @item @code{-enable-pretty-printing}
32327 @tab enable Python-based pretty-printing
32328 @item @code{-var-create}
32329 @tab create a variable object
32330 @item @code{-var-delete}
32331 @tab delete the variable object and/or its children
32332 @item @code{-var-set-format}
32333 @tab set the display format of this variable
32334 @item @code{-var-show-format}
32335 @tab show the display format of this variable
32336 @item @code{-var-info-num-children}
32337 @tab tells how many children this object has
32338 @item @code{-var-list-children}
32339 @tab return a list of the object's children
32340 @item @code{-var-info-type}
32341 @tab show the type of this variable object
32342 @item @code{-var-info-expression}
32343 @tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
32344 @item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
32345 @tab print full expression that this variable object represents
32346 @item @code{-var-show-attributes}
32347 @tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
32348 @item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
32349 @tab get the value of this variable
32350 @item @code{-var-assign}
32351 @tab set the value of this variable
32352 @item @code{-var-update}
32353 @tab update the variable and its children
32354 @item @code{-var-set-frozen}
32355 @tab set frozeness attribute
32356 @item @code{-var-set-update-range}
32357 @tab set range of children to display on update
32358 @end multitable
32359
32360 In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
32361 how it can be used.
32362
32363 @subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
32364
32365 @subheading The @code{-enable-pretty-printing} Command
32366 @findex -enable-pretty-printing
32367
32368 @smallexample
32369 -enable-pretty-printing
32370 @end smallexample
32371
32372 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based visualizers to affect the output of the
32373 MI variable object commands. However, because there was no way to
32374 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
32375 request that this functionality be enabled.
32376
32377 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
32378
32379 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
32380 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
32381
32382 This feature is currently (as of @value{GDBN} 7.0) experimental, and
32383 may work differently in future versions of @value{GDBN}.
32384
32385 @subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
32386 @findex -var-create
32387
32388 @subsubheading Synopsis
32389
32390 @smallexample
32391 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
32392 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
32393 @end smallexample
32394
32395 This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
32396 a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
32397 register.
32398
32399 The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
32400 referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
32401 system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
32402 unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
32403 The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
32404
32405 The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
32406 specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
32407 frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
32408 object must be created.
32409
32410 @var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
32411 begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
32412
32413 @itemize @bullet
32414 @item
32415 @samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
32416
32417 @item
32418 @samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
32419
32420 @item
32421 @samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
32422 @end itemize
32423
32424 @cindex dynamic varobj
32425 A varobj's contents may be provided by a Python-based pretty-printer. In this
32426 case the varobj is known as a @dfn{dynamic varobj}. Dynamic varobjs
32427 have slightly different semantics in some cases. If the
32428 @code{-enable-pretty-printing} command is not sent, then @value{GDBN}
32429 will never create a dynamic varobj. This ensures backward
32430 compatibility for existing clients.
32431
32432 @subsubheading Result
32433
32434 This operation returns attributes of the newly-created varobj. These
32435 are:
32436
32437 @table @samp
32438 @item name
32439 The name of the varobj.
32440
32441 @item numchild
32442 The number of children of the varobj. This number is not necessarily
32443 reliable for a dynamic varobj. Instead, you must examine the
32444 @samp{has_more} attribute.
32445
32446 @item value
32447 The varobj's scalar value. For a varobj whose type is some sort of
32448 aggregate (e.g., a @code{struct}), or for a dynamic varobj, this value
32449 will not be interesting.
32450
32451 @item type
32452 The varobj's type. This is a string representation of the type, as
32453 would be printed by the @value{GDBN} CLI. If @samp{print object}
32454 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
32455 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
32456 @emph{declared} one.
32457
32458 @item thread-id
32459 If a variable object is bound to a specific thread, then this is the
32460 thread's identifier.
32461
32462 @item has_more
32463 For a dynamic varobj, this indicates whether there appear to be any
32464 children available. For a non-dynamic varobj, this will be 0.
32465
32466 @item dynamic
32467 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
32468 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
32469 then this attribute will not be present.
32470
32471 @item displayhint
32472 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
32473 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
32474 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
32475 @end table
32476
32477 Typical output will look like this:
32478
32479 @smallexample
32480 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}",
32481 has_more="@var{has_more}"
32482 @end smallexample
32483
32484
32485 @subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
32486 @findex -var-delete
32487
32488 @subsubheading Synopsis
32489
32490 @smallexample
32491 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
32492 @end smallexample
32493
32494 Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
32495 With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
32496
32497 Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
32498
32499
32500 @subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
32501 @findex -var-set-format
32502
32503 @subsubheading Synopsis
32504
32505 @smallexample
32506 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
32507 @end smallexample
32508
32509 Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
32510 @var{format-spec}.
32511
32512 @anchor{-var-set-format}
32513 The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
32514
32515 @smallexample
32516 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
32517 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural@}
32518 @end smallexample
32519
32520 The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
32521 based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
32522 for pointers, etc.).
32523
32524 For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
32525 variable itself, and the children are not affected.
32526
32527 @subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
32528 @findex -var-show-format
32529
32530 @subsubheading Synopsis
32531
32532 @smallexample
32533 -var-show-format @var{name}
32534 @end smallexample
32535
32536 Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
32537
32538 @smallexample
32539 @var{format} @expansion{}
32540 @var{format-spec}
32541 @end smallexample
32542
32543
32544 @subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
32545 @findex -var-info-num-children
32546
32547 @subsubheading Synopsis
32548
32549 @smallexample
32550 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
32551 @end smallexample
32552
32553 Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
32554
32555 @smallexample
32556 numchild=@var{n}
32557 @end smallexample
32558
32559 Note that this number is not completely reliable for a dynamic varobj.
32560 It will return the current number of children, but more children may
32561 be available.
32562
32563
32564 @subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
32565 @findex -var-list-children
32566
32567 @subsubheading Synopsis
32568
32569 @smallexample
32570 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name} [@var{from} @var{to}]
32571 @end smallexample
32572 @anchor{-var-list-children}
32573
32574 Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
32575 create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
32576 a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value of 0 or
32577 @code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
32578 @var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
32579 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
32580 value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
32581 and unions.
32582
32583 @var{from} and @var{to}, if specified, indicate the range of children
32584 to report. If @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is
32585 reset and all children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting
32586 at @var{from} (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be
32587 reported.
32588
32589 If a child range is requested, it will only affect the current call to
32590 @code{-var-list-children}, but not future calls to @code{-var-update}.
32591 For this, you must instead use @code{-var-set-update-range}. The
32592 intent of this approach is to enable a front end to implement any
32593 update approach it likes; for example, scrolling a view may cause the
32594 front end to request more children with @code{-var-list-children}, and
32595 then the front end could call @code{-var-set-update-range} with a
32596 different range to ensure that future updates are restricted to just
32597 the visible items.
32598
32599 For each child the following results are returned:
32600
32601 @table @var
32602
32603 @item name
32604 Name of the variable object created for this child.
32605
32606 @item exp
32607 The expression to be shown to the user by the front end to designate this child.
32608 For example this may be the name of a structure member.
32609
32610 For a dynamic varobj, this value cannot be used to form an
32611 expression. There is no way to do this at all with a dynamic varobj.
32612
32613 For C/C@t{++} structures there are several pseudo children returned to
32614 designate access qualifiers. For these pseudo children @var{exp} is
32615 @samp{public}, @samp{private}, or @samp{protected}. In this case the
32616 type and value are not present.
32617
32618 A dynamic varobj will not report the access qualifying
32619 pseudo-children, regardless of the language. This information is not
32620 available at all with a dynamic varobj.
32621
32622 @item numchild
32623 Number of children this child has. For a dynamic varobj, this will be
32624 0.
32625
32626 @item type
32627 The type of the child. If @samp{print object}
32628 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
32629 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
32630 @emph{declared} one.
32631
32632 @item value
32633 If values were requested, this is the value.
32634
32635 @item thread-id
32636 If this variable object is associated with a thread, this is the thread id.
32637 Otherwise this result is not present.
32638
32639 @item frozen
32640 If the variable object is frozen, this variable will be present with a value of 1.
32641
32642 @item displayhint
32643 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
32644 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
32645 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
32646
32647 @item dynamic
32648 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
32649 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
32650 then this attribute will not be present.
32651
32652 @end table
32653
32654 The result may have its own attributes:
32655
32656 @table @samp
32657 @item displayhint
32658 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
32659 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
32660 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
32661
32662 @item has_more
32663 This is an integer attribute which is nonzero if there are children
32664 remaining after the end of the selected range.
32665 @end table
32666
32667 @subsubheading Example
32668
32669 @smallexample
32670 (gdb)
32671 -var-list-children n
32672 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
32673 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
32674 (gdb)
32675 -var-list-children --all-values n
32676 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
32677 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
32678 @end smallexample
32679
32680
32681 @subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
32682 @findex -var-info-type
32683
32684 @subsubheading Synopsis
32685
32686 @smallexample
32687 -var-info-type @var{name}
32688 @end smallexample
32689
32690 Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
32691 returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
32692 @value{GDBN} CLI:
32693
32694 @smallexample
32695 type=@var{typename}
32696 @end smallexample
32697
32698
32699 @subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
32700 @findex -var-info-expression
32701
32702 @subsubheading Synopsis
32703
32704 @smallexample
32705 -var-info-expression @var{name}
32706 @end smallexample
32707
32708 Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
32709 variable object in user interface. The string is generally
32710 not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
32711
32712 For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
32713 @code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
32714
32715 @smallexample
32716 (gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
32717 ^done,lang="C",exp="1"
32718 @end smallexample
32719
32720 @noindent
32721 Here, the value of @code{lang} is the language name, which can be
32722 found in @ref{Supported Languages}.
32723
32724 Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
32725 includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
32726 is of limited use.
32727
32728 @subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
32729 @findex -var-info-path-expression
32730
32731 @subsubheading Synopsis
32732
32733 @smallexample
32734 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
32735 @end smallexample
32736
32737 Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
32738 context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
32739 Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
32740 result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
32741 the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
32742 watchpoint from a variable object.
32743
32744 This command is currently not valid for children of a dynamic varobj,
32745 and will give an error when invoked on one.
32746
32747 For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
32748 @code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
32749 @code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
32750 @code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
32751 @code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
32752 @smallexample
32753 (gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
32754 ^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
32755 @end smallexample
32756
32757 @subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
32758 @findex -var-show-attributes
32759
32760 @subsubheading Synopsis
32761
32762 @smallexample
32763 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
32764 @end smallexample
32765
32766 List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
32767
32768 @smallexample
32769 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
32770 @end smallexample
32771
32772 @noindent
32773 where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
32774
32775 @subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
32776 @findex -var-evaluate-expression
32777
32778 @subsubheading Synopsis
32779
32780 @smallexample
32781 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
32782 @end smallexample
32783
32784 Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
32785 object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
32786 can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
32787 this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
32788 (@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
32789 the current display format will be used. The current display format
32790 can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
32791
32792 @smallexample
32793 value=@var{value}
32794 @end smallexample
32795
32796 Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
32797 before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
32798
32799 @subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
32800 @findex -var-assign
32801
32802 @subsubheading Synopsis
32803
32804 @smallexample
32805 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
32806 @end smallexample
32807
32808 Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
32809 by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
32810 value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
32811 subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
32812
32813 @subsubheading Example
32814
32815 @smallexample
32816 (gdb)
32817 -var-assign var1 3
32818 ^done,value="3"
32819 (gdb)
32820 -var-update *
32821 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
32822 (gdb)
32823 @end smallexample
32824
32825 @subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
32826 @findex -var-update
32827
32828 @subsubheading Synopsis
32829
32830 @smallexample
32831 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
32832 @end smallexample
32833
32834 Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
32835 @var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
32836 list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
32837 be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
32838 @code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
32839 @code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
32840 object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
32841 for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
32842 @var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
32843 names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
32844 as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
32845 recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
32846 number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
32847
32848 With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
32849 currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
32850 diagnostic.
32851
32852 If @code{-var-set-update-range} was previously used on a varobj, then
32853 only the selected range of children will be reported.
32854
32855 @code{-var-update} reports all the changed varobjs in a tuple named
32856 @samp{changelist}.
32857
32858 Each item in the change list is itself a tuple holding:
32859
32860 @table @samp
32861 @item name
32862 The name of the varobj.
32863
32864 @item value
32865 If values were requested for this update, then this field will be
32866 present and will hold the value of the varobj.
32867
32868 @item in_scope
32869 @anchor{-var-update}
32870 This field is a string which may take one of three values:
32871
32872 @table @code
32873 @item "true"
32874 The variable object's current value is valid.
32875
32876 @item "false"
32877 The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
32878 hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
32879 scope.
32880
32881 @item "invalid"
32882 The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
32883 This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
32884 either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
32885 command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
32886 objects.
32887 @end table
32888
32889 In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
32890 be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
32891
32892 @item type_changed
32893 This is only present if the varobj is still valid. If the type
32894 changed, then this will be the string @samp{true}; otherwise it will
32895 be @samp{false}.
32896
32897 When a varobj's type changes, its children are also likely to have
32898 become incorrect. Therefore, the varobj's children are automatically
32899 deleted when this attribute is @samp{true}. Also, the varobj's update
32900 range, when set using the @code{-var-set-update-range} command, is
32901 unset.
32902
32903 @item new_type
32904 If the varobj's type changed, then this field will be present and will
32905 hold the new type.
32906
32907 @item new_num_children
32908 For a dynamic varobj, if the number of children changed, or if the
32909 type changed, this will be the new number of children.
32910
32911 The @samp{numchild} field in other varobj responses is generally not
32912 valid for a dynamic varobj -- it will show the number of children that
32913 @value{GDBN} knows about, but because dynamic varobjs lazily
32914 instantiate their children, this will not reflect the number of
32915 children which may be available.
32916
32917 The @samp{new_num_children} attribute only reports changes to the
32918 number of children known by @value{GDBN}. This is the only way to
32919 detect whether an update has removed children (which necessarily can
32920 only happen at the end of the update range).
32921
32922 @item displayhint
32923 The display hint, if any.
32924
32925 @item has_more
32926 This is an integer value, which will be 1 if there are more children
32927 available outside the varobj's update range.
32928
32929 @item dynamic
32930 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
32931 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
32932 then this attribute will not be present.
32933
32934 @item new_children
32935 If new children were added to a dynamic varobj within the selected
32936 update range (as set by @code{-var-set-update-range}), then they will
32937 be listed in this attribute.
32938 @end table
32939
32940 @subsubheading Example
32941
32942 @smallexample
32943 (gdb)
32944 -var-assign var1 3
32945 ^done,value="3"
32946 (gdb)
32947 -var-update --all-values var1
32948 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
32949 type_changed="false"@}]
32950 (gdb)
32951 @end smallexample
32952
32953 @subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
32954 @findex -var-set-frozen
32955 @anchor{-var-set-frozen}
32956
32957 @subsubheading Synopsis
32958
32959 @smallexample
32960 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
32961 @end smallexample
32962
32963 Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
32964 @var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
32965 frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
32966 frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
32967 implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
32968 a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
32969 @code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
32970 values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
32971 implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
32972 Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
32973 @code{-var-update} does.
32974
32975 @subsubheading Example
32976
32977 @smallexample
32978 (gdb)
32979 -var-set-frozen V 1
32980 ^done
32981 (gdb)
32982 @end smallexample
32983
32984 @subheading The @code{-var-set-update-range} command
32985 @findex -var-set-update-range
32986 @anchor{-var-set-update-range}
32987
32988 @subsubheading Synopsis
32989
32990 @smallexample
32991 -var-set-update-range @var{name} @var{from} @var{to}
32992 @end smallexample
32993
32994 Set the range of children to be returned by future invocations of
32995 @code{-var-update}.
32996
32997 @var{from} and @var{to} indicate the range of children to report. If
32998 @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is reset and all
32999 children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting at @var{from}
33000 (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be reported.
33001
33002 @subsubheading Example
33003
33004 @smallexample
33005 (gdb)
33006 -var-set-update-range V 1 2
33007 ^done
33008 @end smallexample
33009
33010 @subheading The @code{-var-set-visualizer} command
33011 @findex -var-set-visualizer
33012 @anchor{-var-set-visualizer}
33013
33014 @subsubheading Synopsis
33015
33016 @smallexample
33017 -var-set-visualizer @var{name} @var{visualizer}
33018 @end smallexample
33019
33020 Set a visualizer for the variable object @var{name}.
33021
33022 @var{visualizer} is the visualizer to use. The special value
33023 @samp{None} means to disable any visualizer in use.
33024
33025 If not @samp{None}, @var{visualizer} must be a Python expression.
33026 This expression must evaluate to a callable object which accepts a
33027 single argument. @value{GDBN} will call this object with the value of
33028 the varobj @var{name} as an argument (this is done so that the same
33029 Python pretty-printing code can be used for both the CLI and MI).
33030 When called, this object must return an object which conforms to the
33031 pretty-printing interface (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}).
33032
33033 The pre-defined function @code{gdb.default_visualizer} may be used to
33034 select a visualizer by following the built-in process
33035 (@pxref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}). This is done automatically when
33036 a varobj is created, and so ordinarily is not needed.
33037
33038 This feature is only available if Python support is enabled. The MI
33039 command @code{-list-features} (@pxref{GDB/MI Support Commands})
33040 can be used to check this.
33041
33042 @subsubheading Example
33043
33044 Resetting the visualizer:
33045
33046 @smallexample
33047 (gdb)
33048 -var-set-visualizer V None
33049 ^done
33050 @end smallexample
33051
33052 Reselecting the default (type-based) visualizer:
33053
33054 @smallexample
33055 (gdb)
33056 -var-set-visualizer V gdb.default_visualizer
33057 ^done
33058 @end smallexample
33059
33060 Suppose @code{SomeClass} is a visualizer class. A lambda expression
33061 can be used to instantiate this class for a varobj:
33062
33063 @smallexample
33064 (gdb)
33065 -var-set-visualizer V "lambda val: SomeClass()"
33066 ^done
33067 @end smallexample
33068
33069 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
33070 @node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
33071 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
33072
33073 @cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
33074 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
33075 This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
33076 examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
33077
33078 @c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
33079 @c @subheading -data-assign
33080 @c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
33081 @c @subsubheading GDB Command
33082 @c set variable
33083 @c @subsubheading Example
33084 @c N.A.
33085
33086 @subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
33087 @findex -data-disassemble
33088
33089 @subsubheading Synopsis
33090
33091 @smallexample
33092 -data-disassemble
33093 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
33094 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
33095 -- @var{mode}
33096 @end smallexample
33097
33098 @noindent
33099 Where:
33100
33101 @table @samp
33102 @item @var{start-addr}
33103 is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
33104 @item @var{end-addr}
33105 is the end address
33106 @item @var{filename}
33107 is the name of the file to disassemble
33108 @item @var{linenum}
33109 is the line number to disassemble around
33110 @item @var{lines}
33111 is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
33112 the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
33113 specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
33114 @var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
33115 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
33116 displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
33117 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
33118 are displayed.
33119 @item @var{mode}
33120 is either 0 (meaning only disassembly), 1 (meaning mixed source and
33121 disassembly), 2 (meaning disassembly with raw opcodes), or 3 (meaning
33122 mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes).
33123 @end table
33124
33125 @subsubheading Result
33126
33127 The result of the @code{-data-disassemble} command will be a list named
33128 @samp{asm_insns}, the contents of this list depend on the @var{mode}
33129 used with the @code{-data-disassemble} command.
33130
33131 For modes 0 and 2 the @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples with the
33132 following fields:
33133
33134 @table @code
33135 @item address
33136 The address at which this instruction was disassembled.
33137
33138 @item func-name
33139 The name of the function this instruction is within.
33140
33141 @item offset
33142 The decimal offset in bytes from the start of @samp{func-name}.
33143
33144 @item inst
33145 The text disassembly for this @samp{address}.
33146
33147 @item opcodes
33148 This field is only present for mode 2. This contains the raw opcode
33149 bytes for the @samp{inst} field.
33150
33151 @end table
33152
33153 For modes 1 and 3 the @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples named
33154 @samp{src_and_asm_line}, each of which has the following fields:
33155
33156 @table @code
33157 @item line
33158 The line number within @samp{file}.
33159
33160 @item file
33161 The file name from the compilation unit. This might be an absolute
33162 file name or a relative file name depending on the compile command
33163 used.
33164
33165 @item fullname
33166 Absolute file name of @samp{file}. It is converted to a canonical form
33167 using the source file search path
33168 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories})
33169 and after resolving all the symbolic links.
33170
33171 If the source file is not found this field will contain the path as
33172 present in the debug information.
33173
33174 @item line_asm_insn
33175 This is a list of tuples containing the disassembly for @samp{line} in
33176 @samp{file}. The fields of each tuple are the same as for
33177 @code{-data-disassemble} in @var{mode} 0 and 2, so @samp{address},
33178 @samp{func-name}, @samp{offset}, @samp{inst}, and optionally
33179 @samp{opcodes}.
33180
33181 @end table
33182
33183 Note that whatever included in the @samp{inst} field, is not
33184 manipulated directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to
33185 adjust its format.
33186
33187 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33188
33189 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disassemble}.
33190
33191 @subsubheading Example
33192
33193 Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
33194
33195 @smallexample
33196 (gdb)
33197 -data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
33198 ^done,
33199 asm_insns=[
33200 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
33201 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
33202 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
33203 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
33204 @{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
33205 inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
33206 @{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
33207 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
33208 @{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
33209 inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
33210 (gdb)
33211 @end smallexample
33212
33213 Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
33214 @code{main}.
33215
33216 @smallexample
33217 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
33218 ^done,asm_insns=[
33219 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
33220 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
33221 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
33222 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
33223 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
33224 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
33225 [@dots{}]
33226 @{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
33227 @{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
33228 (gdb)
33229 @end smallexample
33230
33231 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
33232
33233 @smallexample
33234 (gdb)
33235 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
33236 ^done,asm_insns=[
33237 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
33238 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
33239 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
33240 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
33241 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
33242 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
33243 (gdb)
33244 @end smallexample
33245
33246 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
33247
33248 @smallexample
33249 (gdb)
33250 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
33251 ^done,asm_insns=[
33252 src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
33253 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
33254 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
33255 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107bc",
33256 func-name="main",offset="0",inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
33257 src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
33258 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
33259 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
33260 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107c0",
33261 func-name="main",offset="4",inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
33262 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
33263 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
33264 (gdb)
33265 @end smallexample
33266
33267
33268 @subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
33269 @findex -data-evaluate-expression
33270
33271 @subsubheading Synopsis
33272
33273 @smallexample
33274 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
33275 @end smallexample
33276
33277 Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
33278 inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
33279 If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
33280
33281 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33282
33283 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
33284 @samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
33285 @samp{gdb_eval} command.
33286
33287 @subsubheading Example
33288
33289 In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
33290 @dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
33291 Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
33292 output.
33293
33294 @smallexample
33295 211-data-evaluate-expression A
33296 211^done,value="1"
33297 (gdb)
33298 311-data-evaluate-expression &A
33299 311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
33300 (gdb)
33301 411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
33302 411^done,value="4"
33303 (gdb)
33304 511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
33305 511^done,value="4"
33306 (gdb)
33307 @end smallexample
33308
33309
33310 @subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
33311 @findex -data-list-changed-registers
33312
33313 @subsubheading Synopsis
33314
33315 @smallexample
33316 -data-list-changed-registers
33317 @end smallexample
33318
33319 Display a list of the registers that have changed.
33320
33321 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33322
33323 @value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
33324 has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
33325
33326 @subsubheading Example
33327
33328 On a PPC MBX board:
33329
33330 @smallexample
33331 (gdb)
33332 -exec-continue
33333 ^running
33334
33335 (gdb)
33336 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
33337 func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
33338 line="5"@}
33339 (gdb)
33340 -data-list-changed-registers
33341 ^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
33342 "10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
33343 "24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
33344 (gdb)
33345 @end smallexample
33346
33347
33348 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
33349 @findex -data-list-register-names
33350
33351 @subsubheading Synopsis
33352
33353 @smallexample
33354 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
33355 @end smallexample
33356
33357 Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
33358 are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
33359 integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
33360 names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
33361 consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
33362 include empty register names.
33363
33364 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33365
33366 @value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
33367 @samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
33368 corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
33369
33370 @subsubheading Example
33371
33372 For the PPC MBX board:
33373 @smallexample
33374 (gdb)
33375 -data-list-register-names
33376 ^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
33377 "r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
33378 "r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
33379 "r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
33380 "f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
33381 "f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
33382 "", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
33383 (gdb)
33384 -data-list-register-names 1 2 3
33385 ^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
33386 (gdb)
33387 @end smallexample
33388
33389 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
33390 @findex -data-list-register-values
33391
33392 @subsubheading Synopsis
33393
33394 @smallexample
33395 -data-list-register-values
33396 [ @code{--skip-unavailable} ] @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
33397 @end smallexample
33398
33399 Display the registers' contents. @var{fmt} is the format according to
33400 which the registers' contents are to be returned, followed by an optional
33401 list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A missing list of
33402 numbers indicates that the contents of all the registers must be
33403 returned. The @code{--skip-unavailable} option indicates that only
33404 the available registers are to be returned.
33405
33406 Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
33407
33408 @table @code
33409 @item x
33410 Hexadecimal
33411 @item o
33412 Octal
33413 @item t
33414 Binary
33415 @item d
33416 Decimal
33417 @item r
33418 Raw
33419 @item N
33420 Natural
33421 @end table
33422
33423 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33424
33425 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
33426 all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
33427
33428 @subsubheading Example
33429
33430 For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
33431 don't appear in the actual output):
33432
33433 @smallexample
33434 (gdb)
33435 -data-list-register-values r 64 65
33436 ^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
33437 @{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
33438 (gdb)
33439 -data-list-register-values x
33440 ^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
33441 @{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
33442 @{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
33443 @{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
33444 @{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
33445 @{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
33446 @{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
33447 @{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
33448 @{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
33449 @{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
33450 @{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
33451 @{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
33452 @{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
33453 @{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
33454 @{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
33455 @{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
33456 @{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
33457 @{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
33458 @{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
33459 @{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
33460 @{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
33461 @{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
33462 @{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
33463 @{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
33464 @{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
33465 @{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
33466 @{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
33467 @{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
33468 @{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
33469 @{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
33470 @{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
33471 @{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
33472 @{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
33473 @{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
33474 @{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
33475 @{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
33476 (gdb)
33477 @end smallexample
33478
33479
33480 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
33481 @findex -data-read-memory
33482
33483 This command is deprecated, use @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} instead.
33484
33485 @subsubheading Synopsis
33486
33487 @smallexample
33488 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
33489 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
33490 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
33491 @end smallexample
33492
33493 @noindent
33494 where:
33495
33496 @table @samp
33497 @item @var{address}
33498 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
33499 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
33500 quoted using the C convention.
33501
33502 @item @var{word-format}
33503 The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
33504 same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
33505 ,Output Formats}).
33506
33507 @item @var{word-size}
33508 The size of each memory word in bytes.
33509
33510 @item @var{nr-rows}
33511 The number of rows in the output table.
33512
33513 @item @var{nr-cols}
33514 The number of columns in the output table.
33515
33516 @item @var{aschar}
33517 If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
33518 value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
33519 member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
33520 characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
33521
33522 @item @var{byte-offset}
33523 An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
33524 @end table
33525
33526 This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
33527 @var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
33528 @code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
33529 (returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
33530 of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
33531 using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
33532 in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
33533 @samp{addr}.
33534
33535 The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
33536 @samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
33537 @samp{prev-page}.
33538
33539 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33540
33541 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
33542 @samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
33543
33544 @subsubheading Example
33545
33546 Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
33547 @code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
33548 word. Display each word in hex.
33549
33550 @smallexample
33551 (gdb)
33552 9-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
33553 9^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
33554 next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
33555 prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
33556 @{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
33557 @{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
33558 @{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
33559 (gdb)
33560 @end smallexample
33561
33562 Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
33563 display as a single word formatted in decimal.
33564
33565 @smallexample
33566 (gdb)
33567 5-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
33568 5^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
33569 next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
33570 next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
33571 @{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
33572 (gdb)
33573 @end smallexample
33574
33575 Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
33576 as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
33577 used as the non-printable character.
33578
33579 @smallexample
33580 (gdb)
33581 4-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
33582 4^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
33583 next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
33584 next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
33585 @{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
33586 @{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
33587 @{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
33588 @{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
33589 @{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
33590 @{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
33591 @{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
33592 @{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
33593 (gdb)
33594 @end smallexample
33595
33596 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} Command
33597 @findex -data-read-memory-bytes
33598
33599 @subsubheading Synopsis
33600
33601 @smallexample
33602 -data-read-memory-bytes [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
33603 @var{address} @var{count}
33604 @end smallexample
33605
33606 @noindent
33607 where:
33608
33609 @table @samp
33610 @item @var{address}
33611 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
33612 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
33613 quoted using the C convention.
33614
33615 @item @var{count}
33616 The number of bytes to read. This should be an integer literal.
33617
33618 @item @var{byte-offset}
33619 The offsets in bytes relative to @var{address} at which to start
33620 reading. This should be an integer literal. This option is provided
33621 so that a frontend is not required to first evaluate address and then
33622 perform address arithmetics itself.
33623
33624 @end table
33625
33626 This command attempts to read all accessible memory regions in the
33627 specified range. First, all regions marked as unreadable in the memory
33628 map (if one is defined) will be skipped. @xref{Memory Region
33629 Attributes}. Second, @value{GDBN} will attempt to read the remaining
33630 regions. For each one, if reading full region results in an errors,
33631 @value{GDBN} will try to read a subset of the region.
33632
33633 In general, every single byte in the region may be readable or not,
33634 and the only way to read every readable byte is to try a read at
33635 every address, which is not practical. Therefore, @value{GDBN} will
33636 attempt to read all accessible bytes at either beginning or the end
33637 of the region, using a binary division scheme. This heuristic works
33638 well for reading accross a memory map boundary. Note that if a region
33639 has a readable range that is neither at the beginning or the end,
33640 @value{GDBN} will not read it.
33641
33642 The result record (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}) that is output of
33643 the command includes a field named @samp{memory} whose content is a
33644 list of tuples. Each tuple represent a successfully read memory block
33645 and has the following fields:
33646
33647 @table @code
33648 @item begin
33649 The start address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
33650
33651 @item end
33652 The end address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
33653
33654 @item offset
33655 The offset of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal, relative to
33656 the start address passed to @code{-data-read-memory-bytes}.
33657
33658 @item contents
33659 The contents of the memory block, in hex.
33660
33661 @end table
33662
33663
33664
33665 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33666
33667 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}.
33668
33669 @subsubheading Example
33670
33671 @smallexample
33672 (gdb)
33673 -data-read-memory-bytes &a 10
33674 ^done,memory=[@{begin="0xbffff154",offset="0x00000000",
33675 end="0xbffff15e",
33676 contents="01000000020000000300"@}]
33677 (gdb)
33678 @end smallexample
33679
33680
33681 @subheading The @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} Command
33682 @findex -data-write-memory-bytes
33683
33684 @subsubheading Synopsis
33685
33686 @smallexample
33687 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents}
33688 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents} @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
33689 @end smallexample
33690
33691 @noindent
33692 where:
33693
33694 @table @samp
33695 @item @var{address}
33696 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
33697 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
33698 quoted using the C convention.
33699
33700 @item @var{contents}
33701 The hex-encoded bytes to write.
33702
33703 @item @var{count}
33704 Optional argument indicating the number of bytes to be written. If @var{count}
33705 is greater than @var{contents}' length, @value{GDBN} will repeatedly
33706 write @var{contents} until it fills @var{count} bytes.
33707
33708 @end table
33709
33710 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33711
33712 There's no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
33713
33714 @subsubheading Example
33715
33716 @smallexample
33717 (gdb)
33718 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd"
33719 ^done
33720 (gdb)
33721 @end smallexample
33722
33723 @smallexample
33724 (gdb)
33725 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd" 16e
33726 ^done
33727 (gdb)
33728 @end smallexample
33729
33730 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
33731 @node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
33732 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
33733
33734 The commands defined in this section implement MI support for
33735 tracepoints. For detailed introduction, see @ref{Tracepoints}.
33736
33737 @subheading The @code{-trace-find} Command
33738 @findex -trace-find
33739
33740 @subsubheading Synopsis
33741
33742 @smallexample
33743 -trace-find @var{mode} [@var{parameters}@dots{}]
33744 @end smallexample
33745
33746 Find a trace frame using criteria defined by @var{mode} and
33747 @var{parameters}. The following table lists permissible
33748 modes and their parameters. For details of operation, see @ref{tfind}.
33749
33750 @table @samp
33751
33752 @item none
33753 No parameters are required. Stops examining trace frames.
33754
33755 @item frame-number
33756 An integer is required as parameter. Selects tracepoint frame with
33757 that index.
33758
33759 @item tracepoint-number
33760 An integer is required as parameter. Finds next
33761 trace frame that corresponds to tracepoint with the specified number.
33762
33763 @item pc
33764 An address is required as parameter. Finds
33765 next trace frame that corresponds to any tracepoint at the specified
33766 address.
33767
33768 @item pc-inside-range
33769 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds next trace
33770 frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address inside the
33771 specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
33772
33773 @item pc-outside-range
33774 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds
33775 next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address outside
33776 the specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
33777
33778 @item line
33779 Line specification is required as parameter. @xref{Specify Location}.
33780 Finds next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at
33781 the specified location.
33782
33783 @end table
33784
33785 If @samp{none} was passed as @var{mode}, the response does not
33786 have fields. Otherwise, the response may have the following fields:
33787
33788 @table @samp
33789 @item found
33790 This field has either @samp{0} or @samp{1} as the value, depending
33791 on whether a matching tracepoint was found.
33792
33793 @item traceframe
33794 The index of the found traceframe. This field is present iff
33795 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
33796
33797 @item tracepoint
33798 The index of the found tracepoint. This field is present iff
33799 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
33800
33801 @item frame
33802 The information about the frame corresponding to the found trace
33803 frame. This field is present only if a trace frame was found.
33804 @xref{GDB/MI Frame Information}, for description of this field.
33805
33806 @end table
33807
33808 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33809
33810 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tfind}.
33811
33812 @subheading -trace-define-variable
33813 @findex -trace-define-variable
33814
33815 @subsubheading Synopsis
33816
33817 @smallexample
33818 -trace-define-variable @var{name} [ @var{value} ]
33819 @end smallexample
33820
33821 Create trace variable @var{name} if it does not exist. If
33822 @var{value} is specified, sets the initial value of the specified
33823 trace variable to that value. Note that the @var{name} should start
33824 with the @samp{$} character.
33825
33826 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33827
33828 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariable}.
33829
33830 @subheading The @code{-trace-frame-collected} Command
33831 @findex -trace-frame-collected
33832
33833 @subsubheading Synopsis
33834
33835 @smallexample
33836 -trace-frame-collected
33837 [--var-print-values @var{var_pval}]
33838 [--comp-print-values @var{comp_pval}]
33839 [--registers-format @var{regformat}]
33840 [--memory-contents]
33841 @end smallexample
33842
33843 This command returns the set of collected objects, register names,
33844 trace state variable names, memory ranges and computed expressions
33845 that have been collected at a particular trace frame. The optional
33846 parameters to the command affect the output format in different ways.
33847 See the output description table below for more details.
33848
33849 The reported names can be used in the normal manner to create
33850 varobjs and inspect the objects themselves. The items returned by
33851 this command are categorized so that it is clear which is a variable,
33852 which is a register, which is a trace state variable, which is a
33853 memory range and which is a computed expression.
33854
33855 For instance, if the actions were
33856 @smallexample
33857 collect myVar, myArray[myIndex], myObj.field, myPtr->field, myCount + 2
33858 collect *(int*)0xaf02bef0@@40
33859 @end smallexample
33860
33861 @noindent
33862 the object collected in its entirety would be @code{myVar}. The
33863 object @code{myArray} would be partially collected, because only the
33864 element at index @code{myIndex} would be collected. The remaining
33865 objects would be computed expressions.
33866
33867 An example output would be:
33868
33869 @smallexample
33870 (gdb)
33871 -trace-frame-collected
33872 ^done,
33873 explicit-variables=[@{name="myVar",value="1"@}],
33874 computed-expressions=[@{name="myArray[myIndex]",value="0"@},
33875 @{name="myObj.field",value="0"@},
33876 @{name="myPtr->field",value="1"@},
33877 @{name="myCount + 2",value="3"@},
33878 @{name="$tvar1 + 1",value="43970027"@}],
33879 registers=[@{number="0",value="0x7fe2c6e79ec8"@},
33880 @{number="1",value="0x0"@},
33881 @{number="2",value="0x4"@},
33882 ...
