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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 @end direntry
49
50 @copying
51 @c man begin COPYRIGHT
52 Copyright @copyright{} 1988-2013 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
53
54 Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
55 under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.3 or
56 any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with the
57 Invariant Sections being ``Free Software'' and ``Free Software Needs
58 Free Documentation'', with the Front-Cover Texts being ``A GNU Manual,''
59 and with the Back-Cover Texts as in (a) below.
60
61 (a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You are free to copy and modify
62 this GNU Manual. Buying copies from GNU Press supports the FSF in
63 developing GNU and promoting software freedom.''
64 @c man end
65 @end copying
66
67 @ifnottex
68 This file documents the @sc{gnu} debugger @value{GDBN}.
69
70 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, of @cite{Debugging with
71 @value{GDBN}: the @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger} for @value{GDBN}
72 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
73 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
74 @end ifset
75 Version @value{GDBVN}.
76
77 @insertcopying
78 @end ifnottex
79
80 @titlepage
81 @title Debugging with @value{GDBN}
82 @subtitle The @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger
83 @sp 1
84 @subtitle @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN}
85 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
86 @sp 1
87 @subtitle @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
88 @end ifset
89 @author Richard Stallman, Roland Pesch, Stan Shebs, et al.
90 @page
91 @tex
92 {\parskip=0pt
93 \hfill (Send bugs and comments on @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.)\par
94 \hfill {\it Debugging with @value{GDBN}}\par
95 \hfill \TeX{}info \texinfoversion\par
96 }
97 @end tex
98
99 @vskip 0pt plus 1filll
100 Published by the Free Software Foundation @*
101 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor,
102 Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA@*
103 ISBN 978-0-9831592-3-0 @*
104
105 @insertcopying
106 @end titlepage
107 @page
108
109 @ifnottex
110 @node Top, Summary, (dir), (dir)
111
112 @top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
113
114 This file describes @value{GDBN}, the @sc{gnu} symbolic debugger.
115
116 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN}
117 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
118 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
119 @end ifset
120 Version @value{GDBVN}.
121
122 Copyright (C) 1988-2013 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
123
124 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
125 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
126 software in general. We will miss him.
127
128 @menu
129 * Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
130 * Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
131
132 * Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
133 * Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
134 * Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
135 * Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
136 * Reverse Execution:: Running programs backward
137 * Process Record and Replay:: Recording inferior's execution and replaying it
138 * Stack:: Examining the stack
139 * Source:: Examining source files
140 * Data:: Examining data
141 * Optimized Code:: Debugging optimized code
142 * Macros:: Preprocessor Macros
143 * Tracepoints:: Debugging remote targets non-intrusively
144 * Overlays:: Debugging programs that use overlays
145
146 * Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
147
148 * Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
149 * Altering:: Altering execution
150 * GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
151 * Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
152 * Remote Debugging:: Debugging remote programs
153 * Configurations:: Configuration-specific information
154 * Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
155 * Extending GDB:: Extending @value{GDBN}
156 * Interpreters:: Command Interpreters
157 * TUI:: @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
158 * Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
159 * GDB/MI:: @value{GDBN}'s Machine Interface.
160 * Annotations:: @value{GDBN}'s annotation interface.
161 * JIT Interface:: Using the JIT debugging interface.
162 * In-Process Agent:: In-Process Agent
163
164 * GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
165
166 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
167 * Command Line Editing: (rluserman). Command Line Editing
168 * Using History Interactively: (history). Using History Interactively
169 @end ifset
170 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
171 * Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
172 * Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
173 @end ifclear
174 * In Memoriam:: In Memoriam
175 * Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print @value{GDBN} documentation
176 * Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
177 * Maintenance Commands:: Maintenance Commands
178 * Remote Protocol:: GDB Remote Serial Protocol
179 * Agent Expressions:: The GDB Agent Expression Mechanism
180 * Target Descriptions:: How targets can describe themselves to
181 @value{GDBN}
182 * Operating System Information:: Getting additional information from
183 the operating system
184 * Trace File Format:: GDB trace file format
185 * Index Section Format:: .gdb_index section format
186 * Man Pages:: Manual pages
187 * Copying:: GNU General Public License says
188 how you can copy and share GDB
189 * GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation
190 * Concept Index:: Index of @value{GDBN} concepts
191 * Command and Variable Index:: Index of @value{GDBN} commands, variables,
192 functions, and Python data types
193 @end menu
194
195 @end ifnottex
196
197 @contents
198
199 @node Summary
200 @unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
201
202 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
203 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
204 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
205
206 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
207 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
208
209 @itemize @bullet
210 @item
211 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
212
213 @item
214 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
215
216 @item
217 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
218
219 @item
220 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
221 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
222 @end itemize
223
224 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C and C@t{++}.
225 For more information, see @ref{Supported Languages,,Supported Languages}.
226 For more information, see @ref{C,,C and C++}.
227
228 Support for D is partial. For information on D, see
229 @ref{D,,D}.
230
231 @cindex Modula-2
232 Support for Modula-2 is partial. For information on Modula-2, see
233 @ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}.
234
235 Support for OpenCL C is partial. For information on OpenCL C, see
236 @ref{OpenCL C,,OpenCL C}.
237
238 @cindex Pascal
239 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
240 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
241 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
242 syntax.
243
244 @cindex Fortran
245 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, although
246 it may be necessary to refer to some variables with a trailing
247 underscore.
248
249 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Objective-C,
250 using either the Apple/NeXT or the GNU Objective-C runtime.
251
252 @menu
253 * Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
254 * Free Documentation:: Free Software Needs Free Documentation
255 * Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
256 @end menu
257
258 @node Free Software
259 @unnumberedsec Free Software
260
261 @value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the @sc{gnu}
262 General Public License
263 (GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
264 program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
265 freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
266 the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
267 Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
268 Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
269
270 Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
271 you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
272 from anyone else.
273
274 @node Free Documentation
275 @unnumberedsec Free Software Needs Free Documentation
276
277 The biggest deficiency in the free software community today is not in
278 the software---it is the lack of good free documentation that we can
279 include with the free software. Many of our most important
280 programs do not come with free reference manuals and free introductory
281 texts. Documentation is an essential part of any software package;
282 when an important free software package does not come with a free
283 manual and a free tutorial, that is a major gap. We have many such
284 gaps today.
285
286 Consider Perl, for instance. The tutorial manuals that people
287 normally use are non-free. How did this come about? Because the
288 authors of those manuals published them with restrictive terms---no
289 copying, no modification, source files not available---which exclude
290 them from the free software world.
291
292 That wasn't the first time this sort of thing happened, and it was far
293 from the last. Many times we have heard a GNU user eagerly describe a
294 manual that he is writing, his intended contribution to the community,
295 only to learn that he had ruined everything by signing a publication
296 contract to make it non-free.
297
298 Free documentation, like free software, is a matter of freedom, not
299 price. The problem with the non-free manual is not that publishers
300 charge a price for printed copies---that in itself is fine. (The Free
301 Software Foundation sells printed copies of manuals, too.) The
302 problem is the restrictions on the use of the manual. Free manuals
303 are available in source code form, and give you permission to copy and
304 modify. Non-free manuals do not allow this.
305
306 The criteria of freedom for a free manual are roughly the same as for
307 free software. Redistribution (including the normal kinds of
308 commercial redistribution) must be permitted, so that the manual can
309 accompany every copy of the program, both on-line and on paper.
310
311 Permission for modification of the technical content is crucial too.
312 When people modify the software, adding or changing features, if they
313 are conscientious they will change the manual too---so they can
314 provide accurate and clear documentation for the modified program. A
315 manual that leaves you no choice but to write a new manual to document
316 a changed version of the program is not really available to our
317 community.
318
319 Some kinds of limits on the way modification is handled are
320 acceptable. For example, requirements to preserve the original
321 author's copyright notice, the distribution terms, or the list of
322 authors, are ok. It is also no problem to require modified versions
323 to include notice that they were modified. Even entire sections that
324 may not be deleted or changed are acceptable, as long as they deal
325 with nontechnical topics (like this one). These kinds of restrictions
326 are acceptable because they don't obstruct the community's normal use
327 of the manual.
328
329 However, it must be possible to modify all the @emph{technical}
330 content of the manual, and then distribute the result in all the usual
331 media, through all the usual channels. Otherwise, the restrictions
332 obstruct the use of the manual, it is not free, and we need another
333 manual to replace it.
334
335 Please spread the word about this issue. Our community continues to
336 lose manuals to proprietary publishing. If we spread the word that
337 free software needs free reference manuals and free tutorials, perhaps
338 the next person who wants to contribute by writing documentation will
339 realize, before it is too late, that only free manuals contribute to
340 the free software community.
341
342 If you are writing documentation, please insist on publishing it under
343 the GNU Free Documentation License or another free documentation
344 license. Remember that this decision requires your approval---you
345 don't have to let the publisher decide. Some commercial publishers
346 will use a free license if you insist, but they will not propose the
347 option; it is up to you to raise the issue and say firmly that this is
348 what you want. If the publisher you are dealing with refuses, please
349 try other publishers. If you're not sure whether a proposed license
350 is free, write to @email{licensing@@gnu.org}.
351
352 You can encourage commercial publishers to sell more free, copylefted
353 manuals and tutorials by buying them, and particularly by buying
354 copies from the publishers that paid for their writing or for major
355 improvements. Meanwhile, try to avoid buying non-free documentation
356 at all. Check the distribution terms of a manual before you buy it,
357 and insist that whoever seeks your business must respect your freedom.
358 Check the history of the book, and try to reward the publishers that
359 have paid or pay the authors to work on it.
360
361 The Free Software Foundation maintains a list of free documentation
362 published by other publishers, at
363 @url{http://www.fsf.org/doc/other-free-books.html}.
364
365 @node Contributors
366 @unnumberedsec Contributors to @value{GDBN}
367
368 Richard Stallman was the original author of @value{GDBN}, and of many
369 other @sc{gnu} programs. Many others have contributed to its
370 development. This section attempts to credit major contributors. One
371 of the virtues of free software is that everyone is free to contribute
372 to it; with regret, we cannot actually acknowledge everyone here. The
373 file @file{ChangeLog} in the @value{GDBN} distribution approximates a
374 blow-by-blow account.
375
376 Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
377
378 @quotation
379 @emph{Plea:} Additions to this section are particularly welcome. If you
380 or your friends (or enemies, to be evenhanded) have been unfairly
381 omitted from this list, we would like to add your names!
382 @end quotation
383
384 So that they may not regard their many labors as thankless, we
385 particularly thank those who shepherded @value{GDBN} through major
386 releases:
387 Andrew Cagney (releases 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 6.0, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0);
388 Jim Blandy (release 4.18);
389 Jason Molenda (release 4.17);
390 Stan Shebs (release 4.14);
391 Fred Fish (releases 4.16, 4.15, 4.13, 4.12, 4.11, 4.10, and 4.9);
392 Stu Grossman and John Gilmore (releases 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, and 4.4);
393 John Gilmore (releases 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.9);
394 Jim Kingdon (releases 3.5, 3.4, and 3.3);
395 and Randy Smith (releases 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0).
396
397 Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Peter TerMaat, Chris
398 Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
399
400 Michael Tiemann is the author of most of the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} support
401 in @value{GDBN}, with significant additional contributions from Per
402 Bothner and Daniel Berlin. James Clark wrote the @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
403 demangler. Early work on C@t{++} was by Peter TerMaat (who also did
404 much general update work leading to release 3.0).
405
406 @value{GDBN} uses the BFD subroutine library to examine multiple
407 object-file formats; BFD was a joint project of David V.
408 Henkel-Wallace, Rich Pixley, Steve Chamberlain, and John Gilmore.
409
410 David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
411 the original support for encapsulated COFF.
412
413 Brent Benson of Harris Computer Systems contributed DWARF 2 support.
414
415 Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
416 Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
417 support.
418 Jean-Daniel Fekete contributed Sun 386i support.
419 Chris Hanson improved the HP9000 support.
420 Noboyuki Hikichi and Tomoyuki Hasei contributed Sony/News OS 3 support.
421 David Johnson contributed Encore Umax support.
422 Jyrki Kuoppala contributed Altos 3068 support.
423 Jeff Law contributed HP PA and SOM support.
424 Keith Packard contributed NS32K support.
425 Doug Rabson contributed Acorn Risc Machine support.
426 Bob Rusk contributed Harris Nighthawk CX-UX support.
427 Chris Smith contributed Convex support (and Fortran debugging).
428 Jonathan Stone contributed Pyramid support.
429 Michael Tiemann contributed SPARC support.
430 Tim Tucker contributed support for the Gould NP1 and Gould Powernode.
431 Pace Willison contributed Intel 386 support.
432 Jay Vosburgh contributed Symmetry support.
433 Marko Mlinar contributed OpenRISC 1000 support.
434
435 Andreas Schwab contributed M68K @sc{gnu}/Linux support.
436
437 Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
438 libraries.
439
440 Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that @value{GDBN} and GAS agree
441 about several machine instruction sets.
442
443 Patrick Duval, Ted Goldstein, Vikram Koka and Glenn Engel helped develop
444 remote debugging. Intel Corporation, Wind River Systems, AMD, and ARM
445 contributed remote debugging modules for the i960, VxWorks, A29K UDI,
446 and RDI targets, respectively.
447
448 Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
449 command-line editing and command history.
450
451 Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code, the
452 Modula-2 support, and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
453
454 Fred Fish wrote most of the support for Unix System Vr4.
455 He also enhanced the command-completion support to cover C@t{++} overloaded
456 symbols.
457
458 Hitachi America (now Renesas America), Ltd. sponsored the support for
459 H8/300, H8/500, and Super-H processors.
460
461 NEC sponsored the support for the v850, Vr4xxx, and Vr5xxx processors.
462
463 Mitsubishi (now Renesas) sponsored the support for D10V, D30V, and M32R/D
464 processors.
465
466 Toshiba sponsored the support for the TX39 Mips processor.
467
468 Matsushita sponsored the support for the MN10200 and MN10300 processors.
469
470 Fujitsu sponsored the support for SPARClite and FR30 processors.
471
472 Kung Hsu, Jeff Law, and Rick Sladkey added support for hardware
473 watchpoints.
474
475 Michael Snyder added support for tracepoints.
476
477 Stu Grossman wrote gdbserver.
478
479 Jim Kingdon, Peter Schauer, Ian Taylor, and Stu Grossman made
480 nearly innumerable bug fixes and cleanups throughout @value{GDBN}.
481
482 The following people at the Hewlett-Packard Company contributed
483 support for the PA-RISC 2.0 architecture, HP-UX 10.20, 10.30, and 11.0
484 (narrow mode), HP's implementation of kernel threads, HP's aC@t{++}
485 compiler, and the Text User Interface (nee Terminal User Interface):
486 Ben Krepp, Richard Title, John Bishop, Susan Macchia, Kathy Mann,
487 Satish Pai, India Paul, Steve Rehrauer, and Elena Zannoni. Kim Haase
488 provided HP-specific information in this manual.
489
490 DJ Delorie ported @value{GDBN} to MS-DOS, for the DJGPP project.
491 Robert Hoehne made significant contributions to the DJGPP port.
492
493 Cygnus Solutions has sponsored @value{GDBN} maintenance and much of its
494 development since 1991. Cygnus engineers who have worked on @value{GDBN}
495 fulltime include Mark Alexander, Jim Blandy, Per Bothner, Kevin
496 Buettner, Edith Epstein, Chris Faylor, Fred Fish, Martin Hunt, Jim
497 Ingham, John Gilmore, Stu Grossman, Kung Hsu, Jim Kingdon, John Metzler,
498 Fernando Nasser, Geoffrey Noer, Dawn Perchik, Rich Pixley, Zdenek
499 Radouch, Keith Seitz, Stan Shebs, David Taylor, and Elena Zannoni. In
500 addition, Dave Brolley, Ian Carmichael, Steve Chamberlain, Nick Clifton,
501 JT Conklin, Stan Cox, DJ Delorie, Ulrich Drepper, Frank Eigler, Doug
502 Evans, Sean Fagan, David Henkel-Wallace, Richard Henderson, Jeff
503 Holcomb, Jeff Law, Jim Lemke, Tom Lord, Bob Manson, Michael Meissner,
504 Jason Merrill, Catherine Moore, Drew Moseley, Ken Raeburn, Gavin
505 Romig-Koch, Rob Savoye, Jamie Smith, Mike Stump, Ian Taylor, Angela
506 Thomas, Michael Tiemann, Tom Tromey, Ron Unrau, Jim Wilson, and David
507 Zuhn have made contributions both large and small.
508
509 Andrew Cagney, Fernando Nasser, and Elena Zannoni, while working for
510 Cygnus Solutions, implemented the original @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
511
512 Jim Blandy added support for preprocessor macros, while working for Red
513 Hat.
514
515 Andrew Cagney designed @value{GDBN}'s architecture vector. Many
516 people including Andrew Cagney, Stephane Carrez, Randolph Chung, Nick
517 Duffek, Richard Henderson, Mark Kettenis, Grace Sainsbury, Kei
518 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Andreas Schwab, Jason
519 Thorpe, Corinna Vinschen, Ulrich Weigand, and Elena Zannoni, helped
520 with the migration of old architectures to this new framework.
521
522 Andrew Cagney completely re-designed and re-implemented @value{GDBN}'s
523 unwinder framework, this consisting of a fresh new design featuring
524 frame IDs, independent frame sniffers, and the sentinel frame. Mark
525 Kettenis implemented the @sc{dwarf 2} unwinder, Jeff Johnston the
526 libunwind unwinder, and Andrew Cagney the dummy, sentinel, tramp, and
527 trad unwinders. The architecture-specific changes, each involving a
528 complete rewrite of the architecture's frame code, were carried out by
529 Jim Blandy, Joel Brobecker, Kevin Buettner, Andrew Cagney, Stephane
530 Carrez, Randolph Chung, Orjan Friberg, Richard Henderson, Daniel
531 Jacobowitz, Jeff Johnston, Mark Kettenis, Theodore A. Roth, Kei
532 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Corinna Vinschen, and Ulrich
533 Weigand.
534
535 Christian Zankel, Ross Morley, Bob Wilson, and Maxim Grigoriev from
536 Tensilica, Inc.@: contributed support for Xtensa processors. Others
537 who have worked on the Xtensa port of @value{GDBN} in the past include
538 Steve Tjiang, John Newlin, and Scott Foehner.
539
540 Michael Eager and staff of Xilinx, Inc., contributed support for the
541 Xilinx MicroBlaze architecture.
542
543 @node Sample Session
544 @chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
545
546 You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
547 However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
548 debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
549
550 @iftex
551 In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
552 to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
553 @end iftex
554
555 @c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
556 @c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
557
558 One of the preliminary versions of @sc{gnu} @code{m4} (a generic macro
559 processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
560 quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
561 definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
562 session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
563 then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
564 same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
565 @code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
566 procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
567
568 @smallexample
569 $ @b{cd gnu/m4}
570 $ @b{./m4}
571 @b{define(foo,0000)}
572
573 @b{foo}
574 0000
575 @b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
576
577 @b{bar}
578 0000
579 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
580
581 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
582 @b{baz}
583 @b{Ctrl-d}
584 m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
585 @end smallexample
586
587 @noindent
588 Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
589
590 @smallexample
591 $ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
592 @c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
593 @c FIXME... format to come out better.
594 @value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
595 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
596 the conditions.
597 There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
598 for details.
599
600 @value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
601 (@value{GDBP})
602 @end smallexample
603
604 @noindent
605 @value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the
606 rest when needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly.
607 We now tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so
608 that examples fit in this manual.
609
610 @smallexample
611 (@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
612 @end smallexample
613
614 @noindent
615 We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
616 Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
617 @code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
618 @code{break} command.
619
620 @smallexample
621 (@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
622 Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
623 @end smallexample
624
625 @noindent
626 Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
627 control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
628 subroutine, the program runs as usual:
629
630 @smallexample
631 (@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
632 Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
633 @b{define(foo,0000)}
634
635 @b{foo}
636 0000
637 @end smallexample
638
639 @noindent
640 To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
641 suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
642 context where it stops.
643
644 @smallexample
645 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
646
647 Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
648 at builtin.c:879
649 879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
650 @end smallexample
651
652 @noindent
653 Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
654 the next line of the current function.
655
656 @smallexample
657 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
658 882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
659 : nil,
660 @end smallexample
661
662 @noindent
663 @code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
664 by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
665 @code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
666 subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
667
668 @smallexample
669 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
670 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
671 at input.c:530
672 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
673 @end smallexample
674
675 @noindent
676 The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
677 suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
678 shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
679 command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
680 in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
681 stack frame for each active subroutine.
682
683 @smallexample
684 (@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
685 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
686 at input.c:530
687 #1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
688 at builtin.c:882
689 #2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
690 #3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
691 at macro.c:71
692 #4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
693 #5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
694 @end smallexample
695
696 @noindent
697 We step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
698 times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
699 falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
700
701 @smallexample
702 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
703 0x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
704 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
705 0x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
706 def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
707 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
708 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
709 : xstrdup(rq);
710 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
711 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
712 @end smallexample
713
714 @noindent
715 The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
716 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
717 and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
718 (@code{print}) to see their values.
719
720 @smallexample
721 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
722 $1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
723 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
724 $2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
725 @end smallexample
726
727 @noindent
728 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
729 To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
730 surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
731
732 @smallexample
733 (@value{GDBP}) @b{l}
734 533 xfree(rquote);
735 534
736 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
737 : xstrdup (lq);
738 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
739 : xstrdup (rq);
740 537
741 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
742 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
743 540 @}
744 541
745 542 void
746 @end smallexample
747
748 @noindent
749 Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
750 @code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
751
752 @smallexample
753 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
754 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
755 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
756 540 @}
757 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
758 $3 = 9
759 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
760 $4 = 7
761 @end smallexample
762
763 @noindent
764 That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
765 @code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
766 @code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
767 the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
768 any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
769 assignments.
770
771 @smallexample
772 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
773 $5 = 7
774 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
775 $6 = 9
776 @end smallexample
777
778 @noindent
779 Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
780 @code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
781 executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
782 example that caused trouble initially:
783
784 @smallexample
785 (@value{GDBP}) @b{c}
786 Continuing.
787
788 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
789
790 baz
791 0000
792 @end smallexample
793
794 @noindent
795 Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
796 problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
797 lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
798
799 @smallexample
800 @b{Ctrl-d}
801 Program exited normally.
802 @end smallexample
803
804 @noindent
805 The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
806 indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
807 session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
808
809 @smallexample
810 (@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
811 @end smallexample
812
813 @node Invocation
814 @chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
815
816 This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
817 The essentials are:
818 @itemize @bullet
819 @item
820 type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
821 @item
822 type @kbd{quit} or @kbd{Ctrl-d} to exit.
823 @end itemize
824
825 @menu
826 * Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
827 * Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
828 * Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
829 * Logging Output:: How to log @value{GDBN}'s output to a file
830 @end menu
831
832 @node Invoking GDB
833 @section Invoking @value{GDBN}
834
835 Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
836 @value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
837
838 You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
839 to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
840
841 The command-line options described here are designed
842 to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
843 options may effectively be unavailable.
844
845 The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
846 specifying an executable program:
847
848 @smallexample
849 @value{GDBP} @var{program}
850 @end smallexample
851
852 @noindent
853 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
854 specified:
855
856 @smallexample
857 @value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
858 @end smallexample
859
860 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
861 to debug a running process:
862
863 @smallexample
864 @value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
865 @end smallexample
866
867 @noindent
868 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
869 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
870
871 Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
872 complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote
873 debugger attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of
874 ``process'', and there is often no way to get a core dump. @value{GDBN}
875 will warn you if it is unable to attach or to read core dumps.
876
877 You can optionally have @code{@value{GDBP}} pass any arguments after the
878 executable file to the inferior using @code{--args}. This option stops
879 option processing.
880 @smallexample
881 @value{GDBP} --args gcc -O2 -c foo.c
882 @end smallexample
883 This will cause @code{@value{GDBP}} to debug @code{gcc}, and to set
884 @code{gcc}'s command-line arguments (@pxref{Arguments}) to @samp{-O2 -c foo.c}.
885
886 You can run @code{@value{GDBP}} without printing the front material, which describes
887 @value{GDBN}'s non-warranty, by specifying @code{-silent}:
888
889 @smallexample
890 @value{GDBP} -silent
891 @end smallexample
892
893 @noindent
894 You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
895 options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
896
897 @noindent
898 Type
899
900 @smallexample
901 @value{GDBP} -help
902 @end smallexample
903
904 @noindent
905 to display all available options and briefly describe their use
906 (@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
907
908 All options and command line arguments you give are processed
909 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
910 @samp{-x} option is used.
911
912
913 @menu
914 * File Options:: Choosing files
915 * Mode Options:: Choosing modes
916 * Startup:: What @value{GDBN} does during startup
917 @end menu
918
919 @node File Options
920 @subsection Choosing Files
921
922 When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
923 specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
924 the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
925 @samp{-c} (or @samp{-p}) options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the
926 first argument that does not have an associated option flag as
927 equivalent to the @samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the
928 second argument that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as
929 equivalent to the @samp{-c}/@samp{-p} option followed by that argument.)
930 If the second argument begins with a decimal digit, @value{GDBN} will
931 first attempt to attach to it as a process, and if that fails, attempt
932 to open it as a corefile. If you have a corefile whose name begins with
933 a digit, you can prevent @value{GDBN} from treating it as a pid by
934 prefixing it with @file{./}, e.g.@: @file{./12345}.
935
936 If @value{GDBN} has not been configured to included core file support,
937 such as for most embedded targets, then it will complain about a second
938 argument and ignore it.
939
940 Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
941 following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
942 them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
943 (If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
944 than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
945
946 @c NOTE: the @cindex entries here use double dashes ON PURPOSE. This
947 @c way, both those who look for -foo and --foo in the index, will find
948 @c it.
949
950 @table @code
951 @item -symbols @var{file}
952 @itemx -s @var{file}
953 @cindex @code{--symbols}
954 @cindex @code{-s}
955 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
956
957 @item -exec @var{file}
958 @itemx -e @var{file}
959 @cindex @code{--exec}
960 @cindex @code{-e}
961 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when appropriate,
962 and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core dump.
963
964 @item -se @var{file}
965 @cindex @code{--se}
966 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
967 file.
968
969 @item -core @var{file}
970 @itemx -c @var{file}
971 @cindex @code{--core}
972 @cindex @code{-c}
973 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
974
975 @item -pid @var{number}
976 @itemx -p @var{number}
977 @cindex @code{--pid}
978 @cindex @code{-p}
979 Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command.
980
981 @item -command @var{file}
982 @itemx -x @var{file}
983 @cindex @code{--command}
984 @cindex @code{-x}
985 Execute commands from file @var{file}. The contents of this file is
986 evaluated exactly as the @code{source} command would.
987 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
988
989 @item -eval-command @var{command}
990 @itemx -ex @var{command}
991 @cindex @code{--eval-command}
992 @cindex @code{-ex}
993 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command.
994
995 This option may be used multiple times to call multiple commands. It may
996 also be interleaved with @samp{-command} as required.
997
998 @smallexample
999 @value{GDBP} -ex 'target sim' -ex 'load' \
1000 -x setbreakpoints -ex 'run' a.out
1001 @end smallexample
1002
1003 @item -init-command @var{file}
1004 @itemx -ix @var{file}
1005 @cindex @code{--init-command}
1006 @cindex @code{-ix}
1007 Execute commands from file @var{file} before loading the inferior (but
1008 after loading gdbinit files).
1009 @xref{Startup}.
1010
1011 @item -init-eval-command @var{command}
1012 @itemx -iex @var{command}
1013 @cindex @code{--init-eval-command}
1014 @cindex @code{-iex}
1015 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command before loading the inferior (but
1016 after loading gdbinit files).
1017 @xref{Startup}.
1018
1019 @item -directory @var{directory}
1020 @itemx -d @var{directory}
1021 @cindex @code{--directory}
1022 @cindex @code{-d}
1023 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
1024
1025 @item -r
1026 @itemx -readnow
1027 @cindex @code{--readnow}
1028 @cindex @code{-r}
1029 Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
1030 the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
1031 This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
1032
1033 @end table
1034
1035 @node Mode Options
1036 @subsection Choosing Modes
1037
1038 You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
1039 batch mode or quiet mode.
1040
1041 @table @code
1042 @anchor{-nx}
1043 @item -nx
1044 @itemx -n
1045 @cindex @code{--nx}
1046 @cindex @code{-n}
1047 Do not execute commands found in any initialization file.
1048 There are three init files, loaded in the following order:
1049
1050 @table @code
1051 @item @file{system.gdbinit}
1052 This is the system-wide init file.
1053 Its location is specified with the @code{--with-system-gdbinit}
1054 configure option (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
1055 It is loaded first when @value{GDBN} starts, before command line options
1056 have been processed.
1057 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}
1058 This is the init file in your home directory.
1059 It is loaded next, after @file{system.gdbinit}, and before
1060 command options have been processed.
1061 @item @file{./.gdbinit}
1062 This is the init file in the current directory.
1063 It is loaded last, after command line options other than @code{-x} and
1064 @code{-ex} have been processed. Command line options @code{-x} and
1065 @code{-ex} are processed last, after @file{./.gdbinit} has been loaded.
1066 @end table
1067
1068 For further documentation on startup processing, @xref{Startup}.
1069 For documentation on how to write command files,
1070 @xref{Command Files,,Command Files}.
1071
1072 @anchor{-nh}
1073 @item -nh
1074 @cindex @code{--nh}
1075 Do not execute commands found in @file{~/.gdbinit}, the init file
1076 in your home directory.
1077 @xref{Startup}.
1078
1079 @item -quiet
1080 @itemx -silent
1081 @itemx -q
1082 @cindex @code{--quiet}
1083 @cindex @code{--silent}
1084 @cindex @code{-q}
1085 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1086 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
1087
1088 @item -batch
1089 @cindex @code{--batch}
1090 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
1091 command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
1092 initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
1093 nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
1094 in the command files. Batch mode also disables pagination, sets unlimited
1095 terminal width and height @pxref{Screen Size}, and acts as if @kbd{set confirm
1096 off} were in effect (@pxref{Messages/Warnings}).
1097
1098 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
1099 example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
1100 make this more useful, the message
1101
1102 @smallexample
1103 Program exited normally.
1104 @end smallexample
1105
1106 @noindent
1107 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1108 @value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
1109 mode.
1110
1111 @item -batch-silent
1112 @cindex @code{--batch-silent}
1113 Run in batch mode exactly like @samp{-batch}, but totally silently. All
1114 @value{GDBN} output to @code{stdout} is prevented (@code{stderr} is
1115 unaffected). This is much quieter than @samp{-silent} and would be useless
1116 for an interactive session.
1117
1118 This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1119 messages, for example.
1120
1121 Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to
1122 writing directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
1123
1124 @item -return-child-result
1125 @cindex @code{--return-child-result}
1126 The return code from @value{GDBN} will be the return code from the child
1127 process (the process being debugged), with the following exceptions:
1128
1129 @itemize @bullet
1130 @item
1131 @value{GDBN} exits abnormally. E.g., due to an incorrect argument or an
1132 internal error. In this case the exit code is the same as it would have been
1133 without @samp{-return-child-result}.
1134 @item
1135 The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1136 @item
1137 The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1138 the exit code will be -1.
1139 @end itemize
1140
1141 This option is useful in conjunction with @samp{-batch} or @samp{-batch-silent},
1142 when @value{GDBN} is being used as a remote program loader or simulator
1143 interface.
1144
1145 @item -nowindows
1146 @itemx -nw
1147 @cindex @code{--nowindows}
1148 @cindex @code{-nw}
1149 ``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
1150 (GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
1151 interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
1152
1153 @item -windows
1154 @itemx -w
1155 @cindex @code{--windows}
1156 @cindex @code{-w}
1157 If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1158 used if possible.
1159
1160 @item -cd @var{directory}
1161 @cindex @code{--cd}
1162 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1163 instead of the current directory.
1164
1165 @item -data-directory @var{directory}
1166 @cindex @code{--data-directory}
1167 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its data directory.
1168 The data directory is where @value{GDBN} searches for its
1169 auxiliary files. @xref{Data Files}.
1170
1171 @item -fullname
1172 @itemx -f
1173 @cindex @code{--fullname}
1174 @cindex @code{-f}
1175 @sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
1176 subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
1177 number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
1178 displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
1179 recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
1180 the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
1181 and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
1182 @samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
1183 frame.
1184
1185 @item -annotate @var{level}
1186 @cindex @code{--annotate}
1187 This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
1188 effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
1189 (@pxref{Annotations}). The annotation @var{level} controls how much
1190 information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt, values of
1191 expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0 is the
1192 normal, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of
1193 @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable for programs
1194 that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 has been deprecated.
1195
1196 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
1197 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
1198
1199 @item --args
1200 @cindex @code{--args}
1201 Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following the
1202 executable file are passed as command line arguments to the inferior.
1203 This option stops option processing.
1204
1205 @item -baud @var{bps}
1206 @itemx -b @var{bps}
1207 @cindex @code{--baud}
1208 @cindex @code{-b}
1209 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1210 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1211
1212 @item -l @var{timeout}
1213 @cindex @code{-l}
1214 Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1215 for remote debugging.
1216
1217 @item -tty @var{device}
1218 @itemx -t @var{device}
1219 @cindex @code{--tty}
1220 @cindex @code{-t}
1221 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1222 @c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1223
1224 @c resolve the situation of these eventually
1225 @item -tui
1226 @cindex @code{--tui}
1227 Activate the @dfn{Text User Interface} when starting. The Text User
1228 Interface manages several text windows on the terminal, showing
1229 source, assembly, registers and @value{GDBN} command outputs
1230 (@pxref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}). Do not use this
1231 option if you run @value{GDBN} from Emacs (@pxref{Emacs, ,
1232 Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1233
1234 @c @item -xdb
1235 @c @cindex @code{--xdb}
1236 @c Run in XDB compatibility mode, allowing the use of certain XDB commands.
1237 @c For information, see the file @file{xdb_trans.html}, which is usually
1238 @c installed in the directory @code{/opt/langtools/wdb/doc} on HP-UX
1239 @c systems.
1240
1241 @item -interpreter @var{interp}
1242 @cindex @code{--interpreter}
1243 Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1244 program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1245 communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end.
1246 @xref{Interpreters, , Command Interpreters}.
1247
1248 @samp{--interpreter=mi} (or @samp{--interpreter=mi2}) causes
1249 @value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{@sc{gdb/mi} interface} (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,
1250 The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}) included since @value{GDBN} version 6.0. The
1251 previous @sc{gdb/mi} interface, included in @value{GDBN} version 5.3 and
1252 selected with @samp{--interpreter=mi1}, is deprecated. Earlier
1253 @sc{gdb/mi} interfaces are no longer supported.
1254
1255 @item -write
1256 @cindex @code{--write}
1257 Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1258 is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1259 (@pxref{Patching}).
1260
1261 @item -statistics
1262 @cindex @code{--statistics}
1263 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1264 memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1265
1266 @item -version
1267 @cindex @code{--version}
1268 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1269 no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1270
1271 @item -configuration
1272 @cindex @code{--configuration}
1273 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print details about its build-time
1274 configuration parameters, and then exit. These details can be
1275 important when reporting @value{GDBN} bugs (@pxref{GDB Bugs}).
1276
1277 @end table
1278
1279 @node Startup
1280 @subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1281 @cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1282
1283 Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1284
1285 @enumerate
1286 @item
1287 Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1288 (@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
1289
1290 @item
1291 @cindex init file
1292 Reads the system-wide @dfn{init file} (if @option{--with-system-gdbinit} was
1293 used when building @value{GDBN}; @pxref{System-wide configuration,
1294 ,System-wide configuration and settings}) and executes all the commands in
1295 that file.
1296
1297 @anchor{Home Directory Init File}
1298 @item
1299 Reads the init file (if any) in your home directory@footnote{On
1300 DOS/Windows systems, the home directory is the one pointed to by the
1301 @code{HOME} environment variable.} and executes all the commands in
1302 that file.
1303
1304 @anchor{Option -init-eval-command}
1305 @item
1306 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-iex} and
1307 @samp{-ix} options in their specified order. Usually you should use the
1308 @samp{-ex} and @samp{-x} options instead, but this way you can apply
1309 settings before @value{GDBN} init files get executed and before inferior
1310 gets loaded.
1311
1312 @item
1313 Processes command line options and operands.
1314
1315 @anchor{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}
1316 @item
1317 Reads and executes the commands from init file (if any) in the current
1318 working directory as long as @samp{set auto-load local-gdbinit} is set to
1319 @samp{on} (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory}).
1320 This is only done if the current directory is
1321 different from your home directory. Thus, you can have more than one
1322 init file, one generic in your home directory, and another, specific
1323 to the program you are debugging, in the directory where you invoke
1324 @value{GDBN}.
1325
1326 @item
1327 If the command line specified a program to debug, or a process to
1328 attach to, or a core file, @value{GDBN} loads any auto-loaded
1329 scripts provided for the program or for its loaded shared libraries.
1330 @xref{Auto-loading}.
1331
1332 If you wish to disable the auto-loading during startup,
1333 you must do something like the following:
1334
1335 @smallexample
1336 $ gdb -iex "set auto-load python-scripts off" myprogram
1337 @end smallexample
1338
1339 Option @samp{-ex} does not work because the auto-loading is then turned
1340 off too late.
1341
1342 @item
1343 Executes commands and command files specified by the @samp{-ex} and
1344 @samp{-x} options in their specified order. @xref{Command Files}, for
1345 more details about @value{GDBN} command files.
1346
1347 @item
1348 Reads the command history recorded in the @dfn{history file}.
1349 @xref{Command History}, for more details about the command history and the
1350 files where @value{GDBN} records it.
1351 @end enumerate
1352
1353 Init files use the same syntax as @dfn{command files} (@pxref{Command
1354 Files}) and are processed by @value{GDBN} in the same way. The init
1355 file in your home directory can set options (such as @samp{set
1356 complaints}) that affect subsequent processing of command line options
1357 and operands. Init files are not executed if you use the @samp{-nx}
1358 option (@pxref{Mode Options, ,Choosing Modes}).
1359
1360 To display the list of init files loaded by gdb at startup, you
1361 can use @kbd{gdb --help}.
1362
1363 @cindex init file name
1364 @cindex @file{.gdbinit}
1365 @cindex @file{gdb.ini}
1366 The @value{GDBN} init files are normally called @file{.gdbinit}.
1367 The DJGPP port of @value{GDBN} uses the name @file{gdb.ini}, due to
1368 the limitations of file names imposed by DOS filesystems. The Windows
1369 port of @value{GDBN} uses the standard name, but if it finds a
1370 @file{gdb.ini} file in your home directory, it warns you about that
1371 and suggests to rename the file to the standard name.
1372
1373
1374 @node Quitting GDB
1375 @section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1376 @cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1377 @cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1378
1379 @table @code
1380 @kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1381 @kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1382 @item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1383 @itemx q
1384 To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1385 @code{q}), or type an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{Ctrl-d}). If you
1386 do not supply @var{expression}, @value{GDBN} will terminate normally;
1387 otherwise it will terminate using the result of @var{expression} as the
1388 error code.
1389 @end table
1390
1391 @cindex interrupt
1392 An interrupt (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1393 terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1394 returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1395 character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1396 until a time when it is safe.
1397
1398 If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1399 device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1400 (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
1401
1402 @node Shell Commands
1403 @section Shell Commands
1404
1405 If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1406 debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1407 just use the @code{shell} command.
1408
1409 @table @code
1410 @kindex shell
1411 @kindex !
1412 @cindex shell escape
1413 @item shell @var{command-string}
1414 @itemx !@var{command-string}
1415 Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command-string}.
1416 Note that no space is needed between @code{!} and @var{command-string}.
1417 If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1418 shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses the default shell
1419 (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix systems, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1420 @end table
1421
1422 The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1423 You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1424 @value{GDBN}:
1425
1426 @table @code
1427 @kindex make
1428 @cindex calling make
1429 @item make @var{make-args}
1430 Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1431 arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1432 @end table
1433
1434 @node Logging Output
1435 @section Logging Output
1436 @cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1437 @cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
1438
1439 You may want to save the output of @value{GDBN} commands to a file.
1440 There are several commands to control @value{GDBN}'s logging.
1441
1442 @table @code
1443 @kindex set logging
1444 @item set logging on
1445 Enable logging.
1446 @item set logging off
1447 Disable logging.
1448 @cindex logging file name
1449 @item set logging file @var{file}
1450 Change the name of the current logfile. The default logfile is @file{gdb.txt}.
1451 @item set logging overwrite [on|off]
1452 By default, @value{GDBN} will append to the logfile. Set @code{overwrite} if
1453 you want @code{set logging on} to overwrite the logfile instead.
1454 @item set logging redirect [on|off]
1455 By default, @value{GDBN} output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1456 Set @code{redirect} if you want output to go only to the log file.
1457 @kindex show logging
1458 @item show logging
1459 Show the current values of the logging settings.
1460 @end table
1461
1462 @node Commands
1463 @chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1464
1465 You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1466 name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1467 @value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1468 key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1469 show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1470
1471 @menu
1472 * Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1473 * Completion:: Command completion
1474 * Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1475 @end menu
1476
1477 @node Command Syntax
1478 @section Command Syntax
1479
1480 A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1481 how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1482 arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1483 command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1484 step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1485 with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1486
1487 @cindex abbreviation
1488 @value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1489 unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1490 documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1491 abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1492 equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1493 names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1494 arguments to the @code{help} command.
1495
1496 @cindex repeating commands
1497 @kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1498 A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1499 repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1500 will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1501 repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1502 repeat. User-defined commands can disable this feature; see
1503 @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
1504
1505 The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1506 @key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1507 exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1508
1509 @value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1510 output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1511 (@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen Size}). Since it is easy to press one
1512 @key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1513 repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1514
1515 @kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1516 @cindex comment
1517 Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1518 nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1519 Files,,Command Files}).
1520
1521 @cindex repeating command sequences
1522 @kindex Ctrl-o @r{(operate-and-get-next)}
1523 The @kbd{Ctrl-o} binding is useful for repeating a complex sequence of
1524 commands. This command accepts the current line, like @key{RET}, and
1525 then fetches the next line relative to the current line from the history
1526 for editing.
1527
1528 @node Completion
1529 @section Command Completion
1530
1531 @cindex completion
1532 @cindex word completion
1533 @value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1534 only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1535 are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1536 commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
1537
1538 Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1539 of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1540 word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1541 enter it). For example, if you type
1542
1543 @c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1544 @c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1545 @c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1546 @c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1547 @smallexample
1548 (@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
1549 @end smallexample
1550
1551 @noindent
1552 @value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1553 the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1554
1555 @smallexample
1556 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1557 @end smallexample
1558
1559 @noindent
1560 You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1561 breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1562 @samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1563 were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1564 might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1565 to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1566
1567 If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1568 @key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1569 characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1570 @value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1571 example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1572 begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1573 just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1574 function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1575 example:
1576
1577 @smallexample
1578 (@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1579 @exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1580 make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1581 make_abs_section make_function_type
1582 make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1583 make_cleanup make_reference_type
1584 make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1585 (@value{GDBP}) b make_
1586 @end smallexample
1587
1588 @noindent
1589 After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1590 partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1591 command.
1592
1593 If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1594 can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1595 means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1596 key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1597 one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1598
1599 @cindex quotes in commands
1600 @cindex completion of quoted strings
1601 Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
1602 parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
1603 its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
1604 situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
1605 @value{GDBN} commands.
1606
1607 The most likely situation where you might need this is in typing the
1608 name of a C@t{++} function. This is because C@t{++} allows function
1609 overloading (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished
1610 by argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
1611 may need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
1612 that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
1613 that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}. To use the
1614 word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
1615 @code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
1616 @value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
1617 when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1618
1619 @smallexample
1620 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1621 bubble(double,double) bubble(int,int)
1622 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1623 @end smallexample
1624
1625 In some cases, @value{GDBN} can tell that completing a name requires using
1626 quotes. When this happens, @value{GDBN} inserts the quote for you (while
1627 completing as much as it can) if you do not type the quote in the first
1628 place:
1629
1630 @smallexample
1631 (@value{GDBP}) b bub @key{TAB}
1632 @exdent @value{GDBN} alters your input line to the following, and rings a bell:
1633 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1634 @end smallexample
1635
1636 @noindent
1637 In general, @value{GDBN} can tell that a quote is needed (and inserts it) if
1638 you have not yet started typing the argument list when you ask for
1639 completion on an overloaded symbol.
1640
1641 For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
1642 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1643 overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1644 see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
1645
1646 @cindex completion of structure field names
1647 @cindex structure field name completion
1648 @cindex completion of union field names
1649 @cindex union field name completion
1650 When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
1651 structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
1652 confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
1653 examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
1654 limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
1655 left-hand-side:
1656
1657 @smallexample
1658 (@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
1659 magic to_fputs to_rewind
1660 to_data to_isatty to_write
1661 to_delete to_put to_write_async_safe
1662 to_flush to_read
1663 @end smallexample
1664
1665 @noindent
1666 This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
1667 @code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
1668 follows:
1669
1670 @smallexample
1671 struct ui_file
1672 @{
1673 int *magic;
1674 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
1675 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
1676 ui_file_write_async_safe_ftype *to_write_async_safe;
1677 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
1678 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
1679 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
1680 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
1681 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
1682 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
1683 void *to_data;
1684 @}
1685 @end smallexample
1686
1687
1688 @node Help
1689 @section Getting Help
1690 @cindex online documentation
1691 @kindex help
1692
1693 You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1694 using the command @code{help}.
1695
1696 @table @code
1697 @kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1698 @item help
1699 @itemx h
1700 You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1701 display a short list of named classes of commands:
1702
1703 @smallexample
1704 (@value{GDBP}) help
1705 List of classes of commands:
1706
1707 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1708 breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1709 data -- Examining data
1710 files -- Specifying and examining files
1711 internals -- Maintenance commands
1712 obscure -- Obscure features
1713 running -- Running the program
1714 stack -- Examining the stack
1715 status -- Status inquiries
1716 support -- Support facilities
1717 tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
1718 stopping the program
1719 user-defined -- User-defined commands
1720
1721 Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1722 commands in that class.
1723 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1724 documentation.
1725 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1726 (@value{GDBP})
1727 @end smallexample
1728 @c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1729
1730 @item help @var{class}
1731 Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1732 list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1733 help display for the class @code{status}:
1734
1735 @smallexample
1736 (@value{GDBP}) help status
1737 Status inquiries.
1738
1739 List of commands:
1740
1741 @c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1742 @c to fit in smallbook page size.
1743 info -- Generic command for showing things
1744 about the program being debugged
1745 show -- Generic command for showing things
1746 about the debugger
1747
1748 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1749 documentation.
1750 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1751 (@value{GDBP})
1752 @end smallexample
1753
1754 @item help @var{command}
1755 With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1756 short paragraph on how to use that command.
1757
1758 @kindex apropos
1759 @item apropos @var{args}
1760 The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1761 commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1762 @var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1763
1764 @smallexample
1765 apropos alias
1766 @end smallexample
1767
1768 @noindent
1769 results in:
1770
1771 @smallexample
1772 @c @group
1773 alias -- Define a new command that is an alias of an existing command
1774 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1775 d -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1776 del -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1777 delete -- Delete some breakpoints or auto-display expressions
1778 @c @end group
1779 @end smallexample
1780
1781 @kindex complete
1782 @item complete @var{args}
1783 The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1784 for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1785 command you want completed. For example:
1786
1787 @smallexample
1788 complete i
1789 @end smallexample
1790
1791 @noindent results in:
1792
1793 @smallexample
1794 @group
1795 if
1796 ignore
1797 info
1798 inspect
1799 @end group
1800 @end smallexample
1801
1802 @noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1803 @end table
1804
1805 In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1806 and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1807 of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1808 manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1809 under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Command, Variable, and
1810 Function Index point to all the sub-commands. @xref{Command and Variable
1811 Index}.
1812
1813 @c @group
1814 @table @code
1815 @kindex info
1816 @kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1817 @item info
1818 This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1819 program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
1820 with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1821 registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1822 You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1823 @w{@code{help info}}.
1824
1825 @kindex set
1826 @item set
1827 You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1828 @code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1829 @code{set prompt $}.
1830
1831 @kindex show
1832 @item show
1833 In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1834 @value{GDBN} itself.
1835 You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1836 related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1837 system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1838 which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1839
1840 @kindex info set
1841 To display all the settable parameters and their current
1842 values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1843 @code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1844 @c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1845 @c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1846 @c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1847 @end table
1848 @c @end group
1849
1850 Here are several miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1851 exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1852
1853 @table @code
1854 @kindex show version
1855 @cindex @value{GDBN} version number
1856 @item show version
1857 Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1858 information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1859 @value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1860 version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1861 commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1862 system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1863 variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1864 The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1865 @value{GDBN}.
1866
1867 @kindex show copying
1868 @kindex info copying
1869 @cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
1870 @item show copying
1871 @itemx info copying
1872 Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1873
1874 @kindex show warranty
1875 @kindex info warranty
1876 @item show warranty
1877 @itemx info warranty
1878 Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1879 if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1880
1881 @kindex show configuration
1882 @item show configuration
1883 Display detailed information about the way @value{GDBN} was configured
1884 when it was built. This displays the optional arguments passed to the
1885 @file{configure} script and also configuration parameters detected
1886 automatically by @command{configure}. When reporting a @value{GDBN}
1887 bug (@pxref{GDB Bugs}), it is important to include this information in
1888 your report.
1889
1890 @end table
1891
1892 @node Running
1893 @chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1894
1895 When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1896 debugging information when you compile it.
1897
1898 You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1899 of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1900 your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1901 kill a child process.
1902
1903 @menu
1904 * Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1905 * Starting:: Starting your program
1906 * Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1907 * Environment:: Your program's environment
1908
1909 * Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1910 * Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1911 * Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1912 * Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1913
1914 * Inferiors and Programs:: Debugging multiple inferiors and programs
1915 * Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1916 * Forks:: Debugging forks
1917 * Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
1918 @end menu
1919
1920 @node Compilation
1921 @section Compiling for Debugging
1922
1923 In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1924 debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1925 is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1926 variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1927 and addresses in the executable code.
1928
1929 To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1930 the compiler.
1931
1932 Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
1933 optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, some
1934 compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
1935 together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
1936 executables containing debugging information.
1937
1938 @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
1939 without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
1940 recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
1941 program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
1942 in pushing your luck. For more information, see @ref{Optimized Code}.
1943
1944 Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
1945 @w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
1946 format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
1947
1948 @value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
1949 expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
1950 about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
1951 the @option{-g} flag alone. Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC},
1952 the @sc{gnu} C compiler, provides macro information if you are using
1953 the DWARF debugging format, and specify the option @option{-g3}.
1954
1955 @xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
1956 gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}, for more
1957 information on @value{NGCC} options affecting debug information.
1958
1959 You will have the best debugging experience if you use the latest
1960 version of the DWARF debugging format that your compiler supports.
1961 DWARF is currently the most expressive and best supported debugging
1962 format in @value{GDBN}.
1963
1964 @need 2000
1965 @node Starting
1966 @section Starting your Program
1967 @cindex starting
1968 @cindex running
1969
1970 @table @code
1971 @kindex run
1972 @kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
1973 @item run
1974 @itemx r
1975 Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
1976 You must first specify the program name (except on VxWorks) with an
1977 argument to @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
1978 @value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file} command
1979 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
1980
1981 @end table
1982
1983 If you are running your program in an execution environment that
1984 supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
1985 that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
1986 @code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
1987 like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
1988 message like this one:
1989
1990 @smallexample
1991 The "remote" target does not support "run".
1992 Try "help target" or "continue".
1993 @end smallexample
1994
1995 @noindent
1996 then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
1997 first (@pxref{load}).
1998
1999 The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
2000 receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
2001 information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
2002 can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
2003 your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
2004 divided into four categories:
2005
2006 @table @asis
2007 @item The @emph{arguments.}
2008 Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
2009 @code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
2010 is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
2011 (such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
2012 the arguments.
2013 In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
2014 @code{SHELL} environment variable. If you do not define @code{SHELL},
2015 @value{GDBN} uses the default shell (@file{/bin/sh}). You can disable
2016 use of any shell with the @code{set startup-with-shell} command (see
2017 below for details).