33883 @{number="125",value="0x0"@}],
33884 tvars=[@{name="$tvar1",current="43970026"@}],
33885 memory=[@{address="0x0000000000602264",length="4"@},
33886 @{address="0x0000000000615bc0",length="4"@}]
33887 (gdb)
33888 @end smallexample
33889
33890 Where:
33891
33892 @table @code
33893 @item explicit-variables
33894 The set of objects that have been collected in their entirety (as
33895 opposed to collecting just a few elements of an array or a few struct
33896 members). For each object, its name and value are printed.
33897 The @code{--var-print-values} option affects how or whether the value
33898 field is output. If @var{var_pval} is 0, then print only the names;
33899 if it is 1, print also their values; and if it is 2, print the name,
33900 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for
33901 arrays, structures and unions.
33902
33903 @item computed-expressions
33904 The set of computed expressions that have been collected at the
33905 current trace frame. The @code{--comp-print-values} option affects
33906 this set like the @code{--var-print-values} option affects the
33907 @code{explicit-variables} set. See above.
33908
33909 @item registers
33910 The registers that have been collected at the current trace frame.
33911 For each register collected, the name and current value are returned.
33912 The value is formatted according to the @code{--registers-format}
33913 option. See the @command{-data-list-register-values} command for a
33914 list of the allowed formats. The default is @samp{x}.
33915
33916 @item tvars
33917 The trace state variables that have been collected at the current
33918 trace frame. For each trace state variable collected, the name and
33919 current value are returned.
33920
33921 @item memory
33922 The set of memory ranges that have been collected at the current trace
33923 frame. Its content is a list of tuples. Each tuple represents a
33924 collected memory range and has the following fields:
33925
33926 @table @code
33927 @item address
33928 The start address of the memory range, as hexadecimal literal.
33929
33930 @item length
33931 The length of the memory range, as decimal literal.
33932
33933 @item contents
33934 The contents of the memory block, in hex. This field is only present
33935 if the @code{--memory-contents} option is specified.
33936
33937 @end table
33938
33939 @end table
33940
33941 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33942
33943 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
33944
33945 @subsubheading Example
33946
33947 @subheading -trace-list-variables
33948 @findex -trace-list-variables
33949
33950 @subsubheading Synopsis
33951
33952 @smallexample
33953 -trace-list-variables
33954 @end smallexample
33955
33956 Return a table of all defined trace variables. Each element of the
33957 table has the following fields:
33958
33959 @table @samp
33960 @item name
33961 The name of the trace variable. This field is always present.
33962
33963 @item initial
33964 The initial value. This is a 64-bit signed integer. This
33965 field is always present.
33966
33967 @item current
33968 The value the trace variable has at the moment. This is a 64-bit
33969 signed integer. This field is absent iff current value is
33970 not defined, for example if the trace was never run, or is
33971 presently running.
33972
33973 @end table
33974
33975 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33976
33977 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariables}.
33978
33979 @subsubheading Example
33980
33981 @smallexample
33982 (gdb)
33983 -trace-list-variables
33984 ^done,trace-variables=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="3",
33985 hdr=[@{width="15",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
33986 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="initial",colhdr="Initial"@},
33987 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr="Current"@}],
33988 body=[variable=@{name="$trace_timestamp",initial="0"@}
33989 variable=@{name="$foo",initial="10",current="15"@}]@}
33990 (gdb)
33991 @end smallexample
33992
33993 @subheading -trace-save
33994 @findex -trace-save
33995
33996 @subsubheading Synopsis
33997
33998 @smallexample
33999 -trace-save [-r ] @var{filename}
34000 @end smallexample
34001
34002 Saves the collected trace data to @var{filename}. Without the
34003 @samp{-r} option, the data is downloaded from the target and saved
34004 in a local file. With the @samp{-r} option the target is asked
34005 to perform the save.
34006
34007 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34008
34009 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tsave}.
34010
34011
34012 @subheading -trace-start
34013 @findex -trace-start
34014
34015 @subsubheading Synopsis
34016
34017 @smallexample
34018 -trace-start
34019 @end smallexample
34020
34021 Starts a tracing experiments. The result of this command does not
34022 have any fields.
34023
34024 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34025
34026 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstart}.
34027
34028 @subheading -trace-status
34029 @findex -trace-status
34030
34031 @subsubheading Synopsis
34032
34033 @smallexample
34034 -trace-status
34035 @end smallexample
34036
34037 Obtains the status of a tracing experiment. The result may include
34038 the following fields:
34039
34040 @table @samp
34041
34042 @item supported
34043 May have a value of either @samp{0}, when no tracing operations are
34044 supported, @samp{1}, when all tracing operations are supported, or
34045 @samp{file} when examining trace file. In the latter case, examining
34046 of trace frame is possible but new tracing experiement cannot be
34047 started. This field is always present.
34048
34049 @item running
34050 May have a value of either @samp{0} or @samp{1} depending on whether
34051 tracing experiement is in progress on target. This field is present
34052 if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
34053
34054 @item stop-reason
34055 Report the reason why the tracing was stopped last time. This field
34056 may be absent iff tracing was never stopped on target yet. The
34057 value of @samp{request} means the tracing was stopped as result of
34058 the @code{-trace-stop} command. The value of @samp{overflow} means
34059 the tracing buffer is full. The value of @samp{disconnection} means
34060 tracing was automatically stopped when @value{GDBN} has disconnected.
34061 The value of @samp{passcount} means tracing was stopped when a
34062 tracepoint was passed a maximal number of times for that tracepoint.
34063 This field is present if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
34064
34065 @item stopping-tracepoint
34066 The number of tracepoint whose passcount as exceeded. This field is
34067 present iff the @samp{stop-reason} field has the value of
34068 @samp{passcount}.
34069
34070 @item frames
34071 @itemx frames-created
34072 The @samp{frames} field is a count of the total number of trace frames
34073 in the trace buffer, while @samp{frames-created} is the total created
34074 during the run, including ones that were discarded, such as when a
34075 circular trace buffer filled up. Both fields are optional.
34076
34077 @item buffer-size
34078 @itemx buffer-free
34079 These fields tell the current size of the tracing buffer and the
34080 remaining space. These fields are optional.
34081
34082 @item circular
34083 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
34084 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
34085 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
34086 and may fill up.
34087
34088 @item disconnected
34089 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
34090 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
34091 that the trace run will stop.
34092
34093 @item trace-file
34094 The filename of the trace file being examined. This field is
34095 optional, and only present when examining a trace file.
34096
34097 @end table
34098
34099 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34100
34101 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstatus}.
34102
34103 @subheading -trace-stop
34104 @findex -trace-stop
34105
34106 @subsubheading Synopsis
34107
34108 @smallexample
34109 -trace-stop
34110 @end smallexample
34111
34112 Stops a tracing experiment. The result of this command has the same
34113 fields as @code{-trace-status}, except that the @samp{supported} and
34114 @samp{running} fields are not output.
34115
34116 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34117
34118 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstop}.
34119
34120
34121 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
34122 @node GDB/MI Symbol Query
34123 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
34124
34125
34126 @ignore
34127 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
34128 @findex -symbol-info-address
34129
34130 @subsubheading Synopsis
34131
34132 @smallexample
34133 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
34134 @end smallexample
34135
34136 Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
34137
34138 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34139
34140 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
34141
34142 @subsubheading Example
34143 N.A.
34144
34145
34146 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
34147 @findex -symbol-info-file
34148
34149 @subsubheading Synopsis
34150
34151 @smallexample
34152 -symbol-info-file
34153 @end smallexample
34154
34155 Show the file for the symbol.
34156
34157 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34158
34159 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
34160 @samp{gdb_find_file}.
34161
34162 @subsubheading Example
34163 N.A.
34164
34165
34166 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
34167 @findex -symbol-info-function
34168
34169 @subsubheading Synopsis
34170
34171 @smallexample
34172 -symbol-info-function
34173 @end smallexample
34174
34175 Show which function the symbol lives in.
34176
34177 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34178
34179 @samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
34180
34181 @subsubheading Example
34182 N.A.
34183
34184
34185 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
34186 @findex -symbol-info-line
34187
34188 @subsubheading Synopsis
34189
34190 @smallexample
34191 -symbol-info-line
34192 @end smallexample
34193
34194 Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
34195
34196 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34197
34198 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
34199 @code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
34200
34201 @subsubheading Example
34202 N.A.
34203
34204
34205 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
34206 @findex -symbol-info-symbol
34207
34208 @subsubheading Synopsis
34209
34210 @smallexample
34211 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
34212 @end smallexample
34213
34214 Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
34215
34216 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34217
34218 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
34219
34220 @subsubheading Example
34221 N.A.
34222
34223
34224 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
34225 @findex -symbol-list-functions
34226
34227 @subsubheading Synopsis
34228
34229 @smallexample
34230 -symbol-list-functions
34231 @end smallexample
34232
34233 List the functions in the executable.
34234
34235 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34236
34237 @samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
34238 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
34239
34240 @subsubheading Example
34241 N.A.
34242 @end ignore
34243
34244
34245 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
34246 @findex -symbol-list-lines
34247
34248 @subsubheading Synopsis
34249
34250 @smallexample
34251 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
34252 @end smallexample
34253
34254 Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
34255 addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
34256 ascending PC order.
34257
34258 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34259
34260 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
34261
34262 @subsubheading Example
34263 @smallexample
34264 (gdb)
34265 -symbol-list-lines basics.c
34266 ^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
34267 (gdb)
34268 @end smallexample
34269
34270
34271 @ignore
34272 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
34273 @findex -symbol-list-types
34274
34275 @subsubheading Synopsis
34276
34277 @smallexample
34278 -symbol-list-types
34279 @end smallexample
34280
34281 List all the type names.
34282
34283 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34284
34285 The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
34286 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
34287
34288 @subsubheading Example
34289 N.A.
34290
34291
34292 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
34293 @findex -symbol-list-variables
34294
34295 @subsubheading Synopsis
34296
34297 @smallexample
34298 -symbol-list-variables
34299 @end smallexample
34300
34301 List all the global and static variable names.
34302
34303 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34304
34305 @samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
34306
34307 @subsubheading Example
34308 N.A.
34309
34310
34311 @subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
34312 @findex -symbol-locate
34313
34314 @subsubheading Synopsis
34315
34316 @smallexample
34317 -symbol-locate
34318 @end smallexample
34319
34320 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34321
34322 @samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
34323
34324 @subsubheading Example
34325 N.A.
34326
34327
34328 @subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
34329 @findex -symbol-type
34330
34331 @subsubheading Synopsis
34332
34333 @smallexample
34334 -symbol-type @var{variable}
34335 @end smallexample
34336
34337 Show type of @var{variable}.
34338
34339 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34340
34341 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
34342 @samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
34343
34344 @subsubheading Example
34345 N.A.
34346 @end ignore
34347
34348
34349 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
34350 @node GDB/MI File Commands
34351 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
34352
34353 This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
34354 and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
34355
34356 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
34357 @findex -file-exec-and-symbols
34358
34359 @subsubheading Synopsis
34360
34361 @smallexample
34362 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
34363 @end smallexample
34364
34365 Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
34366 which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
34367 command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
34368 are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
34369 error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
34370 notification.
34371
34372 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34373
34374 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
34375
34376 @subsubheading Example
34377
34378 @smallexample
34379 (gdb)
34380 -file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
34381 ^done
34382 (gdb)
34383 @end smallexample
34384
34385
34386 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
34387 @findex -file-exec-file
34388
34389 @subsubheading Synopsis
34390
34391 @smallexample
34392 -file-exec-file @var{file}
34393 @end smallexample
34394
34395 Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
34396 @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
34397 from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
34398 about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
34399 notification.
34400
34401 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34402
34403 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
34404
34405 @subsubheading Example
34406
34407 @smallexample
34408 (gdb)
34409 -file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
34410 ^done
34411 (gdb)
34412 @end smallexample
34413
34414
34415 @ignore
34416 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
34417 @findex -file-list-exec-sections
34418
34419 @subsubheading Synopsis
34420
34421 @smallexample
34422 -file-list-exec-sections
34423 @end smallexample
34424
34425 List the sections of the current executable file.
34426
34427 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34428
34429 The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
34430 information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
34431 @samp{gdb_load_info}.
34432
34433 @subsubheading Example
34434 N.A.
34435 @end ignore
34436
34437
34438 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
34439 @findex -file-list-exec-source-file
34440
34441 @subsubheading Synopsis
34442
34443 @smallexample
34444 -file-list-exec-source-file
34445 @end smallexample
34446
34447 List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
34448 to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
34449 information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
34450 whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
34451
34452 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34453
34454 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
34455
34456 @subsubheading Example
34457
34458 @smallexample
34459 (gdb)
34460 123-file-list-exec-source-file
34461 123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
34462 (gdb)
34463 @end smallexample
34464
34465
34466 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
34467 @findex -file-list-exec-source-files
34468
34469 @subsubheading Synopsis
34470
34471 @smallexample
34472 -file-list-exec-source-files
34473 @end smallexample
34474
34475 List the source files for the current executable.
34476
34477 It will always output both the filename and fullname (absolute file
34478 name) of a source file.
34479
34480 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34481
34482 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
34483 @code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
34484
34485 @subsubheading Example
34486 @smallexample
34487 (gdb)
34488 -file-list-exec-source-files
34489 ^done,files=[
34490 @{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
34491 @{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
34492 @{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
34493 (gdb)
34494 @end smallexample
34495
34496 @ignore
34497 @subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
34498 @findex -file-list-shared-libraries
34499
34500 @subsubheading Synopsis
34501
34502 @smallexample
34503 -file-list-shared-libraries
34504 @end smallexample
34505
34506 List the shared libraries in the program.
34507
34508 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34509
34510 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}.
34511
34512 @subsubheading Example
34513 N.A.
34514
34515
34516 @subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
34517 @findex -file-list-symbol-files
34518
34519 @subsubheading Synopsis
34520
34521 @smallexample
34522 -file-list-symbol-files
34523 @end smallexample
34524
34525 List symbol files.
34526
34527 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34528
34529 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
34530
34531 @subsubheading Example
34532 N.A.
34533 @end ignore
34534
34535
34536 @subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
34537 @findex -file-symbol-file
34538
34539 @subsubheading Synopsis
34540
34541 @smallexample
34542 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
34543 @end smallexample
34544
34545 Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
34546 used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
34547 produced, except for a completion notification.
34548
34549 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34550
34551 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
34552
34553 @subsubheading Example
34554
34555 @smallexample
34556 (gdb)
34557 -file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
34558 ^done
34559 (gdb)
34560 @end smallexample
34561
34562 @ignore
34563 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
34564 @node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
34565 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
34566
34567 The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
34568
34569 @c @subheading -overlay-auto
34570
34571 @c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
34572
34573 @c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
34574
34575 @c @subheading -overlay-map
34576
34577 @c @subheading -overlay-off
34578
34579 @c @subheading -overlay-on
34580
34581 @c @subheading -overlay-unmap
34582
34583 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
34584 @node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
34585 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
34586
34587 Signal handling commands are not implemented.
34588
34589 @c @subheading -signal-handle
34590
34591 @c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
34592
34593 @c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
34594 @end ignore
34595
34596
34597 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
34598 @node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
34599 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
34600
34601
34602 @subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
34603 @findex -target-attach
34604
34605 @subsubheading Synopsis
34606
34607 @smallexample
34608 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
34609 @end smallexample
34610
34611 Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
34612 @value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
34613 group, the id previously returned by
34614 @samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
34615
34616 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34617
34618 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
34619
34620 @subsubheading Example
34621 @smallexample
34622 (gdb)
34623 -target-attach 34
34624 =thread-created,id="1"
34625 *stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
34626 ^done
34627 (gdb)
34628 @end smallexample
34629
34630 @ignore
34631 @subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
34632 @findex -target-compare-sections
34633
34634 @subsubheading Synopsis
34635
34636 @smallexample
34637 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
34638 @end smallexample
34639
34640 Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
34641 Without the argument, all sections are compared.
34642
34643 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34644
34645 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
34646
34647 @subsubheading Example
34648 N.A.
34649 @end ignore
34650
34651
34652 @subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
34653 @findex -target-detach
34654
34655 @subsubheading Synopsis
34656
34657 @smallexample
34658 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
34659 @end smallexample
34660
34661 Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
34662 If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
34663 the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
34664
34665 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34666
34667 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
34668
34669 @subsubheading Example
34670
34671 @smallexample
34672 (gdb)
34673 -target-detach
34674 ^done
34675 (gdb)
34676 @end smallexample
34677
34678
34679 @subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
34680 @findex -target-disconnect
34681
34682 @subsubheading Synopsis
34683
34684 @smallexample
34685 -target-disconnect
34686 @end smallexample
34687
34688 Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
34689 generally not resumed.
34690
34691 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34692
34693 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
34694
34695 @subsubheading Example
34696
34697 @smallexample
34698 (gdb)
34699 -target-disconnect
34700 ^done
34701 (gdb)
34702 @end smallexample
34703
34704
34705 @subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
34706 @findex -target-download
34707
34708 @subsubheading Synopsis
34709
34710 @smallexample
34711 -target-download
34712 @end smallexample
34713
34714 Loads the executable onto the remote target.
34715 It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
34716
34717 @table @samp
34718 @item section
34719 The name of the section.
34720 @item section-sent
34721 The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
34722 @item section-size
34723 The size of the section.
34724 @item total-sent
34725 The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
34726 @item total-size
34727 The size of the overall executable to download.
34728 @end table
34729
34730 @noindent
34731 Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
34732 @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
34733
34734 In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
34735 downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
34736
34737 @table @samp
34738 @item section
34739 The name of the section.
34740 @item section-size
34741 The size of the section.
34742 @item total-size
34743 The size of the overall executable to download.
34744 @end table
34745
34746 @noindent
34747 At the end, a summary is printed.
34748
34749 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34750
34751 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
34752
34753 @subsubheading Example
34754
34755 Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
34756 have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
34757
34758 @smallexample
34759 (gdb)
34760 -target-download
34761 +download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
34762 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
34763 total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
34764 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
34765 total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
34766 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
34767 total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
34768 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
34769 total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
34770 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
34771 total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
34772 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
34773 total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
34774 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
34775 total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
34776 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
34777 total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
34778 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
34779 total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
34780 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
34781 total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
34782 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
34783 total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
34784 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
34785 total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
34786 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
34787 total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
34788 +download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
34789 +download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
34790 +download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
34791 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
34792 total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
34793 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
34794 total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
34795 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
34796 total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
34797 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
34798 total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
34799 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
34800 total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
34801 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
34802 total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
34803 ^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
34804 write-rate="429"
34805 (gdb)
34806 @end smallexample
34807
34808
34809 @ignore
34810 @subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
34811 @findex -target-exec-status
34812
34813 @subsubheading Synopsis
34814
34815 @smallexample
34816 -target-exec-status
34817 @end smallexample
34818
34819 Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
34820 not, for instance).
34821
34822 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34823
34824 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
34825
34826 @subsubheading Example
34827 N.A.
34828
34829
34830 @subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
34831 @findex -target-list-available-targets
34832
34833 @subsubheading Synopsis
34834
34835 @smallexample
34836 -target-list-available-targets
34837 @end smallexample
34838
34839 List the possible targets to connect to.
34840
34841 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34842
34843 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
34844
34845 @subsubheading Example
34846 N.A.
34847
34848
34849 @subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
34850 @findex -target-list-current-targets
34851
34852 @subsubheading Synopsis
34853
34854 @smallexample
34855 -target-list-current-targets
34856 @end smallexample
34857
34858 Describe the current target.
34859
34860 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34861
34862 The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
34863 other things).
34864
34865 @subsubheading Example
34866 N.A.
34867
34868
34869 @subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
34870 @findex -target-list-parameters
34871
34872 @subsubheading Synopsis
34873
34874 @smallexample
34875 -target-list-parameters
34876 @end smallexample
34877
34878 @c ????
34879 @end ignore
34880
34881 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34882
34883 No equivalent.
34884
34885 @subsubheading Example
34886 N.A.
34887
34888
34889 @subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
34890 @findex -target-select
34891
34892 @subsubheading Synopsis
34893
34894 @smallexample
34895 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
34896 @end smallexample
34897
34898 Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
34899
34900 @table @samp
34901 @item @var{type}
34902 The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
34903 @item @var{parameters}
34904 Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
34905 Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
34906 @end table
34907
34908 The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
34909 which the target program is, in the following form:
34910
34911 @smallexample
34912 ^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
34913 args=[@var{arg list}]
34914 @end smallexample
34915
34916 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34917
34918 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
34919
34920 @subsubheading Example
34921
34922 @smallexample
34923 (gdb)
34924 -target-select remote /dev/ttya
34925 ^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
34926 (gdb)
34927 @end smallexample
34928
34929 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
34930 @node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
34931 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
34932
34933
34934 @subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
34935 @findex -target-file-put
34936
34937 @subsubheading Synopsis
34938
34939 @smallexample
34940 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
34941 @end smallexample
34942
34943 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
34944 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
34945
34946 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34947
34948 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
34949
34950 @subsubheading Example
34951
34952 @smallexample
34953 (gdb)
34954 -target-file-put localfile remotefile
34955 ^done
34956 (gdb)
34957 @end smallexample
34958
34959
34960 @subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
34961 @findex -target-file-get
34962
34963 @subsubheading Synopsis
34964
34965 @smallexample
34966 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
34967 @end smallexample
34968
34969 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
34970 on the host system.
34971
34972 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34973
34974 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
34975
34976 @subsubheading Example
34977
34978 @smallexample
34979 (gdb)
34980 -target-file-get remotefile localfile
34981 ^done
34982 (gdb)
34983 @end smallexample
34984
34985
34986 @subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
34987 @findex -target-file-delete
34988
34989 @subsubheading Synopsis
34990
34991 @smallexample
34992 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
34993 @end smallexample
34994
34995 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
34996
34997 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34998
34999 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
35000
35001 @subsubheading Example
35002
35003 @smallexample
35004 (gdb)
35005 -target-file-delete remotefile
35006 ^done
35007 (gdb)
35008 @end smallexample
35009
35010
35011 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
35012 @node GDB/MI Ada Exceptions Commands
35013 @section Ada Exceptions @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
35014
35015 @subheading The @code{-info-ada-exceptions} Command
35016 @findex -info-ada-exceptions
35017
35018 @subsubheading Synopsis
35019
35020 @smallexample
35021 -info-ada-exceptions [ @var{regexp}]
35022 @end smallexample
35023
35024 List all Ada exceptions defined within the program being debugged.
35025 With a regular expression @var{regexp}, only those exceptions whose
35026 names match @var{regexp} are listed.
35027
35028 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35029
35030 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info exceptions}.
35031
35032 @subsubheading Result
35033
35034 The result is a table of Ada exceptions. The following columns are
35035 defined for each exception:
35036
35037 @table @samp
35038 @item name
35039 The name of the exception.
35040
35041 @item address
35042 The address of the exception.
35043
35044 @end table
35045
35046 @subsubheading Example
35047
35048 @smallexample
35049 -info-ada-exceptions aint
35050 ^done,ada-exceptions=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="2",
35051 hdr=[@{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
35052 @{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="address",colhdr="Address"@}],
35053 body=[@{name="constraint_error",address="0x0000000000613da0"@},
35054 @{name="const.aint_global_e",address="0x0000000000613b00"@}]@}
35055 @end smallexample
35056
35057 @subheading Catching Ada Exceptions
35058
35059 The commands describing how to ask @value{GDBN} to stop when a program
35060 raises an exception are described at @ref{Ada Exception GDB/MI
35061 Catchpoint Commands}.
35062
35063
35064 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
35065 @node GDB/MI Support Commands
35066 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Support Commands
35067
35068 Since new commands and features get regularly added to @sc{gdb/mi},
35069 some commands are available to help front-ends query the debugger
35070 about support for these capabilities. Similarly, it is also possible
35071 to query @value{GDBN} about target support of certain features.
35072
35073 @subheading The @code{-info-gdb-mi-command} Command
35074 @cindex @code{-info-gdb-mi-command}
35075 @findex -info-gdb-mi-command
35076
35077 @subsubheading Synopsis
35078
35079 @smallexample
35080 -info-gdb-mi-command @var{cmd_name}
35081 @end smallexample
35082
35083 Query support for the @sc{gdb/mi} command named @var{cmd_name}.
35084
35085 Note that the dash (@code{-}) starting all @sc{gdb/mi} commands
35086 is technically not part of the command name (@pxref{GDB/MI Input
35087 Syntax}), and thus should be omitted in @var{cmd_name}. However,
35088 for ease of use, this command also accepts the form with the leading
35089 dash.
35090
35091 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35092
35093 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
35094
35095 @subsubheading Result
35096
35097 The result is a tuple. There is currently only one field:
35098
35099 @table @samp
35100 @item exists
35101 This field is equal to @code{"true"} if the @sc{gdb/mi} command exists,
35102 @code{"false"} otherwise.
35103
35104 @end table
35105
35106 @subsubheading Example
35107
35108 Here is an example where the @sc{gdb/mi} command does not exist:
35109
35110 @smallexample
35111 -info-gdb-mi-command unsupported-command
35112 ^done,command=@{exists="false"@}
35113 @end smallexample
35114
35115 @noindent
35116 And here is an example where the @sc{gdb/mi} command is known
35117 to the debugger:
35118
35119 @smallexample
35120 -info-gdb-mi-command symbol-list-lines
35121 ^done,command=@{exists="true"@}
35122 @end smallexample
35123
35124 @subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
35125 @findex -list-features
35126 @cindex supported @sc{gdb/mi} features, list
35127
35128 Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
35129 this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
35130 or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
35131 important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
35132 of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
35133 startup.
35134
35135 The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
35136 available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
35137 have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
35138 is given below.
35139
35140 Example output:
35141
35142 @smallexample
35143 (gdb) -list-features
35144 ^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
35145 @end smallexample
35146
35147 The current list of features is:
35148
35149 @ftable @samp
35150 @item frozen-varobjs
35151 Indicates support for the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
35152 as possible presense of the @code{frozen} field in the output
35153 of @code{-varobj-create}.
35154 @item pending-breakpoints
35155 Indicates support for the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert}
35156 command.
35157 @item python
35158 Indicates Python scripting support, Python-based
35159 pretty-printing commands, and possible presence of the
35160 @samp{display_hint} field in the output of @code{-var-list-children}
35161 @item thread-info
35162 Indicates support for the @code{-thread-info} command.
35163 @item data-read-memory-bytes
35164 Indicates support for the @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} and the
35165 @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} commands.
35166 @item breakpoint-notifications
35167 Indicates that changes to breakpoints and breakpoints created via the
35168 CLI will be announced via async records.
35169 @item ada-task-info
35170 Indicates support for the @code{-ada-task-info} command.
35171 @item language-option
35172 Indicates that all @sc{gdb/mi} commands accept the @option{--language}
35173 option (@pxref{Context management}).
35174 @item info-gdb-mi-command
35175 Indicates support for the @code{-info-gdb-mi-command} command.
35176 @item undefined-command-error-code
35177 Indicates support for the "undefined-command" error code in error result
35178 records, produced when trying to execute an undefined @sc{gdb/mi} command
35179 (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}).
35180 @item exec-run-start-option
35181 Indicates that the @code{-exec-run} command supports the @option{--start}
35182 option (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}).
35183 @end ftable
35184
35185 @subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
35186 @findex -list-target-features
35187
35188 Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
35189 target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
35190 unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
35191 features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
35192 a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
35193 @code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
35194 may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
35195 Example output:
35196
35197 @smallexample
35198 (gdb) -list-target-features
35199 ^done,result=["async"]
35200 @end smallexample
35201
35202 The current list of features is:
35203
35204 @table @samp
35205 @item async
35206 Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
35207 execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
35208 while the target is running.
35209
35210 @item reverse
35211 Indicates that the target is capable of reverse execution.
35212 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
35213
35214 @end table
35215
35216 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
35217 @node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
35218 @section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
35219
35220 @c @subheading -gdb-complete
35221
35222 @subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
35223 @findex -gdb-exit
35224
35225 @subsubheading Synopsis
35226
35227 @smallexample
35228 -gdb-exit
35229 @end smallexample
35230
35231 Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
35232
35233 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35234
35235 Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
35236
35237 @subsubheading Example
35238
35239 @smallexample
35240 (gdb)
35241 -gdb-exit
35242 ^exit
35243 @end smallexample
35244
35245
35246 @ignore
35247 @subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
35248 @findex -exec-abort
35249
35250 @subsubheading Synopsis
35251
35252 @smallexample
35253 -exec-abort
35254 @end smallexample
35255
35256 Kill the inferior running program.
35257
35258 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35259
35260 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
35261
35262 @subsubheading Example
35263 N.A.
35264 @end ignore
35265
35266
35267 @subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
35268 @findex -gdb-set
35269
35270 @subsubheading Synopsis
35271
35272 @smallexample
35273 -gdb-set
35274 @end smallexample
35275
35276 Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
35277 @c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
35278
35279 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35280
35281 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
35282
35283 @subsubheading Example
35284
35285 @smallexample
35286 (gdb)
35287 -gdb-set $foo=3
35288 ^done
35289 (gdb)
35290 @end smallexample
35291
35292
35293 @subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
35294 @findex -gdb-show
35295
35296 @subsubheading Synopsis
35297
35298 @smallexample
35299 -gdb-show
35300 @end smallexample
35301
35302 Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
35303
35304 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35305
35306 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
35307
35308 @subsubheading Example
35309
35310 @smallexample
35311 (gdb)
35312 -gdb-show annotate
35313 ^done,value="0"
35314 (gdb)
35315 @end smallexample
35316
35317 @c @subheading -gdb-source
35318
35319
35320 @subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
35321 @findex -gdb-version
35322
35323 @subsubheading Synopsis
35324
35325 @smallexample
35326 -gdb-version
35327 @end smallexample
35328
35329 Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
35330
35331 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35332
35333 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
35334 default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
35335
35336 @subsubheading Example
35337
35338 @c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
35339 @c box in TeX.
35340 @smallexample
35341 (gdb)
35342 -gdb-version
35343 ~GNU gdb 5.2.1
35344 ~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
35345 ~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
35346 ~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
35347 ~ certain conditions.
35348 ~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
35349 ~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
35350 ~ details.
35351 ~This GDB was configured as
35352 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
35353 ^done
35354 (gdb)
35355 @end smallexample
35356
35357 @subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
35358 @findex -list-thread-groups
35359
35360 @subheading Synopsis
35361
35362 @smallexample
35363 -list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ --recurse 1 ] [ @var{group} ... ]
35364 @end smallexample
35365
35366 Lists thread groups (@pxref{Thread groups}). When a single thread
35367 group is passed as the argument, lists the children of that group.
35368 When several thread group are passed, lists information about those
35369 thread groups. Without any parameters, lists information about all
35370 top-level thread groups.
35371
35372 Normally, thread groups that are being debugged are reported.
35373 With the @samp{--available} option, @value{GDBN} reports thread groups
35374 available on the target.
35375
35376 The output of this command may have either a @samp{threads} result or
35377 a @samp{groups} result. The @samp{thread} result has a list of tuples
35378 as value, with each tuple describing a thread (@pxref{GDB/MI Thread
35379 Information}). The @samp{groups} result has a list of tuples as value,
35380 each tuple describing a thread group. If top-level groups are
35381 requested (that is, no parameter is passed), or when several groups
35382 are passed, the output always has a @samp{groups} result. The format
35383 of the @samp{group} result is described below.
35384
35385 To reduce the number of roundtrips it's possible to list thread groups
35386 together with their children, by passing the @samp{--recurse} option
35387 and the recursion depth. Presently, only recursion depth of 1 is
35388 permitted. If this option is present, then every reported thread group
35389 will also include its children, either as @samp{group} or
35390 @samp{threads} field.
35391
35392 In general, any combination of option and parameters is permitted, with
35393 the following caveats:
35394
35395 @itemize @bullet
35396 @item
35397 When a single thread group is passed, the output will typically
35398 be the @samp{threads} result. Because threads may not contain
35399 anything, the @samp{recurse} option will be ignored.
35400
35401 @item
35402 When the @samp{--available} option is passed, limited information may
35403 be available. In particular, the list of threads of a process might
35404 be inaccessible. Further, specifying specific thread groups might
35405 not give any performance advantage over listing all thread groups.
35406 The frontend should assume that @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}
35407 is always an expensive operation and cache the results.
35408
35409 @end itemize
35410
35411 The @samp{groups} result is a list of tuples, where each tuple may
35412 have the following fields:
35413
35414 @table @code
35415 @item id
35416 Identifier of the thread group. This field is always present.
35417 The identifier is an opaque string; frontends should not try to
35418 convert it to an integer, even though it might look like one.
35419
35420 @item type
35421 The type of the thread group. At present, only @samp{process} is a
35422 valid type.
35423
35424 @item pid
35425 The target-specific process identifier. This field is only present
35426 for thread groups of type @samp{process} and only if the process exists.
35427
35428 @item num_children
35429 The number of children this thread group has. This field may be
35430 absent for an available thread group.
35431
35432 @item threads
35433 This field has a list of tuples as value, each tuple describing a
35434 thread. It may be present if the @samp{--recurse} option is
35435 specified, and it's actually possible to obtain the threads.
35436
35437 @item cores
35438 This field is a list of integers, each identifying a core that one
35439 thread of the group is running on. This field may be absent if
35440 such information is not available.
35441
35442 @item executable
35443 The name of the executable file that corresponds to this thread group.
35444 The field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process},
35445 and only if there is a corresponding executable file.
35446
35447 @end table
35448
35449 @subheading Example
35450
35451 @smallexample
35452 @value{GDBP}
35453 -list-thread-groups
35454 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
35455 -list-thread-groups 17
35456 ^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
35457 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
35458 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
35459 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
35460 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}]]
35461 -list-thread-groups --available
35462 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2]@}]
35463 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1
35464 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
35465 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
35466 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},..]
35467 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1 17 18
35468 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
35469 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
35470 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},...]
35471 @end smallexample
35472
35473 @subheading The @code{-info-os} Command
35474 @findex -info-os
35475
35476 @subsubheading Synopsis
35477
35478 @smallexample
35479 -info-os [ @var{type} ]
35480 @end smallexample
35481
35482 If no argument is supplied, the command returns a table of available
35483 operating-system-specific information types. If one of these types is
35484 supplied as an argument @var{type}, then the command returns a table
35485 of data of that type.
35486
35487 The types of information available depend on the target operating
35488 system.
35489
35490 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35491
35492 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info os}.
35493
35494 @subsubheading Example
35495
35496 When run on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, the output will look something
35497 like this:
35498
35499 @smallexample
35500 @value{GDBP}
35501 -info-os
35502 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="9",nr_cols="3",
35503 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="Type"@},
35504 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="Description"@},
35505 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="Title"@}],
35506 body=[item=@{col0="processes",col1="Listing of all processes",
35507 col2="Processes"@},
35508 item=@{col0="procgroups",col1="Listing of all process groups",
35509 col2="Process groups"@},
35510 item=@{col0="threads",col1="Listing of all threads",
35511 col2="Threads"@},
35512 item=@{col0="files",col1="Listing of all file descriptors",
35513 col2="File descriptors"@},
35514 item=@{col0="sockets",col1="Listing of all internet-domain sockets",
35515 col2="Sockets"@},
35516 item=@{col0="shm",col1="Listing of all shared-memory regions",
35517 col2="Shared-memory regions"@},
35518 item=@{col0="semaphores",col1="Listing of all semaphores",
35519 col2="Semaphores"@},
35520 item=@{col0="msg",col1="Listing of all message queues",
35521 col2="Message queues"@},
35522 item=@{col0="modules",col1="Listing of all loaded kernel modules",
35523 col2="Kernel modules"@}]@}
35524 @value{GDBP}
35525 -info-os processes
35526 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="190",nr_cols="4",
35527 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="pid"@},
35528 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="user"@},
35529 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="command"@},
35530 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col3",colhdr="cores"@}],
35531 body=[item=@{col0="1",col1="root",col2="/sbin/init",col3="0"@},
35532 item=@{col0="2",col1="root",col2="[kthreadd]",col3="1"@},
35533 item=@{col0="3",col1="root",col2="[ksoftirqd/0]",col3="0"@},
35534 ...
35535 item=@{col0="26446",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="0"@},
35536 item=@{col0="28152",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="1"@}]@}
35537 (gdb)
35538 @end smallexample
35539
35540 (Note that the MI output here includes a @code{"Title"} column that
35541 does not appear in command-line @code{info os}; this column is useful
35542 for MI clients that want to enumerate the types of data, such as in a
35543 popup menu, but is needless clutter on the command line, and
35544 @code{info os} omits it.)
35545
35546 @subheading The @code{-add-inferior} Command
35547 @findex -add-inferior
35548
35549 @subheading Synopsis
35550
35551 @smallexample
35552 -add-inferior
35553 @end smallexample
35554
35555 Creates a new inferior (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). The created
35556 inferior is not associated with any executable. Such association may
35557 be established with the @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols} command
35558 (@pxref{GDB/MI File Commands}). The command response has a single
35559 field, @samp{inferior}, whose value is the identifier of the
35560 thread group corresponding to the new inferior.
35561
35562 @subheading Example
35563
35564 @smallexample
35565 @value{GDBP}
35566 -add-inferior
35567 ^done,inferior="i3"
35568 @end smallexample
35569
35570 @subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
35571 @findex -interpreter-exec
35572
35573 @subheading Synopsis
35574
35575 @smallexample
35576 -interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
35577 @end smallexample
35578 @anchor{-interpreter-exec}
35579
35580 Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
35581
35582 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
35583
35584 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
35585
35586 @subheading Example
35587
35588 @smallexample
35589 (gdb)
35590 -interpreter-exec console "break main"
35591 &"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
35592 &"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
35593 ~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
35594 ^done
35595 (gdb)
35596 @end smallexample
35597
35598 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
35599 @findex -inferior-tty-set
35600
35601 @subheading Synopsis
35602
35603 @smallexample
35604 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
35605 @end smallexample
35606
35607 Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
35608
35609 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
35610
35611 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
35612
35613 @subheading Example
35614
35615 @smallexample
35616 (gdb)
35617 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
35618 ^done
35619 (gdb)
35620 @end smallexample
35621
35622 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
35623 @findex -inferior-tty-show
35624
35625 @subheading Synopsis
35626
35627 @smallexample
35628 -inferior-tty-show
35629 @end smallexample
35630
35631 Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
35632
35633 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
35634
35635 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
35636
35637 @subheading Example
35638
35639 @smallexample
35640 (gdb)
35641 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
35642 ^done
35643 (gdb)
35644 -inferior-tty-show
35645 ^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
35646 (gdb)
35647 @end smallexample
35648
35649 @subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
35650 @findex -enable-timings
35651
35652 @subheading Synopsis
35653
35654 @smallexample
35655 -enable-timings [yes | no]
35656 @end smallexample
35657
35658 Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
35659 command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
35660 developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
35661 equivalent to @samp{yes}.
35662
35663 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
35664
35665 No equivalent.
35666
35667 @subheading Example
35668
35669 @smallexample
35670 (gdb)
35671 -enable-timings
35672 ^done
35673 (gdb)
35674 -break-insert main
35675 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
35676 addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
35677 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",thread-groups=["i1"],
35678 times="0"@},
35679 time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
35680 (gdb)
35681 -enable-timings no
35682 ^done
35683 (gdb)
35684 -exec-run
35685 ^running
35686 (gdb)
35687 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
35688 frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
35689 @{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
35690 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73"@}
35691 (gdb)
35692 @end smallexample
35693
35694 @node Annotations
35695 @chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
35696
35697 This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
35698 designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
35699 similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
35700 relatively high level.
35701
35702 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
35703 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
35704
35705 @ignore
35706 This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
35707 @end ignore
35708
35709 @menu
35710 * Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
35711 * Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
35712 * Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
35713 * Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
35714 * Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
35715 * Annotations for Running::
35716 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
35717 * Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
35718 @end menu
35719
35720 @node Annotations Overview
35721 @section What is an Annotation?
35722 @cindex annotations
35723
35724 Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
35725 characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
35726 information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
35727 is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
35728 information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
35729 additional information, and a newline. The additional information
35730 cannot contain newline characters.
35731
35732 Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
35733 characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
35734 no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
35735 @samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
35736 annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
35737 means those three characters as output.
35738
35739 The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
35740 @option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
35741 how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
35742 values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
35743 is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
35744 subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
35745 for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
35746 been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
35747 Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
35748
35749 @table @code
35750 @kindex set annotate
35751 @item set annotate @var{level}
35752 The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
35753 annotations to the specified @var{level}.
35754
35755 @item show annotate
35756 @kindex show annotate
35757 Show the current annotation level.
35758 @end table
35759
35760 This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
35761
35762 A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
35763
35764 @smallexample
35765 $ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
35766 GNU gdb 6.0
35767 Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
35768 GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
35769 and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
35770 under certain conditions.
35771 Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
35772 There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
35773 for details.
35774 This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
35775
35776 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
35777 (@value{GDBP})
35778 ^Z^Zprompt
35779 @kbd{quit}
35780
35781 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
35782 $
35783 @end smallexample
35784
35785 Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
35786 @value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
35787 denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
35788 output from @value{GDBN}.
35789
35790 @node Server Prefix
35791 @section The Server Prefix
35792 @cindex server prefix
35793
35794 If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
35795 the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
35796 command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
35797 means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
35798 a transparent manner.
35799
35800 The @code{server } prefix does not affect the recording of values into
35801 the value history; to print a value without recording it into the
35802 value history, use the @code{output} command instead of the
35803 @code{print} command.
35804
35805 Using this prefix also disables confirmation requests
35806 (@pxref{confirmation requests}).
35807
35808 @node Prompting
35809 @section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
35810
35811 @cindex annotations for prompts
35812 When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
35813 to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
35814 over, etc.
35815
35816 Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
35817 input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
35818 denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
35819 annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
35820 annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
35821 associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
35822 features the following annotations:
35823
35824 @smallexample
35825 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
35826 ^Z^Zprompt
35827 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
35828 @end smallexample
35829
35830 The input types are
35831
35832 @table @code
35833 @findex pre-prompt annotation
35834 @findex prompt annotation
35835 @findex post-prompt annotation
35836 @item prompt
35837 When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
35838
35839 @findex pre-commands annotation
35840 @findex commands annotation
35841 @findex post-commands annotation
35842 @item commands
35843 When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
35844 command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
35845
35846 @findex pre-overload-choice annotation
35847 @findex overload-choice annotation
35848 @findex post-overload-choice annotation
35849 @item overload-choice
35850 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
35851
35852 @findex pre-query annotation
35853 @findex query annotation
35854 @findex post-query annotation
35855 @item query
35856 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
35857
35858 @findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
35859 @findex prompt-for-continue annotation
35860 @findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
35861 @item prompt-for-continue
35862 When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
35863 expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
35864 prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
35865 presence of annotations.
35866 @end table
35867
35868 @node Errors
35869 @section Errors
35870 @cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
35871
35872 @findex quit annotation
35873 @smallexample
35874 ^Z^Zquit
35875 @end smallexample
35876
35877 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
35878
35879 @findex error annotation
35880 @smallexample
35881 ^Z^Zerror
35882 @end smallexample
35883
35884 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
35885
35886 Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
35887 in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
35888 @code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
35889 cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
35890 cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
35891 does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
35892 to the top level.
35893
35894 @findex error-begin annotation
35895 A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
35896
35897 @smallexample
35898 ^Z^Zerror-begin
35899 @end smallexample
35900
35901 Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
35902 message.
35903
35904 Warning messages are not yet annotated.
35905 @c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
35906 @c range_error(), and possibly other places.
35907
35908 @node Invalidation
35909 @section Invalidation Notices
35910
35911 @cindex annotations for invalidation messages
35912 The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
35913 changed.
35914
35915 @table @code
35916 @findex frames-invalid annotation
35917 @item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
35918
35919 The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
35920 have changed.
35921
35922 @findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
35923 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
35924
35925 The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
35926 deleted a breakpoint.
35927 @end table
35928
35929 @node Annotations for Running
35930 @section Running the Program
35931 @cindex annotations for running programs
35932
35933 @findex starting annotation
35934 @findex stopping annotation
35935 When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
35936 @code{step} or @code{continue},
35937
35938 @smallexample
35939 ^Z^Zstarting
35940 @end smallexample
35941
35942 is output. When the program stops,
35943
35944 @smallexample
35945 ^Z^Zstopped
35946 @end smallexample
35947
35948 is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
35949 annotations describe how the program stopped.
35950
35951 @table @code
35952 @findex exited annotation
35953 @item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
35954 The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
35955 successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
35956
35957 @findex signalled annotation
35958 @findex signal-name annotation
35959 @findex signal-name-end annotation
35960 @findex signal-string annotation
35961 @findex signal-string-end annotation
35962 @item ^Z^Zsignalled
35963 The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
35964 annotation continues:
35965
35966 @smallexample
35967 @var{intro-text}
35968 ^Z^Zsignal-name
35969 @var{name}
35970 ^Z^Zsignal-name-end
35971 @var{middle-text}
35972 ^Z^Zsignal-string
35973 @var{string}
35974 ^Z^Zsignal-string-end
35975 @var{end-text}
35976 @end smallexample
35977
35978 @noindent
35979 where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
35980 @code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
35981 as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}.
35982 @var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
35983 user's benefit and have no particular format.
35984
35985 @findex signal annotation
35986 @item ^Z^Zsignal
35987 The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
35988 just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
35989 terminated with it.
35990
35991 @findex breakpoint annotation
35992 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
35993 The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
35994
35995 @findex watchpoint annotation
35996 @item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
35997 The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
35998 @end table
35999
36000 @node Source Annotations
36001 @section Displaying Source
36002 @cindex annotations for source display
36003
36004 @findex source annotation
36005 The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
36006
36007 @smallexample
36008 ^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
36009 @end smallexample
36010
36011 where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
36012 file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
36013 first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
36014 within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
36015 debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
36016 @var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
36017 line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
36018 @var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
36019 source which is being displayed. @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
36020 followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
36021 depend on the language).
36022
36023 @node JIT Interface
36024 @chapter JIT Compilation Interface
36025 @cindex just-in-time compilation
36026 @cindex JIT compilation interface
36027
36028 This chapter documents @value{GDBN}'s @dfn{just-in-time} (JIT) compilation
36029 interface. A JIT compiler is a program or library that generates native
36030 executable code at runtime and executes it, usually in order to achieve good
36031 performance while maintaining platform independence.
36032
36033 Programs that use JIT compilation are normally difficult to debug because
36034 portions of their code are generated at runtime, instead of being loaded from
36035 object files, which is where @value{GDBN} normally finds the program's symbols
36036 and debug information. In order to debug programs that use JIT compilation,
36037 @value{GDBN} has an interface that allows the program to register in-memory
36038 symbol files with @value{GDBN} at runtime.
36039
36040 If you are using @value{GDBN} to debug a program that uses this interface, then
36041 it should work transparently so long as you have not stripped the binary. If
36042 you are developing a JIT compiler, then the interface is documented in the rest
36043 of this chapter. At this time, the only known client of this interface is the
36044 LLVM JIT.
36045
36046 Broadly speaking, the JIT interface mirrors the dynamic loader interface. The
36047 JIT compiler communicates with @value{GDBN} by writing data into a global
36048 variable and calling a fuction at a well-known symbol. When @value{GDBN}
36049 attaches, it reads a linked list of symbol files from the global variable to
36050 find existing code, and puts a breakpoint in the function so that it can find
36051 out about additional code.
36052
36053 @menu
36054 * Declarations:: Relevant C struct declarations
36055 * Registering Code:: Steps to register code
36056 * Unregistering Code:: Steps to unregister code
36057 * Custom Debug Info:: Emit debug information in a custom format
36058 @end menu
36059
36060 @node Declarations
36061 @section JIT Declarations
36062
36063 These are the relevant struct declarations that a C program should include to
36064 implement the interface:
36065
36066 @smallexample
36067 typedef enum
36068 @{
36069 JIT_NOACTION = 0,
36070 JIT_REGISTER_FN,
36071 JIT_UNREGISTER_FN
36072 @} jit_actions_t;
36073
36074 struct jit_code_entry
36075 @{
36076 struct jit_code_entry *next_entry;
36077 struct jit_code_entry *prev_entry;
36078 const char *symfile_addr;
36079 uint64_t symfile_size;
36080 @};
36081
36082 struct jit_descriptor
36083 @{
36084 uint32_t version;
36085 /* This type should be jit_actions_t, but we use uint32_t
36086 to be explicit about the bitwidth. */
36087 uint32_t action_flag;
36088 struct jit_code_entry *relevant_entry;
36089 struct jit_code_entry *first_entry;
36090 @};
36091
36092 /* GDB puts a breakpoint in this function. */
36093 void __attribute__((noinline)) __jit_debug_register_code() @{ @};
36094
36095 /* Make sure to specify the version statically, because the
36096 debugger may check the version before we can set it. */
36097 struct jit_descriptor __jit_debug_descriptor = @{ 1, 0, 0, 0 @};
36098 @end smallexample
36099
36100 If the JIT is multi-threaded, then it is important that the JIT synchronize any
36101 modifications to this global data properly, which can easily be done by putting
36102 a global mutex around modifications to these structures.
36103
36104 @node Registering Code
36105 @section Registering Code
36106
36107 To register code with @value{GDBN}, the JIT should follow this protocol:
36108
36109 @itemize @bullet
36110 @item
36111 Generate an object file in memory with symbols and other desired debug
36112 information. The file must include the virtual addresses of the sections.
36113
36114 @item
36115 Create a code entry for the file, which gives the start and size of the symbol
36116 file.
36117
36118 @item
36119 Add it to the linked list in the JIT descriptor.
36120
36121 @item
36122 Point the relevant_entry field of the descriptor at the entry.
36123
36124 @item
36125 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_REGISTER} and call
36126 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
36127 @end itemize
36128
36129 When @value{GDBN} is attached and the breakpoint fires, @value{GDBN} uses the
36130 @code{relevant_entry} pointer so it doesn't have to walk the list looking for
36131 new code. However, the linked list must still be maintained in order to allow
36132 @value{GDBN} to attach to a running process and still find the symbol files.
36133
36134 @node Unregistering Code
36135 @section Unregistering Code
36136
36137 If code is freed, then the JIT should use the following protocol:
36138
36139 @itemize @bullet
36140 @item
36141 Remove the code entry corresponding to the code from the linked list.
36142
36143 @item
36144 Point the @code{relevant_entry} field of the descriptor at the code entry.
36145
36146 @item
36147 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_UNREGISTER} and call
36148 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
36149 @end itemize
36150
36151 If the JIT frees or recompiles code without unregistering it, then @value{GDBN}
36152 and the JIT will leak the memory used for the associated symbol files.
36153
36154 @node Custom Debug Info
36155 @section Custom Debug Info
36156 @cindex custom JIT debug info
36157 @cindex JIT debug info reader
36158
36159 Generating debug information in platform-native file formats (like ELF
36160 or COFF) may be an overkill for JIT compilers; especially if all the
36161 debug info is used for is displaying a meaningful backtrace. The
36162 issue can be resolved by having the JIT writers decide on a debug info
36163 format and also provide a reader that parses the debug info generated
36164 by the JIT compiler. This section gives a brief overview on writing
36165 such a parser. More specific details can be found in the source file
36166 @file{gdb/jit-reader.in}, which is also installed as a header at
36167 @file{@var{includedir}/gdb/jit-reader.h} for easy inclusion.
36168
36169 The reader is implemented as a shared object (so this functionality is
36170 not available on platforms which don't allow loading shared objects at
36171 runtime). Two @value{GDBN} commands, @code{jit-reader-load} and
36172 @code{jit-reader-unload} are provided, to be used to load and unload
36173 the readers from a preconfigured directory. Once loaded, the shared
36174 object is used the parse the debug information emitted by the JIT
36175 compiler.
36176
36177 @menu
36178 * Using JIT Debug Info Readers:: How to use supplied readers correctly
36179 * Writing JIT Debug Info Readers:: Creating a debug-info reader
36180 @end menu
36181
36182 @node Using JIT Debug Info Readers
36183 @subsection Using JIT Debug Info Readers
36184 @kindex jit-reader-load
36185 @kindex jit-reader-unload
36186
36187 Readers can be loaded and unloaded using the @code{jit-reader-load}
36188 and @code{jit-reader-unload} commands.
36189
36190 @table @code
36191 @item jit-reader-load @var{reader}
36192 Load the JIT reader named @var{reader}. @var{reader} is a shared
36193 object specified as either an absolute or a relative file name. In
36194 the latter case, @value{GDBN} will try to load the reader from a
36195 pre-configured directory, usually @file{@var{libdir}/gdb/} on a UNIX
36196 system (here @var{libdir} is the system library directory, often
36197 @file{/usr/local/lib}).
36198
36199 Only one reader can be active at a time; trying to load a second
36200 reader when one is already loaded will result in @value{GDBN}
36201 reporting an error. A new JIT reader can be loaded by first unloading
36202 the current one using @code{jit-reader-unload} and then invoking
36203 @code{jit-reader-load}.
36204
36205 @item jit-reader-unload
36206 Unload the currently loaded JIT reader.
36207
36208 @end table
36209
36210 @node Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
36211 @subsection Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
36212 @cindex writing JIT debug info readers
36213
36214 As mentioned, a reader is essentially a shared object conforming to a
36215 certain ABI. This ABI is described in @file{jit-reader.h}.
36216
36217 @file{jit-reader.h} defines the structures, macros and functions
36218 required to write a reader. It is installed (along with
36219 @value{GDBN}), in @file{@var{includedir}/gdb} where @var{includedir} is
36220 the system include directory.
36221
36222 Readers need to be released under a GPL compatible license. A reader
36223 can be declared as released under such a license by placing the macro
36224 @code{GDB_DECLARE_GPL_COMPATIBLE_READER} in a source file.
36225
36226 The entry point for readers is the symbol @code{gdb_init_reader},
36227 which is expected to be a function with the prototype
36228
36229 @findex gdb_init_reader
36230 @smallexample
36231 extern struct gdb_reader_funcs *gdb_init_reader (void);
36232 @end smallexample
36233
36234 @cindex @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs}
36235
36236 @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs} contains a set of pointers to callback
36237 functions. These functions are executed to read the debug info
36238 generated by the JIT compiler (@code{read}), to unwind stack frames
36239 (@code{unwind}) and to create canonical frame IDs
36240 (@code{get_Frame_id}). It also has a callback that is called when the
36241 reader is being unloaded (@code{destroy}). The struct looks like this
36242
36243 @smallexample
36244 struct gdb_reader_funcs
36245 @{
36246 /* Must be set to GDB_READER_INTERFACE_VERSION. */
36247 int reader_version;
36248
36249 /* For use by the reader. */
36250 void *priv_data;
36251
36252 gdb_read_debug_info *read;
36253 gdb_unwind_frame *unwind;
36254 gdb_get_frame_id *get_frame_id;
36255 gdb_destroy_reader *destroy;
36256 @};
36257 @end smallexample
36258
36259 @cindex @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks}
36260 @cindex @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}
36261
36262 The callbacks are provided with another set of callbacks by
36263 @value{GDBN} to do their job. For @code{read}, these callbacks are
36264 passed in a @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} and for @code{unwind}
36265 and @code{get_frame_id}, in a @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}.
36266 @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} has callbacks to create new object
36267 files and new symbol tables inside those object files. @code{struct
36268 gdb_unwind_callbacks} has callbacks to read registers off the current
36269 frame and to write out the values of the registers in the previous
36270 frame. Both have a callback (@code{target_read}) to read bytes off the
36271 target's address space.
36272
36273 @node In-Process Agent
36274 @chapter In-Process Agent
36275 @cindex debugging agent
36276 The traditional debugging model is conceptually low-speed, but works fine,
36277 because most bugs can be reproduced in debugging-mode execution. However,
36278 as multi-core or many-core processors are becoming mainstream, and
36279 multi-threaded programs become more and more popular, there should be more
36280 and more bugs that only manifest themselves at normal-mode execution, for
36281 example, thread races, because debugger's interference with the program's
36282 timing may conceal the bugs. On the other hand, in some applications,
36283 it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt the program's execution
36284 long enough for the developer to learn anything helpful about its behavior.
36285 If the program's correctness depends on its real-time behavior, delays
36286 introduced by a debugger might cause the program to fail, even when the
36287 code itself is correct. It is useful to be able to observe the program's
36288 behavior without interrupting it.
36289
36290 Therefore, traditional debugging model is too intrusive to reproduce
36291 some bugs. In order to reduce the interference with the program, we can
36292 reduce the number of operations performed by debugger. The
36293 @dfn{In-Process Agent}, a shared library, is running within the same
36294 process with inferior, and is able to perform some debugging operations
36295 itself. As a result, debugger is only involved when necessary, and
36296 performance of debugging can be improved accordingly. Note that
36297 interference with program can be reduced but can't be removed completely,
36298 because the in-process agent will still stop or slow down the program.
36299
36300 The in-process agent can interpret and execute Agent Expressions
36301 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) during performing debugging operations. The
36302 agent expressions can be used for different purposes, such as collecting
36303 data in tracepoints, and condition evaluation in breakpoints.
36304
36305 @anchor{Control Agent}
36306 You can control whether the in-process agent is used as an aid for
36307 debugging with the following commands:
36308
36309 @table @code
36310 @kindex set agent on
36311 @item set agent on
36312 Causes the in-process agent to perform some operations on behalf of the
36313 debugger. Just which operations requested by the user will be done
36314 by the in-process agent depends on the its capabilities. For example,
36315 if you request to evaluate breakpoint conditions in the in-process agent,
36316 and the in-process agent has such capability as well, then breakpoint
36317 conditions will be evaluated in the in-process agent.
36318
36319 @kindex set agent off
36320 @item set agent off
36321 Disables execution of debugging operations by the in-process agent. All
36322 of the operations will be performed by @value{GDBN}.
36323
36324 @kindex show agent
36325 @item show agent
36326 Display the current setting of execution of debugging operations by
36327 the in-process agent.
36328 @end table
36329
36330 @menu
36331 * In-Process Agent Protocol::
36332 @end menu
36333
36334 @node In-Process Agent Protocol
36335 @section In-Process Agent Protocol
36336 @cindex in-process agent protocol
36337
36338 The in-process agent is able to communicate with both @value{GDBN} and
36339 GDBserver (@pxref{In-Process Agent}). This section documents the protocol
36340 used for communications between @value{GDBN} or GDBserver and the IPA.
36341 In general, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver sends commands
36342 (@pxref{IPA Protocol Commands}) and data to in-process agent, and then
36343 in-process agent replies back with the return result of the command, or
36344 some other information. The data sent to in-process agent is composed
36345 of primitive data types, such as 4-byte or 8-byte type, and composite
36346 types, which are called objects (@pxref{IPA Protocol Objects}).
36347
36348 @menu
36349 * IPA Protocol Objects::
36350 * IPA Protocol Commands::
36351 @end menu
36352
36353 @node IPA Protocol Objects
36354 @subsection IPA Protocol Objects
36355 @cindex ipa protocol objects
36356
36357 The commands sent to and results received from agent may contain some
36358 complex data types called @dfn{objects}.
36359
36360 The in-process agent is running on the same machine with @value{GDBN}
36361 or GDBserver, so it doesn't have to handle as much differences between
36362 two ends as remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}) tries to handle.
36363 However, there are still some differences of two ends in two processes:
36364
36365 @enumerate
36366 @item
36367 word size. On some 64-bit machines, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver can be
36368 compiled as a 64-bit executable, while in-process agent is a 32-bit one.
36369 @item
36370 ABI. Some machines may have multiple types of ABI, @value{GDBN} or
36371 GDBserver is compiled with one, and in-process agent is compiled with
36372 the other one.
36373 @end enumerate
36374
36375 Here are the IPA Protocol Objects:
36376
36377 @enumerate
36378 @item
36379 agent expression object. It represents an agent expression
36380 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}).
36381 @anchor{agent expression object}
36382 @item
36383 tracepoint action object. It represents a tracepoint action
36384 (@pxref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}) to collect registers,
36385 memory, static trace data and to evaluate expression.
36386 @anchor{tracepoint action object}
36387 @item
36388 tracepoint object. It represents a tracepoint (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
36389 @anchor{tracepoint object}
36390
36391 @end enumerate
36392
36393 The following table describes important attributes of each IPA protocol
36394 object:
36395
36396 @multitable @columnfractions .30 .20 .50
36397 @headitem Name @tab Size @tab Description
36398 @item @emph{agent expression object} @tab @tab
36399 @item length @tab 4 @tab length of bytes code
36400 @item byte code @tab @var{length} @tab contents of byte code
36401 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting memory} @tab @tab
36402 @item 'M' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
36403 @item addr @tab 8 @tab if @var{basereg} is @samp{-1}, @var{addr} is the
36404 address of the lowest byte to collect, otherwise @var{addr} is the offset
36405 of @var{basereg} for memory collecting.
36406 @item len @tab 8 @tab length of memory for collecting
36407 @item basereg @tab 4 @tab the register number containing the starting
36408 memory address for collecting.
36409 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting registers} @tab @tab
36410 @item 'R' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
36411 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting static trace data} @tab @tab
36412 @item 'L' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
36413 @item @emph{tracepoint action for expression evaluation} @tab @tab
36414 @item 'X' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
36415 @item agent expression @tab length of @tab @ref{agent expression object}
36416 @item @emph{tracepoint object} @tab @tab
36417 @item number @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint
36418 @item address @tab 8 @tab address of tracepoint inserted on
36419 @item type @tab 4 @tab type of tracepoint
36420 @item enabled @tab 1 @tab enable or disable of tracepoint
36421 @item step_count @tab 8 @tab step
36422 @item pass_count @tab 8 @tab pass
36423 @item numactions @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint actions
36424 @item hit count @tab 8 @tab hit count
36425 @item trace frame usage @tab 8 @tab trace frame usage
36426 @item compiled_cond @tab 8 @tab compiled condition
36427 @item orig_size @tab 8 @tab orig size
36428 @item condition @tab 4 if condition is NULL otherwise length of
36429 @ref{agent expression object}
36430 @tab zero if condition is NULL, otherwise is
36431 @ref{agent expression object}
36432 @item actions @tab variable
36433 @tab numactions number of @ref{tracepoint action object}
36434 @end multitable
36435
36436 @node IPA Protocol Commands
36437 @subsection IPA Protocol Commands
36438 @cindex ipa protocol commands
36439
36440 The spaces in each command are delimiters to ease reading this commands
36441 specification. They don't exist in real commands.
36442
36443 @table @samp
36444
36445 @item FastTrace:@var{tracepoint_object} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}
36446 Installs a new fast tracepoint described by @var{tracepoint_object}
36447 (@pxref{tracepoint object}). @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}, 8-byte long, is the
36448 head of @dfn{jumppad}, which is used to jump to data collection routine
36449 in IPA finally.
36450
36451 Replies:
36452 @table @samp
36453 @item OK @var{target_address} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} @var{fjump_size} @var{fjump}
36454 @var{target_address} is address of tracepoint in the inferior.
36455 @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} is updated head of jumppad. Both of
36456 @var{target_address} and @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} are 8-byte long.
36457 @var{fjump} contains a sequence of instructions jump to jumppad entry.
36458 @var{fjump_size}, 4-byte long, is the size of @var{fjump}.
36459 @item E @var{NN}
36460 for an error
36461
36462 @end table
36463
36464 @item close
36465 Closes the in-process agent. This command is sent when @value{GDBN} or GDBserver
36466 is about to kill inferiors.
36467
36468 @item qTfSTM
36469 @xref{qTfSTM}.
36470 @item qTsSTM
36471 @xref{qTsSTM}.
36472 @item qTSTMat
36473 @xref{qTSTMat}.
36474 @item probe_marker_at:@var{address}
36475 Asks in-process agent to probe the marker at @var{address}.
36476
36477 Replies:
36478 @table @samp
36479 @item E @var{NN}
36480 for an error
36481 @end table
36482 @item unprobe_marker_at:@var{address}
36483 Asks in-process agent to unprobe the marker at @var{address}.
36484 @end table
36485
36486 @node GDB Bugs
36487 @chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
36488 @cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
36489 @cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
36490
36491 Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
36492
36493 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
36494 may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
36495 the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
36496 reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
36497
36498 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
36499 information that enables us to fix the bug.
36500
36501 @menu
36502 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
36503 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
36504 @end menu
36505
36506 @node Bug Criteria
36507 @section Have You Found a Bug?
36508 @cindex bug criteria
36509
36510 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
36511
36512 @itemize @bullet
36513 @cindex fatal signal
36514 @cindex debugger crash
36515 @cindex crash of debugger
36516 @item
36517 If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
36518 @value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
36519
36520 @cindex error on valid input
36521 @item
36522 If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
36523 bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
36524 somewhere in the connection to the target.)
36525
36526 @cindex invalid input
36527 @item
36528 If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
36529 that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
36530 ``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
36531 for traditional practice''.
36532
36533 @item
36534 If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
36535 for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
36536 @end itemize
36537
36538 @node Bug Reporting
36539 @section How to Report Bugs
36540 @cindex bug reports
36541 @cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
36542
36543 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
36544 If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
36545 contact that organization first.
36546
36547 You can find contact information for many support companies and
36548 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
36549 distribution.
36550 @c should add a web page ref...
36551
36552 @ifset BUGURL
36553 @ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
36554 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
36555 @value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
36556 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
36557 page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
36558 be used.
36559
36560 @strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
36561 @samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
36562 not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
36563 @samp{bug-gdb}.
36564
36565 The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
36566 serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
36567 the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
36568 newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
36569 problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
36570 path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
36571 we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
36572 bug reports to the mailing list.
36573 @end ifset
36574 @ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
36575 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
36576 @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
36577 @end ifclear
36578 @end ifset
36579
36580 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
36581 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
36582 fact or leave it out, state it!
36583
36584 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
36585 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
36586 assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
36587 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
36588 stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
36589 name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
36590 of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
36591 the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
36592 easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
36593
36594 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
36595 bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
36596 you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
36597 self-contained.
36598
36599 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
36600 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
36601 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
36602 bugs properly.
36603
36604 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
36605
36606 @itemize @bullet
36607 @item
36608 The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
36609 with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
36610 version}.
36611
36612 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
36613 the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
36614
36615 @item
36616 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
36617 version number.
36618
36619 @item
36620 The details of the @value{GDBN} build-time configuration.
36621 @value{GDBN} shows these details if you invoke it with the
36622 @option{--configuration} command-line option, or if you type
36623 @code{show configuration} at @value{GDBN}'s prompt.
36624
36625 @item
36626 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
36627 ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
36628
36629 @item
36630 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
36631 debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
36632 C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
36633 to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
36634 those compilers.
36635
36636 @item
36637 The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
36638 observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
36639 you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
36640 Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
36641
36642 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
36643 and then we might not encounter the bug.
36644
36645 @item
36646 A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
36647 reproduce the bug.
36648
36649 @item
36650 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
36651 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
36652
36653 Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
36654 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
36655 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
36656 a chance to make a mistake.
36657
36658 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
36659 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
36660 copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
36661 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
36662 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
36663 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
36664 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
36665 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
36666
36667 @pindex script
36668 @cindex recording a session script
36669 To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
36670 such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
36671 Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
36672 include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
36673
36674 Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
36675 inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
36676
36677 @item
36678 If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
36679 diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
36680 it by context, not by line number.
36681
36682 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
36683 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
36684
36685 @end itemize
36686
36687 Here are some things that are not necessary:
36688
36689 @itemize @bullet
36690 @item
36691 A description of the envelope of the bug.
36692
36693 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
36694 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
36695 changes will not affect it.
36696
36697 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
36698 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
36699 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
36700 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
36701
36702 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
36703 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
36704 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
36705 less time, and so on.
36706
36707 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
36708 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
36709
36710 @item
36711 A patch for the bug.
36712
36713 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
36714 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
36715 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
36716 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
36717
36718 Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
36719 construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
36720 through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
36721 to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
36722
36723 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
36724 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
36725 help us to understand.
36726
36727 @item
36728 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
36729
36730 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
36731 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
36732 @end itemize
36733
36734 @c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
36735 @c and consists of the two following files:
36736 @c rluser.texi
36737 @c hsuser.texi
36738 @c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
36739 @c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
36740 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
36741 @include rluser.texi
36742 @include hsuser.texi
36743 @end ifclear
36744
36745 @node In Memoriam
36746 @appendix In Memoriam
36747
36748 The @value{GDBN} project mourns the loss of the following long-time
36749 contributors:
36750
36751 @table @code
36752 @item Fred Fish
36753 Fred was a long-standing contributor to @value{GDBN} (1991-2006), and
36754 to Free Software in general. Outside of @value{GDBN}, he was known in
36755 the Amiga world for his series of Fish Disks, and the GeekGadget project.
36756
36757 @item Michael Snyder
36758 Michael was one of the Global Maintainers of the @value{GDBN} project,
36759 with contributions recorded as early as 1996, until 2011. In addition
36760 to his day to day participation, he was a large driving force behind
36761 adding Reverse Debugging to @value{GDBN}.
36762 @end table
36763
36764 Beyond their technical contributions to the project, they were also
36765 enjoyable members of the Free Software Community. We will miss them.
36766
36767 @node Formatting Documentation
36768 @appendix Formatting Documentation
36769
36770 @cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
36771 @cindex reference card
36772 The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
36773 for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
36774 subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
36775 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
36776 release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
36777 you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
36778
36779 The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
36780 can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
36781
36782 @smallexample
36783 make refcard.dvi
36784 @end smallexample
36785
36786 The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
36787 mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
36788 that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
36789 high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
36790 your @sc{dvi} output program.
36791
36792 @cindex documentation
36793
36794 All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
36795 distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
36796 a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
36797 on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
36798 formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
36799 and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
36800
36801 @value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
36802 version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
36803 file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
36804 subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
36805 necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
36806 but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
36807 Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
36808 @sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
36809
36810 If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
36811 Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
36812 @code{makeinfo}.
36813
36814 If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
36815 @value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
36816 version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
36817
36818 @smallexample
36819 cd gdb
36820 make gdb.info
36821 @end smallexample
36822
36823 If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
36824 a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
36825 Texinfo definitions file.
36826
36827 @TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
36828 produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
36829 document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
36830 has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
36831 command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
36832 (for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
36833 require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
36834
36835 @TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
36836 @file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
36837 written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
36838 typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
36839 and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
36840 directory.
36841
36842 If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
36843 typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
36844 subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
36845 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
36846
36847 @smallexample
36848 make gdb.dvi
36849 @end smallexample
36850
36851 Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
36852
36853 @node Installing GDB
36854 @appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
36855 @cindex installation
36856
36857 @menu
36858 * Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
36859 * Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
36860 * Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
36861 * Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
36862 * Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
36863 * System-wide configuration:: Having a system-wide init file
36864 @end menu
36865
36866 @node Requirements
36867 @section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
36868 @cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
36869
36870 Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
36871 Other packages will be used only if they are found.
36872
36873 @heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
36874 @table @asis
36875 @item ISO C90 compiler
36876 @value{GDBN} is written in ISO C90. It should be buildable with any
36877 working C90 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
36878
36879 @end table
36880
36881 @heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
36882 @table @asis
36883 @item Expat
36884 @anchor{Expat}
36885 @value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
36886 included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
36887 can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
36888 The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
36889 standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
36890 use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
36891
36892 Expat is used for:
36893
36894 @itemize @bullet
36895 @item
36896 Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
36897 @item
36898 Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
36899 @item
36900 Remote shared library lists (@xref{Library List Format},
36901 or alternatively @pxref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets})
36902 @item
36903 MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
36904 @item
36905 Traceframe info (@pxref{Traceframe Info Format})
36906 @item
36907 Branch trace (@pxref{Branch Trace Format})
36908 @end itemize
36909
36910 @item zlib
36911 @cindex compressed debug sections
36912 @value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
36913 compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
36914 of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
36915 is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
36916 information in such binaries.
36917
36918 The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
36919 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
36920 @url{http://zlib.net}.
36921
36922 @item iconv
36923 @value{GDBN}'s features related to character sets (@pxref{Character
36924 Sets}) require a functioning @code{iconv} implementation. If you are
36925 on a GNU system, then this is provided by the GNU C Library. Some
36926 other systems also provide a working @code{iconv}.
36927
36928 If @value{GDBN} is using the @code{iconv} program which is installed
36929 in a non-standard place, you will need to tell @value{GDBN} where to find it.
36930 This is done with @option{--with-iconv-bin} which specifies the
36931 directory that contains the @code{iconv} program.
36932
36933 On systems without @code{iconv}, you can install GNU Libiconv. If you
36934 have previously installed Libiconv, you can use the
36935 @option{--with-libiconv-prefix} option to configure.
36936
36937 @value{GDBN}'s top-level @file{configure} and @file{Makefile} will
36938 arrange to build Libiconv if a directory named @file{libiconv} appears
36939 in the top-most source directory. If Libiconv is built this way, and
36940 if the operating system does not provide a suitable @code{iconv}
36941 implementation, then the just-built library will automatically be used
36942 by @value{GDBN}. One easy way to set this up is to download GNU
36943 Libiconv, unpack it, and then rename the directory holding the
36944 Libiconv source code to @samp{libiconv}.
36945 @end table
36946
36947 @node Running Configure
36948 @section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
36949 @cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
36950 @value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
36951 of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
36952 build the @code{gdb} program.