2018
2019 @item The @emph{environment.}
2020 Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
2021 use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
2022 environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
2023 your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
2024
2025 @item The @emph{working directory.}
2026 Your program inherits its working directory from @value{GDBN}. You can set
2027 the @value{GDBN} working directory with the @code{cd} command in @value{GDBN}.
2028 @xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working Directory}.
2029
2030 @item The @emph{standard input and output.}
2031 Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
2032 standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
2033 in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
2034 set a different device for your program.
2035 @xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
2036
2037 @cindex pipes
2038 @emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
2039 pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
2040 program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
2041 wrong program.
2042 @end table
2043
2044 When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
2045 immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
2046 of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
2047 stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
2048 or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
2049
2050 If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
2051 time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
2052 table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
2053 your current breakpoints.
2054
2055 @table @code
2056 @kindex start
2057 @item start
2058 @cindex run to main procedure
2059 The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
2060 With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
2061 other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
2062 main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
2063 execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
2064 procedure, depending on the language used.
2065
2066 The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
2067 breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
2068 the @samp{run} command.
2069
2070 @cindex elaboration phase
2071 Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
2072 executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
2073 languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
2074 constructors for static and global objects are executed before
2075 @code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
2076 before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
2077 will remain to halt execution.
2078
2079 Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
2080 @samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
2081 underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
2082 reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
2083 @samp{start} or @samp{run}.
2084
2085 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
2086 these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution of
2087 your program too late, as the program would have already completed the
2088 elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, insert breakpoints in your
2089 elaboration code before running your program.
2090
2091 @kindex set exec-wrapper
2092 @item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
2093 @itemx show exec-wrapper
2094 @itemx unset exec-wrapper
2095 When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
2096 launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
2097 with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
2098 @var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
2099 arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
2100 appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
2101 your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
2102
2103 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
2104 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
2105 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
2106 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
2107
2108 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
2109 the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
2110 environment:
2111
2112 @smallexample
2113 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
2114 (@value{GDBP}) run
2115 @end smallexample
2116
2117 This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
2118 @sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
2119
2120 @kindex set startup-with-shell
2121 @item set startup-with-shell
2122 @itemx set startup-with-shell on
2123 @itemx set startup-with-shell off
2124 @itemx show set startup-with-shell
2125 On Unix systems, by default, if a shell is available on your target,
2126 @value{GDBN}) uses it to start your program. Arguments of the
2127 @code{run} command are passed to the shell, which does variable
2128 substitution, expands wildcard characters and performs redirection of
2129 I/O. In some circumstances, it may be useful to disable such use of a
2130 shell, for example, when debugging the shell itself or diagnosing
2131 startup failures such as:
2132
2133 @smallexample
2134 (@value{GDBP}) run
2135 Starting program: ./a.out
2136 During startup program terminated with signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
2137 @end smallexample
2138
2139 @noindent
2140 which indicates the shell or the wrapper specified with
2141 @samp{exec-wrapper} crashed, not your program. Most often, this is
2142 caused by something odd in your shell's non-interactive mode
2143 initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell,
2144 $@file{.zshenv} for the Z shell, or the file specified in the
2145 @samp{BASH_ENV} environment variable for BASH.
2146
2147 @kindex set disable-randomization
2148 @item set disable-randomization
2149 @itemx set disable-randomization on
2150 This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
2151 randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
2152 is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2153 reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2154
2155 This feature is implemented only on certain targets, including @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2156 On @sc{gnu}/Linux you can get the same behavior using
2157
2158 @smallexample
2159 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2160 @end smallexample
2161
2162 @item set disable-randomization off
2163 Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2164 ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2165 disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2166 @value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2167 as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2168 disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2169
2170 On targets where it is available, virtual address space randomization
2171 protects the programs against certain kinds of security attacks. In these
2172 cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2173 code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2174 a code at its expected addresses.
2175
2176 Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2177 makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2178 having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2179 library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2180 misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2181 random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2182 startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2183 a randomly chosen address.
2184
2185 Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2186 similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2187 a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2188 already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2189 executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2190
2191 Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2192 (as long as the randomization is enabled).
2193
2194 @item show disable-randomization
2195 Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2196 the virtual address space of the started program.
2197
2198 @end table
2199
2200 @node Arguments
2201 @section Your Program's Arguments
2202
2203 @cindex arguments (to your program)
2204 The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2205 @code{run} command.
2206 They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2207 performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2208 @code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2209 @value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2210 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2211
2212 On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2213 @value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2214 calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2215 the program, not by the shell.
2216
2217 @code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2218 @code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2219
2220 @table @code
2221 @kindex set args
2222 @item set args
2223 Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2224 @code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2225 with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2226 using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2227 it again without arguments.
2228
2229 @kindex show args
2230 @item show args
2231 Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2232 @end table
2233
2234 @node Environment
2235 @section Your Program's Environment
2236
2237 @cindex environment (of your program)
2238 The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2239 their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2240 your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2241 path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2242 the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2243 debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2244 environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2245
2246 @table @code
2247 @kindex path
2248 @item path @var{directory}
2249 Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2250 (the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2251 The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2252 You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2253 system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2254 MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2255 is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2256
2257 You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2258 working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2259 use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2260 @code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2261 @var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2262 @var{directory} to the search path.
2263 @c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2264 @c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2265
2266 @kindex show paths
2267 @item show paths
2268 Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2269 environment variable).
2270
2271 @kindex show environment
2272 @item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2273 Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2274 your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2275 print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2276 your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2277
2278 @kindex set environment
2279 @item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2280 Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2281 changes for your program only, not for @value{GDBN} itself. @var{value} may
2282 be any string; the values of environment variables are just strings, and
2283 any interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2284 parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2285 null value.
2286 @c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2287 @c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2288
2289 For example, this command:
2290
2291 @smallexample
2292 set env USER = foo
2293 @end smallexample
2294
2295 @noindent
2296 tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2297 @samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2298 are not actually required.)
2299
2300 @kindex unset environment
2301 @item unset environment @var{varname}
2302 Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2303 program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2304 @code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2305 rather than assigning it an empty value.
2306 @end table
2307
2308 @emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2309 the shell indicated by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it
2310 exists (or @code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable
2311 names a shell that runs an initialization file when started
2312 non-interactively---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, $@file{.zshenv}
2313 for the Z shell, or the file specified in the @samp{BASH_ENV}
2314 environment variable for BASH---any variables you set in that file
2315 affect your program. You may wish to move setting of environment
2316 variables to files that are only run when you sign on, such as
2317 @file{.login} or @file{.profile}.
2318
2319 @node Working Directory
2320 @section Your Program's Working Directory
2321
2322 @cindex working directory (of your program)
2323 Each time you start your program with @code{run}, it inherits its
2324 working directory from the current working directory of @value{GDBN}.
2325 The @value{GDBN} working directory is initially whatever it inherited
2326 from its parent process (typically the shell), but you can specify a new
2327 working directory in @value{GDBN} with the @code{cd} command.
2328
2329 The @value{GDBN} working directory also serves as a default for the commands
2330 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2331 Specify Files}.
2332
2333 @table @code
2334 @kindex cd
2335 @cindex change working directory
2336 @item cd @r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
2337 Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}. If not
2338 given, @var{directory} uses @file{'~'}.
2339
2340 @kindex pwd
2341 @item pwd
2342 Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2343 @end table
2344
2345 It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2346 the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2347 during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} is
2348 configured with the @file{/proc} support, you can use the @code{info
2349 proc} command (@pxref{SVR4 Process Information}) to find out the
2350 current working directory of the debuggee.
2351
2352 @node Input/Output
2353 @section Your Program's Input and Output
2354
2355 @cindex redirection
2356 @cindex i/o
2357 @cindex terminal
2358 By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2359 the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2360 to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2361 modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2362 running your program.
2363
2364 @table @code
2365 @kindex info terminal
2366 @item info terminal
2367 Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2368 program is using.
2369 @end table
2370
2371 You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2372 redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2373
2374 @smallexample
2375 run > outfile
2376 @end smallexample
2377
2378 @noindent
2379 starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2380
2381 @kindex tty
2382 @cindex controlling terminal
2383 Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2384 with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2385 argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2386 commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2387 process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2388
2389 @smallexample
2390 tty /dev/ttyb
2391 @end smallexample
2392
2393 @noindent
2394 directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2395 default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2396 that as their controlling terminal.
2397
2398 An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2399 effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2400 terminal.
2401
2402 When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2403 command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2404 for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2405 for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2406
2407 @cindex inferior tty
2408 @cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2409 You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2410 display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2411 program.
2412
2413 @table @code
2414 @item set inferior-tty /dev/ttyb
2415 @kindex set inferior-tty
2416 Set the tty for the program being debugged to /dev/ttyb.
2417
2418 @item show inferior-tty
2419 @kindex show inferior-tty
2420 Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2421 @end table
2422
2423 @node Attach
2424 @section Debugging an Already-running Process
2425 @kindex attach
2426 @cindex attach
2427
2428 @table @code
2429 @item attach @var{process-id}
2430 This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2431 outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2432 targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2433 find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2434 or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2435
2436 @code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2437 executing the command.
2438 @end table
2439
2440 To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2441 which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2442 programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2443 also have permission to send the process a signal.
2444
2445 When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2446 the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2447 the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2448 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2449 the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2450 Specify Files}.
2451
2452 The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2453 process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2454 with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2455 you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2456 can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2457 process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2458 attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2459
2460 @table @code
2461 @kindex detach
2462 @item detach
2463 When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2464 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2465 the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2466 that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2467 are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2468 @code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2469 executing the command.
2470 @end table
2471
2472 If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2473 that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2474 By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2475 things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2476 @code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2477 Messages}).
2478
2479 @node Kill Process
2480 @section Killing the Child Process
2481
2482 @table @code
2483 @kindex kill
2484 @item kill
2485 Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2486 @end table
2487
2488 This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2489 running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2490 is running.
2491
2492 On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2493 while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2494 @code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2495 outside the debugger.
2496
2497 The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2498 relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2499 executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2500 next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2501 reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2502 breakpoint settings).
2503
2504 @node Inferiors and Programs
2505 @section Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs
2506
2507 @value{GDBN} lets you run and debug multiple programs in a single
2508 session. In addition, @value{GDBN} on some systems may let you run
2509 several programs simultaneously (otherwise you have to exit from one
2510 before starting another). In the most general case, you can have
2511 multiple threads of execution in each of multiple processes, launched
2512 from multiple executables.
2513
2514 @cindex inferior
2515 @value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
2516 object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
2517 a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
2518 have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
2519 may be retained after a process exits. Inferiors have unique
2520 identifiers that are different from process ids. Usually each
2521 inferior will also have its own distinct address space, although some
2522 embedded targets may have several inferiors running in different parts
2523 of a single address space. Each inferior may in turn have multiple
2524 threads running in it.
2525
2526 To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @w{@code{info
2527 inferiors}}:
2528
2529 @table @code
2530 @kindex info inferiors
2531 @item info inferiors
2532 Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
2533
2534 @value{GDBN} displays for each inferior (in this order):
2535
2536 @enumerate
2537 @item
2538 the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2539
2540 @item
2541 the target system's inferior identifier
2542
2543 @item
2544 the name of the executable the inferior is running.
2545
2546 @end enumerate
2547
2548 @noindent
2549 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} inferior number
2550 indicates the current inferior.
2551
2552 For example,
2553 @end table
2554 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2555
2556 @smallexample
2557 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2558 Num Description Executable
2559 2 process 2307 hello
2560 * 1 process 3401 goodbye
2561 @end smallexample
2562
2563 To switch focus between inferiors, use the @code{inferior} command:
2564
2565 @table @code
2566 @kindex inferior @var{infno}
2567 @item inferior @var{infno}
2568 Make inferior number @var{infno} the current inferior. The argument
2569 @var{infno} is the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}, as shown
2570 in the first field of the @samp{info inferiors} display.
2571 @end table
2572
2573
2574 You can get multiple executables into a debugging session via the
2575 @code{add-inferior} and @w{@code{clone-inferior}} commands. On some
2576 systems @value{GDBN} can add inferiors to the debug session
2577 automatically by following calls to @code{fork} and @code{exec}. To
2578 remove inferiors from the debugging session use the
2579 @w{@code{remove-inferiors}} command.
2580
2581 @table @code
2582 @kindex add-inferior
2583 @item add-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ -exec @var{executable} ]
2584 Adds @var{n} inferiors to be run using @var{executable} as the
2585 executable. @var{n} defaults to 1. If no executable is specified,
2586 the inferiors begins empty, with no program. You can still assign or
2587 change the program assigned to the inferior at any time by using the
2588 @code{file} command with the executable name as its argument.
2589
2590 @kindex clone-inferior
2591 @item clone-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ @var{infno} ]
2592 Adds @var{n} inferiors ready to execute the same program as inferior
2593 @var{infno}. @var{n} defaults to 1. @var{infno} defaults to the
2594 number of the current inferior. This is a convenient command when you
2595 want to run another instance of the inferior you are debugging.
2596
2597 @smallexample
2598 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2599 Num Description Executable
2600 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2601 (@value{GDBP}) clone-inferior
2602 Added inferior 2.
2603 1 inferiors added.
2604 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2605 Num Description Executable
2606 2 <null> helloworld
2607 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2608 @end smallexample
2609
2610 You can now simply switch focus to inferior 2 and run it.
2611
2612 @kindex remove-inferiors
2613 @item remove-inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2614 Removes the inferior or inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}. It is not
2615 possible to remove an inferior that is running with this command. For
2616 those, use the @code{kill} or @code{detach} command first.
2617
2618 @end table
2619
2620 To quit debugging one of the running inferiors that is not the current
2621 inferior, you can either detach from it by using the @w{@code{detach
2622 inferior}} command (allowing it to run independently), or kill it
2623 using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}} command:
2624
2625 @table @code
2626 @kindex detach inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2627 @item detach inferior @var{infno}@dots{}
2628 Detach from the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN}
2629 inferior number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry
2630 still stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors},
2631 but its Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2632
2633 @kindex kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2634 @item kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2635 Kill the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN} inferior
2636 number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry still
2637 stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors}, but its
2638 Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2639 @end table
2640
2641 After the successful completion of a command such as @code{detach},
2642 @code{detach inferiors}, @code{kill} or @code{kill inferiors}, or after
2643 a normal process exit, the inferior is still valid and listed with
2644 @code{info inferiors}, ready to be restarted.
2645
2646
2647 To be notified when inferiors are started or exit under @value{GDBN}'s
2648 control use @w{@code{set print inferior-events}}:
2649
2650 @table @code
2651 @kindex set print inferior-events
2652 @cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
2653 @item set print inferior-events
2654 @itemx set print inferior-events on
2655 @itemx set print inferior-events off
2656 The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
2657 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
2658 inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
2659 detached. By default, these messages will not be printed.
2660
2661 @kindex show print inferior-events
2662 @item show print inferior-events
2663 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
2664 inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
2665 @end table
2666
2667 Many commands will work the same with multiple programs as with a
2668 single program: e.g., @code{print myglobal} will simply display the
2669 value of @code{myglobal} in the current inferior.
2670
2671
2672 Occasionaly, when debugging @value{GDBN} itself, it may be useful to
2673 get more info about the relationship of inferiors, programs, address
2674 spaces in a debug session. You can do that with the @w{@code{maint
2675 info program-spaces}} command.
2676
2677 @table @code
2678 @kindex maint info program-spaces
2679 @item maint info program-spaces
2680 Print a list of all program spaces currently being managed by
2681 @value{GDBN}.
2682
2683 @value{GDBN} displays for each program space (in this order):
2684
2685 @enumerate
2686 @item
2687 the program space number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2688
2689 @item
2690 the name of the executable loaded into the program space, with e.g.,
2691 the @code{file} command.
2692
2693 @end enumerate
2694
2695 @noindent
2696 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} program space number
2697 indicates the current program space.
2698
2699 In addition, below each program space line, @value{GDBN} prints extra
2700 information that isn't suitable to display in tabular form. For
2701 example, the list of inferiors bound to the program space.
2702
2703 @smallexample
2704 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2705 Id Executable
2706 2 goodbye
2707 Bound inferiors: ID 1 (process 21561)
2708 * 1 hello
2709 @end smallexample
2710
2711 Here we can see that no inferior is running the program @code{hello},
2712 while @code{process 21561} is running the program @code{goodbye}. On
2713 some targets, it is possible that multiple inferiors are bound to the
2714 same program space. The most common example is that of debugging both
2715 the parent and child processes of a @code{vfork} call. For example,
2716
2717 @smallexample
2718 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2719 Id Executable
2720 * 1 vfork-test
2721 Bound inferiors: ID 2 (process 18050), ID 1 (process 18045)
2722 @end smallexample
2723
2724 Here, both inferior 2 and inferior 1 are running in the same program
2725 space as a result of inferior 1 having executed a @code{vfork} call.
2726 @end table
2727
2728 @node Threads
2729 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2730
2731 @cindex threads of execution
2732 @cindex multiple threads
2733 @cindex switching threads
2734 In some operating systems, such as HP-UX and Solaris, a single program
2735 may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2736 of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2737 the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2738 that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2739 modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2740 registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2741
2742 @value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2743 programs:
2744
2745 @itemize @bullet
2746 @item automatic notification of new threads
2747 @item @samp{thread @var{threadno}}, a command to switch among threads
2748 @item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2749 @item @samp{thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{args}},
2750 a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2751 @item thread-specific breakpoints
2752 @item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2753 messages on thread start and exit.
2754 @item @samp{set libthread-db-search-path @var{path}}, which lets
2755 the user specify which @code{libthread_db} to use if the default choice
2756 isn't compatible with the program.
2757 @end itemize
2758
2759 @quotation
2760 @emph{Warning:} These facilities are not yet available on every
2761 @value{GDBN} configuration where the operating system supports threads.
2762 If your @value{GDBN} does not support threads, these commands have no
2763 effect. For example, a system without thread support shows no output
2764 from @samp{info threads}, and always rejects the @code{thread} command,
2765 like this:
2766
2767 @smallexample
2768 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2769 (@value{GDBP}) thread 1
2770 Thread ID 1 not known. Use the "info threads" command to
2771 see the IDs of currently known threads.
2772 @end smallexample
2773 @c FIXME to implementors: how hard would it be to say "sorry, this GDB
2774 @c doesn't support threads"?
2775 @end quotation
2776
2777 @cindex focus of debugging
2778 @cindex current thread
2779 The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2780 threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2781 control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2782 This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2783 program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2784
2785 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2786 @cindex thread identifier (system)
2787 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2788 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2789 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2790 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2791 the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2792 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2793 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2794 @sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2795
2796 @smallexample
2797 [New Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 25582)]
2798 @end smallexample
2799
2800 @noindent
2801 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on an SGI system,
2802 the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2803 further qualifier.
2804
2805 @c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2806 @c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2807 @c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2808 @c program?
2809 @c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2810 @c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2811 @c threads ab initio?
2812
2813 @cindex thread number
2814 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2815 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2816 number---always a single integer---with each thread in your program.
2817
2818 @table @code
2819 @kindex info threads
2820 @item info threads @r{[}@var{id}@dots{}@r{]}
2821 Display a summary of all threads currently in your program. Optional
2822 argument @var{id}@dots{} is one or more thread ids separated by spaces, and
2823 means to print information only about the specified thread or threads.
2824 @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2825
2826 @enumerate
2827 @item
2828 the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2829
2830 @item
2831 the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2832
2833 @item
2834 the thread's name, if one is known. A thread can either be named by
2835 the user (see @code{thread name}, below), or, in some cases, by the
2836 program itself.
2837
2838 @item
2839 the current stack frame summary for that thread
2840 @end enumerate
2841
2842 @noindent
2843 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2844 indicates the current thread.
2845
2846 For example,
2847 @end table
2848 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2849
2850 @smallexample
2851 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2852 Id Target Id Frame
2853 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2854 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2855 * 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
2856 at threadtest.c:68
2857 @end smallexample
2858
2859 On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
2860 Solaris-specific command:
2861
2862 @table @code
2863 @item maint info sol-threads
2864 @kindex maint info sol-threads
2865 @cindex thread info (Solaris)
2866 Display info on Solaris user threads.
2867 @end table
2868
2869 @table @code
2870 @kindex thread @var{threadno}
2871 @item thread @var{threadno}
2872 Make thread number @var{threadno} the current thread. The command
2873 argument @var{threadno} is the internal @value{GDBN} thread number, as
2874 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display.
2875 @value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the thread
2876 you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
2877
2878 @smallexample
2879 (@value{GDBP}) thread 2
2880 [Switching to thread 2 (Thread 0xb7fdab70 (LWP 12747))]
2881 #0 some_function (ignore=0x0) at example.c:8
2882 8 printf ("hello\n");
2883 @end smallexample
2884
2885 @noindent
2886 As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
2887 @samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
2888 threads.
2889
2890 @vindex $_thread@r{, convenience variable}
2891 The debugger convenience variable @samp{$_thread} contains the number
2892 of the current thread. You may find this useful in writing breakpoint
2893 conditional expressions, command scripts, and so forth. See
2894 @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for general
2895 information on convenience variables.
2896
2897 @kindex thread apply
2898 @cindex apply command to several threads
2899 @item thread apply [@var{threadno} | all] @var{command}
2900 The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
2901 @var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the numbers of the
2902 threads that you want affected with the command argument
2903 @var{threadno}. It can be a single thread number, one of the numbers
2904 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display; or it
2905 could be a range of thread numbers, as in @code{2-4}. To apply a
2906 command to all threads, type @kbd{thread apply all @var{command}}.
2907
2908 @kindex thread name
2909 @cindex name a thread
2910 @item thread name [@var{name}]
2911 This command assigns a name to the current thread. If no argument is
2912 given, any existing user-specified name is removed. The thread name
2913 appears in the @samp{info threads} display.
2914
2915 On some systems, such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, @value{GDBN} is able to
2916 determine the name of the thread as given by the OS. On these
2917 systems, a name specified with @samp{thread name} will override the
2918 system-give name, and removing the user-specified name will cause
2919 @value{GDBN} to once again display the system-specified name.
2920
2921 @kindex thread find
2922 @cindex search for a thread
2923 @item thread find [@var{regexp}]
2924 Search for and display thread ids whose name or @var{systag}
2925 matches the supplied regular expression.
2926
2927 As well as being the complement to the @samp{thread name} command,
2928 this command also allows you to identify a thread by its target
2929 @var{systag}. For instance, on @sc{gnu}/Linux, the target @var{systag}
2930 is the LWP id.
2931
2932 @smallexample
2933 (@value{GDBN}) thread find 26688
2934 Thread 4 has target id 'Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688)'
2935 (@value{GDBN}) info thread 4
2936 Id Target Id Frame
2937 4 Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688) 0x00000031ca6cd372 in select ()
2938 @end smallexample
2939
2940 @kindex set print thread-events
2941 @cindex print messages on thread start and exit
2942 @item set print thread-events
2943 @itemx set print thread-events on
2944 @itemx set print thread-events off
2945 The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
2946 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
2947 started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
2948 be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
2949 Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
2950
2951 @kindex show print thread-events
2952 @item show print thread-events
2953 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
2954 have started and exited.
2955 @end table
2956
2957 @xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
2958 more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
2959 programs with multiple threads.
2960
2961 @xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
2962 watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
2963
2964 @anchor{set libthread-db-search-path}
2965 @table @code
2966 @kindex set libthread-db-search-path
2967 @cindex search path for @code{libthread_db}
2968 @item set libthread-db-search-path @r{[}@var{path}@r{]}
2969 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
2970 directories @value{GDBN} will use to search for @code{libthread_db}.
2971 If you omit @var{path}, @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to
2972 its default value (@code{$sdir:$pdir} on @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems).
2973 Internally, the default value comes from the @code{LIBTHREAD_DB_SEARCH_PATH}
2974 macro.
2975
2976 On @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems, @value{GDBN} uses a ``helper''
2977 @code{libthread_db} library to obtain information about threads in the
2978 inferior process. @value{GDBN} will use @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2979 to find @code{libthread_db}. @value{GDBN} also consults first if inferior
2980 specific thread debugging library loading is enabled
2981 by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
2982
2983 A special entry @samp{$sdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2984 refers to the default system directories that are
2985 normally searched for loading shared libraries. The @samp{$sdir} entry
2986 is the only kind not needing to be enabled by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db}
2987 (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
2988
2989 A special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2990 refers to the directory from which @code{libpthread}
2991 was loaded in the inferior process.
2992
2993 For any @code{libthread_db} library @value{GDBN} finds in above directories,
2994 @value{GDBN} attempts to initialize it with the current inferior process.
2995 If this initialization fails (which could happen because of a version
2996 mismatch between @code{libthread_db} and @code{libpthread}), @value{GDBN}
2997 will unload @code{libthread_db}, and continue with the next directory.
2998 If none of @code{libthread_db} libraries initialize successfully,
2999 @value{GDBN} will issue a warning and thread debugging will be disabled.
3000
3001 Setting @code{libthread-db-search-path} is currently implemented
3002 only on some platforms.
3003
3004 @kindex show libthread-db-search-path
3005 @item show libthread-db-search-path
3006 Display current libthread_db search path.
3007
3008 @kindex set debug libthread-db
3009 @kindex show debug libthread-db
3010 @cindex debugging @code{libthread_db}
3011 @item set debug libthread-db
3012 @itemx show debug libthread-db
3013 Turns on or off display of @code{libthread_db}-related events.
3014 Use @code{1} to enable, @code{0} to disable.
3015 @end table
3016
3017 @node Forks
3018 @section Debugging Forks
3019
3020 @cindex fork, debugging programs which call
3021 @cindex multiple processes
3022 @cindex processes, multiple
3023 On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
3024 programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
3025 function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
3026 parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
3027 set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
3028 will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
3029 will cause it to terminate.
3030
3031 However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
3032 which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
3033 the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
3034 only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
3035 so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
3036 on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
3037 get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
3038 @value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
3039 the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
3040 the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
3041
3042 On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs that
3043 create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork} functions.
3044 Currently, the only platforms with this feature are HP-UX (11.x and later
3045 only?) and @sc{gnu}/Linux (kernel version 2.5.60 and later).
3046
3047 By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
3048 the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
3049
3050 If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
3051 use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
3052
3053 @table @code
3054 @kindex set follow-fork-mode
3055 @item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
3056 Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
3057 @code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
3058 process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
3059
3060 @table @code
3061 @item parent
3062 The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
3063 unimpeded. This is the default.
3064
3065 @item child
3066 The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
3067 unimpeded.
3068
3069 @end table
3070
3071 @kindex show follow-fork-mode
3072 @item show follow-fork-mode
3073 Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
3074 @end table
3075
3076 @cindex debugging multiple processes
3077 On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
3078 command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
3079
3080 @table @code
3081 @kindex set detach-on-fork
3082 @item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
3083 Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
3084 retain debugger control over them both.
3085
3086 @table @code
3087 @item on
3088 The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
3089 @code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
3090 independently. This is the default.
3091
3092 @item off
3093 Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
3094 One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
3095 @code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
3096 is held suspended.
3097
3098 @end table
3099
3100 @kindex show detach-on-fork
3101 @item show detach-on-fork
3102 Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
3103 @end table
3104
3105 If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then @value{GDBN}
3106 will retain control of all forked processes (including nested forks).
3107 You can list the forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN} by
3108 using the @w{@code{info inferiors}} command, and switch from one fork
3109 to another by using the @code{inferior} command (@pxref{Inferiors and
3110 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}).
3111
3112 To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
3113 from it by using the @w{@code{detach inferiors}} command (allowing it
3114 to run independently), or kill it using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}}
3115 command. @xref{Inferiors and Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors
3116 and Programs}.
3117
3118 If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
3119 @code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
3120 breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
3121 @code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
3122 the child process's @code{main}.
3123
3124 On some systems, when a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you
3125 cannot debug the child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
3126
3127 If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
3128 call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent
3129 process, use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name
3130 as its argument. By default, after an @code{exec} call executes,
3131 @value{GDBN} discards the symbols of the previous executable image.
3132 You can change this behaviour with the @w{@code{set follow-exec-mode}}
3133 command.
3134
3135 @table @code
3136 @kindex set follow-exec-mode
3137 @item set follow-exec-mode @var{mode}
3138
3139 Set debugger response to a program call of @code{exec}. An
3140 @code{exec} call replaces the program image of a process.
3141
3142 @code{follow-exec-mode} can be:
3143
3144 @table @code
3145 @item new
3146 @value{GDBN} creates a new inferior and rebinds the process to this
3147 new inferior. The program the process was running before the
3148 @code{exec} call can be restarted afterwards by restarting the
3149 original inferior.
3150
3151 For example:
3152
3153 @smallexample
3154 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3155 (gdb) info inferior
3156 Id Description Executable
3157 * 1 <null> prog1
3158 (@value{GDBP}) run
3159 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3160 Program exited normally.
3161 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3162 Id Description Executable
3163 * 2 <null> prog2
3164 1 <null> prog1
3165 @end smallexample
3166
3167 @item same
3168 @value{GDBN} keeps the process bound to the same inferior. The new
3169 executable image replaces the previous executable loaded in the
3170 inferior. Restarting the inferior after the @code{exec} call, with
3171 e.g., the @code{run} command, restarts the executable the process was
3172 running after the @code{exec} call. This is the default mode.
3173
3174 For example:
3175
3176 @smallexample
3177 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3178 Id Description Executable
3179 * 1 <null> prog1
3180 (@value{GDBP}) run
3181 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3182 Program exited normally.
3183 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3184 Id Description Executable
3185 * 1 <null> prog2
3186 @end smallexample
3187
3188 @end table
3189 @end table
3190
3191 You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
3192 a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
3193 Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
3194
3195 @node Checkpoint/Restart
3196 @section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
3197
3198 @cindex checkpoint
3199 @cindex restart
3200 @cindex bookmark
3201 @cindex snapshot of a process
3202 @cindex rewind program state
3203
3204 On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
3205 @sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
3206 program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
3207 later.
3208
3209 Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
3210 happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
3211 includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
3212 system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
3213 moment when the checkpoint was saved.
3214
3215 Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
3216 getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
3217 a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
3218 the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
3219 from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
3220 start again from there.
3221
3222 This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
3223 steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
3224
3225 To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
3226
3227 @table @code
3228 @kindex checkpoint
3229 @item checkpoint
3230 Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
3231 The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
3232 is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
3233
3234 @kindex info checkpoints
3235 @item info checkpoints
3236 List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
3237 session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
3238 listed:
3239
3240 @table @code
3241 @item Checkpoint ID
3242 @item Process ID
3243 @item Code Address
3244 @item Source line, or label
3245 @end table
3246
3247 @kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3248 @item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3249 Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
3250 @var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
3251 etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
3252 was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
3253 in time when the checkpoint was saved.
3254
3255 Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
3256 are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
3257 only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
3258 the debugger.
3259
3260 @kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3261 @item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3262 Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
3263
3264 @end table
3265
3266 Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
3267 of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
3268 (OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
3269 a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
3270 so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
3271 opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
3272 previously read data can be read again.
3273
3274 Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
3275 external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
3276 from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
3277 but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
3278 be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
3279 been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
3280
3281 However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
3282 program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
3283 again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
3284 different execution path this time.
3285
3286 @cindex checkpoints and process id
3287 Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
3288 different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
3289 id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
3290 and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
3291 If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
3292 potentially pose a problem.
3293
3294 @subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
3295
3296 On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
3297 is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
3298 difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
3299 absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
3300 absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
3301 next.
3302
3303 A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
3304 Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
3305 and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
3306 process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
3307 your symbols will all stay in the same place.
3308
3309 @node Stopping
3310 @chapter Stopping and Continuing
3311
3312 The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
3313 program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
3314 trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
3315
3316 Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
3317 such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
3318 @value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
3319 change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
3320 continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
3321 ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
3322 explicitly request this information at any time.
3323
3324 @table @code
3325 @kindex info program
3326 @item info program
3327 Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
3328 running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
3329 @end table
3330
3331 @menu
3332 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
3333 * Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
3334 * Skipping Over Functions and Files::
3335 Skipping over functions and files
3336 * Signals:: Signals
3337 * Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
3338 @end menu
3339
3340 @node Breakpoints
3341 @section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
3342
3343 @cindex breakpoints
3344 A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
3345 the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
3346 control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
3347 breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
3348 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
3349 should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
3350 program.
3351
3352 On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
3353 the executable is run. There is a minor limitation on HP-UX systems:
3354 you must wait until the executable is run in order to set breakpoints
3355 in shared library routines that are not called directly by the program
3356 (for example, routines that are arguments in a @code{pthread_create}
3357 call).
3358
3359 @cindex watchpoints
3360 @cindex data breakpoints
3361 @cindex memory tracing
3362 @cindex breakpoint on memory address
3363 @cindex breakpoint on variable modification
3364 A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
3365 when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
3366 of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
3367 combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
3368 @dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
3369 watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
3370 from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
3371 enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
3372 same commands.
3373
3374 You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
3375 whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
3376 Automatic Display}.
3377
3378 @cindex catchpoints
3379 @cindex breakpoint on events
3380 A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
3381 when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
3382 exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
3383 different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
3384 Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
3385 other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
3386 @code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
3387
3388 @cindex breakpoint numbers
3389 @cindex numbers for breakpoints
3390 @value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3391 catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
3392 starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
3393 features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
3394 breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
3395 @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
3396 enable it again.
3397
3398 @cindex breakpoint ranges
3399 @cindex ranges of breakpoints
3400 Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a range of breakpoints on which to
3401 operate. A breakpoint range is either a single breakpoint number, like
3402 @samp{5}, or two such numbers, in increasing order, separated by a
3403 hyphen, like @samp{5-7}. When a breakpoint range is given to a command,
3404 all breakpoints in that range are operated on.
3405
3406 @menu
3407 * Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
3408 * Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
3409 * Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
3410 * Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
3411 * Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
3412 * Conditions:: Break conditions
3413 * Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
3414 * Dynamic Printf:: Dynamic printf
3415 * Save Breakpoints:: How to save breakpoints in a file
3416 * Static Probe Points:: Listing static probe points
3417 * Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3418 * Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
3419 @end menu
3420
3421 @node Set Breaks
3422 @subsection Setting Breakpoints
3423
3424 @c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
3425 @c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
3426 @c
3427 @c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
3428
3429 @kindex break
3430 @kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
3431 @vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
3432 @cindex latest breakpoint
3433 Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
3434 @code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
3435 number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
3436 Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
3437 convenience variables.
3438
3439 @table @code
3440 @item break @var{location}
3441 Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
3442 function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
3443 (@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
3444 specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
3445 before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
3446
3447 When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3448 C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3449 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3450 that situation.
3451
3452 It is also possible to insert a breakpoint that will stop the program
3453 only if a specific thread (@pxref{Thread-Specific Breakpoints})
3454 or a specific task (@pxref{Ada Tasks}) hits that breakpoint.
3455
3456 @item break
3457 When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3458 the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3459 (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3460 innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3461 returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3462 @code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3463 that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3464 @code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3465 the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3466 inside loops.
3467
3468 @value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3469 least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3470 would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3471 breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3472 existed when your program stopped.
3473
3474 @item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3475 Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3476 @var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3477 value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3478 @samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3479 above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3480 ,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3481
3482 @kindex tbreak
3483 @item tbreak @var{args}
3484 Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args} are the
3485 same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3486 way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3487 program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3488
3489 @kindex hbreak
3490 @cindex hardware breakpoints
3491 @item hbreak @var{args}
3492 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. @var{args} are the same as for the
3493 @code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3494 breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3495 have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3496 debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3497 changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3498 provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3499 will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3500 address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3501 breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3502 example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3503 @value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3504 or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3505 (@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3506 @xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3507 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3508 breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3509 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3510
3511 @kindex thbreak
3512 @item thbreak @var{args}
3513 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args}
3514 are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3515 the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3516 the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3517 first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3518 command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3519 may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3520 See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3521
3522 @kindex rbreak
3523 @cindex regular expression
3524 @cindex breakpoints at functions matching a regexp
3525 @cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3526 @item rbreak @var{regex}
3527 Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3528 @var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3529 matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3530 breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3531 the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3532 them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3533
3534 The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3535 like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3536 shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3537 an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3538 @code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3539 match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3540
3541 @cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3542 When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3543 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3544 classes.
3545
3546 @cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3547 The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3548 @strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3549
3550 @smallexample
3551 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3552 @end smallexample
3553
3554 @item rbreak @var{file}:@var{regex}
3555 If @code{rbreak} is called with a filename qualification, it limits
3556 the search for functions matching the given regular expression to the
3557 specified @var{file}. This can be used, for example, to set breakpoints on
3558 every function in a given file:
3559
3560 @smallexample
3561 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak file.c:.
3562 @end smallexample
3563
3564 The colon separating the filename qualifier from the regex may
3565 optionally be surrounded by spaces.
3566
3567 @kindex info breakpoints
3568 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3569 @item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3570 @itemx info break @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3571 Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3572 not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3573 about the specified breakpoint(s) (or watchpoint(s) or catchpoint(s)).
3574 For each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3575
3576 @table @emph
3577 @item Breakpoint Numbers
3578 @item Type
3579 Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3580 @item Disposition
3581 Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3582 @item Enabled or Disabled
3583 Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3584 that are not enabled.
3585 @item Address
3586 Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3587 pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3588 contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3589 library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3590 See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3591 have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3592 @item What
3593 Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3594 line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3595 the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3596 the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3597 @end table
3598
3599 @noindent
3600 If a breakpoint is conditional, there are two evaluation modes: ``host'' and
3601 ``target''. If mode is ``host'', breakpoint condition evaluation is done by
3602 @value{GDBN} on the host's side. If it is ``target'', then the condition
3603 is evaluated by the target. The @code{info break} command shows
3604 the condition on the line following the affected breakpoint, together with
3605 its condition evaluation mode in between parentheses.
3606
3607 Breakpoint commands, if any, are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is
3608 allowed to have a condition specified for it. The condition is not parsed for
3609 validity until a shared library is loaded that allows the pending
3610 breakpoint to resolve to a valid location.
3611
3612 @noindent
3613 @code{info break} with a breakpoint
3614 number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3615 convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3616 the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3617 listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3618
3619 @noindent
3620 @code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3621 has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3622 @code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3623 hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3624 was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3625 will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3626
3627 @noindent
3628 For a breakpoints with an enable count (xref) greater than 1,
3629 @code{info break} also displays that count.
3630
3631 @end table
3632
3633 @value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3634 your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3635 the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3636 (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3637
3638 @cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3639 @cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3640 It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3641 in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3642
3643 @itemize @bullet
3644 @item
3645 Multiple functions in the program may have the same name.
3646
3647 @item
3648 For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3649 instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3650
3651 @item
3652 For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3653 correspond to any number of instantiations.
3654
3655 @item
3656 For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3657 several places where that function is inlined.
3658 @end itemize
3659
3660 In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
3661 the relevant locations.
3662
3663 A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
3664 table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
3665 each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
3666 address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
3667 addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
3668 locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
3669 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
3670
3671 For example:
3672
3673 @smallexample
3674 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
3675 1 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
3676 stop only if i==1
3677 breakpoint already hit 1 time
3678 1.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
3679 1.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
3680 @end smallexample
3681
3682 Each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
3683 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
3684 @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. Note that you cannot
3685 delete the individual locations from the list, you can only delete the
3686 entire list of locations that belong to their parent breakpoint (with
3687 the @kbd{delete @var{num}} command, where @var{num} is the number of
3688 the parent breakpoint, 1 in the above example). Disabling or enabling
3689 the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects all of the locations
3690 that belong to that breakpoint.
3691
3692 @cindex pending breakpoints
3693 It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
3694 Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
3695 and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
3696 this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
3697 any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
3698 set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
3699 debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
3700 symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
3701 breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
3702 a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
3703 is not yet resolved.
3704
3705 After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
3706 @value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
3707 shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
3708 pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
3709 ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
3710 that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
3711
3712 This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
3713 example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
3714 a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
3715 a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
3716
3717 Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
3718 differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
3719 enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
3720
3721 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
3722 happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
3723 address specification to an address:
3724
3725 @kindex set breakpoint pending
3726 @kindex show breakpoint pending
3727 @table @code
3728 @item set breakpoint pending auto
3729 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
3730 location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
3731
3732 @item set breakpoint pending on
3733 This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
3734 result in a pending breakpoint being created.
3735
3736 @item set breakpoint pending off
3737 This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
3738 unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
3739 not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
3740
3741 @item show breakpoint pending
3742 Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
3743 @end table
3744
3745 The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
3746 variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
3747 as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
3748
3749 @cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
3750 For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
3751 software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
3752 breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
3753 breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
3754 breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
3755 breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
3756 breakpoints.
3757
3758 You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands::
3759
3760 @kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
3761 @kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
3762 @table @code
3763 @item set breakpoint auto-hw on
3764 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
3765 will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
3766 breakpoint must be used.
3767
3768 @item set breakpoint auto-hw off
3769 This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
3770 type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
3771 trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
3772 @end table
3773
3774 @value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
3775 at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
3776 executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
3777 code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
3778 the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
3779 behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
3780 target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
3781 targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
3782 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
3783
3784 @kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
3785 @kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
3786 @table @code
3787 @item set breakpoint always-inserted off
3788 All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
3789 the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
3790 removed from the target when it stops.
3791
3792 @item set breakpoint always-inserted on
3793 Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
3794 the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
3795 breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
3796 removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is removed.
3797
3798 @cindex non-stop mode, and @code{breakpoint always-inserted}
3799 @item set breakpoint always-inserted auto
3800 This is the default mode. If @value{GDBN} is controlling the inferior
3801 in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}), gdb behaves as if
3802 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is on. If @value{GDBN} is
3803 controlling the inferior in all-stop mode, @value{GDBN} behaves as if
3804 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is off.
3805 @end table
3806
3807 @value{GDBN} handles conditional breakpoints by evaluating these conditions
3808 when a breakpoint breaks. If the condition is true, then the process being
3809 debugged stops, otherwise the process is resumed.
3810
3811 If the target supports evaluating conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} may
3812 download the breakpoint, together with its conditions, to it.
3813
3814 This feature can be controlled via the following commands:
3815
3816 @kindex set breakpoint condition-evaluation
3817 @kindex show breakpoint condition-evaluation
3818 @table @code
3819 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation host
3820 This option commands @value{GDBN} to evaluate the breakpoint
3821 conditions on the host's side. Unconditional breakpoints are sent to
3822 the target which in turn receives the triggers and reports them back to GDB
3823 for condition evaluation. This is the standard evaluation mode.
3824
3825 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation target
3826 This option commands @value{GDBN} to download breakpoint conditions
3827 to the target at the moment of their insertion. The target
3828 is responsible for evaluating the conditional expression and reporting
3829 breakpoint stop events back to @value{GDBN} whenever the condition
3830 is true. Due to limitations of target-side evaluation, some conditions
3831 cannot be evaluated there, e.g., conditions that depend on local data
3832 that is only known to the host. Examples include
3833 conditional expressions involving convenience variables, complex types
3834 that cannot be handled by the agent expression parser and expressions
3835 that are too long to be sent over to the target, specially when the
3836 target is a remote system. In these cases, the conditions will be
3837 evaluated by @value{GDBN}.
3838
3839 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation auto
3840 This is the default mode. If the target supports evaluating breakpoint
3841 conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} will download breakpoint conditions to
3842 the target (limitations mentioned previously apply). If the target does
3843 not support breakpoint condition evaluation, then @value{GDBN} will fallback
3844 to evaluating all these conditions on the host's side.
3845 @end table
3846
3847
3848 @cindex negative breakpoint numbers
3849 @cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
3850 @value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
3851 special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
3852 programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
3853 starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
3854 You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
3855 @samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
3856
3857
3858 @node Set Watchpoints
3859 @subsection Setting Watchpoints
3860
3861 @cindex setting watchpoints
3862 You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
3863 expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
3864 this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
3865 The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
3866 as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
3867
3868 @itemize @bullet
3869 @item
3870 A reference to the value of a single variable.
3871
3872 @item
3873 An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
3874 @samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
3875 address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
3876
3877 @item
3878 An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
3879 expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
3880 language (@pxref{Languages}).
3881 @end itemize
3882
3883 You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
3884 not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
3885 @samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
3886 @value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
3887 the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
3888 valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
3889 pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
3890 @code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
3891 the expression changes.
3892
3893 @cindex software watchpoints
3894 @cindex hardware watchpoints
3895 Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
3896 hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
3897 program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
3898 times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
3899 catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
3900 culprit.)
3901
3902 On some systems, such as HP-UX, PowerPC, @sc{gnu}/Linux and most other
3903 x86-based targets, @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware
3904 watchpoints, which do not slow down the running of your program.
3905
3906 @table @code
3907 @kindex watch
3908 @item watch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3909 Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
3910 expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
3911 changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
3912 to watch the value of a single variable:
3913
3914 @smallexample
3915 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo
3916 @end smallexample
3917
3918 If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}}
3919 argument, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
3920 @var{threadnum} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
3921 change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
3922 that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
3923 with Hardware Watchpoints.
3924
3925 Ordinarily a watchpoint respects the scope of variables in @var{expr}
3926 (see below). The @code{-location} argument tells @value{GDBN} to
3927 instead watch the memory referred to by @var{expr}. In this case,
3928 @value{GDBN} will evaluate @var{expr}, take the address of the result,
3929 and watch the memory at that address. The type of the result is used
3930 to determine the size of the watched memory. If the expression's
3931 result does not have an address, then @value{GDBN} will print an
3932 error.
3933
3934 The @code{@r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}} argument allows creation
3935 of masked watchpoints, if the current architecture supports this
3936 feature (e.g., PowerPC Embedded architecture, see @ref{PowerPC
3937 Embedded}.) A @dfn{masked watchpoint} specifies a mask in addition
3938 to an address to watch. The mask specifies that some bits of an address
3939 (the bits which are reset in the mask) should be ignored when matching
3940 the address accessed by the inferior against the watchpoint address.
3941 Thus, a masked watchpoint watches many addresses simultaneously---those
3942 addresses whose unmasked bits are identical to the unmasked bits in the
3943 watchpoint address. The @code{mask} argument implies @code{-location}.
3944 Examples:
3945
3946 @smallexample
3947 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo mask 0xffff00ff
3948 (@value{GDBP}) watch *0xdeadbeef mask 0xffffff00
3949 @end smallexample
3950
3951 @kindex rwatch
3952 @item rwatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3953 Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
3954 by the program.
3955
3956 @kindex awatch
3957 @item awatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3958 Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
3959 or written into by the program.
3960
3961 @kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3962 @item info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3963 This command prints a list of watchpoints, using the same format as
3964 @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
3965 @end table
3966
3967 If you watch for a change in a numerically entered address you need to
3968 dereference it, as the address itself is just a constant number which will
3969 never change. @value{GDBN} refuses to create a watchpoint that watches
3970 a never-changing value:
3971
3972 @smallexample
3973 (@value{GDBP}) watch 0x600850
3974 Cannot watch constant value 0x600850.
3975 (@value{GDBP}) watch *(int *) 0x600850
3976 Watchpoint 1: *(int *) 6293584
3977 @end smallexample
3978
3979 @value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
3980 watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
3981 value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
3982 cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
3983 executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
3984 @emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
3985
3986 @cindex use only software watchpoints
3987 You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
3988 @kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
3989 zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
3990 the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
3991 watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
3992 @code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
3993 mechanism of watching expression values.)
3994
3995 @table @code
3996 @item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3997 @kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3998 Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
3999
4000 @item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
4001 @kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
4002 Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
4003 @end table
4004
4005 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
4006 watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
4007 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
4008
4009 When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
4010
4011 @smallexample
4012 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
4013 @end smallexample
4014
4015 @noindent
4016 if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
4017
4018 Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
4019 hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
4020 value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
4021 every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
4022 that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
4023 hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
4024 will print a message like this:
4025
4026 @smallexample
4027 Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
4028 @end smallexample
4029
4030 Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
4031 data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
4032 watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
4033 can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
4034 cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
4035 double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
4036 wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
4037 into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
4038
4039 If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
4040 to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
4041 Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
4042 time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
4043 able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
4044 warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
4045
4046 @smallexample
4047 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
4048 @end smallexample
4049
4050 @noindent
4051 If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
4052
4053 Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
4054 exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
4055 That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
4056 expression with separately allocated resources.
4057
4058 If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
4059 any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
4060 kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
4061
4062 @value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
4063 (automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
4064 they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
4065 which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
4066 being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
4067 and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
4068 rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
4069 way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
4070 @code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
4071
4072 @cindex watchpoints and threads
4073 @cindex threads and watchpoints
4074 In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
4075 watched expression from every thread.
4076
4077 @quotation
4078 @emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
4079 have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
4080 watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
4081 single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
4082 change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
4083 confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
4084 software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
4085 when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
4086 watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
4087 @end quotation
4088
4089 @xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
4090
4091 @node Set Catchpoints
4092 @subsection Setting Catchpoints
4093 @cindex catchpoints, setting
4094 @cindex exception handlers
4095 @cindex event handling
4096
4097 You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
4098 kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
4099 shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
4100
4101 @table @code
4102 @kindex catch
4103 @item catch @var{event}
4104 Stop when @var{event} occurs. @var{event} can be any of the following:
4105
4106 @table @code
4107 @item throw @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4108 @itemx rethrow @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4109 @itemx catch @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4110 @cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
4111 The throwing, re-throwing, or catching of a C@t{++} exception.
4112
4113 If @var{regexp} is given, then only exceptions whose type matches the
4114 regular expression will be caught.
4115
4116 @vindex $_exception@r{, convenience variable}
4117 The convenience variable @code{$_exception} is available at an
4118 exception-related catchpoint, on some systems. This holds the
4119 exception being thrown.
4120
4121 There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling in
4122 @value{GDBN}:
4123
4124 @itemize @bullet
4125 @item
4126 The support for these commands is system-dependent. Currently, only
4127 systems using the @samp{gnu-v3} C@t{++} ABI (@pxref{ABI}) are
4128 supported.
4129
4130 @item
4131 The regular expression feature and the @code{$_exception} convenience
4132 variable rely on the presence of some SDT probes in @code{libstdc++}.
4133 If these probes are not present, then these features cannot be used.
4134 These probes were first available in the GCC 4.8 release, but whether
4135 or not they are available in your GCC also depends on how it was
4136 built.
4137
4138 @item
4139 The @code{$_exception} convenience variable is only valid at the
4140 instruction at which an exception-related catchpoint is set.
4141
4142 @item
4143 When an exception-related catchpoint is hit, @value{GDBN} stops at a
4144 location in the system library which implements runtime exception
4145 support for C@t{++}, usually @code{libstdc++}. You can use @code{up}
4146 (@pxref{Selection}) to get to your code.
4147
4148 @item
4149 If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
4150 control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
4151 raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
4152 returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
4153 simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
4154 that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
4155 you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
4156 disabled within interactive calls. @xref{Calling}, for information on
4157 controlling this with @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception}.
4158
4159 @item
4160 You cannot raise an exception interactively.
4161
4162 @item
4163 You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
4164 @end itemize
4165
4166 @item exception
4167 @cindex Ada exception catching
4168 @cindex catch Ada exceptions
4169 An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
4170 at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
4171 the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
4172 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
4173
4174 When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
4175 name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
4176 fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
4177 @value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
4178 rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
4179 called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
4180 the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
4181 Pck.Constraint_Error}.
4182
4183 @item exception unhandled
4184 An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
4185
4186 @item assert
4187 A failed Ada assertion.
4188
4189 @item exec
4190 @cindex break on fork/exec
4191 A call to @code{exec}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4192 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4193
4194 @item syscall
4195 @itemx syscall @r{[}@var{name} @r{|} @var{number}@r{]} @dots{}
4196 @cindex break on a system call.
4197 A call to or return from a system call, a.k.a.@: @dfn{syscall}. A
4198 syscall is a mechanism for application programs to request a service
4199 from the operating system (OS) or one of the OS system services.
4200 @value{GDBN} can catch some or all of the syscalls issued by the
4201 debuggee, and show the related information for each syscall. If no
4202 argument is specified, calls to and returns from all system calls
4203 will be caught.
4204
4205 @var{name} can be any system call name that is valid for the
4206 underlying OS. Just what syscalls are valid depends on the OS. On
4207 GNU and Unix systems, you can find the full list of valid syscall
4208 names on @file{/usr/include/asm/unistd.h}.