36953 @iftex
36954 @c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
36955 @footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
36956 look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
36957 installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
36958 @end iftex
36959
36960 The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
36961 @value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
36962 appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
36963
36964 For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
36965 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
36966
36967 @table @code
36968 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
36969 script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
36970
36971 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
36972 the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
36973
36974 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
36975 source for the Binary File Descriptor library
36976
36977 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
36978 @sc{gnu} include files
36979
36980 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
36981 source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
36982
36983 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
36984 source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
36985
36986 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
36987 source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
36988
36989 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
36990 source for the @sc{gnu} filename pattern-matching subroutine
36991
36992 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
36993 source for the @sc{gnu} memory-mapped malloc package
36994 @end table
36995
36996 The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
36997 from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
36998 this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
36999
37000 First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
37001 if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
37002 identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
37003 argument.
37004
37005 For example:
37006
37007 @smallexample
37008 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
37009 ./configure @var{host}
37010 make
37011 @end smallexample
37012
37013 @noindent
37014 where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
37015 @samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where @value{GDBN} will run.
37016 (You can often leave off @var{host}; @file{configure} tries to guess the
37017 correct value by examining your system.)
37018
37019 Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
37020 @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
37021 libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
37022 binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
37023
37024 @need 750
37025 @file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
37026 system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
37027 shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
37028
37029 @smallexample
37030 sh configure @var{host}
37031 @end smallexample
37032
37033 If you run @file{configure} from a directory that contains source
37034 directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
37035 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN},
37036 @file{configure}
37037 creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
37038 you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
37039
37040 You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
37041 source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
37042 @file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
37043 that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
37044 if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
37045 of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
37046 configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
37047 directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
37048 about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
37049
37050 You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
37051 However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
37052 the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
37053 that @value{GDBN} uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
37054 let @value{GDBN} debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
37055
37056 @node Separate Objdir
37057 @section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
37058
37059 If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
37060 you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
37061 host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
37062 allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
37063 rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
37064 handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
37065 @code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
37066 program specified there.
37067
37068 To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
37069 with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
37070 (You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
37071 itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
37072 would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
37073 the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
37074
37075 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
37076 separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
37077
37078 @smallexample
37079 @group
37080 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
37081 mkdir ../gdb-sun4
37082 cd ../gdb-sun4
37083 ../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
37084 make
37085 @end group
37086 @end smallexample
37087
37088 When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
37089 directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
37090 (and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
37091 the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
37092 directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
37093 @file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
37094
37095 Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
37096 instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
37097 like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
37098 one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
37099 build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
37100
37101 One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
37102 directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
37103 @value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
37104 programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
37105 You specify a cross-debugging target by
37106 giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
37107
37108 When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
37109 it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
37110 called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
37111
37112 The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
37113 directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
37114 directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
37115 directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
37116 will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
37117
37118 When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
37119 directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
37120 if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
37121 with each other.
37122
37123 @node Config Names
37124 @section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
37125
37126 The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
37127 script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
37128 aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
37129 of information in the following pattern:
37130
37131 @smallexample
37132 @var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
37133 @end smallexample
37134
37135 For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
37136 or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
37137 option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
37138
37139 The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
37140 any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
37141 aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
37142 @code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
37143 script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
37144 abbreviations---for example:
37145
37146 @smallexample
37147 % sh config.sub i386-linux
37148 i386-pc-linux-gnu
37149 % sh config.sub alpha-linux
37150 alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
37151 % sh config.sub hp9k700
37152 hppa1.1-hp-hpux
37153 % sh config.sub sun4
37154 sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
37155 % sh config.sub sun3
37156 m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
37157 % sh config.sub i986v
37158 Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
37159 @end smallexample
37160
37161 @noindent
37162 @code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
37163 directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
37164
37165 @node Configure Options
37166 @section @file{configure} Options
37167
37168 Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
37169 are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure} also has
37170 several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
37171 Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @file{configure}.
37172
37173 @smallexample
37174 configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
37175 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
37176 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
37177 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
37178 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
37179 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
37180 @var{host}
37181 @end smallexample
37182
37183 @noindent
37184 You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
37185 @samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
37186 @samp{--}.
37187
37188 @table @code
37189 @item --help
37190 Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
37191
37192 @item --prefix=@var{dir}
37193 Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
37194 @file{@var{dir}}.
37195
37196 @item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
37197 Configure the source to install programs under directory
37198 @file{@var{dir}}.
37199
37200 @c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
37201 @need 2000
37202 @item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
37203 @strong{Warning: using this option requires @sc{gnu} @code{make}, or another
37204 @code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
37205 Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
37206 @value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
37207 build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
37208 directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
37209 the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
37210 directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
37211 the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
37212 @var{dirname}.
37213
37214 @item --norecursion
37215 Configure only the directory level where @file{configure} is executed; do not
37216 propagate configuration to subdirectories.
37217
37218 @item --target=@var{target}
37219 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
37220 @var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
37221 programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
37222
37223 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
37224
37225 @item @var{host} @dots{}
37226 Configure @value{GDBN} to run on the specified @var{host}.
37227
37228 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
37229 @end table
37230
37231 There are many other options available as well, but they are generally
37232 needed for special purposes only.
37233
37234 @node System-wide configuration
37235 @section System-wide configuration and settings
37236 @cindex system-wide init file
37237
37238 @value{GDBN} can be configured to have a system-wide init file;
37239 this file will be read and executed at startup (@pxref{Startup, , What
37240 @value{GDBN} does during startup}).
37241
37242 Here is the corresponding configure option:
37243
37244 @table @code
37245 @item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
37246 Specify that the default location of the system-wide init file is
37247 @var{file}.
37248 @end table
37249
37250 If @value{GDBN} has been configured with the option @option{--prefix=$prefix},
37251 it may be subject to relocation. Two possible cases:
37252
37253 @itemize @bullet
37254 @item
37255 If the default location of this init file contains @file{$prefix},
37256 it will be subject to relocation. Suppose that the configure options
37257 are @option{--prefix=$prefix --with-system-gdbinit=$prefix/etc/gdbinit};
37258 if @value{GDBN} is moved from @file{$prefix} to @file{$install}, the system
37259 init file is looked for as @file{$install/etc/gdbinit} instead of
37260 @file{$prefix/etc/gdbinit}.
37261
37262 @item
37263 By contrast, if the default location does not contain the prefix,
37264 it will not be relocated. E.g.@: if @value{GDBN} has been configured with
37265 @option{--prefix=/usr/local --with-system-gdbinit=/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
37266 then @value{GDBN} will always look for @file{/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
37267 wherever @value{GDBN} is installed.
37268 @end itemize
37269
37270 If the configured location of the system-wide init file (as given by the
37271 @option{--with-system-gdbinit} option at configure time) is in the
37272 data-directory (as specified by @option{--with-gdb-datadir} at configure
37273 time) or in one of its subdirectories, then @value{GDBN} will look for the
37274 system-wide init file in the directory specified by the
37275 @option{--data-directory} command-line option.
37276 Note that the system-wide init file is only read once, during @value{GDBN}
37277 initialization. If the data-directory is changed after @value{GDBN} has
37278 started with the @code{set data-directory} command, the file will not be
37279 reread.
37280
37281 @menu
37282 * System-wide Configuration Scripts:: Installed System-wide Configuration Scripts
37283 @end menu
37284
37285 @node System-wide Configuration Scripts
37286 @subsection Installed System-wide Configuration Scripts
37287 @cindex system-wide configuration scripts
37288
37289 The @file{system-gdbinit} directory, located inside the data-directory
37290 (as specified by @option{--with-gdb-datadir} at configure time) contains
37291 a number of scripts which can be used as system-wide init files. To
37292 automatically source those scripts at startup, @value{GDBN} should be
37293 configured with @option{--with-system-gdbinit}. Otherwise, any user
37294 should be able to source them by hand as needed.
37295
37296 The following scripts are currently available:
37297 @itemize @bullet
37298
37299 @item @file{elinos.py}
37300 @pindex elinos.py
37301 @cindex ELinOS system-wide configuration script
37302 This script is useful when debugging a program on an ELinOS target.
37303 It takes advantage of the environment variables defined in a standard
37304 ELinOS environment in order to determine the location of the system
37305 shared libraries, and then sets the @samp{solib-absolute-prefix}
37306 and @samp{solib-search-path} variables appropriately.
37307
37308 @item @file{wrs-linux.py}
37309 @pindex wrs-linux.py
37310 @cindex Wind River Linux system-wide configuration script
37311 This script is useful when debugging a program on a target running
37312 Wind River Linux. It expects the @env{ENV_PREFIX} to be set to
37313 the host-side sysroot used by the target system.
37314
37315 @end itemize
37316
37317 @node Maintenance Commands
37318 @appendix Maintenance Commands
37319 @cindex maintenance commands
37320 @cindex internal commands
37321
37322 In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
37323 includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
37324 that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
37325 provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
37326 messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
37327
37328 @table @code
37329 @kindex maint agent
37330 @kindex maint agent-eval
37331 @item maint agent @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
37332 @itemx maint agent-eval @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
37333 Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
37334 This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
37335 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}). The @samp{agent} version produces an
37336 expression useful for data collection, such as by tracepoints, while
37337 @samp{maint agent-eval} produces an expression that evaluates directly
37338 to a result. For instance, a collection expression for @code{globa +
37339 globb} will include bytecodes to record four bytes of memory at each
37340 of the addresses of @code{globa} and @code{globb}, while discarding
37341 the result of the addition, while an evaluation expression will do the
37342 addition and return the sum.
37343 If @code{-at} is given, generate remote agent bytecode for @var{location}.
37344 If not, generate remote agent bytecode for current frame PC address.
37345
37346 @kindex maint agent-printf
37347 @item maint agent-printf @var{format},@var{expr},...
37348 Translate the given format string and list of argument expressions
37349 into remote agent bytecodes and display them as a disassembled list.
37350 This command is useful for debugging the agent version of dynamic
37351 printf (@pxref{Dynamic Printf}).
37352
37353 @kindex maint info breakpoints
37354 @item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
37355 Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
37356 breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
37357 internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
37358 breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
37359 is shown:
37360
37361 @table @code
37362 @item breakpoint
37363 Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
37364
37365 @item watchpoint
37366 Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
37367
37368 @item longjmp
37369 Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
37370 @code{longjmp} calls.
37371
37372 @item longjmp resume
37373 Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
37374
37375 @item until
37376 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
37377
37378 @item finish
37379 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
37380
37381 @item shlib events
37382 Shared library events.
37383
37384 @end table
37385
37386 @kindex maint info bfds
37387 @item maint info bfds
37388 This prints information about each @code{bfd} object that is known to
37389 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Top, , BFD, bfd, The Binary File Descriptor Library}.
37390
37391 @kindex set displaced-stepping
37392 @kindex show displaced-stepping
37393 @cindex displaced stepping support
37394 @cindex out-of-line single-stepping
37395 @item set displaced-stepping
37396 @itemx show displaced-stepping
37397 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
37398 if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
37399 over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
37400 an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
37401 breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
37402
37403 @table @code
37404 @item set displaced-stepping on
37405 If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
37406 displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
37407
37408 @item set displaced-stepping off
37409 @value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
37410 even if such is supported by the target architecture.
37411
37412 @cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
37413 @item set displaced-stepping auto
37414 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
37415 only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
37416 architecture supports displaced stepping.
37417 @end table
37418
37419 @kindex maint check-psymtabs
37420 @item maint check-psymtabs
37421 Check the consistency of currently expanded psymtabs versus symtabs.
37422 Use this to check, for example, whether a symbol is in one but not the other.
37423
37424 @kindex maint check-symtabs
37425 @item maint check-symtabs
37426 Check the consistency of currently expanded symtabs.
37427
37428 @kindex maint expand-symtabs
37429 @item maint expand-symtabs [@var{regexp}]
37430 Expand symbol tables.
37431 If @var{regexp} is specified, only expand symbol tables for file
37432 names matching @var{regexp}.
37433
37434 @kindex maint cplus first_component
37435 @item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
37436 Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
37437
37438 @kindex maint cplus namespace
37439 @item maint cplus namespace
37440 Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
37441
37442 @kindex maint demangle
37443 @item maint demangle @var{name}
37444 Demangle a C@t{++} or Objective-C mangled @var{name}.
37445
37446 @kindex maint deprecate
37447 @kindex maint undeprecate
37448 @cindex deprecated commands
37449 @item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
37450 @itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
37451 Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
37452 cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
37453 argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
37454 favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
37455 the replacement as part of the warning.
37456
37457 @kindex maint dump-me
37458 @item maint dump-me
37459 @cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
37460 Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
37461 This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
37462 with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
37463
37464 @kindex maint internal-error
37465 @kindex maint internal-warning
37466 @item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
37467 @itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
37468 Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error}
37469 or @code{internal_warning} and hence behave as though an internal error
37470 or internal warning has been detected. In addition to reporting the
37471 internal problem, these functions give the user the opportunity to
37472 either quit @value{GDBN} or create a core file of the current
37473 @value{GDBN} session.
37474
37475 These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
37476 used as the text of the error or warning message.
37477
37478 Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
37479
37480 @smallexample
37481 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
37482 @dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
37483 A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
37484 debugging may prove unreliable.
37485 Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
37486 Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
37487 (@value{GDBP})
37488 @end smallexample
37489
37490 @cindex @value{GDBN} internal error
37491 @cindex internal errors, control of @value{GDBN} behavior
37492
37493 @kindex maint set internal-error
37494 @kindex maint show internal-error
37495 @kindex maint set internal-warning
37496 @kindex maint show internal-warning
37497 @item maint set internal-error @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
37498 @itemx maint show internal-error @var{action}
37499 @itemx maint set internal-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
37500 @itemx maint show internal-warning @var{action}
37501 When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it
37502 gives the user the opportunity to both quit @value{GDBN} and create a
37503 core file of the current @value{GDBN} session. These commands let you
37504 override the default behaviour for each particular @var{action},
37505 described in the table below.
37506
37507 @table @samp
37508 @item quit
37509 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
37510 quit. The default is to ask the user what to do.
37511
37512 @item corefile
37513 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
37514 create a core file. The default is to ask the user what to do.
37515 @end table
37516
37517 @kindex maint packet
37518 @item maint packet @var{text}
37519 If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
37520 then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
37521 displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
37522 @samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
37523 checksum.
37524
37525 @kindex maint print architecture
37526 @item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
37527 Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
37528 @var{file} names the file where the output goes.
37529
37530 @kindex maint print c-tdesc
37531 @item maint print c-tdesc
37532 Print the current target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
37533 a C source file. The created source file can be used in @value{GDBN}
37534 when an XML parser is not available to parse the description.
37535
37536 @kindex maint print dummy-frames
37537 @item maint print dummy-frames
37538 Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
37539
37540 @smallexample
37541 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
37542 @dots{}
37543 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
37544 Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
37545 58 return (a + b);
37546 The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
37547 @dots{}
37548 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
37549 0x1a57c80: pc=0x01014068 fp=0x0200bddc sp=0x0200bdd6
37550 top=0x0200bdd4 id=@{stack=0x200bddc,code=0x101405c@}
37551 call_lo=0x01014000 call_hi=0x01014001
37552 (@value{GDBP})
37553 @end smallexample
37554
37555 Takes an optional file parameter.
37556
37557 @kindex maint print registers
37558 @kindex maint print raw-registers
37559 @kindex maint print cooked-registers
37560 @kindex maint print register-groups
37561 @kindex maint print remote-registers
37562 @item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
37563 @itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
37564 @itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
37565 @itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
37566 @itemx maint print remote-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
37567 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
37568
37569 The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
37570 the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print
37571 cooked-registers} includes the (cooked) value of all registers,
37572 including registers which aren't available on the target nor visible
37573 to user; the command @code{maint print register-groups} includes the
37574 groups that each register is a member of; and the command @code{maint
37575 print remote-registers} includes the remote target's register numbers
37576 and offsets in the `G' packets.
37577
37578 These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
37579 write the information.
37580
37581 @kindex maint print reggroups
37582 @item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
37583 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
37584 optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
37585 information.
37586
37587 The register groups info looks like this:
37588
37589 @smallexample
37590 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
37591 Group Type
37592 general user
37593 float user
37594 all user
37595 vector user
37596 system user
37597 save internal
37598 restore internal
37599 @end smallexample
37600
37601 @kindex flushregs
37602 @item flushregs
37603 This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
37604
37605 @kindex maint print objfiles
37606 @cindex info for known object files
37607 @item maint print objfiles @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
37608 Print a dump of all known object files.
37609 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print object files whose names
37610 match @var{regexp}. For each object file, this command prints its name,
37611 address in memory, and all of its psymtabs and symtabs.
37612
37613 @kindex maint print section-scripts
37614 @cindex info for known .debug_gdb_scripts-loaded scripts
37615 @item maint print section-scripts [@var{regexp}]
37616 Print a dump of scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_section} section.
37617 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print scripts loaded by object files
37618 matching @var{regexp}.
37619 For each script, this command prints its name as specified in the objfile,
37620 and the full path if known.
37621 @xref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}.
37622
37623 @kindex maint print statistics
37624 @cindex bcache statistics
37625 @item maint print statistics
37626 This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
37627 about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
37628 statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
37629 of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
37630 defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
37631 the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
37632 used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
37633 sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
37634 average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
37635 savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
37636 lengths.
37637
37638 @kindex maint print target-stack
37639 @cindex target stack description
37640 @item maint print target-stack
37641 A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
37642 kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
37643 so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
37644 In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
37645 until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
37646 address.
37647
37648 This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
37649 the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
37650
37651 @kindex maint print type
37652 @cindex type chain of a data type
37653 @item maint print type @var{expr}
37654 Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
37655 can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
37656 that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
37657 a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
37658 data structures, including its flags and contained types.
37659
37660 @kindex maint set dwarf2 always-disassemble
37661 @kindex maint show dwarf2 always-disassemble
37662 @item maint set dwarf2 always-disassemble
37663 @item maint show dwarf2 always-disassemble
37664 Control the behavior of @code{info address} when using DWARF debugging
37665 information.
37666
37667 The default is @code{off}, which means that @value{GDBN} should try to
37668 describe a variable's location in an easily readable format. When
37669 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will instead display the DWARF location
37670 expression in an assembly-like format. Note that some locations are
37671 too complex for @value{GDBN} to describe simply; in this case you will
37672 always see the disassembly form.
37673
37674 Here is an example of the resulting disassembly:
37675
37676 @smallexample
37677 (gdb) info addr argc
37678 Symbol "argc" is a complex DWARF expression:
37679 1: DW_OP_fbreg 0
37680 @end smallexample
37681
37682 For more information on these expressions, see
37683 @uref{http://www.dwarfstd.org/, the DWARF standard}.
37684
37685 @kindex maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
37686 @kindex maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
37687 @item maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
37688 @itemx maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
37689 Control the DWARF 2 compilation unit cache.
37690
37691 @cindex DWARF 2 compilation units cache
37692 In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
37693 produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF 2
37694 reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
37695 This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
37696 cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
37697 compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
37698 memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
37699 slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
37700
37701 @kindex maint set profile
37702 @kindex maint show profile
37703 @cindex profiling GDB
37704 @item maint set profile
37705 @itemx maint show profile
37706 Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
37707
37708 Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
37709 command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
37710 collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
37711 exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
37712 if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
37713 (often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
37714 data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
37715
37716 Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
37717 compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
37718
37719 @kindex maint set show-debug-regs
37720 @kindex maint show show-debug-regs
37721 @cindex hardware debug registers
37722 @item maint set show-debug-regs
37723 @itemx maint show show-debug-regs
37724 Control whether to show variables that mirror the hardware debug
37725 registers. Use @code{on} to enable, @code{off} to disable. If
37726 enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
37727 removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
37728 triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
37729
37730 @kindex maint set show-all-tib
37731 @kindex maint show show-all-tib
37732 @item maint set show-all-tib
37733 @itemx maint show show-all-tib
37734 Control whether to show all non zero areas within a 1k block starting
37735 at thread local base, when using the @samp{info w32 thread-information-block}
37736 command.
37737
37738 @kindex maint set per-command
37739 @kindex maint show per-command
37740 @item maint set per-command
37741 @itemx maint show per-command
37742 @cindex resources used by commands
37743
37744 @value{GDBN} can display the resources used by each command.
37745 This is useful in debugging performance problems.
37746
37747 @table @code
37748 @item maint set per-command space [on|off]
37749 @itemx maint show per-command space
37750 Enable or disable the printing of the memory used by GDB for each command.
37751 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
37752 took, following the command's own output.
37753 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
37754 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
37755
37756 @item maint set per-command time [on|off]
37757 @itemx maint show per-command time
37758 Enable or disable the printing of the execution time of @value{GDBN}
37759 for each command.
37760 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
37761 took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
37762 Both CPU time and wallclock time are printed.
37763 Printing both is useful when trying to determine whether the cost is
37764 CPU or, e.g., disk/network latency.
37765 Note that the CPU time printed is for @value{GDBN} only, it does not include
37766 the execution time of the inferior because there's no mechanism currently
37767 to compute how much time was spent by @value{GDBN} and how much time was
37768 spent by the program been debugged.
37769 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
37770 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
37771
37772 @item maint set per-command symtab [on|off]
37773 @itemx maint show per-command symtab
37774 Enable or disable the printing of basic symbol table statistics
37775 for each command.
37776 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display the following information:
37777
37778 @enumerate a
37779 @item
37780 number of symbol tables
37781 @item
37782 number of primary symbol tables
37783 @item
37784 number of blocks in the blockvector
37785 @end enumerate
37786 @end table
37787
37788 @kindex maint space
37789 @cindex memory used by commands
37790 @item maint space @var{value}
37791 An alias for @code{maint set per-command space}.
37792 A non-zero value enables it, zero disables it.
37793
37794 @kindex maint time
37795 @cindex time of command execution
37796 @item maint time @var{value}
37797 An alias for @code{maint set per-command time}.
37798 A non-zero value enables it, zero disables it.
37799
37800 @kindex maint translate-address
37801 @item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
37802 Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
37803 @var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
37804 @value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
37805 the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
37806 the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
37807 command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
37808
37809 If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
37810 is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
37811 executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
37812
37813 @end table
37814
37815 The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
37816 @value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
37817
37818 @table @code
37819 @item set watchdog @var{nsec}
37820 @kindex set watchdog
37821 @cindex watchdog timer
37822 @cindex timeout for commands
37823 Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
37824 target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
37825 reports and error and the command is aborted.
37826
37827 @item show watchdog
37828 Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
37829 @end table
37830
37831 @node Remote Protocol
37832 @appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
37833
37834 @menu
37835 * Overview::
37836 * Packets::
37837 * Stop Reply Packets::
37838 * General Query Packets::
37839 * Architecture-Specific Protocol Details::
37840 * Tracepoint Packets::
37841 * Host I/O Packets::
37842 * Interrupts::
37843 * Notification Packets::
37844 * Remote Non-Stop::
37845 * Packet Acknowledgment::
37846 * Examples::
37847 * File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
37848 * Library List Format::
37849 * Library List Format for SVR4 Targets::
37850 * Memory Map Format::
37851 * Thread List Format::
37852 * Traceframe Info Format::
37853 * Branch Trace Format::
37854 @end menu
37855
37856 @node Overview
37857 @section Overview
37858
37859 There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
37860 protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
37861 machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
37862 recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
37863
37864 In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
37865 transmitted and received data, respectively.
37866
37867 @cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
37868 @cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
37869 @cindex remote serial protocol
37870 All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
37871 and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
37872 @var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
37873 @samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
37874 @samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
37875
37876 @smallexample
37877 @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
37878 @end smallexample
37879 @noindent
37880
37881 @cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
37882 @noindent
37883 The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
37884 characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
37885 eight bit unsigned checksum).
37886
37887 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
37888 specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
37889
37890 @smallexample
37891 @code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
37892 @end smallexample
37893
37894 @cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
37895 @noindent
37896 That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
37897 has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
37898 since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
37899
37900 When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
37901 response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
37902 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
37903 retransmission):
37904
37905 @smallexample
37906 -> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
37907 <- @code{+}
37908 @end smallexample
37909 @noindent
37910
37911 The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
37912 once a connection is established.
37913 @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
37914
37915 The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
37916 debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
37917 the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
37918 when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
37919 threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
37920 behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
37921 execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
37922
37923 @var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
37924 exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
37925 exceptions).
37926
37927 @cindex remote protocol, field separator
37928 Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
37929 @samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
37930 @sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
37931
37932 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
37933 @samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
37934 would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
37935
37936 @cindex remote protocol, binary data
37937 @anchor{Binary Data}
37938 Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
37939 digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
37940 protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
37941 Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
37942 connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
37943 binary data.
37944
37945 The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
37946 as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
37947 character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
37948 For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
37949 bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
37950 @code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
37951 @samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
37952 must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
37953 is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
37954 (described next).
37955
37956 Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
37957 Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
37958 instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
37959 repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
37960 binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
37961 @code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
37962 produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
37963 code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
37964 encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
37965 @samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
37966 after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
37967 3}} more times.
37968
37969 The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
37970 greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
37971 seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
37972 five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
37973 @samp{0*"00}.
37974
37975 The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
37976 error number. That number is not well defined.
37977
37978 @cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
37979 For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
37980 (@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
37981 protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
37982 on that response.
37983
37984 At a minimum, a stub is required to support the @samp{g} and @samp{G}
37985 commands for register access, and the @samp{m} and @samp{M} commands
37986 for memory access. Stubs that only control single-threaded targets
37987 can implement run control with the @samp{c} (continue), and @samp{s}
37988 (step) commands. Stubs that support multi-threading targets should
37989 support the @samp{vCont} command. All other commands are optional.
37990
37991 @node Packets
37992 @section Packets
37993
37994 The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
37995 @var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
37996 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
37997 I/O extension of the remote protocol.
37998
37999 Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
38000 syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
38001 include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
38002 part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
38003 separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
38004 @var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
38005 bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
38006 @var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
38007 @samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
38008 @var{baz}.
38009
38010 @cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
38011 @anchor{thread-id syntax}
38012 Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
38013 a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
38014 interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
38015 can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
38016 pick any thread.
38017
38018 In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
38019 which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
38020 process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
38021 The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
38022 format described above: a positive number with target-specific
38023 interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
38024 to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
38025 indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
38026 @samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
38027 error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
38028 @samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
38029 for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
38030 ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
38031
38032 The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
38033 @value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
38034 feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
38035 more information.
38036
38037 Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
38038 letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
38039
38040 Here are the packet descriptions.
38041
38042 @table @samp
38043
38044 @item !
38045 @cindex @samp{!} packet
38046 @anchor{extended mode}
38047 Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
38048 persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
38049 debugged.
38050
38051 Reply:
38052 @table @samp
38053 @item OK
38054 The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
38055 @end table
38056
38057 @item ?
38058 @cindex @samp{?} packet
38059 Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
38060 step and continue. This packet has a special interpretation when the
38061 target is in non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
38062
38063 Reply:
38064 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
38065
38066 @item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
38067 @cindex @samp{A} packet
38068 Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
38069 specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
38070 @var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
38071
38072 Reply:
38073 @table @samp
38074 @item OK
38075 The arguments were set.
38076 @item E @var{NN}
38077 An error occurred.
38078 @end table
38079
38080 @item b @var{baud}
38081 @cindex @samp{b} packet
38082 (Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
38083 Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
38084
38085 JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
38086 received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
38087 problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
38088
38089 Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
38090 it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
38091 some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
38092 switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
38093 of view, nothing actually happened.}
38094
38095 @item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
38096 @cindex @samp{B} packet
38097 Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
38098 breakpoint at @var{addr}.
38099
38100 Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
38101 (@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
38102
38103 @cindex @samp{bc} packet
38104 @anchor{bc}
38105 @item bc
38106 Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
38107 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
38108
38109 Reply:
38110 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
38111
38112 @cindex @samp{bs} packet
38113 @anchor{bs}
38114 @item bs
38115 Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
38116 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
38117
38118 Reply:
38119 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
38120
38121 @item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
38122 @cindex @samp{c} packet
38123 Continue. @var{addr} is address to resume. If @var{addr} is omitted,
38124 resume at current address.
38125
38126 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
38127 packet}.
38128
38129 Reply:
38130 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
38131
38132 @item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
38133 @cindex @samp{C} packet
38134 Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
38135 @samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
38136
38137 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
38138 packet}.
38139
38140 Reply:
38141 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
38142
38143 @item d
38144 @cindex @samp{d} packet
38145 Toggle debug flag.
38146
38147 Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
38148 (@pxref{General Query Packets}).
38149
38150 @item D
38151 @itemx D;@var{pid}
38152 @cindex @samp{D} packet
38153 The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
38154 remote system. It is sent to the remote target
38155 before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
38156
38157 The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
38158 protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
38159 detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
38160 big-endian hex string.
38161
38162 Reply:
38163 @table @samp
38164 @item OK
38165 for success
38166 @item E @var{NN}
38167 for an error
38168 @end table
38169
38170 @item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
38171 @cindex @samp{F} packet
38172 A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
38173 This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
38174 Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
38175
38176 @item g
38177 @anchor{read registers packet}
38178 @cindex @samp{g} packet
38179 Read general registers.
38180
38181 Reply:
38182 @table @samp
38183 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
38184 Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
38185 with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
38186 each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
38187 determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
38188 @code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}. The
38189 specification of several standard @samp{g} packets is specified below.
38190
38191 When reading registers from a trace frame (@pxref{Analyze Collected
38192 Data,,Using the Collected Data}), the stub may also return a string of
38193 literal @samp{x}'s in place of the register data digits, to indicate
38194 that the corresponding register has not been collected, thus its value
38195 is unavailable. For example, for an architecture with 4 registers of
38196 4 bytes each, the following reply indicates to @value{GDBN} that
38197 registers 0 and 2 have not been collected, while registers 1 and 3
38198 have been collected, and both have zero value:
38199
38200 @smallexample
38201 -> @code{g}
38202 <- @code{xxxxxxxx00000000xxxxxxxx00000000}
38203 @end smallexample
38204
38205 @item E @var{NN}
38206 for an error.
38207 @end table
38208
38209 @item G @var{XX@dots{}}
38210 @cindex @samp{G} packet
38211 Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
38212 description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
38213
38214 Reply:
38215 @table @samp
38216 @item OK
38217 for success
38218 @item E @var{NN}
38219 for an error
38220 @end table
38221
38222 @item H @var{op} @var{thread-id}
38223 @cindex @samp{H} packet
38224 Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
38225 @samp{G}, et.al.). @var{op} depends on the operation to be performed:
38226 it should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations (note that this
38227 is deprecated, supporting the @samp{vCont} command is a better
38228 option), @samp{g} for other operations. The thread designator
38229 @var{thread-id} has the format and interpretation described in
38230 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
38231
38232 Reply:
38233 @table @samp
38234 @item OK
38235 for success
38236 @item E @var{NN}
38237 for an error
38238 @end table
38239
38240 @c FIXME: JTC:
38241 @c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
38242 @c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
38243 @c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
38244 @c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
38245 @c described. For example:
38246 @c
38247 @c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
38248 @c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
38249 @c otherwise returns current registers.
38250 @c
38251 @c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
38252 @c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
38253 @c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
38254
38255 @item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
38256 @anchor{cycle step packet}
38257 @cindex @samp{i} packet
38258 Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
38259 present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
38260 step starting at that address.
38261
38262 @item I
38263 @cindex @samp{I} packet
38264 Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
38265 step packet}.
38266
38267 @item k
38268 @cindex @samp{k} packet
38269 Kill request.
38270
38271 FIXME: @emph{There is no description of how to operate when a specific
38272 thread context has been selected (i.e.@: does 'k' kill only that
38273 thread?)}.
38274
38275 @item m @var{addr},@var{length}
38276 @cindex @samp{m} packet
38277 Read @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
38278 Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to any particular boundary.
38279
38280 The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
38281 data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
38282 and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
38283 use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
38284 suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
38285 @cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
38286 @cindex size of remote memory accesses
38287 @cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
38288
38289 Reply:
38290 @table @samp
38291 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
38292 Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal
38293 number. The reply may contain fewer bytes than requested if the
38294 server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
38295 @item E @var{NN}
38296 @var{NN} is errno
38297 @end table
38298
38299 @item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
38300 @cindex @samp{M} packet
38301 Write @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
38302 @var{XX@dots{}} is the data; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit
38303 hexadecimal number.
38304
38305 Reply:
38306 @table @samp
38307 @item OK
38308 for success
38309 @item E @var{NN}
38310 for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
38311 written).
38312 @end table
38313
38314 @item p @var{n}
38315 @cindex @samp{p} packet
38316 Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
38317 @xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
38318 register value is encoded.
38319
38320 Reply:
38321 @table @samp
38322 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
38323 the register's value
38324 @item E @var{NN}
38325 for an error
38326 @item @w{}
38327 Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
38328 @end table
38329
38330 @item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
38331 @anchor{write register packet}
38332 @cindex @samp{P} packet
38333 Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
38334 number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
38335 digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
38336
38337 Reply:
38338 @table @samp
38339 @item OK
38340 for success
38341 @item E @var{NN}
38342 for an error
38343 @end table
38344
38345 @item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
38346 @itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
38347 @cindex @samp{q} packet
38348 @cindex @samp{Q} packet
38349 General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
38350 described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
38351
38352 @item r
38353 @cindex @samp{r} packet
38354 Reset the entire system.
38355
38356 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
38357
38358 @item R @var{XX}
38359 @cindex @samp{R} packet
38360 Restart the program being debugged. @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
38361 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
38362
38363 The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
38364
38365 @item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
38366 @cindex @samp{s} packet
38367 Single step. @var{addr} is the address at which to resume. If
38368 @var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
38369
38370 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
38371 packet}.
38372
38373 Reply:
38374 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
38375
38376 @item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
38377 @anchor{step with signal packet}
38378 @cindex @samp{S} packet
38379 Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
38380 requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
38381
38382 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
38383 packet}.
38384
38385 Reply:
38386 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
38387
38388 @item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
38389 @cindex @samp{t} packet
38390 Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
38391 @var{PP} and mask @var{MM}. @var{PP} and @var{MM} are 4 bytes.
38392 @var{addr} must be at least 3 digits.
38393
38394 @item T @var{thread-id}
38395 @cindex @samp{T} packet
38396 Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
38397
38398 Reply:
38399 @table @samp
38400 @item OK
38401 thread is still alive
38402 @item E @var{NN}
38403 thread is dead
38404 @end table
38405
38406 @item v
38407 Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
38408 up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
38409
38410 @item vAttach;@var{pid}
38411 @cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
38412 Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
38413 The process ID is a
38414 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
38415 threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
38416 attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
38417
38418 @c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
38419 @c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
38420 @c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
38421 @c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
38422 @c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
38423 @c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
38424 @c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
38425 @c stopping or restarting threads.
38426
38427 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
38428
38429 Reply:
38430 @table @samp
38431 @item E @var{nn}
38432 for an error
38433 @item @r{Any stop packet}
38434 for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
38435 @item OK
38436 for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
38437 @end table
38438
38439 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
38440 @cindex @samp{vCont} packet
38441 @anchor{vCont packet}
38442 Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
38443 If an action is specified with no @var{thread-id}, then it is applied to any
38444 threads that don't have a specific action specified; if no default action is
38445 specified then other threads should remain stopped in all-stop mode and
38446 in their current state in non-stop mode.
38447 Specifying multiple
38448 default actions is an error; specifying no actions is also an error.
38449 Thread IDs are specified using the syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
38450
38451 Currently supported actions are:
38452
38453 @table @samp
38454 @item c
38455 Continue.
38456 @item C @var{sig}
38457 Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
38458 @item s
38459 Step.
38460 @item S @var{sig}
38461 Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
38462 @item t
38463 Stop.
38464 @item r @var{start},@var{end}
38465 Step once, and then keep stepping as long as the thread stops at
38466 addresses between @var{start} (inclusive) and @var{end} (exclusive).
38467 The remote stub reports a stop reply when either the thread goes out
38468 of the range or is stopped due to an unrelated reason, such as hitting
38469 a breakpoint. @xref{range stepping}.
38470
38471 If the range is empty (@var{start} == @var{end}), then the action
38472 becomes equivalent to the @samp{s} action. In other words,
38473 single-step once, and report the stop (even if the stepped instruction
38474 jumps to @var{start}).
38475
38476 (A stop reply may be sent at any point even if the PC is still within
38477 the stepping range; for example, it is valid to implement this packet
38478 in a degenerate way as a single instruction step operation.)
38479
38480 @end table
38481
38482 The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
38483 @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
38484 not supported in @samp{vCont}.
38485
38486 The @samp{t} action is only relevant in non-stop mode
38487 (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
38488 A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
38489 When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
38490 the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
38491 signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
38492 as an implementation detail.
38493
38494 The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
38495 multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}). Note that in
38496 this case @samp{vCont} actions can be specified to apply to all threads
38497 in a process by using the @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the
38498 @var{thread-id}.
38499
38500 Reply:
38501 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
38502
38503 @item vCont?
38504 @cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
38505 Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
38506
38507 Reply:
38508 @table @samp
38509 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
38510 The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
38511 command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
38512 @item @w{}
38513 The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
38514 @end table
38515
38516 @item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
38517 @cindex @samp{vFile} packet
38518 Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
38519 see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
38520
38521 @item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
38522 @cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
38523 Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
38524 @var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
38525 its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
38526 flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
38527 Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
38528 together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
38529 stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
38530 packet is received.
38531
38532 Reply:
38533 @table @samp
38534 @item OK
38535 for success
38536 @item E @var{NN}
38537 for an error
38538 @end table
38539
38540 @item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
38541 @cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
38542 Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
38543 is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
38544 packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
38545 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
38546 not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
38547 (although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
38548 have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
38549 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
38550 neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
38551 target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
38552
38553
38554 Reply:
38555 @table @samp
38556 @item OK
38557 for success
38558 @item E.memtype
38559 for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
38560 @item E @var{NN}
38561 for an error
38562 @end table
38563
38564 @item vFlashDone
38565 @cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
38566 Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
38567 The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
38568 @samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
38569 @samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
38570 regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
38571 request is completed.
38572
38573 @item vKill;@var{pid}
38574 @cindex @samp{vKill} packet
38575 Kill the process with the specified process ID. @var{pid} is a
38576 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
38577 preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
38578 supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
38579
38580 Reply:
38581 @table @samp
38582 @item E @var{nn}
38583 for an error
38584 @item OK
38585 for success
38586 @end table
38587
38588 @item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
38589 @cindex @samp{vRun} packet
38590 Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
38591 command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
38592 @var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
38593 (e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
38594 state.
38595
38596 @c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
38597
38598 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
38599
38600 Reply:
38601 @table @samp
38602 @item E @var{nn}
38603 for an error
38604 @item @r{Any stop packet}
38605 for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
38606 @end table
38607
38608 @item vStopped
38609 @cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
38610 @xref{Notification Packets}.
38611
38612 @item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
38613 @anchor{X packet}
38614 @cindex @samp{X} packet
38615 Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
38616 @var{addr} is address, @var{length} is number of bytes,
38617 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
38618
38619 Reply:
38620 @table @samp
38621 @item OK
38622 for success
38623 @item E @var{NN}
38624 for an error
38625 @end table
38626
38627 @item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
38628 @itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
38629 @anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
38630 @cindex @samp{z} packet
38631 @cindex @samp{Z} packets
38632 Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
38633 watchpoint starting at address @var{address} of kind @var{kind}.
38634
38635 Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
38636 separately.
38637
38638 @emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
38639 for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
38640 remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
38641 @samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
38642 avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
38643 be implemented in an idempotent way.}
38644
38645 @item z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
38646 @itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}@r{[};cmds:@var{persist},@var{cmd_list}@dots{}@r{]}
38647 @cindex @samp{z0} packet
38648 @cindex @samp{Z0} packet
38649 Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a memory breakpoint at address
38650 @var{addr} of type @var{kind}.
38651
38652 A memory breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
38653 @var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
38654 @var{kind} is target-specific and typically indicates the size of
38655 the breakpoint in bytes that should be inserted. E.g., the @sc{arm}
38656 and @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint. Some
38657 architectures have additional meanings for @var{kind};
38658 @var{cond_list} is an optional list of conditional expressions in bytecode
38659 form that should be evaluated on the target's side. These are the
38660 conditions that should be taken into consideration when deciding if
38661 the breakpoint trigger should be reported back to @var{GDBN}.
38662
38663 The @var{cond_list} parameter is comprised of a series of expressions,
38664 concatenated without separators. Each expression has the following form:
38665
38666 @table @samp
38667
38668 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
38669 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
38670 actual conditional expression in bytecode form.
38671
38672 @end table
38673
38674 The optional @var{cmd_list} parameter introduces commands that may be
38675 run on the target, rather than being reported back to @value{GDBN}.
38676 The parameter starts with a numeric flag @var{persist}; if the flag is
38677 nonzero, then the breakpoint may remain active and the commands
38678 continue to be run even when @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target.
38679 Following this flag is a series of expressions concatenated with no
38680 separators. Each expression has the following form:
38681
38682 @table @samp
38683
38684 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
38685 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
38686 actual conditional expression in bytecode form.
38687
38688 @end table
38689
38690 see @ref{Architecture-Specific Protocol Details}.
38691
38692 @emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
38693 code that contains memory breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
38694 overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
38695 target, is not defined.}
38696
38697 Reply:
38698 @table @samp
38699 @item OK
38700 success
38701 @item @w{}
38702 not supported
38703 @item E @var{NN}
38704 for an error
38705 @end table
38706
38707 @item z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
38708 @itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}
38709 @cindex @samp{z1} packet
38710 @cindex @samp{Z1} packet
38711 Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
38712 address @var{addr}.
38713
38714 A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
38715 dependant on being able to modify the target's memory. @var{kind}
38716 and @var{cond_list} have the same meaning as in @samp{Z0} packets.
38717
38718 @emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
38719 movement.}
38720
38721 Reply:
38722 @table @samp
38723 @item OK
38724 success
38725 @item @w{}
38726 not supported
38727 @item E @var{NN}
38728 for an error
38729 @end table
38730
38731 @item z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
38732 @itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
38733 @cindex @samp{z2} packet
38734 @cindex @samp{Z2} packet
38735 Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint at @var{addr}.
38736 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
38737
38738 Reply:
38739 @table @samp
38740 @item OK
38741 success
38742 @item @w{}
38743 not supported
38744 @item E @var{NN}
38745 for an error
38746 @end table
38747
38748 @item z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
38749 @itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
38750 @cindex @samp{z3} packet
38751 @cindex @samp{Z3} packet
38752 Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint at @var{addr}.
38753 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
38754
38755 Reply:
38756 @table @samp
38757 @item OK
38758 success
38759 @item @w{}
38760 not supported
38761 @item E @var{NN}
38762 for an error
38763 @end table
38764
38765 @item z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
38766 @itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
38767 @cindex @samp{z4} packet
38768 @cindex @samp{Z4} packet
38769 Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint at @var{addr}.
38770 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
38771
38772 Reply:
38773 @table @samp
38774 @item OK
38775 success
38776 @item @w{}
38777 not supported
38778 @item E @var{NN}
38779 for an error
38780 @end table
38781
38782 @end table
38783
38784 @node Stop Reply Packets
38785 @section Stop Reply Packets
38786 @cindex stop reply packets
38787
38788 The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
38789 @samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
38790 receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
38791 and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
38792 when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
38793 number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
38794 @value{GDBN} source code.
38795
38796 As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
38797 reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
38798 syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
38799 components.
38800
38801 @table @samp
38802
38803 @item S @var{AA}
38804 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
38805 number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
38806 @var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
38807
38808 @item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
38809 @cindex @samp{T} packet reply
38810 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
38811 number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
38812 @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
38813 and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
38814 round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
38815 this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
38816
38817 @itemize @bullet
38818 @item
38819 If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
38820 corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. @var{r} is a
38821 series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
38822 two-digit hex number.
38823
38824 @item
38825 If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the @var{thread-id} of
38826 the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
38827
38828 @item
38829 If @var{n} is @samp{core}, then @var{r} is the hexadecimal number of
38830 the core on which the stop event was detected.
38831
38832 @item
38833 If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
38834 specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
38835 reasons are listed below. @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
38836 signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
38837
38838 @item
38839 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
38840 and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
38841 future.
38842 @end itemize
38843
38844 The currently defined stop reasons are:
38845
38846 @table @samp
38847 @item watch
38848 @itemx rwatch
38849 @itemx awatch
38850 The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
38851 hex.
38852
38853 @cindex shared library events, remote reply
38854 @item library
38855 The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
38856 @value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
38857 list of loaded libraries. @var{r} is ignored.
38858
38859 @cindex replay log events, remote reply
38860 @item replaylog
38861 The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
38862 logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
38863 beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
38864 will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
38865 for more information.
38866 @end table
38867
38868 @item W @var{AA}
38869 @itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
38870 The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
38871 applicable to certain targets.
38872
38873 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the exited
38874 process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported support for
38875 multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
38876 The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
38877
38878 @item X @var{AA}
38879 @itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
38880 The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
38881
38882 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
38883 terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
38884 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
38885 extensions}. The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
38886
38887 @item O @var{XX}@dots{}
38888 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
38889 written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
38890 while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
38891 for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
38892
38893 @item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
38894 @var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
38895 be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
38896 correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
38897 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
38898 system calls.
38899
38900 @samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
38901 this very system call.
38902
38903 The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
38904 call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
38905 with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
38906 reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
38907 or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
38908 Protocol Extension}, for more details.
38909
38910 @end table
38911
38912 @node General Query Packets
38913 @section General Query Packets
38914 @cindex remote query requests
38915
38916 Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
38917 packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
38918 query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
38919 sending information to and from the stub.
38920
38921 The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
38922 indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
38923 @value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
38924 definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
38925 conventions:
38926
38927 @itemize @bullet
38928 @item
38929 The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
38930 @item
38931 Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
38932 letter.
38933 @item
38934 The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
38935 lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
38936 the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
38937 foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
38938 @end itemize
38939
38940 The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
38941 parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
38942 separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
38943 full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
38944 in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
38945 with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
38946 packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
38947 for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
38948 are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
38949 existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
38950 packet.}.
38951
38952 Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
38953 has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
38954 explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
38955 templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
38956 @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
38957
38958 Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
38959
38960 @table @samp
38961
38962 @item QAgent:1
38963 @itemx QAgent:0
38964 Turn on or off the agent as a helper to perform some debugging operations
38965 delegated from @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Control Agent}).
38966
38967 @item QAllow:@var{op}:@var{val}@dots{}
38968 @cindex @samp{QAllow} packet
38969 Specify which operations @value{GDBN} expects to request of the
38970 target, as a semicolon-separated list of operation name and value
38971 pairs. Possible values for @var{op} include @samp{WriteReg},
38972 @samp{WriteMem}, @samp{InsertBreak}, @samp{InsertTrace},
38973 @samp{InsertFastTrace}, and @samp{Stop}. @var{val} is either 0,
38974 indicating that @value{GDBN} will not request the operation, or 1,
38975 indicating that it may. (The target can then use this to set up its
38976 own internals optimally, for instance if the debugger never expects to
38977 insert breakpoints, it may not need to install its own trap handler.)
38978
38979 @item qC
38980 @cindex current thread, remote request
38981 @cindex @samp{qC} packet
38982 Return the current thread ID.
38983
38984 Reply:
38985 @table @samp
38986 @item QC @var{thread-id}
38987 Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
38988 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
38989 @item @r{(anything else)}
38990 Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
38991 @end table
38992
38993 @item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
38994 @cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
38995 @cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
38996 Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory using CRC-32 defined in
38997 IEEE 802.3. The CRC is computed byte at a time, taking the most
38998 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern code
38999 @code{0xffffffff} is used to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC.
39000
39001 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC used in validating separate debug
39002 files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files, , Debugging Information in Separate
39003 Files}). However the algorithm is slightly different. When validating
39004 separate debug files, the CRC is computed taking the @emph{least}
39005 significant bit of each byte first, and the final result is inverted to
39006 detect trailing zeros.
39007
39008 Reply:
39009 @table @samp
39010 @item E @var{NN}
39011 An error (such as memory fault)
39012 @item C @var{crc32}
39013 The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
39014 @end table
39015
39016 @item QDisableRandomization:@var{value}
39017 @cindex disable address space randomization, remote request
39018 @cindex @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet
39019 Some target operating systems will randomize the virtual address space
39020 of the inferior process as a security feature, but provide a feature
39021 to disable such randomization, e.g.@: to allow for a more deterministic
39022 debugging experience. On such systems, this packet with a @var{value}
39023 of 1 directs the target to disable address space randomization for
39024 processes subsequently started via @samp{vRun} packets, while a packet
39025 with a @var{value} of 0 tells the target to enable address space
39026 randomization.
39027
39028 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
39029
39030 Reply:
39031 @table @samp
39032 @item OK
39033 The request succeeded.
39034
39035 @item E @var{nn}
39036 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
39037
39038 @item @w{}
39039 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QDisableRandomization} is not supported
39040 by the stub.
39041 @end table
39042
39043 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39044 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39045 This should only be done on targets that actually support disabling
39046 address space randomization.
39047
39048 @item qfThreadInfo
39049 @itemx qsThreadInfo
39050 @cindex list active threads, remote request
39051 @cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
39052 @cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
39053 Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
39054 may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
39055 works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
39056 obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
39057 be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
39058 sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
39059
39060 NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
39061
39062 Reply:
39063 @table @samp
39064 @item m @var{thread-id}
39065 A single thread ID
39066 @item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
39067 a comma-separated list of thread IDs
39068 @item l
39069 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
39070 @end table
39071
39072 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
39073 more thread IDs, separated by commas.
39074 @value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
39075 ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
39076 with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for @dfn{last}).
39077 Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
39078 fields.
39079
39080 @item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
39081 @cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
39082 @cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
39083 Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
39084 by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
39085
39086 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
39087 thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
39088
39089 @var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
39090 thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
39091 information associated with the variable.)
39092
39093 @var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
39094 load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
39095 a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
39096 object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
39097 Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
39098 differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
39099
39100 Reply:
39101 @table @samp
39102 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
39103 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
39104 local storage requested.
39105
39106 @item E @var{nn}
39107 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
39108
39109 @item @w{}
39110 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
39111 @end table
39112
39113 @item qGetTIBAddr:@var{thread-id}
39114 @cindex get thread information block address
39115 @cindex @samp{qGetTIBAddr} packet
39116 Fetch address of the Windows OS specific Thread Information Block.
39117
39118 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the thread.
39119
39120 Reply:
39121 @table @samp
39122 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
39123 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the linear address of the
39124 thread information block.
39125
39126 @item E @var{nn}
39127 An error occured. This means that either the thread was not found, or the
39128 address could not be retrieved.
39129
39130 @item @w{}
39131 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTIBAddr} is not supported by the stub.
39132 @end table
39133
39134 @item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
39135 Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
39136 digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
39137 subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
39138 number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
39139 (eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
39140 returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
39141
39142 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
39143
39144 Reply:
39145 @table @samp
39146 @item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
39147 Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
39148 returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
39149 and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
39150 digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
39151 is a sequence of thread IDs from the target. @var{threadid} (eight hex
39152 digits). See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
39153 @end table
39154
39155 @item qOffsets
39156 @cindex section offsets, remote request
39157 @cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
39158 Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
39159 image.
39160
39161 Reply:
39162 @table @samp
39163 @item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
39164 Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
39165 Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
39166 If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
39167 @samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
39168 segments by the supplied offsets.
39169
39170 @emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
39171 @value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
39172 to the @code{Bss} section.}
39173
39174 @item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
39175 Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
39176 contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
39177 @samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
39178 conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
39179 @var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
39180 does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
39181 as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
39182 kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
39183 @end table
39184
39185 @item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
39186 @cindex thread information, remote request
39187 @cindex @samp{qP} packet
39188 Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
39189 encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
39190 (@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
39191
39192 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
39193 (see below).
39194
39195 Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
39196
39197 @item QNonStop:1
39198 @itemx QNonStop:0
39199 @cindex non-stop mode, remote request
39200 @cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
39201 @anchor{QNonStop}
39202 Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
39203 @xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
39204
39205 Reply:
39206 @table @samp
39207 @item OK
39208 The request succeeded.
39209
39210 @item E @var{nn}
39211 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
39212
39213 @item @w{}
39214 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
39215 the stub.
39216 @end table
39217
39218 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39219 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39220 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
39221 @pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
39222
39223 @item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
39224 @cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
39225 @cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
39226 @anchor{QPassSignals}
39227 Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
39228 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
39229 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
39230 strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
39231 the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
39232 reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
39233 combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
39234 new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
39235 @var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
39236
39237 Reply:
39238 @table @samp
39239 @item OK
39240 The request succeeded.
39241
39242 @item E @var{nn}
39243 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
39244
39245 @item @w{}
39246 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
39247 the stub.
39248 @end table
39249
39250 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
39251 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
39252 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39253 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39254
39255 @item QProgramSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
39256 @cindex signals the inferior may see, remote request
39257 @cindex @samp{QProgramSignals} packet
39258 @anchor{QProgramSignals}
39259 Each listed @var{signal} may be delivered to the inferior process.
39260 Others should be silently discarded.
39261
39262 In some cases, the remote stub may need to decide whether to deliver a
39263 signal to the program or not without @value{GDBN} involvement. One
39264 example of that is while detaching --- the program's threads may have
39265 stopped for signals that haven't yet had a chance of being reported to
39266 @value{GDBN}, and so the remote stub can use the signal list specified
39267 by this packet to know whether to deliver or ignore those pending
39268 signals.
39269
39270 This does not influence whether to deliver a signal as requested by a
39271 resumption packet (@pxref{vCont packet}).
39272
39273 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
39274 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
39275 strictly greater than the previous item. Multiple
39276 @samp{QProgramSignals} packets do not combine; any earlier
39277 @samp{QProgramSignals} list is completely replaced by the new list.
39278
39279 Reply:
39280 @table @samp
39281 @item OK
39282 The request succeeded.
39283
39284 @item E @var{nn}
39285 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
39286
39287 @item @w{}
39288 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QProgramSignals} is not supported
39289 by the stub.
39290 @end table
39291
39292 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote program-signals}
39293 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote program-signals}).
39294 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39295 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39296
39297 @item qRcmd,@var{command}
39298 @cindex execute remote command, remote request
39299 @cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
39300 @var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
39301 execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
39302 string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
39303 with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
39304 packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
39305 stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
39306
39307 Reply:
39308 @table @samp
39309 @item OK
39310 A command response with no output.
39311 @item @var{OUTPUT}
39312 A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
39313 @item E @var{NN}
39314 Indicate a badly formed request.
39315 @item @w{}
39316 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
39317 @end table
39318
39319 (Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
39320 command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
39321 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
39322 packets.)
39323
39324 @item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
39325 @cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
39326 @ifnotinfo
39327 @cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
39328 @end ifnotinfo
39329 @cindex @samp{qSearch memory} packet
39330 @anchor{qSearch memory}
39331 Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
39332 @var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex.
39333 @var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, hex encoded.
39334
39335 Reply:
39336 @table @samp
39337 @item 0
39338 The pattern was not found.
39339 @item 1,address
39340 The pattern was found at @var{address}.
39341 @item E @var{NN}
39342 A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
39343 @item @w{}
39344 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
39345 @end table
39346
39347 @item QStartNoAckMode
39348 @cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
39349 @anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
39350 Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
39351 protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
39352
39353 Reply:
39354 @table @samp
39355 @item OK
39356 The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
39357 @value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
39358 but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
39359 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
39360 @item @w{}
39361 An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
39362 @end table
39363
39364 @item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
39365 @cindex supported packets, remote query
39366 @cindex features of the remote protocol
39367 @cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
39368 @anchor{qSupported}
39369 Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
39370 query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
39371 @value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
39372 features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
39373 at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
39374 packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
39375 high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
39376 be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
39377 stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
39378 automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
39379 reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
39380 unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
39381 helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
39382 versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
39383
39384 Reply:
39385 @table @samp
39386 @item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
39387 The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
39388 depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
39389 possible forms).
39390 @item @w{}
39391 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
39392 or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
39393 @end table
39394
39395 The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
39396 @samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
39397 are:
39398
39399 @table @samp
39400 @item @var{name}=@var{value}
39401 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
39402 with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
39403 on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
39404 @item @var{name}+
39405 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
39406 need an associated value.
39407 @item @var{name}-
39408 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
39409 @item @var{name}?
39410 The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
39411 @value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
39412 needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
39413 but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
39414 @end table
39415
39416 Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
39417 supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
39418 request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
39419 state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
39420 a different version of @value{GDBN}.
39421
39422 The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
39423 are defined:
39424
39425 @table @samp
39426 @item multiprocess
39427 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
39428 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
39429 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
39430 including @samp{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
39431 @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
39432
39433 @item xmlRegisters
39434 This feature indicates that @value{GDBN} supports the XML target
39435 description. If the stub sees @samp{xmlRegisters=} with target
39436 specific strings separated by a comma, it will report register
39437 description.
39438
39439 @item qRelocInsn
39440 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the
39441 @samp{qRelocInsn} packet (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
39442 instruction reply packet}).
39443 @end table
39444
39445 Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
39446 @var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
39447 packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
39448 versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
39449 for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
39450 advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
39451 improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
39452 an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
39453 of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
39454 describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
39455 all the features it supports.
39456
39457 Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
39458 responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
39459
39460 Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
39461 should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
39462 require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
39463 form response.
39464
39465 Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
39466 @samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
39467 in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
39468 stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
39469
39470 Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
39471 mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
39472 architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
39473 about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
39474 stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
39475
39476 These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
39477
39478 @multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
39479 @c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
39480 @c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
39481 @item Feature Name
39482 @tab Value Required
39483 @tab Default
39484 @tab Probe Allowed
39485
39486 @item @samp{PacketSize}
39487 @tab Yes
39488 @tab @samp{-}
39489 @tab No
39490
39491 @item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
39492 @tab No
39493 @tab @samp{-}
39494 @tab Yes
39495
39496 @item @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
39497 @tab No
39498 @tab @samp{-}
39499 @tab Yes
39500
39501 @item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
39502 @tab No
39503 @tab @samp{-}
39504 @tab Yes
39505
39506 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
39507 @tab No
39508 @tab @samp{-}
39509 @tab Yes
39510
39511 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read}
39512 @tab No
39513 @tab @samp{-}
39514 @tab Yes
39515
39516 @item @samp{augmented-libraries-svr4-read}
39517 @tab No
39518 @tab @samp{-}
39519 @tab No
39520
39521 @item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
39522 @tab No
39523 @tab @samp{-}
39524 @tab Yes
39525
39526 @item @samp{qXfer:sdata:read}
39527 @tab No
39528 @tab @samp{-}
39529 @tab Yes
39530
39531 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
39532 @tab No
39533 @tab @samp{-}
39534 @tab Yes
39535
39536 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
39537 @tab No
39538 @tab @samp{-}
39539 @tab Yes
39540
39541 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read}
39542 @tab No
39543 @tab @samp{-}
39544 @tab Yes
39545
39546 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write}
39547 @tab No
39548 @tab @samp{-}
39549 @tab Yes
39550
39551 @item @samp{qXfer:threads:read}
39552 @tab No
39553 @tab @samp{-}
39554 @tab Yes
39555
39556 @item @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
39557 @tab No
39558 @tab @samp{-}
39559 @tab Yes
39560
39561 @item @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
39562 @tab No
39563 @tab @samp{-}
39564 @tab Yes
39565
39566 @item @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
39567 @tab No
39568 @tab @samp{-}
39569 @tab Yes
39570
39571 @item @samp{Qbtrace:off}
39572 @tab Yes
39573 @tab @samp{-}
39574 @tab Yes
39575
39576 @item @samp{Qbtrace:bts}
39577 @tab Yes
39578 @tab @samp{-}
39579 @tab Yes
39580
39581 @item @samp{QNonStop}
39582 @tab No
39583 @tab @samp{-}
39584 @tab Yes
39585
39586 @item @samp{QPassSignals}
39587 @tab No
39588 @tab @samp{-}
39589 @tab Yes
39590
39591 @item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
39592 @tab No
39593 @tab @samp{-}
39594 @tab Yes
39595
39596 @item @samp{multiprocess}
39597 @tab No
39598 @tab @samp{-}
39599 @tab No
39600
39601 @item @samp{ConditionalBreakpoints}
39602 @tab No
39603 @tab @samp{-}
39604 @tab No
39605
39606 @item @samp{ConditionalTracepoints}
39607 @tab No
39608 @tab @samp{-}
39609 @tab No
39610
39611 @item @samp{ReverseContinue}
39612 @tab No
39613 @tab @samp{-}
39614 @tab No
39615
39616 @item @samp{ReverseStep}
39617 @tab No
39618 @tab @samp{-}
39619 @tab No
39620
39621 @item @samp{TracepointSource}
39622 @tab No
39623 @tab @samp{-}
39624 @tab No
39625
39626 @item @samp{QAgent}
39627 @tab No
39628 @tab @samp{-}
39629 @tab No
39630
39631 @item @samp{QAllow}
39632 @tab No
39633 @tab @samp{-}
39634 @tab No
39635
39636 @item @samp{QDisableRandomization}
39637 @tab No
39638 @tab @samp{-}
39639 @tab No
39640
39641 @item @samp{EnableDisableTracepoints}
39642 @tab No
39643 @tab @samp{-}
39644 @tab No
39645
39646 @item @samp{QTBuffer:size}
39647 @tab No
39648 @tab @samp{-}
39649 @tab No
39650
39651 @item @samp{tracenz}
39652 @tab No
39653 @tab @samp{-}
39654 @tab No
39655
39656 @item @samp{BreakpointCommands}
39657 @tab No
39658 @tab @samp{-}
39659 @tab No
39660
39661 @end multitable
39662
39663 These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
39664
39665 @table @samp
39666 @cindex packet size, remote protocol
39667 @item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
39668 The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
39669 length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
39670 transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
39671 data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
39672 There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
39673 stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
39674 byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
39675 @value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
39676
39677 @item qXfer:auxv:read
39678 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
39679 (@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
39680
39681 @item qXfer:btrace:read
39682 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
39683 packet (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}).
39684
39685 @item qXfer:features:read
39686 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
39687 (@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
39688
39689 @item qXfer:libraries:read
39690 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
39691 (@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
39692
39693 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read
39694 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
39695 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
39696
39697 @item augmented-libraries-svr4-read
39698 The remote stub understands the augmented form of the
39699 @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
39700 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
39701
39702 @item qXfer:memory-map:read
39703 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
39704 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
39705
39706 @item qXfer:sdata:read
39707 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:sdata:read} packet
39708 (@pxref{qXfer sdata read}).
39709
39710 @item qXfer:spu:read
39711 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
39712 (@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
39713
39714 @item qXfer:spu:write
39715 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
39716 (@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
39717
39718 @item qXfer:siginfo:read
39719 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read} packet
39720 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo read}).
39721
39722 @item qXfer:siginfo:write
39723 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write} packet
39724 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo write}).
39725
39726 @item qXfer:threads:read
39727 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
39728 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}).
39729
39730 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read
39731 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
39732 packet (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}).
39733
39734 @item qXfer:uib:read
39735 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
39736 packet (@pxref{qXfer unwind info block}).
39737
39738 @item qXfer:fdpic:read
39739 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
39740 packet (@pxref{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}).
39741
39742 @item QNonStop
39743 The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
39744 (@pxref{QNonStop}).
39745
39746 @item QPassSignals
39747 The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
39748 (@pxref{QPassSignals}).
39749
39750 @item QStartNoAckMode
39751 The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
39752 prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
39753
39754 @item multiprocess
39755 @anchor{multiprocess extensions}
39756 @cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
39757 The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
39758 protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
39759 thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
39760 add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
39761 replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
39762 syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
39763 debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
39764 multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
39765 indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
39766
39767 @item qXfer:osdata:read
39768 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
39769 ((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
39770
39771 @item ConditionalBreakpoints
39772 The target accepts and implements evaluation of conditional expressions
39773 defined for breakpoints. The target will only report breakpoint triggers
39774 when such conditions are true (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
39775
39776 @item ConditionalTracepoints
39777 The remote stub accepts and implements conditional expressions defined
39778 for tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoint Conditions}).
39779
39780 @item ReverseContinue
39781 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse continue packet
39782 (@pxref{bc}).
39783
39784 @item ReverseStep
39785 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse step packet
39786 (@pxref{bs}).
39787
39788 @item TracepointSource
39789 The remote stub understands the @samp{QTDPsrc} packet that supplies
39790 the source form of tracepoint definitions.
39791
39792 @item QAgent
39793 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAgent} packet.
39794
39795 @item QAllow
39796 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAllow} packet.
39797
39798 @item QDisableRandomization
39799 The remote stub understands the @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet.
39800
39801 @item StaticTracepoint
39802 @cindex static tracepoints, in remote protocol
39803 The remote stub supports static tracepoints.
39804
39805 @item InstallInTrace
39806 @anchor{install tracepoint in tracing}
39807 The remote stub supports installing tracepoint in tracing.
39808
39809 @item EnableDisableTracepoints
39810 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTEnable} (@pxref{QTEnable}) and
39811 @samp{QTDisable} (@pxref{QTDisable}) packets that allow tracepoints
39812 to be enabled and disabled while a trace experiment is running.
39813
39814 @item QTBuffer:size
39815 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTBuffer:size} (@pxref{QTBuffer-size})
39816 packet that allows to change the size of the trace buffer.
39817
39818 @item tracenz
39819 @cindex string tracing, in remote protocol
39820 The remote stub supports the @samp{tracenz} bytecode for collecting strings.
39821 See @ref{Bytecode Descriptions} for details about the bytecode.
39822
39823 @item BreakpointCommands
39824 @cindex breakpoint commands, in remote protocol
39825 The remote stub supports running a breakpoint's command list itself,
39826 rather than reporting the hit to @value{GDBN}.
39827
39828 @item Qbtrace:off
39829 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:off} packet.
39830
39831 @item Qbtrace:bts
39832 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:bts} packet.
39833
39834 @end table
39835
39836 @item qSymbol::
39837 @cindex symbol lookup, remote request
39838 @cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
39839 Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
39840 requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
39841
39842 Reply:
39843 @table @samp
39844 @item OK
39845 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
39846 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
39847 The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
39848 @value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
39849 @samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
39850 below.
39851 @end table
39852
39853 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
39854 Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
39855
39856 @var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
39857 target has previously requested.
39858
39859 @var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
39860 @value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
39861 will be empty.
39862
39863 Reply:
39864 @table @samp
39865 @item OK
39866 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
39867 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
39868 The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
39869 encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
39870 (if available), until the target ceases to request them.
39871 @end table
39872
39873 @item qTBuffer
39874 @itemx QTBuffer
39875 @itemx QTDisconnected
39876 @itemx QTDP
39877 @itemx QTDPsrc
39878 @itemx QTDV
39879 @itemx qTfP
39880 @itemx qTfV
39881 @itemx QTFrame
39882 @itemx qTMinFTPILen
39883
39884 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
39885
39886 @item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
39887 @cindex thread attributes info, remote request
39888 @cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
39889 Obtain a printable string description of a thread's attributes from
39890 the target OS. @var{thread-id} is a thread ID;
39891 see @ref{thread-id syntax}. This
39892 string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
39893 for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
39894 displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
39895 examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
39896 @samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
39897
39898 Reply:
39899 @table @samp
39900 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
39901 Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
39902 comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
39903 the thread's attributes.
39904 @end table
39905
39906 (Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
39907 the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
39908 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
39909 packets.)
39910
39911 @item QTNotes
39912 @itemx qTP
39913 @itemx QTSave
39914 @itemx qTsP
39915 @itemx qTsV
39916 @itemx QTStart
39917 @itemx QTStop
39918 @itemx QTEnable
39919 @itemx QTDisable
39920 @itemx QTinit
39921 @itemx QTro
39922 @itemx qTStatus
39923 @itemx qTV
39924 @itemx qTfSTM
39925 @itemx qTsSTM
39926 @itemx qTSTMat
39927 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
39928
39929 @item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39930 @cindex read special object, remote request
39931 @cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
39932 @anchor{qXfer read}
39933 Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
39934 identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
39935 starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
39936 encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
39937 additional details about what data to access.
39938
39939 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
39940 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
39941 formats, listed below.
39942
39943 @table @samp
39944 @item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39945 @anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
39946 Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
39947 auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
39948
39949 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39950 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39951
39952 @item qXfer:btrace:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39953 @anchor{qXfer btrace read}
39954
39955 Return a description of the current branch trace.
39956 @xref{Branch Trace Format}. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer}
39957 packet may have one of the following values:
39958
39959 @table @code
39960 @item all
39961 Returns all available branch trace.
39962
39963 @item new
39964 Returns all available branch trace if the branch trace changed since
39965 the last read request.
39966 @end table
39967
39968 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it
39969 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39970
39971 @item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39972 @anchor{qXfer target description read}
39973 Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
39974 annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
39975 always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
39976
39977 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39978 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39979
39980 @item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39981 @anchor{qXfer library list read}
39982 Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
39983 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
39984 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
39985
39986 Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
39987 not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
39988 the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
39989
39990 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39991 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39992
39993 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39994 @anchor{qXfer svr4 library list read}
39995 Access the target's list of loaded libraries when the target is an SVR4
39996 platform. @xref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets}. The annex part
39997 of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty unless the remote
39998 stub indicated it supports the augmented form of this packet
39999 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
40000 (@pxref{qXfer read}, @ref{qSupported}).
40001
40002 This packet is optional for better performance on SVR4 targets.
40003 @value{GDBN} uses memory read packets to read the SVR4 library list otherwise.
40004
40005 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
40006 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
40007
40008 If the remote stub indicates it supports the augmented form of this
40009 packet then the annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet may
40010 contain a semicolon-separated list of @samp{@var{name}=@var{value}}
40011 arguments. The currently supported arguments are:
40012
40013 @table @code
40014 @item start=@var{address}
40015 A hexadecimal number specifying the address of the @samp{struct
40016 link_map} to start reading the library list from. If unset or zero
40017 then the first @samp{struct link_map} in the library list will be
40018 chosen as the starting point.
40019
40020 @item prev=@var{address}
40021 A hexadecimal number specifying the address of the @samp{struct
40022 link_map} immediately preceding the @samp{struct link_map}
40023 specified by the @samp{start} argument. If unset or zero then
40024 the remote stub will expect that no @samp{struct link_map}
40025 exists prior to the starting point.
40026
40027 @end table
40028
40029 Arguments that are not understood by the remote stub will be silently
40030 ignored.
40031
40032 @item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
40033 @anchor{qXfer memory map read}
40034 Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
40035 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
40036 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
40037
40038 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
40039 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
40040
40041 @item qXfer:sdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
40042 @anchor{qXfer sdata read}
40043
40044 Read contents of the extra collected static tracepoint marker
40045 information. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must
40046 be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}). @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint
40047 Action Lists}.
40048
40049 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
40050 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
40051 (@pxref{qSupported}).
40052
40053 @item qXfer:siginfo:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
40054 @anchor{qXfer siginfo read}
40055 Read contents of the extra signal information on the target
40056 system. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
40057 empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
40058
40059 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
40060 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
40061 (@pxref{qSupported}).
40062
40063 @item qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
40064 @anchor{qXfer spu read}
40065 Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
40066 annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
40067 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
40068 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
40069 in that context to be accessed.
40070
40071 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
40072 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
40073 (@pxref{qSupported}).
40074
40075 @item qXfer:threads:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
40076 @anchor{qXfer threads read}
40077 Access the list of threads on target. @xref{Thread List Format}. The
40078 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
40079 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
40080
40081 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
40082 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
40083
40084 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
40085 @anchor{qXfer traceframe info read}
40086
40087 Return a description of the current traceframe's contents.
40088 @xref{Traceframe Info Format}. The annex part of the generic
40089 @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
40090
40091 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
40092 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
40093
40094 @item qXfer:uib:read:@var{pc}:@var{offset},@var{length}
40095 @anchor{qXfer unwind info block}
40096
40097 Return the unwind information block for @var{pc}. This packet is used
40098 on OpenVMS/ia64 to ask the kernel unwind information.
40099
40100 This packet is not probed by default.
40101
40102 @item qXfer:fdpic:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
40103 @anchor{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}
40104 Read contents of @code{loadmap}s on the target system. The
40105 annex, either @samp{exec} or @samp{interp}, specifies which @code{loadmap},
40106 executable @code{loadmap} or interpreter @code{loadmap} to read.
40107
40108 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
40109 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
40110
40111 @item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
40112 @anchor{qXfer osdata read}
40113 Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
40114 @xref{Operating System Information}.
40115
40116 @end table
40117
40118 Reply:
40119 @table @samp
40120 @item m @var{data}
40121 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
40122 target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
40123 it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
40124 block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
40125 @var{data} may have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
40126 request.
40127
40128 @item l @var{data}
40129 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
40130 There is no more data to be read. @var{data} may have fewer bytes
40131 than the @var{length} in the request.
40132
40133 @item l
40134 The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
40135 There is no more data to be read.
40136
40137 @item E00
40138 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
40139
40140 @item E @var{nn}
40141 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
40142 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
40143
40144 @item @w{}
40145 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
40146 the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
40147 @end table
40148
40149 @item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
40150 @cindex write data into object, remote request
40151 @anchor{qXfer write}
40152 Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
40153 identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
40154 into the data. @var{data}@dots{} is the binary-encoded data
40155 (@pxref{Binary Data}) to be written. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
40156 is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
40157 to access.