4209
4210 @c For MS-Windows, the syscall names and the corresponding numbers
4211 @c can be found, e.g., on this URL:
4212 @c http://www.metasploit.com/users/opcode/syscalls.html
4213 @c but we don't support Windows syscalls yet.
4214
4215 Normally, @value{GDBN} knows in advance which syscalls are valid for
4216 each OS, so you can use the @value{GDBN} command-line completion
4217 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
4218 available choices.
4219
4220 You may also specify the system call numerically. A syscall's
4221 number is the value passed to the OS's syscall dispatcher to
4222 identify the requested service. When you specify the syscall by its
4223 name, @value{GDBN} uses its database of syscalls to convert the name
4224 into the corresponding numeric code, but using the number directly
4225 may be useful if @value{GDBN}'s database does not have the complete
4226 list of syscalls on your system (e.g., because @value{GDBN} lags
4227 behind the OS upgrades).
4228
4229 The example below illustrates how this command works if you don't provide
4230 arguments to it:
4231
4232 @smallexample
4233 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4234 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4235 (@value{GDBP}) r
4236 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4237
4238 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'close'), \
4239 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4240 (@value{GDBP}) c
4241 Continuing.
4242
4243 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'close'), \
4244 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4245 (@value{GDBP})
4246 @end smallexample
4247
4248 Here is an example of catching a system call by name:
4249
4250 @smallexample
4251 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall chroot
4252 Catchpoint 1 (syscall 'chroot' [61])
4253 (@value{GDBP}) r
4254 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4255
4256 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'chroot'), \
4257 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4258 (@value{GDBP}) c
4259 Continuing.
4260
4261 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'chroot'), \
4262 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4263 (@value{GDBP})
4264 @end smallexample
4265
4266 An example of specifying a system call numerically. In the case
4267 below, the syscall number has a corresponding entry in the XML
4268 file, so @value{GDBN} finds its name and prints it:
4269
4270 @smallexample
4271 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4272 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 'exit_group')
4273 (@value{GDBP}) r
4274 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4275
4276 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'exit_group'), \
4277 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4278 (@value{GDBP}) c
4279 Continuing.
4280
4281 Program exited normally.
4282 (@value{GDBP})
4283 @end smallexample
4284
4285 However, there can be situations when there is no corresponding name
4286 in XML file for that syscall number. In this case, @value{GDBN} prints
4287 a warning message saying that it was not able to find the syscall name,
4288 but the catchpoint will be set anyway. See the example below:
4289
4290 @smallexample
4291 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 764
4292 warning: The number '764' does not represent a known syscall.
4293 Catchpoint 2 (syscall 764)
4294 (@value{GDBP})
4295 @end smallexample
4296
4297 If you configure @value{GDBN} using the @samp{--without-expat} option,
4298 it will not be able to display syscall names. Also, if your
4299 architecture does not have an XML file describing its system calls,
4300 you will not be able to see the syscall names. It is important to
4301 notice that these two features are used for accessing the syscall
4302 name database. In either case, you will see a warning like this:
4303
4304 @smallexample
4305 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4306 warning: Could not open "syscalls/i386-linux.xml"
4307 warning: Could not load the syscall XML file 'syscalls/i386-linux.xml'.
4308 GDB will not be able to display syscall names.
4309 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4310 (@value{GDBP})
4311 @end smallexample
4312
4313 Of course, the file name will change depending on your architecture and system.
4314
4315 Still using the example above, you can also try to catch a syscall by its
4316 number. In this case, you would see something like:
4317
4318 @smallexample
4319 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4320 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 252)
4321 @end smallexample
4322
4323 Again, in this case @value{GDBN} would not be able to display syscall's names.
4324
4325 @item fork
4326 A call to @code{fork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4327 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4328
4329 @item vfork
4330 A call to @code{vfork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4331 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4332
4333 @item load @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4334 @itemx unload @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4335 The loading or unloading of a shared library. If @var{regexp} is
4336 given, then the catchpoint will stop only if the regular expression
4337 matches one of the affected libraries.
4338
4339 @item signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
4340 The delivery of a signal.
4341
4342 With no arguments, this catchpoint will catch any signal that is not
4343 used internally by @value{GDBN}, specifically, all signals except
4344 @samp{SIGTRAP} and @samp{SIGINT}.
4345
4346 With the argument @samp{all}, all signals, including those used by
4347 @value{GDBN}, will be caught. This argument cannot be used with other
4348 signal names.
4349
4350 Otherwise, the arguments are a list of signal names as given to
4351 @code{handle} (@pxref{Signals}). Only signals specified in this list
4352 will be caught.
4353
4354 One reason that @code{catch signal} can be more useful than
4355 @code{handle} is that you can attach commands and conditions to the
4356 catchpoint.
4357
4358 When a signal is caught by a catchpoint, the signal's @code{stop} and
4359 @code{print} settings, as specified by @code{handle}, are ignored.
4360 However, whether the signal is still delivered to the inferior depends
4361 on the @code{pass} setting; this can be changed in the catchpoint's
4362 commands.
4363
4364 @end table
4365
4366 @item tcatch @var{event}
4367 Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
4368 automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
4369
4370 @end table
4371
4372 Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
4373
4374
4375 @node Delete Breaks
4376 @subsection Deleting Breakpoints
4377
4378 @cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4379 @cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4380 It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
4381 catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
4382 to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
4383 breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
4384
4385 With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
4386 where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
4387 delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
4388 their breakpoint numbers.
4389
4390 It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
4391 automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
4392 when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
4393
4394 @table @code
4395 @kindex clear
4396 @item clear
4397 Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
4398 selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
4399 the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
4400 breakpoint where your program just stopped.
4401
4402 @item clear @var{location}
4403 Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
4404 @xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
4405 most useful ones are listed below:
4406
4407 @table @code
4408 @item clear @var{function}
4409 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
4410 Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
4411
4412 @item clear @var{linenum}
4413 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
4414 Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
4415 @var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
4416 @end table
4417
4418 @cindex delete breakpoints
4419 @kindex delete
4420 @kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
4421 @item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4422 Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
4423 ranges specified as arguments. If no argument is specified, delete all
4424 breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
4425 confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
4426 @end table
4427
4428 @node Disabling
4429 @subsection Disabling Breakpoints
4430
4431 @cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
4432 Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
4433 prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
4434 it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
4435 that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
4436
4437 You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
4438 the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying
4439 one or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} to
4440 print a list of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints if you
4441 do not know which numbers to use.
4442
4443 Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
4444 affects all of its locations.
4445
4446 A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of several
4447 different states of enablement:
4448
4449 @itemize @bullet
4450 @item
4451 Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
4452 with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
4453 @item
4454 Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
4455 @item
4456 Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
4457 disabled.
4458 @item
4459 Enabled for a count. The breakpoint stops your program for the next
4460 N times, then becomes disabled.
4461 @item
4462 Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
4463 immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
4464 set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
4465 @end itemize
4466
4467 You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
4468 watchpoints, and catchpoints:
4469
4470 @table @code
4471 @kindex disable
4472 @kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
4473 @item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4474 Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
4475 listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
4476 options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
4477 case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
4478 @code{disable} as @code{dis}.
4479
4480 @kindex enable
4481 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4482 Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
4483 become effective once again in stopping your program.
4484
4485 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{range}@dots{}
4486 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
4487 of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
4488
4489 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} count @var{count} @var{range}@dots{}
4490 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} records
4491 @var{count} with each of the specified breakpoints, and decrements a
4492 breakpoint's count when it is hit. When any count reaches 0,
4493 @value{GDBN} disables that breakpoint. If a breakpoint has an ignore
4494 count (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}), that will be
4495 decremented to 0 before @var{count} is affected.
4496
4497 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{range}@dots{}
4498 Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
4499 deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
4500 Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
4501 @end table
4502
4503 @c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
4504 @c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
4505 Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
4506 ,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
4507 subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
4508 the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
4509 breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
4510 breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
4511 Stepping}.)
4512
4513 @node Conditions
4514 @subsection Break Conditions
4515 @cindex conditional breakpoints
4516 @cindex breakpoint conditions
4517
4518 @c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
4519 @c in particular for a watchpoint?
4520 The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
4521 specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
4522 breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
4523 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
4524 a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
4525 and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
4526
4527 This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
4528 situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
4529 when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
4530 by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
4531 @samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
4532
4533 Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
4534 since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
4535 it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
4536 and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
4537 one.
4538
4539 Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
4540 your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
4541 that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
4542 format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
4543 unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
4544 that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
4545 program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
4546 breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
4547 conditions for the
4548 purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
4549 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
4550
4551 Breakpoint conditions can also be evaluated on the target's side if
4552 the target supports it. Instead of evaluating the conditions locally,
4553 @value{GDBN} encodes the expression into an agent expression
4554 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) suitable for execution on the target,
4555 independently of @value{GDBN}. Global variables become raw memory
4556 locations, locals become stack accesses, and so forth.
4557
4558 In this case, @value{GDBN} will only be notified of a breakpoint trigger
4559 when its condition evaluates to true. This mechanism may provide faster
4560 response times depending on the performance characteristics of the target
4561 since it does not need to keep @value{GDBN} informed about
4562 every breakpoint trigger, even those with false conditions.
4563
4564 Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
4565 @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
4566 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
4567 with the @code{condition} command.
4568
4569 You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
4570 The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
4571 @code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
4572 catchpoint.
4573
4574 @table @code
4575 @kindex condition
4576 @item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
4577 Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
4578 watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
4579 breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
4580 @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
4581 @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
4582 syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
4583 referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
4584 symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
4585 prints an error message:
4586
4587 @smallexample
4588 No symbol "foo" in current context.
4589 @end smallexample
4590
4591 @noindent
4592 @value{GDBN} does
4593 not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
4594 command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
4595 @code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
4596
4597 @item condition @var{bnum}
4598 Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
4599 an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
4600 @end table
4601
4602 @cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
4603 A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
4604 breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
4605 useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
4606 count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
4607 is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
4608 therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
4609 ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
4610 the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
4611 value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
4612 your program reaches it.
4613
4614 @table @code
4615 @kindex ignore
4616 @item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
4617 Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
4618 The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
4619 execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
4620 takes no action.
4621
4622 To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
4623 a count of zero.
4624
4625 When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
4626 breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
4627 @code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
4628 Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
4629
4630 If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
4631 condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
4632 @value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
4633
4634 You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
4635 as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
4636 is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
4637 Variables}.
4638 @end table
4639
4640 Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
4641
4642
4643 @node Break Commands
4644 @subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
4645
4646 @cindex breakpoint commands
4647 You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
4648 commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
4649 example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
4650 enable other breakpoints.
4651
4652 @table @code
4653 @kindex commands
4654 @kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
4655 @item commands @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4656 @itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
4657 @itemx end
4658 Specify a list of commands for the given breakpoints. The commands
4659 themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
4660 @code{end} to terminate the commands.
4661
4662 To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
4663 follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
4664
4665 With no argument, @code{commands} refers to the last breakpoint,
4666 watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most recently
4667 encountered). If the most recent breakpoints were set with a single
4668 command, then the @code{commands} will apply to all the breakpoints
4669 set by that command. This applies to breakpoints set by
4670 @code{rbreak}, and also applies when a single @code{break} command
4671 creates multiple breakpoints (@pxref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous
4672 Expressions}).
4673 @end table
4674
4675 Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
4676 disabled within a @var{command-list}.
4677
4678 You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
4679 use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
4680 that resumes execution.
4681
4682 Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
4683 execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
4684 (even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
4685 another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
4686 ambiguities about which list to execute.
4687
4688 @kindex silent
4689 If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
4690 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
4691 be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
4692 then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
4693 see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
4694 meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
4695
4696 The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
4697 print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
4698 breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
4699
4700 For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
4701 value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
4702
4703 @smallexample
4704 break foo if x>0
4705 commands
4706 silent
4707 printf "x is %d\n",x
4708 cont
4709 end
4710 @end smallexample
4711
4712 One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
4713 you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
4714 of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
4715 erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
4716 to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
4717 so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
4718 command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
4719
4720 @smallexample
4721 break 403
4722 commands
4723 silent
4724 set x = y + 4
4725 cont
4726 end
4727 @end smallexample
4728
4729 @node Dynamic Printf
4730 @subsection Dynamic Printf
4731
4732 @cindex dynamic printf
4733 @cindex dprintf
4734 The dynamic printf command @code{dprintf} combines a breakpoint with
4735 formatted printing of your program's data to give you the effect of
4736 inserting @code{printf} calls into your program on-the-fly, without
4737 having to recompile it.
4738
4739 In its most basic form, the output goes to the GDB console. However,
4740 you can set the variable @code{dprintf-style} for alternate handling.
4741 For instance, you can ask to format the output by calling your
4742 program's @code{printf} function. This has the advantage that the
4743 characters go to the program's output device, so they can recorded in
4744 redirects to files and so forth.
4745
4746 If you are doing remote debugging with a stub or agent, you can also
4747 ask to have the printf handled by the remote agent. In addition to
4748 ensuring that the output goes to the remote program's device along
4749 with any other output the program might produce, you can also ask that
4750 the dprintf remain active even after disconnecting from the remote
4751 target. Using the stub/agent is also more efficient, as it can do
4752 everything without needing to communicate with @value{GDBN}.
4753
4754 @table @code
4755 @kindex dprintf
4756 @item dprintf @var{location},@var{template},@var{expression}[,@var{expression}@dots{}]
4757 Whenever execution reaches @var{location}, print the values of one or
4758 more @var{expressions} under the control of the string @var{template}.
4759 To print several values, separate them with commas.
4760
4761 @item set dprintf-style @var{style}
4762 Set the dprintf output to be handled in one of several different
4763 styles enumerated below. A change of style affects all existing
4764 dynamic printfs immediately. (If you need individual control over the
4765 print commands, simply define normal breakpoints with
4766 explicitly-supplied command lists.)
4767
4768 @item gdb
4769 @kindex dprintf-style gdb
4770 Handle the output using the @value{GDBN} @code{printf} command.
4771
4772 @item call
4773 @kindex dprintf-style call
4774 Handle the output by calling a function in your program (normally
4775 @code{printf}).
4776
4777 @item agent
4778 @kindex dprintf-style agent
4779 Have the remote debugging agent (such as @code{gdbserver}) handle
4780 the output itself. This style is only available for agents that
4781 support running commands on the target.
4782
4783 @item set dprintf-function @var{function}
4784 Set the function to call if the dprintf style is @code{call}. By
4785 default its value is @code{printf}. You may set it to any expression.
4786 that @value{GDBN} can evaluate to a function, as per the @code{call}
4787 command.
4788
4789 @item set dprintf-channel @var{channel}
4790 Set a ``channel'' for dprintf. If set to a non-empty value,
4791 @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as an expression and pass the result as
4792 a first argument to the @code{dprintf-function}, in the manner of
4793 @code{fprintf} and similar functions. Otherwise, the dprintf format
4794 string will be the first argument, in the manner of @code{printf}.
4795
4796 As an example, if you wanted @code{dprintf} output to go to a logfile
4797 that is a standard I/O stream assigned to the variable @code{mylog},
4798 you could do the following:
4799
4800 @example
4801 (gdb) set dprintf-style call
4802 (gdb) set dprintf-function fprintf
4803 (gdb) set dprintf-channel mylog
4804 (gdb) dprintf 25,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob
4805 Dprintf 1 at 0x123456: file main.c, line 25.
4806 (gdb) info break
4807 1 dprintf keep y 0x00123456 in main at main.c:25
4808 call (void) fprintf (mylog,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob)
4809 continue
4810 (gdb)
4811 @end example
4812
4813 Note that the @code{info break} displays the dynamic printf commands
4814 as normal breakpoint commands; you can thus easily see the effect of
4815 the variable settings.
4816
4817 @item set disconnected-dprintf on
4818 @itemx set disconnected-dprintf off
4819 @kindex set disconnected-dprintf
4820 Choose whether @code{dprintf} commands should continue to run if
4821 @value{GDBN} has disconnected from the target. This only applies
4822 if the @code{dprintf-style} is @code{agent}.
4823
4824 @item show disconnected-dprintf off
4825 @kindex show disconnected-dprintf
4826 Show the current choice for disconnected @code{dprintf}.
4827
4828 @end table
4829
4830 @value{GDBN} does not check the validity of function and channel,
4831 relying on you to supply values that are meaningful for the contexts
4832 in which they are being used. For instance, the function and channel
4833 may be the values of local variables, but if that is the case, then
4834 all enabled dynamic prints must be at locations within the scope of
4835 those locals. If evaluation fails, @value{GDBN} will report an error.
4836
4837 @node Save Breakpoints
4838 @subsection How to save breakpoints to a file
4839
4840 To save breakpoint definitions to a file use the @w{@code{save
4841 breakpoints}} command.
4842
4843 @table @code
4844 @kindex save breakpoints
4845 @cindex save breakpoints to a file for future sessions
4846 @item save breakpoints [@var{filename}]
4847 This command saves all current breakpoint definitions together with
4848 their commands and ignore counts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
4849 suitable for use in a later debugging session. This includes all
4850 types of breakpoints (breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints,
4851 tracepoints). To read the saved breakpoint definitions, use the
4852 @code{source} command (@pxref{Command Files}). Note that watchpoints
4853 with expressions involving local variables may fail to be recreated
4854 because it may not be possible to access the context where the
4855 watchpoint is valid anymore. Because the saved breakpoint definitions
4856 are simply a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands that recreate the
4857 breakpoints, you can edit the file in your favorite editing program,
4858 and remove the breakpoint definitions you're not interested in, or
4859 that can no longer be recreated.
4860 @end table
4861
4862 @node Static Probe Points
4863 @subsection Static Probe Points
4864
4865 @cindex static probe point, SystemTap
4866 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{SDT} probes in the code. @acronym{SDT} stands
4867 for Statically Defined Tracing, and the probes are designed to have a tiny
4868 runtime code and data footprint, and no dynamic relocations. They are
4869 usable from assembly, C and C@t{++} languages. See
4870 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/UserSpaceProbeImplementation}
4871 for a good reference on how the @acronym{SDT} probes are implemented.
4872
4873 Currently, @code{SystemTap} (@uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/})
4874 @acronym{SDT} probes are supported on ELF-compatible systems. See
4875 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/AddingUserSpaceProbingToApps}
4876 for more information on how to add @code{SystemTap} @acronym{SDT} probes
4877 in your applications.
4878
4879 @cindex semaphores on static probe points
4880 Some probes have an associated semaphore variable; for instance, this
4881 happens automatically if you defined your probe using a DTrace-style
4882 @file{.d} file. If your probe has a semaphore, @value{GDBN} will
4883 automatically enable it when you specify a breakpoint using the
4884 @samp{-probe-stap} notation. But, if you put a breakpoint at a probe's
4885 location by some other method (e.g., @code{break file:line}), then
4886 @value{GDBN} will not automatically set the semaphore.
4887
4888 You can examine the available static static probes using @code{info
4889 probes}, with optional arguments:
4890
4891 @table @code
4892 @kindex info probes
4893 @item info probes stap @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
4894 If given, @var{provider} is a regular expression used to match against provider
4895 names when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probes by all
4896 probes from all providers are listed.
4897
4898 If given, @var{name} is a regular expression to match against probe names
4899 when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probe names are not
4900 considered when deciding whether to display them.
4901
4902 If given, @var{objfile} is a regular expression used to select which
4903 object files (executable or shared libraries) to examine. If not
4904 given, all object files are considered.
4905
4906 @item info probes all
4907 List the available static probes, from all types.
4908 @end table
4909
4910 @vindex $_probe_arg@r{, convenience variable}
4911 A probe may specify up to twelve arguments. These are available at the
4912 point at which the probe is defined---that is, when the current PC is
4913 at the probe's location. The arguments are available using the
4914 convenience variables (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
4915 @code{$_probe_arg0}@dots{}@code{$_probe_arg11}. Each probe argument is
4916 an integer of the appropriate size; types are not preserved. The
4917 convenience variable @code{$_probe_argc} holds the number of arguments
4918 at the current probe point.
4919
4920 These variables are always available, but attempts to access them at
4921 any location other than a probe point will cause @value{GDBN} to give
4922 an error message.
4923
4924
4925 @c @ifclear BARETARGET
4926 @node Error in Breakpoints
4927 @subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
4928
4929 If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
4930 watchpoints, you will see this error message:
4931
4932 @c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
4933 @c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
4934 @smallexample
4935 Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
4936 You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
4937 @end smallexample
4938
4939 @noindent
4940 This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
4941 only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
4942 watchpoints it needs to insert.
4943
4944 When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
4945 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
4946
4947 @node Breakpoint-related Warnings
4948 @subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
4949 @cindex breakpoint address adjusted
4950
4951 Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
4952 which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
4953 @value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
4954 with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
4955
4956 One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
4957 a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
4958 bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
4959 constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
4960 bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
4961 honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
4962 first in the bundle.
4963
4964 It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
4965 instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
4966 a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
4967 another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
4968 breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
4969 printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
4970 is hit.
4971
4972 A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
4973 that's been subject to address adjustment:
4974
4975 @smallexample
4976 warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
4977 @end smallexample
4978
4979 Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
4980 internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
4981 verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
4982 desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
4983 other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
4984 E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
4985 instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
4986 cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
4987
4988 @value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
4989 adjusted breakpoints:
4990
4991 @smallexample
4992 warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
4993 to 0x00010410.
4994 @end smallexample
4995
4996 When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
4997 action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
4998 frequently than expected.
4999
5000 @node Continuing and Stepping
5001 @section Continuing and Stepping
5002
5003 @cindex stepping
5004 @cindex continuing
5005 @cindex resuming execution
5006 @dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
5007 completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
5008 one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
5009 line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
5010 particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
5011 your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
5012 it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
5013 @samp{signal 0} to resume execution. @xref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
5014
5015 @table @code
5016 @kindex continue
5017 @kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
5018 @kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
5019 @item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5020 @itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5021 @itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5022 Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
5023 any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
5024 @var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
5025 ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
5026 @code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
5027
5028 The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
5029 stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
5030 @code{continue} is ignored.
5031
5032 The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
5033 debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
5034 purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
5035 @code{continue}.
5036 @end table
5037
5038 To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
5039 (@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
5040 calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
5041 Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
5042
5043 A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
5044 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
5045 beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
5046 is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
5047 and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
5048 interesting, until you see the problem happen.
5049
5050 @table @code
5051 @kindex step
5052 @kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
5053 @item step
5054 Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
5055 line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
5056 abbreviated @code{s}.
5057
5058 @quotation
5059 @c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
5060 @c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
5061 @c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
5062 @c distinction here.
5063 @emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
5064 within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
5065 execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
5066 debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
5067 is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
5068 without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
5069 below.
5070 @end quotation
5071
5072 The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
5073 line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5074 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
5075 to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
5076 the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
5077 called within the line.
5078
5079 Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
5080 number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
5081 @code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
5082 on @acronym{MIPS} machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
5083 was any debugging information about the routine.
5084
5085 @item step @var{count}
5086 Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
5087 breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
5088 @var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
5089
5090 @kindex next
5091 @kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
5092 @item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5093 Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
5094 This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
5095 the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
5096 control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
5097 that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
5098 is abbreviated @code{n}.
5099
5100 An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
5101
5102
5103 @c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
5104 @c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
5105 @c
5106 @c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
5107 @c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
5108 @c function are executed without stopping.
5109
5110 The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
5111 source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5112 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
5113
5114 @kindex set step-mode
5115 @item set step-mode
5116 @cindex functions without line info, and stepping
5117 @cindex stepping into functions with no line info
5118 @itemx set step-mode on
5119 The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
5120 stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
5121 information rather than stepping over it.
5122
5123 This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
5124 machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
5125 want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
5126
5127 @item set step-mode off
5128 Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
5129 debug information. This is the default.
5130
5131 @item show step-mode
5132 Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
5133 source line debug information.
5134
5135 @kindex finish
5136 @kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
5137 @item finish
5138 Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
5139 returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
5140 abbreviated as @code{fin}.
5141
5142 Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
5143 ,Returning from a Function}).
5144
5145 @kindex until
5146 @kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
5147 @cindex run until specified location
5148 @item until
5149 @itemx u
5150 Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
5151 current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
5152 stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
5153 command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
5154 automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
5155 than the address of the jump.
5156
5157 This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
5158 though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
5159 exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
5160 simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
5161 through the next iteration.
5162
5163 @code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
5164 stack frame.
5165
5166 @code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
5167 of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
5168 example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
5169 (@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
5170 @code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
5171
5172 @smallexample
5173 (@value{GDBP}) f
5174 #0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
5175 206 expand_input();
5176 (@value{GDBP}) until
5177 195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
5178 @end smallexample
5179
5180 This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
5181 generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
5182 start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
5183 written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
5184 to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
5185 expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
5186 statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
5187
5188 @code{until} with no argument works by means of single
5189 instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
5190 argument.
5191
5192 @item until @var{location}
5193 @itemx u @var{location}
5194 Continue running your program until either the specified location is
5195 reached, or the current stack frame returns. @var{location} is any of
5196 the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
5197 This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
5198 hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
5199 location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
5200 implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
5201 invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
5202 line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
5203 line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
5204 invocations have returned.
5205
5206 @smallexample
5207 94 int factorial (int value)
5208 95 @{
5209 96 if (value > 1) @{
5210 97 value *= factorial (value - 1);
5211 98 @}
5212 99 return (value);
5213 100 @}
5214 @end smallexample
5215
5216
5217 @kindex advance @var{location}
5218 @item advance @var{location}
5219 Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
5220 required, which should be of one of the forms described in
5221 @ref{Specify Location}.
5222 Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
5223 frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
5224 not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
5225 have to be in the same frame as the current one.
5226
5227
5228 @kindex stepi
5229 @kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
5230 @item stepi
5231 @itemx stepi @var{arg}
5232 @itemx si
5233 Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
5234
5235 It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
5236 instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
5237 instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
5238 Display,, Automatic Display}.
5239
5240 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
5241
5242 @need 750
5243 @kindex nexti
5244 @kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
5245 @item nexti
5246 @itemx nexti @var{arg}
5247 @itemx ni
5248 Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
5249 proceed until the function returns.
5250
5251 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
5252
5253 @end table
5254
5255 @anchor{range stepping}
5256 @cindex range stepping
5257 @cindex target-assisted range stepping
5258 By default, and if available, @value{GDBN} makes use of
5259 target-assisted @dfn{range stepping}. In other words, whenever you
5260 use a stepping command (e.g., @code{step}, @code{next}), @value{GDBN}
5261 tells the target to step the corresponding range of instruction
5262 addresses instead of issuing multiple single-steps. This speeds up
5263 line stepping, particularly for remote targets. Ideally, there should
5264 be no reason you would want to turn range stepping off. However, it's
5265 possible that a bug in the debug info, a bug in the remote stub (for
5266 remote targets), or even a bug in @value{GDBN} could make line
5267 stepping behave incorrectly when target-assisted range stepping is
5268 enabled. You can use the following command to turn off range stepping
5269 if necessary:
5270
5271 @table @code
5272 @kindex set range-stepping
5273 @kindex show range-stepping
5274 @item set range-stepping
5275 @itemx show range-stepping
5276 Control whether range stepping is enabled.
5277
5278 If @code{on}, and the target supports it, @value{GDBN} tells the
5279 target to step a range of addresses itself, instead of issuing
5280 multiple single-steps. If @code{off}, @value{GDBN} always issues
5281 single-steps, even if range stepping is supported by the target. The
5282 default is @code{on}.
5283
5284 @end table
5285
5286 @node Skipping Over Functions and Files
5287 @section Skipping Over Functions and Files
5288 @cindex skipping over functions and files
5289
5290 The program you are debugging may contain some functions which are
5291 uninteresting to debug. The @code{skip} comand lets you tell @value{GDBN} to
5292 skip a function or all functions in a file when stepping.
5293
5294 For example, consider the following C function:
5295
5296 @smallexample
5297 101 int func()
5298 102 @{
5299 103 foo(boring());
5300 104 bar(boring());
5301 105 @}
5302 @end smallexample
5303
5304 @noindent
5305 Suppose you wish to step into the functions @code{foo} and @code{bar}, but you
5306 are not interested in stepping through @code{boring}. If you run @code{step}
5307 at line 103, you'll enter @code{boring()}, but if you run @code{next}, you'll
5308 step over both @code{foo} and @code{boring}!
5309
5310 One solution is to @code{step} into @code{boring} and use the @code{finish}
5311 command to immediately exit it. But this can become tedious if @code{boring}
5312 is called from many places.
5313
5314 A more flexible solution is to execute @kbd{skip boring}. This instructs
5315 @value{GDBN} never to step into @code{boring}. Now when you execute
5316 @code{step} at line 103, you'll step over @code{boring} and directly into
5317 @code{foo}.
5318
5319 You can also instruct @value{GDBN} to skip all functions in a file, with, for
5320 example, @code{skip file boring.c}.
5321
5322 @table @code
5323 @kindex skip function
5324 @item skip @r{[}@var{linespec}@r{]}
5325 @itemx skip function @r{[}@var{linespec}@r{]}
5326 After running this command, the function named by @var{linespec} or the
5327 function containing the line named by @var{linespec} will be skipped over when
5328 stepping. @xref{Specify Location}.
5329
5330 If you do not specify @var{linespec}, the function you're currently debugging
5331 will be skipped.
5332
5333 (If you have a function called @code{file} that you want to skip, use
5334 @kbd{skip function file}.)
5335
5336 @kindex skip file
5337 @item skip file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
5338 After running this command, any function whose source lives in @var{filename}
5339 will be skipped over when stepping.
5340
5341 If you do not specify @var{filename}, functions whose source lives in the file
5342 you're currently debugging will be skipped.
5343 @end table
5344
5345 Skips can be listed, deleted, disabled, and enabled, much like breakpoints.
5346 These are the commands for managing your list of skips:
5347
5348 @table @code
5349 @kindex info skip
5350 @item info skip @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5351 Print details about the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified,
5352 print a table with details about all functions and files marked for skipping.
5353 @code{info skip} prints the following information about each skip:
5354
5355 @table @emph
5356 @item Identifier
5357 A number identifying this skip.
5358 @item Type
5359 The type of this skip, either @samp{function} or @samp{file}.
5360 @item Enabled or Disabled
5361 Enabled skips are marked with @samp{y}. Disabled skips are marked with @samp{n}.
5362 @item Address
5363 For function skips, this column indicates the address in memory of the function
5364 being skipped. If you've set a function skip on a function which has not yet
5365 been loaded, this field will contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Once a shared library
5366 which has the function is loaded, @code{info skip} will show the function's
5367 address here.
5368 @item What
5369 For file skips, this field contains the filename being skipped. For functions
5370 skips, this field contains the function name and its line number in the file
5371 where it is defined.
5372 @end table
5373
5374 @kindex skip delete
5375 @item skip delete @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5376 Delete the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, delete all
5377 skips.
5378
5379 @kindex skip enable
5380 @item skip enable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5381 Enable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, enable all
5382 skips.
5383
5384 @kindex skip disable
5385 @item skip disable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5386 Disable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, disable all
5387 skips.
5388
5389 @end table
5390
5391 @node Signals
5392 @section Signals
5393 @cindex signals
5394
5395 A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
5396 operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
5397 kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
5398 signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
5399 @code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
5400 memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
5401 the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
5402 requested an alarm).
5403
5404 @cindex fatal signals
5405 Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
5406 functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
5407 errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
5408 program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
5409 @code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
5410 fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
5411
5412 @value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
5413 program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
5414 signal.
5415
5416 @cindex handling signals
5417 Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
5418 @code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
5419 (so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
5420 but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
5421 You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
5422
5423 @table @code
5424 @kindex info signals
5425 @kindex info handle
5426 @item info signals
5427 @itemx info handle
5428 Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
5429 handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
5430 the defined types of signals.
5431
5432 @item info signals @var{sig}
5433 Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
5434
5435 @code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
5436
5437 @item catch signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
5438 Set a catchpoint for the indicated signals. @xref{Set Catchpoints},
5439 for details about this command.
5440
5441 @kindex handle
5442 @item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
5443 Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. @var{signal}
5444 can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
5445 @samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
5446 @samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
5447 known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
5448 say what change to make.
5449 @end table
5450
5451 @c @group
5452 The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
5453 Their full names are:
5454
5455 @table @code
5456 @item nostop
5457 @value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
5458 still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
5459
5460 @item stop
5461 @value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
5462 the @code{print} keyword as well.
5463
5464 @item print
5465 @value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
5466
5467 @item noprint
5468 @value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
5469 implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
5470
5471 @item pass
5472 @itemx noignore
5473 @value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
5474 can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
5475 and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
5476
5477 @item nopass
5478 @itemx ignore
5479 @value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
5480 @code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
5481 @end table
5482 @c @end group
5483
5484 When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
5485 program until you
5486 continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
5487 effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
5488 after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
5489 command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
5490 program sees that signal when you continue.
5491
5492 The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
5493 non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
5494 @code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
5495 erroneous signals.
5496
5497 You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
5498 seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
5499 or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
5500 due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
5501 values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
5502 execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
5503 a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
5504 you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
5505 Program a Signal}.
5506
5507 @cindex extra signal information
5508 @anchor{extra signal information}
5509
5510 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can inspect extra signal information
5511 associated with the intercepted signal, before it is actually
5512 delivered to the program being debugged. This information is exported
5513 by the convenience variable @code{$_siginfo}, and consists of data
5514 that is passed by the kernel to the signal handler at the time of the
5515 receipt of a signal. The data type of the information itself is
5516 target dependent. You can see the data type using the @code{ptype
5517 $_siginfo} command. On Unix systems, it typically corresponds to the
5518 standard @code{siginfo_t} type, as defined in the @file{signal.h}
5519 system header.
5520
5521 Here's an example, on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, printing the stray
5522 referenced address that raised a segmentation fault.
5523
5524 @smallexample
5525 @group
5526 (@value{GDBP}) continue
5527 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
5528 0x0000000000400766 in main ()
5529 69 *(int *)p = 0;
5530 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo
5531 type = struct @{
5532 int si_signo;
5533 int si_errno;
5534 int si_code;
5535 union @{
5536 int _pad[28];
5537 struct @{...@} _kill;
5538 struct @{...@} _timer;
5539 struct @{...@} _rt;
5540 struct @{...@} _sigchld;
5541 struct @{...@} _sigfault;
5542 struct @{...@} _sigpoll;
5543 @} _sifields;
5544 @}
5545 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault
5546 type = struct @{
5547 void *si_addr;
5548 @}
5549 (@value{GDBP}) p $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault.si_addr
5550 $1 = (void *) 0x7ffff7ff7000
5551 @end group
5552 @end smallexample
5553
5554 Depending on target support, @code{$_siginfo} may also be writable.
5555
5556 @node Thread Stops
5557 @section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
5558
5559 @cindex stopped threads
5560 @cindex threads, stopped
5561
5562 @cindex continuing threads
5563 @cindex threads, continuing
5564
5565 @value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
5566 (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
5567 are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
5568 debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
5569 when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
5570 or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
5571 @value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
5572 @dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
5573 you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
5574
5575 @menu
5576 * All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
5577 * Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
5578 * Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
5579 * Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
5580 * Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
5581 * Observer Mode:: GDB does not alter program behavior
5582 @end menu
5583
5584 @node All-Stop Mode
5585 @subsection All-Stop Mode
5586
5587 @cindex all-stop mode
5588
5589 In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
5590 @emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
5591 allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
5592 switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
5593 underfoot.
5594
5595 Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
5596 executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
5597 like @code{step} or @code{next}.
5598
5599 In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
5600 Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
5601 system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
5602 execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
5603 single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
5604 statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
5605 stops.
5606
5607 You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
5608 continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
5609 thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
5610 first thread completes whatever you requested.
5611
5612 @cindex automatic thread selection
5613 @cindex switching threads automatically
5614 @cindex threads, automatic switching
5615 Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
5616 signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
5617 signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
5618 message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
5619 thread.
5620
5621 On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
5622 locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
5623
5624 @table @code
5625 @item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
5626 @cindex scheduler locking mode
5627 @cindex lock scheduler
5628 Set the scheduler locking mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
5629 locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only the
5630 current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The @code{step}
5631 mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other threads
5632 from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so that
5633 the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly.
5634 Other threads only rarely (or never) get a chance to run
5635 when you step. They are more likely to run when you @samp{next} over a
5636 function call, and they are completely free to run when you use commands
5637 like @samp{continue}, @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another
5638 thread hits a breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change
5639 the current thread away from the thread that you are debugging.
5640
5641 @item show scheduler-locking
5642 Display the current scheduler locking mode.
5643 @end table
5644
5645 @cindex resume threads of multiple processes simultaneously
5646 By default, when you issue one of the execution commands such as
5647 @code{continue}, @code{next} or @code{step}, @value{GDBN} allows only
5648 threads of the current inferior to run. For example, if @value{GDBN}
5649 is attached to two inferiors, each with two threads, the
5650 @code{continue} command resumes only the two threads of the current
5651 inferior. This is useful, for example, when you debug a program that
5652 forks and you want to hold the parent stopped (so that, for instance,
5653 it doesn't run to exit), while you debug the child. In other
5654 situations, you may not be interested in inspecting the current state
5655 of any of the processes @value{GDBN} is attached to, and you may want
5656 to resume them all until some breakpoint is hit. In the latter case,
5657 you can instruct @value{GDBN} to allow all threads of all the
5658 inferiors to run with the @w{@code{set schedule-multiple}} command.
5659
5660 @table @code
5661 @kindex set schedule-multiple
5662 @item set schedule-multiple
5663 Set the mode for allowing threads of multiple processes to be resumed
5664 when an execution command is issued. When @code{on}, all threads of
5665 all processes are allowed to run. When @code{off}, only the threads
5666 of the current process are resumed. The default is @code{off}. The
5667 @code{scheduler-locking} mode takes precedence when set to @code{on},
5668 or while you are stepping and set to @code{step}.
5669
5670 @item show schedule-multiple
5671 Display the current mode for resuming the execution of threads of
5672 multiple processes.
5673 @end table
5674
5675 @node Non-Stop Mode
5676 @subsection Non-Stop Mode
5677
5678 @cindex non-stop mode
5679
5680 @c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
5681 @c with more details.
5682
5683 For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
5684 mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
5685 the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
5686 minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
5687 where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
5688 respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
5689
5690 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
5691 @emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
5692 threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
5693 execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
5694 only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
5695 in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
5696 ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
5697 one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
5698 one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
5699 independently and simultaneously.
5700
5701 To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
5702 or attach to your program:
5703
5704 @smallexample
5705 # Enable the async interface.
5706 set target-async 1
5707
5708 # If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
5709 set pagination off
5710
5711 # Finally, turn it on!
5712 set non-stop on
5713 @end smallexample
5714
5715 You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
5716
5717 @table @code
5718 @kindex set non-stop
5719 @item set non-stop on
5720 Enable selection of non-stop mode.
5721 @item set non-stop off
5722 Disable selection of non-stop mode.
5723 @kindex show non-stop
5724 @item show non-stop
5725 Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
5726 @end table
5727
5728 Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
5729 not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
5730 In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
5731 @value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
5732 not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
5733 since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
5734 non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
5735 default.
5736
5737 In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
5738 by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
5739 To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
5740
5741 You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
5742 (@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
5743 while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
5744 The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
5745 always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
5746
5747 Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
5748 running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
5749 In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
5750 but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
5751 To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
5752
5753 Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
5754
5755 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
5756 that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
5757 thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
5758 command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
5759 changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
5760 previously current thread.
5761
5762 @node Background Execution
5763 @subsection Background Execution
5764
5765 @cindex foreground execution
5766 @cindex background execution
5767 @cindex asynchronous execution
5768 @cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
5769
5770 @value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
5771 foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
5772 (asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
5773 the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
5774 another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
5775 a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
5776
5777 You need to explicitly enable asynchronous mode before you can use
5778 background execution commands. You can use these commands to
5779 manipulate the asynchronous mode setting:
5780
5781 @table @code
5782 @kindex set target-async
5783 @item set target-async on
5784 Enable asynchronous mode.
5785 @item set target-async off
5786 Disable asynchronous mode.
5787 @kindex show target-async
5788 @item show target-async
5789 Show the current target-async setting.
5790 @end table
5791
5792 If the target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error
5793 message if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
5794
5795 To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
5796 the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
5797 just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
5798 are:
5799
5800 @table @code
5801 @kindex run&
5802 @item run
5803 @xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
5804
5805 @item attach
5806 @kindex attach&
5807 @xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
5808
5809 @item step
5810 @kindex step&
5811 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
5812
5813 @item stepi
5814 @kindex stepi&
5815 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
5816
5817 @item next
5818 @kindex next&
5819 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
5820
5821 @item nexti
5822 @kindex nexti&
5823 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, nexti}.
5824
5825 @item continue
5826 @kindex continue&
5827 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
5828
5829 @item finish
5830 @kindex finish&
5831 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
5832
5833 @item until
5834 @kindex until&
5835 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
5836
5837 @end table
5838
5839 Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
5840 mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
5841 However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
5842 the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
5843 previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
5844 mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
5845
5846 You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
5847 using the @code{interrupt} command.
5848
5849 @table @code
5850 @kindex interrupt
5851 @item interrupt
5852 @itemx interrupt -a
5853
5854 Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
5855 @code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
5856 only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
5857 use @code{interrupt -a}.
5858 @end table
5859
5860 @node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5861 @subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5862
5863 When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
5864 Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
5865 breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
5866
5867 @table @code
5868 @cindex breakpoints and threads
5869 @cindex thread breakpoints
5870 @kindex break @dots{} thread @var{threadno}
5871 @item break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno}
5872 @itemx break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno} if @dots{}
5873 @var{linespec} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
5874 writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
5875 specify some source line.
5876
5877 Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{threadno}} with a breakpoint command
5878 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
5879 particular thread reaches this breakpoint. @var{threadno} is one of the
5880 numeric thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
5881 column of the @samp{info threads} display.
5882
5883 If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{threadno}} when you set a
5884 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
5885 program.
5886
5887 You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
5888 well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{threadno}} before or
5889 after the breakpoint condition, like this:
5890
5891 @smallexample
5892 (@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
5893 @end smallexample
5894
5895 @end table
5896
5897 Thread-specific breakpoints are automatically deleted when
5898 @value{GDBN} detects the corresponding thread is no longer in the
5899 thread list. For example:
5900
5901 @smallexample
5902 (@value{GDBP}) c
5903 Thread-specific breakpoint 3 deleted - thread 28 no longer in the thread list.
5904 @end smallexample
5905
5906 There are several ways for a thread to disappear, such as a regular
5907 thread exit, but also when you detach from the process with the
5908 @code{detach} command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running
5909 Process}), or if @value{GDBN} loses the remote connection
5910 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), etc. Note that with some targets,
5911 @value{GDBN} is only able to detect a thread has exited when the user
5912 explictly asks for the thread list with the @code{info threads}
5913 command.
5914
5915 @node Interrupted System Calls
5916 @subsection Interrupted System Calls
5917
5918 @cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
5919 @cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
5920 @cindex premature return from system calls
5921 There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
5922 multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
5923 breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
5924 system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
5925 consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
5926 that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
5927 stop execution.
5928
5929 To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
5930 each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
5931 style anyways.
5932
5933 For example, do not write code like this:
5934
5935 @smallexample
5936 sleep (10);
5937 @end smallexample
5938
5939 The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
5940 at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
5941
5942 Instead, write this:
5943
5944 @smallexample
5945 int unslept = 10;
5946 while (unslept > 0)
5947 unslept = sleep (unslept);
5948 @end smallexample
5949
5950 A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
5951 conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
5952 multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
5953 @value{GDBN}.
5954
5955 Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
5956 monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
5957 When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
5958 prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
5959
5960 @node Observer Mode
5961 @subsection Observer Mode
5962
5963 If you want to build on non-stop mode and observe program behavior
5964 without any chance of disruption by @value{GDBN}, you can set
5965 variables to disable all of the debugger's attempts to modify state,
5966 whether by writing memory, inserting breakpoints, etc. These operate
5967 at a low level, intercepting operations from all commands.
5968
5969 When all of these are set to @code{off}, then @value{GDBN} is said to
5970 be @dfn{observer mode}. As a convenience, the variable
5971 @code{observer} can be set to disable these, plus enable non-stop
5972 mode.
5973
5974 Note that @value{GDBN} will not prevent you from making nonsensical
5975 combinations of these settings. For instance, if you have enabled
5976 @code{may-insert-breakpoints} but disabled @code{may-write-memory},
5977 then breakpoints that work by writing trap instructions into the code
5978 stream will still not be able to be placed.
5979
5980 @table @code
5981
5982 @kindex observer
5983 @item set observer on
5984 @itemx set observer off
5985 When set to @code{on}, this disables all the permission variables
5986 below (except for @code{insert-fast-tracepoints}), plus enables
5987 non-stop debugging. Setting this to @code{off} switches back to
5988 normal debugging, though remaining in non-stop mode.
5989
5990 @item show observer
5991 Show whether observer mode is on or off.
5992
5993 @kindex may-write-registers
5994 @item set may-write-registers on
5995 @itemx set may-write-registers off
5996 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the values of
5997 registers, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}, or the
5998 @code{jump} command. It defaults to @code{on}.
5999
6000 @item show may-write-registers
6001 Show the current permission to write registers.
6002
6003 @kindex may-write-memory
6004 @item set may-write-memory on
6005 @itemx set may-write-memory off
6006 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the contents
6007 of memory, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}. It
6008 defaults to @code{on}.
6009
6010 @item show may-write-memory
6011 Show the current permission to write memory.
6012
6013 @kindex may-insert-breakpoints
6014 @item set may-insert-breakpoints on
6015 @itemx set may-insert-breakpoints off
6016 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert breakpoints.
6017 This affects all breakpoints, including internal breakpoints defined
6018 by @value{GDBN}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6019
6020 @item show may-insert-breakpoints
6021 Show the current permission to insert breakpoints.
6022
6023 @kindex may-insert-tracepoints
6024 @item set may-insert-tracepoints on
6025 @itemx set may-insert-tracepoints off
6026 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert (regular)
6027 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
6028 non-fast tracepoints, fast tracepoints being under the control of
6029 @code{may-insert-fast-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6030
6031 @item show may-insert-tracepoints
6032 Show the current permission to insert tracepoints.
6033
6034 @kindex may-insert-fast-tracepoints
6035 @item set may-insert-fast-tracepoints on
6036 @itemx set may-insert-fast-tracepoints off
6037 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert fast
6038 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
6039 fast tracepoints, regular (non-fast) tracepoints being under the
6040 control of @code{may-insert-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6041
6042 @item show may-insert-fast-tracepoints
6043 Show the current permission to insert fast tracepoints.
6044
6045 @kindex may-interrupt
6046 @item set may-interrupt on
6047 @itemx set may-interrupt off
6048 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to interrupt or stop
6049 program execution. When this variable is @code{off}, the
6050 @code{interrupt} command will have no effect, nor will
6051 @kbd{Ctrl-c}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6052
6053 @item show may-interrupt
6054 Show the current permission to interrupt or stop the program.
6055
6056 @end table
6057
6058 @node Reverse Execution
6059 @chapter Running programs backward
6060 @cindex reverse execution
6061 @cindex running programs backward
6062
6063 When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
6064 you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
6065 If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
6066 ``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
6067
6068 A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
6069 to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
6070 program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
6071 revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
6072 deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
6073 all target environments can support reverse execution.
6074
6075 When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
6076 have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
6077 order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
6078 thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
6079 the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
6080 instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
6081 a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
6082 should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
6083 prior values@footnote{
6084 Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
6085 memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
6086 targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
6087
6088 The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
6089 requires only that the target do something reasonable when
6090 @value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
6091 results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
6092 @value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
6093 assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
6094 consistant state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
6095 }.
6096
6097 If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
6098 reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
6099
6100 @table @code
6101 @kindex reverse-continue
6102 @kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
6103 @item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6104 @itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6105 Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
6106 in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
6107 exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
6108 asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
6109
6110 @kindex reverse-step
6111 @kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
6112 @item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6113 Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
6114 different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
6115
6116 Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
6117 at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
6118 executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
6119 debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
6120 the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
6121 statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
6122
6123 Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
6124 called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
6125
6126 @kindex reverse-stepi
6127 @kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
6128 @item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6129 Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
6130 to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
6131 counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
6132 if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
6133 back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
6134
6135 @kindex reverse-next
6136 @kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
6137 @item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6138 Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
6139 the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
6140 calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
6141 the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
6142 to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
6143 just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
6144 line of a function back to its return to its caller
6145 @footnote{Unless the code is too heavily optimized.}.
6146
6147 @kindex reverse-nexti
6148 @kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
6149 @item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6150 Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
6151 in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
6152 That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
6153 another function, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
6154 in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
6155 frame) is reached.
6156
6157 @kindex reverse-finish
6158 @item reverse-finish
6159 Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
6160 current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
6161 where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
6162 function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
6163
6164 @kindex set exec-direction
6165 @item set exec-direction
6166 Set the direction of target execution.
6167 @item set exec-direction reverse
6168 @cindex execute forward or backward in time
6169 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
6170 exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
6171 @code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
6172 command cannot be used in reverse mode.
6173 @item set exec-direction forward
6174 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
6175 This is the default.
6176 @end table
6177
6178
6179 @node Process Record and Replay
6180 @chapter Recording Inferior's Execution and Replaying It
6181 @cindex process record and replay
6182 @cindex recording inferior's execution and replaying it
6183
6184 On some platforms, @value{GDBN} provides a special @dfn{process record
6185 and replay} target that can record a log of the process execution, and
6186 replay it later with both forward and reverse execution commands.
6187
6188 @cindex replay mode
6189 When this target is in use, if the execution log includes the record
6190 for the next instruction, @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{replay
6191 mode}. In the replay mode, the inferior does not really execute code
6192 instructions. Instead, all the events that normally happen during
6193 code execution are taken from the execution log. While code is not
6194 really executed in replay mode, the values of registers (including the
6195 program counter register) and the memory of the inferior are still
6196 changed as they normally would. Their contents are taken from the
6197 execution log.
6198
6199 @cindex record mode
6200 If the record for the next instruction is not in the execution log,
6201 @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{record mode}. In this mode, the
6202 inferior executes normally, and @value{GDBN} records the execution log
6203 for future replay.
6204
6205 The process record and replay target supports reverse execution
6206 (@pxref{Reverse Execution}), even if the platform on which the
6207 inferior runs does not. However, the reverse execution is limited in
6208 this case by the range of the instructions recorded in the execution
6209 log. In other words, reverse execution on platforms that don't
6210 support it directly can only be done in the replay mode.
6211
6212 When debugging in the reverse direction, @value{GDBN} will work in
6213 replay mode as long as the execution log includes the record for the
6214 previous instruction; otherwise, it will work in record mode, if the
6215 platform supports reverse execution, or stop if not.
6216
6217 For architecture environments that support process record and replay,
6218 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands:
6219
6220 @table @code
6221 @kindex target record
6222 @kindex target record-full
6223 @kindex target record-btrace
6224 @kindex record
6225 @kindex record full
6226 @kindex record btrace
6227 @kindex rec
6228 @kindex rec full
6229 @kindex rec btrace
6230 @item record @var{method}
6231 This command starts the process record and replay target. The
6232 recording method can be specified as parameter. Without a parameter
6233 the command uses the @code{full} recording method. The following
6234 recording methods are available:
6235
6236 @table @code
6237 @item full
6238 Full record/replay recording using @value{GDBN}'s software record and
6239 replay implementation. This method allows replaying and reverse
6240 execution.
6241
6242 @item btrace
6243 Hardware-supported instruction recording. This method does not allow
6244 replaying and reverse execution.
6245
6246 This recording method may not be available on all processors.
6247 @end table
6248
6249 The process record and replay target can only debug a process that is
6250 already running. Therefore, you need first to start the process with
6251 the @kbd{run} or @kbd{start} commands, and then start the recording
6252 with the @kbd{record @var{method}} command.
6253
6254 Both @code{record @var{method}} and @code{rec @var{method}} are
6255 aliases of @code{target record-@var{method}}.
6256
6257 @cindex displaced stepping, and process record and replay
6258 Displaced stepping (@pxref{Maintenance Commands,, displaced stepping})
6259 will be automatically disabled when process record and replay target
6260 is started. That's because the process record and replay target
6261 doesn't support displaced stepping.