40158
40159 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
40160 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
40161 formats, listed below.
40162
40163 @table @samp
40164 @item qXfer:siginfo:write::@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
40165 @anchor{qXfer siginfo write}
40166 Write @var{data} to the extra signal information on the target system.
40167 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
40168 empty (@pxref{qXfer write}).
40169
40170 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
40171 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
40172 (@pxref{qSupported}).
40173
40174 @item qXfer:spu:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
40175 @anchor{qXfer spu write}
40176 Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
40177 annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
40178 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
40179 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
40180 in that context to be accessed.
40181
40182 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
40183 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
40184 @end table
40185
40186 Reply:
40187 @table @samp
40188 @item @var{nn}
40189 @var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
40190 This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
40191
40192 @item E00
40193 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
40194
40195 @item E @var{nn}
40196 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
40197 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
40198
40199 @item @w{}
40200 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
40201 recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
40202 @end table
40203
40204 @item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
40205 Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
40206 not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
40207 @var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
40208 must respond with an empty packet.
40209
40210 @item qAttached:@var{pid}
40211 @cindex query attached, remote request
40212 @cindex @samp{qAttached} packet
40213 Return an indication of whether the remote server attached to an
40214 existing process or created a new process. When the multiprocess
40215 protocol extensions are supported (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}),
40216 @var{pid} is an integer in hexadecimal format identifying the target
40217 process. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will omit the @var{pid} field and
40218 the query packet will be simplified as @samp{qAttached}.
40219
40220 This query is used, for example, to know whether the remote process
40221 should be detached or killed when a @value{GDBN} session is ended with
40222 the @code{quit} command.
40223
40224 Reply:
40225 @table @samp
40226 @item 1
40227 The remote server attached to an existing process.
40228 @item 0
40229 The remote server created a new process.
40230 @item E @var{NN}
40231 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
40232 @end table
40233
40234 @item Qbtrace:bts
40235 Enable branch tracing for the current thread using bts tracing.
40236
40237 Reply:
40238 @table @samp
40239 @item OK
40240 Branch tracing has been enabled.
40241 @item E.errtext
40242 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
40243 @end table
40244
40245 @item Qbtrace:off
40246 Disable branch tracing for the current thread.
40247
40248 Reply:
40249 @table @samp
40250 @item OK
40251 Branch tracing has been disabled.
40252 @item E.errtext
40253 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
40254 @end table
40255
40256 @end table
40257
40258 @node Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
40259 @section Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
40260
40261 This section describes how the remote protocol is applied to specific
40262 target architectures. Also see @ref{Standard Target Features}, for
40263 details of XML target descriptions for each architecture.
40264
40265 @menu
40266 * ARM-Specific Protocol Details::
40267 * MIPS-Specific Protocol Details::
40268 @end menu
40269
40270 @node ARM-Specific Protocol Details
40271 @subsection @acronym{ARM}-specific Protocol Details
40272
40273 @menu
40274 * ARM Breakpoint Kinds::
40275 @end menu
40276
40277 @node ARM Breakpoint Kinds
40278 @subsubsection @acronym{ARM} Breakpoint Kinds
40279 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{ARM}
40280
40281 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
40282
40283 @table @r
40284
40285 @item 2
40286 16-bit Thumb mode breakpoint.
40287
40288 @item 3
40289 32-bit Thumb mode (Thumb-2) breakpoint.
40290
40291 @item 4
40292 32-bit @acronym{ARM} mode breakpoint.
40293
40294 @end table
40295
40296 @node MIPS-Specific Protocol Details
40297 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}-specific Protocol Details
40298
40299 @menu
40300 * MIPS Register packet Format::
40301 * MIPS Breakpoint Kinds::
40302 @end menu
40303
40304 @node MIPS Register packet Format
40305 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Register Packet Format
40306 @cindex register packet format, @acronym{MIPS}
40307
40308 The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
40309 In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
40310 sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
40311 to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
40312 byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
40313 most-significant -- least-significant.
40314
40315 @table @r
40316
40317 @item MIPS32
40318 All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
40319 32 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
40320 registers; fsr; fir; fp.
40321
40322 @item MIPS64
40323 All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
40324 thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
40325 as @code{MIPS32}.
40326
40327 @end table
40328
40329 @node MIPS Breakpoint Kinds
40330 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Breakpoint Kinds
40331 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{MIPS}
40332
40333 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
40334
40335 @table @r
40336
40337 @item 2
40338 16-bit @acronym{MIPS16} mode breakpoint.
40339
40340 @item 3
40341 16-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
40342
40343 @item 4
40344 32-bit standard @acronym{MIPS} mode breakpoint.
40345
40346 @item 5
40347 32-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
40348
40349 @end table
40350
40351 @node Tracepoint Packets
40352 @section Tracepoint Packets
40353 @cindex tracepoint packets
40354 @cindex packets, tracepoint
40355
40356 Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
40357 tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
40358
40359 @table @samp
40360
40361 @item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}[:F@var{flen}][:X@var{len},@var{bytes}]@r{[}-@r{]}
40362 @cindex @samp{QTDP} packet
40363 Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
40364 is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
40365 the tracepoint is disabled. @var{step} is the tracepoint's step
40366 count, and @var{pass} is its pass count. If an @samp{F} is present,
40367 then the tracepoint is to be a fast tracepoint, and the @var{flen} is
40368 the number of bytes that the target should copy elsewhere to make room
40369 for the tracepoint. If an @samp{X} is present, it introduces a
40370 tracepoint condition, which consists of a hexadecimal length, followed
40371 by a comma and hex-encoded bytes, in a manner similar to action
40372 encodings as described below. If the trailing @samp{-} is present,
40373 further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this tracepoint's
40374 actions.
40375
40376 Replies:
40377 @table @samp
40378 @item OK
40379 The packet was understood and carried out.
40380 @item qRelocInsn
40381 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
40382 @item @w{}
40383 The packet was not recognized.
40384 @end table
40385
40386 @item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
40387 Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. @var{n} and
40388 @var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
40389 this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
40390 another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
40391 trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
40392 specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
40393
40394 In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
40395 can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
40396 is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
40397 actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
40398 taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
40399 @samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
40400 tracepoint actions.
40401
40402 The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
40403 actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
40404 following forms:
40405
40406 @table @samp
40407
40408 @item R @var{mask}
40409 Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask}. @var{mask} is
40410 a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
40411 @var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
40412 zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
40413 not fit in a 32-bit word.
40414
40415 @item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
40416 Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
40417 number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
40418 @samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
40419 address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
40420 @var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
40421 values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
40422
40423 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
40424 Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
40425 it directs. @var{expr} is an agent expression, as described in
40426 @ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
40427 two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
40428 in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
40429 packet).
40430
40431 @end table
40432
40433 Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
40434 packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
40435 length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
40436 action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
40437 actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
40438 must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
40439 ``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
40440 separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
40441
40442 Replies:
40443 @table @samp
40444 @item OK
40445 The packet was understood and carried out.
40446 @item qRelocInsn
40447 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
40448 @item @w{}
40449 The packet was not recognized.
40450 @end table
40451
40452 @item QTDPsrc:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{type}:@var{start}:@var{slen}:@var{bytes}
40453 @cindex @samp{QTDPsrc} packet
40454 Specify a source string of tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr}.
40455 This is useful to get accurate reproduction of the tracepoints
40456 originally downloaded at the beginning of the trace run. @var{type}
40457 is the name of the tracepoint part, such as @samp{cond} for the
40458 tracepoint's conditional expression (see below for a list of types), while
40459 @var{bytes} is the string, encoded in hexadecimal.
40460
40461 @var{start} is the offset of the @var{bytes} within the overall source
40462 string, while @var{slen} is the total length of the source string.
40463 This is intended for handling source strings that are longer than will
40464 fit in a single packet.
40465 @c Add detailed example when this info is moved into a dedicated
40466 @c tracepoint descriptions section.
40467
40468 The available string types are @samp{at} for the location,
40469 @samp{cond} for the conditional, and @samp{cmd} for an action command.
40470 @value{GDBN} sends a separate packet for each command in the action
40471 list, in the same order in which the commands are stored in the list.
40472
40473 The target does not need to do anything with source strings except
40474 report them back as part of the replies to the @samp{qTfP}/@samp{qTsP}
40475 query packets.
40476
40477 Although this packet is optional, and @value{GDBN} will only send it
40478 if the target replies with @samp{TracepointSource} @xref{General
40479 Query Packets}, it makes both disconnected tracing and trace files
40480 much easier to use. Otherwise the user must be careful that the
40481 tracepoints in effect while looking at trace frames are identical to
40482 the ones in effect during the trace run; even a small discrepancy
40483 could cause @samp{tdump} not to work, or a particular trace frame not
40484 be found.
40485
40486 @item QTDV:@var{n}:@var{value}
40487 @cindex define trace state variable, remote request
40488 @cindex @samp{QTDV} packet
40489 Create a new trace state variable, number @var{n}, with an initial
40490 value of @var{value}, which is a 64-bit signed integer. Both @var{n}
40491 and @var{value} are encoded as hexadecimal values. @value{GDBN} has
40492 the option of not using this packet for initial values of zero; the
40493 target should simply create the trace state variables as they are
40494 mentioned in expressions.
40495
40496 @item QTFrame:@var{n}
40497 @cindex @samp{QTFrame} packet
40498 Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
40499 register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
40500 request packets from @value{GDBN}.
40501
40502 A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
40503 requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
40504 without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
40505 one of the following forms:
40506
40507 @table @samp
40508 @item F @var{f}
40509 The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
40510 @var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
40511 was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
40512
40513 @item T @var{t}
40514 The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
40515 @var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
40516
40517 @end table
40518
40519 @item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
40520 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
40521 currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
40522 @var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
40523
40524 @item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
40525 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
40526 currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
40527 is a hexadecimal number.
40528
40529 @item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
40530 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
40531 currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
40532 and @var{end} (inclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
40533 numbers.
40534
40535 @item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
40536 Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
40537 frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses (exclusive).
40538
40539 @item qTMinFTPILen
40540 @cindex @samp{qTMinFTPILen} packet
40541 This packet requests the minimum length of instruction at which a fast
40542 tracepoint (@pxref{Set Tracepoints}) may be placed. For instance, on
40543 the 32-bit x86 architecture, it is possible to use a 4-byte jump, but
40544 it depends on the target system being able to create trampolines in
40545 the first 64K of memory, which might or might not be possible for that
40546 system. So the reply to this packet will be 4 if it is able to
40547 arrange for that.
40548
40549 Replies:
40550
40551 @table @samp
40552 @item 0
40553 The minimum instruction length is currently unknown.
40554 @item @var{length}
40555 The minimum instruction length is @var{length}, where @var{length} is greater
40556 or equal to 1. @var{length} is a hexadecimal number. A reply of 1 means
40557 that a fast tracepoint may be placed on any instruction regardless of size.
40558 @item E
40559 An error has occurred.
40560 @item @w{}
40561 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the stub.
40562 @end table
40563
40564 @item QTStart
40565 @cindex @samp{QTStart} packet
40566 Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from
40567 tracepoint hits in the trace frame buffer. This packet supports the
40568 @samp{qRelocInsn} reply (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
40569 instruction reply packet}).
40570
40571 @item QTStop
40572 @cindex @samp{QTStop} packet
40573 End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
40574
40575 @item QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
40576 @anchor{QTEnable}
40577 @cindex @samp{QTEnable} packet
40578 Enable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
40579 experiment. If the tracepoint was previously disabled, then collection
40580 of data from it will resume.
40581
40582 @item QTDisable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
40583 @anchor{QTDisable}
40584 @cindex @samp{QTDisable} packet
40585 Disable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
40586 experiment. No more data will be collected from the tracepoint unless
40587 @samp{QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}} is subsequently issued.
40588
40589 @item QTinit
40590 @cindex @samp{QTinit} packet
40591 Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
40592
40593 @item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
40594 @cindex @samp{QTro} packet
40595 Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
40596 will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
40597 if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
40598
40599 @value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
40600 containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
40601 still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
40602 there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
40603
40604 @item QTDisconnected:@var{value}
40605 @cindex @samp{QTDisconnected} packet
40606 Set the choice to what to do with the tracing run when @value{GDBN}
40607 disconnects from the target. A @var{value} of 1 directs the target to
40608 continue the tracing run, while 0 tells the target to stop tracing if
40609 @value{GDBN} is no longer in the picture.
40610
40611 @item qTStatus
40612 @cindex @samp{qTStatus} packet
40613 Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
40614
40615 The reply has the form:
40616
40617 @table @samp
40618
40619 @item T@var{running}@r{[};@var{field}@r{]}@dots{}
40620 @var{running} is a single digit @code{1} if the trace is presently
40621 running, or @code{0} if not. It is followed by semicolon-separated
40622 optional fields that an agent may use to report additional status.
40623
40624 @end table
40625
40626 If the trace is not running, the agent may report any of several
40627 explanations as one of the optional fields:
40628
40629 @table @samp
40630
40631 @item tnotrun:0
40632 No trace has been run yet.
40633
40634 @item tstop[:@var{text}]:0
40635 The trace was stopped by a user-originated stop command. The optional
40636 @var{text} field is a user-supplied string supplied as part of the
40637 stop command (for instance, an explanation of why the trace was
40638 stopped manually). It is hex-encoded.
40639
40640 @item tfull:0
40641 The trace stopped because the trace buffer filled up.
40642
40643 @item tdisconnected:0
40644 The trace stopped because @value{GDBN} disconnected from the target.
40645
40646 @item tpasscount:@var{tpnum}
40647 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} exceeded its pass count.
40648
40649 @item terror:@var{text}:@var{tpnum}
40650 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} had an error. The
40651 string @var{text} is available to describe the nature of the error
40652 (for instance, a divide by zero in the condition expression).
40653 @var{text} is hex encoded.
40654
40655 @item tunknown:0
40656 The trace stopped for some other reason.
40657
40658 @end table
40659
40660 Additional optional fields supply statistical and other information.
40661 Although not required, they are extremely useful for users monitoring
40662 the progress of a trace run. If a trace has stopped, and these
40663 numbers are reported, they must reflect the state of the just-stopped
40664 trace.
40665
40666 @table @samp
40667
40668 @item tframes:@var{n}
40669 The number of trace frames in the buffer.
40670
40671 @item tcreated:@var{n}
40672 The total number of trace frames created during the run. This may
40673 be larger than the trace frame count, if the buffer is circular.
40674
40675 @item tsize:@var{n}
40676 The total size of the trace buffer, in bytes.
40677
40678 @item tfree:@var{n}
40679 The number of bytes still unused in the buffer.
40680
40681 @item circular:@var{n}
40682 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
40683 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
40684 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
40685 and may fill up.
40686
40687 @item disconn:@var{n}
40688 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
40689 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
40690 that the trace run will stop.
40691
40692 @end table
40693
40694 @item qTP:@var{tp}:@var{addr}
40695 @cindex tracepoint status, remote request
40696 @cindex @samp{qTP} packet
40697 Ask the stub for the current state of tracepoint number @var{tp} at
40698 address @var{addr}.
40699
40700 Replies:
40701 @table @samp
40702 @item V@var{hits}:@var{usage}
40703 The tracepoint has been hit @var{hits} times so far during the trace
40704 run, and accounts for @var{usage} in the trace buffer. Note that
40705 @code{while-stepping} steps are not counted as separate hits, but the
40706 steps' space consumption is added into the usage number.
40707
40708 @end table
40709
40710 @item qTV:@var{var}
40711 @cindex trace state variable value, remote request
40712 @cindex @samp{qTV} packet
40713 Ask the stub for the value of the trace state variable number @var{var}.
40714
40715 Replies:
40716 @table @samp
40717 @item V@var{value}
40718 The value of the variable is @var{value}. This will be the current
40719 value of the variable if the user is examining a running target, or a
40720 saved value if the variable was collected in the trace frame that the
40721 user is looking at. Note that multiple requests may result in
40722 different reply values, such as when requesting values while the
40723 program is running.
40724
40725 @item U
40726 The value of the variable is unknown. This would occur, for example,
40727 if the user is examining a trace frame in which the requested variable
40728 was not collected.
40729 @end table
40730
40731 @item qTfP
40732 @cindex @samp{qTfP} packet
40733 @itemx qTsP
40734 @cindex @samp{qTsP} packet
40735 These packets request data about tracepoints that are being used by
40736 the target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfP} to get the first piece
40737 of data, and multiple @code{qTsP} to get additional pieces. Replies
40738 to these packets generally take the form of the @code{QTDP} packets
40739 that define tracepoints. (FIXME add detailed syntax)
40740
40741 @item qTfV
40742 @cindex @samp{qTfV} packet
40743 @itemx qTsV
40744 @cindex @samp{qTsV} packet
40745 These packets request data about trace state variables that are on the
40746 target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfV} to get the first vari of data,
40747 and multiple @code{qTsV} to get additional variables. Replies to
40748 these packets follow the syntax of the @code{QTDV} packets that define
40749 trace state variables.
40750
40751 @item qTfSTM
40752 @itemx qTsSTM
40753 @anchor{qTfSTM}
40754 @anchor{qTsSTM}
40755 @cindex @samp{qTfSTM} packet
40756 @cindex @samp{qTsSTM} packet
40757 These packets request data about static tracepoint markers that exist
40758 in the target program. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfSTM} to get the
40759 first piece of data, and multiple @code{qTsSTM} to get additional
40760 pieces. Replies to these packets take the following form:
40761
40762 Reply:
40763 @table @samp
40764 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}
40765 A single marker
40766 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra},@var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}@dots{}
40767 a comma-separated list of markers
40768 @item l
40769 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
40770 @item E @var{nn}
40771 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
40772 @item @w{}
40773 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the
40774 stub.
40775 @end table
40776
40777 @var{address} is encoded in hex.
40778 @var{id} and @var{extra} are strings encoded in hex.
40779
40780 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
40781 more markers, separated by commas. @value{GDBN} will respond to each
40782 reply with a request for more markers (using the @samp{qs} form of the
40783 query), until the target responds with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for
40784 @dfn{last}).
40785
40786 @item qTSTMat:@var{address}
40787 @anchor{qTSTMat}
40788 @cindex @samp{qTSTMat} packet
40789 This packets requests data about static tracepoint markers in the
40790 target program at @var{address}. Replies to this packet follow the
40791 syntax of the @samp{qTfSTM} and @code{qTsSTM} packets that list static
40792 tracepoint markers.
40793
40794 @item QTSave:@var{filename}
40795 @cindex @samp{QTSave} packet
40796 This packet directs the target to save trace data to the file name
40797 @var{filename} in the target's filesystem. @var{filename} is encoded
40798 as a hex string; the interpretation of the file name (relative vs
40799 absolute, wild cards, etc) is up to the target.
40800
40801 @item qTBuffer:@var{offset},@var{len}
40802 @cindex @samp{qTBuffer} packet
40803 Return up to @var{len} bytes of the current contents of trace buffer,
40804 starting at @var{offset}. The trace buffer is treated as if it were
40805 a contiguous collection of traceframes, as per the trace file format.
40806 The reply consists as many hex-encoded bytes as the target can deliver
40807 in a packet; it is not an error to return fewer than were asked for.
40808 A reply consisting of just @code{l} indicates that no bytes are
40809 available.
40810
40811 @item QTBuffer:circular:@var{value}
40812 This packet directs the target to use a circular trace buffer if
40813 @var{value} is 1, or a linear buffer if the value is 0.
40814
40815 @item QTBuffer:size:@var{size}
40816 @anchor{QTBuffer-size}
40817 @cindex @samp{QTBuffer size} packet
40818 This packet directs the target to make the trace buffer be of size
40819 @var{size} if possible. A value of @code{-1} tells the target to
40820 use whatever size it prefers.
40821
40822 @item QTNotes:@r{[}@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@r{[};@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@dots{}
40823 @cindex @samp{QTNotes} packet
40824 This packet adds optional textual notes to the trace run. Allowable
40825 types include @code{user}, @code{notes}, and @code{tstop}, the
40826 @var{text} fields are arbitrary strings, hex-encoded.
40827
40828 @end table
40829
40830 @subsection Relocate instruction reply packet
40831 When installing fast tracepoints in memory, the target may need to
40832 relocate the instruction currently at the tracepoint address to a
40833 different address in memory. For most instructions, a simple copy is
40834 enough, but, for example, call instructions that implicitly push the
40835 return address on the stack, and relative branches or other
40836 PC-relative instructions require offset adjustment, so that the effect
40837 of executing the instruction at a different address is the same as if
40838 it had executed in the original location.
40839
40840 In response to several of the tracepoint packets, the target may also
40841 respond with a number of intermediate @samp{qRelocInsn} request
40842 packets before the final result packet, to have @value{GDBN} handle
40843 this relocation operation. If a packet supports this mechanism, its
40844 documentation will explicitly say so. See for example the above
40845 descriptions for the @samp{QTStart} and @samp{QTDP} packets. The
40846 format of the request is:
40847
40848 @table @samp
40849 @item qRelocInsn:@var{from};@var{to}
40850
40851 This requests @value{GDBN} to copy instruction at address @var{from}
40852 to address @var{to}, possibly adjusted so that executing the
40853 instruction at @var{to} has the same effect as executing it at
40854 @var{from}. @value{GDBN} writes the adjusted instruction to target
40855 memory starting at @var{to}.
40856 @end table
40857
40858 Replies:
40859 @table @samp
40860 @item qRelocInsn:@var{adjusted_size}
40861 Informs the stub the relocation is complete. @var{adjusted_size} is
40862 the length in bytes of resulting relocated instruction sequence.
40863 @item E @var{NN}
40864 A badly formed request was detected, or an error was encountered while
40865 relocating the instruction.
40866 @end table
40867
40868 @node Host I/O Packets
40869 @section Host I/O Packets
40870 @cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
40871 @cindex file transfer, remote protocol
40872
40873 The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
40874 operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
40875 used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
40876 filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
40877 layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
40878 Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
40879 protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
40880 Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
40881 target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
40882 Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
40883
40884 The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
40885 its arguments. They have this format:
40886
40887 @table @samp
40888
40889 @item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
40890 @var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
40891 should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
40892 for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
40893 the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
40894 numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
40895 used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
40896 hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
40897 buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
40898
40899 @end table
40900
40901 The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
40902
40903 @table @samp
40904
40905 @item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
40906 @var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
40907 non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
40908 @var{errno} will be included in the result. @var{errno} will have a
40909 value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
40910 operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
40911 binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
40912 normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
40913 documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
40914 @var{attachment}.
40915
40916 @item @w{}
40917 An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
40918
40919 @end table
40920
40921 These are the supported Host I/O operations:
40922
40923 @table @samp
40924 @item vFile:open: @var{pathname}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
40925 Open a file at @var{pathname} and return a file descriptor for it, or
40926 return -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string,
40927 @var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
40928 (@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
40929 of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
40930 @xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
40931
40932 @item vFile:close: @var{fd}
40933 Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
40934 -1 if an error occurs.
40935
40936 @item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
40937 Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
40938 @var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
40939 relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
40940 common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
40941 condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
40942 returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
40943 @var{count} was zero.
40944
40945 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
40946 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
40947 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
40948 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
40949 some characters were escaped.
40950
40951 @item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
40952 Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
40953 to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
40954 file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
40955 separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
40956 packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
40957 which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
40958 error occurred.
40959
40960 @item vFile:unlink: @var{pathname}
40961 Delete the file at @var{pathname} on the target. Return 0,
40962 or -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string.
40963
40964 @item vFile:readlink: @var{filename}
40965 Read value of symbolic link @var{filename} on the target. Return
40966 the number of bytes read, or -1 if an error occurs.
40967
40968 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
40969 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
40970 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
40971 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
40972 some characters were escaped.
40973
40974 @end table
40975
40976 @node Interrupts
40977 @section Interrupts
40978 @cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
40979
40980 When a program on the remote target is running, @value{GDBN} may
40981 attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or
40982 a @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g},
40983 control of which is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{interrupt-sequence}.
40984
40985 The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
40986 mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
40987 currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
40988 interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
40989 @code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
40990
40991 @samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
40992 transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
40993 @code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
40994 the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
40995 transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
40996 and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
40997 (@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
40998 @code{0x03} as part of its packet.
40999
41000 @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g} is also known as Magic SysRq g.
41001 When Linux kernel receives this sequence from serial port,
41002 it stops execution and connects to gdb.
41003
41004 Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
41005 precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
41006 implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
41007 threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
41008 currently-executing threads and processes.
41009 If the stub is successful at interrupting the
41010 running program, it should send one of the stop
41011 reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
41012 of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
41013 for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
41014 Interrupts received while the
41015 program is stopped are discarded.
41016
41017 @node Notification Packets
41018 @section Notification Packets
41019 @cindex notification packets
41020 @cindex packets, notification
41021
41022 The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
41023 packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
41024 may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
41025 present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
41026 without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
41027 are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
41028 is not a problem.
41029
41030 A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
41031 @var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
41032 and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
41033 as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
41034 never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
41035 receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
41036 to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
41037
41038 Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
41039 colon characters, followed by a colon character.
41040
41041 Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
41042 notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
41043 timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
41044 not they understand it.
41045
41046 Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
41047 protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
41048 future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
41049 new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
41050 recipients.
41051
41052 (Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
41053 the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
41054 transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
41055 are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
41056 assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
41057
41058 Each notification is comprised of three parts:
41059 @table @samp
41060 @item @var{name}:@var{event}
41061 The notification packet is sent by the side that initiates the
41062 exchange (currently, only the stub does that), with @var{event}
41063 carrying the specific information about the notification.
41064 @var{name} is the name of the notification.
41065 @item @var{ack}
41066 The acknowledge sent by the other side, usually @value{GDBN}, to
41067 acknowledge the exchange and request the event.
41068 @end table
41069
41070 The purpose of an asynchronous notification mechanism is to report to
41071 @value{GDBN} that something interesting happened in the remote stub.
41072
41073 The remote stub may send notification @var{name}:@var{event}
41074 at any time, but @value{GDBN} acknowledges the notification when
41075 appropriate. The notification event is pending before @value{GDBN}
41076 acknowledges. Only one notification at a time may be pending; if
41077 additional events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
41078 previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
41079 synchronous transmission in response to @var{ack} packets from
41080 @value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
41081 the stub is permitted to resend a notification if it believes
41082 @value{GDBN} may not have received it.
41083
41084 Specifically, notifications may appear when @value{GDBN} is not
41085 otherwise reading input from the stub, or when @value{GDBN} is
41086 expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
41087 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
41088 Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
41089 the stub so there is no ambiguity.
41090
41091 After receiving a notification, @value{GDBN} shall acknowledge it by
41092 sending a @var{ack} packet as a regular, synchronous request to the
41093 stub. Such acknowledgment is not required to happen immediately, as
41094 @value{GDBN} is permitted to send other, unrelated packets to the
41095 stub first, which the stub should process normally.
41096
41097 Upon receiving a @var{ack} packet, if the stub has other queued
41098 events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
41099 normal @var{event}. @value{GDBN} shall then send another @var{ack}
41100 packet to solicit further responses; again, it is permitted to send
41101 other, unrelated packets as well which the stub should process
41102 normally.
41103
41104 If the stub receives a @var{ack} packet and there are no additional
41105 @var{event} to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK} response.
41106 At this point, @value{GDBN} has finished processing a notification
41107 and the stub has completed sending any queued events. @value{GDBN}
41108 won't accept any new notifications until the final @samp{OK} is
41109 received . If further notification events occur, the stub shall send
41110 a new notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the notification, and
41111 the process shall be repeated.
41112
41113 The process of asynchronous notification can be illustrated by the
41114 following example:
41115 @smallexample
41116 <- @code{%%Stop:T0505:98e7ffbf;04:4ce6ffbf;08:b1b6e54c;thread:p7526.7526;core:0;}
41117 @code{...}
41118 -> @code{vStopped}
41119 <- @code{T0505:68f37db7;04:40f37db7;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7528;core:0;}
41120 -> @code{vStopped}
41121 <- @code{T0505:68e3fdb6;04:40e3fdb6;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7529;core:0;}
41122 -> @code{vStopped}
41123 <- @code{OK}
41124 @end smallexample
41125
41126 The following notifications are defined:
41127 @multitable @columnfractions 0.12 0.12 0.38 0.38
41128
41129 @item Notification
41130 @tab Ack
41131 @tab Event
41132 @tab Description
41133
41134 @item Stop
41135 @tab vStopped
41136 @tab @var{reply}. The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
41137 described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
41138 for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
41139 @value{GDBN}.
41140 @tab Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
41141
41142 @end multitable
41143
41144 @node Remote Non-Stop
41145 @section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
41146
41147 @value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
41148 multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
41149 supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
41150 @samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
41151
41152 @value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
41153 establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
41154 does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
41155 must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
41156 all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
41157 probe the target state after a mode change.
41158
41159 In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
41160 would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
41161 asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
41162 inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
41163 in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
41164 mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
41165 when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
41166 of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
41167 affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
41168 to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
41169 threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
41170
41171 In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
41172 follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
41173 sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
41174 sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
41175 it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
41176 stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
41177 subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
41178 using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
41179 asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
41180 If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
41181 or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
41182 @samp{OK}.
41183
41184 @node Packet Acknowledgment
41185 @section Packet Acknowledgment
41186
41187 @cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
41188 @cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
41189 By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
41190 the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
41191 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
41192 This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
41193 unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
41194
41195 In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
41196 TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
41197 It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
41198 overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
41199 @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
41200
41201 When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
41202 expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
41203 and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
41204 @ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
41205
41206 If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
41207 no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
41208 by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
41209 @pxref{qSupported}.
41210 If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
41211 disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
41212 (@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
41213 @value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
41214 Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
41215 @value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
41216 response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
41217
41218 Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
41219 between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
41220 it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
41221 connection.
41222 Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
41223 new connection is established,
41224 there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
41225 for the current connection, once disabled.
41226
41227 @node Examples
41228 @section Examples
41229
41230 Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
41231 does not get any direct output:
41232
41233 @smallexample
41234 -> @code{R00}
41235 <- @code{+}
41236 @emph{target restarts}
41237 -> @code{?}
41238 <- @code{+}
41239 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
41240 -> @code{+}
41241 @end smallexample
41242
41243 Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
41244
41245 @smallexample
41246 -> @code{G1445@dots{}}
41247 <- @code{+}
41248 -> @code{s}
41249 <- @code{+}
41250 @emph{time passes}
41251 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
41252 -> @code{+}
41253 -> @code{g}
41254 <- @code{+}
41255 <- @code{1455@dots{}}
41256 -> @code{+}
41257 @end smallexample
41258
41259 @node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
41260 @section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
41261 @cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
41262
41263 @menu
41264 * File-I/O Overview::
41265 * Protocol Basics::
41266 * The F Request Packet::
41267 * The F Reply Packet::
41268 * The Ctrl-C Message::
41269 * Console I/O::
41270 * List of Supported Calls::
41271 * Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
41272 * Constants::
41273 * File-I/O Examples::
41274 @end menu
41275
41276 @node File-I/O Overview
41277 @subsection File-I/O Overview
41278 @cindex file-i/o overview
41279
41280 The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
41281 target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
41282 system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
41283 remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
41284 actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
41285 This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
41286
41287 The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
41288 It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
41289 @value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
41290 translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
41291 protocol representations when data is transmitted.
41292
41293 The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
41294 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
41295 or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
41296 the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
41297 memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
41298 the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
41299 (@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
41300
41301 The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
41302 the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
41303 after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
41304 previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
41305 request from @value{GDBN} is required.
41306
41307 @smallexample
41308 (@value{GDBP}) continue
41309 <- target requests 'system call X'
41310 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
41311 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
41312 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
41313 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
41314 @end smallexample
41315
41316 The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
41317 the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
41318 named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
41319 system are not supported by this protocol.
41320
41321 File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
41322
41323 @node Protocol Basics
41324 @subsection Protocol Basics
41325 @cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
41326
41327 The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
41328 as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
41329 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
41330 the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
41331 of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
41332 This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
41333 to call the appropriate host system call:
41334
41335 @itemize @bullet
41336 @item
41337 A unique identifier for the requested system call.
41338
41339 @item
41340 All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
41341 in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
41342 pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
41343 Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
41344
41345 @end itemize
41346
41347 At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
41348
41349 @itemize @bullet
41350 @item
41351 If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
41352 system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
41353 standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
41354 expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
41355 packet.
41356
41357 @item
41358 @value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
41359 representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
41360
41361 @item
41362 @value{GDBN} calls the system call.
41363
41364 @item
41365 It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
41366
41367 @item
41368 If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
41369 by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
41370 target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
41371 by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
41372 packet.
41373
41374 @end itemize
41375
41376 Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
41377 necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
41378
41379 @itemize @bullet
41380 @item
41381 Return value.
41382
41383 @item
41384 @code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
41385
41386 @item
41387 ``Ctrl-C'' flag.
41388
41389 @end itemize
41390
41391 After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
41392 the latest continue or step action.
41393
41394 @node The F Request Packet
41395 @subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
41396 @cindex file-i/o request packet
41397 @cindex @code{F} request packet
41398
41399 The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
41400
41401 @table @samp
41402 @item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
41403
41404 @var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
41405 This is just the name of the function.
41406
41407 @var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
41408 Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
41409 of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
41410 datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
41411 of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
41412 comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
41413 string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
41414
41415 @end table
41416
41417
41418
41419 @node The F Reply Packet
41420 @subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
41421 @cindex file-i/o reply packet
41422 @cindex @code{F} reply packet
41423
41424 The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
41425
41426 @table @samp
41427
41428 @item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
41429
41430 @var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
41431
41432 @var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
41433 representation.
41434 This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
41435
41436 @var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
41437 case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
41438 The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
41439
41440 @smallexample
41441 F0,0,C
41442 @end smallexample
41443
41444 @noindent
41445 or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
41446
41447 @smallexample
41448 F-1,4,C
41449 @end smallexample
41450
41451 @noindent
41452 assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
41453
41454 @end table
41455
41456
41457 @node The Ctrl-C Message
41458 @subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
41459 @cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
41460
41461 If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
41462 reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
41463 the target should behave as if it had
41464 gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
41465 interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
41466 (as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
41467 packet.
41468
41469 It's important for the target to know in which
41470 state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
41471
41472 @itemize @bullet
41473 @item
41474 The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
41475
41476 @item
41477 The system call on the host has been finished.
41478
41479 @end itemize
41480
41481 These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
41482 returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
41483 call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
41484 on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
41485 system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
41486 as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
41487
41488 @value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
41489 yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
41490 @code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
41491 before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
41492 @value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
41493 The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
41494 or the full action has been completed.
41495
41496 @node Console I/O
41497 @subsection Console I/O
41498 @cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
41499
41500 By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
41501 descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
41502 on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
41503 (@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
41504 by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
41505 0 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
41506 conditions is met:
41507
41508 @itemize @bullet
41509 @item
41510 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
41511 @code{read}
41512 system call is treated as finished.
41513
41514 @item
41515 The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
41516 newline.
41517
41518 @item
41519 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
41520 character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
41521
41522 @end itemize
41523
41524 If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
41525 the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
41526 either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
41527 is stopped at the user's request.
41528
41529
41530 @node List of Supported Calls
41531 @subsection List of Supported Calls
41532 @cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
41533
41534 @menu
41535 * open::
41536 * close::
41537 * read::
41538 * write::
41539 * lseek::
41540 * rename::
41541 * unlink::
41542 * stat/fstat::
41543 * gettimeofday::
41544 * isatty::
41545 * system::
41546 @end menu
41547
41548 @node open
41549 @unnumberedsubsubsec open
41550 @cindex open, file-i/o system call
41551
41552 @table @asis
41553 @item Synopsis:
41554 @smallexample
41555 int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
41556 int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
41557 @end smallexample
41558
41559 @item Request:
41560 @samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
41561
41562 @noindent
41563 @var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
41564
41565 @table @code
41566 @item O_CREAT
41567 If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
41568 rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
41569 are concerned.
41570
41571 @item O_EXCL
41572 When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
41573 an error and open() fails.
41574
41575 @item O_TRUNC
41576 If the file already exists and the open mode allows
41577 writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
41578 truncated to zero length.
41579
41580 @item O_APPEND
41581 The file is opened in append mode.
41582
41583 @item O_RDONLY
41584 The file is opened for reading only.
41585
41586 @item O_WRONLY
41587 The file is opened for writing only.
41588
41589 @item O_RDWR
41590 The file is opened for reading and writing.
41591 @end table
41592
41593 @noindent
41594 Other bits are silently ignored.
41595
41596
41597 @noindent
41598 @var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
41599
41600 @table @code
41601 @item S_IRUSR
41602 User has read permission.
41603
41604 @item S_IWUSR
41605 User has write permission.
41606
41607 @item S_IRGRP
41608 Group has read permission.
41609
41610 @item S_IWGRP
41611 Group has write permission.
41612
41613 @item S_IROTH
41614 Others have read permission.
41615
41616 @item S_IWOTH
41617 Others have write permission.
41618 @end table
41619
41620 @noindent
41621 Other bits are silently ignored.
41622
41623
41624 @item Return value:
41625 @code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
41626 occurred.