6262
6263 @cindex non-stop mode, and process record and replay
6264 @cindex asynchronous execution, and process record and replay
6265 If the inferior is in the non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) or in
6266 the asynchronous execution mode (@pxref{Background Execution}), not
6267 all recording methods are available. The @code{full} recording method
6268 does not support these two modes.
6269
6270 @kindex record stop
6271 @kindex rec s
6272 @item record stop
6273 Stop the process record and replay target. When process record and
6274 replay target stops, the entire execution log will be deleted and the
6275 inferior will either be terminated, or will remain in its final state.
6276
6277 When you stop the process record and replay target in record mode (at
6278 the end of the execution log), the inferior will be stopped at the
6279 next instruction that would have been recorded. In other words, if
6280 you record for a while and then stop recording, the inferior process
6281 will be left in the same state as if the recording never happened.
6282
6283 On the other hand, if the process record and replay target is stopped
6284 while in replay mode (that is, not at the end of the execution log,
6285 but at some earlier point), the inferior process will become ``live''
6286 at that earlier state, and it will then be possible to continue the
6287 usual ``live'' debugging of the process from that state.
6288
6289 When the inferior process exits, or @value{GDBN} detaches from it,
6290 process record and replay target will automatically stop itself.
6291
6292 @kindex record goto
6293 @item record goto
6294 Go to a specific location in the execution log. There are several
6295 ways to specify the location to go to:
6296
6297 @table @code
6298 @item record goto begin
6299 @itemx record goto start
6300 Go to the beginning of the execution log.
6301
6302 @item record goto end
6303 Go to the end of the execution log.
6304
6305 @item record goto @var{n}
6306 Go to instruction number @var{n} in the execution log.
6307 @end table
6308
6309 @kindex record save
6310 @item record save @var{filename}
6311 Save the execution log to a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6312 Default filename is @file{gdb_record.@var{process_id}}, where
6313 @var{process_id} is the process ID of the inferior.
6314
6315 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
6316
6317 @kindex record restore
6318 @item record restore @var{filename}
6319 Restore the execution log from a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6320 File must have been created with @code{record save}.
6321
6322 @kindex set record full
6323 @item set record full insn-number-max @var{limit}
6324 @itemx set record full insn-number-max unlimited
6325 Set the limit of instructions to be recorded for the @code{full}
6326 recording method. Default value is 200000.
6327
6328 If @var{limit} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will start
6329 deleting instructions from the log once the number of the record
6330 instructions becomes greater than @var{limit}. For every new recorded
6331 instruction, @value{GDBN} will delete the earliest recorded
6332 instruction to keep the number of recorded instructions at the limit.
6333 (Since deleting recorded instructions loses information, @value{GDBN}
6334 lets you control what happens when the limit is reached, by means of
6335 the @code{stop-at-limit} option, described below.)
6336
6337 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will never
6338 delete recorded instructions from the execution log. The number of
6339 recorded instructions is limited only by the available memory.
6340
6341 @kindex show record full
6342 @item show record full insn-number-max
6343 Show the limit of instructions to be recorded with the @code{full}
6344 recording method.
6345
6346 @item set record full stop-at-limit
6347 Control the behavior of the @code{full} recording method when the
6348 number of recorded instructions reaches the limit. If ON (the
6349 default), @value{GDBN} will stop when the limit is reached for the
6350 first time and ask you whether you want to stop the inferior or
6351 continue running it and recording the execution log. If you decide
6352 to continue recording, each new recorded instruction will cause the
6353 oldest one to be deleted.
6354
6355 If this option is OFF, @value{GDBN} will automatically delete the
6356 oldest record to make room for each new one, without asking.
6357
6358 @item show record full stop-at-limit
6359 Show the current setting of @code{stop-at-limit}.
6360
6361 @item set record full memory-query
6362 Control the behavior when @value{GDBN} is unable to record memory
6363 changes caused by an instruction for the @code{full} recording method.
6364 If ON, @value{GDBN} will query whether to stop the inferior in that
6365 case.
6366
6367 If this option is OFF (the default), @value{GDBN} will automatically
6368 ignore the effect of such instructions on memory. Later, when
6369 @value{GDBN} replays this execution log, it will mark the log of this
6370 instruction as not accessible, and it will not affect the replay
6371 results.
6372
6373 @item show record full memory-query
6374 Show the current setting of @code{memory-query}.
6375
6376 @kindex info record
6377 @item info record
6378 Show various statistics about the recording depending on the recording
6379 method:
6380
6381 @table @code
6382 @item full
6383 For the @code{full} recording method, it shows the state of process
6384 record and its in-memory execution log buffer, including:
6385
6386 @itemize @bullet
6387 @item
6388 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
6389 @item
6390 Lowest recorded instruction number (counting from when the current execution log started recording instructions).
6391 @item
6392 Highest recorded instruction number.
6393 @item
6394 Current instruction about to be replayed (if in replay mode).
6395 @item
6396 Number of instructions contained in the execution log.
6397 @item
6398 Maximum number of instructions that may be contained in the execution log.
6399 @end itemize
6400
6401 @item btrace
6402 For the @code{btrace} recording method, it shows the number of
6403 instructions that have been recorded and the number of blocks of
6404 sequential control-flow that is formed by the recorded instructions.
6405 @end table
6406
6407 @kindex record delete
6408 @kindex rec del
6409 @item record delete
6410 When record target runs in replay mode (``in the past''), delete the
6411 subsequent execution log and begin to record a new execution log starting
6412 from the current address. This means you will abandon the previously
6413 recorded ``future'' and begin recording a new ``future''.
6414
6415 @kindex record instruction-history
6416 @kindex rec instruction-history
6417 @item record instruction-history
6418 Disassembles instructions from the recorded execution log. By
6419 default, ten instructions are disassembled. This can be changed using
6420 the @code{set record instruction-history-size} command. Instructions
6421 are printed in execution order. There are several ways to specify
6422 what part of the execution log to disassemble:
6423
6424 @table @code
6425 @item record instruction-history @var{insn}
6426 Disassembles ten instructions starting from instruction number
6427 @var{insn}.
6428
6429 @item record instruction-history @var{insn}, +/-@var{n}
6430 Disassembles @var{n} instructions around instruction number
6431 @var{insn}. If @var{n} is preceded with @code{+}, disassembles
6432 @var{n} instructions after instruction number @var{insn}. If
6433 @var{n} is preceded with @code{-}, disassembles @var{n}
6434 instructions before instruction number @var{insn}.
6435
6436 @item record instruction-history
6437 Disassembles ten more instructions after the last disassembly.
6438
6439 @item record instruction-history -
6440 Disassembles ten more instructions before the last disassembly.
6441
6442 @item record instruction-history @var{begin} @var{end}
6443 Disassembles instructions beginning with instruction number
6444 @var{begin} until instruction number @var{end}. The instruction
6445 number @var{end} is not included.
6446 @end table
6447
6448 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
6449
6450 @kindex set record
6451 @item set record instruction-history-size @var{size}
6452 @itemx set record instruction-history-size unlimited
6453 Define how many instructions to disassemble in the @code{record
6454 instruction-history} command. The default value is 10.
6455 A @var{size} of @code{unlimited} means unlimited instructions.
6456
6457 @kindex show record
6458 @item show record instruction-history-size
6459 Show how many instructions to disassemble in the @code{record
6460 instruction-history} command.
6461
6462 @kindex record function-call-history
6463 @kindex rec function-call-history
6464 @item record function-call-history
6465 Prints the execution history at function granularity. It prints one
6466 line for each sequence of instructions that belong to the same
6467 function giving the name of that function, the source lines
6468 for this instruction sequence (if the @code{/l} modifier is
6469 specified), and the instructions numbers that form the sequence (if
6470 the @code{/i} modifier is specified).
6471
6472 @smallexample
6473 (@value{GDBP}) @b{list 1, 10}
6474 1 void foo (void)
6475 2 @{
6476 3 @}
6477 4
6478 5 void bar (void)
6479 6 @{
6480 7 ...
6481 8 foo ();
6482 9 ...
6483 10 @}
6484 (@value{GDBP}) @b{record function-call-history /l}
6485 1 foo.c:6-8 bar
6486 2 foo.c:2-3 foo
6487 3 foo.c:9-10 bar
6488 @end smallexample
6489
6490 By default, ten lines are printed. This can be changed using the
6491 @code{set record function-call-history-size} command. Functions are
6492 printed in execution order. There are several ways to specify what
6493 to print:
6494
6495 @table @code
6496 @item record function-call-history @var{func}
6497 Prints ten functions starting from function number @var{func}.
6498
6499 @item record function-call-history @var{func}, +/-@var{n}
6500 Prints @var{n} functions around function number @var{func}. If
6501 @var{n} is preceded with @code{+}, prints @var{n} functions after
6502 function number @var{func}. If @var{n} is preceded with @code{-},
6503 prints @var{n} functions before function number @var{func}.
6504
6505 @item record function-call-history
6506 Prints ten more functions after the last ten-line print.
6507
6508 @item record function-call-history -
6509 Prints ten more functions before the last ten-line print.
6510
6511 @item record function-call-history @var{begin} @var{end}
6512 Prints functions beginning with function number @var{begin} until
6513 function number @var{end}. The function number @var{end} is not
6514 included.
6515 @end table
6516
6517 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
6518
6519 @item set record function-call-history-size @var{size}
6520 @itemx set record function-call-history-size unlimited
6521 Define how many lines to print in the
6522 @code{record function-call-history} command. The default value is 10.
6523 A size of @code{unlimited} means unlimited lines.
6524
6525 @item show record function-call-history-size
6526 Show how many lines to print in the
6527 @code{record function-call-history} command.
6528 @end table
6529
6530
6531 @node Stack
6532 @chapter Examining the Stack
6533
6534 When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
6535 stopped and how it got there.
6536
6537 @cindex call stack
6538 Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
6539 is generated.
6540 That information includes the location of the call in your program,
6541 the arguments of the call,
6542 and the local variables of the function being called.
6543 The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
6544 The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
6545 stack}.
6546
6547 When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
6548 stack allow you to see all of this information.
6549
6550 @cindex selected frame
6551 One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
6552 @value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
6553 particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
6554 your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
6555 special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
6556 interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
6557
6558 When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
6559 currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
6560 @code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
6561
6562 @menu
6563 * Frames:: Stack frames
6564 * Backtrace:: Backtraces
6565 * Frame Filter Management:: Managing frame filters
6566 * Selection:: Selecting a frame
6567 * Frame Info:: Information on a frame
6568
6569 @end menu
6570
6571 @node Frames
6572 @section Stack Frames
6573
6574 @cindex frame, definition
6575 @cindex stack frame
6576 The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
6577 frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
6578 with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
6579 to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
6580 which the function is executing.
6581
6582 @cindex initial frame
6583 @cindex outermost frame
6584 @cindex innermost frame
6585 When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
6586 function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
6587 @dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
6588 made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
6589 is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
6590 the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
6591 actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
6592 recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
6593
6594 @cindex frame pointer
6595 Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
6596 stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
6597 kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
6598 address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
6599 in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
6600 (@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
6601
6602 @cindex frame number
6603 @value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
6604 zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
6605 and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
6606 they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
6607 frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
6608
6609 @c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
6610 @c underflow problems.
6611 @cindex frameless execution
6612 Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
6613 without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
6614 @smallexample
6615 @samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
6616 @end smallexample
6617 generates functions without a frame.)
6618 This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
6619 the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
6620 with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
6621 has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
6622 it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
6623 correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
6624 no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
6625
6626 @table @code
6627 @kindex frame@r{, command}
6628 @cindex current stack frame
6629 @item frame @var{args}
6630 The @code{frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame to another,
6631 and to print the stack frame you select. @var{args} may be either the
6632 address of the frame or the stack frame number. Without an argument,
6633 @code{frame} prints the current stack frame.
6634
6635 @kindex select-frame
6636 @cindex selecting frame silently
6637 @item select-frame
6638 The @code{select-frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame
6639 to another without printing the frame. This is the silent version of
6640 @code{frame}.
6641 @end table
6642
6643 @node Backtrace
6644 @section Backtraces
6645
6646 @cindex traceback
6647 @cindex call stack traces
6648 A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
6649 line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
6650 frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
6651 stack.
6652
6653 @anchor{backtrace-command}
6654 @table @code
6655 @kindex backtrace
6656 @kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
6657 @item backtrace
6658 @itemx bt
6659 Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
6660 frames in the stack.
6661
6662 You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
6663 character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
6664
6665 @item backtrace @var{n}
6666 @itemx bt @var{n}
6667 Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
6668
6669 @item backtrace -@var{n}
6670 @itemx bt -@var{n}
6671 Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
6672
6673 @item backtrace full
6674 @itemx bt full
6675 @itemx bt full @var{n}
6676 @itemx bt full -@var{n}
6677 Print the values of the local variables also. @var{n} specifies the
6678 number of frames to print, as described above.
6679
6680 @item backtrace no-filters
6681 @itemx bt no-filters
6682 @itemx bt no-filters @var{n}
6683 @itemx bt no-filters -@var{n}
6684 @itemx bt no-filters full
6685 @itemx bt no-filters full @var{n}
6686 @itemx bt no-filters full -@var{n}
6687 Do not run Python frame filters on this backtrace. @xref{Frame
6688 Filter API}, for more information. Additionally use @ref{disable
6689 frame-filter all} to turn off all frame filters. This is only
6690 relevant when @value{GDBN} has been configured with @code{Python}
6691 support.
6692 @end table
6693
6694 @kindex where
6695 @kindex info stack
6696 The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
6697 are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
6698
6699 @cindex multiple threads, backtrace
6700 In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
6701 backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
6702 several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
6703 (@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
6704 apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
6705 the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
6706 multi-threaded program.
6707
6708 Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
6709 The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
6710 print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
6711 line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
6712 counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
6713 line number.
6714
6715 Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
6716 @samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
6717
6718 @smallexample
6719 @group
6720 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
6721 at builtin.c:993
6722 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600, data=...) at macro.c:242
6723 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
6724 at macro.c:71
6725 (More stack frames follow...)
6726 @end group
6727 @end smallexample
6728
6729 @noindent
6730 The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
6731 value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
6732 code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
6733
6734 @noindent
6735 The value of parameter @code{data} in frame 1 has been replaced by
6736 @code{@dots{}}. By default, @value{GDBN} prints the value of a parameter
6737 only if it is a scalar (integer, pointer, enumeration, etc). See command
6738 @kbd{set print frame-arguments} in @ref{Print Settings} for more details
6739 on how to configure the way function parameter values are printed.
6740
6741 @cindex optimized out, in backtrace
6742 @cindex function call arguments, optimized out
6743 If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
6744 optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
6745 never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
6746 passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
6747 in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
6748 arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
6749 such a backtrace might look like:
6750
6751 @smallexample
6752 @group
6753 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
6754 at builtin.c:993
6755 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<optimized out>) at macro.c:242
6756 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
6757 at macro.c:71
6758 (More stack frames follow...)
6759 @end group
6760 @end smallexample
6761
6762 @noindent
6763 The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
6764 shown as @samp{<optimized out>}.
6765
6766 If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
6767 either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
6768 you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
6769
6770 @cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
6771 @cindex program entry point
6772 @cindex startup code, and backtrace
6773 Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
6774 libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
6775 @code{main}@footnote{
6776 Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
6777 environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
6778 entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
6779 When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
6780 it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
6781 system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
6782
6783 If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
6784 in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
6785
6786 @table @code
6787 @item set backtrace past-main
6788 @itemx set backtrace past-main on
6789 @kindex set backtrace
6790 Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
6791
6792 @item set backtrace past-main off
6793 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
6794 default.
6795
6796 @item show backtrace past-main
6797 @kindex show backtrace
6798 Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
6799
6800 @item set backtrace past-entry
6801 @itemx set backtrace past-entry on
6802 Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
6803 This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
6804 and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
6805
6806 @item set backtrace past-entry off
6807 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
6808 application. This is the default.
6809
6810 @item show backtrace past-entry
6811 Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
6812
6813 @item set backtrace limit @var{n}
6814 @itemx set backtrace limit 0
6815 @itemx set backtrace limit unlimited
6816 @cindex backtrace limit
6817 Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of @code{unlimited}
6818 or zero means unlimited levels.
6819
6820 @item show backtrace limit
6821 Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
6822 @end table
6823
6824 You can control how file names are displayed.
6825
6826 @table @code
6827 @item set filename-display
6828 @itemx set filename-display relative
6829 @cindex filename-display
6830 Display file names relative to the compilation directory. This is the default.
6831
6832 @item set filename-display basename
6833 Display only basename of a filename.
6834
6835 @item set filename-display absolute
6836 Display an absolute filename.
6837
6838 @item show filename-display
6839 Show the current way to display filenames.
6840 @end table
6841
6842 @node Frame Filter Management
6843 @section Management of Frame Filters.
6844 @cindex managing frame filters
6845
6846 Frame filters are Python based utilities to manage and decorate the
6847 output of frames. @xref{Frame Filter API}, for further information.
6848
6849 Managing frame filters is performed by several commands available
6850 within @value{GDBN}, detailed here.
6851
6852 @table @code
6853 @kindex info frame-filter
6854 @item info frame-filter
6855 Print a list of installed frame filters from all dictionaries, showing
6856 their name, priority and enabled status.
6857
6858 @kindex disable frame-filter
6859 @anchor{disable frame-filter all}
6860 @item disable frame-filter @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
6861 Disable a frame filter in the dictionary matching
6862 @var{filter-dictionary}, or @code{all}, and @var{filter-name}.
6863 @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{all}, @code{global},
6864 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
6865 dictionary resides. When @code{all} is specified, all frame filters
6866 across all dictionaries are disabled. @var{filter-name} is the name
6867 of the frame filter and is used when @code{all} is not the option for
6868 @var{filter-dictionary}. A disabled frame-filter is not deleted, it
6869 may be enabled again later.
6870
6871 @kindex enable frame-filter
6872 @item enable frame-filter @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
6873 Enable a frame filter in the dictionary matching
6874 @var{filter-dictionary}, or @code{all}, and @var{filter-name}.
6875 @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{all}, @code{global},
6876 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
6877 dictionary resides. When @code{all} is specified, all frame filters across
6878 all dictionaries are enabled. @var{filter-name} is the name of the frame
6879 filter and is used when @code{all} is not the option for
6880 @var{filter-dictionary}.
6881
6882 Example:
6883
6884 @smallexample
6885 (gdb) info frame-filter
6886
6887 global frame-filters:
6888 Priority Enabled Name
6889 1000 No PrimaryFunctionFilter
6890 100 Yes Reverse
6891
6892 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
6893 Priority Enabled Name
6894 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
6895
6896 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
6897 Priority Enabled Name
6898 999 Yes BuildProgra Filter
6899
6900 (gdb) disable frame-filter /build/test BuildProgramFilter
6901 (gdb) info frame-filter
6902
6903 global frame-filters:
6904 Priority Enabled Name
6905 1000 No PrimaryFunctionFilter
6906 100 Yes Reverse
6907
6908 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
6909 Priority Enabled Name
6910 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
6911
6912 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
6913 Priority Enabled Name
6914 999 No BuildProgramFilter
6915
6916 (gdb) enable frame-filter global PrimaryFunctionFilter
6917 (gdb) info frame-filter
6918
6919 global frame-filters:
6920 Priority Enabled Name
6921 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
6922 100 Yes Reverse
6923
6924 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
6925 Priority Enabled Name
6926 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
6927
6928 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
6929 Priority Enabled Name
6930 999 No BuildProgramFilter
6931 @end smallexample
6932
6933 @kindex set frame-filter priority
6934 @item set frame-filter priority @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name} @var{priority}
6935 Set the @var{priority} of a frame filter in the dictionary matching
6936 @var{filter-dictionary}, and the frame filter name matching
6937 @var{filter-name}. @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{global},
6938 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
6939 dictionary resides. @var{priority} is an integer.
6940
6941 @kindex show frame-filter priority
6942 @item show frame-filter priority @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
6943 Show the @var{priority} of a frame filter in the dictionary matching
6944 @var{filter-dictionary}, and the frame filter name matching
6945 @var{filter-name}. @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{global},
6946 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
6947 dictionary resides.
6948
6949 Example:
6950
6951 @smallexample
6952 (gdb) info frame-filter
6953
6954 global frame-filters:
6955 Priority Enabled Name
6956 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
6957 100 Yes Reverse
6958
6959 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
6960 Priority Enabled Name
6961 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
6962
6963 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
6964 Priority Enabled Name
6965 999 No BuildProgramFilter
6966
6967 (gdb) set frame-filter priority global Reverse 50
6968 (gdb) info frame-filter
6969
6970 global frame-filters:
6971 Priority Enabled Name
6972 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
6973 50 Yes Reverse
6974
6975 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
6976 Priority Enabled Name
6977 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
6978
6979 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
6980 Priority Enabled Name
6981 999 No BuildProgramFilter
6982 @end smallexample
6983 @end table
6984
6985 @node Selection
6986 @section Selecting a Frame
6987
6988 Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
6989 whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
6990 selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
6991 of the stack frame just selected.
6992
6993 @table @code
6994 @kindex frame@r{, selecting}
6995 @kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
6996 @item frame @var{n}
6997 @itemx f @var{n}
6998 Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
6999 (currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
7000 innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
7001 @code{main}.
7002
7003 @item frame @var{addr}
7004 @itemx f @var{addr}
7005 Select the frame at address @var{addr}. This is useful mainly if the
7006 chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
7007 impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
7008 addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
7009 switches between them.
7010
7011 On the SPARC architecture, @code{frame} needs two addresses to
7012 select an arbitrary frame: a frame pointer and a stack pointer.
7013
7014 On the @acronym{MIPS} and Alpha architecture, it needs two addresses: a stack
7015 pointer and a program counter.
7016
7017 On the 29k architecture, it needs three addresses: a register stack
7018 pointer, a program counter, and a memory stack pointer.
7019
7020 @kindex up
7021 @item up @var{n}
7022 Move @var{n} frames up the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
7023 advances toward the outermost frame, to higher frame numbers, to frames
7024 that have existed longer. @var{n} defaults to one.
7025
7026 @kindex down
7027 @kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
7028 @item down @var{n}
7029 Move @var{n} frames down the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
7030 advances toward the innermost frame, to lower frame numbers, to frames
7031 that were created more recently. @var{n} defaults to one. You may
7032 abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
7033 @end table
7034
7035 All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
7036 frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
7037 arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
7038 frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
7039
7040 @need 1000
7041 For example:
7042
7043 @smallexample
7044 @group
7045 (@value{GDBP}) up
7046 #1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
7047 at env.c:10
7048 10 read_input_file (argv[i]);
7049 @end group
7050 @end smallexample
7051
7052 After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
7053 prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
7054 You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
7055 editing program by typing @code{edit}.
7056 @xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
7057 for details.
7058
7059 @table @code
7060 @kindex down-silently
7061 @kindex up-silently
7062 @item up-silently @var{n}
7063 @itemx down-silently @var{n}
7064 These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
7065 respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
7066 causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
7067 in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
7068 distracting.
7069 @end table
7070
7071 @node Frame Info
7072 @section Information About a Frame
7073
7074 There are several other commands to print information about the selected
7075 stack frame.
7076
7077 @table @code
7078 @item frame
7079 @itemx f
7080 When used without any argument, this command does not change which
7081 frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
7082 selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
7083 argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
7084 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7085
7086 @kindex info frame
7087 @kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
7088 @item info frame
7089 @itemx info f
7090 This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
7091 including:
7092
7093 @itemize @bullet
7094 @item
7095 the address of the frame
7096 @item
7097 the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
7098 @item
7099 the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
7100 @item
7101 the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
7102 @item
7103 the address of the frame's arguments
7104 @item
7105 the address of the frame's local variables
7106 @item
7107 the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
7108 @item
7109 which registers were saved in the frame
7110 @end itemize
7111
7112 @noindent The verbose description is useful when
7113 something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
7114 the usual conventions.
7115
7116 @item info frame @var{addr}
7117 @itemx info f @var{addr}
7118 Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr}, without
7119 selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by this
7120 command. This requires the same kind of address (more than one for some
7121 architectures) that you specify in the @code{frame} command.
7122 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7123
7124 @kindex info args
7125 @item info args
7126 Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
7127
7128 @item info locals
7129 @kindex info locals
7130 Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
7131 line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
7132 accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
7133
7134 @end table
7135
7136
7137 @node Source
7138 @chapter Examining Source Files
7139
7140 @value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
7141 information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
7142 used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
7143 the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
7144 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
7145 execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
7146 source files by explicit command.
7147
7148 If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
7149 prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
7150 @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
7151
7152 @menu
7153 * List:: Printing source lines
7154 * Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
7155 * Edit:: Editing source files
7156 * Search:: Searching source files
7157 * Source Path:: Specifying source directories
7158 * Machine Code:: Source and machine code
7159 @end menu
7160
7161 @node List
7162 @section Printing Source Lines
7163
7164 @kindex list
7165 @kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
7166 To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
7167 (abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
7168 There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
7169 print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
7170
7171 Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
7172
7173 @table @code
7174 @item list @var{linenum}
7175 Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
7176 current source file.
7177
7178 @item list @var{function}
7179 Print lines centered around the beginning of function
7180 @var{function}.
7181
7182 @item list
7183 Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
7184 @code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
7185 printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
7186 as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
7187 Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
7188
7189 @item list -
7190 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
7191 @end table
7192
7193 @cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
7194 By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
7195 the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
7196
7197 @table @code
7198 @kindex set listsize
7199 @item set listsize @var{count}
7200 @itemx set listsize unlimited
7201 Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
7202 the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
7203 Setting @var{count} to @code{unlimited} or 0 means there's no limit.
7204
7205 @kindex show listsize
7206 @item show listsize
7207 Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
7208 @end table
7209
7210 Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
7211 so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
7212 than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
7213 argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
7214 each repetition moves up in the source file.
7215
7216 In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
7217 @dfn{linespecs}. Linespecs specify source lines; there are several ways
7218 of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
7219 to specify some source line.
7220
7221 Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
7222
7223 @table @code
7224 @item list @var{linespec}
7225 Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{linespec}.
7226
7227 @item list @var{first},@var{last}
7228 Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
7229 linespecs. When a @code{list} command has two linespecs, and the
7230 source file of the second linespec is omitted, this refers to
7231 the same source file as the first linespec.
7232
7233 @item list ,@var{last}
7234 Print lines ending with @var{last}.
7235
7236 @item list @var{first},
7237 Print lines starting with @var{first}.
7238
7239 @item list +
7240 Print lines just after the lines last printed.
7241
7242 @item list -
7243 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
7244
7245 @item list
7246 As described in the preceding table.
7247 @end table
7248
7249 @node Specify Location
7250 @section Specifying a Location
7251 @cindex specifying location
7252 @cindex linespec
7253
7254 Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
7255 of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
7256 debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code;
7257 for that reason, locations are also known as @dfn{linespecs}.
7258
7259 Here are all the different ways of specifying a code location that
7260 @value{GDBN} understands:
7261
7262 @table @code
7263 @item @var{linenum}
7264 Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
7265
7266 @item -@var{offset}
7267 @itemx +@var{offset}
7268 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
7269 line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
7270 printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
7271 execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
7272 (@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
7273 used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
7274 this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
7275 linespec.
7276
7277 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
7278 Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
7279 If @var{filename} is a relative file name, then it will match any
7280 source file name with the same trailing components. For example, if
7281 @var{filename} is @samp{gcc/expr.c}, then it will match source file
7282 name of @file{/build/trunk/gcc/expr.c}, but not
7283 @file{/build/trunk/libcpp/expr.c} or @file{/build/trunk/gcc/x-expr.c}.
7284
7285 @item @var{function}
7286 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
7287 For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
7288
7289 @item @var{function}:@var{label}
7290 Specifies the line where @var{label} appears in @var{function}.
7291
7292 @item @var{filename}:@var{function}
7293 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
7294 in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
7295 function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
7296 functions in different source files.
7297
7298 @item @var{label}
7299 Specifies the line at which the label named @var{label} appears.
7300 @value{GDBN} searches for the label in the function corresponding to
7301 the currently selected stack frame. If there is no current selected
7302 stack frame (for instance, if the inferior is not running), then
7303 @value{GDBN} will not search for a label.
7304
7305 @item *@var{address}
7306 Specifies the program address @var{address}. For line-oriented
7307 commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this specifies a source
7308 line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and other
7309 breakpoint oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
7310 parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
7311 source files.
7312
7313 Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
7314 language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
7315 address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
7316 semantics of expressions used in locations to cover the situations
7317 that frequently happen during debugging. Here are the various forms
7318 of @var{address}:
7319
7320 @table @code
7321 @item @var{expression}
7322 Any expression valid in the current working language.
7323
7324 @item @var{funcaddr}
7325 An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
7326 C@t{++}, Java, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
7327 simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
7328 of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
7329 @code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
7330 (although the Pascal form also works).
7331
7332 This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
7333 before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
7334
7335 @item '@var{filename}'::@var{funcaddr}
7336 Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
7337 file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
7338 specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
7339 functions with identical names in different source files.
7340 @end table
7341
7342 @cindex breakpoint at static probe point
7343 @item -pstap|-probe-stap @r{[}@var{objfile}:@r{[}@var{provider}:@r{]}@r{]}@var{name}
7344 The @sc{gnu}/Linux tool @code{SystemTap} provides a way for
7345 applications to embed static probes. @xref{Static Probe Points}, for more
7346 information on finding and using static probes. This form of linespec
7347 specifies the location of such a static probe.
7348
7349 If @var{objfile} is given, only probes coming from that shared library
7350 or executable matching @var{objfile} as a regular expression are considered.
7351 If @var{provider} is given, then only probes from that provider are considered.
7352 If several probes match the spec, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at
7353 each one of those probes.
7354
7355 @end table
7356
7357
7358 @node Edit
7359 @section Editing Source Files
7360 @cindex editing source files
7361
7362 @kindex edit
7363 @kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
7364 To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
7365 The editing program of your choice
7366 is invoked with the current line set to
7367 the active line in the program.
7368 Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
7369 want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
7370
7371 @table @code
7372 @item edit @var{location}
7373 Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
7374 that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
7375 specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
7376 of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
7377 command most commonly used:
7378
7379 @table @code
7380 @item edit @var{number}
7381 Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
7382
7383 @item edit @var{function}
7384 Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
7385 @end table
7386
7387 @end table
7388
7389 @subsection Choosing your Editor
7390 You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
7391 @footnote{
7392 The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
7393 following command-line syntax:
7394 @smallexample
7395 ex +@var{number} file
7396 @end smallexample
7397 The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
7398 the file where to start editing.}.
7399 By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
7400 by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
7401 @value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
7402 @code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
7403 @smallexample
7404 EDITOR=/usr/bin/vi
7405 export EDITOR
7406 gdb @dots{}
7407 @end smallexample
7408 or in the @code{csh} shell,
7409 @smallexample
7410 setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
7411 gdb @dots{}
7412 @end smallexample
7413
7414 @node Search
7415 @section Searching Source Files
7416 @cindex searching source files
7417
7418 There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
7419 regular expression.
7420
7421 @table @code
7422 @kindex search
7423 @kindex forward-search
7424 @kindex fo @r{(@code{forward-search})}
7425 @item forward-search @var{regexp}
7426 @itemx search @var{regexp}
7427 The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
7428 starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
7429 @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
7430 synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
7431 @code{fo}.
7432
7433 @kindex reverse-search
7434 @item reverse-search @var{regexp}
7435 The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
7436 with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
7437 for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
7438 this command as @code{rev}.
7439 @end table
7440
7441 @node Source Path
7442 @section Specifying Source Directories
7443
7444 @cindex source path
7445 @cindex directories for source files
7446 Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
7447 files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
7448 the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
7449 session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
7450 this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
7451 it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
7452 in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
7453
7454 For example, suppose an executable references the file
7455 @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
7456 @file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
7457 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
7458 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
7459 message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
7460 source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
7461 Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
7462 the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
7463 @file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
7464 @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
7465
7466 Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
7467 names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
7468 instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
7469 is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
7470 @file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
7471 that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
7472
7473 Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
7474 source files.
7475
7476 Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
7477 any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
7478 each line is in the file.
7479
7480 @kindex directory
7481 @kindex dir
7482 When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
7483 and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
7484 To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
7485
7486 The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
7487 script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
7488
7489 In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
7490 that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
7491 rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
7492 debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
7493 directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
7494 two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
7495 the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
7496 In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
7497 @var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
7498 of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
7499 source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
7500 name to look up the sources.
7501
7502 Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
7503 moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
7504 @value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
7505 @file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
7506 @file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
7507 of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
7508 substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
7509 (@pxref{set substitute-path}).
7510
7511 To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
7512 @var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
7513 For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
7514 @file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
7515 not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
7516 is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
7517 not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
7518
7519 In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
7520 command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
7521 the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
7522 subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
7523 subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
7524 preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
7525 allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
7526 command.
7527
7528 @code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
7529 The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
7530 longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
7531 the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
7532 for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
7533 located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
7534 method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
7535
7536 @cindex @samp{--with-relocated-sources}
7537 @cindex default source path substitution
7538 You can configure a default source path substitution rule by
7539 configuring @value{GDBN} with the
7540 @samp{--with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}} option. The @var{dir}
7541 should be the name of a directory under @value{GDBN}'s configured
7542 prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or @samp{--exec-prefix}), and
7543 directory names in debug information under @var{dir} will be adjusted
7544 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
7545 location. This is useful if @value{GDBN}, libraries or executables
7546 with debug information and corresponding source code are being moved
7547 together.
7548
7549 @table @code
7550 @item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
7551 @item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
7552 Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
7553 directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
7554 (@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
7555 part of absolute file names) or
7556 whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
7557 path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
7558
7559 @kindex cdir
7560 @kindex cwd
7561 @vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
7562 @vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
7563 @cindex compilation directory
7564 @cindex current directory
7565 @cindex working directory
7566 @cindex directory, current
7567 @cindex directory, compilation
7568 You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
7569 directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
7570 working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
7571 tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
7572 session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
7573 directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
7574
7575 @item directory
7576 Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
7577
7578 @c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
7579 @c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
7580
7581 @item set directories @var{path-list}
7582 @kindex set directories
7583 Set the source path to @var{path-list}.
7584 @samp{$cdir:$cwd} are added if missing.
7585
7586 @item show directories
7587 @kindex show directories
7588 Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
7589
7590 @anchor{set substitute-path}
7591 @item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
7592 @kindex set substitute-path
7593 Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
7594 current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
7595 @var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
7596
7597 For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
7598 @file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
7599
7600 @smallexample
7601 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/cross
7602 @end smallexample
7603
7604 @noindent
7605 will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/usr/src} with
7606 @samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
7607 @file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
7608
7609 In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
7610 the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
7611 defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
7612 the substitution.
7613
7614 For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
7615
7616 @smallexample
7617 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
7618 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
7619 @end smallexample
7620
7621 @noindent
7622 @value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
7623 @file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
7624 use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
7625 @file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
7626
7627
7628 @item unset substitute-path [path]
7629 @kindex unset substitute-path
7630 If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
7631 for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
7632 A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
7633
7634 If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
7635
7636 @item show substitute-path [path]
7637 @kindex show substitute-path
7638 If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
7639 which would rewrite that path, if any.
7640
7641 If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
7642 rules.
7643
7644 @end table
7645
7646 If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
7647 interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
7648 versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
7649
7650 @enumerate
7651 @item
7652 Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
7653
7654 @item
7655 Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
7656 directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
7657 directories in one command.
7658 @end enumerate
7659
7660 @node Machine Code
7661 @section Source and Machine Code
7662 @cindex source line and its code address
7663
7664 You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
7665 addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
7666 a range of addresses as machine instructions. You can use the command
7667 @code{set disassemble-next-line} to set whether to disassemble next
7668 source line when execution stops. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
7669 mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
7670 line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
7671 well as hex.
7672
7673 @table @code
7674 @kindex info line
7675 @item info line @var{linespec}
7676 Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
7677 source line @var{linespec}. You can specify source lines in any of
7678 the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}.
7679 @end table
7680
7681 For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
7682 the object code for the first line of function
7683 @code{m4_changequote}:
7684
7685 @c FIXME: I think this example should also show the addresses in
7686 @c symbolic form, as they usually would be displayed.
7687 @smallexample
7688 (@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
7689 Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
7690 @end smallexample
7691
7692 @noindent
7693 @cindex code address and its source line
7694 We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
7695 @var{linespec}) what source line covers a particular address:
7696 @smallexample
7697 (@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
7698 Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
7699 @end smallexample
7700
7701 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
7702 @cindex @code{x} command, default address
7703 @kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
7704 After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
7705 is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
7706 sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
7707 ,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
7708 convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
7709 Variables}).
7710
7711 @table @code
7712 @kindex disassemble
7713 @cindex assembly instructions
7714 @cindex instructions, assembly
7715 @cindex machine instructions
7716 @cindex listing machine instructions
7717 @item disassemble
7718 @itemx disassemble /m
7719 @itemx disassemble /r
7720 This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
7721 instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
7722 the @code{/m} modifier and print the raw instructions in hex as well as
7723 in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r}.
7724 The default memory range is the function surrounding the
7725 program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
7726 command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
7727 surrounding this value. When two arguments are given, they should
7728 be separated by a comma, possibly surrounded by whitespace. The
7729 arguments specify a range of addresses to dump, in one of two forms:
7730
7731 @table @code
7732 @item @var{start},@var{end}
7733 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to @var{end} (exclusive)
7734 @item @var{start},+@var{length}
7735 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to
7736 @code{@var{start}+@var{length}} (exclusive).
7737 @end table
7738
7739 @noindent
7740 When 2 arguments are specified, the name of the function is also
7741 printed (since there could be several functions in the given range).
7742
7743 The argument(s) can be any expression yielding a numeric value, such as
7744 @samp{0x32c4}, @samp{&main+10} or @samp{$pc - 8}.
7745
7746 If the range of memory being disassembled contains current program counter,
7747 the instruction at that location is shown with a @code{=>} marker.
7748 @end table
7749
7750 The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
7751 HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
7752
7753 @smallexample
7754 (@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4, 0x32e4
7755 Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
7756 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
7757 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
7758 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
7759 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
7760 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
7761 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
7762 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
7763 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
7764 End of assembler dump.
7765 @end smallexample
7766
7767 Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86, when the
7768 program is stopped just after function prologue:
7769
7770 @smallexample
7771 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
7772 Dump of assembler code for function main:
7773 5 @{
7774 0x08048330 <+0>: push %ebp
7775 0x08048331 <+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
7776 0x08048333 <+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
7777 0x08048336 <+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
7778 0x08048339 <+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
7779
7780 6 printf ("Hello.\n");
7781 => 0x0804833c <+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
7782 0x08048343 <+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
7783
7784 7 return 0;
7785 8 @}
7786 0x08048348 <+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
7787 0x0804834d <+29>: leave
7788 0x0804834e <+30>: ret
7789
7790 End of assembler dump.
7791 @end smallexample
7792
7793 Here is another example showing raw instructions in hex for AMD x86-64,
7794
7795 @smallexample
7796 (gdb) disas /r 0x400281,+10
7797 Dump of assembler code from 0x400281 to 0x40028b:
7798 0x0000000000400281: 38 36 cmp %dh,(%rsi)
7799 0x0000000000400283: 2d 36 34 2e 73 sub $0x732e3436,%eax
7800 0x0000000000400288: 6f outsl %ds:(%rsi),(%dx)
7801 0x0000000000400289: 2e 32 00 xor %cs:(%rax),%al
7802 End of assembler dump.
7803 @end smallexample
7804
7805 Addresses cannot be specified as a linespec (@pxref{Specify Location}).
7806 So, for example, if you want to disassemble function @code{bar}
7807 in file @file{foo.c}, you must type @samp{disassemble 'foo.c'::bar}
7808 and not @samp{disassemble foo.c:bar}.
7809
7810 Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
7811 mnemonics or other syntax.
7812
7813 For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
7814 instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
7815 libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
7816 location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
7817 might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
7818
7819 @table @code
7820 @kindex set disassembly-flavor
7821 @cindex Intel disassembly flavor
7822 @cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
7823 @item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
7824 Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
7825 program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
7826
7827 Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
7828 can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
7829 The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
7830 assemblers for x86-based targets.
7831
7832 @kindex show disassembly-flavor
7833 @item show disassembly-flavor
7834 Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
7835 @end table
7836
7837 @table @code
7838 @kindex set disassemble-next-line
7839 @kindex show disassemble-next-line
7840 @item set disassemble-next-line
7841 @itemx show disassemble-next-line
7842 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will disassemble the next source
7843 line or instruction when execution stops. If ON, @value{GDBN} will
7844 display disassembly of the next source line when execution of the
7845 program being debugged stops. This is @emph{in addition} to
7846 displaying the source line itself, which @value{GDBN} always does if
7847 possible. If the next source line cannot be displayed for some reason
7848 (e.g., if @value{GDBN} cannot find the source file, or there's no line
7849 info in the debug info), @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of the
7850 next @emph{instruction} instead of showing the next source line. If
7851 AUTO, @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of next instruction only
7852 if the source line cannot be displayed. This setting causes
7853 @value{GDBN} to display some feedback when you step through a function
7854 with no line info or whose source file is unavailable. The default is
7855 OFF, which means never display the disassembly of the next line or
7856 instruction.
7857 @end table
7858
7859
7860 @node Data
7861 @chapter Examining Data
7862
7863 @cindex printing data
7864 @cindex examining data
7865 @kindex print
7866 @kindex inspect
7867 The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
7868 command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
7869 evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
7870 program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
7871 Different Languages}). It may also print the expression using a
7872 Python-based pretty-printer (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
7873
7874 @table @code
7875 @item print @var{expr}
7876 @itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
7877 @var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
7878 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
7879 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
7880 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
7881 Formats}.
7882
7883 @item print
7884 @itemx print /@var{f}
7885 @cindex reprint the last value
7886 If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
7887 @dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
7888 conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
7889 @end table
7890
7891 A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
7892 It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
7893 specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
7894
7895 If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
7896 fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
7897 command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
7898 Table}.
7899
7900 @cindex exploring hierarchical data structures
7901 @kindex explore
7902 Another way of examining values of expressions and type information is
7903 through the Python extension command @code{explore} (available only if
7904 the @value{GDBN} build is configured with @code{--with-python}). It
7905 offers an interactive way to start at the highest level (or, the most
7906 abstract level) of the data type of an expression (or, the data type
7907 itself) and explore all the way down to leaf scalar values/fields
7908 embedded in the higher level data types.
7909
7910 @table @code
7911 @item explore @var{arg}
7912 @var{arg} is either an expression (in the source language), or a type
7913 visible in the current context of the program being debugged.
7914 @end table
7915
7916 The working of the @code{explore} command can be illustrated with an
7917 example. If a data type @code{struct ComplexStruct} is defined in your
7918 C program as
7919
7920 @smallexample
7921 struct SimpleStruct
7922 @{
7923 int i;
7924 double d;
7925 @};
7926
7927 struct ComplexStruct
7928 @{
7929 struct SimpleStruct *ss_p;
7930 int arr[10];
7931 @};
7932 @end smallexample
7933
7934 @noindent
7935 followed by variable declarations as
7936
7937 @smallexample
7938 struct SimpleStruct ss = @{ 10, 1.11 @};
7939 struct ComplexStruct cs = @{ &ss, @{ 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 @} @};
7940 @end smallexample
7941
7942 @noindent
7943 then, the value of the variable @code{cs} can be explored using the
7944 @code{explore} command as follows.
7945
7946 @smallexample
7947 (gdb) explore cs
7948 The value of `cs' is a struct/class of type `struct ComplexStruct' with
7949 the following fields:
7950
7951 ss_p = <Enter 0 to explore this field of type `struct SimpleStruct *'>
7952 arr = <Enter 1 to explore this field of type `int [10]'>
7953
7954 Enter the field number of choice:
7955 @end smallexample
7956
7957 @noindent
7958 Since the fields of @code{cs} are not scalar values, you are being
7959 prompted to chose the field you want to explore. Let's say you choose
7960 the field @code{ss_p} by entering @code{0}. Then, since this field is a
7961 pointer, you will be asked if it is pointing to a single value. From
7962 the declaration of @code{cs} above, it is indeed pointing to a single
7963 value, hence you enter @code{y}. If you enter @code{n}, then you will
7964 be asked if it were pointing to an array of values, in which case this
7965 field will be explored as if it were an array.
7966
7967 @smallexample
7968 `cs.ss_p' is a pointer to a value of type `struct SimpleStruct'
7969 Continue exploring it as a pointer to a single value [y/n]: y
7970 The value of `*(cs.ss_p)' is a struct/class of type `struct
7971 SimpleStruct' with the following fields:
7972
7973 i = 10 .. (Value of type `int')
7974 d = 1.1100000000000001 .. (Value of type `double')
7975
7976 Press enter to return to parent value:
7977 @end smallexample
7978
7979 @noindent
7980 If the field @code{arr} of @code{cs} was chosen for exploration by
7981 entering @code{1} earlier, then since it is as array, you will be
7982 prompted to enter the index of the element in the array that you want
7983 to explore.
7984
7985 @smallexample
7986 `cs.arr' is an array of `int'.
7987 Enter the index of the element you want to explore in `cs.arr': 5
7988
7989 `(cs.arr)[5]' is a scalar value of type `int'.
7990
7991 (cs.arr)[5] = 4
7992
7993 Press enter to return to parent value:
7994 @end smallexample
7995
7996 In general, at any stage of exploration, you can go deeper towards the
7997 leaf values by responding to the prompts appropriately, or hit the
7998 return key to return to the enclosing data structure (the @i{higher}
7999 level data structure).
8000
8001 Similar to exploring values, you can use the @code{explore} command to
8002 explore types. Instead of specifying a value (which is typically a
8003 variable name or an expression valid in the current context of the
8004 program being debugged), you specify a type name. If you consider the
8005 same example as above, your can explore the type
8006 @code{struct ComplexStruct} by passing the argument
8007 @code{struct ComplexStruct} to the @code{explore} command.
8008
8009 @smallexample
8010 (gdb) explore struct ComplexStruct
8011 @end smallexample
8012
8013 @noindent
8014 By responding to the prompts appropriately in the subsequent interactive
8015 session, you can explore the type @code{struct ComplexStruct} in a
8016 manner similar to how the value @code{cs} was explored in the above
8017 example.
8018
8019 The @code{explore} command also has two sub-commands,
8020 @code{explore value} and @code{explore type}. The former sub-command is
8021 a way to explicitly specify that value exploration of the argument is
8022 being invoked, while the latter is a way to explicitly specify that type
8023 exploration of the argument is being invoked.
8024
8025 @table @code
8026 @item explore value @var{expr}
8027 @cindex explore value
8028 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the value of the
8029 expression @var{expr} (if @var{expr} is an expression valid in the
8030 current context of the program being debugged). The behavior of this
8031 command is identical to that of the behavior of the @code{explore}
8032 command being passed the argument @var{expr}.
8033
8034 @item explore type @var{arg}
8035 @cindex explore type
8036 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the type of @var{arg} (if
8037 @var{arg} is a type visible in the current context of program being
8038 debugged), or the type of the value/expression @var{arg} (if @var{arg}
8039 is an expression valid in the current context of the program being
8040 debugged). If @var{arg} is a type, then the behavior of this command is
8041 identical to that of the @code{explore} command being passed the
8042 argument @var{arg}. If @var{arg} is an expression, then the behavior of
8043 this command will be identical to that of the @code{explore} command
8044 being passed the type of @var{arg} as the argument.
8045 @end table
8046
8047 @menu
8048 * Expressions:: Expressions
8049 * Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
8050 * Variables:: Program variables
8051 * Arrays:: Artificial arrays
8052 * Output Formats:: Output formats
8053 * Memory:: Examining memory
8054 * Auto Display:: Automatic display
8055 * Print Settings:: Print settings
8056 * Pretty Printing:: Python pretty printing
8057 * Value History:: Value history
8058 * Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
8059 * Convenience Funs:: Convenience functions
8060 * Registers:: Registers
8061 * Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
8062 * Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
8063 * OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
8064 * Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
8065 * Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
8066 * Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
8067 * Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
8068 character set than GDB does
8069 * Caching Target Data:: Data caching for targets
8070 * Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
8071 @end menu
8072
8073 @node Expressions
8074 @section Expressions
8075
8076 @cindex expressions
8077 @code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
8078 compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
8079 by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
8080 @value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
8081 casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
8082 you compiled your program to include this information; see
8083 @ref{Compilation}.
8084
8085 @cindex arrays in expressions
8086 @value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
8087 the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
8088 you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
8089 of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
8090 to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
8091 is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
8092
8093 Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
8094 this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
8095 Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
8096 languages.
8097
8098 In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
8099 expressions regardless of your programming language.
8100
8101 @cindex casts, in expressions
8102 Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
8103 useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
8104 at that address in memory.
8105 @c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
8106
8107 @value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
8108 to programming languages:
8109
8110 @table @code
8111 @item @@
8112 @samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
8113 @xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
8114
8115 @item ::
8116 @samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
8117 function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
8118
8119 @cindex @{@var{type}@}
8120 @cindex type casting memory
8121 @cindex memory, viewing as typed object
8122 @cindex casts, to view memory
8123 @item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
8124 Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
8125 memory. @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is an integer or
8126 pointer (but parentheses are required around binary operators, just as in
8127 a cast). This construct is allowed regardless of what kind of data is
8128 normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
8129 @end table
8130
8131 @node Ambiguous Expressions
8132 @section Ambiguous Expressions
8133 @cindex ambiguous expressions
8134
8135 Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
8136 some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
8137 a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
8138 different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
8139 involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
8140 templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
8141 the same function name being defined in different contexts.
8142
8143 In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
8144 the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
8145 can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
8146 @kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
8147 qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
8148 as well.
8149
8150 When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
8151 has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
8152 possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
8153 The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
8154 aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
8155 used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
8156 menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
8157 choices.
8158
8159 For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
8160 breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
8161 We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
8162
8163 @c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
8164 @smallexample
8165 @group
8166 (@value{GDBP}) b String::after
8167 [0] cancel
8168 [1] all
8169 [2] file:String.cc; line number:867
8170 [3] file:String.cc; line number:860
8171 [4] file:String.cc; line number:875
8172 [5] file:String.cc; line number:853
8173 [6] file:String.cc; line number:846
8174 [7] file:String.cc; line number:735
8175 > 2 4 6
8176 Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
8177 Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
8178 Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
8179 Multiple breakpoints were set.
8180 Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
8181 breakpoints.
8182 (@value{GDBP})
8183 @end group
8184 @end smallexample
8185
8186 @table @code
8187 @kindex set multiple-symbols
8188 @item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
8189 @cindex multiple-symbols menu
8190
8191 This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
8192 is ambiguous.
8193
8194 By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
8195 the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
8196 automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
8197 a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
8198 inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
8199 then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
8200 For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
8201 in the use of the menu.
8202
8203 When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
8204 when an ambiguity is detected.
8205
8206 Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
8207 an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
8208
8209 @kindex show multiple-symbols
8210 @item show multiple-symbols
8211 Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
8212 @end table
8213
8214 @node Variables
8215 @section Program Variables
8216
8217 The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
8218 in your program.
8219
8220 Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
8221 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
8222
8223 @itemize @bullet
8224 @item
8225 global (or file-static)
8226 @end itemize
8227
8228 @noindent or
8229
8230 @itemize @bullet
8231 @item
8232 visible according to the scope rules of the
8233 programming language from the point of execution in that frame
8234 @end itemize
8235
8236 @noindent This means that in the function
8237
8238 @smallexample
8239 foo (a)
8240 int a;
8241 @{
8242 bar (a);
8243 @{
8244 int b = test ();
8245 bar (b);
8246 @}
8247 @}
8248 @end smallexample
8249
8250 @noindent
8251 you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
8252 executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
8253 examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
8254 the block where @code{b} is declared.