41627
41628 @item Errors:
41629
41630 @table @code
41631 @item EEXIST
41632 @var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
41633
41634 @item EISDIR
41635 @var{pathname} refers to a directory.
41636
41637 @item EACCES
41638 The requested access is not allowed.
41639
41640 @item ENAMETOOLONG
41641 @var{pathname} was too long.
41642
41643 @item ENOENT
41644 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
41645
41646 @item ENODEV
41647 @var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
41648
41649 @item EROFS
41650 @var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
41651 write access was requested.
41652
41653 @item EFAULT
41654 @var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
41655
41656 @item ENOSPC
41657 No space on device to create the file.
41658
41659 @item EMFILE
41660 The process already has the maximum number of files open.
41661
41662 @item ENFILE
41663 The limit on the total number of files open on the system
41664 has been reached.
41665
41666 @item EINTR
41667 The call was interrupted by the user.
41668 @end table
41669
41670 @end table
41671
41672 @node close
41673 @unnumberedsubsubsec close
41674 @cindex close, file-i/o system call
41675
41676 @table @asis
41677 @item Synopsis:
41678 @smallexample
41679 int close(int fd);
41680 @end smallexample
41681
41682 @item Request:
41683 @samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
41684
41685 @item Return value:
41686 @code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
41687
41688 @item Errors:
41689
41690 @table @code
41691 @item EBADF
41692 @var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
41693
41694 @item EINTR
41695 The call was interrupted by the user.
41696 @end table
41697
41698 @end table
41699
41700 @node read
41701 @unnumberedsubsubsec read
41702 @cindex read, file-i/o system call
41703
41704 @table @asis
41705 @item Synopsis:
41706 @smallexample
41707 int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
41708 @end smallexample
41709
41710 @item Request:
41711 @samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
41712
41713 @item Return value:
41714 On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
41715 Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
41716 returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
41717
41718 @item Errors:
41719
41720 @table @code
41721 @item EBADF
41722 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
41723 reading.
41724
41725 @item EFAULT
41726 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41727
41728 @item EINTR
41729 The call was interrupted by the user.
41730 @end table
41731
41732 @end table
41733
41734 @node write
41735 @unnumberedsubsubsec write
41736 @cindex write, file-i/o system call
41737
41738 @table @asis
41739 @item Synopsis:
41740 @smallexample
41741 int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
41742 @end smallexample
41743
41744 @item Request:
41745 @samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
41746
41747 @item Return value:
41748 On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
41749 Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
41750 is returned.
41751
41752 @item Errors:
41753
41754 @table @code
41755 @item EBADF
41756 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
41757 writing.
41758
41759 @item EFAULT
41760 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41761
41762 @item EFBIG
41763 An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
41764 host-specific maximum file size allowed.
41765
41766 @item ENOSPC
41767 No space on device to write the data.
41768
41769 @item EINTR
41770 The call was interrupted by the user.
41771 @end table
41772
41773 @end table
41774
41775 @node lseek
41776 @unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
41777 @cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
41778
41779 @table @asis
41780 @item Synopsis:
41781 @smallexample
41782 long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
41783 @end smallexample
41784
41785 @item Request:
41786 @samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
41787
41788 @var{flag} is one of:
41789
41790 @table @code
41791 @item SEEK_SET
41792 The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
41793
41794 @item SEEK_CUR
41795 The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
41796 bytes.
41797
41798 @item SEEK_END
41799 The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
41800 bytes.
41801 @end table
41802
41803 @item Return value:
41804 On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
41805 the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
41806 value of -1 is returned.
41807
41808 @item Errors:
41809
41810 @table @code
41811 @item EBADF
41812 @var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
41813
41814 @item ESPIPE
41815 @var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
41816
41817 @item EINVAL
41818 @var{flag} is not a proper value.
41819
41820 @item EINTR
41821 The call was interrupted by the user.
41822 @end table
41823
41824 @end table
41825
41826 @node rename
41827 @unnumberedsubsubsec rename
41828 @cindex rename, file-i/o system call
41829
41830 @table @asis
41831 @item Synopsis:
41832 @smallexample
41833 int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
41834 @end smallexample
41835
41836 @item Request:
41837 @samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
41838
41839 @item Return value:
41840 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
41841
41842 @item Errors:
41843
41844 @table @code
41845 @item EISDIR
41846 @var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
41847 directory.
41848
41849 @item EEXIST
41850 @var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
41851
41852 @item EBUSY
41853 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
41854 process.
41855
41856 @item EINVAL
41857 An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
41858 of itself.
41859
41860 @item ENOTDIR
41861 A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
41862 path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
41863 and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
41864
41865 @item EFAULT
41866 @var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
41867
41868 @item EACCES
41869 No access to the file or the path of the file.
41870
41871 @item ENAMETOOLONG
41872
41873 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
41874
41875 @item ENOENT
41876 A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
41877
41878 @item EROFS
41879 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
41880
41881 @item ENOSPC
41882 The device containing the file has no room for the new
41883 directory entry.
41884
41885 @item EINTR
41886 The call was interrupted by the user.
41887 @end table
41888
41889 @end table
41890
41891 @node unlink
41892 @unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
41893 @cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
41894
41895 @table @asis
41896 @item Synopsis:
41897 @smallexample
41898 int unlink(const char *pathname);
41899 @end smallexample
41900
41901 @item Request:
41902 @samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
41903
41904 @item Return value:
41905 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
41906
41907 @item Errors:
41908
41909 @table @code
41910 @item EACCES
41911 No access to the file or the path of the file.
41912
41913 @item EPERM
41914 The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
41915
41916 @item EBUSY
41917 The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
41918 being used by another process.
41919
41920 @item EFAULT
41921 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41922
41923 @item ENAMETOOLONG
41924 @var{pathname} was too long.
41925
41926 @item ENOENT
41927 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
41928
41929 @item ENOTDIR
41930 A component of the path is not a directory.
41931
41932 @item EROFS
41933 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
41934
41935 @item EINTR
41936 The call was interrupted by the user.
41937 @end table
41938
41939 @end table
41940
41941 @node stat/fstat
41942 @unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
41943 @cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
41944 @cindex stat, file-i/o system call
41945
41946 @table @asis
41947 @item Synopsis:
41948 @smallexample
41949 int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
41950 int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
41951 @end smallexample
41952
41953 @item Request:
41954 @samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
41955 @samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
41956
41957 @item Return value:
41958 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
41959
41960 @item Errors:
41961
41962 @table @code
41963 @item EBADF
41964 @var{fd} is not a valid open file.
41965
41966 @item ENOENT
41967 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
41968 path is an empty string.
41969
41970 @item ENOTDIR
41971 A component of the path is not a directory.
41972
41973 @item EFAULT
41974 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41975
41976 @item EACCES
41977 No access to the file or the path of the file.
41978
41979 @item ENAMETOOLONG
41980 @var{pathname} was too long.
41981
41982 @item EINTR
41983 The call was interrupted by the user.
41984 @end table
41985
41986 @end table
41987
41988 @node gettimeofday
41989 @unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
41990 @cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
41991
41992 @table @asis
41993 @item Synopsis:
41994 @smallexample
41995 int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
41996 @end smallexample
41997
41998 @item Request:
41999 @samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
42000
42001 @item Return value:
42002 On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
42003
42004 @item Errors:
42005
42006 @table @code
42007 @item EINVAL
42008 @var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
42009
42010 @item EFAULT
42011 @var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
42012 @end table
42013
42014 @end table
42015
42016 @node isatty
42017 @unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
42018 @cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
42019
42020 @table @asis
42021 @item Synopsis:
42022 @smallexample
42023 int isatty(int fd);
42024 @end smallexample
42025
42026 @item Request:
42027 @samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
42028
42029 @item Return value:
42030 Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
42031
42032 @item Errors:
42033
42034 @table @code
42035 @item EINTR
42036 The call was interrupted by the user.
42037 @end table
42038
42039 @end table
42040
42041 Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
42042 1 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
42043 to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
42044 would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
42045 needed.
42046
42047
42048 @node system
42049 @unnumberedsubsubsec system
42050 @cindex system, file-i/o system call
42051
42052 @table @asis
42053 @item Synopsis:
42054 @smallexample
42055 int system(const char *command);
42056 @end smallexample
42057
42058 @item Request:
42059 @samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
42060
42061 @item Return value:
42062 If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
42063 available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
42064 For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
42065 return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
42066 command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
42067 return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
42068 @file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
42069
42070 @item Errors:
42071
42072 @table @code
42073 @item EINTR
42074 The call was interrupted by the user.
42075 @end table
42076
42077 @end table
42078
42079 @value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
42080 to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
42081 the host is simplified before it's returned
42082 to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
42083 is discarded, and the return value consists
42084 entirely of the exit status of the called command.
42085
42086 Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
42087 by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
42088 @code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
42089
42090 @table @code
42091 @item set remote system-call-allowed
42092 @kindex set remote system-call-allowed
42093 Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
42094 protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
42095
42096 @item show remote system-call-allowed
42097 @kindex show remote system-call-allowed
42098 Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
42099 protocol.
42100 @end table
42101
42102 @node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
42103 @subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
42104 @cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
42105
42106 @menu
42107 * Integral Datatypes::
42108 * Pointer Values::
42109 * Memory Transfer::
42110 * struct stat::
42111 * struct timeval::
42112 @end menu
42113
42114 @node Integral Datatypes
42115 @unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
42116 @cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
42117
42118 The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
42119 @code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
42120 @code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
42121
42122 @code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
42123 implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
42124
42125 @code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
42126
42127 @xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
42128 in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
42129
42130 @code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
42131
42132 All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
42133 structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
42134 byte order.
42135
42136 @node Pointer Values
42137 @unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
42138 @cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
42139
42140 Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
42141 is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
42142 transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
42143 are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
42144
42145 @smallexample
42146 @code{1aaf/12}
42147 @end smallexample
42148
42149 @noindent
42150 which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
42151 The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
42152 the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
42153 at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
42154
42155 @smallexample
42156 @code{123456/d}
42157 @end smallexample
42158
42159 @node Memory Transfer
42160 @unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
42161 @cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
42162
42163 Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
42164 example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
42165 with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
42166 this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
42167 packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
42168 it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
42169 data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
42170
42171
42172 @node struct stat
42173 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
42174 @cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
42175
42176 The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
42177 is defined as follows:
42178
42179 @smallexample
42180 struct stat @{
42181 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
42182 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
42183 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
42184 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
42185 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
42186 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
42187 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
42188 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
42189 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
42190 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
42191 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
42192 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
42193 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
42194 @};
42195 @end smallexample
42196
42197 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
42198 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
42199 structure is of size 64 bytes.
42200
42201 The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
42202 range of values.
42203
42204 @table @code
42205
42206 @item st_dev
42207 A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
42208
42209 @item st_ino
42210 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
42211
42212 @item st_mode
42213 Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
42214 bits have currently no meaning for the target.
42215
42216 @item st_uid
42217 @itemx st_gid
42218 @itemx st_rdev
42219 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
42220
42221 @item st_atime
42222 @itemx st_mtime
42223 @itemx st_ctime
42224 These values have a host and file system dependent
42225 accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
42226 support exact timing values.
42227 @end table
42228
42229 The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
42230 responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
42231 continuing.
42232
42233 Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
42234 representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
42235 get truncated on the target.
42236
42237 @node struct timeval
42238 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
42239 @cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
42240
42241 The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
42242 is defined as follows:
42243
42244 @smallexample
42245 struct timeval @{
42246 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
42247 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
42248 @};
42249 @end smallexample
42250
42251 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
42252 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
42253 structure is of size 8 bytes.
42254
42255 @node Constants
42256 @subsection Constants
42257 @cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
42258
42259 The following values are used for the constants inside of the
42260 protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
42261 values before and after the call as needed.
42262
42263 @menu
42264 * Open Flags::
42265 * mode_t Values::
42266 * Errno Values::
42267 * Lseek Flags::
42268 * Limits::
42269 @end menu
42270
42271 @node Open Flags
42272 @unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
42273 @cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
42274
42275 All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
42276
42277 @smallexample
42278 O_RDONLY 0x0
42279 O_WRONLY 0x1
42280 O_RDWR 0x2
42281 O_APPEND 0x8
42282 O_CREAT 0x200
42283 O_TRUNC 0x400
42284 O_EXCL 0x800
42285 @end smallexample
42286
42287 @node mode_t Values
42288 @unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
42289 @cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
42290
42291 All values are given in octal representation.
42292
42293 @smallexample
42294 S_IFREG 0100000
42295 S_IFDIR 040000
42296 S_IRUSR 0400
42297 S_IWUSR 0200
42298 S_IXUSR 0100
42299 S_IRGRP 040
42300 S_IWGRP 020
42301 S_IXGRP 010
42302 S_IROTH 04
42303 S_IWOTH 02
42304 S_IXOTH 01
42305 @end smallexample
42306
42307 @node Errno Values
42308 @unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
42309 @cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
42310
42311 All values are given in decimal representation.
42312
42313 @smallexample
42314 EPERM 1
42315 ENOENT 2
42316 EINTR 4
42317 EBADF 9
42318 EACCES 13
42319 EFAULT 14
42320 EBUSY 16
42321 EEXIST 17
42322 ENODEV 19
42323 ENOTDIR 20
42324 EISDIR 21
42325 EINVAL 22
42326 ENFILE 23
42327 EMFILE 24
42328 EFBIG 27
42329 ENOSPC 28
42330 ESPIPE 29
42331 EROFS 30
42332 ENAMETOOLONG 91
42333 EUNKNOWN 9999
42334 @end smallexample
42335
42336 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
42337 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
42338
42339 @node Lseek Flags
42340 @unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
42341 @cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
42342
42343 @smallexample
42344 SEEK_SET 0
42345 SEEK_CUR 1
42346 SEEK_END 2
42347 @end smallexample
42348
42349 @node Limits
42350 @unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
42351 @cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
42352
42353 All values are given in decimal representation.
42354
42355 @smallexample
42356 INT_MIN -2147483648
42357 INT_MAX 2147483647
42358 UINT_MAX 4294967295
42359 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
42360 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
42361 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
42362 @end smallexample
42363
42364 @node File-I/O Examples
42365 @subsection File-I/O Examples
42366 @cindex file-i/o examples
42367
42368 Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
42369 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
42370
42371 @smallexample
42372 <- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
42373 @emph{request memory read from target}
42374 -> @code{m1234,6}
42375 <- XXXXXX
42376 @emph{return "6 bytes written"}
42377 -> @code{F6}
42378 @end smallexample
42379
42380 Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
42381 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
42382
42383 @smallexample
42384 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
42385 @emph{request memory write to target}
42386 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
42387 @emph{return "6 bytes read"}
42388 -> @code{F6}
42389 @end smallexample
42390
42391 Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
42392 file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
42393
42394 @smallexample
42395 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
42396 -> @code{F-1,9}
42397 @end smallexample
42398
42399 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
42400 host is called:
42401
42402 @smallexample
42403 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
42404 -> @code{F-1,4,C}
42405 <- @code{T02}
42406 @end smallexample
42407
42408 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
42409 host is called:
42410
42411 @smallexample
42412 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
42413 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
42414 <- @code{T02}
42415 @end smallexample
42416
42417 @node Library List Format
42418 @section Library List Format
42419 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
42420
42421 On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
42422 same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
42423 @value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
42424 operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
42425 platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
42426 @value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
42427 through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
42428 packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
42429 queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
42430 are loaded.
42431
42432 The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
42433 lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
42434 associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
42435 which report where the library was loaded in memory.
42436
42437 For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
42438 library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
42439 dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
42440 should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
42441 section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
42442 depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
42443
42444 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
42445 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
42446
42447 A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
42448 offset, looks like this:
42449
42450 @smallexample
42451 <library-list>
42452 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
42453 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
42454 </library>
42455 </library-list>
42456 @end smallexample
42457
42458 Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
42459 allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
42460
42461 @smallexample
42462 <library-list>
42463 <library name="sharedlib.o">
42464 <section address="0x10000000"/>
42465 <section address="0x20000000"/>
42466 <section address="0x30000000"/>
42467 </library>
42468 </library-list>
42469 @end smallexample
42470
42471 The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
42472
42473 @smallexample
42474 <!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
42475 <!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
42476 <!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
42477 <!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
42478 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
42479 <!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
42480 <!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
42481 <!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
42482 <!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
42483 @end smallexample
42484
42485 In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
42486 single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
42487 section for each library.
42488
42489 @node Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
42490 @section Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
42491 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
42492
42493 On SVR4 platforms @value{GDBN} can use the symbol table of a dynamic loader
42494 (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) and normal memory operations to maintain a list of
42495 shared libraries. Still a special library list provided by this packet is
42496 more efficient for the @value{GDBN} remote protocol.
42497
42498 The @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet returns an XML document which lists
42499 loaded libraries and their SVR4 linker parameters. For each library on SVR4
42500 target, the following parameters are reported:
42501
42502 @itemize @minus
42503 @item
42504 @code{name}, the absolute file name from the @code{l_name} field of
42505 @code{struct link_map}.
42506 @item
42507 @code{lm} with address of @code{struct link_map} used for TLS
42508 (Thread Local Storage) access.
42509 @item
42510 @code{l_addr}, the displacement as read from the field @code{l_addr} of
42511 @code{struct link_map}. For prelinked libraries this is not an absolute
42512 memory address. It is a displacement of absolute memory address against
42513 address the file was prelinked to during the library load.
42514 @item
42515 @code{l_ld}, which is memory address of the @code{PT_DYNAMIC} segment
42516 @end itemize
42517
42518 Additionally the single @code{main-lm} attribute specifies address of
42519 @code{struct link_map} used for the main executable. This parameter is used
42520 for TLS access and its presence is optional.
42521
42522 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
42523 SVR4 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
42524
42525 A simple memory map, with two loaded libraries (which do not use prelink),
42526 looks like this:
42527
42528 @smallexample
42529 <library-list-svr4 version="1.0" main-lm="0xe4f8f8">
42530 <library name="/lib/ld-linux.so.2" lm="0xe4f51c" l_addr="0xe2d000"
42531 l_ld="0xe4eefc"/>
42532 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6" lm="0xe4fbe8" l_addr="0x154000"
42533 l_ld="0x152350"/>
42534 </library-list-svr>
42535 @end smallexample
42536
42537 The format of an SVR4 library list is described by this DTD:
42538
42539 @smallexample
42540 <!-- library-list-svr4: Root element with versioning -->
42541 <!ELEMENT library-list-svr4 (library)*>
42542 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
42543 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 main-lm CDATA #IMPLIED>
42544 <!ELEMENT library EMPTY>
42545 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
42546 <!ATTLIST library lm CDATA #REQUIRED>
42547 <!ATTLIST library l_addr CDATA #REQUIRED>
42548 <!ATTLIST library l_ld CDATA #REQUIRED>
42549 @end smallexample
42550
42551 @node Memory Map Format
42552 @section Memory Map Format
42553 @cindex memory map format
42554
42555 To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
42556 memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
42557 memory map.
42558
42559 The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
42560 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
42561 lists memory regions.
42562
42563 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
42564 memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
42565
42566 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
42567
42568 @smallexample
42569 <?xml version="1.0"?>
42570 <!DOCTYPE memory-map
42571 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
42572 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
42573 <memory-map>
42574 region...
42575 </memory-map>
42576 @end smallexample
42577
42578 Each region can be either:
42579
42580 @itemize
42581
42582 @item
42583 A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
42584 bytes from there:
42585
42586 @smallexample
42587 <memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
42588 @end smallexample
42589
42590
42591 @item
42592 A region of read-only memory:
42593
42594 @smallexample
42595 <memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
42596 @end smallexample
42597
42598
42599 @item
42600 A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
42601 bytes in length:
42602
42603 @smallexample
42604 <memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
42605 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
42606 </memory>
42607 @end smallexample
42608
42609 @end itemize
42610
42611 Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
42612 by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
42613 packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
42614
42615 The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
42616
42617 @smallexample
42618 <!-- ................................................... -->
42619 <!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
42620 <!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
42621 <!-- .................................... .............. -->
42622 <!-- memory-map.dtd -->
42623 <!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
42624 <!ELEMENT memory-map (memory | property)>
42625 <!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
42626 <!ELEMENT memory (property)>
42627 <!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
42628 and its type, or device. -->
42629 <!ATTLIST memory type CDATA #REQUIRED
42630 start CDATA #REQUIRED
42631 length CDATA #REQUIRED
42632 device CDATA #IMPLIED>
42633 <!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
42634 <!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
42635 <!ATTLIST property name CDATA #REQUIRED>
42636 @end smallexample
42637
42638 @node Thread List Format
42639 @section Thread List Format
42640 @cindex thread list format
42641
42642 To efficiently update the list of threads and their attributes,
42643 @value{GDBN} issues the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
42644 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}) and obtains the XML document with
42645 the following structure:
42646
42647 @smallexample
42648 <?xml version="1.0"?>
42649 <threads>
42650 <thread id="id" core="0">
42651 ... description ...
42652 </thread>
42653 </threads>
42654 @end smallexample
42655
42656 Each @samp{thread} element must have the @samp{id} attribute that
42657 identifies the thread (@pxref{thread-id syntax}). The
42658 @samp{core} attribute, if present, specifies which processor core
42659 the thread was last executing on. The content of the of @samp{thread}
42660 element is interpreted as human-readable auxilliary information.
42661
42662 @node Traceframe Info Format
42663 @section Traceframe Info Format
42664 @cindex traceframe info format
42665
42666 To be able to know which objects in the inferior can be examined when
42667 inspecting a tracepoint hit, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of
42668 memory ranges, registers and trace state variables that have been
42669 collected in a traceframe.
42670
42671 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
42672 (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}) packet and is an XML document.
42673
42674 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
42675 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
42676
42677 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
42678
42679 @smallexample
42680 <?xml version="1.0"?>
42681 <!DOCTYPE traceframe-info
42682 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
42683 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-traceframe-info.dtd">
42684 <traceframe-info>
42685 block...
42686 </traceframe-info>
42687 @end smallexample
42688
42689 Each traceframe block can be either:
42690
42691 @itemize
42692
42693 @item
42694 A region of collected memory starting at @var{addr} and extending for
42695 @var{length} bytes from there:
42696
42697 @smallexample
42698 <memory start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
42699 @end smallexample
42700
42701 @item
42702 A block indicating trace state variable numbered @var{number} has been
42703 collected:
42704
42705 @smallexample
42706 <tvar id="@var{number}"/>
42707 @end smallexample
42708
42709 @end itemize
42710
42711 The formal DTD for the traceframe info format is given below:
42712
42713 @smallexample
42714 <!ELEMENT traceframe-info (memory | tvar)* >
42715 <!ATTLIST traceframe-info version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
42716
42717 <!ELEMENT memory EMPTY>
42718 <!ATTLIST memory start CDATA #REQUIRED
42719 length CDATA #REQUIRED>
42720 <!ELEMENT tvar>
42721 <!ATTLIST tvar id CDATA #REQUIRED>
42722 @end smallexample
42723
42724 @node Branch Trace Format
42725 @section Branch Trace Format
42726 @cindex branch trace format
42727
42728 In order to display the branch trace of an inferior thread,
42729 @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of branches. This list is
42730 represented as list of sequential code blocks that are connected via
42731 branches. The code in each block has been executed sequentially.
42732
42733 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
42734 (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}) packet and is an XML document.
42735
42736 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
42737 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
42738
42739 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
42740
42741 @smallexample
42742 <?xml version="1.0"?>
42743 <!DOCTYPE btrace
42744 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Branch Trace V1.0//EN"
42745 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-btrace.dtd">
42746 <btrace>
42747 block...
42748 </btrace>
42749 @end smallexample
42750
42751 @itemize
42752
42753 @item
42754 A block of sequentially executed instructions starting at @var{begin}
42755 and ending at @var{end}:
42756
42757 @smallexample
42758 <block begin="@var{begin}" end="@var{end}"/>
42759 @end smallexample
42760
42761 @end itemize
42762
42763 The formal DTD for the branch trace format is given below:
42764
42765 @smallexample
42766 <!ELEMENT btrace (block)* >
42767 <!ATTLIST btrace version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
42768
42769 <!ELEMENT block EMPTY>
42770 <!ATTLIST block begin CDATA #REQUIRED
42771 end CDATA #REQUIRED>
42772 @end smallexample
42773
42774 @include agentexpr.texi
42775
42776 @node Target Descriptions
42777 @appendix Target Descriptions
42778 @cindex target descriptions
42779
42780 One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
42781 is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
42782 architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
42783 a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or @acronym{MIPS}, for example ---
42784 and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
42785 architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
42786 vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
42787
42788 @itemize @bullet
42789 @item
42790 With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
42791 the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
42792 @item
42793 Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
42794 audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
42795 variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
42796 @item
42797 When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
42798 at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
42799 @command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
42800 @end itemize
42801
42802 To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
42803 target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
42804 actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
42805 processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
42806 descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
42807
42808 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
42809 target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
42810
42811 @menu
42812 * Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
42813 * Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
42814 * Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
42815 descriptions.
42816 * Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
42817 @end menu
42818
42819 @node Retrieving Descriptions
42820 @section Retrieving Descriptions
42821
42822 Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
42823 specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
42824 description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
42825 protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
42826 qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
42827 @samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
42828 XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
42829 Format}.
42830
42831 Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
42832 If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
42833 specify a file are:
42834
42835 @table @code
42836 @cindex set tdesc filename
42837 @item set tdesc filename @var{path}
42838 Read the target description from @var{path}.
42839
42840 @cindex unset tdesc filename
42841 @item unset tdesc filename
42842 Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
42843 will use the description supplied by the current target.
42844
42845 @cindex show tdesc filename
42846 @item show tdesc filename
42847 Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
42848 @end table
42849
42850
42851 @node Target Description Format
42852 @section Target Description Format
42853 @cindex target descriptions, XML format
42854
42855 A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
42856 document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
42857 the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
42858 means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
42859 check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
42860 However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
42861 their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
42862
42863 Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
42864 and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
42865 sets. They can also identify the OS ABI of the remote target.
42866 @value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
42867 target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
42868
42869 Here is a simple target description:
42870
42871 @smallexample
42872 <target version="1.0">
42873 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
42874 </target>
42875 @end smallexample
42876
42877 @noindent
42878 This minimal description only says that the target uses
42879 the x86-64 architecture.
42880
42881 A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
42882 optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
42883 are explained further below.
42884
42885 @smallexample
42886 <?xml version="1.0"?>
42887 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
42888 <target version="1.0">
42889 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
42890 @r{[}@var{osabi}@r{]}
42891 @r{[}@var{compatible}@r{]}
42892 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
42893 </target>
42894 @end smallexample
42895
42896 @noindent
42897 The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
42898 breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
42899 declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
42900 (@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
42901 useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
42902 @samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
42903 including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
42904 revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
42905 the version mismatch.
42906
42907 @subsection Inclusion
42908 @cindex target descriptions, inclusion
42909 @cindex XInclude
42910 @ifnotinfo
42911 @cindex <xi:include>
42912 @end ifnotinfo
42913
42914 It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
42915 several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
42916 share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
42917 divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
42918 the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
42919
42920 @smallexample
42921 <xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
42922 @end smallexample
42923
42924 @noindent
42925 When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
42926 the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
42927 the contents of that document. If the current description was read
42928 using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
42929 @var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
42930 current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
42931 @var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
42932 original description.
42933
42934 @subsection Architecture
42935 @cindex <architecture>
42936
42937 An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
42938
42939 @smallexample
42940 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
42941 @end smallexample
42942
42943 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
42944 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
42945
42946 @subsection OS ABI
42947 @cindex @code{<osabi>}
42948
42949 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
42950 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
42951
42952 An @samp{<osabi>} element has this form:
42953
42954 @smallexample
42955 <osabi>@var{abi-name}</osabi>
42956 @end smallexample
42957
42958 @var{abi-name} is an OS ABI name from the same selection accepted by
42959 @w{@code{set osabi}} (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
42960
42961 @subsection Compatible Architecture
42962 @cindex @code{<compatible>}
42963
42964 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
42965 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
42966
42967 A @samp{<compatible>} element has this form:
42968
42969 @smallexample
42970 <compatible>@var{arch}</compatible>
42971 @end smallexample
42972
42973 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
42974 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
42975
42976 A @samp{<compatible>} element is used to specify that the target
42977 is able to run binaries in some other than the main target architecture
42978 given by the @samp{<architecture>} element. For example, on the
42979 Cell Broadband Engine, the main architecture is @code{powerpc:common}
42980 or @code{powerpc:common64}, but the system is able to run binaries
42981 in the @code{spu} architecture as well. The way to describe this
42982 capability with @samp{<compatible>} is as follows:
42983
42984 @smallexample
42985 <architecture>powerpc:common</architecture>
42986 <compatible>spu</compatible>
42987 @end smallexample
42988
42989 @subsection Features
42990 @cindex <feature>
42991
42992 Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
42993 system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
42994 registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
42995 has this form:
42996
42997 @smallexample
42998 <feature name="@var{name}">
42999 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
43000 @var{reg}@dots{}
43001 </feature>
43002 @end smallexample
43003
43004 @noindent
43005 Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
43006 of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
43007 knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
43008 should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
43009
43010 @subsection Types
43011
43012 Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
43013 interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
43014 but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
43015 Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
43016 Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite types.
43017
43018 Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
43019 a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
43020 Types must be defined before they are used.
43021
43022 @cindex <vector>
43023 Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
43024 of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
43025 specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
43026 @var{count}:
43027
43028 @smallexample
43029 <vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
43030 @end smallexample
43031
43032 @cindex <union>
43033 If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
43034 with a union type containing the useful representations. The
43035 @samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
43036 each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
43037
43038 @smallexample
43039 <union id="@var{id}">
43040 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
43041 @dots{}
43042 </union>
43043 @end smallexample
43044
43045 @cindex <struct>
43046 If a register's value is composed from several separate values, define
43047 it with a structure type. There are two forms of the @samp{<struct>}
43048 element; a @samp{<struct>} element must either contain only bitfields
43049 or contain no bitfields. If the structure contains only bitfields,
43050 its total size in bytes must be specified, each bitfield must have an
43051 explicit start and end, and bitfields are automatically assigned an
43052 integer type. The field's @var{start} should be less than or
43053 equal to its @var{end}, and zero represents the least significant bit.
43054
43055 @smallexample
43056 <struct id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
43057 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
43058 @dots{}
43059 </struct>
43060 @end smallexample
43061
43062 If the structure contains no bitfields, then each field has an
43063 explicit type, and no implicit padding is added.
43064
43065 @smallexample
43066 <struct id="@var{id}">
43067 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
43068 @dots{}
43069 </struct>
43070 @end smallexample
43071
43072 @cindex <flags>
43073 If a register's value is a series of single-bit flags, define it with
43074 a flags type. The @samp{<flags>} element has an explicit @var{size}
43075 and contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements. Each field has a
43076 @var{name}, a @var{start}, and an @var{end}. Only single-bit flags
43077 are supported.
43078
43079 @smallexample
43080 <flags id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
43081 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
43082 @dots{}
43083 </flags>
43084 @end smallexample
43085
43086 @subsection Registers
43087 @cindex <reg>
43088
43089 Each register is represented as an element with this form:
43090
43091 @smallexample
43092 <reg name="@var{name}"
43093 bitsize="@var{size}"
43094 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
43095 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
43096 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
43097 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
43098 @end smallexample
43099
43100 @noindent
43101 The components are as follows:
43102
43103 @table @var
43104
43105 @item name
43106 The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
43107
43108 @item bitsize
43109 The register's size, in bits.
43110
43111 @item regnum
43112 The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
43113 than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
43114 a preceding feature); the first register in the target description
43115 defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
43116 the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
43117 packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
43118 in order of increasing register number.
43119
43120 @item save-restore
43121 Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
43122 calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
43123 @code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
43124 some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
43125 ABI.
43126
43127 @item type
43128 The type of the register. @var{type} may be a predefined type, a type
43129 defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
43130 and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
43131 for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
43132 architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
43133 @var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
43134
43135 @item group
43136 The register group to which this register belongs. @var{group} must
43137 be either @code{general}, @code{float}, or @code{vector}. If no
43138 @var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register
43139 in @code{info registers}.
43140
43141 @end table
43142
43143 @node Predefined Target Types
43144 @section Predefined Target Types
43145 @cindex target descriptions, predefined types
43146
43147 Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
43148 from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
43149 standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
43150 types. The currently supported types are:
43151
43152 @table @code
43153
43154 @item int8
43155 @itemx int16
43156 @itemx int32
43157 @itemx int64
43158 @itemx int128
43159 Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
43160
43161 @item uint8
43162 @itemx uint16
43163 @itemx uint32
43164 @itemx uint64
43165 @itemx uint128
43166 Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
43167
43168 @item code_ptr
43169 @itemx data_ptr
43170 Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
43171 any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
43172 pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
43173 address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
43174 may be marked as data pointers.
43175
43176 @item ieee_single
43177 Single precision IEEE floating point.
43178
43179 @item ieee_double
43180 Double precision IEEE floating point.
43181
43182 @item arm_fpa_ext
43183 The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
43184
43185 @item i387_ext
43186 The 10-byte extended precision format used by x87 registers.
43187
43188 @item i386_eflags
43189 32bit @sc{eflags} register used by x86.
43190
43191 @item i386_mxcsr
43192 32bit @sc{mxcsr} register used by x86.
43193
43194 @end table
43195
43196 @node Standard Target Features
43197 @section Standard Target Features
43198 @cindex target descriptions, standard features
43199
43200 A target description must contain either no registers or all the
43201 target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
43202 @value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
43203 the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
43204 default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
43205 described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
43206 can recognize them.
43207
43208 This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
43209 which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
43210 with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
43211 if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
43212 feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
43213 description. You can add additional registers to any of the
43214 standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
43215 they were added to an unrecognized feature.
43216
43217 This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
43218 Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
43219 @value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
43220
43221 Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
43222 company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
43223 architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
43224 containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
43225
43226 The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
43227 of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
43228 registers using the capitalization used in the description.
43229
43230 @menu
43231 * AArch64 Features::
43232 * ARM Features::
43233 * i386 Features::
43234 * MIPS Features::
43235 * M68K Features::
43236 * Nios II Features::
43237 * PowerPC Features::
43238 * S/390 and System z Features::
43239 * TIC6x Features::
43240 @end menu
43241
43242
43243 @node AArch64 Features
43244 @subsection AArch64 Features
43245 @cindex target descriptions, AArch64 features
43246
43247 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.core} feature is required for AArch64
43248 targets. It should contain registers @samp{x0} through @samp{x30},
43249 @samp{sp}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
43250
43251 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.fpu} feature is optional. If present,
43252 it should contain registers @samp{v0} through @samp{v31}, @samp{fpsr},
43253 and @samp{fpcr}.
43254
43255 @node ARM Features
43256 @subsection ARM Features
43257 @cindex target descriptions, ARM features
43258
43259 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for non-M-profile
43260 ARM targets.
43261 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
43262 @samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
43263
43264 For M-profile targets (e.g. Cortex-M3), the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}
43265 feature is replaced by @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.m-profile}. It should contain
43266 registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp}, @samp{lr}, @samp{pc},
43267 and @samp{xpsr}.
43268
43269 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
43270 should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
43271
43272 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
43273 it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
43274 @samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
43275 @samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
43276
43277 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} feature is optional. If present, it
43278 should contain at least registers @samp{d0} through @samp{d15}. If
43279 they are present, @samp{d16} through @samp{d31} should also be included.
43280 @value{GDBN} will synthesize the single-precision registers from
43281 halves of the double-precision registers.
43282
43283 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.neon} feature is optional. It does not
43284 need to contain registers; it instructs @value{GDBN} to display the
43285 VFP double-precision registers as vectors and to synthesize the
43286 quad-precision registers from pairs of double-precision registers.
43287 If this feature is present, @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} must also
43288 be present and include 32 double-precision registers.