8255
8256 @cindex variable name conflict
8257 There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
8258 scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
8259 in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
8260 function with the same name (in different source files). If that
8261 happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
8262 you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file by
8263 using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
8264
8265 @cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
8266 @ifnotinfo
8267 @c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
8268 @cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
8269 @end ifnotinfo
8270 @smallexample
8271 @var{file}::@var{variable}
8272 @var{function}::@var{variable}
8273 @end smallexample
8274
8275 @noindent
8276 Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
8277 static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
8278 make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
8279 to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
8280
8281 @smallexample
8282 (@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
8283 @end smallexample
8284
8285 The @code{::} notation is normally used for referring to
8286 static variables, since you typically disambiguate uses of local variables
8287 in functions by selecting the appropriate frame and using the
8288 simple name of the variable. However, you may also use this notation
8289 to refer to local variables in frames enclosing the selected frame:
8290
8291 @smallexample
8292 void
8293 foo (int a)
8294 @{
8295 if (a < 10)
8296 bar (a);
8297 else
8298 process (a); /* Stop here */
8299 @}
8300
8301 int
8302 bar (int a)
8303 @{
8304 foo (a + 5);
8305 @}
8306 @end smallexample
8307
8308 @noindent
8309 For example, if there is a breakpoint at the commented line,
8310 here is what you might see
8311 when the program stops after executing the call @code{bar(0)}:
8312
8313 @smallexample
8314 (@value{GDBP}) p a
8315 $1 = 10
8316 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
8317 $2 = 5
8318 (@value{GDBP}) up 2
8319 #2 0x080483d0 in foo (a=5) at foobar.c:12
8320 (@value{GDBP}) p a
8321 $3 = 5
8322 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
8323 $4 = 0
8324 @end smallexample
8325
8326 @cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
8327 These uses of @samp{::} are very rarely in conflict with the very
8328 similar use of the same notation in C@t{++}. When they are in
8329 conflict, the C@t{++} meaning takes precedence; however, this can be
8330 overridden by quoting the file or function name with single quotes.
8331
8332 For example, suppose the program is stopped in a method of a class
8333 that has a field named @code{includefile}, and there is also an
8334 include file named @file{includefile} that defines a variable,
8335 @code{some_global}.
8336
8337 @smallexample
8338 (@value{GDBP}) p includefile
8339 $1 = 23
8340 (@value{GDBP}) p includefile::some_global
8341 A syntax error in expression, near `'.
8342 (@value{GDBP}) p 'includefile'::some_global
8343 $2 = 27
8344 @end smallexample
8345
8346 @cindex wrong values
8347 @cindex variable values, wrong
8348 @cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
8349 @cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
8350 @quotation
8351 @emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
8352 wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
8353 scope, and just before exit.
8354 @end quotation
8355 You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
8356 This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
8357 set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
8358 stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
8359 values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
8360 also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
8361 after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
8362 variable definitions may be gone.
8363
8364 This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
8365 To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
8366 when compiling.
8367
8368 @cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
8369 Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
8370 unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
8371 opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
8372 offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
8373 might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
8374 happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
8375
8376 @smallexample
8377 No symbol "foo" in current context.
8378 @end smallexample
8379
8380 To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
8381 different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
8382 formats. @xref{Compilation}, for more information on choosing compiler
8383 options. @xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug
8384 info formats that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
8385
8386 If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
8387 @value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
8388 by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
8389 type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
8390
8391 If you append @kbd{@@entry} string to a function parameter name you get its
8392 value at the time the function got called. If the value is not available an
8393 error message is printed. Entry values are available only with some compilers.
8394 Entry values are normally also printed at the function parameter list according
8395 to @ref{set print entry-values}.
8396
8397 @smallexample
8398 Breakpoint 1, d (i=30) at gdb.base/entry-value.c:29
8399 29 i++;
8400 (gdb) next
8401 30 e (i);
8402 (gdb) print i
8403 $1 = 31
8404 (gdb) print i@@entry
8405 $2 = 30
8406 @end smallexample
8407
8408 Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
8409 signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
8410 printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
8411 @code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
8412 defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
8413 For program code
8414
8415 @smallexample
8416 char var0[] = "A";
8417 signed char var1[] = "A";
8418 @end smallexample
8419
8420 You get during debugging
8421 @smallexample
8422 (gdb) print var0
8423 $1 = "A"
8424 (gdb) print var1
8425 $2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
8426 @end smallexample
8427
8428 @node Arrays
8429 @section Artificial Arrays
8430
8431 @cindex artificial array
8432 @cindex arrays
8433 @kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
8434 It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
8435 same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
8436 dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
8437 program.
8438
8439 You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
8440 @dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
8441 operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
8442 and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
8443 of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
8444 the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
8445 argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
8446 following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
8447 example. If a program says
8448
8449 @smallexample
8450 int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
8451 @end smallexample
8452
8453 @noindent
8454 you can print the contents of @code{array} with
8455
8456 @smallexample
8457 p *array@@len
8458 @end smallexample
8459
8460 The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
8461 with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
8462 subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
8463 Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
8464 (@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
8465
8466 Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
8467 This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
8468 The value need not be in memory:
8469 @smallexample
8470 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
8471 $1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
8472 @end smallexample
8473
8474 As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
8475 @samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
8476 the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
8477 @smallexample
8478 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
8479 $2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
8480 @end smallexample
8481
8482 Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
8483 moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
8484 actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
8485 of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
8486 to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
8487 Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
8488 interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
8489 instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
8490 structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
8491 in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
8492
8493 @smallexample
8494 set $i = 0
8495 p dtab[$i++]->fv
8496 @key{RET}
8497 @key{RET}
8498 @dots{}
8499 @end smallexample
8500
8501 @node Output Formats
8502 @section Output Formats
8503
8504 @cindex formatted output
8505 @cindex output formats
8506 By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
8507 this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
8508 in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
8509 at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
8510 these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
8511
8512 The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
8513 already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
8514 @code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
8515 letters supported are:
8516
8517 @table @code
8518 @item x
8519 Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
8520 hexadecimal.
8521
8522 @item d
8523 Print as integer in signed decimal.
8524
8525 @item u
8526 Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
8527
8528 @item o
8529 Print as integer in octal.
8530
8531 @item t
8532 Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
8533 @footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
8534 used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
8535 see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
8536
8537 @item a
8538 @cindex unknown address, locating
8539 @cindex locate address
8540 Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
8541 the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
8542 where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
8543
8544 @smallexample
8545 (@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
8546 $3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
8547 @end smallexample
8548
8549 @noindent
8550 The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
8551 @xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
8552
8553 @item c
8554 Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
8555 prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
8556 character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
8557 for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
8558
8559 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
8560 @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
8561 constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
8562 data.
8563
8564 @item f
8565 Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
8566 using typical floating point syntax.
8567
8568 @item s
8569 @cindex printing strings
8570 @cindex printing byte arrays
8571 Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
8572 data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
8573 are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
8574 natural types.
8575
8576 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
8577 @code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
8578 strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
8579 array.
8580
8581 @item z
8582 Like @samp{x} formatting, the value is treated as an integer and
8583 printed as hexadecimal, but leading zeros are printed to pad the value
8584 to the size of the integer type.
8585
8586 @item r
8587 @cindex raw printing
8588 Print using the @samp{raw} formatting. By default, @value{GDBN} will
8589 use a Python-based pretty-printer, if one is available (@pxref{Pretty
8590 Printing}). This typically results in a higher-level display of the
8591 value's contents. The @samp{r} format bypasses any Python
8592 pretty-printer which might exist.
8593 @end table
8594
8595 For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
8596
8597 @smallexample
8598 p/x $pc
8599 @end smallexample
8600
8601 @noindent
8602 Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
8603 names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
8604
8605 To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
8606 you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
8607 expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
8608
8609 @node Memory
8610 @section Examining Memory
8611
8612 You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
8613 any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
8614
8615 @cindex examining memory
8616 @table @code
8617 @kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
8618 @item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
8619 @itemx x @var{addr}
8620 @itemx x
8621 Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
8622 @end table
8623
8624 @var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
8625 much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
8626 expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
8627 If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
8628 Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
8629
8630 @table @r
8631 @item @var{n}, the repeat count
8632 The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
8633 how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display.
8634 @c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
8635 @c 4.1.2.
8636
8637 @item @var{f}, the display format
8638 The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
8639 (@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
8640 @samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
8641 The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
8642 each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
8643
8644 @item @var{u}, the unit size
8645 The unit size is any of
8646
8647 @table @code
8648 @item b
8649 Bytes.
8650 @item h
8651 Halfwords (two bytes).
8652 @item w
8653 Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
8654 @item g
8655 Giant words (eight bytes).
8656 @end table
8657
8658 Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
8659 default unit the next time you use @code{x}. For the @samp{i} format,
8660 the unit size is ignored and is normally not written. For the @samp{s} format,
8661 the unit size defaults to @samp{b}, unless it is explicitly given.
8662 Use @kbd{x /hs} to display 16-bit char strings and @kbd{x /ws} to display
8663 32-bit strings. The next use of @kbd{x /s} will again display 8-bit strings.
8664 Note that the results depend on the programming language of the
8665 current compilation unit. If the language is C, the @samp{s}
8666 modifier will use the UTF-16 encoding while @samp{w} will use
8667 UTF-32. The encoding is set by the programming language and cannot
8668 be altered.
8669
8670 @item @var{addr}, starting display address
8671 @var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
8672 memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
8673 it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
8674 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
8675 @var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
8676 other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
8677 the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
8678 starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
8679 a value from memory).
8680 @end table
8681
8682 For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
8683 (@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
8684 starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
8685 words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
8686 @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
8687
8688 Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
8689 letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
8690 unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
8691 specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
8692 (However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
8693
8694 Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
8695 and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
8696 @samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
8697 including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
8698 the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
8699 slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
8700 follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
8701 @code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
8702 instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
8703
8704 All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
8705 easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
8706 you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
8707 instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
8708 with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
8709 the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
8710 for successive uses of @code{x}.
8711
8712 When examining machine instructions, the instruction at current program
8713 counter is shown with a @code{=>} marker. For example:
8714
8715 @smallexample
8716 (@value{GDBP}) x/5i $pc-6
8717 0x804837f <main+11>: mov %esp,%ebp
8718 0x8048381 <main+13>: push %ecx
8719 0x8048382 <main+14>: sub $0x4,%esp
8720 => 0x8048385 <main+17>: movl $0x8048460,(%esp)
8721 0x804838c <main+24>: call 0x80482d4 <puts@@plt>
8722 @end smallexample
8723
8724 @cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
8725 The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
8726 in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
8727 would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
8728 subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
8729 @code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
8730 examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
8731 @code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
8732 the convenience variable @code{$__}.
8733
8734 If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
8735 are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
8736 address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
8737
8738 @cindex remote memory comparison
8739 @cindex verify remote memory image
8740 When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
8741 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image in the
8742 remote machine's memory against the executable file you downloaded to
8743 the target. The @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such
8744 situations.
8745
8746 @table @code
8747 @kindex compare-sections
8748 @item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{]}
8749 Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
8750 executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
8751 the remote machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
8752 arguments, compares all loadable sections. This command's
8753 availability depends on the target's support for the @code{"qCRC"}
8754 remote request.
8755 @end table
8756
8757 @node Auto Display
8758 @section Automatic Display
8759 @cindex automatic display
8760 @cindex display of expressions
8761
8762 If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
8763 (to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
8764 display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
8765 Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
8766 to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
8767 The automatic display looks like this:
8768
8769 @smallexample
8770 2: foo = 38
8771 3: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
8772 @end smallexample
8773
8774 @noindent
8775 This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
8776 displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
8777 specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
8778 whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
8779 specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
8780 or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
8781
8782 @table @code
8783 @kindex display
8784 @item display @var{expr}
8785 Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
8786 each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
8787
8788 @code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
8789
8790 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
8791 For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
8792 count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
8793 arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
8794 @xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
8795
8796 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
8797 For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
8798 number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
8799 be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
8800 doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
8801 @end table
8802
8803 For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
8804 instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
8805 is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
8806
8807 @table @code
8808 @kindex delete display
8809 @kindex undisplay
8810 @item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
8811 @itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
8812 Remove items from the list of expressions to display. Specify the
8813 numbers of the displays that you want affected with the command
8814 argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one of the
8815 numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display} display;
8816 or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
8817
8818 @code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
8819 (Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
8820
8821 @kindex disable display
8822 @item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
8823 Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
8824 item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
8825 enabled again later. Specify the numbers of the displays that you
8826 want affected with the command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a
8827 single display number, one of the numbers shown in the first field of
8828 the @samp{info display} display; or it could be a range of display
8829 numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
8830
8831 @kindex enable display
8832 @item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
8833 Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
8834 again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
8835 Specify the numbers of the displays that you want affected with the
8836 command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one
8837 of the numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display}
8838 display; or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
8839
8840 @item display
8841 Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
8842 done when your program stops.
8843
8844 @kindex info display
8845 @item info display
8846 Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
8847 automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
8848 values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
8849 It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
8850 because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
8851 @end table
8852
8853 @cindex display disabled out of scope
8854 If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
8855 sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
8856 expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
8857 variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
8858 @code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
8859 @code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
8860 continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
8861 there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
8862 automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
8863 is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
8864
8865 @node Print Settings
8866 @section Print Settings
8867
8868 @cindex format options
8869 @cindex print settings
8870 @value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
8871 and symbols are printed.
8872
8873 @noindent
8874 These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
8875
8876 @table @code
8877 @kindex set print
8878 @item set print address
8879 @itemx set print address on
8880 @cindex print/don't print memory addresses
8881 @value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
8882 traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
8883 even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
8884 is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
8885 @code{set print address on}:
8886
8887 @smallexample
8888 @group
8889 (@value{GDBP}) f
8890 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
8891 at input.c:530
8892 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
8893 @end group
8894 @end smallexample
8895
8896 @item set print address off
8897 Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
8898 this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
8899
8900 @smallexample
8901 @group
8902 (@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
8903 (@value{GDBP}) f
8904 #0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
8905 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
8906 @end group
8907 @end smallexample
8908
8909 You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
8910 dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
8911 @code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
8912 all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
8913
8914 @kindex show print
8915 @item show print address
8916 Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
8917 @end table
8918
8919 When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
8920 closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
8921 identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
8922 source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
8923 @code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
8924 you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
8925 it prints a symbolic address:
8926
8927 @table @code
8928 @item set print symbol-filename on
8929 @cindex source file and line of a symbol
8930 @cindex symbol, source file and line
8931 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
8932 symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
8933
8934 @item set print symbol-filename off
8935 Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
8936 default.
8937
8938 @item show print symbol-filename
8939 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
8940 line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
8941 @end table
8942
8943 Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
8944 numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
8945 number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
8946
8947 Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
8948 printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
8949
8950 @table @code
8951 @item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
8952 @itemx set print max-symbolic-offset unlimited
8953 @cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
8954 Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
8955 offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
8956 @var{max-offset}. The default is @code{unlimited}, which tells @value{GDBN}
8957 to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes
8958 it. Zero is equivalent to @code{unlimited}.
8959
8960 @item show print max-symbolic-offset
8961 Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
8962 symbolic address.
8963 @end table
8964
8965 @cindex wild pointer, interpreting
8966 @cindex pointer, finding referent
8967 If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
8968 @samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
8969 and source file location of the variable where it points, using
8970 @samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
8971 For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
8972 at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
8973
8974 @smallexample
8975 (@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
8976 (@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
8977 $4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
8978 @end smallexample
8979
8980 @quotation
8981 @emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
8982 does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
8983 the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
8984 @end quotation
8985
8986 You can also enable @samp{/a}-like formatting all the time using
8987 @samp{set print symbol on}:
8988
8989 @table @code
8990 @item set print symbol on
8991 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the symbol corresponding to an address, if
8992 one exists.
8993
8994 @item set print symbol off
8995 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print the symbol corresponding to an
8996 address. In this mode, @value{GDBN} will still print the symbol
8997 corresponding to pointers to functions. This is the default.
8998
8999 @item show print symbol
9000 Show whether @value{GDBN} will display the symbol corresponding to an
9001 address.
9002 @end table
9003
9004 Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
9005
9006 @table @code
9007 @item set print array
9008 @itemx set print array on
9009 @cindex pretty print arrays
9010 Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
9011 but uses more space. The default is off.
9012
9013 @item set print array off
9014 Return to compressed format for arrays.
9015
9016 @item show print array
9017 Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
9018 arrays.
9019
9020 @cindex print array indexes
9021 @item set print array-indexes
9022 @itemx set print array-indexes on
9023 Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
9024 convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
9025 index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
9026
9027 @item set print array-indexes off
9028 Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
9029
9030 @item show print array-indexes
9031 Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
9032 arrays.
9033
9034 @item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
9035 @itemx set print elements unlimited
9036 @cindex number of array elements to print
9037 @cindex limit on number of printed array elements
9038 Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
9039 If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
9040 printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
9041 This limit also applies to the display of strings.
9042 When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
9043 Setting @var{number-of-elements} to @code{unlimited} or zero means
9044 that the number of elements to print is unlimited.
9045
9046 @item show print elements
9047 Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
9048 If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
9049
9050 @item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
9051 @kindex set print frame-arguments
9052 @cindex printing frame argument values
9053 @cindex print all frame argument values
9054 @cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
9055 @cindex do not print frame argument values
9056 This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
9057 when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
9058 values are:
9059
9060 @table @code
9061 @item all
9062 The values of all arguments are printed.
9063
9064 @item scalars
9065 Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
9066 complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
9067 by @code{@dots{}}. This is the default. Here is an example where
9068 only scalar arguments are shown:
9069
9070 @smallexample
9071 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
9072 at frame-args.c:23
9073 @end smallexample
9074
9075 @item none
9076 None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
9077 is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
9078
9079 @smallexample
9080 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
9081 at frame-args.c:23
9082 @end smallexample
9083 @end table
9084
9085 By default, only scalar arguments are printed. This command can be used
9086 to configure the debugger to print the value of all arguments, regardless
9087 of their type. However, it is often advantageous to not print the value
9088 of more complex parameters. For instance, it reduces the amount of
9089 information printed in each frame, making the backtrace more readable.
9090 Also, it improves performance when displaying Ada frames, because
9091 the computation of large arguments can sometimes be CPU-intensive,
9092 especially in large applications. Setting @code{print frame-arguments}
9093 to @code{scalars} (the default) or @code{none} avoids this computation,
9094 thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
9095
9096 @item show print frame-arguments
9097 Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
9098
9099 @item set print raw frame-arguments on
9100 Print frame arguments in raw, non pretty-printed, form.
9101
9102 @item set print raw frame-arguments off
9103 Print frame arguments in pretty-printed form, if there is a pretty-printer
9104 for the value (@pxref{Pretty Printing}),
9105 otherwise print the value in raw form.
9106 This is the default.
9107
9108 @item show print raw frame-arguments
9109 Show whether to print frame arguments in raw form.
9110
9111 @anchor{set print entry-values}
9112 @item set print entry-values @var{value}
9113 @kindex set print entry-values
9114 Set printing of frame argument values at function entry. In some cases
9115 @value{GDBN} can determine the value of function argument which was passed by
9116 the function caller, even if the value was modified inside the called function
9117 and therefore is different. With optimized code, the current value could be
9118 unavailable, but the entry value may still be known.
9119
9120 The default value is @code{default} (see below for its description). Older
9121 @value{GDBN} behaved as with the setting @code{no}. Compilers not supporting
9122 this feature will behave in the @code{default} setting the same way as with the
9123 @code{no} setting.
9124
9125 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
9126 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_GNU_call_site} tags. With
9127 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
9128 this information.
9129
9130 The @var{value} parameter can be one of the following:
9131
9132 @table @code
9133 @item no
9134 Print only actual parameter values, never print values from function entry
9135 point.
9136 @smallexample
9137 #0 equal (val=5)
9138 #0 different (val=6)
9139 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>)
9140 #0 born (val=10)
9141 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
9142 @end smallexample
9143
9144 @item only
9145 Print only parameter values from function entry point. The actual parameter
9146 values are never printed.
9147 @smallexample
9148 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
9149 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
9150 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9151 #0 born (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9152 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9153 @end smallexample
9154
9155 @item preferred
9156 Print only parameter values from function entry point. If value from function
9157 entry point is not known while the actual value is known, print the actual
9158 value for such parameter.
9159 @smallexample
9160 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
9161 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
9162 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9163 #0 born (val=10)
9164 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9165 @end smallexample
9166
9167 @item if-needed
9168 Print actual parameter values. If actual parameter value is not known while
9169 value from function entry point is known, print the entry point value for such
9170 parameter.
9171 @smallexample
9172 #0 equal (val=5)
9173 #0 different (val=6)
9174 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9175 #0 born (val=10)
9176 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
9177 @end smallexample
9178
9179 @item both
9180 Always print both the actual parameter value and its value from function entry
9181 point, even if values of one or both are not available due to compiler
9182 optimizations.
9183 @smallexample
9184 #0 equal (val=5, val@@entry=5)
9185 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
9186 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
9187 #0 born (val=10, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9188 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9189 @end smallexample
9190
9191 @item compact
9192 Print the actual parameter value if it is known and also its value from
9193 function entry point if it is known. If neither is known, print for the actual
9194 value @code{<optimized out>}. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and if both
9195 values are known and identical, print the shortened
9196 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
9197 @smallexample
9198 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
9199 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
9200 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9201 #0 born (val=10)
9202 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
9203 @end smallexample
9204
9205 @item default
9206 Always print the actual parameter value. Print also its value from function
9207 entry point, but only if it is known. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and
9208 if both values are known and identical, print the shortened
9209 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
9210 @smallexample
9211 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
9212 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
9213 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
9214 #0 born (val=10)
9215 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
9216 @end smallexample
9217 @end table
9218
9219 For analysis messages on possible failures of frame argument values at function
9220 entry resolution see @ref{set debug entry-values}.
9221
9222 @item show print entry-values
9223 Show the method being used for printing of frame argument values at function
9224 entry.
9225
9226 @item set print repeats @var{number-of-repeats}
9227 @itemx set print repeats unlimited
9228 @cindex repeated array elements
9229 Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
9230 elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
9231 array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
9232 @code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
9233 identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
9234 themselves. Setting the threshold to @code{unlimited} or zero will
9235 cause all elements to be individually printed. The default threshold
9236 is 10.
9237
9238 @item show print repeats
9239 Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
9240 elements.
9241
9242 @item set print null-stop
9243 @cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
9244 Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
9245 @sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
9246 contain only short strings.
9247 The default is off.
9248
9249 @item show print null-stop
9250 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
9251 @sc{null} character.
9252
9253 @item set print pretty on
9254 @cindex print structures in indented form
9255 @cindex indentation in structure display
9256 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
9257 per line, like this:
9258
9259 @smallexample
9260 @group
9261 $1 = @{
9262 next = 0x0,
9263 flags = @{
9264 sweet = 1,
9265 sour = 1
9266 @},
9267 meat = 0x54 "Pork"
9268 @}
9269 @end group
9270 @end smallexample
9271
9272 @item set print pretty off
9273 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
9274
9275 @smallexample
9276 @group
9277 $1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
9278 meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
9279 @end group
9280 @end smallexample
9281
9282 @noindent
9283 This is the default format.
9284
9285 @item show print pretty
9286 Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
9287
9288 @item set print sevenbit-strings on
9289 @cindex eight-bit characters in strings
9290 @cindex octal escapes in strings
9291 Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
9292 @value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
9293 character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
9294 best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
9295 high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
9296
9297 @item set print sevenbit-strings off
9298 Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
9299 international character sets, and is the default.
9300
9301 @item show print sevenbit-strings
9302 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
9303
9304 @item set print union on
9305 @cindex unions in structures, printing
9306 Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
9307 and other unions. This is the default setting.
9308
9309 @item set print union off
9310 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
9311 structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
9312 instead.
9313
9314 @item show print union
9315 Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
9316 structures and other unions.
9317
9318 For example, given the declarations
9319
9320 @smallexample
9321 typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
9322 typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
9323 typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
9324 Bug_forms;
9325
9326 struct thing @{
9327 Species it;
9328 union @{
9329 Tree_forms tree;
9330 Bug_forms bug;
9331 @} form;
9332 @};
9333
9334 struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
9335 @end smallexample
9336
9337 @noindent
9338 with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
9339
9340 @smallexample
9341 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
9342 @end smallexample
9343
9344 @noindent
9345 and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
9346
9347 @smallexample
9348 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
9349 @end smallexample
9350
9351 @noindent
9352 @code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
9353 and in Pascal.
9354 @end table
9355
9356 @need 1000
9357 @noindent
9358 These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
9359
9360 @table @code
9361 @cindex demangling C@t{++} names
9362 @item set print demangle
9363 @itemx set print demangle on
9364 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
9365 (``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
9366 linkage. The default is on.
9367
9368 @item show print demangle
9369 Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
9370
9371 @item set print asm-demangle
9372 @itemx set print asm-demangle on
9373 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
9374 in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
9375 The default is off.
9376
9377 @item show print asm-demangle
9378 Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
9379 or demangled form.
9380
9381 @cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
9382 @cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
9383 @kindex set demangle-style
9384 @item set demangle-style @var{style}
9385 Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
9386 represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
9387
9388 @table @code
9389 @item auto
9390 Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
9391 This is the default.
9392
9393 @item gnu
9394 Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
9395
9396 @item hp
9397 Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
9398
9399 @item lucid
9400 Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
9401
9402 @item arm
9403 Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
9404 @strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
9405 debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
9406 require further enhancement to permit that.
9407
9408 @end table
9409 If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
9410
9411 @item show demangle-style
9412 Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
9413
9414 @item set print object
9415 @itemx set print object on
9416 @cindex derived type of an object, printing
9417 @cindex display derived types
9418 When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
9419 (derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
9420 the virtual function table. Note that the virtual function table is
9421 required---this feature can only work for objects that have run-time
9422 type identification; a single virtual method in the object's declared
9423 type is sufficient. Note that this setting is also taken into account when
9424 working with variable objects via MI (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
9425
9426 @item set print object off
9427 Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
9428 virtual function table. This is the default setting.
9429
9430 @item show print object
9431 Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
9432
9433 @item set print static-members
9434 @itemx set print static-members on
9435 @cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
9436 Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
9437
9438 @item set print static-members off
9439 Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
9440
9441 @item show print static-members
9442 Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
9443
9444 @item set print pascal_static-members
9445 @itemx set print pascal_static-members on
9446 @cindex static members of Pascal objects
9447 @cindex Pascal objects, static members display
9448 Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
9449
9450 @item set print pascal_static-members off
9451 Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
9452
9453 @item show print pascal_static-members
9454 Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
9455
9456 @c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
9457 @item set print vtbl
9458 @itemx set print vtbl on
9459 @cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
9460 @cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
9461 @cindex VTBL display
9462 Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
9463 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
9464 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
9465
9466 @item set print vtbl off
9467 Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
9468
9469 @item show print vtbl
9470 Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
9471 @end table
9472
9473 @node Pretty Printing
9474 @section Pretty Printing
9475
9476 @value{GDBN} provides a mechanism to allow pretty-printing of values using
9477 Python code. It greatly simplifies the display of complex objects. This
9478 mechanism works for both MI and the CLI.
9479
9480 @menu
9481 * Pretty-Printer Introduction:: Introduction to pretty-printers
9482 * Pretty-Printer Example:: An example pretty-printer
9483 * Pretty-Printer Commands:: Pretty-printer commands
9484 @end menu
9485
9486 @node Pretty-Printer Introduction
9487 @subsection Pretty-Printer Introduction
9488
9489 When @value{GDBN} prints a value, it first sees if there is a pretty-printer
9490 registered for the value. If there is then @value{GDBN} invokes the
9491 pretty-printer to print the value. Otherwise the value is printed normally.
9492
9493 Pretty-printers are normally named. This makes them easy to manage.
9494 The @samp{info pretty-printer} command will list all the installed
9495 pretty-printers with their names.
9496 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
9497 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
9498 Each such subprinter has its own name.
9499 The format of the name is @var{printer-name};@var{subprinter-name}.
9500
9501 Pretty-printers are installed by @dfn{registering} them with @value{GDBN}.
9502 Typically they are automatically loaded and registered when the corresponding
9503 debug information is loaded, thus making them available without having to
9504 do anything special.
9505
9506 There are three places where a pretty-printer can be registered.
9507
9508 @itemize @bullet
9509 @item
9510 Pretty-printers registered globally are available when debugging
9511 all inferiors.
9512
9513 @item
9514 Pretty-printers registered with a program space are available only
9515 when debugging that program.
9516 @xref{Progspaces In Python}, for more details on program spaces in Python.
9517
9518 @item
9519 Pretty-printers registered with an objfile are loaded and unloaded
9520 with the corresponding objfile (e.g., shared library).
9521 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for more details on objfiles in Python.
9522 @end itemize
9523
9524 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for further information on how
9525 pretty-printers are selected,
9526
9527 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for implementing pretty printers
9528 for new types.
9529
9530 @node Pretty-Printer Example
9531 @subsection Pretty-Printer Example
9532
9533 Here is how a C@t{++} @code{std::string} looks without a pretty-printer:
9534
9535 @smallexample
9536 (@value{GDBP}) print s
9537 $1 = @{
9538 static npos = 4294967295,
9539 _M_dataplus = @{
9540 <std::allocator<char>> = @{
9541 <__gnu_cxx::new_allocator<char>> = @{
9542 <No data fields>@}, <No data fields>
9543 @},
9544 members of std::basic_string<char, std::char_traits<char>,
9545 std::allocator<char> >::_Alloc_hider:
9546 _M_p = 0x804a014 "abcd"
9547 @}
9548 @}
9549 @end smallexample
9550
9551 With a pretty-printer for @code{std::string} only the contents are printed:
9552
9553 @smallexample
9554 (@value{GDBP}) print s
9555 $2 = "abcd"
9556 @end smallexample
9557
9558 @node Pretty-Printer Commands
9559 @subsection Pretty-Printer Commands
9560 @cindex pretty-printer commands
9561
9562 @table @code
9563 @kindex info pretty-printer
9564 @item info pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
9565 Print the list of installed pretty-printers.
9566 This includes disabled pretty-printers, which are marked as such.
9567
9568 @var{object-regexp} is a regular expression matching the objects
9569 whose pretty-printers to list.
9570 Objects can be @code{global}, the program space's file
9571 (@pxref{Progspaces In Python}),
9572 and the object files within that program space (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}).
9573 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for details on how @value{GDBN}
9574 looks up a printer from these three objects.
9575
9576 @var{name-regexp} is a regular expression matching the name of the printers
9577 to list.
9578
9579 @kindex disable pretty-printer
9580 @item disable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
9581 Disable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
9582 A disabled pretty-printer is not forgotten, it may be enabled again later.
9583
9584 @kindex enable pretty-printer
9585 @item enable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
9586 Enable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
9587 @end table
9588
9589 Example:
9590
9591 Suppose we have three pretty-printers installed: one from library1.so
9592 named @code{foo} that prints objects of type @code{foo}, and
9593 another from library2.so named @code{bar} that prints two types of objects,
9594 @code{bar1} and @code{bar2}.
9595
9596 @smallexample
9597 (gdb) info pretty-printer
9598 library1.so:
9599 foo
9600 library2.so:
9601 bar
9602 bar1
9603 bar2
9604 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
9605 library2.so:
9606 bar
9607 bar1
9608 bar2
9609 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library1
9610 1 printer disabled
9611 2 of 3 printers enabled
9612 (gdb) info pretty-printer
9613 library1.so:
9614 foo [disabled]
9615 library2.so:
9616 bar
9617 bar1
9618 bar2
9619 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar:bar1
9620 1 printer disabled
9621 1 of 3 printers enabled
9622 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
9623 library1.so:
9624 foo [disabled]
9625 library2.so:
9626 bar
9627 bar1 [disabled]
9628 bar2
9629 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar
9630 1 printer disabled
9631 0 of 3 printers enabled
9632 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
9633 library1.so:
9634 foo [disabled]
9635 library2.so:
9636 bar [disabled]
9637 bar1 [disabled]
9638 bar2
9639 @end smallexample
9640
9641 Note that for @code{bar} the entire printer can be disabled,
9642 as can each individual subprinter.
9643
9644 @node Value History
9645 @section Value History
9646
9647 @cindex value history
9648 @cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
9649 Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
9650 @dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
9651 Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
9652 (for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
9653 When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
9654 since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
9655 symbol table.
9656
9657 @cindex @code{$}
9658 @cindex @code{$$}
9659 @cindex history number
9660 The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
9661 refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
9662 @code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
9663 printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
9664 history number.
9665
9666 To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
9667 history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
9668 remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
9669 the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
9670 @code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
9671 is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
9672 @code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
9673
9674 For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
9675 want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
9676
9677 @smallexample
9678 p *$
9679 @end smallexample
9680
9681 If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
9682 to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
9683
9684 @smallexample
9685 p *$.next
9686 @end smallexample
9687
9688 @noindent
9689 You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
9690 command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
9691
9692 Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
9693 @code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
9694
9695 @smallexample
9696 print x
9697 set x=5
9698 @end smallexample
9699
9700 @noindent
9701 then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
9702 remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
9703
9704 @table @code
9705 @kindex show values
9706 @item show values
9707 Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
9708 This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
9709 values} does not change the history.
9710
9711 @item show values @var{n}
9712 Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
9713
9714 @item show values +
9715 Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
9716 values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
9717 @end table
9718
9719 Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
9720 same effect as @samp{show values +}.
9721
9722 @node Convenience Vars
9723 @section Convenience Variables
9724
9725 @cindex convenience variables
9726 @cindex user-defined variables
9727 @value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
9728 @value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
9729 exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
9730 setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
9731 of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
9732
9733 Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
9734 @samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
9735 the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
9736 (Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
9737 by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
9738
9739 You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
9740 expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
9741 For example:
9742
9743 @smallexample
9744 set $foo = *object_ptr
9745 @end smallexample
9746
9747 @noindent
9748 would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
9749 @code{object_ptr}.
9750
9751 Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
9752 value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
9753 value with another assignment at any time.
9754
9755 Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
9756 variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
9757 that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
9758 variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
9759
9760 @table @code
9761 @kindex show convenience
9762 @cindex show all user variables and functions
9763 @item show convenience
9764 Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values,
9765 as well as a list of the convenience functions.
9766 Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
9767
9768 @kindex init-if-undefined
9769 @cindex convenience variables, initializing
9770 @item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
9771 Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
9772 for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
9773 to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
9774 convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
9775 override default values used in a command script.
9776
9777 If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
9778 any side-effects do not occur.
9779 @end table
9780
9781 One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
9782 incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
9783 a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
9784
9785 @smallexample
9786 set $i = 0
9787 print bar[$i++]->contents
9788 @end smallexample
9789
9790 @noindent
9791 Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
9792
9793 Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
9794 values likely to be useful.
9795
9796 @table @code
9797 @vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
9798 @item $_
9799 The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
9800 the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
9801 commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
9802 set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
9803 and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
9804 except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
9805 to the type of @code{$__}.
9806
9807 @vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
9808 @item $__
9809 The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
9810 to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
9811 to match the format in which the data was printed.
9812
9813 @item $_exitcode
9814 @vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
9815 When the program being debugged terminates normally, @value{GDBN}
9816 automatically sets this variable to the exit code of the program, and
9817 resets @code{$_exitsignal} to @code{void}.
9818
9819 @item $_exitsignal
9820 @vindex $_exitsignal@r{, convenience variable}
9821 When the program being debugged dies due to an uncaught signal,
9822 @value{GDBN} automatically sets this variable to that signal's number,
9823 and resets @code{$_exitcode} to @code{void}.
9824
9825 To distinguish between whether the program being debugged has exited
9826 (i.e., @code{$_exitcode} is not @code{void}) or signalled (i.e.,
9827 @code{$_exitsignal} is not @code{void}), the convenience function
9828 @code{$_isvoid} can be used (@pxref{Convenience Funs,, Convenience
9829 Functions}). For example, considering the following source code:
9830
9831 @smallexample
9832 #include <signal.h>
9833
9834 int
9835 main (int argc, char *argv[])
9836 @{
9837 raise (SIGALRM);
9838 return 0;
9839 @}
9840 @end smallexample
9841
9842 A valid way of telling whether the program being debugged has exited
9843 or signalled would be:
9844
9845 @smallexample
9846 (@value{GDBP}) define has_exited_or_signalled
9847 Type commands for definition of ``has_exited_or_signalled''.
9848 End with a line saying just ``end''.
9849 >if $_isvoid ($_exitsignal)
9850 >echo The program has exited\n
9851 >else
9852 >echo The program has signalled\n
9853 >end
9854 >end
9855 (@value{GDBP}) run
9856 Starting program:
9857
9858 Program terminated with signal SIGALRM, Alarm clock.
9859 The program no longer exists.
9860 (@value{GDBP}) has_exited_or_signalled
9861 The program has signalled
9862 @end smallexample
9863
9864 As can be seen, @value{GDBN} correctly informs that the program being
9865 debugged has signalled, since it calls @code{raise} and raises a
9866 @code{SIGALRM} signal. If the program being debugged had not called
9867 @code{raise}, then @value{GDBN} would report a normal exit:
9868
9869 @smallexample
9870 (@value{GDBP}) has_exited_or_signalled
9871 The program has exited
9872 @end smallexample
9873
9874 @item $_exception
9875 The variable @code{$_exception} is set to the exception object being
9876 thrown at an exception-related catchpoint. @xref{Set Catchpoints}.
9877
9878 @item $_probe_argc
9879 @itemx $_probe_arg0@dots{}$_probe_arg11
9880 Arguments to a static probe. @xref{Static Probe Points}.
9881
9882 @item $_sdata
9883 @vindex $_sdata@r{, inspect, convenience variable}
9884 The variable @code{$_sdata} contains extra collected static tracepoint
9885 data. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}. Note that
9886 @code{$_sdata} could be empty, if not inspecting a trace buffer, or
9887 if extra static tracepoint data has not been collected.
9888
9889 @item $_siginfo
9890 @vindex $_siginfo@r{, convenience variable}
9891 The variable @code{$_siginfo} contains extra signal information
9892 (@pxref{extra signal information}). Note that @code{$_siginfo}
9893 could be empty, if the application has not yet received any signals.
9894 For example, it will be empty before you execute the @code{run} command.
9895
9896 @item $_tlb
9897 @vindex $_tlb@r{, convenience variable}
9898 The variable @code{$_tlb} is automatically set when debugging
9899 applications running on MS-Windows in native mode or connected to
9900 gdbserver that supports the @code{qGetTIBAddr} request.
9901 @xref{General Query Packets}.
9902 This variable contains the address of the thread information block.
9903
9904 @end table
9905
9906 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
9907 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
9908 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
9909
9910 @node Convenience Funs
9911 @section Convenience Functions
9912
9913 @cindex convenience functions
9914 @value{GDBN} also supplies some @dfn{convenience functions}. These
9915 have a syntax similar to convenience variables. A convenience
9916 function can be used in an expression just like an ordinary function;
9917 however, a convenience function is implemented internally to
9918 @value{GDBN}.
9919
9920 These functions do not require @value{GDBN} to be configured with
9921 @code{Python} support, which means that they are always available.
9922
9923 @table @code
9924
9925 @item $_isvoid (@var{expr})
9926 @findex $_isvoid@r{, convenience function}
9927 Return one if the expression @var{expr} is @code{void}. Otherwise it
9928 returns zero.
9929
9930 A @code{void} expression is an expression where the type of the result
9931 is @code{void}. For example, you can examine a convenience variable
9932 (see @ref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}) to check whether
9933 it is @code{void}:
9934
9935 @smallexample
9936 (@value{GDBP}) print $_exitcode
9937 $1 = void
9938 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($_exitcode)
9939 $2 = 1
9940 (@value{GDBP}) run
9941 Starting program: ./a.out
9942 [Inferior 1 (process 29572) exited normally]
9943 (@value{GDBP}) print $_exitcode
9944 $3 = 0
9945 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($_exitcode)
9946 $4 = 0
9947 @end smallexample
9948
9949 In the example above, we used @code{$_isvoid} to check whether
9950 @code{$_exitcode} is @code{void} before and after the execution of the
9951 program being debugged. Before the execution there is no exit code to
9952 be examined, therefore @code{$_exitcode} is @code{void}. After the
9953 execution the program being debugged returned zero, therefore
9954 @code{$_exitcode} is zero, which means that it is not @code{void}
9955 anymore.
9956
9957 The @code{void} expression can also be a call of a function from the
9958 program being debugged. For example, given the following function:
9959
9960 @smallexample
9961 void
9962 foo (void)
9963 @{
9964 @}
9965 @end smallexample
9966
9967 The result of calling it inside @value{GDBN} is @code{void}:
9968
9969 @smallexample
9970 (@value{GDBP}) print foo ()
9971 $1 = void
9972 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid (foo ())
9973 $2 = 1
9974 (@value{GDBP}) set $v = foo ()
9975 (@value{GDBP}) print $v
9976 $3 = void
9977 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($v)
9978 $4 = 1
9979 @end smallexample
9980
9981 @end table
9982
9983 These functions require @value{GDBN} to be configured with
9984 @code{Python} support.
9985
9986 @table @code
9987
9988 @item $_memeq(@var{buf1}, @var{buf2}, @var{length})
9989 @findex $_memeq@r{, convenience function}
9990 Returns one if the @var{length} bytes at the addresses given by
9991 @var{buf1} and @var{buf2} are equal.
9992 Otherwise it returns zero.
9993
9994 @item $_regex(@var{str}, @var{regex})
9995 @findex $_regex@r{, convenience function}
9996 Returns one if the string @var{str} matches the regular expression
9997 @var{regex}. Otherwise it returns zero.
9998 The syntax of the regular expression is that specified by @code{Python}'s
9999 regular expression support.
10000
10001 @item $_streq(@var{str1}, @var{str2})
10002 @findex $_streq@r{, convenience function}
10003 Returns one if the strings @var{str1} and @var{str2} are equal.
10004 Otherwise it returns zero.
10005
10006 @item $_strlen(@var{str})
10007 @findex $_strlen@r{, convenience function}
10008 Returns the length of string @var{str}.
10009
10010 @end table
10011
10012 @value{GDBN} provides the ability to list and get help on
10013 convenience functions.
10014
10015 @table @code
10016 @item help function
10017 @kindex help function
10018 @cindex show all convenience functions
10019 Print a list of all convenience functions.
10020 @end table
10021
10022 @node Registers
10023 @section Registers
10024
10025 @cindex registers
10026 You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
10027 with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
10028 for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
10029 your machine.
10030
10031 @table @code
10032 @kindex info registers
10033 @item info registers
10034 Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
10035 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
10036
10037 @kindex info all-registers
10038 @cindex floating point registers
10039 @item info all-registers
10040 Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
10041 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
10042
10043 @item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
10044 Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
10045 As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
10046 the selected stack frame. @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
10047 the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
10048 @end table
10049
10050 @cindex stack pointer register
10051 @cindex program counter register
10052 @cindex process status register
10053 @cindex frame pointer register
10054 @cindex standard registers
10055 @value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
10056 expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
10057 architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
10058 @code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
10059 the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
10060 pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
10061 register that contains the processor status. For example,
10062 you could print the program counter in hex with
10063
10064 @smallexample
10065 p/x $pc
10066 @end smallexample
10067
10068 @noindent
10069 or print the instruction to be executed next with
10070
10071 @smallexample
10072 x/i $pc
10073 @end smallexample
10074
10075 @noindent
10076 or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
10077 one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
10078 memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
10079 stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
10080 stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
10081 regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
10082 see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
10083
10084 @smallexample
10085 set $sp += 4
10086 @end smallexample
10087
10088 Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
10089 your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
10090 so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
10091 shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
10092 registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
10093 can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
10094 is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
10095
10096 @value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
10097 integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
10098 special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
10099 registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
10100 to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
10101 (although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
10102 @samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
10103
10104 Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
10105 means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
10106 the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
10107 sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
10108 coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
10109 programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
10110 cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
10111 that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
10112 prints the data in both formats.
10113
10114 @cindex SSE registers (x86)
10115 @cindex MMX registers (x86)
10116 Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
10117 in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
10118 have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
10119 together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
10120 registers in @code{struct} notation:
10121
10122 @smallexample
10123 (@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
10124 $1 = @{
10125 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
10126 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
10127 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
10128 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
10129 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
10130 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
10131 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
10132 @}
10133 @end smallexample
10134
10135 @noindent
10136 To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
10137 view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
10138 value to a @code{struct} member:
10139
10140 @smallexample
10141 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
10142 @end smallexample
10143
10144 Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
10145 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
10146 value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
10147 were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
10148 true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
10149 frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
10150
10151 @cindex caller-saved registers
10152 @cindex call-clobbered registers
10153 @cindex volatile registers
10154 @cindex <not saved> values
10155 Usually ABIs reserve some registers as not needed to be saved by the
10156 callee (a.k.a.: ``caller-saved'', ``call-clobbered'' or ``volatile''
10157 registers). It may therefore not be possible for @value{GDBN} to know
10158 the value a register had before the call (in other words, in the outer
10159 frame), if the register value has since been changed by the callee.
10160 @value{GDBN} tries to deduce where the inner frame saved
10161 (``callee-saved'') registers, from the debug info, unwind info, or the
10162 machine code generated by your compiler. If some register is not
10163 saved, and @value{GDBN} knows the register is ``caller-saved'' (via
10164 its own knowledge of the ABI, or because the debug/unwind info
10165 explicitly says the register's value is undefined), @value{GDBN}
10166 displays @w{@samp{<not saved>}} as the register's value. With targets
10167 that @value{GDBN} has no knowledge of the register saving convention,
10168 if a register was not saved by the callee, then its value and location
10169 in the outer frame are assumed to be the same of the inner frame.
10170 This is usually harmless, because if the register is call-clobbered,
10171 the caller either does not care what is in the register after the
10172 call, or has code to restore the value that it does care about. Note,
10173 however, that if you change such a register in the outer frame, you
10174 may also be affecting the inner frame. Also, the more ``outer'' the
10175 frame is you're looking at, the more likely a call-clobbered
10176 register's value is to be wrong, in the sense that it doesn't actually
10177 represent the value the register had just before the call.
10178
10179 @node Floating Point Hardware
10180 @section Floating Point Hardware
10181 @cindex floating point
10182
10183 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
10184 you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
10185
10186 @table @code
10187 @kindex info float
10188 @item info float
10189 Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
10190 point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
10191 floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
10192 the ARM and x86 machines.
10193 @end table
10194
10195 @node Vector Unit
10196 @section Vector Unit
10197 @cindex vector unit
10198
10199 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
10200 more information about the status of the vector unit.
10201
10202 @table @code
10203 @kindex info vector
10204 @item info vector
10205 Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
10206 layout vary depending on the hardware.
10207 @end table
10208
10209 @node OS Information
10210 @section Operating System Auxiliary Information
10211 @cindex OS information
10212
10213 @value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
10214 you debug your program.
10215
10216 @cindex auxiliary vector
10217 @cindex vector, auxiliary
10218 Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
10219 startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
10220 specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
10221 binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
10222 hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
10223 identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
10224 Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
10225 @value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
10226 targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
10227 support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
10228 @ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
10229
10230 @table @code
10231 @kindex info auxv
10232 @item info auxv
10233 Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
10234 live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
10235 numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
10236 tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
10237 pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
10238 most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
10239 an unrecognized tag.
10240 @end table
10241
10242 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating system-specific
10243 information and show it to you. The types of information available
10244 will differ depending on the type of operating system running on the
10245 target. The mechanism used to fetch the data is described in
10246 @ref{Operating System Information}. For remote targets, this
10247 functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
10248 @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
10249
10250 @table @code
10251 @kindex info os
10252 @item info os @var{infotype}
10253
10254 Display OS information of the requested type.
10255
10256 On @sc{gnu}/Linux, the following values of @var{infotype} are valid:
10257
10258 @anchor{linux info os infotypes}
10259 @table @code
10260 @kindex info os processes
10261 @item processes
10262 Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
10263 @value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, the
10264 command corresponding to the process, and the list of processor cores
10265 that the process is currently running on. (To understand what these
10266 properties mean, for this and the following info types, please consult
10267 the general @sc{gnu}/Linux documentation.)
10268
10269 @kindex info os procgroups
10270 @item procgroups
10271 Display the list of process groups on the target. For each process,
10272 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process group that it belongs
10273 to, the command corresponding to the process group leader, the process
10274 identifier, and the command line of the process. The list is sorted
10275 first by the process group identifier, then by the process identifier,
10276 so that processes belonging to the same process group are grouped together
10277 and the process group leader is listed first.
10278
10279 @kindex info os threads
10280 @item threads
10281 Display the list of threads running on the target. For each thread,
10282 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process that the thread
10283 belongs to, the command of the process, the thread identifier, and the
10284 processor core that it is currently running on. The main thread of a
10285 process is not listed.
10286
10287 @kindex info os files
10288 @item files
10289 Display the list of open file descriptors on the target. For each
10290 file descriptor, @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process
10291 owning the descriptor, the command of the owning process, the value
10292 of the descriptor, and the target of the descriptor.
10293
10294 @kindex info os sockets
10295 @item sockets
10296 Display the list of Internet-domain sockets on the target. For each
10297 socket, @value{GDBN} prints the address and port of the local and
10298 remote endpoints, the current state of the connection, the creator of
10299 the socket, the IP address family of the socket, and the type of the
10300 connection.
10301
10302 @kindex info os shm
10303 @item shm
10304 Display the list of all System V shared-memory regions on the target.
10305 For each shared-memory region, @value{GDBN} prints the region key,
10306 the shared-memory identifier, the access permissions, the size of the
10307 region, the process that created the region, the process that last
10308 attached to or detached from the region, the current number of live
10309 attaches to the region, and the times at which the region was last
10310 attached to, detach from, and changed.
10311
10312 @kindex info os semaphores
10313 @item semaphores
10314 Display the list of all System V semaphore sets on the target. For each
10315 semaphore set, @value{GDBN} prints the semaphore set key, the semaphore
10316 set identifier, the access permissions, the number of semaphores in the
10317 set, the user and group of the owner and creator of the semaphore set,
10318 and the times at which the semaphore set was operated upon and changed.
10319
10320 @kindex info os msg
10321 @item msg
10322 Display the list of all System V message queues on the target. For each
10323 message queue, @value{GDBN} prints the message queue key, the message
10324 queue identifier, the access permissions, the current number of bytes
10325 on the queue, the current number of messages on the queue, the processes
10326 that last sent and received a message on the queue, the user and group
10327 of the owner and creator of the message queue, the times at which a
10328 message was last sent and received on the queue, and the time at which
10329 the message queue was last changed.
10330
10331 @kindex info os modules
10332 @item modules
10333 Display the list of all loaded kernel modules on the target. For each
10334 module, @value{GDBN} prints the module name, the size of the module in
10335 bytes, the number of times the module is used, the dependencies of the
10336 module, the status of the module, and the address of the loaded module
10337 in memory.
10338 @end table
10339
10340 @item info os
10341 If @var{infotype} is omitted, then list the possible values for
10342 @var{infotype} and the kind of OS information available for each
10343 @var{infotype}. If the target does not return a list of possible
10344 types, this command will report an error.
10345 @end table
10346
10347 @node Memory Region Attributes
10348 @section Memory Region Attributes
10349 @cindex memory region attributes
10350
10351 @dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
10352 required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
10353 attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
10354 accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
10355 target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
10356 fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
10357 user can override the fetched regions.
10358
10359 Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
10360 memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
10361 accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
10362 been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
10363 all memory.
10364
10365 When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
10366 to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
10367
10368 @table @code
10369 @kindex mem
10370 @item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
10371 Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
10372 attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
10373 monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
10374 case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
10375 (0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
10376
10377 @item mem auto
10378 Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
10379 regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
10380
10381 @kindex delete mem
10382 @item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
10383 Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
10384 monitored by @value{GDBN}.
10385
10386 @kindex disable mem
10387 @item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
10388 Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
10389 A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
10390 It may be enabled again later.
10391
10392 @kindex enable mem
10393 @item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
10394 Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
10395
10396 @kindex info mem
10397 @item info mem
10398 Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
10399 for each region:
10400
10401 @table @emph
10402 @item Memory Region Number
10403 @item Enabled or Disabled.
10404 Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
10405 Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
10406
10407 @item Lo Address
10408 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
10409
10410 @item Hi Address
10411 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
10412
10413 @item Attributes
10414 The list of attributes set for this memory region.
10415 @end table
10416 @end table
10417
10418
10419 @subsection Attributes
10420
10421 @subsubsection Memory Access Mode
10422 The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
10423 write accesses to a memory region.
10424
10425 While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
10426 memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
10427 etc.@: from accessing memory.
10428
10429 @table @code
10430 @item ro
10431 Memory is read only.
10432 @item wo
10433 Memory is write only.
10434 @item rw
10435 Memory is read/write. This is the default.
10436 @end table
10437
10438 @subsubsection Memory Access Size
10439 The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
10440 accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
10441 require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
10442 specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
10443
10444 @table @code
10445 @item 8
10446 Use 8 bit memory accesses.
10447 @item 16
10448 Use 16 bit memory accesses.
10449 @item 32
10450 Use 32 bit memory accesses.
10451 @item 64
10452 Use 64 bit memory accesses.
10453 @end table
10454
10455 @c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
10456 @c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
10457 @c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
10458 @c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
10459 @c
10460 @c @table @code
10461 @c @item hwbreak
10462 @c Always use hardware breakpoints
10463 @c @item swbreak (default)
10464 @c @end table
10465
10466 @subsubsection Data Cache
10467 The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
10468 memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
10469 protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
10470 does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
10471 registers.
10472
10473 @table @code
10474 @item cache
10475 Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
10476 @item nocache
10477 Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
10478 @end table
10479
10480 @subsection Memory Access Checking
10481 @value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
10482 not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
10483 regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
10484 better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
10485
10486 @table @code
10487 @kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
10488 @item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
10489 If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
10490 explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
10491 to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
10492 memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
10493 treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
10494 The default value is @code{on}.
10495 @kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
10496 @item show mem inaccessible-by-default
10497 Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
10498 @end table
10499
10500
10501 @c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
10502 @c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
10503 @c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
10504 @c
10505 @c @table @code
10506 @c @item verify
10507 @c @item noverify (default)
10508 @c @end table
10509
10510 @node Dump/Restore Files
10511 @section Copy Between Memory and a File
10512 @cindex dump/restore files
10513 @cindex append data to a file
10514 @cindex dump data to a file
10515 @cindex restore data from a file
10516
10517 You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
10518 @code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
10519 @code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
10520 @code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
10521 memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex, or
10522 Tektronix Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only append to binary
10523 files.
10524
10525 @table @code
10526
10527 @kindex dump
10528 @item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
10529 @itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
10530 Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
10531 or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
10532
10533 The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
10534 @table @code
10535 @item binary
10536 Raw binary form.
10537 @item ihex
10538 Intel hex format.
10539 @item srec
10540 Motorola S-record format.
10541 @item tekhex
10542 Tektronix Hex format.
10543 @end table
10544
10545 @value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
10546 @sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
10547 @var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
10548 form.
10549
10550 @kindex append
10551 @item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
10552 @itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
10553 Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
10554 or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
10555 (@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
10556
10557 @kindex restore
10558 @item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
10559 Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
10560 @code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
10561 file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
10562 must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
10563
10564 If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
10565 contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
10566 they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
10567 a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
10568 from that location.
10569
10570 If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
10571 file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
10572 These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
10573 the @var{bias} argument is applied.
10574
10575 @end table
10576
10577 @node Core File Generation
10578 @section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
10579 @cindex dump core from inferior
10580
10581 A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
10582 image of a running process and its process status (register values
10583 etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
10584 crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
10585 automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
10586 the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
10587 the post-mortem debugging mode.
10588
10589 Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
10590 are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
10591 @value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
10592
10593 @table @code
10594 @kindex gcore
10595 @kindex generate-core-file
10596 @item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
10597 @itemx gcore [@var{file}]
10598 Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
10599 @var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
10600 specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
10601 @var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
10602
10603 Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
10604 this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, and S390).
10605 @end table
10606
10607 @node Character Sets
10608 @section Character Sets
10609 @cindex character sets
10610 @cindex charset
10611 @cindex translating between character sets
10612 @cindex host character set
10613 @cindex target character set
10614
10615 If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
10616 represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
10617 @value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
10618 you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
10619 character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
10620 @dfn{target character set}.
10621
10622 For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
10623 uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
10624 remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
10625 running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
10626 then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
10627 @sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
10628 target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
10629 @sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
10630 character and string literals in expressions.
10631
10632 @value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
10633 the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
10634 target-charset} command, described below.
10635
10636 Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
10637 support:
10638
10639 @table @code
10640 @item set target-charset @var{charset}
10641 @kindex set target-charset
10642 Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. To display the
10643 list of supported target character sets, type
10644 @kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
10645
10646 @item set host-charset @var{charset}
10647 @kindex set host-charset
10648 Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
10649
10650 By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
10651 system it is running on; you can override that default using the
10652 @code{set host-charset} command. On some systems, @value{GDBN} cannot
10653 automatically determine the appropriate host character set. In this
10654 case, @value{GDBN} uses @samp{UTF-8}.
10655
10656 @value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
10657 set. If you type @kbd{@w{set host-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
10658 @value{GDBN} will list the host character sets it supports.
10659
10660 @item set charset @var{charset}
10661 @kindex set charset
10662 Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
10663 above, if you type @kbd{@w{set charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
10664 @value{GDBN} will list the names of the character sets that can be used
10665 for both host and target.
10666
10667 @item show charset
10668 @kindex show charset
10669 Show the names of the current host and target character sets.
10670
10671 @item show host-charset
10672 @kindex show host-charset
10673 Show the name of the current host character set.
10674
10675 @item show target-charset
10676 @kindex show target-charset
10677 Show the name of the current target character set.
10678
10679 @item set target-wide-charset @var{charset}
10680 @kindex set target-wide-charset
10681 Set the current target's wide character set to @var{charset}. This is
10682 the character set used by the target's @code{wchar_t} type. To
10683 display the list of supported wide character sets, type
10684 @kbd{@w{set target-wide-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
10685
10686 @item show target-wide-charset
10687 @kindex show target-wide-charset
10688 Show the name of the current target's wide character set.
10689 @end table
10690
10691 Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
10692 Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
10693 @file{charset-test.c}:
10694
10695 @smallexample
10696 #include <stdio.h>
10697
10698 char ascii_hello[]
10699 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
10700 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
10701 char ibm1047_hello[]
10702 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
10703 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
10704
10705 main ()
10706 @{
10707 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
10708 @}
10709 @end smallexample
10710
10711 In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
10712 containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
10713 encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
10714
10715 We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
10716
10717 @smallexample
10718 $ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
10719 $ gdb -nw charset-test
10720 GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
10721 Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
10722 @dots{}
10723 (@value{GDBP})
10724 @end smallexample
10725
10726 We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
10727 @value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
10728 strings:
10729
10730 @smallexample
10731 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
10732 The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
10733 (@value{GDBP})
10734 @end smallexample
10735
10736 For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
10737 initial character set:
10738 @smallexample
10739 (@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
10740 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
10741 The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
10742 (@value{GDBP})
10743 @end smallexample
10744
10745 Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
10746 host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
10747 characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
10748 them properly. Since our current target character set is also
10749 @sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
10750
10751 @smallexample
10752 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
10753 $1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
10754 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
10755 $2 = 72 'H'
10756 (@value{GDBP})
10757 @end smallexample
10758
10759 @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
10760 literals you use in expressions:
10761
10762 @smallexample
10763 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
10764 $3 = 43 '+'
10765 (@value{GDBP})
10766 @end smallexample
10767
10768 The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
10769 character.
10770
10771 @value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
10772 target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
10773 character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
10774
10775 @smallexample
10776 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
10777 $4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
10778 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
10779 $5 = 200 '\310'
10780 (@value{GDBP})
10781 @end smallexample
10782
10783 If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
10784 @value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
10785
10786 @smallexample
10787 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
10788 ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
10789 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
10790 @end smallexample
10791
10792 We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
10793 program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
10794 @value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
10795 target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
10796 @sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
10797
10798 @smallexample
10799 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
10800 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
10801 The current host character set is `ASCII'.
10802 The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
10803 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
10804 $6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
10805 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
10806 $7 = 72 '\110'
10807 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
10808 $8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
10809 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
10810 $9 = 200 'H'
10811 (@value{GDBP})
10812 @end smallexample
10813
10814 As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
10815 string literals you use in expressions:
10816
10817 @smallexample
10818 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
10819 $10 = 78 '+'
10820 (@value{GDBP})
10821 @end smallexample
10822
10823 The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
10824 character.
10825
10826 @node Caching Target Data
10827 @section Caching Data of Targets
10828 @cindex caching data of targets
10829
10830 @value{GDBN} caches data exchanged between the debugger and a target.
10831 Each cache is associated with the address space of the inferior.
10832 @xref{Inferiors and Programs}, about inferior and address space.
10833 Such caching generally improves performance in remote debugging
10834 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), because it reduces the overhead of the
10835 remote protocol by bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks.
10836 Unfortunately, simply caching everything would lead to incorrect results,
10837 since @value{GDBN} does not necessarily know anything about volatile
10838 values, memory-mapped I/O addresses, etc. Furthermore, in non-stop mode
10839 (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) memory can be changed @emph{while} a gdb command
10840 is executing.
10841 Therefore, by default, @value{GDBN} only caches data
10842 known to be on the stack@footnote{In non-stop mode, it is moderately
10843 rare for a running thread to modify the stack of a stopped thread
10844 in a way that would interfere with a backtrace, and caching of
10845 stack reads provides a significant speed up of remote backtraces.} or
10846 in the code segment.
10847 Other regions of memory can be explicitly marked as
10848 cacheable; @pxref{Memory Region Attributes}.
10849
10850 @table @code
10851 @kindex set remotecache
10852 @item set remotecache on
10853 @itemx set remotecache off
10854 This option no longer does anything; it exists for compatibility
10855 with old scripts.
10856
10857 @kindex show remotecache
10858 @item show remotecache
10859 Show the current state of the obsolete remotecache flag.
10860
10861 @kindex set stack-cache
10862 @item set stack-cache on
10863 @itemx set stack-cache off
10864 Enable or disable caching of stack accesses. When @code{on}, use
10865 caching. By default, this option is @code{on}.
10866
10867 @kindex show stack-cache
10868 @item show stack-cache
10869 Show the current state of data caching for memory accesses.
10870
10871 @kindex set code-cache
10872 @item set code-cache on
10873 @itemx set code-cache off
10874 Enable or disable caching of code segment accesses. When @code{on},
10875 use caching. By default, this option is @code{on}. This improves
10876 performance of disassembly in remote debugging.
10877
10878 @kindex show code-cache
10879 @item show code-cache
10880 Show the current state of target memory cache for code segment
10881 accesses.
10882
10883 @kindex info dcache
10884 @item info dcache @r{[}line@r{]}
10885 Print the information about the performance of data cache of the
10886 current inferior's address space. The information displayed
10887 includes the dcache width and depth, and for each cache line, its
10888 number, address, and how many times it was referenced. This
10889 command is useful for debugging the data cache operation.
10890
10891 If a line number is specified, the contents of that line will be
10892 printed in hex.
10893
10894 @item set dcache size @var{size}
10895 @cindex dcache size
10896 @kindex set dcache size
10897 Set maximum number of entries in dcache (dcache depth above).
10898
10899 @item set dcache line-size @var{line-size}
10900 @cindex dcache line-size
10901 @kindex set dcache line-size
10902 Set number of bytes each dcache entry caches (dcache width above).
10903 Must be a power of 2.
10904
10905 @item show dcache size
10906 @kindex show dcache size
10907 Show maximum number of dcache entries. @xref{Caching Target Data, info dcache}.
10908
10909 @item show dcache line-size
10910 @kindex show dcache line-size
10911 Show default size of dcache lines.
10912
10913 @end table
10914
10915 @node Searching Memory
10916 @section Search Memory
10917 @cindex searching memory
10918
10919 Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
10920 @code{find} command.
10921
10922 @table @code
10923 @kindex find
10924 @item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
10925 @itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
10926 Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
10927 etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
10928 @var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
10929 @end table
10930
10931 @var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
10932 They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
10933
10934 @table @r
10935 @item @var{s}, search query size
10936 The size of each search query value.
10937
10938 @table @code
10939 @item b
10940 bytes
10941 @item h
10942 halfwords (two bytes)
10943 @item w
10944 words (four bytes)
10945 @item g
10946 giant words (eight bytes)
10947 @end table
10948
10949 All values are interpreted in the current language.
10950 This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
10951 then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
10952
10953 If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
10954 value's type in the current language.
10955 This is useful when one wants to specify the search
10956 pattern as a mixture of types.
10957 Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
10958 a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
10959 which is typically four bytes.
10960
10961 @item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
10962 The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
10963 @end table
10964
10965 You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
10966 (@code{"}).
10967 The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
10968 regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
10969
10970 The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
10971 number of matches found.
10972
10973 The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
10974 @samp{$_}.
10975 A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
10976
10977 For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
10978
10979 @smallexample
10980 void
10981 hello ()
10982 @{
10983 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
10984 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
10985 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
10986 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
10987 printf ("%s\n", hello);
10988 @}
10989 @end smallexample
10990
10991 @noindent
10992 you get during debugging:
10993
10994 @smallexample
10995 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
10996 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
10997 1 pattern found
10998 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
10999 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
11000 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
11001 2 patterns found
11002 (gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
11003 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
11004 1 pattern found
11005 (gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
11006 0x8049560 <mixed.1625>
11007 1 pattern found
11008 (gdb) print $numfound
11009 $1 = 1
11010 (gdb) print $_
11011 $2 = (void *) 0x8049560
11012 @end smallexample
11013
11014 @node Optimized Code
11015 @chapter Debugging Optimized Code
11016 @cindex optimized code, debugging
11017 @cindex debugging optimized code
11018
11019 Almost all compilers support optimization. With optimization
11020 disabled, the compiler generates assembly code that corresponds
11021 directly to your source code, in a simplistic way. As the compiler
11022 applies more powerful optimizations, the generated assembly code
11023 diverges from your original source code. With help from debugging
11024 information generated by the compiler, @value{GDBN} can map from
11025 the running program back to constructs from your original source.
11026
11027 @value{GDBN} is more accurate with optimization disabled. If you
11028 can recompile without optimization, it is easier to follow the
11029 progress of your program during debugging. But, there are many cases
11030 where you may need to debug an optimized version.
11031
11032 When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
11033 optimizer has rearranged your code; the debugger shows you what is
11034 really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
11035 exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
11036 variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
11037 variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
11038
11039 Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
11040 @samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
11041 doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
11042 please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
11043 @xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
11044
11045 @menu
11046 * Inline Functions:: How @value{GDBN} presents inlining
11047 * Tail Call Frames:: @value{GDBN} analysis of jumps to functions
11048 @end menu
11049
11050 @node Inline Functions
11051 @section Inline Functions
11052 @cindex inline functions, debugging
11053
11054 @dfn{Inlining} is an optimization that inserts a copy of the function
11055 body directly at each call site, instead of jumping to a shared
11056 routine. @value{GDBN} displays inlined functions just like
11057 non-inlined functions. They appear in backtraces. You can view their
11058 arguments and local variables, step into them with @code{step}, skip
11059 them with @code{next}, and escape from them with @code{finish}.
11060 You can check whether a function was inlined by using the
11061 @code{info frame} command.
11062
11063 For @value{GDBN} to support inlined functions, the compiler must
11064 record information about inlining in the debug information ---
11065 @value{NGCC} using the @sc{dwarf 2} format does this, and several
11066 other compilers do also. @value{GDBN} only supports inlined functions
11067 when using @sc{dwarf 2}. Versions of @value{NGCC} before 4.1
11068 do not emit two required attributes (@samp{DW_AT_call_file} and
11069 @samp{DW_AT_call_line}); @value{GDBN} does not display inlined
11070 function calls with earlier versions of @value{NGCC}. It instead
11071 displays the arguments and local variables of inlined functions as
11072 local variables in the caller.
11073
11074 The body of an inlined function is directly included at its call site;
11075 unlike a non-inlined function, there are no instructions devoted to
11076 the call. @value{GDBN} still pretends that the call site and the
11077 start of the inlined function are different instructions. Stepping to
11078 the call site shows the call site, and then stepping again shows
11079 the first line of the inlined function, even though no additional
11080 instructions are executed.
11081
11082 This makes source-level debugging much clearer; you can see both the
11083 context of the call and then the effect of the call. Only stepping by
11084 a single instruction using @code{stepi} or @code{nexti} does not do
11085 this; single instruction steps always show the inlined body.
11086
11087 There are some ways that @value{GDBN} does not pretend that inlined
11088 function calls are the same as normal calls:
11089
11090 @itemize @bullet
11091 @item
11092 Setting breakpoints at the call site of an inlined function may not
11093 work, because the call site does not contain any code. @value{GDBN}
11094 may incorrectly move the breakpoint to the next line of the enclosing
11095 function, after the call. This limitation will be removed in a future
11096 version of @value{GDBN}; until then, set a breakpoint on an earlier line
11097 or inside the inlined function instead.
11098
11099 @item
11100 @value{GDBN} cannot locate the return value of inlined calls after
11101 using the @code{finish} command. This is a limitation of compiler-generated
11102 debugging information; after @code{finish}, you can step to the next line
11103 and print a variable where your program stored the return value.
11104
11105 @end itemize
11106
11107 @node Tail Call Frames
11108 @section Tail Call Frames
11109 @cindex tail call frames, debugging
11110
11111 Function @code{B} can call function @code{C} in its very last statement. In
11112 unoptimized compilation the call of @code{C} is immediately followed by return
11113 instruction at the end of @code{B} code. Optimizing compiler may replace the
11114 call and return in function @code{B} into one jump to function @code{C}
11115 instead. Such use of a jump instruction is called @dfn{tail call}.
11116
11117 During execution of function @code{C}, there will be no indication in the
11118 function call stack frames that it was tail-called from @code{B}. If function
11119 @code{A} regularly calls function @code{B} which tail-calls function @code{C},
11120 then @value{GDBN} will see @code{A} as the caller of @code{C}. However, in
11121 some cases @value{GDBN} can determine that @code{C} was tail-called from
11122 @code{B}, and it will then create fictitious call frame for that, with the
11123 return address set up as if @code{B} called @code{C} normally.
11124
11125 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
11126 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_GNU_call_site} tags. With
11127 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
11128 this information.
11129
11130 @kbd{info frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info}) will indicate the tail call frame
11131 kind by text @code{tail call frame} such as in this sample @value{GDBN} output:
11132
11133 @smallexample
11134 (gdb) x/i $pc - 2
11135 0x40066b <b(int, double)+11>: jmp 0x400640 <c(int, double)>
11136 (gdb) info frame
11137 Stack level 1, frame at 0x7fffffffda30:
11138 rip = 0x40066d in b (amd64-entry-value.cc:59); saved rip 0x4004c5
11139 tail call frame, caller of frame at 0x7fffffffda30
11140 source language c++.
11141 Arglist at unknown address.
11142 Locals at unknown address, Previous frame's sp is 0x7fffffffda30
11143 @end smallexample
11144
11145 The detection of all the possible code path executions can find them ambiguous.
11146 There is no execution history stored (possible @ref{Reverse Execution} is never
11147 used for this purpose) and the last known caller could have reached the known
11148 callee by multiple different jump sequences. In such case @value{GDBN} still
11149 tries to show at least all the unambiguous top tail callers and all the
11150 unambiguous bottom tail calees, if any.
11151
11152 @table @code
11153 @anchor{set debug entry-values}
11154 @item set debug entry-values
11155 @kindex set debug entry-values
11156 When set to on, enables printing of analysis messages for both frame argument
11157 values at function entry and tail calls. It will show all the possible valid
11158 tail calls code paths it has considered. It will also print the intersection
11159 of them with the final unambiguous (possibly partial or even empty) code path
11160 result.
11161
11162 @item show debug entry-values
11163 @kindex show debug entry-values
11164 Show the current state of analysis messages printing for both frame argument
11165 values at function entry and tail calls.
11166 @end table
11167
11168 The analysis messages for tail calls can for example show why the virtual tail
11169 call frame for function @code{c} has not been recognized (due to the indirect
11170 reference by variable @code{x}):
11171
11172 @smallexample
11173 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void);
11174 void (*x) (void) = c;
11175 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
11176 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ a (); @}
11177 int main (void) @{ x (); return 0; @}
11178
11179 Breakpoint 1, DW_OP_GNU_entry_value resolving cannot find
11180 DW_TAG_GNU_call_site 0x40039a in main
11181 a () at t.c:3
11182 3 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
11183 (gdb) bt
11184 #0 a () at t.c:3
11185 #1 0x000000000040039a in main () at t.c:5
11186 @end smallexample
11187
11188 Another possibility is an ambiguous virtual tail call frames resolution:
11189
11190 @smallexample
11191 int i;
11192 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) f (void) @{ i++; @}
11193 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) e (void) @{ f (); @}
11194 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) d (void) @{ f (); @}
11195 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ d (); @}
11196 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (void)
11197 @{ if (i) c (); else e (); @}
11198 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ b (); @}
11199 int main (void) @{ a (); return 0; @}
11200
11201 tailcall: initial: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004ce(b) 0x4004b2(c) 0x4004a2(d)
11202 tailcall: compare: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004cc(b) 0x400492(e)
11203 tailcall: reduced: 0x4004d2(a) |
11204 (gdb) bt
11205 #0 f () at t.c:2
11206 #1 0x00000000004004d2 in a () at t.c:8
11207 #2 0x0000000000400395 in main () at t.c:9
11208 @end smallexample
11209
11210 @set CALLSEQ1A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}c@value{ARROW}d@value{ARROW}f}
11211 @set CALLSEQ2A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}e@value{ARROW}f}
11212
11213 @c Convert CALLSEQ#A to CALLSEQ#B depending on HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK.
11214 @ifset HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
11215 @set ARROW @click{}
11216 @set CALLSEQ1B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ1A}}
11217 @set CALLSEQ2B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ2A}}
11218 @end ifset
11219 @ifclear HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
11220 @set ARROW ->
11221 @set CALLSEQ1B @value{CALLSEQ1A}
11222 @set CALLSEQ2B @value{CALLSEQ2A}
11223 @end ifclear
11224
11225 Frames #0 and #2 are real, #1 is a virtual tail call frame.
11226 The code can have possible execution paths @value{CALLSEQ1B} or
11227 @value{CALLSEQ2B}, @value{GDBN} cannot find which one from the inferior state.
11228
11229 @code{initial:} state shows some random possible calling sequence @value{GDBN}
11230 has found. It then finds another possible calling sequcen - that one is
11231 prefixed by @code{compare:}. The non-ambiguous intersection of these two is
11232 printed as the @code{reduced:} calling sequence. That one could have many
11233 futher @code{compare:} and @code{reduced:} statements as long as there remain
11234 any non-ambiguous sequence entries.
11235
11236 For the frame of function @code{b} in both cases there are different possible
11237 @code{$pc} values (@code{0x4004cc} or @code{0x4004ce}), therefore this frame is
11238 also ambigous. The only non-ambiguous frame is the one for function @code{a},
11239 therefore this one is displayed to the user while the ambiguous frames are
11240 omitted.
11241
11242 There can be also reasons why printing of frame argument values at function
11243 entry may fail:
11244
11245 @smallexample
11246 int v;
11247 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (int i) @{ v++; @}
11248 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i);
11249 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (int i) @{ a (i); @}
11250 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i)
11251 @{ if (i) b (i - 1); else c (0); @}
11252 int main (void) @{ a (5); return 0; @}
11253
11254 (gdb) bt
11255 #0 c (i=i@@entry=0) at t.c:2
11256 #1 0x0000000000400428 in a (DW_OP_GNU_entry_value resolving has found
11257 function "a" at 0x400420 can call itself via tail calls
11258 i=<optimized out>) at t.c:6
11259 #2 0x000000000040036e in main () at t.c:7
11260 @end smallexample
11261
11262 @value{GDBN} cannot find out from the inferior state if and how many times did
11263 function @code{a} call itself (via function @code{b}) as these calls would be
11264 tail calls. Such tail calls would modify thue @code{i} variable, therefore
11265 @value{GDBN} cannot be sure the value it knows would be right - @value{GDBN}
11266 prints @code{<optimized out>} instead.
11267
11268 @node Macros
11269 @chapter C Preprocessor Macros
11270
11271 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
11272 ``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
11273 @value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
11274 the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
11275 where it was defined.
11276
11277 You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
11278 with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
11279 include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
11280 with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
11281
11282 A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
11283 and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
11284 points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
11285 no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
11286 uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
11287 @value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
11288 see @ref{List}.
11289
11290 Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
11291 macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
11292 the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
11293
11294 @table @code
11295
11296 @kindex macro expand
11297 @cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
11298 @cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
11299 @cindex expanding preprocessor macros
11300 @item macro expand @var{expression}
11301 @itemx macro exp @var{expression}
11302 Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
11303 @var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
11304 not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
11305 it can be any string of tokens.
11306
11307 @kindex macro exp1
11308 @item macro expand-once @var{expression}
11309 @itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
11310 @cindex expand macro once
11311 @i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
11312 expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
11313 @var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
11314 left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
11315 particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
11316 expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
11317 parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
11318 can be any string of tokens.
11319
11320 @kindex info macro
11321 @cindex macro definition, showing
11322 @cindex definition of a macro, showing
11323 @cindex macros, from debug info
11324 @item info macro [-a|-all] [--] @var{macro}
11325 Show the current definition or all definitions of the named @var{macro},
11326 and describe the source location or compiler command-line where that
11327 definition was established. The optional double dash is to signify the end of
11328 argument processing and the beginning of @var{macro} for non C-like macros where
11329 the macro may begin with a hyphen.
11330
11331 @kindex info macros
11332 @item info macros @var{linespec}
11333 Show all macro definitions that are in effect at the location specified
11334 by @var{linespec}, and describe the source location or compiler
11335 command-line where those definitions were established.
11336
11337 @kindex macro define
11338 @cindex user-defined macros
11339 @cindex defining macros interactively
11340 @cindex macros, user-defined
11341 @item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
11342 @itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
11343 Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
11344 invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
11345 @var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
11346 ``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
11347 defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
11348 @var{arglist}.
11349
11350 A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
11351 expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
11352 @code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
11353 all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
11354 as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
11355
11356 @kindex macro undef
11357 @item macro undef @var{macro}
11358 Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
11359 This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
11360 define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
11361 in the program being debugged.
11362
11363 @kindex macro list
11364 @item macro list
11365 List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
11366 @end table
11367
11368 @cindex macros, example of debugging with
11369 Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
11370 show our source files:
11371
11372 @smallexample
11373 $ cat sample.c
11374 #include <stdio.h>
11375 #include "sample.h"
11376
11377 #define M 42
11378 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
11379
11380 main ()
11381 @{
11382 #define N 28
11383 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
11384 #undef N
11385 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
11386 #define N 1729
11387 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
11388 @}
11389 $ cat sample.h
11390 #define Q <
11391 $
11392 @end smallexample
11393
11394 Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
11395 @value{NGCC}. We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2}@footnote{This is the
11396 minimum. Recent versions of @value{NGCC} support @option{-gdwarf-3}
11397 and @option{-gdwarf-4}; we recommend always choosing the most recent
11398 version of DWARF.} @emph{and} @option{-g3} flags to ensure the compiler
11399 includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
11400 information.
11401
11402 @smallexample
11403 $ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
11404 $
11405 @end smallexample
11406
11407 Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
11408
11409 @smallexample
11410 $ gdb -nw sample
11411 GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
11412 Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
11413 GDB is free software, @dots{}
11414 (@value{GDBP})
11415 @end smallexample
11416
11417 We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
11418 program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
11419 to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
11420
11421 @smallexample
11422 (@value{GDBP}) list main
11423 3
11424 4 #define M 42
11425 5 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
11426 6
11427 7 main ()
11428 8 @{
11429 9 #define N 28
11430 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
11431 11 #undef N
11432 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
11433 (@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
11434 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
11435 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
11436 (@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
11437 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
11438 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
11439 #define Q <
11440 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
11441 expands to: (42 + 1)
11442 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
11443 expands to: once (M + 1)
11444 (@value{GDBP})
11445 @end smallexample
11446
11447 In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
11448 the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
11449 @code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
11450 which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
11451
11452 Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
11453 force at the source line of the current stack frame:
11454
11455 @smallexample
11456 (@value{GDBP}) break main
11457 Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
11458 (@value{GDBP}) run
11459 Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
11460
11461 Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
11462 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
11463 (@value{GDBP})
11464 @end smallexample
11465
11466 At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
11467
11468 @smallexample
11469 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
11470 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
11471 #define N 28
11472 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
11473 expands to: 28 < 42
11474 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
11475 $1 = 1
11476 (@value{GDBP})
11477 @end smallexample
11478
11479 As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
11480 give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
11481 thereof) in force at each point:
11482
11483 @smallexample
11484 (@value{GDBP}) next
11485 Hello, world!
11486 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
11487 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
11488 The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
11489 at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
11490 (@value{GDBP}) next
11491 We're so creative.
11492 14 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
11493 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
11494 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
11495 #define N 1729
11496 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
11497 expands to: 1729 < 42
11498 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
11499 $2 = 0
11500 (@value{GDBP})
11501 @end smallexample
11502
11503 In addition to source files, macros can be defined on the compilation command
11504 line using the @option{-D@var{name}=@var{value}} syntax. For macros defined in
11505 such a way, @value{GDBN} displays the location of their definition as line zero
11506 of the source file submitted to the compiler.
11507
11508 @smallexample
11509 (@value{GDBP}) info macro __STDC__
11510 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:0
11511 -D__STDC__=1
11512 (@value{GDBP})
11513 @end smallexample
11514
11515
11516 @node Tracepoints
11517 @chapter Tracepoints
11518 @c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
11519 @c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
11520
11521 @cindex tracepoints
11522 In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
11523 the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
11524 anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
11525 depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
11526 might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
11527 fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
11528 to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
11529
11530 Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
11531 specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
11532 arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
11533 Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
11534 those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
11535 expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
11536 for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
11537 a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
11538 in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
11539 values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
11540 unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
11541
11542 The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
11543 targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
11544 how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
11545 remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
11546 support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
11547 packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
11548 Packets}.
11549
11550 It is also possible to get trace data from a file, in a manner reminiscent
11551 of corefiles; you specify the filename, and use @code{tfind} to search
11552 through the file. @xref{Trace Files}, for more details.
11553
11554 This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
11555
11556 @menu
11557 * Set Tracepoints::
11558 * Analyze Collected Data::
11559 * Tracepoint Variables::
11560 * Trace Files::
11561 @end menu
11562
11563 @node Set Tracepoints
11564 @section Commands to Set Tracepoints
11565
11566 Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
11567 tracepoints can be set. A tracepoint is actually a special type of
11568 breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), so you can manipulate it using
11569 standard breakpoint commands. For instance, as with breakpoints,
11570 tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from one, and many
11571 of the commands associated with tracepoints take the tracepoint number
11572 as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to work on.
11573
11574 For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
11575 of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
11576 it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
11577 local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
11578 commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
11579 tracepoint was hit.
11580
11581 Tracepoints do not support every breakpoint feature. Ignore counts on
11582 tracepoints have no effect, and tracepoints cannot run @value{GDBN}
11583 commands when they are hit. Tracepoints may not be thread-specific
11584 either.
11585
11586 @cindex fast tracepoints
11587 Some targets may support @dfn{fast tracepoints}, which are inserted in
11588 a different way (such as with a jump instead of a trap), that is
11589 faster but possibly restricted in where they may be installed.
11590
11591 @cindex static tracepoints
11592 @cindex markers, static tracepoints
11593 @cindex probing markers, static tracepoints
11594 Regular and fast tracepoints are dynamic tracing facilities, meaning
11595 that they can be used to insert tracepoints at (almost) any location
11596 in the target. Some targets may also support controlling @dfn{static
11597 tracepoints} from @value{GDBN}. With static tracing, a set of
11598 instrumentation points, also known as @dfn{markers}, are embedded in
11599 the target program, and can be activated or deactivated by name or
11600 address. These are usually placed at locations which facilitate
11601 investigating what the target is actually doing. @value{GDBN}'s
11602 support for static tracing includes being able to list instrumentation
11603 points, and attach them with @value{GDBN} defined high level
11604 tracepoints that expose the whole range of convenience of
11605 @value{GDBN}'s tracepoints support. Namely, support for collecting
11606 registers values and values of global or local (to the instrumentation
11607 point) variables; tracepoint conditions and trace state variables.
11608 The act of installing a @value{GDBN} static tracepoint on an
11609 instrumentation point, or marker, is referred to as @dfn{probing} a
11610 static tracepoint marker.
11611
11612 @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints on some target systems.
11613 @xref{Server,,Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}}.
11614
11615 This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
11616 conditions and actions.
11617
11618 @menu
11619 * Create and Delete Tracepoints::
11620 * Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
11621 * Tracepoint Passcounts::
11622 * Tracepoint Conditions::
11623 * Trace State Variables::
11624 * Tracepoint Actions::
11625 * Listing Tracepoints::
11626 * Listing Static Tracepoint Markers::
11627 * Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
11628 * Tracepoint Restrictions::
11629 @end menu
11630
11631 @node Create and Delete Tracepoints
11632 @subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
11633
11634 @table @code
11635 @cindex set tracepoint
11636 @kindex trace
11637 @item trace @var{location}
11638 The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
11639 Its argument @var{location} can be a source line, a function name, or
11640 an address in the target program. @xref{Specify Location}. The
11641 @code{trace} command defines a tracepoint, which is a point in the
11642 target program where the debugger will briefly stop, collect some
11643 data, and then allow the program to continue. Setting a tracepoint or
11644 changing its actions takes effect immediately if the remote stub
11645 supports the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature (@pxref{install tracepoint
11646 in tracing}).
11647 If remote stub doesn't support the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature, all
11648 these changes don't take effect until the next @code{tstart}
11649 command, and once a trace experiment is running, further changes will
11650 not have any effect until the next trace experiment starts. In addition,
11651 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{pending tracepoints}---tracepoints whose
11652 address is not yet resolved. (This is similar to pending breakpoints.)
11653 Pending tracepoints are not downloaded to the target and not installed
11654 until they are resolved. The resolution of pending tracepoints requires
11655 @value{GDBN} support---when debugging with the remote target, and
11656 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the remote stub (@pxref{disconnected
11657 tracing}), pending tracepoints can not be resolved (and downloaded to
11658 the remote stub) while @value{GDBN} is disconnected.
11659
11660 Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
11661
11662 @smallexample
11663 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
11664
11665 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
11666
11667 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
11668
11669 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
11670
11671 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
11672 @end smallexample
11673
11674 @noindent
11675 You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
11676
11677 @item trace @var{location} if @var{cond}
11678 Set a tracepoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
11679 @var{cond} each time the tracepoint is reached, and collect data only
11680 if the value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
11681 @xref{Tracepoint Conditions, ,Tracepoint Conditions}, for more
11682 information on tracepoint conditions.
11683
11684 @item ftrace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
11685 @cindex set fast tracepoint
11686 @cindex fast tracepoints, setting
11687 @kindex ftrace
11688 The @code{ftrace} command sets a fast tracepoint. For targets that
11689 support them, fast tracepoints will use a more efficient but possibly
11690 less general technique to trigger data collection, such as a jump
11691 instruction instead of a trap, or some sort of hardware support. It
11692 may not be possible to create a fast tracepoint at the desired
11693 location, in which case the command will exit with an explanatory
11694 message.
11695
11696 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{ftrace} exactly as for
11697 @code{trace}.
11698
11699 On 32-bit x86-architecture systems, fast tracepoints normally need to
11700 be placed at an instruction that is 5 bytes or longer, but can be
11701 placed at 4-byte instructions if the low 64K of memory of the target
11702 program is available to install trampolines. Some Unix-type systems,
11703 such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, exclude low addresses from the program's
11704 address space; but for instance with the Linux kernel it is possible
11705 to let @value{GDBN} use this area by doing a @command{sysctl} command
11706 to set the @code{mmap_min_addr} kernel parameter, as in
11707
11708 @example
11709 sudo sysctl -w vm.mmap_min_addr=32768
11710 @end example
11711
11712 @noindent
11713 which sets the low address to 32K, which leaves plenty of room for
11714 trampolines. The minimum address should be set to a page boundary.
11715
11716 @item strace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
11717 @cindex set static tracepoint
11718 @cindex static tracepoints, setting
11719 @cindex probe static tracepoint marker
11720 @kindex strace
11721 The @code{strace} command sets a static tracepoint. For targets that
11722 support it, setting a static tracepoint probes a static
11723 instrumentation point, or marker, found at @var{location}. It may not
11724 be possible to set a static tracepoint at the desired location, in
11725 which case the command will exit with an explanatory message.
11726
11727 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{strace} exactly as for
11728 @code{trace}, with the addition that the user can also specify
11729 @code{-m @var{marker}} as @var{location}. This probes the marker
11730 identified by the @var{marker} string identifier. This identifier
11731 depends on the static tracepoint backend library your program is
11732 using. You can find all the marker identifiers in the @samp{ID} field
11733 of the @code{info static-tracepoint-markers} command output.
11734 @xref{Listing Static Tracepoint Markers,,Listing Static Tracepoint
11735 Markers}. For example, in the following small program using the UST
11736 tracing engine:
11737
11738 @smallexample
11739 main ()
11740 @{
11741 trace_mark(ust, bar33, "str %s", "FOOBAZ");
11742 @}
11743 @end smallexample
11744
11745 @noindent
11746 the marker id is composed of joining the first two arguments to the
11747 @code{trace_mark} call with a slash, which translates to:
11748
11749 @smallexample
11750 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
11751 Cnt Enb ID Address What
11752 1 n ust/bar33 0x0000000000400ddc in main at stexample.c:22
11753 Data: "str %s"
11754 [etc...]
11755 @end smallexample
11756
11757 @noindent
11758 so you may probe the marker above with:
11759
11760 @smallexample
11761 (@value{GDBP}) strace -m ust/bar33
11762 @end smallexample
11763
11764 Static tracepoints accept an extra collect action --- @code{collect
11765 $_sdata}. This collects arbitrary user data passed in the probe point
11766 call to the tracing library. In the UST example above, you'll see
11767 that the third argument to @code{trace_mark} is a printf-like format
11768 string. The user data is then the result of running that formating
11769 string against the following arguments. Note that @code{info
11770 static-tracepoint-markers} command output lists that format string in
11771 the @samp{Data:} field.
11772
11773 You can inspect this data when analyzing the trace buffer, by printing
11774 the $_sdata variable like any other variable available to
11775 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}.
11776
11777 @vindex $tpnum
11778 @cindex last tracepoint number
11779 @cindex recent tracepoint number
11780 @cindex tracepoint number
11781 The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
11782 of the most recently set tracepoint.
11783
11784 @kindex delete tracepoint
11785 @cindex tracepoint deletion
11786 @item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11787 Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
11788 default is to delete all tracepoints. Note that the regular
11789 @code{delete} command can remove tracepoints also.
11790
11791 Examples:
11792
11793 @smallexample
11794 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
11795
11796 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
11797 @end smallexample
11798
11799 @noindent
11800 You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
11801 @end table
11802
11803 @node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
11804 @subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
11805
11806 These commands are deprecated; they are equivalent to plain @code{disable} and @code{enable}.
11807
11808 @table @code
11809 @kindex disable tracepoint
11810 @item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11811 Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
11812 @var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
11813 a trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
11814 a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
11815 If the command is issued during a trace experiment and the debug target
11816 has support for disabling tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the
11817 change will be effective immediately. Otherwise, it will be applied to the
11818 next trace experiment.
11819
11820 @kindex enable tracepoint
11821 @item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11822 Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. If this command is
11823 issued during a trace experiment and the debug target supports enabling
11824 tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the enabled tracepoints will
11825 become effective immediately. Otherwise, they will become effective the
11826 next time a trace experiment is run.
11827 @end table
11828
11829 @node Tracepoint Passcounts
11830 @subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
11831
11832 @table @code
11833 @kindex passcount
11834 @cindex tracepoint pass count
11835 @item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
11836 Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
11837 automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
11838 @var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
11839 the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
11840 @var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
11841 passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
11842 given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
11843 user.
11844
11845 Examples:
11846
11847 @smallexample
11848 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
11849 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
11850
11851 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
11852 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
11853 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
11854 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
11855 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
11856 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
11857 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
11858 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
11859 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
11860 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
11861 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
11862 @end smallexample
11863 @end table
11864
11865 @node Tracepoint Conditions
11866 @subsection Tracepoint Conditions
11867 @cindex conditional tracepoints
11868 @cindex tracepoint conditions
11869
11870 The simplest sort of tracepoint collects data every time your program
11871 reaches a specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for
11872 a tracepoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
11873 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A
11874 tracepoint with a condition evaluates the expression each time your
11875 program reaches it, and data collection happens only if the condition
11876 is true.
11877
11878 Tracepoint conditions can be specified when a tracepoint is set, by
11879 using @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{trace} command.
11880 @xref{Create and Delete Tracepoints, ,Setting Tracepoints}. They can
11881 also be set or changed at any time with the @code{condition} command,
11882 just as with breakpoints.
11883
11884 Unlike breakpoint conditions, @value{GDBN} does not actually evaluate
11885 the conditional expression itself. Instead, @value{GDBN} encodes the
11886 expression into an agent expression (@pxref{Agent Expressions})
11887 suitable for execution on the target, independently of @value{GDBN}.
11888 Global variables become raw memory locations, locals become stack
11889 accesses, and so forth.
11890
11891 For instance, suppose you have a function that is usually called
11892 frequently, but should not be called after an error has occurred. You
11893 could use the following tracepoint command to collect data about calls
11894 of that function that happen while the error code is propagating
11895 through the program; an unconditional tracepoint could end up
11896 collecting thousands of useless trace frames that you would have to
11897 search through.
11898
11899 @smallexample
11900 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{trace normal_operation if errcode > 0}
11901 @end smallexample
11902
11903 @node Trace State Variables
11904 @subsection Trace State Variables
11905 @cindex trace state variables
11906
11907 A @dfn{trace state variable} is a special type of variable that is
11908 created and managed by target-side code. The syntax is the same as
11909 that for GDB's convenience variables (a string prefixed with ``$''),
11910 but they are stored on the target. They must be created explicitly,
11911 using a @code{tvariable} command. They are always 64-bit signed
11912 integers.
11913
11914 Trace state variables are remembered by @value{GDBN}, and downloaded
11915 to the target along with tracepoint information when the trace
11916 experiment starts. There are no intrinsic limits on the number of
11917 trace state variables, beyond memory limitations of the target.
11918
11919 @cindex convenience variables, and trace state variables
11920 Although trace state variables are managed by the target, you can use
11921 them in print commands and expressions as if they were convenience
11922 variables; @value{GDBN} will get the current value from the target
11923 while the trace experiment is running. Trace state variables share
11924 the same namespace as other ``$'' variables, which means that you
11925 cannot have trace state variables with names like @code{$23} or
11926 @code{$pc}, nor can you have a trace state variable and a convenience
11927 variable with the same name.
11928
11929 @table @code
11930
11931 @item tvariable $@var{name} [ = @var{expression} ]
11932 @kindex tvariable
11933 The @code{tvariable} command creates a new trace state variable named
11934 @code{$@var{name}}, and optionally gives it an initial value of
11935 @var{expression}. @var{expression} is evaluated when this command is
11936 entered; the result will be converted to an integer if possible,
11937 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error. A subsequent
11938 @code{tvariable} command specifying the same name does not create a
11939 variable, but instead assigns the supplied initial value to the
11940 existing variable of that name, overwriting any previous initial
11941 value. The default initial value is 0.
11942
11943 @item info tvariables
11944 @kindex info tvariables
11945 List all the trace state variables along with their initial values.
11946 Their current values may also be displayed, if the trace experiment is
11947 currently running.
11948
11949 @item delete tvariable @r{[} $@var{name} @dots{} @r{]}
11950 @kindex delete tvariable
11951 Delete the given trace state variables, or all of them if no arguments
11952 are specified.
11953
11954 @end table
11955
11956 @node Tracepoint Actions
11957 @subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
11958
11959 @table @code
11960 @kindex actions
11961 @cindex tracepoint actions
11962 @item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11963 This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
11964 tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
11965 specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
11966 recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
11967 @code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
11968 actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
11969 terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
11970 far, the only defined actions are @code{collect}, @code{teval}, and
11971 @code{while-stepping}.
11972
11973 @code{actions} is actually equivalent to @code{commands} (@pxref{Break
11974 Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}), except that only the defined
11975 actions are allowed; any other @value{GDBN} command is rejected.
11976
11977 @cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
11978 To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
11979 and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
11980
11981 @smallexample
11982 (@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
11983
11984 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
11985
11986 (@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
11987 @end smallexample
11988
11989 In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
11990 commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
11991 hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
11992 following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
11993 followed by the list of things to be collected after each step in a
11994 sequence of single steps. The @code{while-stepping} command is
11995 terminated by its own separate @code{end} command. Lastly, the action
11996 list is terminated by an @code{end} command.
11997
11998 @smallexample
11999 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
12000 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
12001 Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
12002 > collect bar,baz
12003 > collect $regs
12004 > while-stepping 12
12005 > collect $pc, arr[i]
12006 > end
12007 end
12008 @end smallexample
12009
12010 @kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
12011 @item collect@r{[}/@var{mods}@r{]} @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
12012 Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
12013 This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
12014 In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
12015 special arguments are supported:
12016
12017 @table @code
12018 @item $regs
12019 Collect all registers.
12020
12021 @item $args
12022 Collect all function arguments.
12023
12024 @item $locals
12025 Collect all local variables.
12026
12027 @item $_ret
12028 Collect the return address. This is helpful if you want to see more
12029 of a backtrace.
12030
12031 @item $_probe_argc
12032 Collects the number of arguments from the static probe at which the
12033 tracepoint is located.
12034 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
12035
12036 @item $_probe_arg@var{n}
12037 @var{n} is an integer between 0 and 11. Collects the @var{n}th argument
12038 from the static probe at which the tracepoint is located.
12039 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
12040
12041 @item $_sdata
12042 @vindex $_sdata@r{, collect}
12043 Collect static tracepoint marker specific data. Only available for
12044 static tracepoints. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action
12045 Lists}. On the UST static tracepoints library backend, an
12046 instrumentation point resembles a @code{printf} function call. The
12047 tracing library is able to collect user specified data formatted to a
12048 character string using the format provided by the programmer that
12049 instrumented the program. Other backends have similar mechanisms.
12050 Here's an example of a UST marker call:
12051
12052 @smallexample
12053 const char master_name[] = "$your_name";
12054 trace_mark(channel1, marker1, "hello %s", master_name)
12055 @end smallexample
12056
12057 In this case, collecting @code{$_sdata} collects the string
12058 @samp{hello $yourname}. When analyzing the trace buffer, you can
12059 inspect @samp{$_sdata} like any other variable available to
12060 @value{GDBN}.
12061 @end table
12062
12063 You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
12064 with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
12065 arguments separated by commas; the effect is the same.
12066
12067 The optional @var{mods} changes the usual handling of the arguments.
12068 @code{s} requests that pointers to chars be handled as strings, in
12069 particular collecting the contents of the memory being pointed at, up
12070 to the first zero. The upper bound is by default the value of the
12071 @code{print elements} variable; if @code{s} is followed by a decimal
12072 number, that is the upper bound instead. So for instance
12073 @samp{collect/s25 mystr} collects as many as 25 characters at
12074 @samp{mystr}.
12075
12076 The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
12077 particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
12078
12079 @kindex teval @r{(tracepoints)}
12080 @item teval @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
12081 Evaluate the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit. This
12082 command accepts a comma-separated list of expressions. The results
12083 are discarded, so this is mainly useful for assigning values to trace
12084 state variables (@pxref{Trace State Variables}) without adding those
12085 values to the trace buffer, as would be the case if the @code{collect}
12086 action were used.
12087
12088 @kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
12089 @item while-stepping @var{n}
12090 Perform @var{n} single-step instruction traces after the tracepoint,
12091 collecting new data after each step. The @code{while-stepping}
12092 command is followed by the list of what to collect while stepping
12093 (followed by its own @code{end} command):
12094
12095 @smallexample
12096 > while-stepping 12
12097 > collect $regs, myglobal
12098 > end
12099 >
12100 @end smallexample
12101
12102 @noindent
12103 Note that @code{$pc} is not automatically collected by
12104 @code{while-stepping}; you need to explicitly collect that register if
12105 you need it. You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
12106 @code{stepping}.
12107
12108 @item set default-collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
12109 @kindex set default-collect
12110 @cindex default collection action
12111 This variable is a list of expressions to collect at each tracepoint
12112 hit. It is effectively an additional @code{collect} action prepended
12113 to every tracepoint action list. The expressions are parsed
12114 individually for each tracepoint, so for instance a variable named
12115 @code{xyz} may be interpreted as a global for one tracepoint, and a
12116 local for another, as appropriate to the tracepoint's location.
12117
12118 @item show default-collect
12119 @kindex show default-collect
12120 Show the list of expressions that are collected by default at each
12121 tracepoint hit.
12122
12123 @end table
12124
12125 @node Listing Tracepoints
12126 @subsection Listing Tracepoints
12127
12128 @table @code
12129 @kindex info tracepoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
12130 @kindex info tp @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
12131 @cindex information about tracepoints
12132 @item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@dots{}@r{]}
12133 Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't
12134 specify a tracepoint number, displays information about all the
12135 tracepoints defined so far. The format is similar to that used for
12136 @code{info breakpoints}; in fact, @code{info tracepoints} is the same
12137 command, simply restricting itself to tracepoints.
12138
12139 A tracepoint's listing may include additional information specific to
12140 tracing:
12141
12142 @itemize @bullet
12143 @item
12144 its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
12145
12146 @item
12147 the state about installed on target of each location
12148 @end itemize
12149
12150 @smallexample
12151 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
12152 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
12153 1 tracepoint keep y 0x0804ab57 in foo() at main.cxx:7
12154 while-stepping 20
12155 collect globfoo, $regs
12156 end
12157 collect globfoo2
12158 end
12159 pass count 1200
12160 2 tracepoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
12161 collect $eip
12162 2.1 y 0x0804859c in func4 at change-loc.h:35
12163 installed on target
12164 2.2 y 0xb7ffc480 in func4 at change-loc.h:35
12165 installed on target
12166 2.3 y <PENDING> set_tracepoint
12167 3 tracepoint keep y 0x080485b1 in foo at change-loc.c:29
12168 not installed on target
12169 (@value{GDBP})
12170 @end smallexample
12171
12172 @noindent
12173 This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
12174 @end table
12175
12176 @node Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
12177 @subsection Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
12178
12179 @table @code
12180 @kindex info static-tracepoint-markers
12181 @cindex information about static tracepoint markers
12182 @item info static-tracepoint-markers
12183 Display information about all static tracepoint markers defined in the
12184 program.
12185
12186 For each marker, the following columns are printed:
12187
12188 @table @emph
12189 @item Count
12190 An incrementing counter, output to help readability. This is not a
12191 stable identifier.
12192 @item ID
12193 The marker ID, as reported by the target.
12194 @item Enabled or Disabled
12195 Probed markers are tagged with @samp{y}. @samp{n} identifies marks
12196 that are not enabled.
12197 @item Address
12198 Where the marker is in your program, as a memory address.
12199 @item What
12200 Where the marker is in the source for your program, as a file and line
12201 number. If the debug information included in the program does not
12202 allow @value{GDBN} to locate the source of the marker, this column
12203 will be left blank.
12204 @end table
12205
12206 @noindent
12207 In addition, the following information may be printed for each marker:
12208
12209 @table @emph
12210 @item Data
12211 User data passed to the tracing library by the marker call. In the
12212 UST backend, this is the format string passed as argument to the
12213 marker call.
12214 @item Static tracepoints probing the marker
12215 The list of static tracepoints attached to the marker.
12216 @end table
12217
12218 @smallexample
12219 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
12220 Cnt ID Enb Address What
12221 1 ust/bar2 y 0x0000000000400e1a in main at stexample.c:25
12222 Data: number1 %d number2 %d
12223 Probed by static tracepoints: #2
12224 2 ust/bar33 n 0x0000000000400c87 in main at stexample.c:24
12225 Data: str %s
12226 (@value{GDBP})
12227 @end smallexample
12228 @end table
12229
12230 @node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
12231 @subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
12232
12233 @table @code
12234 @kindex tstart [ @var{notes} ]
12235 @cindex start a new trace experiment
12236 @cindex collected data discarded
12237 @item tstart
12238 This command starts the trace experiment, and begins collecting data.
12239 It has the side effect of discarding all the data collected in the
12240 trace buffer during the previous trace experiment. If any arguments
12241 are supplied, they are taken as a note and stored with the trace
12242 experiment's state. The notes may be arbitrary text, and are
12243 especially useful with disconnected tracing in a multi-user context;
12244 the notes can explain what the trace is doing, supply user contact
12245 information, and so forth.