43289
43290 @node i386 Features
43291 @subsection i386 Features
43292 @cindex target descriptions, i386 features
43293
43294 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.core} feature is required for i386/amd64
43295 targets. It should describe the following registers:
43296
43297 @itemize @minus
43298 @item
43299 @samp{eax} through @samp{edi} plus @samp{eip} for i386
43300 @item
43301 @samp{rax} through @samp{r15} plus @samp{rip} for amd64
43302 @item
43303 @samp{eflags}, @samp{cs}, @samp{ss}, @samp{ds}, @samp{es},
43304 @samp{fs}, @samp{gs}
43305 @item
43306 @samp{st0} through @samp{st7}
43307 @item
43308 @samp{fctrl}, @samp{fstat}, @samp{ftag}, @samp{fiseg}, @samp{fioff},
43309 @samp{foseg}, @samp{fooff} and @samp{fop}
43310 @end itemize
43311
43312 The register sets may be different, depending on the target.
43313
43314 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature is optional. It should
43315 describe registers:
43316
43317 @itemize @minus
43318 @item
43319 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm7} for i386
43320 @item
43321 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm15} for amd64
43322 @item
43323 @samp{mxcsr}
43324 @end itemize
43325
43326 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature is optional and requires the
43327 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature. It should
43328 describe the upper 128 bits of @sc{ymm} registers:
43329
43330 @itemize @minus
43331 @item
43332 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm7h} for i386
43333 @item
43334 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm15h} for amd64
43335 @end itemize
43336
43337 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.mpx} is an optional feature representing Intel(R)
43338 Memory Protection Extension (MPX). It should describe the following registers:
43339
43340 @itemize @minus
43341 @item
43342 @samp{bnd0raw} through @samp{bnd3raw} for i386 and amd64.
43343 @item
43344 @samp{bndcfgu} and @samp{bndstatus} for i386 and amd64.
43345 @end itemize
43346
43347 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.linux} feature is optional. It should
43348 describe a single register, @samp{orig_eax}.
43349
43350 @node MIPS Features
43351 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Features
43352 @cindex target descriptions, @acronym{MIPS} features
43353
43354 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for @acronym{MIPS} targets.
43355 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
43356 @samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
43357 on the target.
43358
43359 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
43360 contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
43361 registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
43362
43363 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
43364 it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
43365 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
43366 @samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
43367
43368 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.dsp} feature is optional. It should
43369 contain registers @samp{hi1} through @samp{hi3}, @samp{lo1} through
43370 @samp{lo3}, and @samp{dspctl}. The @samp{dspctl} register should
43371 be 32-bit and the rest may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
43372
43373 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
43374 contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
43375 Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
43376
43377 @node M68K Features
43378 @subsection M68K Features
43379 @cindex target descriptions, M68K features
43380
43381 @table @code
43382 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
43383 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
43384 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
43385 One of those features must be always present.
43386 The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
43387 used. The feature that is present should contain registers
43388 @samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
43389 @samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
43390
43391 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
43392 This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
43393 @samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
43394 @samp{fpiaddr}.
43395 @end table
43396
43397 @node Nios II Features
43398 @subsection Nios II Features
43399 @cindex target descriptions, Nios II features
43400
43401 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.nios2.cpu} feature is required for Nios II
43402 targets. It should contain the 32 core registers (@samp{zero},
43403 @samp{at}, @samp{r2} through @samp{r23}, @samp{et} through @samp{ra}),
43404 @samp{pc}, and the 16 control registers (@samp{status} through
43405 @samp{mpuacc}).
43406
43407 @node PowerPC Features
43408 @subsection PowerPC Features
43409 @cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
43410
43411 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
43412 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
43413 @samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
43414 @samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
43415
43416 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
43417 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
43418
43419 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
43420 contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
43421 and @samp{vrsave}.
43422
43423 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
43424 contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN}
43425 will combine these registers with the floating point registers
43426 (@samp{f0} through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0}
43427 through @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0}
43428 through @samp{vs63}, the set of vector registers for POWER7.
43429
43430 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
43431 contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
43432 @samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
43433 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
43434 @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
43435 these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
43436 user.
43437
43438 @node S/390 and System z Features
43439 @subsection S/390 and System z Features
43440 @cindex target descriptions, S/390 features
43441 @cindex target descriptions, System z features
43442
43443 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.core} feature is required for S/390 and
43444 System z targets. It should contain the PSW and the 16 general
43445 registers. In particular, System z targets should provide the 64-bit
43446 registers @samp{pswm}, @samp{pswa}, and @samp{r0} through @samp{r15}.
43447 S/390 targets should provide the 32-bit versions of these registers.
43448 A System z target that runs in 31-bit addressing mode should provide
43449 32-bit versions of @samp{pswm} and @samp{pswa}, as well as the general
43450 register's upper halves @samp{r0h} through @samp{r15h}, and their
43451 lower halves @samp{r0l} through @samp{r15l}.
43452
43453 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.fpr} feature is required. It should
43454 contain the 64-bit registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f15}, and
43455 @samp{fpc}.
43456
43457 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.acr} feature is required. It should
43458 contain the 32-bit registers @samp{acr0} through @samp{acr15}.
43459
43460 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.linux} feature is optional. It should
43461 contain the register @samp{orig_r2}, which is 64-bit wide on System z
43462 targets and 32-bit otherwise. In addition, the feature may contain
43463 the @samp{last_break} register, whose width depends on the addressing
43464 mode, as well as the @samp{system_call} register, which is always
43465 32-bit wide.
43466
43467 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.tdb} feature is optional. It should
43468 contain the 64-bit registers @samp{tdb0}, @samp{tac}, @samp{tct},
43469 @samp{atia}, and @samp{tr0} through @samp{tr15}.
43470
43471 @node TIC6x Features
43472 @subsection TMS320C6x Features
43473 @cindex target descriptions, TIC6x features
43474 @cindex target descriptions, TMS320C6x features
43475 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.core} feature is required for TMS320C6x
43476 targets. It should contain registers @samp{A0} through @samp{A15},
43477 registers @samp{B0} through @samp{B15}, @samp{CSR} and @samp{PC}.
43478
43479 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.gp} feature is optional. It should
43480 contain registers @samp{A16} through @samp{A31} and @samp{B16}
43481 through @samp{B31}.
43482
43483 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.c6xp} feature is optional. It should
43484 contain registers @samp{TSR}, @samp{ILC} and @samp{RILC}.
43485
43486 @node Operating System Information
43487 @appendix Operating System Information
43488 @cindex operating system information
43489
43490 @menu
43491 * Process list::
43492 @end menu
43493
43494 Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
43495 the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
43496 processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
43497 mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
43498 target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
43499 on a different aspect of target.
43500
43501 Operating system information is retrived from the target via the
43502 remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
43503 read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
43504 the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
43505
43506 @node Process list
43507 @appendixsection Process list
43508 @cindex operating system information, process list
43509
43510 When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
43511 @samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
43512 an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
43513 @file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
43514
43515 An example document is:
43516
43517 @smallexample
43518 <?xml version="1.0"?>
43519 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
43520 <osdata type="processes">
43521 <item>
43522 <column name="pid">1</column>
43523 <column name="user">root</column>
43524 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
43525 <column name="cores">1,2,3</column>
43526 </item>
43527 </osdata>
43528 @end smallexample
43529
43530 Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
43531 of that column should identify the process on the target. The
43532 @samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
43533 displayed by @value{GDBN}. The @samp{cores} column, if present,
43534 should contain a comma-separated list of cores that this process
43535 is running on. Target may provide additional columns,
43536 which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
43537
43538 @node Trace File Format
43539 @appendix Trace File Format
43540 @cindex trace file format
43541
43542 The trace file comes in three parts: a header, a textual description
43543 section, and a trace frame section with binary data.
43544
43545 The header has the form @code{\x7fTRACE0\n}. The first byte is
43546 @code{0x7f} so as to indicate that the file contains binary data,
43547 while the @code{0} is a version number that may have different values
43548 in the future.
43549
43550 The description section consists of multiple lines of @sc{ascii} text
43551 separated by newline characters (@code{0xa}). The lines may include a
43552 variety of optional descriptive or context-setting information, such
43553 as tracepoint definitions or register set size. @value{GDBN} will
43554 ignore any line that it does not recognize. An empty line marks the end
43555 of this section.
43556
43557 @c FIXME add some specific types of data
43558
43559 The trace frame section consists of a number of consecutive frames.
43560 Each frame begins with a two-byte tracepoint number, followed by a
43561 four-byte size giving the amount of data in the frame. The data in
43562 the frame consists of a number of blocks, each introduced by a
43563 character indicating its type (at least register, memory, and trace
43564 state variable). The data in this section is raw binary, not a
43565 hexadecimal or other encoding; its endianness matches the target's
43566 endianness.
43567
43568 @c FIXME bi-arch may require endianness/arch info in description section
43569
43570 @table @code
43571 @item R @var{bytes}
43572 Register block. The number and ordering of bytes matches that of a
43573 @code{g} packet in the remote protocol. Note that these are the
43574 actual bytes, in target order and @value{GDBN} register order, not a
43575 hexadecimal encoding.
43576
43577 @item M @var{address} @var{length} @var{bytes}...
43578 Memory block. This is a contiguous block of memory, at the 8-byte
43579 address @var{address}, with a 2-byte length @var{length}, followed by
43580 @var{length} bytes.
43581
43582 @item V @var{number} @var{value}
43583 Trace state variable block. This records the 8-byte signed value
43584 @var{value} of trace state variable numbered @var{number}.
43585
43586 @end table
43587
43588 Future enhancements of the trace file format may include additional types
43589 of blocks.
43590
43591 @node Index Section Format
43592 @appendix @code{.gdb_index} section format
43593 @cindex .gdb_index section format
43594 @cindex index section format
43595
43596 This section documents the index section that is created by @code{save
43597 gdb-index} (@pxref{Index Files}). The index section is
43598 DWARF-specific; some knowledge of DWARF is assumed in this
43599 description.
43600
43601 The mapped index file format is designed to be directly
43602 @code{mmap}able on any architecture. In most cases, a datum is
43603 represented using a little-endian 32-bit integer value, called an
43604 @code{offset_type}. Big endian machines must byte-swap the values
43605 before using them. Exceptions to this rule are noted. The data is
43606 laid out such that alignment is always respected.
43607
43608 A mapped index consists of several areas, laid out in order.
43609
43610 @enumerate
43611 @item
43612 The file header. This is a sequence of values, of @code{offset_type}
43613 unless otherwise noted:
43614
43615 @enumerate
43616 @item
43617 The version number, currently 8. Versions 1, 2 and 3 are obsolete.
43618 Version 4 uses a different hashing function from versions 5 and 6.
43619 Version 6 includes symbols for inlined functions, whereas versions 4
43620 and 5 do not. Version 7 adds attributes to the CU indices in the
43621 symbol table. Version 8 specifies that symbols from DWARF type units
43622 (@samp{DW_TAG_type_unit}) refer to the type unit's symbol table and not the
43623 compilation unit (@samp{DW_TAG_comp_unit}) using the type.
43624
43625 @value{GDBN} will only read version 4, 5, or 6 indices
43626 by specifying @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
43627 GDB has a workaround for potentially broken version 7 indices so it is
43628 currently not flagged as deprecated.
43629
43630 @item
43631 The offset, from the start of the file, of the CU list.
43632
43633 @item
43634 The offset, from the start of the file, of the types CU list. Note
43635 that this area can be empty, in which case this offset will be equal
43636 to the next offset.
43637
43638 @item
43639 The offset, from the start of the file, of the address area.
43640
43641 @item
43642 The offset, from the start of the file, of the symbol table.
43643
43644 @item
43645 The offset, from the start of the file, of the constant pool.
43646 @end enumerate
43647
43648 @item
43649 The CU list. This is a sequence of pairs of 64-bit little-endian
43650 values, sorted by the CU offset. The first element in each pair is
43651 the offset of a CU in the @code{.debug_info} section. The second
43652 element in each pair is the length of that CU. References to a CU
43653 elsewhere in the map are done using a CU index, which is just the
43654 0-based index into this table. Note that if there are type CUs, then
43655 conceptually CUs and type CUs form a single list for the purposes of
43656 CU indices.
43657
43658 @item
43659 The types CU list. This is a sequence of triplets of 64-bit
43660 little-endian values. In a triplet, the first value is the CU offset,
43661 the second value is the type offset in the CU, and the third value is
43662 the type signature. The types CU list is not sorted.
43663
43664 @item
43665 The address area. The address area consists of a sequence of address
43666 entries. Each address entry has three elements:
43667
43668 @enumerate
43669 @item
43670 The low address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value.
43671
43672 @item
43673 The high address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value. Like
43674 @code{DW_AT_high_pc}, the value is one byte beyond the end.
43675
43676 @item
43677 The CU index. This is an @code{offset_type} value.
43678 @end enumerate
43679
43680 @item
43681 The symbol table. This is an open-addressed hash table. The size of
43682 the hash table is always a power of 2.
43683
43684 Each slot in the hash table consists of a pair of @code{offset_type}
43685 values. The first value is the offset of the symbol's name in the
43686 constant pool. The second value is the offset of the CU vector in the
43687 constant pool.
43688
43689 If both values are 0, then this slot in the hash table is empty. This
43690 is ok because while 0 is a valid constant pool index, it cannot be a
43691 valid index for both a string and a CU vector.
43692
43693 The hash value for a table entry is computed by applying an
43694 iterative hash function to the symbol's name. Starting with an
43695 initial value of @code{r = 0}, each (unsigned) character @samp{c} in
43696 the string is incorporated into the hash using the formula depending on the
43697 index version:
43698
43699 @table @asis
43700 @item Version 4
43701 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + c - 113}.
43702
43703 @item Versions 5 to 7
43704 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + tolower (c) - 113}.
43705 @end table
43706
43707 The terminating @samp{\0} is not incorporated into the hash.
43708
43709 The step size used in the hash table is computed via
43710 @code{((hash * 17) & (size - 1)) | 1}, where @samp{hash} is the hash
43711 value, and @samp{size} is the size of the hash table. The step size
43712 is used to find the next candidate slot when handling a hash
43713 collision.
43714
43715 The names of C@t{++} symbols in the hash table are canonicalized. We
43716 don't currently have a simple description of the canonicalization
43717 algorithm; if you intend to create new index sections, you must read
43718 the code.
43719
43720 @item
43721 The constant pool. This is simply a bunch of bytes. It is organized
43722 so that alignment is correct: CU vectors are stored first, followed by
43723 strings.
43724
43725 A CU vector in the constant pool is a sequence of @code{offset_type}
43726 values. The first value is the number of CU indices in the vector.
43727 Each subsequent value is the index and symbol attributes of a CU in
43728 the CU list. This element in the hash table is used to indicate which
43729 CUs define the symbol and how the symbol is used.
43730 See below for the format of each CU index+attributes entry.
43731
43732 A string in the constant pool is zero-terminated.
43733 @end enumerate
43734
43735 Attributes were added to CU index values in @code{.gdb_index} version 7.
43736 If a symbol has multiple uses within a CU then there is one
43737 CU index+attributes value for each use.
43738
43739 The format of each CU index+attributes entry is as follows
43740 (bit 0 = LSB):
43741
43742 @table @asis
43743
43744 @item Bits 0-23
43745 This is the index of the CU in the CU list.
43746 @item Bits 24-27
43747 These bits are reserved for future purposes and must be zero.
43748 @item Bits 28-30
43749 The kind of the symbol in the CU.
43750
43751 @table @asis
43752 @item 0
43753 This value is reserved and should not be used.
43754 By reserving zero the full @code{offset_type} value is backwards compatible
43755 with previous versions of the index.
43756 @item 1
43757 The symbol is a type.
43758 @item 2
43759 The symbol is a variable or an enum value.
43760 @item 3
43761 The symbol is a function.
43762 @item 4
43763 Any other kind of symbol.
43764 @item 5,6,7
43765 These values are reserved.
43766 @end table
43767
43768 @item Bit 31
43769 This bit is zero if the value is global and one if it is static.
43770
43771 The determination of whether a symbol is global or static is complicated.
43772 The authorative reference is the file @file{dwarf2read.c} in
43773 @value{GDBN} sources.
43774
43775 @end table
43776
43777 This pseudo-code describes the computation of a symbol's kind and
43778 global/static attributes in the index.
43779
43780 @smallexample
43781 is_external = get_attribute (die, DW_AT_external);
43782 language = get_attribute (cu_die, DW_AT_language);
43783 switch (die->tag)
43784 @{
43785 case DW_TAG_typedef:
43786 case DW_TAG_base_type:
43787 case DW_TAG_subrange_type:
43788 kind = TYPE;
43789 is_static = 1;
43790 break;
43791 case DW_TAG_enumerator:
43792 kind = VARIABLE;
43793 is_static = (language != CPLUS && language != JAVA);
43794 break;
43795 case DW_TAG_subprogram:
43796 kind = FUNCTION;
43797 is_static = ! (is_external || language == ADA);
43798 break;
43799 case DW_TAG_constant:
43800 kind = VARIABLE;
43801 is_static = ! is_external;
43802 break;
43803 case DW_TAG_variable:
43804 kind = VARIABLE;
43805 is_static = ! is_external;
43806 break;
43807 case DW_TAG_namespace:
43808 kind = TYPE;
43809 is_static = 0;
43810 break;
43811 case DW_TAG_class_type:
43812 case DW_TAG_interface_type:
43813 case DW_TAG_structure_type:
43814 case DW_TAG_union_type:
43815 case DW_TAG_enumeration_type:
43816 kind = TYPE;
43817 is_static = (language != CPLUS && language != JAVA);
43818 break;
43819 default:
43820 assert (0);
43821 @}
43822 @end smallexample
43823
43824 @node Man Pages
43825 @appendix Manual pages
43826 @cindex Man pages
43827
43828 @menu
43829 * gdb man:: The GNU Debugger man page
43830 * gdbserver man:: Remote Server for the GNU Debugger man page
43831 * gcore man:: Generate a core file of a running program
43832 * gdbinit man:: gdbinit scripts
43833 @end menu
43834
43835 @node gdb man
43836 @heading gdb man
43837
43838 @c man title gdb The GNU Debugger
43839
43840 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdb
43841 gdb [@option{-help}] [@option{-nh}] [@option{-nx}] [@option{-q}]
43842 [@option{-batch}] [@option{-cd=}@var{dir}] [@option{-f}]
43843 [@option{-b}@w{ }@var{bps}]
43844 [@option{-tty=}@var{dev}] [@option{-s} @var{symfile}]
43845 [@option{-e}@w{ }@var{prog}] [@option{-se}@w{ }@var{prog}]
43846 [@option{-c}@w{ }@var{core}] [@option{-p}@w{ }@var{procID}]
43847 [@option{-x}@w{ }@var{cmds}] [@option{-d}@w{ }@var{dir}]
43848 [@var{prog}|@var{prog} @var{procID}|@var{prog} @var{core}]
43849 @c man end
43850
43851 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdb
43852 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
43853 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes -- or what another
43854 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
43855
43856 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
43857 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
43858
43859 @itemize @bullet
43860 @item
43861 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
43862
43863 @item
43864 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
43865
43866 @item
43867 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
43868
43869 @item
43870 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
43871 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
43872 @end itemize
43873
43874 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C, C@t{++}, Fortran and
43875 Modula-2.
43876
43877 @value{GDBN} is invoked with the shell command @code{gdb}. Once started, it reads
43878 commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit with the @value{GDBN}
43879 command @code{quit}. You can get online help from @value{GDBN} itself
43880 by using the command @code{help}.
43881
43882 You can run @code{gdb} with no arguments or options; but the most
43883 usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument or two, specifying an
43884 executable program as the argument:
43885
43886 @smallexample
43887 gdb program
43888 @end smallexample
43889
43890 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file specified:
43891
43892 @smallexample
43893 gdb program core
43894 @end smallexample
43895
43896 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
43897 to debug a running process:
43898
43899 @smallexample
43900 gdb program 1234
43901 gdb -p 1234
43902 @end smallexample
43903
43904 @noindent
43905 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
43906 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
43907 With option @option{-p} you can omit the @var{program} filename.
43908
43909 Here are some of the most frequently needed @value{GDBN} commands:
43910
43911 @c pod2man highlights the right hand side of the @item lines.
43912 @table @env
43913 @item break [@var{file}:]@var{functiop}
43914 Set a breakpoint at @var{function} (in @var{file}).
43915
43916 @item run [@var{arglist}]
43917 Start your program (with @var{arglist}, if specified).
43918
43919 @item bt
43920 Backtrace: display the program stack.
43921
43922 @item print @var{expr}
43923 Display the value of an expression.
43924
43925 @item c
43926 Continue running your program (after stopping, e.g. at a breakpoint).
43927
43928 @item next
43929 Execute next program line (after stopping); step @emph{over} any
43930 function calls in the line.
43931
43932 @item edit [@var{file}:]@var{function}
43933 look at the program line where it is presently stopped.
43934
43935 @item list [@var{file}:]@var{function}
43936 type the text of the program in the vicinity of where it is presently stopped.
43937
43938 @item step
43939 Execute next program line (after stopping); step @emph{into} any
43940 function calls in the line.
43941
43942 @item help [@var{name}]
43943 Show information about @value{GDBN} command @var{name}, or general information
43944 about using @value{GDBN}.
43945
43946 @item quit
43947 Exit from @value{GDBN}.
43948 @end table
43949
43950 @ifset man
43951 For full details on @value{GDBN},
43952 see @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
43953 by Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch. The same text is available online
43954 as the @code{gdb} entry in the @code{info} program.
43955 @end ifset
43956 @c man end
43957
43958 @c man begin OPTIONS gdb
43959 Any arguments other than options specify an executable
43960 file and core file (or process ID); that is, the first argument
43961 encountered with no
43962 associated option flag is equivalent to a @option{-se} option, and the second,
43963 if any, is equivalent to a @option{-c} option if it's the name of a file.
43964 Many options have
43965 both long and short forms; both are shown here. The long forms are also
43966 recognized if you truncate them, so long as enough of the option is
43967 present to be unambiguous. (If you prefer, you can flag option
43968 arguments with @option{+} rather than @option{-}, though we illustrate the
43969 more usual convention.)
43970
43971 All the options and command line arguments you give are processed
43972 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the @option{-x}
43973 option is used.
43974
43975 @table @env
43976 @item -help
43977 @itemx -h
43978 List all options, with brief explanations.
43979
43980 @item -symbols=@var{file}
43981 @itemx -s @var{file}
43982 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
43983
43984 @item -write
43985 Enable writing into executable and core files.
43986
43987 @item -exec=@var{file}
43988 @itemx -e @var{file}
43989 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when
43990 appropriate, and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core
43991 dump.
43992
43993 @item -se=@var{file}
43994 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
43995 file.
43996
43997 @item -core=@var{file}
43998 @itemx -c @var{file}
43999 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
44000
44001 @item -command=@var{file}
44002 @itemx -x @var{file}
44003 Execute @value{GDBN} commands from file @var{file}.
44004
44005 @item -ex @var{command}
44006 Execute given @value{GDBN} @var{command}.
44007
44008 @item -directory=@var{directory}
44009 @itemx -d @var{directory}
44010 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source files.
44011
44012 @item -nh
44013 Do not execute commands from @file{~/.gdbinit}.
44014
44015 @item -nx
44016 @itemx -n
44017 Do not execute commands from any @file{.gdbinit} initialization files.
44018
44019 @item -quiet
44020 @itemx -q
44021 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
44022 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
44023
44024 @item -batch
44025 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the command
44026 files specified with @option{-x} (and @file{.gdbinit}, if not inhibited).
44027 Exit with nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN}
44028 commands in the command files.
44029
44030 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for example to
44031 download and run a program on another computer; in order to make this
44032 more useful, the message
44033
44034 @smallexample
44035 Program exited normally.
44036 @end smallexample
44037
44038 @noindent
44039 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under @value{GDBN} control
44040 terminates) is not issued when running in batch mode.
44041
44042 @item -cd=@var{directory}
44043 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
44044 instead of the current directory.
44045
44046 @item -fullname
44047 @itemx -f
44048 Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells
44049 @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line number in a standard,
44050 recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is displayed (which
44051 includes each time the program stops). This recognizable format looks
44052 like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by the file name, line number
44053 and character position separated by colons, and a newline. The
44054 Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two @samp{\032}
44055 characters as a signal to display the source code for the frame.
44056
44057 @item -b @var{bps}
44058 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
44059 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
44060
44061 @item -tty=@var{device}
44062 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
44063 @end table
44064 @c man end
44065
44066 @c man begin SEEALSO gdb
44067 @ifset man
44068 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
44069 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
44070 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
44071
44072 @smallexample
44073 info gdb
44074 @end smallexample
44075
44076 @noindent
44077 should give you access to the complete manual.
44078
44079 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
44080 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
44081 @end ifset
44082 @c man end
44083
44084 @node gdbserver man
44085 @heading gdbserver man
44086
44087 @c man title gdbserver Remote Server for the GNU Debugger
44088 @format
44089 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdbserver
44090 gdbserver @var{comm} @var{prog} [@var{args}@dots{}]
44091
44092 gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
44093
44094 gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
44095 @c man end
44096 @end format
44097
44098 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdbserver
44099 @command{gdbserver} is a program that allows you to run @value{GDBN} on a different machine
44100 than the one which is running the program being debugged.
44101
44102 @ifclear man
44103 @subheading Usage (server (target) side)
44104 @end ifclear
44105 @ifset man
44106 Usage (server (target) side):
44107 @end ifset
44108
44109 First, you need to have a copy of the program you want to debug put onto
44110 the target system. The program can be stripped to save space if needed, as
44111 @command{gdbserver} doesn't care about symbols. All symbol handling is taken care of by
44112 the @value{GDBN} running on the host system.
44113
44114 To use the server, you log on to the target system, and run the @command{gdbserver}
44115 program. You must tell it (a) how to communicate with @value{GDBN}, (b) the name of
44116 your program, and (c) its arguments. The general syntax is:
44117
44118 @smallexample
44119 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [@var{args} ...]
44120 @end smallexample
44121
44122 For example, using a serial port, you might say:
44123
44124 @smallexample
44125 @ifset man
44126 @c @file would wrap it as F</dev/com1>.
44127 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
44128 @end ifset
44129 @ifclear man
44130 target> gdbserver @file{/dev/com1} emacs foo.txt
44131 @end ifclear
44132 @end smallexample
44133
44134 This tells @command{gdbserver} to debug emacs with an argument of foo.txt, and
44135 to communicate with @value{GDBN} via @file{/dev/com1}. @command{gdbserver} now
44136 waits patiently for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate with it.
44137
44138 To use a TCP connection, you could say:
44139
44140 @smallexample
44141 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
44142 @end smallexample
44143
44144 This says pretty much the same thing as the last example, except that we are
44145 going to communicate with the @code{host} @value{GDBN} via TCP. The @code{host:2345} argument means
44146 that we are expecting to see a TCP connection from @code{host} to local TCP port
44147 2345. (Currently, the @code{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number you
44148 want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any existing TCP
44149 ports on the target system. This same port number must be used in the host
44150 @value{GDBN}s @code{target remote} command, which will be described shortly. Note that if
44151 you chose a port number that conflicts with another service, @command{gdbserver} will
44152 print an error message and exit.
44153
44154 @command{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
44155 This is accomplished via the @option{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
44156
44157 @smallexample
44158 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
44159 @end smallexample
44160
44161 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
44162 necessary to point @command{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
44163
44164 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
44165 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
44166 In such case you should connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} to start
44167 the program you want to debug.
44168
44169 @smallexample
44170 target> gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
44171 @end smallexample
44172
44173 @ifclear man
44174 @subheading Usage (host side)
44175 @end ifclear
44176 @ifset man
44177 Usage (host side):
44178 @end ifset
44179
44180 You need an unstripped copy of the target program on your host system, since
44181 @value{GDBN} needs to examine it's symbol tables and such. Start up @value{GDBN} as you normally
44182 would, with the target program as the first argument. (You may need to use the
44183 @option{--baud} option if the serial line is running at anything except 9600 baud.)
44184 That is @code{gdb TARGET-PROG}, or @code{gdb --baud BAUD TARGET-PROG}. After that, the only
44185 new command you need to know about is @code{target remote}
44186 (or @code{target extended-remote}). Its argument is either
44187 a device name (usually a serial device, like @file{/dev/ttyb}), or a @code{HOST:PORT}
44188 descriptor. For example:
44189
44190 @smallexample
44191 @ifset man
44192 @c @file would wrap it as F</dev/ttyb>.
44193 (gdb) target remote /dev/ttyb
44194 @end ifset
44195 @ifclear man
44196 (gdb) target remote @file{/dev/ttyb}
44197 @end ifclear
44198 @end smallexample
44199
44200 @noindent
44201 communicates with the server via serial line @file{/dev/ttyb}, and:
44202
44203 @smallexample
44204 (gdb) target remote the-target:2345
44205 @end smallexample
44206
44207 @noindent
44208 communicates via a TCP connection to port 2345 on host `the-target', where
44209 you previously started up @command{gdbserver} with the same port number. Note that for
44210 TCP connections, you must start up @command{gdbserver} prior to using the `target remote'
44211 command, otherwise you may get an error that looks something like
44212 `Connection refused'.
44213
44214 @command{gdbserver} can also debug multiple inferiors at once,
44215 described in
44216 @ifset man
44217 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Inferiors and Programs}
44218 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'Inferiors and Programs'}.
44219 @end ifset
44220 @ifclear man
44221 @ref{Inferiors and Programs}.
44222 @end ifclear
44223 In such case use the @code{extended-remote} @value{GDBN} command variant:
44224
44225 @smallexample
44226 (gdb) target extended-remote the-target:2345
44227 @end smallexample
44228
44229 The @command{gdbserver} option @option{--multi} may or may not be used in such
44230 case.
44231 @c man end
44232
44233 @c man begin OPTIONS gdbserver
44234 There are three different modes for invoking @command{gdbserver}:
44235
44236 @itemize @bullet
44237
44238 @item
44239 Debug a specific program specified by its program name:
44240
44241 @smallexample
44242 gdbserver @var{comm} @var{prog} [@var{args}@dots{}]
44243 @end smallexample
44244
44245 The @var{comm} parameter specifies how should the server communicate
44246 with @value{GDBN}; it is either a device name (to use a serial line),
44247 a TCP port number (@code{:1234}), or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
44248 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}. Specify the name of the program to
44249 debug in @var{prog}. Any remaining arguments will be passed to the
44250 program verbatim. When the program exits, @value{GDBN} will close the
44251 connection, and @code{gdbserver} will exit.
44252
44253 @item
44254 Debug a specific program by specifying the process ID of a running
44255 program:
44256
44257 @smallexample
44258 gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
44259 @end smallexample
44260
44261 The @var{comm} parameter is as described above. Supply the process ID
44262 of a running program in @var{pid}; @value{GDBN} will do everything
44263 else. Like with the previous mode, when the process @var{pid} exits,
44264 @value{GDBN} will close the connection, and @code{gdbserver} will exit.
44265
44266 @item
44267 Multi-process mode -- debug more than one program/process:
44268
44269 @smallexample
44270 gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
44271 @end smallexample
44272
44273 In this mode, @value{GDBN} can instruct @command{gdbserver} which
44274 command(s) to run. Unlike the other 2 modes, @value{GDBN} will not
44275 close the connection when a process being debugged exits, so you can
44276 debug several processes in the same session.
44277 @end itemize
44278
44279 In each of the modes you may specify these options:
44280
44281 @table @env
44282
44283 @item --help
44284 List all options, with brief explanations.
44285
44286 @item --version
44287 This option causes @command{gdbserver} to print its version number and exit.
44288
44289 @item --attach
44290 @command{gdbserver} will attach to a running program. The syntax is:
44291
44292 @smallexample
44293 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
44294 @end smallexample
44295
44296 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
44297 necessary to point @command{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
44298
44299 @item --multi
44300 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
44301 or process ID to attach, use this command line option.
44302 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
44303 the program you want to debug. The syntax is:
44304
44305 @smallexample
44306 target> gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
44307 @end smallexample
44308
44309 @item --debug
44310 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to display extra status information about the debugging
44311 process.
44312 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
44313 the developers.
44314
44315 @item --remote-debug
44316 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to display remote protocol debug output.
44317 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
44318 the developers.
44319
44320 @item --wrapper
44321 Specify a wrapper to launch programs
44322 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
44323 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
44324 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
44325
44326 @item --once
44327 By default, @command{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
44328 additional connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
44329 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
44330 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session.
44331
44332 @c --disable-packet is not documented for users.
44333
44334 @c --disable-randomization and --no-disable-randomization are superseded by
44335 @c QDisableRandomization.
44336
44337 @end table
44338 @c man end
44339
44340 @c man begin SEEALSO gdbserver
44341 @ifset man
44342 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
44343 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
44344 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
44345
44346 @smallexample
44347 info gdb
44348 @end smallexample
44349
44350 should give you access to the complete manual.
44351
44352 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
44353 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
44354 @end ifset
44355 @c man end
44356
44357 @node gcore man
44358 @heading gcore
44359
44360 @c man title gcore Generate a core file of a running program
44361
44362 @format
44363 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gcore
44364 gcore [-o @var{filename}] @var{pid}
44365 @c man end
44366 @end format
44367
44368 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gcore
44369 Generate a core dump of a running program with process ID @var{pid}.
44370 Produced file is equivalent to a kernel produced core file as if the process
44371 crashed (and if @kbd{ulimit -c} were used to set up an appropriate core dump
44372 limit). Unlike after a crash, after @command{gcore} the program remains
44373 running without any change.
44374 @c man end
44375
44376 @c man begin OPTIONS gcore
44377 @table @env
44378 @item -o @var{filename}
44379 The optional argument
44380 @var{filename} specifies the file name where to put the core dump.
44381 If not specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}},
44382 where @var{pid} is the running program process ID.
44383 @end table
44384 @c man end
44385
44386 @c man begin SEEALSO gcore
44387 @ifset man
44388 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
44389 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
44390 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
44391
44392 @smallexample
44393 info gdb
44394 @end smallexample
44395
44396 @noindent
44397 should give you access to the complete manual.
44398
44399 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
44400 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
44401 @end ifset
44402 @c man end
44403
44404 @node gdbinit man
44405 @heading gdbinit
44406
44407 @c man title gdbinit GDB initialization scripts
44408
44409 @format
44410 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdbinit
44411 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT
44412 @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT}
44413 @end ifset
44414
44415 ~/.gdbinit
44416
44417 ./.gdbinit
44418 @c man end
44419 @end format
44420
44421 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdbinit
44422 These files contain @value{GDBN} commands to automatically execute during
44423 @value{GDBN} startup. The lines of contents are canned sequences of commands,
44424 described in
44425 @ifset man
44426 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Sequences}
44427 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n Sequences}.
44428 @end ifset
44429 @ifclear man
44430 @ref{Sequences}.
44431 @end ifclear
44432
44433 Please read more in
44434 @ifset man
44435 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Startup}
44436 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n Startup}.
44437 @end ifset
44438 @ifclear man
44439 @ref{Startup}.
44440 @end ifclear
44441
44442 @table @env
44443 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT
44444 @item @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT}
44445 @end ifset
44446 @ifclear SYSTEM_GDBINIT
44447 @item (not enabled with @code{--with-system-gdbinit} during compilation)
44448 @end ifclear
44449 System-wide initialization file. It is executed unless user specified
44450 @value{GDBN} option @code{-nx} or @code{-n}.
44451 See more in
44452 @ifset man
44453 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{System-wide configuration}
44454 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'System-wide configuration'}.
44455 @end ifset
44456 @ifclear man
44457 @ref{System-wide configuration}.
44458 @end ifclear
44459
44460 @item ~/.gdbinit
44461 User initialization file. It is executed unless user specified
44462 @value{GDBN} options @code{-nx}, @code{-n} or @code{-nh}.
44463
44464 @item ./.gdbinit
44465 Initialization file for current directory. It may need to be enabled with
44466 @value{GDBN} security command @code{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
44467 See more in
44468 @ifset man
44469 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Init File in the Current Directory}
44470 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'Init File in the Current Directory'}.
44471 @end ifset
44472 @ifclear man
44473 @ref{Init File in the Current Directory}.
44474 @end ifclear
44475 @end table
44476 @c man end
44477
44478 @c man begin SEEALSO gdbinit
44479 @ifset man
44480 gdb(1), @code{info -f gdb -n Startup}
44481
44482 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
44483 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
44484 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
44485
44486 @smallexample
44487 info gdb
44488 @end smallexample
44489
44490 should give you access to the complete manual.
44491
44492 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
44493 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
44494 @end ifset
44495 @c man end
44496
44497 @include gpl.texi
44498
44499 @node GNU Free Documentation License
44500 @appendix GNU Free Documentation License
44501 @include fdl.texi
44502
44503 @node Concept Index
44504 @unnumbered Concept Index
44505
44506 @printindex cp
44507
44508 @node Command and Variable Index
44509 @unnumbered Command, Variable, and Function Index
44510
44511 @printindex fn
44512
44513 @tex
44514 % I think something like @@colophon should be in texinfo. In the
44515 % meantime:
44516 \long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
44517 \centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
44518 \centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
44519 \centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
44520 \centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
44521 \centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
44522 \centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
44523 \centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
44524 \centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
44525 \page\colophon
44526 % Blame: doc@@cygnus.com, 1991.
44527 @end tex
44528
44529 @bye