12246
12247 @kindex tstop [ @var{notes} ]
12248 @cindex stop a running trace experiment
12249 @item tstop
12250 This command stops the trace experiment. If any arguments are
12251 supplied, they are recorded with the experiment as a note. This is
12252 useful if you are stopping a trace started by someone else, for
12253 instance if the trace is interfering with the system's behavior and
12254 needs to be stopped quickly.
12255
12256 @strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
12257 automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
12258 (@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
12259
12260 @kindex tstatus
12261 @cindex status of trace data collection
12262 @cindex trace experiment, status of
12263 @item tstatus
12264 This command displays the status of the current trace data
12265 collection.
12266 @end table
12267
12268 Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
12269
12270 @smallexample
12271 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
12272 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
12273 Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
12274 > collect $regs,$locals,$args
12275 > while-stepping 11
12276 > collect $regs
12277 > end
12278 > end
12279 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
12280 [time passes @dots{}]
12281 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
12282 @end smallexample
12283
12284 @anchor{disconnected tracing}
12285 @cindex disconnected tracing
12286 You can choose to continue running the trace experiment even if
12287 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target, voluntarily or
12288 involuntarily. For commands such as @code{detach}, the debugger will
12289 ask what you want to do with the trace. But for unexpected
12290 terminations (@value{GDBN} crash, network outage), it would be
12291 unfortunate to lose hard-won trace data, so the variable
12292 @code{disconnected-tracing} lets you decide whether the trace should
12293 continue running without @value{GDBN}.
12294
12295 @table @code
12296 @item set disconnected-tracing on
12297 @itemx set disconnected-tracing off
12298 @kindex set disconnected-tracing
12299 Choose whether a tracing run should continue to run if @value{GDBN}
12300 has disconnected from the target. Note that @code{detach} or
12301 @code{quit} will ask you directly what to do about a running trace no
12302 matter what this variable's setting, so the variable is mainly useful
12303 for handling unexpected situations, such as loss of the network.
12304
12305 @item show disconnected-tracing
12306 @kindex show disconnected-tracing
12307 Show the current choice for disconnected tracing.
12308
12309 @end table
12310
12311 When you reconnect to the target, the trace experiment may or may not
12312 still be running; it might have filled the trace buffer in the
12313 meantime, or stopped for one of the other reasons. If it is running,
12314 it will continue after reconnection.
12315
12316 Upon reconnection, the target will upload information about the
12317 tracepoints in effect. @value{GDBN} will then compare that
12318 information to the set of tracepoints currently defined, and attempt
12319 to match them up, allowing for the possibility that the numbers may
12320 have changed due to creation and deletion in the meantime. If one of
12321 the target's tracepoints does not match any in @value{GDBN}, the
12322 debugger will create a new tracepoint, so that you have a number with
12323 which to specify that tracepoint. This matching-up process is
12324 necessarily heuristic, and it may result in useless tracepoints being
12325 created; you may simply delete them if they are of no use.
12326
12327 @cindex circular trace buffer
12328 If your target agent supports a @dfn{circular trace buffer}, then you
12329 can run a trace experiment indefinitely without filling the trace
12330 buffer; when space runs out, the agent deletes already-collected trace
12331 frames, oldest first, until there is enough room to continue
12332 collecting. This is especially useful if your tracepoints are being
12333 hit too often, and your trace gets terminated prematurely because the
12334 buffer is full. To ask for a circular trace buffer, simply set
12335 @samp{circular-trace-buffer} to on. You can set this at any time,
12336 including during tracing; if the agent can do it, it will change
12337 buffer handling on the fly, otherwise it will not take effect until
12338 the next run.
12339
12340 @table @code
12341 @item set circular-trace-buffer on
12342 @itemx set circular-trace-buffer off
12343 @kindex set circular-trace-buffer
12344 Choose whether a tracing run should use a linear or circular buffer
12345 for trace data. A linear buffer will not lose any trace data, but may
12346 fill up prematurely, while a circular buffer will discard old trace
12347 data, but it will have always room for the latest tracepoint hits.
12348
12349 @item show circular-trace-buffer
12350 @kindex show circular-trace-buffer
12351 Show the current choice for the trace buffer. Note that this may not
12352 match the agent's current buffer handling, nor is it guaranteed to
12353 match the setting that might have been in effect during a past run,
12354 for instance if you are looking at frames from a trace file.
12355
12356 @end table
12357
12358 @table @code
12359 @item set trace-buffer-size @var{n}
12360 @itemx set trace-buffer-size unlimited
12361 @kindex set trace-buffer-size
12362 Request that the target use a trace buffer of @var{n} bytes. Not all
12363 targets will honor the request; they may have a compiled-in size for
12364 the trace buffer, or some other limitation. Set to a value of
12365 @code{unlimited} or @code{-1} to let the target use whatever size it
12366 likes. This is also the default.
12367
12368 @item show trace-buffer-size
12369 @kindex show trace-buffer-size
12370 Show the current requested size for the trace buffer. Note that this
12371 will only match the actual size if the target supports size-setting,
12372 and was able to handle the requested size. For instance, if the
12373 target can only change buffer size between runs, this variable will
12374 not reflect the change until the next run starts. Use @code{tstatus}
12375 to get a report of the actual buffer size.
12376 @end table
12377
12378 @table @code
12379 @item set trace-user @var{text}
12380 @kindex set trace-user
12381
12382 @item show trace-user
12383 @kindex show trace-user
12384
12385 @item set trace-notes @var{text}
12386 @kindex set trace-notes
12387 Set the trace run's notes.
12388
12389 @item show trace-notes
12390 @kindex show trace-notes
12391 Show the trace run's notes.
12392
12393 @item set trace-stop-notes @var{text}
12394 @kindex set trace-stop-notes
12395 Set the trace run's stop notes. The handling of the note is as for
12396 @code{tstop} arguments; the set command is convenient way to fix a
12397 stop note that is mistaken or incomplete.
12398
12399 @item show trace-stop-notes
12400 @kindex show trace-stop-notes
12401 Show the trace run's stop notes.
12402
12403 @end table
12404
12405 @node Tracepoint Restrictions
12406 @subsection Tracepoint Restrictions
12407
12408 @cindex tracepoint restrictions
12409 There are a number of restrictions on the use of tracepoints. As
12410 described above, tracepoint data gathering occurs on the target
12411 without interaction from @value{GDBN}. Thus the full capabilities of
12412 the debugger are not available during data gathering, and then at data
12413 examination time, you will be limited by only having what was
12414 collected. The following items describe some common problems, but it
12415 is not exhaustive, and you may run into additional difficulties not
12416 mentioned here.
12417
12418 @itemize @bullet
12419
12420 @item
12421 Tracepoint expressions are intended to gather objects (lvalues). Thus
12422 the full flexibility of GDB's expression evaluator is not available.
12423 You cannot call functions, cast objects to aggregate types, access
12424 convenience variables or modify values (except by assignment to trace
12425 state variables). Some language features may implicitly call
12426 functions (for instance Objective-C fields with accessors), and therefore
12427 cannot be collected either.
12428
12429 @item
12430 Collection of local variables, either individually or in bulk with
12431 @code{$locals} or @code{$args}, during @code{while-stepping} may
12432 behave erratically. The stepping action may enter a new scope (for
12433 instance by stepping into a function), or the location of the variable
12434 may change (for instance it is loaded into a register). The
12435 tracepoint data recorded uses the location information for the
12436 variables that is correct for the tracepoint location. When the
12437 tracepoint is created, it is not possible, in general, to determine
12438 where the steps of a @code{while-stepping} sequence will advance the
12439 program---particularly if a conditional branch is stepped.
12440
12441 @item
12442 Collection of an incompletely-initialized or partially-destroyed object
12443 may result in something that @value{GDBN} cannot display, or displays
12444 in a misleading way.
12445
12446 @item
12447 When @value{GDBN} displays a pointer to character it automatically
12448 dereferences the pointer to also display characters of the string
12449 being pointed to. However, collecting the pointer during tracing does
12450 not automatically collect the string. You need to explicitly
12451 dereference the pointer and provide size information if you want to
12452 collect not only the pointer, but the memory pointed to. For example,
12453 @code{*ptr@@50} can be used to collect the 50 element array pointed to
12454 by @code{ptr}.
12455
12456 @item
12457 It is not possible to collect a complete stack backtrace at a
12458 tracepoint. Instead, you may collect the registers and a few hundred
12459 bytes from the stack pointer with something like @code{*(unsigned char *)$esp@@300}
12460 (adjust to use the name of the actual stack pointer register on your
12461 target architecture, and the amount of stack you wish to capture).
12462 Then the @code{backtrace} command will show a partial backtrace when
12463 using a trace frame. The number of stack frames that can be examined
12464 depends on the sizes of the frames in the collected stack. Note that
12465 if you ask for a block so large that it goes past the bottom of the
12466 stack, the target agent may report an error trying to read from an
12467 invalid address.
12468
12469 @item
12470 If you do not collect registers at a tracepoint, @value{GDBN} can
12471 infer that the value of @code{$pc} must be the same as the address of
12472 the tracepoint and use that when you are looking at a trace frame
12473 for that tracepoint. However, this cannot work if the tracepoint has
12474 multiple locations (for instance if it was set in a function that was
12475 inlined), or if it has a @code{while-stepping} loop. In those cases
12476 @value{GDBN} will warn you that it can't infer @code{$pc}, and default
12477 it to zero.
12478
12479 @end itemize
12480
12481 @node Analyze Collected Data
12482 @section Using the Collected Data
12483
12484 After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
12485 for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
12486 collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
12487 snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
12488 consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
12489 examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
12490 specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
12491 snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
12492 registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
12493 rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
12494 debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
12495 (@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
12496 behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
12497 when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
12498 the buffer will fail.
12499
12500 @menu
12501 * tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
12502 * tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
12503 * save tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
12504 @end menu
12505
12506 @node tfind
12507 @subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
12508
12509 @kindex tfind
12510 @cindex select trace snapshot
12511 @cindex find trace snapshot
12512 The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
12513 @code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
12514 counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
12515 snapshot is selected.
12516
12517 Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
12518
12519 @table @code
12520 @item tfind start
12521 Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
12522 @code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
12523
12524 @item tfind none
12525 Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
12526
12527 @item tfind end
12528 Same as @samp{tfind none}.
12529
12530 @item tfind
12531 No argument means find the next trace snapshot.
12532
12533 @item tfind -
12534 Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
12535 retracing earlier steps.
12536
12537 @item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
12538 Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
12539 proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
12540 argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
12541 for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
12542
12543 @item tfind pc @var{addr}
12544 Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
12545 program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
12546 snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
12547 snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
12548
12549 @item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
12550 Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
12551 addresses (exclusive).
12552
12553 @item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
12554 Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
12555 @var{addr2} (inclusive).
12556
12557 @item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
12558 Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
12559 the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
12560 that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
12561 trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
12562 next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
12563 @code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
12564 stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
12565 @end table
12566
12567 The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
12568 designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
12569 instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
12570 snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
12571 trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
12572 simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
12573 snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
12574 @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
12575 The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
12576 for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
12577 no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
12578 (PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
12579 no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
12580 tracepoint as the current one.
12581
12582 In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
12583 these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
12584 scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
12585 you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
12586 registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
12587
12588 @smallexample
12589 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
12590 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
12591 > printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
12592 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
12593 > tfind
12594 > end
12595
12596 Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
12597 Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
12598 Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
12599 Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
12600 Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
12601 Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
12602 Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
12603 Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
12604 Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
12605 Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
12606 Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
12607 @end smallexample
12608
12609 Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
12610 the buffer:
12611
12612 @smallexample
12613 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
12614 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
12615 > printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
12616 > tfind line
12617 > end
12618
12619 Frame 0, X = 1
12620 Frame 7, X = 2
12621 Frame 13, X = 255
12622 @end smallexample
12623
12624 @node tdump
12625 @subsection @code{tdump}
12626 @kindex tdump
12627 @cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
12628 @cindex tracepoint data, display
12629
12630 This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
12631 the current trace snapshot.
12632
12633 @smallexample
12634 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
12635 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
12636 Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
12637 > collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
12638 > end
12639
12640 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
12641
12642 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
12643 #0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
12644 at gdb_test.c:444
12645 444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
12646
12647 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
12648 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
12649 d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
12650 d1 0x18 24
12651 d2 0x80 128
12652 d3 0x33 51
12653 d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
12654 d5 0x22 34
12655 d6 0xe0 224
12656 d7 0x380035 3670069
12657 a0 0x19e24a 1696330
12658 a1 0x3000668 50333288
12659 a2 0x100 256
12660 a3 0x322000 3284992
12661 a4 0x3000698 50333336
12662 a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
12663 fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
12664 sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
12665 ps 0x0 0
12666 pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
12667 fpcontrol 0x0 0
12668 fpstatus 0x0 0
12669 fpiaddr 0x0 0
12670 p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
12671 p1 = (void *) 0x11
12672 p2 = (void *) 0x22
12673 p3 = (void *) 0x33
12674 p4 = (void *) 0x44
12675 p5 = (void *) 0x55
12676 p6 = (void *) 0x66
12677 gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
12678
12679 (@value{GDBP})
12680 @end smallexample
12681
12682 @code{tdump} works by scanning the tracepoint's current collection
12683 actions and printing the value of each expression listed. So
12684 @code{tdump} can fail, if after a run, you change the tracepoint's
12685 actions to mention variables that were not collected during the run.
12686
12687 Also, for tracepoints with @code{while-stepping} loops, @code{tdump}
12688 uses the collected value of @code{$pc} to distinguish between trace
12689 frames that were collected at the tracepoint hit, and frames that were
12690 collected while stepping. This allows it to correctly choose whether
12691 to display the basic list of collections, or the collections from the
12692 body of the while-stepping loop. However, if @code{$pc} was not collected,
12693 then @code{tdump} will always attempt to dump using the basic collection
12694 list, and may fail if a while-stepping frame does not include all the
12695 same data that is collected at the tracepoint hit.
12696 @c This is getting pretty arcane, example would be good.
12697
12698 @node save tracepoints
12699 @subsection @code{save tracepoints @var{filename}}
12700 @kindex save tracepoints
12701 @kindex save-tracepoints
12702 @cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
12703
12704 This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
12705 their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
12706 suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
12707 tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
12708 Files}). The @w{@code{save-tracepoints}} command is a deprecated
12709 alias for @w{@code{save tracepoints}}
12710
12711 @node Tracepoint Variables
12712 @section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
12713 @cindex tracepoint variables
12714 @cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
12715
12716 @table @code
12717 @vindex $trace_frame
12718 @item (int) $trace_frame
12719 The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
12720 snapshot is selected.
12721
12722 @vindex $tracepoint
12723 @item (int) $tracepoint
12724 The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
12725
12726 @vindex $trace_line
12727 @item (int) $trace_line
12728 The line number for the current trace snapshot.
12729
12730 @vindex $trace_file
12731 @item (char []) $trace_file
12732 The source file for the current trace snapshot.
12733
12734 @vindex $trace_func
12735 @item (char []) $trace_func
12736 The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
12737 @end table
12738
12739 Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
12740 use @code{output} instead.
12741
12742 Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
12743 stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
12744 data. Note that these are not the same as trace state variables,
12745 which are managed by the target.
12746
12747 @smallexample
12748 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
12749
12750 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
12751 > output $trace_file
12752 > printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
12753 > tfind
12754 > end
12755 @end smallexample
12756
12757 @node Trace Files
12758 @section Using Trace Files
12759 @cindex trace files
12760
12761 In some situations, the target running a trace experiment may no
12762 longer be available; perhaps it crashed, or the hardware was needed
12763 for a different activity. To handle these cases, you can arrange to
12764 dump the trace data into a file, and later use that file as a source
12765 of trace data, via the @code{target tfile} command.
12766
12767 @table @code
12768
12769 @kindex tsave
12770 @item tsave [ -r ] @var{filename}
12771 @itemx tsave [-ctf] @var{dirname}
12772 Save the trace data to @var{filename}. By default, this command
12773 assumes that @var{filename} refers to the host filesystem, so if
12774 necessary @value{GDBN} will copy raw trace data up from the target and
12775 then save it. If the target supports it, you can also supply the
12776 optional argument @code{-r} (``remote'') to direct the target to save
12777 the data directly into @var{filename} in its own filesystem, which may be
12778 more efficient if the trace buffer is very large. (Note, however, that
12779 @code{target tfile} can only read from files accessible to the host.)
12780 By default, this command will save trace frame in tfile format.
12781 You can supply the optional argument @code{-ctf} to save date in CTF
12782 format. The @dfn{Common Trace Format} (CTF) is proposed as a trace format
12783 that can be shared by multiple debugging and tracing tools. Please go to
12784 @indicateurl{http://www.efficios.com/ctf} to get more information.
12785
12786 @kindex target tfile
12787 @kindex tfile
12788 @kindex target ctf
12789 @kindex ctf
12790 @item target tfile @var{filename}
12791 @itemx target ctf @var{dirname}
12792 Use the file named @var{filename} or directory named @var{dirname} as
12793 a source of trace data. Commands that examine data work as they do with
12794 a live target, but it is not possible to run any new trace experiments.
12795 @code{tstatus} will report the state of the trace run at the moment
12796 the data was saved, as well as the current trace frame you are examining.
12797 @var{filename} or @var{dirname} must be on a filesystem accessible to
12798 the host.
12799
12800 @smallexample
12801 (@value{GDBP}) target ctf ctf.ctf
12802 (@value{GDBP}) tfind
12803 Found trace frame 0, tracepoint 2
12804 39 ++a; /* set tracepoint 1 here */
12805 (@value{GDBP}) tdump
12806 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 0:
12807 i = 0
12808 a = 0
12809 b = 1 '\001'
12810 c = @{"123", "456", "789", "123", "456", "789"@}
12811 d = @{@{@{a = 1, b = 2@}, @{a = 3, b = 4@}@}, @{@{a = 5, b = 6@}, @{a = 7, b = 8@}@}@}
12812 (@value{GDBP}) p b
12813 $1 = 1
12814 @end smallexample
12815
12816 @end table
12817
12818 @node Overlays
12819 @chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
12820 @cindex overlays
12821
12822 If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
12823 memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
12824 problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
12825 use overlays.
12826
12827 @menu
12828 * How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
12829 * Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
12830 * Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
12831 mapped by asking the inferior.
12832 * Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
12833 @end menu
12834
12835 @node How Overlays Work
12836 @section How Overlays Work
12837 @cindex mapped overlays
12838 @cindex unmapped overlays
12839 @cindex load address, overlay's
12840 @cindex mapped address
12841 @cindex overlay area
12842
12843 Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
12844 kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
12845 other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
12846 management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
12847 adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
12848
12849 One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
12850 independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
12851 @dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
12852 their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
12853 instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
12854 largest overlay as well.
12855
12856 Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
12857 overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
12858 for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
12859 there.
12860
12861 @c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
12862 @c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
12863 @c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
12864
12865 @smallexample
12866 @group
12867 Data Instruction Larger
12868 Address Space Address Space Address Space
12869 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
12870 | | | | | |
12871 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
12872 | program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
12873 | variables | | program | | +-----------+
12874 | and heap | | | | | |
12875 +-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
12876 | | +-----------+ | | | load address
12877 +-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
12878 | | | | | |
12879 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
12880 address | | | | | |
12881 | overlay | <-' | | |
12882 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
12883 | | <---. | | load address
12884 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
12885 | | | |
12886 +-----------+ | |
12887 +-----------+
12888 | |
12889 +-----------+
12890
12891 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
12892 @end group
12893 @end smallexample
12894
12895 The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
12896 and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
12897 its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
12898 Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
12899 may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
12900 data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
12901 program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
12902 program and the overlay area.
12903
12904 An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
12905 @dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
12906 instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
12907 in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
12908 is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
12909 the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
12910 called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
12911
12912 Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
12913 program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
12914 global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
12915
12916 @itemize @bullet
12917
12918 @item
12919 Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
12920 must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
12921 return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
12922 overlay, and your program will probably crash.
12923
12924 @item
12925 If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
12926 will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
12927 your program's performance.
12928
12929 @item
12930 The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
12931 overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
12932 mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
12933 and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
12934 You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
12935 addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
12936 ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
12937
12938 @item
12939 The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
12940 to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
12941 instruction and data spaces.
12942
12943 @end itemize
12944
12945 The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
12946 improved in many ways:
12947
12948 @itemize @bullet
12949
12950 @item
12951 If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
12952 hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
12953 contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
12954 This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
12955 area in the usual way.
12956
12957 @item
12958 If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
12959 overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
12960
12961 @item
12962 You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
12963 general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
12964 code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
12965 return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
12966 the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
12967 must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
12968 different data overlay into the same mapped area.
12969
12970 @end itemize
12971
12972
12973 @node Overlay Commands
12974 @section Overlay Commands
12975
12976 To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
12977 correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
12978 virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
12979 mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
12980 @value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
12981 variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
12982
12983 @value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
12984 you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
12985
12986 @table @code
12987 @item overlay off
12988 @kindex overlay
12989 Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
12990 disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
12991 always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
12992 overlay support is disabled.
12993
12994 @item overlay manual
12995 @cindex manual overlay debugging
12996 Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
12997 relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
12998 using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
12999 commands described below.
13000
13001 @item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
13002 @itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
13003 @cindex map an overlay
13004 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
13005 be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
13006 overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
13007 functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
13008 that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
13009 @var{overlay} are now unmapped.
13010
13011 @item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
13012 @itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
13013 @cindex unmap an overlay
13014 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
13015 must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
13016 When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
13017 overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
13018
13019 @item overlay auto
13020 Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
13021 consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
13022 to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
13023 Overlay Debugging}.
13024
13025 @item overlay load-target
13026 @itemx overlay load
13027 @cindex reloading the overlay table
13028 Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
13029 re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
13030 stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
13031 overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
13032 useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
13033
13034 @item overlay list-overlays
13035 @itemx overlay list
13036 @cindex listing mapped overlays
13037 Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
13038 addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
13039
13040 @end table
13041
13042 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
13043 of the function the address falls in:
13044
13045 @smallexample
13046 (@value{GDBP}) print main
13047 $3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
13048 @end smallexample
13049 @noindent
13050 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
13051 unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
13052 asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
13053 unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
13054
13055 @smallexample
13056 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
13057 No sections are mapped.
13058 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
13059 $5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
13060 @end smallexample
13061 @noindent
13062 When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
13063 name normally:
13064
13065 @smallexample
13066 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
13067 Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
13068 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
13069 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
13070 $6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
13071 @end smallexample
13072
13073 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
13074 address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
13075 overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
13076 @code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
13077 code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
13078
13079 @itemize @bullet
13080 @item
13081 @cindex breakpoints in overlays
13082 @cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
13083 You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
13084 @value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
13085 @item
13086 @value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
13087 unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
13088 overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
13089 you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
13090 breakpoints properly.
13091 @end itemize
13092
13093
13094 @node Automatic Overlay Debugging
13095 @section Automatic Overlay Debugging
13096 @cindex automatic overlay debugging
13097
13098 @value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
13099 are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
13100 inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
13101 @code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
13102 looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
13103 current state of the overlays.
13104
13105 Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
13106 @value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
13107
13108 @table @asis
13109
13110 @item @code{_ovly_table}:
13111 This variable must be an array of the following structures:
13112
13113 @smallexample
13114 struct
13115 @{
13116 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
13117 unsigned long vma;
13118
13119 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
13120 unsigned long size;
13121
13122 /* The overlay's load address. */
13123 unsigned long lma;
13124
13125 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
13126 zero otherwise. */
13127 unsigned long mapped;
13128 @}
13129 @end smallexample
13130
13131 @item @code{_novlys}:
13132 This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
13133 number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
13134
13135 @end table
13136
13137 To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
13138 looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
13139 @code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
13140 executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
13141 the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
13142 currently mapped.
13143
13144 In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
13145 @code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
13146 will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
13147 calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
13148 will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
13149 are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
13150 in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
13151 overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
13152 are not being executed.
13153
13154 @node Overlay Sample Program
13155 @section Overlay Sample Program
13156 @cindex overlay example program
13157
13158 When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
13159 at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
13160 addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
13161 Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
13162 since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
13163 architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
13164 portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
13165
13166 However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
13167 program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
13168 suite. The program consists of the following files from
13169 @file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
13170
13171 @table @file
13172 @item overlays.c
13173 The main program file.
13174 @item ovlymgr.c
13175 A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
13176 @item foo.c
13177 @itemx bar.c
13178 @itemx baz.c
13179 @itemx grbx.c
13180 Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
13181 @item d10v.ld
13182 @itemx m32r.ld
13183 Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
13184 and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
13185 @end table
13186
13187 You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
13188 cross-compiler like this:
13189
13190 @smallexample
13191 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
13192 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
13193 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
13194 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
13195 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
13196 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
13197 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
13198 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
13199 @end smallexample
13200
13201 The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
13202 you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
13203 target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
13204
13205
13206 @node Languages
13207 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
13208 @cindex languages
13209
13210 Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
13211 rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
13212 dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
13213 Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
13214 represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
13215 @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
13216
13217 @cindex working language
13218 Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
13219 allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
13220 native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
13221 consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
13222 language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
13223 language}.
13224
13225 @menu
13226 * Setting:: Switching between source languages
13227 * Show:: Displaying the language
13228 * Checks:: Type and range checks
13229 * Supported Languages:: Supported languages
13230 * Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
13231 @end menu
13232
13233 @node Setting
13234 @section Switching Between Source Languages
13235
13236 There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
13237 set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
13238 @code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
13239 defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
13240 used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
13241 are printed, etc.
13242
13243 In addition to the working language, every source file that
13244 @value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
13245 file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
13246 source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
13247 language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
13248 controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
13249 show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
13250 set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
13251 set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
13252 Displaying the Language}.
13253
13254 This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
13255 as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
13256 another language. In that case, make the
13257 program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
13258 @value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
13259 program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
13260
13261 @menu
13262 * Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
13263 * Manually:: Setting the working language manually
13264 * Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
13265 @end menu
13266
13267 @node Filenames
13268 @subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
13269
13270 If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
13271 @value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
13272
13273 @table @file
13274 @item .ada
13275 @itemx .ads
13276 @itemx .adb
13277 @itemx .a
13278 Ada source file.
13279
13280 @item .c
13281 C source file
13282
13283 @item .C
13284 @itemx .cc
13285 @itemx .cp
13286 @itemx .cpp
13287 @itemx .cxx
13288 @itemx .c++
13289 C@t{++} source file
13290
13291 @item .d
13292 D source file
13293
13294 @item .m
13295 Objective-C source file
13296
13297 @item .f
13298 @itemx .F
13299 Fortran source file
13300
13301 @item .mod
13302 Modula-2 source file
13303
13304 @item .s
13305 @itemx .S
13306 Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
13307 @value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
13308 @end table
13309
13310 In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
13311 extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
13312
13313 @node Manually
13314 @subsection Setting the Working Language
13315
13316 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
13317 expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
13318 your program.
13319
13320 @kindex set language
13321 If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
13322 command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
13323 a language, such as
13324 @code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
13325 For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
13326
13327 Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
13328 language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
13329 to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
13330 source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
13331 languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
13332 source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
13333 command such as:
13334
13335 @smallexample
13336 print a = b + c
13337 @end smallexample
13338
13339 @noindent
13340 might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
13341 @code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
13342 printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
13343 @code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
13344
13345 @node Automatically
13346 @subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
13347
13348 To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
13349 @samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
13350 then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
13351 frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
13352 working language to the language recorded for the function in that
13353 frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
13354 or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
13355 does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
13356 not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
13357
13358 This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
13359 entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
13360 written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
13361 a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
13362 case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
13363
13364 @node Show
13365 @section Displaying the Language
13366
13367 The following commands help you find out which language is the
13368 working language, and also what language source files were written in.
13369
13370 @table @code
13371 @item show language
13372 @anchor{show language}
13373 @kindex show language
13374 Display the current working language. This is the
13375 language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
13376 build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
13377
13378 @item info frame
13379 @kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
13380 Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
13381 working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
13382 @xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
13383 information listed here.
13384
13385 @item info source
13386 @kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
13387 Display the source language of this source file.
13388 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
13389 information listed here.
13390 @end table
13391
13392 In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
13393 not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
13394 with a language explicitly:
13395
13396 @table @code
13397 @item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
13398 @kindex set extension-language
13399 Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
13400 assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
13401
13402 @item info extensions
13403 @kindex info extensions
13404 List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
13405 @end table
13406
13407 @node Checks
13408 @section Type and Range Checking
13409
13410 Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
13411 errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
13412 checking the type of arguments to functions and operators and making
13413 sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
13414 these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
13415 by eliminating type mismatches and providing active checks for range
13416 errors when your program is running.
13417
13418 By default @value{GDBN} checks for these errors according to the
13419 rules of the current source language. Although @value{GDBN} does not check
13420 the statements in your program, it can check expressions entered directly
13421 into @value{GDBN} for evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example.
13422
13423 @menu
13424 * Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
13425 * Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
13426 @end menu
13427
13428 @cindex type checking
13429 @cindex checks, type
13430 @node Type Checking
13431 @subsection An Overview of Type Checking
13432
13433 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, are strongly typed, meaning that the
13434 arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
13435 otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
13436 errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
13437
13438 @smallexample
13439 int klass::my_method(char *b) @{ return b ? 1 : 2; @}
13440
13441 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0)
13442 $1 = 2
13443 @exdent but
13444 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0x1234)
13445 Cannot resolve method klass::my_method to any overloaded instance
13446 @end smallexample
13447
13448 The second example fails because in C@t{++} the integer constant
13449 @samp{0x1234} is not type-compatible with the pointer parameter type.
13450
13451 For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
13452 @value{GDBN} to not enforce strict type checking or
13453 to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
13454 When type checking is disabled, @value{GDBN} successfully evaluates
13455 expressions like the second example above.
13456
13457 Even if type checking is off, there may be other reasons
13458 related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
13459 For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
13460 a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
13461 with the language in use and usually arise from expressions which make
13462 little sense to evaluate anyway.
13463
13464 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling type checking:
13465
13466 @kindex set check type
13467 @kindex show check type
13468 @table @code
13469 @item set check type on
13470 @itemx set check type off
13471 Set strict type checking on or off. If any type mismatches occur in
13472 evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
13473 message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
13474
13475 @item show check type
13476 Show the current setting of type checking and whether @value{GDBN}
13477 is enforcing strict type checking rules.
13478 @end table
13479
13480 @cindex range checking
13481 @cindex checks, range
13482 @node Range Checking
13483 @subsection An Overview of Range Checking
13484
13485 In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
13486 bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
13487 checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
13488 computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
13489 not exceed the bounds of the array.
13490
13491 For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
13492 @value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
13493 always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
13494 warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
13495
13496 A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
13497 array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
13498 of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
13499 error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
13500 result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
13501 the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
13502
13503 @smallexample
13504 @var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
13505 @end smallexample
13506
13507 This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
13508 specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
13509 Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
13510
13511 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
13512
13513 @kindex set check range
13514 @kindex show check range
13515 @table @code
13516 @item set check range auto
13517 Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
13518 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
13519 each language.
13520
13521 @item set check range on
13522 @itemx set check range off
13523 Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
13524 current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
13525 match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
13526 then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
13527
13528 @item set check range warn
13529 Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
13530 but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
13531 expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
13532 memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
13533 systems).
13534
13535 @item show range
13536 Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
13537 being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
13538 @end table
13539
13540 @node Supported Languages
13541 @section Supported Languages
13542
13543 @value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, D, Go, Objective-C, Fortran, Java,
13544 OpenCL C, Pascal, assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
13545 @c This is false ...
13546 Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
13547 language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
13548 and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
13549 ,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
13550 language.
13551
13552 The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
13553 supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
13554 tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
13555 @value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
13556 formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
13557 books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
13558 language reference or tutorial.
13559
13560 @menu
13561 * C:: C and C@t{++}
13562 * D:: D
13563 * Go:: Go
13564 * Objective-C:: Objective-C
13565 * OpenCL C:: OpenCL C
13566 * Fortran:: Fortran
13567 * Pascal:: Pascal
13568 * Modula-2:: Modula-2
13569 * Ada:: Ada
13570 @end menu
13571
13572 @node C
13573 @subsection C and C@t{++}
13574
13575 @cindex C and C@t{++}
13576 @cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
13577
13578 Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
13579 to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
13580 together.
13581
13582 @cindex C@t{++}
13583 @cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
13584 @cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
13585 The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
13586 compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
13587 effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
13588 C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
13589 compiler (@code{aCC}).
13590
13591 @menu
13592 * C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
13593 * C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
13594 * C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
13595 * C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
13596 * C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
13597 * Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
13598 * Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
13599 * Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
13600 @end menu
13601
13602 @node C Operators
13603 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
13604
13605 @cindex C and C@t{++} operators
13606
13607 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
13608 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
13609 often defined on groups of types.
13610
13611 For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
13612
13613 @itemize @bullet
13614
13615 @item
13616 @emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
13617 specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
13618
13619 @item
13620 @emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
13621 @code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
13622
13623 @item
13624 @emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
13625
13626 @item
13627 @emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
13628
13629 @end itemize
13630
13631 @noindent
13632 The following operators are supported. They are listed here
13633 in order of increasing precedence:
13634
13635 @table @code
13636 @item ,
13637 The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
13638 are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
13639 expression being the last expression evaluated.
13640
13641 @item =
13642 Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
13643 assigned. Defined on scalar types.
13644
13645 @item @var{op}=
13646 Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
13647 and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
13648 @w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence.
13649 @var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
13650 @code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
13651
13652 @item ?:
13653 The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
13654 of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. @var{a} should be of an
13655 integral type.
13656
13657 @item ||
13658 Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
13659
13660 @item &&
13661 Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
13662
13663 @item |
13664 Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
13665
13666 @item ^
13667 Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
13668
13669 @item &
13670 Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
13671
13672 @item ==@r{, }!=
13673 Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
13674 expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
13675
13676 @item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
13677 Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
13678 Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
13679 and non-zero for true.
13680
13681 @item <<@r{, }>>
13682 left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
13683
13684 @item @@
13685 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
13686
13687 @item +@r{, }-
13688 Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
13689 pointer types.
13690
13691 @item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
13692 Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
13693 defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
13694 integral types.
13695
13696 @item ++@r{, }--
13697 Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
13698 operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
13699 when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
13700 operation takes place.
13701
13702 @item *
13703 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
13704 @code{++}.
13705
13706 @item &
13707 Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
13708
13709 For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
13710 allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
13711 to examine the address
13712 where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
13713 stored.
13714
13715 @item -
13716 Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
13717 precedence as @code{++}.
13718
13719 @item !
13720 Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
13721 @code{++}.
13722
13723 @item ~
13724 Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
13725 @code{++}.
13726
13727
13728 @item .@r{, }->
13729 Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
13730 @value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
13731 pointer based on the stored type information.
13732 Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
13733
13734 @item .*@r{, }->*
13735 Dereferences of pointers to members.
13736
13737 @item []
13738 Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
13739 @code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
13740
13741 @item ()
13742 Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
13743
13744 @item ::
13745 C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
13746 and @code{class} types.
13747
13748 @item ::
13749 Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
13750 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
13751 above.
13752 @end table
13753
13754 If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
13755 attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
13756 predefined meaning.
13757
13758 @node C Constants
13759 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
13760
13761 @cindex C and C@t{++} constants
13762
13763 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
13764 following ways:
13765
13766 @itemize @bullet
13767 @item
13768 Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
13769 specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
13770 by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
13771 @samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
13772 @code{long} value.
13773
13774 @item
13775 Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
13776 point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
13777 exponent. An exponent is of the form:
13778 @samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
13779 sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
13780 A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
13781 @samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
13782 the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
13783 a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
13784 constant.
13785
13786 @item
13787 Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
13788 integral equivalents.
13789
13790 @item
13791 Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
13792 (@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
13793 (usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
13794 be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
13795 the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
13796 of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
13797 @samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
13798 @samp{\n} for newline.
13799
13800 Wide character constants can be written by prefixing a character
13801 constant with @samp{L}, as in C. For example, @samp{L'x'} is the wide
13802 form of @samp{x}. The target wide character set is used when
13803 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
13804
13805 @item
13806 String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
13807 double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
13808 above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
13809 a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
13810 characters.
13811
13812 Wide string constants can be written by prefixing a string constant
13813 with @samp{L}, as in C. The target wide character set is used when
13814 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
13815
13816 @item
13817 Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
13818 to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
13819
13820 @item
13821 Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
13822 and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
13823 integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
13824 and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
13825 @end itemize
13826
13827 @node C Plus Plus Expressions
13828 @subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
13829
13830 @cindex expressions in C@t{++}
13831 @value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
13832
13833 @cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
13834 @cindex C@t{++} compilers
13835 @cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
13836 @cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
13837 @quotation
13838 @emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use
13839 the proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently,
13840 @value{GDBN} works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled
13841 with the most recent version of @value{NGCC} possible. The DWARF
13842 debugging format is preferred; @value{NGCC} defaults to this on most
13843 popular platforms. Other compilers and/or debug formats are likely to
13844 work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug C@t{++}
13845 code. @xref{Compilation}.
13846 @end quotation
13847
13848 @enumerate
13849
13850 @cindex member functions
13851 @item
13852 Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
13853
13854 @smallexample
13855 count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
13856 @end smallexample
13857
13858 @vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
13859 @cindex namespace in C@t{++}
13860 @item
13861 While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
13862 expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
13863 that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
13864 pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}. @code{using}
13865 declarations in the current scope are also respected by @value{GDBN}.
13866
13867 @cindex call overloaded functions
13868 @cindex overloaded functions, calling
13869 @cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
13870 @item
13871 You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
13872 call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
13873 perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
13874 calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
13875 in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
13876 default arguments.
13877
13878 It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
13879 promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
13880 class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
13881 functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
13882 number of function arguments.
13883
13884 Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
13885 @code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
13886 ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
13887
13888 You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
13889 explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
13890 @smallexample
13891 p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
13892 @end smallexample
13893
13894 The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
13895 see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
13896
13897 @cindex reference declarations
13898 @item
13899 @value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} references; you can use
13900 them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++} source---they are automatically
13901 dereferenced.
13902
13903 In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
13904 reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
13905 avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
13906 The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
13907 you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
13908
13909 @item
13910 @value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
13911 expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
13912 one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
13913 necessary, for example in an expression like
13914 @samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
13915 resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
13916 debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
13917
13918 @item
13919 @value{GDBN} performs argument-dependent lookup, following the C@t{++}
13920 specification.
13921 @end enumerate
13922
13923 @node C Defaults
13924 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
13925
13926 @cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
13927
13928 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set range checking automatically, it
13929 defaults to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
13930 C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
13931 selects the working language.
13932
13933 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
13934 recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
13935 @file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
13936 these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
13937 @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
13938 for further details.
13939
13940 @node C Checks
13941 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
13942
13943 @cindex C and C@t{++} checks
13944
13945 By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, strict type
13946 checking is used. However, if you turn type checking off, @value{GDBN}
13947 will allow certain non-standard conversions, such as promoting integer
13948 constants to pointers.
13949
13950 Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
13951 indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
13952 that is not itself an array.
13953
13954 @node Debugging C
13955 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
13956
13957 The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
13958 the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
13959 inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
13960 appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
13961
13962 The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
13963 with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
13964 ,Expressions}.
13965
13966 @node Debugging C Plus Plus
13967 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
13968
13969 @cindex commands for C@t{++}
13970
13971 Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
13972 designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
13973
13974 @table @code
13975 @cindex break in overloaded functions
13976 @item @r{breakpoint menus}
13977 When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
13978 @value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
13979 locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
13980 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
13981
13982 @cindex overloading in C@t{++}
13983 @item rbreak @var{regex}
13984 Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
13985 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
13986 classes.
13987 @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
13988
13989 @cindex C@t{++} exception handling
13990 @item catch throw
13991 @itemx catch rethrow
13992 @itemx catch catch
13993 Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
13994 Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
13995
13996 @cindex inheritance
13997 @item ptype @var{typename}
13998 Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
13999 @var{typename}.
14000 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
14001
14002 @item info vtbl @var{expression}.
14003 The @code{info vtbl} command can be used to display the virtual
14004 method tables of the object computed by @var{expression}. This shows
14005 one entry per virtual table; there may be multiple virtual tables when
14006 multiple inheritance is in use.
14007
14008 @cindex C@t{++} symbol display
14009 @item set print demangle
14010 @itemx show print demangle
14011 @itemx set print asm-demangle
14012 @itemx show print asm-demangle
14013 Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
14014 displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
14015 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
14016
14017 @item set print object
14018 @itemx show print object
14019 Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
14020 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
14021
14022 @item set print vtbl
14023 @itemx show print vtbl
14024 Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
14025 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
14026 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
14027 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
14028
14029 @kindex set overload-resolution
14030 @cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
14031 @item set overload-resolution on
14032 Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
14033 is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
14034 and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
14035 using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
14036 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
14037 If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
14038
14039 @item set overload-resolution off
14040 Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
14041 overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
14042 chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
14043 symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
14044 overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
14045 searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
14046 argument types.
14047
14048 @kindex show overload-resolution
14049 @item show overload-resolution
14050 Show the current setting of overload resolution.
14051
14052 @item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
14053 You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
14054 the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
14055 @code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
14056 also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
14057 available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
14058 @xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
14059 @end table
14060
14061 @node Decimal Floating Point
14062 @subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
14063 @cindex decimal floating point format
14064
14065 @value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
14066 decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
14067 @code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
14068 specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
14069
14070 There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
14071 Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
14072 PowerPC and S/390. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the
14073 configured target.
14074
14075 Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
14076 to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
14077 (using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
14078
14079 In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
14080 point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
14081 underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
14082
14083 In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
14084 to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers.
14085 See @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
14086
14087 @node D
14088 @subsection D
14089
14090 @cindex D
14091 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in D and compiled with
14092 GDC, LDC or DMD compilers. Currently @value{GDBN} supports only one D
14093 specific feature --- dynamic arrays.
14094
14095 @node Go
14096 @subsection Go
14097
14098 @cindex Go (programming language)
14099 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Go and compiled with
14100 @file{gccgo} or @file{6g} compilers.
14101
14102 Here is a summary of the Go-specific features and restrictions:
14103
14104 @table @code
14105 @cindex current Go package
14106 @item The current Go package
14107 The name of the current package does not need to be specified when
14108 specifying global variables and functions.
14109
14110 For example, given the program:
14111
14112 @example
14113 package main
14114 var myglob = "Shall we?"
14115 func main () @{
14116 // ...
14117 @}
14118 @end example
14119
14120 When stopped inside @code{main} either of these work:
14121
14122 @example
14123 (gdb) p myglob
14124 (gdb) p main.myglob
14125 @end example
14126
14127 @cindex builtin Go types
14128 @item Builtin Go types
14129 The @code{string} type is recognized by @value{GDBN} and is printed
14130 as a string.
14131
14132 @cindex builtin Go functions
14133 @item Builtin Go functions
14134 The @value{GDBN} expression parser recognizes the @code{unsafe.Sizeof}
14135 function and handles it internally.
14136
14137 @cindex restrictions on Go expressions
14138 @item Restrictions on Go expressions
14139 All Go operators are supported except @code{&^}.
14140 The Go @code{_} ``blank identifier'' is not supported.
14141 Automatic dereferencing of pointers is not supported.
14142 @end table
14143
14144 @node Objective-C
14145 @subsection Objective-C
14146
14147 @cindex Objective-C
14148 This section provides information about some commands and command
14149 options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
14150 @ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
14151 few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
14152
14153 @menu
14154 * Method Names in Commands::
14155 * The Print Command with Objective-C::
14156 @end menu
14157
14158 @node Method Names in Commands
14159 @subsubsection Method Names in Commands
14160
14161 The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
14162 names as line specifications:
14163
14164 @kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
14165 @kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
14166 @kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
14167 @kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
14168 @kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
14169 @itemize
14170 @item @code{clear}
14171 @item @code{break}
14172 @item @code{info line}
14173 @item @code{jump}
14174 @item @code{list}
14175 @end itemize
14176
14177 A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
14178
14179 @smallexample
14180 -[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
14181 @end smallexample
14182
14183 where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
14184 plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
14185 name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
14186 brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
14187 source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
14188 instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
14189 debugged, enter:
14190
14191 @smallexample
14192 break -[Fruit create]
14193 @end smallexample
14194
14195 To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
14196 enter:
14197
14198 @smallexample
14199 list +[NSText initialize]
14200 @end smallexample
14201
14202 In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
14203 required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
14204 sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
14205 is also possible to specify just a method name:
14206
14207 @smallexample
14208 break create
14209 @end smallexample
14210
14211 You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
14212 your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
14213 you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
14214 method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
14215 none apply.
14216
14217 As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
14218 @code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
14219
14220 @smallexample
14221 clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
14222 @end smallexample
14223
14224 @node The Print Command with Objective-C
14225 @subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
14226 @cindex Objective-C, print objects
14227 @kindex print-object
14228 @kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
14229
14230 The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
14231
14232 @smallexample
14233 print -[@var{object} hash]
14234 @end smallexample
14235
14236 @cindex print an Objective-C object description
14237 @cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
14238 @noindent
14239 will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
14240 and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
14241 @code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
14242 the description of an object. However, this command may only work
14243 with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
14244 function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
14245
14246 @node OpenCL C
14247 @subsection OpenCL C
14248
14249 @cindex OpenCL C
14250 This section provides information about @value{GDBN}s OpenCL C support.
14251
14252 @menu
14253 * OpenCL C Datatypes::
14254 * OpenCL C Expressions::
14255 * OpenCL C Operators::
14256 @end menu
14257
14258 @node OpenCL C Datatypes
14259 @subsubsection OpenCL C Datatypes
14260
14261 @cindex OpenCL C Datatypes
14262 @value{GDBN} supports the builtin scalar and vector datatypes specified
14263 by OpenCL 1.1. In addition the half- and double-precision floating point
14264 data types of the @code{cl_khr_fp16} and @code{cl_khr_fp64} OpenCL
14265 extensions are also known to @value{GDBN}.
14266
14267 @node OpenCL C Expressions
14268 @subsubsection OpenCL C Expressions
14269
14270 @cindex OpenCL C Expressions
14271 @value{GDBN} supports accesses to vector components including the access as
14272 lvalue where possible. Since OpenCL C is based on C99 most C expressions
14273 supported by @value{GDBN} can be used as well.
14274
14275 @node OpenCL C Operators
14276 @subsubsection OpenCL C Operators
14277
14278 @cindex OpenCL C Operators
14279 @value{GDBN} supports the operators specified by OpenCL 1.1 for scalar and
14280 vector data types.
14281
14282 @node Fortran
14283 @subsection Fortran
14284 @cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
14285
14286 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
14287 currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
14288
14289 @cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
14290 Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
14291 among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
14292 functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
14293 will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
14294 underscore.
14295
14296 @menu
14297 * Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
14298 * Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
14299 * Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
14300 @end menu
14301
14302 @node Fortran Operators
14303 @subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
14304
14305 @cindex Fortran operators and expressions
14306
14307 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
14308 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
14309 arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
14310
14311 @table @code
14312 @item **
14313 The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
14314 of the second one.
14315
14316 @item :
14317 The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
14318 represent a section of array.
14319
14320 @item %
14321 The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
14322 types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
14323 this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
14324 union type.
14325 @end table
14326
14327 @node Fortran Defaults
14328 @subsubsection Fortran Defaults
14329
14330 @cindex Fortran Defaults
14331
14332 Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
14333 default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
14334 change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
14335 @ref{Symbols}, for the details.
14336
14337 @node Special Fortran Commands
14338 @subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
14339
14340 @cindex Special Fortran commands
14341
14342 @value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
14343 such as displaying common blocks.
14344
14345 @table @code
14346 @cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
14347 @kindex info common
14348 @item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
14349 This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
14350 block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
14351 all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
14352 printed.
14353 @end table
14354
14355 @node Pascal
14356 @subsection Pascal
14357
14358 @cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
14359 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
14360 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
14361 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
14362 syntax.
14363
14364 The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
14365 controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
14366 @xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
14367
14368 @node Modula-2
14369 @subsection Modula-2
14370
14371 @cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
14372
14373 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
14374 output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
14375 developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
14376 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
14377 to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
14378 table.
14379
14380 @cindex expressions in Modula-2
14381 @menu
14382 * M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
14383 * Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
14384 * M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
14385 * M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
14386 * M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
14387 * Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
14388 * M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
14389 * M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
14390 * GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
14391 @end menu
14392
14393 @node M2 Operators
14394 @subsubsection Operators
14395 @cindex Modula-2 operators
14396
14397 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
14398 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
14399 often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
14400 following definitions hold:
14401
14402 @itemize @bullet
14403
14404 @item
14405 @emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
14406 their subranges.
14407
14408 @item
14409 @emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
14410
14411 @item
14412 @emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
14413
14414 @item
14415 @emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
14416 @var{type}}.
14417
14418 @item
14419 @emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
14420
14421 @item
14422 @emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
14423
14424 @item
14425 @emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
14426 @end itemize
14427
14428 @noindent
14429 The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
14430 increasing precedence:
14431
14432 @table @code
14433 @item ,
14434 Function argument or array index separator.
14435
14436 @item :=
14437 Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
14438 @var{value}.
14439
14440 @item <@r{, }>
14441 Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
14442 types.
14443
14444 @item <=@r{, }>=
14445 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
14446 on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
14447 set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
14448
14449 @item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
14450 Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
14451 Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
14452 available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
14453 comment character.
14454
14455 @item IN
14456 Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
14457 Same precedence as @code{<}.
14458
14459 @item OR
14460 Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
14461
14462 @item AND@r{, }&
14463 Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
14464
14465 @item @@
14466 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
14467
14468 @item +@r{, }-
14469 Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
14470 and difference on set types.
14471
14472 @item *
14473 Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
14474 on set types.
14475
14476 @item /
14477 Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
14478 types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
14479
14480 @item DIV@r{, }MOD
14481 Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
14482 precedence as @code{*}.
14483
14484 @item -
14485 Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
14486
14487 @item ^
14488 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
14489
14490 @item NOT
14491 Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
14492 @code{^}.
14493
14494 @item .
14495 @code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
14496 precedence as @code{^}.
14497
14498 @item []
14499 Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
14500
14501 @item ()
14502 Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
14503 as @code{^}.
14504
14505 @item ::@r{, }.
14506 @value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
14507 @end table
14508
14509 @quotation
14510 @emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
14511 treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
14512 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
14513 @code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
14514 @end quotation
14515
14516
14517 @node Built-In Func/Proc
14518 @subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
14519 @cindex Modula-2 built-ins
14520
14521 Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
14522 In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
14523
14524 @table @var
14525
14526 @item a
14527 represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
14528
14529 @item c
14530 represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
14531
14532 @item i
14533 represents a variable or constant of integral type.
14534
14535 @item m
14536 represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
14537 same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
14538 be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
14539
14540 @item n
14541 represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
14542
14543 @item r
14544 represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
14545
14546 @item t
14547 represents a type.
14548
14549 @item v
14550 represents a variable.
14551
14552 @item x
14553 represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
14554 explanation of the function for details.
14555 @end table
14556
14557 All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
14558
14559 @table @code
14560 @item ABS(@var{n})
14561 Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
14562
14563 @item CAP(@var{c})
14564 If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
14565 equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
14566
14567 @item CHR(@var{i})
14568 Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
14569
14570 @item DEC(@var{v})
14571 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
14572
14573 @item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
14574 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
14575 new value.
14576
14577 @item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
14578 Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
14579 set.
14580
14581 @item FLOAT(@var{i})
14582 Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
14583
14584 @item HIGH(@var{a})
14585 Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
14586
14587 @item INC(@var{v})
14588 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
14589
14590 @item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
14591 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
14592 new value.
14593
14594 @item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
14595 Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
14596 there. Returns the new set.
14597
14598 @item MAX(@var{t})
14599 Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
14600
14601 @item MIN(@var{t})
14602 Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
14603
14604 @item ODD(@var{i})
14605 Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
14606
14607 @item ORD(@var{x})
14608 Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
14609 value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting the
14610 @sc{ascii} character set). @var{x} must be of an ordered type, which include
14611 integral, character and enumerated types.
14612
14613 @item SIZE(@var{x})
14614 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
14615
14616 @item TRUNC(@var{r})
14617 Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
14618
14619 @item TSIZE(@var{x})
14620 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
14621
14622 @item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
14623 Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
14624 @end table
14625
14626 @quotation
14627 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
14628 @value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
14629 an error.
14630 @end quotation
14631
14632 @cindex Modula-2 constants
14633 @node M2 Constants
14634 @subsubsection Constants
14635
14636 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
14637 ways:
14638
14639 @itemize @bullet
14640
14641 @item
14642 Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
14643 expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
14644 rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
14645 trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
14646
14647 @item
14648 Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
14649 decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
14650 then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
14651 @samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
14652 digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
14653 digits.
14654
14655 @item
14656 Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
14657 like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
14658 also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
14659 followed by a @samp{C}.
14660
14661 @item
14662 String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
14663 pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
14664 Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
14665 Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
14666 sequences.
14667
14668 @item
14669 Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
14670
14671 @item
14672 Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
14673 @code{FALSE}.
14674
14675 @item
14676 Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
14677
14678 @item
14679 Set constants are not yet supported.
14680 @end itemize
14681
14682 @node M2 Types
14683 @subsubsection Modula-2 Types
14684 @cindex Modula-2 types
14685
14686 Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
14687 syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
14688 types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
14689 print the contents of variables declared using these type.
14690 This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
14691 sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
14692
14693 The first example contains the following section of code:
14694
14695 @smallexample
14696 VAR
14697 s: SET OF CHAR ;
14698 r: [20..40] ;
14699 @end smallexample
14700
14701 @noindent
14702 and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
14703 @code{r} and @code{s}.
14704
14705 @smallexample
14706 (@value{GDBP}) print s
14707 @{'A'..'C', 'Z'@}
14708 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14709 SET OF CHAR
14710 (@value{GDBP}) print r
14711 21
14712 (@value{GDBP}) ptype r
14713 [20..40]
14714 @end smallexample
14715
14716 @noindent
14717 Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
14718
14719 @smallexample
14720 VAR
14721 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
14722 @end smallexample
14723
14724 @noindent
14725 then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
14726
14727 @smallexample
14728 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14729 type = SET ['A'..'Z']
14730 @end smallexample
14731
14732 @noindent
14733 Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
14734 expressions using the debugger.
14735
14736 The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
14737 and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
14738
14739 @smallexample
14740 VAR
14741 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
14742 @end smallexample
14743
14744 @smallexample
14745 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14746 ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
14747 @end smallexample
14748
14749 Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
14750 is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
14751 arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
14752 above.
14753
14754 Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
14755
14756 @smallexample
14757 TYPE
14758 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
14759 t = [blue..yellow] ;
14760 VAR
14761 s: t ;
14762 BEGIN
14763 s := blue ;
14764 @end smallexample
14765
14766 @noindent
14767 The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
14768 and value of a variable.
14769
14770 @smallexample
14771 (@value{GDBP}) print s
14772 $1 = blue
14773 (@value{GDBP}) ptype t
14774 type = [blue..yellow]
14775 @end smallexample
14776
14777 @noindent
14778 In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
14779 displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
14780 their @code{C} counterparts.
14781
14782 @smallexample
14783 VAR
14784 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
14785 BEGIN
14786 s[1] := 1 ;
14787 @end smallexample
14788
14789 @smallexample
14790 (@value{GDBP}) print s
14791 $1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
14792 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14793 type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
14794 @end smallexample
14795
14796 The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
14797 pointer types as shown in this example:
14798
14799 @smallexample
14800 VAR
14801 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
14802 BEGIN
14803 NEW(s) ;
14804 s^[1] := 1 ;
14805 @end smallexample
14806
14807 @noindent
14808 and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
14809
14810 @smallexample
14811 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14812 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
14813 @end smallexample
14814
14815 @value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
14816 Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
14817 types:
14818
14819 @smallexample
14820 TYPE
14821 foo = RECORD
14822 f1: CARDINAL ;
14823 f2: CHAR ;
14824 f3: myarray ;
14825 END ;
14826
14827 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
14828 myrange = [-2..2] ;
14829 VAR
14830 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
14831 @end smallexample
14832
14833 @noindent
14834 and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
14835 below.
14836
14837 @smallexample
14838 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14839 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
14840 f1 : CARDINAL;
14841 f2 : CHAR;
14842 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
14843 END
14844 @end smallexample
14845
14846 @node M2 Defaults
14847 @subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
14848 @cindex Modula-2 defaults
14849
14850 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
14851 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
14852 Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
14853 selected the working language.
14854
14855 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
14856 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
14857 working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
14858 Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
14859
14860 @node Deviations
14861 @subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
14862 @cindex Modula-2, deviations from
14863
14864 A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
14865 This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
14866
14867 @itemize @bullet
14868 @item
14869 Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
14870 integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
14871 debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
14872 pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
14873 through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
14874 returned a pointer.)
14875
14876 @item
14877 C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
14878 non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
14879 escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
14880 printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
14881
14882 @item
14883 The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
14884 argument.
14885
14886 @item
14887 All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
14888 @end itemize
14889
14890 @node M2 Checks
14891 @subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
14892 @cindex Modula-2 checks
14893
14894 @quotation
14895 @emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
14896 range checking.
14897 @end quotation
14898 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
14899
14900 @value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
14901
14902 @itemize @bullet
14903 @item
14904 They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
14905 @var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
14906
14907 @item
14908 They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
14909 @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
14910 @end itemize
14911
14912 As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
14913 whose types are not equivalent is an error.
14914
14915 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
14916 index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
14917
14918 @node M2 Scope
14919 @subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
14920 @cindex scope
14921 @cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
14922 @cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
14923 @ifinfo
14924 @vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
14925 @c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
14926 @end ifinfo
14927 @ifnotinfo
14928 @vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
14929 @end ifnotinfo
14930
14931 There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
14932 (@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
14933 similar syntax:
14934
14935 @smallexample
14936
14937 @var{module} . @var{id}
14938 @var{scope} :: @var{id}
14939 @end smallexample
14940
14941 @noindent
14942 where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
14943 @var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
14944 identifier within your program, except another module.
14945
14946 Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
14947 specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
14948 found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
14949 enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
14950
14951 Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
14952 the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
14953 definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
14954 an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
14955 module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
14956 @var{module}.
14957
14958 @node GDB/M2
14959 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
14960
14961 Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
14962 Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
14963 specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
14964 @samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
14965 apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
14966 analogue in Modula-2.
14967
14968 The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
14969 with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
14970 intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
14971 created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
14972 address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
14973 @samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
14974
14975 @cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
14976 In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
14977 interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
14978
14979 @node Ada
14980 @subsection Ada
14981 @cindex Ada
14982
14983 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
14984 output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
14985 Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
14986 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
14987 to be difficult.
14988
14989
14990 @cindex expressions in Ada
14991 @menu
14992 * Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
14993 and semantics supported by Ada mode
14994 in @value{GDBN}.
14995 * Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
14996 * Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
14997 * Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
14998 * Ada Exceptions:: Ada Exceptions
14999 * Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
15000 * Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
15001 * Ravenscar Profile:: Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar
15002 Profile
15003 * Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
15004 @end menu
15005
15006 @node Ada Mode Intro
15007 @subsubsection Introduction
15008 @cindex Ada mode, general
15009
15010 The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
15011 syntax, with some extensions.
15012 The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
15013
15014 @itemize @bullet
15015 @item
15016 That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
15017 arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
15018 leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
15019 program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
15020
15021 @item
15022 That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
15023 are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
15024
15025 @item
15026 That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
15027 @end itemize
15028
15029 Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
15030 user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
15031 according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
15032 names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
15033 ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
15034
15035 The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
15036 As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
15037 was translated from an Ada source file.
15038
15039 While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
15040 mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
15041 (@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
15042 middle (to allow based literals).
15043
15044 The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
15045 the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
15046 actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
15047 the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
15048 procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
15049 functions to procedures elsewhere.
15050
15051 @node Omissions from Ada
15052 @subsubsection Omissions from Ada
15053 @cindex Ada, omissions from
15054
15055 Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
15056
15057 @itemize @bullet
15058 @item
15059 Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
15060
15061 @itemize @minus
15062 @item
15063 @t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
15064 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
15065
15066 @item
15067 @t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
15068
15069 @item
15070 @t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
15071
15072 @item
15073 @t{'Tag}.
15074
15075 @item
15076 @t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
15077 operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
15078
15079 @item
15080 @t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
15081 @t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
15082
15083 @item
15084 @t{'Address}.
15085 @end itemize
15086
15087 @item
15088 The names in
15089 @code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
15090 concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
15091 not currently available.
15092
15093 @item
15094 Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
15095 equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
15096 for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
15097 They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
15098 types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
15099 (in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
15100 zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
15101 indeterminate values.
15102
15103 @item
15104 The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
15105 @code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
15106 are not implemented.
15107
15108 @item
15109 @cindex array aggregates (Ada)
15110 @cindex record aggregates (Ada)
15111 @cindex aggregates (Ada)
15112 There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
15113 permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
15114
15115 @smallexample
15116 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
15117 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
15118 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
15119 (@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
15120 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
15121 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
15122 @end smallexample
15123
15124 Changing a
15125 discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
15126 undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
15127 However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
15128 them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
15129 aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
15130 declared to have a type such as:
15131
15132 @smallexample
15133 type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
15134 Id : Integer;
15135 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
15136 end record;
15137 @end smallexample
15138
15139 you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
15140 assignments:
15141
15142 @smallexample
15143 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
15144 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
15145 @end smallexample
15146
15147 As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
15148 rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
15149 components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
15150 component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
15151 original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
15152 indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
15153 redundant component associations, although which component values are
15154 assigned in such cases is not defined.
15155
15156 @item
15157 Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
15158
15159 @item
15160 The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
15161 than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
15162 which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
15163 looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
15164 function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
15165 the proper resolution.
15166
15167 @item
15168 The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
15169
15170 @item
15171 Entry calls are not implemented.
15172
15173 @item
15174 Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
15175 formats are not supported.
15176
15177 @item
15178 It is not possible to slice a packed array.
15179
15180 @item
15181 The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
15182 are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
15183 context.
15184 Should your program
15185 redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
15186 you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
15187 @end itemize
15188
15189 @node Additions to Ada
15190 @subsubsection Additions to Ada
15191 @cindex Ada, deviations from
15192
15193 As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
15194 extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
15195
15196 @itemize @bullet
15197 @item
15198 If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
15199 a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
15200 then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
15201 @var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
15202 Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
15203 in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
15204 Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
15205 which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
15206
15207 @item
15208 @code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
15209 appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
15210 you must typically surround it in single quotes.
15211
15212 @item
15213 The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
15214 @var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
15215
15216 @item
15217 A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
15218 (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
15219 @end itemize
15220
15221 In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
15222 additions specific to Ada:
15223
15224 @itemize @bullet
15225 @item
15226 The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
15227 its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
15228
15229 @smallexample
15230 (@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
15231 (@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
15232 @end smallexample
15233
15234 @item
15235 The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
15236 the value of its right-hand operand.
15237 This allows, for example,
15238 complex conditional breaks:
15239
15240 @smallexample
15241 (@value{GDBP}) break f
15242 (@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
15243 @end smallexample
15244
15245 @item
15246 Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
15247 characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
15248 which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
15249 @samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
15250 (single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
15251 sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
15252 in strings. For example,
15253 @smallexample
15254 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
15255 @end smallexample
15256 @noindent
15257 contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
15258 after each period.
15259
15260 @item
15261 The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
15262 @t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
15263 to write
15264
15265 @smallexample
15266 (@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
15267 @end smallexample
15268
15269 @item
15270 When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
15271 array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
15272 For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
15273 of 3 might print as
15274
15275 @smallexample
15276 (3 => 10, 17, 1)
15277 @end smallexample
15278
15279 @noindent
15280 That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
15281 clause.
15282
15283 @item
15284 You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
15285 multi-character subsequence of
15286 their names (an exact match gets preference).
15287 For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
15288 in place of @t{a'length}.
15289
15290 @item
15291 @cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
15292 Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
15293 to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
15294 some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
15295 For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
15296 enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
15297 For example,
15298 @smallexample
15299 (@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
15300 @end smallexample
15301
15302 @item
15303 Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
15304 access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
15305 specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
15306 selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
15307 object.
15308
15309 @end itemize
15310
15311 @node Stopping Before Main Program
15312 @subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
15313
15314 @cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
15315 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
15316 before reaching the main procedure.
15317 As defined in the Ada Reference
15318 Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
15319 @code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
15320 elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
15321 @code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
15322
15323 @node Ada Exceptions
15324 @subsubsection Ada Exceptions
15325
15326 A command is provided to list all Ada exceptions:
15327
15328 @table @code
15329 @kindex info exceptions
15330 @item info exceptions
15331 @itemx info exceptions @var{regexp}
15332 The @code{info exceptions} command allows you to list all Ada exceptions
15333 defined within the program being debugged, as well as their addresses.
15334 With a regular expression, @var{regexp}, as argument, only those exceptions
15335 whose names match @var{regexp} are listed.
15336 @end table
15337
15338 Below is a small example, showing how the command can be used, first
15339 without argument, and next with a regular expression passed as an
15340 argument.
15341
15342 @smallexample
15343 (@value{GDBP}) info exceptions
15344 All defined Ada exceptions:
15345 constraint_error: 0x613da0
15346 program_error: 0x613d20
15347 storage_error: 0x613ce0
15348 tasking_error: 0x613ca0
15349 const.aint_global_e: 0x613b00
15350 (@value{GDBP}) info exceptions const.aint
15351 All Ada exceptions matching regular expression "const.aint":
15352 constraint_error: 0x613da0
15353 const.aint_global_e: 0x613b00
15354 @end smallexample
15355
15356 It is also possible to ask @value{GDBN} to stop your program's execution
15357 when an exception is raised. For more details, see @ref{Set Catchpoints}.
15358
15359 @node Ada Tasks
15360 @subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
15361 @cindex Ada, tasking
15362
15363 Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
15364 @value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
15365
15366 @table @code
15367 @kindex info tasks
15368 @item info tasks
15369 This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
15370
15371
15372 @smallexample
15373 @iftex
15374 @leftskip=0.5cm
15375 @end iftex
15376 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
15377 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
15378 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15379 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
15380 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
15381 * 4 80ae800 3 15 Runnable c
15382
15383 @end smallexample
15384
15385 @noindent
15386 In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
15387 task currently being inspected.
15388
15389 @table @asis
15390 @item ID
15391 Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
15392
15393 @item TID
15394 The Ada task ID.
15395
15396 @item P-ID
15397 The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
15398
15399 @item Pri
15400 The base priority of the task.
15401
15402 @item State
15403 Current state of the task.
15404
15405 @table @code
15406 @item Unactivated
15407 The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
15408 executing.
15409
15410 @item Runnable
15411 The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
15412 for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
15413
15414 @item Terminated
15415 The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
15416 that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
15417 terminated themselves.
15418
15419 @item Child Activation Wait
15420 The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
15421
15422 @item Accept Statement
15423 The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
15424
15425 @item Waiting on entry call
15426 The task is waiting on an entry call.
15427
15428 @item Async Select Wait
15429 The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
15430 select statement.
15431
15432 @item Delay Sleep
15433 The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
15434 alternative open.
15435
15436 @item Child Termination Wait
15437 The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
15438 waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
15439 waiting on a terminate Phase.
15440
15441 @item Wait Child in Term Alt
15442 The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
15443 finish terminating.
15444
15445 @item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
15446 The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
15447 @end table
15448
15449 @item Name
15450 Name of the task in the program.
15451
15452 @end table
15453
15454 @kindex info task @var{taskno}
15455 @item info task @var{taskno}
15456 This command shows detailled informations on the specified task, as in
15457 the following example:
15458 @smallexample
15459 @iftex
15460 @leftskip=0.5cm
15461 @end iftex
15462 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
15463 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
15464 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15465 * 2 807c468 1 15 Runnable task_1
15466 (@value{GDBP}) info task 2
15467 Ada Task: 0x807c468
15468 Name: task_1
15469 Thread: 0x807f378
15470 Parent: 1 (main_task)
15471 Base Priority: 15
15472 State: Runnable
15473 @end smallexample
15474
15475 @item task
15476 @kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
15477 @cindex current Ada task ID
15478 This command prints the ID of the current task.
15479
15480 @smallexample
15481 @iftex
15482 @leftskip=0.5cm
15483 @end iftex
15484 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
15485 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
15486 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15487 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
15488 (@value{GDBP}) task
15489 [Current task is 2]
15490 @end smallexample
15491
15492 @item task @var{taskno}
15493 @cindex Ada task switching
15494 This command is like the @code{thread @var{threadno}}
15495 command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
15496 from the current task to the given task.
15497
15498 @smallexample
15499 @iftex
15500 @leftskip=0.5cm
15501 @end iftex
15502 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
15503 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
15504 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15505 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
15506 (@value{GDBP}) task 1
15507 [Switching to task 1]
15508 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
15509 (@value{GDBP}) bt
15510 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
15511 #1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
15512 #2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
15513 #3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
15514 #4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
15515 @end smallexample
15516
15517 @item break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno}
15518 @itemx break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno} if @dots{}
15519 @cindex breakpoints and tasks, in Ada
15520 @cindex task breakpoints, in Ada
15521 @kindex break @dots{} task @var{taskno}@r{ (Ada)}
15522 These commands are like the @code{break @dots{} thread @dots{}}
15523 command (@pxref{Thread Stops}).
15524 @var{linespec} specifies source lines, as described
15525 in @ref{Specify Location}.
15526
15527 Use the qualifier @samp{task @var{taskno}} with a breakpoint command
15528 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
15529 particular Ada task reaches this breakpoint. @var{taskno} is one of the
15530 numeric task identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
15531 column of the @samp{info tasks} display.
15532
15533 If you do not specify @samp{task @var{taskno}} when you set a
15534 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} tasks of your
15535 program.
15536
15537 You can use the @code{task} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
15538 well; in this case, place @samp{task @var{taskno}} before the
15539 breakpoint condition (before the @code{if}).
15540
15541 For example,
15542
15543 @smallexample
15544 @iftex
15545 @leftskip=0.5cm
15546 @end iftex
15547 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
15548 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
15549 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15550 2 140045060 1 15 Accept/Select Wait t2
15551 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
15552 * 4 140056040 1 15 Runnable t3
15553 (@value{GDBP}) b 15 task 2
15554 Breakpoint 5 at 0x120044cb0: file test_task_debug.adb, line 15.
15555 (@value{GDBP}) cont
15556 Continuing.
15557 task # 1 running
15558 task # 2 running
15559
15560 Breakpoint 5, test_task_debug () at test_task_debug.adb:15
15561 15 flush;
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 Runnable t2
15566 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
15567 4 140056040 1 15 Delay Sleep t3
15568 @end smallexample
15569 @end table
15570
15571 @node Ada Tasks and Core Files
15572 @subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
15573 @cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
15574
15575 When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
15576 tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
15577 the platform being used.
15578 For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
15579 switching is not supported. On Tru64, however, task switching will work
15580 as usual.
15581
15582 On certain platforms, including Tru64, the debugger needs to perform some
15583 memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
15584 a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
15585 privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
15586 Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
15587 file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
15588
15589 @node Ravenscar Profile
15590 @subsubsection Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar Profile
15591 @cindex Ravenscar Profile
15592
15593 The @dfn{Ravenscar Profile} is a subset of the Ada tasking features,
15594 specifically designed for systems with safety-critical real-time
15595 requirements.
15596
15597 @table @code
15598 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching on
15599 @cindex task switching with program using Ravenscar Profile
15600 @item set ravenscar task-switching on
15601 Allows task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
15602 Profile. This is the default.
15603
15604 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching off
15605 @item set ravenscar task-switching off
15606 Turn off task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
15607 Profile. This is mostly intended to disable the code that adds support
15608 for the Ravenscar Profile, in case a bug in either @value{GDBN} or in
15609 the Ravenscar runtime is preventing @value{GDBN} from working properly.
15610 To be effective, this command should be run before the program is started.
15611
15612 @kindex show ravenscar task-switching
15613 @item show ravenscar task-switching
15614 Show whether it is possible to switch from task to task in a program
15615 using the Ravenscar Profile.
15616
15617 @end table
15618
15619 @node Ada Glitches
15620 @subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
15621 @cindex Ada, problems
15622
15623 Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
15624 we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
15625 @value{GDBN},
15626 some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
15627 and the GNU Ada compiler.
15628
15629 @itemize @bullet
15630 @item
15631 Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
15632 storage are invisible to the debugger.
15633
15634 @item
15635 Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
15636 argument lists are treated as positional).
15637
15638 @item
15639 Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
15640
15641 @item
15642 Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
15643 floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
15644 the host machine.
15645
15646 @item
15647 The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
15648 the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
15649 this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
15650 look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
15651 symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
15652 defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
15653 local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
15654 GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
15655 you can usually resolve the confusion
15656 by qualifying the problematic names with package
15657 @code{Standard} explicitly.
15658 @end itemize
15659
15660 Older versions of the compiler sometimes generate erroneous debugging
15661 information, resulting in the debugger incorrectly printing the value
15662 of affected entities. In some cases, the debugger is able to work
15663 around an issue automatically. In other cases, the debugger is able
15664 to work around the issue, but the work-around has to be specifically
15665 enabled.
15666
15667 @kindex set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
15668 @kindex show ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
15669 @table @code
15670
15671 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS on
15672 Configure GDB to strictly follow the GNAT encoding when computing the
15673 value of Ada entities, particularly when @code{PAD} and @code{PAD___XVS}
15674 types are involved (see @code{ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources for
15675 a complete description of the encoding used by the GNAT compiler).
15676 This is the default.
15677
15678 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS off
15679 This is related to the encoding using by the GNAT compiler. If @value{GDBN}
15680 sometimes prints the wrong value for certain entities, changing @code{ada
15681 trust-PAD-over-XVS} to @code{off} activates a work-around which may fix
15682 the issue. It is always safe to set @code{ada trust-PAD-over-XVS} to
15683 @code{off}, but this incurs a slight performance penalty, so it is
15684 recommended to leave this setting to @code{on} unless necessary.
15685
15686 @end table
15687
15688 @node Unsupported Languages
15689 @section Unsupported Languages
15690
15691 @cindex unsupported languages
15692 @cindex minimal language
15693 In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
15694 @value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
15695 It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
15696 of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
15697 This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
15698 an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
15699
15700 If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
15701 select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
15702 language.
15703
15704 @node Symbols
15705 @chapter Examining the Symbol Table
15706
15707 The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
15708 symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
15709 program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
15710 does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
15711 program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
15712 (@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
15713 file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
15714
15715 @cindex symbol names
15716 @cindex names of symbols
15717 @cindex quoting names
15718 Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
15719 characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
15720 most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
15721 source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
15722 are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
15723 ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
15724 @samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
15725 @samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
15726
15727 @smallexample
15728 p 'foo.c'::x
15729 @end smallexample
15730
15731 @noindent
15732 looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
15733
15734 @table @code
15735 @cindex case-insensitive symbol names
15736 @cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
15737 @kindex set case-sensitive
15738 @item set case-sensitive on
15739 @itemx set case-sensitive off
15740 @itemx set case-sensitive auto
15741 Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
15742 with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
15743 Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
15744 case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
15745 case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
15746 you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
15747 suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
15748 matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
15749 case-insensitive matches.
15750
15751 @kindex show case-sensitive
15752 @item show case-sensitive
15753 This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
15754 lookups.
15755
15756 @kindex set print type methods
15757 @item set print type methods
15758 @itemx set print type methods on
15759 @itemx set print type methods off
15760 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any methods
15761 declared in that class. You can control this behavior either by
15762 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
15763 print type methods}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
15764 display the methods; this is the default. Specifying @code{off} will
15765 cause @value{GDBN} to omit the methods.
15766
15767 @kindex show print type methods
15768 @item show print type methods
15769 This command shows the current setting of method display when printing
15770 classes.
15771
15772 @kindex set print type typedefs
15773 @item set print type typedefs
15774 @itemx set print type typedefs on
15775 @itemx set print type typedefs off
15776
15777 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any typedefs
15778 defined in that class. You can control this behavior either by
15779 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
15780 print type typedefs}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
15781 display the typedef definitions; this is the default. Specifying
15782 @code{off} will cause @value{GDBN} to omit the typedef definitions.
15783 Note that this controls whether the typedef definition itself is
15784 printed, not whether typedef names are substituted when printing other
15785 types.
15786
15787 @kindex show print type typedefs
15788 @item show print type typedefs
15789 This command shows the current setting of typedef display when
15790 printing classes.
15791
15792 @kindex info address
15793 @cindex address of a symbol
15794 @item info address @var{symbol}
15795 Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
15796 variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
15797 local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
15798 is always stored.
15799
15800 Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
15801 at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
15802 the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
15803
15804 @kindex info symbol
15805 @cindex symbol from address
15806 @cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
15807 @item info symbol @var{addr}
15808 Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
15809 If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
15810 nearest symbol and an offset from it:
15811
15812 @smallexample
15813 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
15814 _initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
15815 @end smallexample
15816
15817 @noindent
15818 This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
15819 it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
15820
15821 For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
15822 library containing the symbol is also printed:
15823
15824 @smallexample
15825 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
15826 _start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
15827 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
15828 __read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
15829 @end smallexample
15830
15831 @kindex whatis
15832 @item whatis[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
15833 Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression
15834 or a name of a data type. With no argument, print the data type of
15835 @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
15836
15837 If @var{arg} is an expression (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), it
15838 is not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
15839 assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place.
15840
15841 If @var{arg} is a variable or an expression, @code{whatis} prints its
15842 literal type as it is used in the source code. If the type was
15843 defined using a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will @emph{not} print
15844 the data type underlying the @code{typedef}. If the type of the
15845 variable or the expression is a compound data type, such as
15846 @code{struct} or @code{class}, @code{whatis} never prints their
15847 fields or methods. It just prints the @code{struct}/@code{class}
15848 name (a.k.a.@: its @dfn{tag}). If you want to see the members of
15849 such a compound data type, use @code{ptype}.
15850
15851 If @var{arg} is a type name that was defined using @code{typedef},
15852 @code{whatis} @dfn{unrolls} only one level of that @code{typedef}.
15853 Unrolling means that @code{whatis} will show the underlying type used
15854 in the @code{typedef} declaration of @var{arg}. However, if that
15855 underlying type is also a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will not
15856 unroll it.
15857
15858 For C code, the type names may also have the form @samp{class
15859 @var{class-name}}, @samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union
15860 @var{union-tag}} or @samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
15861
15862 @var{flags} can be used to modify how the type is displayed.
15863 Available flags are:
15864
15865 @table @code
15866 @item r
15867 Display in ``raw'' form. Normally, @value{GDBN} substitutes template
15868 parameters and typedefs defined in a class when printing the class'
15869 members. The @code{/r} flag disables this.
15870
15871 @item m
15872 Do not print methods defined in the class.
15873
15874 @item M
15875 Print methods defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
15876 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type methods}.
15877
15878 @item t
15879 Do not print typedefs defined in the class. Note that this controls
15880 whether the typedef definition itself is printed, not whether typedef
15881 names are substituted when printing other types.
15882
15883 @item T
15884 Print typedefs defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
15885 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type typedefs}.
15886 @end table
15887
15888 @kindex ptype
15889 @item ptype[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
15890 @code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
15891 detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
15892 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
15893
15894 Contrary to @code{whatis}, @code{ptype} always unrolls any
15895 @code{typedef}s in its argument declaration, whether the argument is
15896 a variable, expression, or a data type. This means that @code{ptype}
15897 of a variable or an expression will not print literally its type as
15898 present in the source code---use @code{whatis} for that. @code{typedef}s at
15899 the pointer or reference targets are also unrolled. Only @code{typedef}s of
15900 fields, methods and inner @code{class typedef}s of @code{struct}s,
15901 @code{class}es and @code{union}s are not unrolled even with @code{ptype}.
15902
15903 For example, for this variable declaration:
15904
15905 @smallexample
15906 typedef double real_t;
15907 struct complex @{ real_t real; double imag; @};
15908 typedef struct complex complex_t;
15909 complex_t var;
15910 real_t *real_pointer_var;
15911 @end smallexample
15912
15913 @noindent
15914 the two commands give this output:
15915
15916 @smallexample
15917 @group
15918 (@value{GDBP}) whatis var
15919 type = complex_t
15920 (@value{GDBP}) ptype var
15921 type = struct complex @{
15922 real_t real;
15923 double imag;
15924 @}
15925 (@value{GDBP}) whatis complex_t
15926 type = struct complex
15927 (@value{GDBP}) whatis struct complex
15928 type = struct complex
15929 (@value{GDBP}) ptype struct complex
15930 type = struct complex @{
15931 real_t real;
15932 double imag;
15933 @}
15934 (@value{GDBP}) whatis real_pointer_var
15935 type = real_t *
15936 (@value{GDBP}) ptype real_pointer_var
15937 type = double *
15938 @end group
15939 @end smallexample
15940
15941 @noindent
15942 As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
15943 the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
15944
15945 @cindex incomplete type
15946 Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
15947 of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
15948 program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
15949 the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
15950 given these declarations:
15951
15952 @smallexample
15953 struct foo;
15954 struct foo *fooptr;
15955 @end smallexample
15956
15957 @noindent
15958 but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
15959
15960 @smallexample
15961 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
15962 $1 = <incomplete type>
15963 @end smallexample
15964
15965 @noindent
15966 ``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
15967 completely specified.
15968
15969 @kindex info types
15970 @item info types @var{regexp}
15971 @itemx info types
15972 Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
15973 expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
15974 no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
15975 complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
15976 types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
15977 @samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
15978 name is @code{value}.
15979
15980 This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
15981 @code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
15982 lists all source files where a type is defined.
15983
15984 @kindex info type-printers
15985 @item info type-printers
15986 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled may
15987 have ``type printers'' available. When using @command{ptype} or
15988 @command{whatis}, these printers are consulted when the name of a type
15989 is needed. @xref{Type Printing API}, for more information on writing
15990 type printers.
15991
15992 @code{info type-printers} displays all the available type printers.
15993
15994 @kindex enable type-printer
15995 @kindex disable type-printer
15996 @item enable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
15997 @item disable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
15998 These commands can be used to enable or disable type printers.
15999
16000 @kindex info scope
16001 @cindex local variables
16002 @item info scope @var{location}
16003 List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
16004 accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
16005 an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
16006 to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
16007 details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
16008
16009 @smallexample
16010 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
16011 Scope for command_line_handler:
16012 Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
16013 Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
16014 Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
16015 Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
16016 Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
16017 Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
16018 Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
16019 @end smallexample
16020
16021 @noindent
16022 This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
16023 during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
16024 collect}.
16025
16026 @kindex info source
16027 @item info source
16028 Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
16029 the function containing the current point of execution:
16030 @itemize @bullet
16031 @item
16032 the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
16033 @item
16034 the directory it was compiled in,
16035 @item
16036 its length, in lines,
16037 @item
16038 which programming language it is written in,
16039 @item
16040 whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
16041 if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
16042 @item
16043 whether the debugging information includes information about
16044 preprocessor macros.
16045 @end itemize
16046
16047
16048 @kindex info sources
16049 @item info sources
16050 Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
16051 debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
16052 have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
16053
16054 @kindex info functions
16055 @item info functions
16056 Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
16057
16058 @item info functions @var{regexp}
16059 Print the names and data types of all defined functions
16060 whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
16061 Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
16062 include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
16063 start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters
16064 that conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
16065 @samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
16066
16067 @kindex info variables
16068 @item info variables
16069 Print the names and data types of all variables that are defined
16070 outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
16071
16072 @item info variables @var{regexp}
16073 Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
16074 variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
16075 @var{regexp}.
16076
16077 @kindex info classes
16078 @cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
16079 @item info classes
16080 @itemx info classes @var{regexp}
16081 Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
16082 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
16083 expression.
16084
16085 @kindex info selectors
16086 @item info selectors
16087 @itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
16088 Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
16089 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
16090 expression.
16091
16092 @ignore
16093 This was never implemented.
16094 @kindex info methods
16095 @item info methods
16096 @itemx info methods @var{regexp}
16097 The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
16098 methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
16099 specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
16100 C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
16101 from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
16102 @code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
16103 which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
16104 @end ignore
16105
16106 @cindex opaque data types
16107 @kindex set opaque-type-resolution
16108 @item set opaque-type-resolution on
16109 Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
16110 declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
16111 @code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
16112 source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
16113 another source file. The default is on.
16114
16115 A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
16116 the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
16117
16118 @item set opaque-type-resolution off
16119 Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
16120 is printed as follows:
16121 @smallexample
16122 @{<no data fields>@}
16123 @end smallexample
16124
16125 @kindex show opaque-type-resolution
16126 @item show opaque-type-resolution
16127 Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
16128
16129 @kindex maint print symbols
16130 @cindex symbol dump
16131 @kindex maint print psymbols
16132 @cindex partial symbol dump
16133 @kindex maint print msymbols
16134 @cindex minimal symbol dump
16135 @item maint print symbols @var{filename}
16136 @itemx maint print psymbols @var{filename}
16137 @itemx maint print msymbols @var{filename}
16138 Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename}.
16139 These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code. Only
16140 symbols with debugging data are included. If you use @samp{maint print
16141 symbols}, @value{GDBN} includes all the symbols for which it has already
16142 collected full details: that is, @var{filename} reflects symbols for
16143 only those files whose symbols @value{GDBN} has read. You can use the
16144 command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are. If you
16145 use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information about
16146 symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols defined in
16147 files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely. Finally,
16148 @samp{maint print msymbols} dumps just the minimal symbol information
16149 required for each object file from which @value{GDBN} has read some symbols.
16150 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
16151 @value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
16152
16153 @kindex maint info symtabs
16154 @kindex maint info psymtabs
16155 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
16156 @cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
16157 @cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
16158 @cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
16159 @item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
16160 @itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
16161
16162 List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
16163 structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
16164 given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
16165 copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
16166 structure in more detail. For example:
16167
16168 @smallexample
16169 (@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
16170 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
16171 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
16172 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
16173 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
16174 readin no
16175 fullname (null)
16176 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
16177 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
16178 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
16179 dependencies (none)
16180 @}
16181 @}
16182 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
16183 (@value{GDBP})
16184 @end smallexample
16185 @noindent
16186 We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
16187 the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
16188 and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
16189 If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
16190 read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
16191
16192 @smallexample
16193 (@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
16194 Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
16195 line 1574.
16196 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
16197 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
16198 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
16199 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
16200 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
16201 dirname (null)
16202 fullname (null)
16203 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
16204 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
16205 debugformat DWARF 2
16206 @}
16207 @}
16208 (@value{GDBP})
16209 @end smallexample
16210 @end table
16211
16212
16213 @node Altering
16214 @chapter Altering Execution
16215
16216 Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
16217 find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
16218 correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
16219 experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
16220 program.
16221
16222 For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
16223 locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
16224 address, or even return prematurely from a function.
16225
16226 @menu
16227 * Assignment:: Assignment to variables
16228 * Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
16229 * Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
16230 * Returning:: Returning from a function
16231 * Calling:: Calling your program's functions
16232 * Patching:: Patching your program
16233 @end menu
16234
16235 @node Assignment
16236 @section Assignment to Variables
16237
16238 @cindex assignment
16239 @cindex setting variables
16240 To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
16241 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
16242
16243 @smallexample
16244 print x=4
16245 @end smallexample
16246
16247 @noindent
16248 stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
16249 value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
16250 @xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
16251 information on operators in supported languages.
16252
16253 @kindex set variable
16254 @cindex variables, setting
16255 If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
16256 @code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
16257 really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
16258 not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
16259 ,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
16260
16261 If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
16262 appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
16263 variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
16264 to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
16265 program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
16266 a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
16267 command @code{set width}:
16268
16269 @smallexample
16270 (@value{GDBP}) whatis width
16271 type = double
16272 (@value{GDBP}) p width
16273 $4 = 13
16274 (@value{GDBP}) set width=47
16275 Invalid syntax in expression.
16276 @end smallexample
16277
16278 @noindent
16279 The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
16280 order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
16281
16282 @smallexample
16283 (@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
16284 @end smallexample
16285
16286 Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
16287 with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
16288 @code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
16289 your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
16290 to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
16291 the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
16292
16293 @smallexample
16294 @group
16295 (@value{GDBP}) whatis g
16296 type = double
16297 (@value{GDBP}) p g
16298 $1 = 1
16299 (@value{GDBP}) set g=4
16300 (@value{GDBP}) p g
16301 $2 = 1
16302 (@value{GDBP}) r
16303 The program being debugged has been started already.
16304 Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
16305 Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
16306 "/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
16307 Invalid bfd target.
16308 (@value{GDBP}) show g
16309 The current BFD target is "=4".
16310 @end group
16311 @end smallexample
16312
16313 @noindent
16314 The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
16315 @code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
16316 @code{g}, use
16317
16318 @smallexample
16319 (@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
16320 @end smallexample
16321
16322 @value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
16323 freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
16324 and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
16325 same length or shorter.
16326 @comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
16327 @comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
16328
16329 To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
16330 construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
16331 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
16332 to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
16333 and representation in memory), and
16334
16335 @smallexample
16336 set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
16337 @end smallexample
16338
16339 @noindent
16340 stores the value 4 into that memory location.
16341
16342 @node Jumping
16343 @section Continuing at a Different Address
16344
16345 Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
16346 it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
16347 an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
16348
16349 @table @code
16350 @kindex jump
16351 @kindex j @r{(@code{jump})}
16352 @item jump @var{linespec}
16353 @itemx j @var{linespec}
16354 @itemx jump @var{location}
16355 @itemx j @var{location}
16356 Resume execution at line @var{linespec} or at address given by
16357 @var{location}. Execution stops again immediately if there is a
16358 breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
16359 different forms of @var{linespec} and @var{location}. It is common
16360 practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
16361 @code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
16362
16363 The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
16364 the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
16365 register other than the program counter. If line @var{linespec} is in
16366 a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
16367 be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
16368 of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
16369 confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
16370 executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
16371 well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
16372 @end table
16373
16374 @c Doesn't work on HP-UX; have to set $pcoqh and $pcoqt.
16375 On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
16376 command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
16377 difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
16378 changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
16379 example,
16380
16381 @smallexample
16382 set $pc = 0x485
16383 @end smallexample
16384
16385 @noindent
16386 makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
16387 address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
16388 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
16389
16390 The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
16391 up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
16392 that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
16393 detail.
16394
16395 @c @group
16396 @node Signaling
16397 @section Giving your Program a Signal
16398 @cindex deliver a signal to a program
16399
16400 @table @code
16401 @kindex signal
16402 @item signal @var{signal}
16403 Resume execution where your program stopped, but immediately give it the
16404 signal @var{signal}. @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
16405 signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
16406 SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
16407
16408 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
16409 giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
16410 a signal and would ordinarily see the signal when resumed with the
16411 @code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
16412 signal.
16413
16414 @code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
16415 after executing the command.
16416 @end table
16417 @c @end group
16418
16419 Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
16420 @code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
16421 causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
16422 the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
16423 passes the signal directly to your program.
16424
16425
16426 @node Returning
16427 @section Returning from a Function
16428
16429 @table @code
16430 @cindex returning from a function
16431 @kindex return
16432 @item return
16433 @itemx return @var{expression}
16434 You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
16435 command. If you give an
16436 @var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
16437 value.
16438 @end table
16439
16440 When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
16441 (and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
16442 discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
16443 be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
16444
16445 This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
16446 Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
16447 innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
16448 specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
16449 of functions.
16450
16451 The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
16452 program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
16453 returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
16454 and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
16455 selected stack frame returns naturally.
16456
16457 @value{GDBN} needs to know how the @var{expression} argument should be set for
16458 the inferior. The concrete registers assignment depends on the OS ABI and the
16459 type being returned by the selected stack frame. For example it is common for
16460 OS ABI to return floating point values in FPU registers while integer values in
16461 CPU registers. Still some ABIs return even floating point values in CPU
16462 registers. Larger integer widths (such as @code{long long int}) also have
16463 specific placement rules. @value{GDBN} already knows the OS ABI from its
16464 current target so it needs to find out also the type being returned to make the
16465 assignment into the right register(s).
16466
16467 Normally, the selected stack frame has debug info. @value{GDBN} will always
16468 use the debug info instead of the implicit type of @var{expression} when the
16469 debug info is available. For example, if you type @kbd{return -1}, and the
16470 function in the current stack frame is declared to return a @code{long long
16471 int}, @value{GDBN} transparently converts the implicit @code{int} value of -1
16472 into a @code{long long int}:
16473
16474 @smallexample
16475 Breakpoint 1, func () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:29
16476 29 return 31;
16477 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
16478 Make func return now? (y or n) y
16479 #0 0x004004f6 in main () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:43
16480 43 printf ("result=%lld\n", func ());
16481 (@value{GDBP})
16482 @end smallexample
16483
16484 However, if the selected stack frame does not have a debug info, e.g., if the
16485 function was compiled without debug info, @value{GDBN} has to find out the type
16486 to return from user. Specifying a different type by mistake may set the value
16487 in different inferior registers than the caller code expects. For example,
16488 typing @kbd{return -1} with its implicit type @code{int} would set only a part
16489 of a @code{long long int} result for a debug info less function (on 32-bit
16490 architectures). Therefore the user is required to specify the return type by
16491 an appropriate cast explicitly:
16492
16493 @smallexample
16494 Breakpoint 2, 0x0040050b in func ()
16495 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
16496 Return value type not available for selected stack frame.
16497 Please use an explicit cast of the value to return.
16498 (@value{GDBP}) return (long long int) -1
16499 Make selected stack frame return now? (y or n) y
16500 #0 0x00400526 in main ()
16501 (@value{GDBP})
16502 @end smallexample
16503
16504 @node Calling
16505 @section Calling Program Functions
16506
16507 @table @code
16508 @cindex calling functions
16509 @cindex inferior functions, calling
16510 @item print @var{expr}
16511 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
16512 @var{expr} may include calls to functions in the program being
16513 debugged.
16514
16515 @kindex call
16516 @item call @var{expr}
16517 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
16518 returned values.
16519
16520 You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
16521 execute a function from your program that does not return anything
16522 (a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
16523 with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
16524 print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
16525 value history.
16526 @end table
16527
16528 It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
16529 @code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
16530 the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
16531 in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
16532
16533 Similarly, with a C@t{++} program it is possible for the function you
16534 call via the @code{print} or @code{call} command to generate an
16535 exception that is not handled due to the constraints of the dummy
16536 frame. In this case, any exception that is raised in the frame, but has
16537 an out-of-frame exception handler will not be found. GDB builds a
16538 dummy-frame for the inferior function call, and the unwinder cannot
16539 seek for exception handlers outside of this dummy-frame. What happens
16540 in that case is controlled by the
16541 @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception} command.
16542
16543 @table @code
16544 @item set unwindonsignal
16545 @kindex set unwindonsignal
16546 @cindex unwind stack in called functions
16547 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding
16548 Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
16549 that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
16550 @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
16551 the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
16552 default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
16553 received.
16554
16555 @item show unwindonsignal
16556 @kindex show unwindonsignal
16557 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
16558 @value{GDBN}.
16559
16560 @item set unwind-on-terminating-exception
16561 @kindex set unwind-on-terminating-exception
16562 @cindex unwind stack in called functions with unhandled exceptions
16563 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding on unhandled exception.
16564 Set unwinding of the stack if a C@t{++} exception is raised, but left
16565 unhandled while in a function that @value{GDBN} called in the program being
16566 debugged. If set to on (the default), @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack
16567 it created for the call and restores the context to what it was before
16568 the call. If set to off, @value{GDBN} the exception is delivered to
16569 the default C@t{++} exception handler and the inferior terminated.
16570
16571 @item show unwind-on-terminating-exception
16572 @kindex show unwind-on-terminating-exception
16573 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
16574 @value{GDBN}.
16575
16576 @end table
16577
16578 @cindex weak alias functions
16579 Sometimes, a function you wish to call is actually a @dfn{weak alias}
16580 for another function. In such case, @value{GDBN} might not pick up
16581 the type information, including the types of the function arguments,
16582 which causes @value{GDBN} to call the inferior function incorrectly.
16583 As a result, the called function will function erroneously and may
16584 even crash. A solution to that is to use the name of the aliased
16585 function instead.
16586
16587 @node Patching
16588 @section Patching Programs
16589
16590 @cindex patching binaries
16591 @cindex writing into executables
16592 @cindex writing into corefiles
16593
16594 By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
16595 executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
16596 alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
16597 patching your program's binary.
16598
16599 If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
16600 explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
16601 want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
16602 repairs.
16603
16604 @table @code
16605 @kindex set write
16606 @item set write on
16607 @itemx set write off
16608 If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
16609 core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
16610 off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
16611
16612 If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
16613 @code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
16614 write}, for your new setting to take effect.
16615
16616 @item show write
16617 @kindex show write
16618 Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
16619 as well as reading.
16620 @end table
16621
16622 @node GDB Files
16623 @chapter @value{GDBN} Files
16624
16625 @value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
16626 both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
16627 program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
16628 @value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
16629
16630 @menu
16631 * Files:: Commands to specify files
16632 * Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
16633 * MiniDebugInfo:: Debugging information in a special section
16634 * Index Files:: Index files speed up GDB
16635 * Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
16636 * Data Files:: GDB data files
16637 @end menu
16638
16639 @node Files
16640 @section Commands to Specify Files
16641
16642 @cindex symbol table
16643 @cindex core dump file
16644
16645 You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
16646 way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
16647 @value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
16648 Out of @value{GDBN}}).
16649
16650 Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
16651 @value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
16652 specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
16653 via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
16654 Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
16655 new files are useful.
16656
16657 @table @code
16658 @cindex executable file
16659 @kindex file
16660 @item file @var{filename}
16661 Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
16662 symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
16663 executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
16664 directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
16665 @value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
16666 directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
16667 to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
16668 and your program, using the @code{path} command.
16669
16670 @cindex unlinked object files
16671 @cindex patching object files
16672 You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
16673 the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
16674 file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
16675 if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
16676 @kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
16677 that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
16678 case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
16679 the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
16680
16681 @item file
16682 @code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
16683 has on both executable file and the symbol table.
16684
16685 @kindex exec-file
16686 @item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
16687 Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
16688 in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
16689 if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
16690 discard information on the executable file.
16691
16692 @kindex symbol-file
16693 @item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
16694 Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
16695 searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
16696 table and program to run from the same file.
16697
16698 @code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
16699 program's symbol table.
16700
16701 The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
16702 some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
16703 contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
16704 which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
16705 @value{GDBN}.
16706
16707 @code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
16708 executing it once.
16709
16710 When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
16711 understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
16712 generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
16713 other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
16714 Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
16715 using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
16716 optimized code.
16717
16718 For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
16719 using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
16720 symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
16721 quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
16722 details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
16723
16724 The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
16725 start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
16726 occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
16727 file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
16728 pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
16729 Warnings and Messages}.)
16730
16731 We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
16732 symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
16733 symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
16734 still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
16735 in stabs format.
16736
16737 @kindex readnow
16738 @cindex reading symbols immediately
16739 @cindex symbols, reading immediately
16740 @item symbol-file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
16741 @itemx file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
16742 You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
16743 tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
16744 load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
16745 entire symbol table available.
16746
16747 @c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
16748 @c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
16749 @c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
16750 @c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
16751 @c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
16752 @c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
16753 @c files.
16754
16755 @kindex core-file
16756 @item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
16757 @itemx core
16758 Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
16759 of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
16760 address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
16761 executable file itself for other parts.
16762
16763 @code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
16764 to be used.
16765
16766 Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
16767 under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
16768 wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
16769 the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
16770 (@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
16771
16772 @kindex add-symbol-file
16773 @cindex dynamic linking
16774 @item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
16775 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
16776 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} -s @var{section} @var{address} @dots{}
16777 The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
16778 information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
16779 when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
16780 into the program that is running. @var{address} should be the memory
16781 address at which the file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure
16782 this out for itself. You can additionally specify an arbitrary number
16783 of @samp{-s @var{section} @var{address}} pairs, to give an explicit
16784 section name and base address for that section. You can specify any
16785 @var{address} as an expression.
16786
16787 The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
16788 originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
16789 @code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
16790 thus read is kept in addition to the old.
16791
16792 Changes can be reverted using the command @code{remove-symbol-file}.
16793
16794 @cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
16795 @cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
16796 @cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
16797 @cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
16798 @cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
16799 Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
16800 executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
16801 relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
16802 information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
16803
16804 @itemize @bullet
16805 @item
16806 the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
16807 that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
16808 @item
16809 every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
16810 been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
16811 @item
16812 you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
16813 provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
16814 @end itemize
16815
16816 @noindent
16817 Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
16818 relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
16819 typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
16820 important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
16821 procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
16822 assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
16823 general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
16824 relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
16825 as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
16826 way.
16827
16828 @code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
16829
16830 @kindex remove-symbol-file
16831 @item remove-symbol-file @var{filename}
16832 @item remove-symbol-file -a @var{address}
16833 Remove a symbol file added via the @code{add-symbol-file} command. The
16834 file to remove can be identified by its @var{filename} or by an @var{address}
16835 that lies within the boundaries of this symbol file in memory. Example:
16836
16837 @smallexample
16838 (gdb) add-symbol-file /home/user/gdb/mylib.so 0x7ffff7ff9480
16839 add symbol table from file "/home/user/gdb/mylib.so" at
16840 .text_addr = 0x7ffff7ff9480
16841 (y or n) y
16842 Reading symbols from /home/user/gdb/mylib.so...done.
16843 (gdb) remove-symbol-file -a 0x7ffff7ff9480
16844 Remove symbol table from file "/home/user/gdb/mylib.so"? (y or n) y
16845 (gdb)
16846 @end smallexample
16847
16848
16849 @code{remove-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
16850
16851 @kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
16852 @cindex @code{syscall DSO}
16853 @cindex load symbols from memory
16854 @item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
16855 Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
16856 object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
16857 For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
16858 process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
16859 some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
16860 evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
16861 For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
16862 @code{exec-file} commands in advance.
16863
16864 @kindex add-shared-symbol-files
16865 @kindex assf
16866 @item add-shared-symbol-files @var{library-file}
16867 @itemx assf @var{library-file}
16868 The @code{add-shared-symbol-files} command can currently be used only
16869 in the Cygwin build of @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows OS, where it is an
16870 alias for the @code{dll-symbols} command (@pxref{Cygwin Native}).
16871 @value{GDBN} automatically looks for shared libraries, however if
16872 @value{GDBN} does not find yours, you can invoke
16873 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}. It takes one argument: the shared
16874 library's file name. @code{assf} is a shorthand alias for
16875 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}.
16876
16877 @kindex section
16878 @item section @var{section} @var{addr}
16879 The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
16880 @var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
16881 exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
16882 @code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
16883 itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
16884 @code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
16885 their addresses.
16886
16887 @kindex info files
16888 @kindex info target
16889 @item info files
16890 @itemx info target
16891 @code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
16892 current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
16893 including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
16894 use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
16895 command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
16896 current ones.
16897
16898 @kindex maint info sections
16899 @item maint info sections
16900 Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
16901 is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
16902 displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
16903 offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
16904 @code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
16905 may be arbitrarily combined):
16906
16907 @table @code
16908 @item ALLOBJ
16909 Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
16910 @item @var{sections}
16911 Display info only for named @var{sections}.
16912 @item @var{section-flags}
16913 Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
16914 The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
16915 @table @code
16916 @item ALLOC
16917 Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
16918 Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
16919 @item LOAD
16920 Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
16921 Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
16922 @item RELOC
16923 Section needs to be relocated before loading.
16924 @item READONLY
16925 Section cannot be modified by the child process.
16926 @item CODE
16927 Section contains executable code only.
16928 @item DATA
16929 Section contains data only (no executable code).
16930 @item ROM
16931 Section will reside in ROM.
16932 @item CONSTRUCTOR
16933 Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
16934 @item HAS_CONTENTS
16935 Section is not empty.
16936 @item NEVER_LOAD
16937 An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
16938 @item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
16939 A notification to the linker that the section contains
16940 COFF shared library information.
16941 @item IS_COMMON
16942 Section contains common symbols.
16943 @end table
16944 @end table
16945 @kindex set trust-readonly-sections
16946 @cindex read-only sections
16947 @item set trust-readonly-sections on
16948 Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
16949 really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
16950 In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
16951 out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
16952 For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
16953 enhancement to debugging performance.
16954
16955 The default is off.
16956
16957 @item set trust-readonly-sections off
16958 Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
16959 the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
16960 and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
16961
16962 @item show trust-readonly-sections
16963 Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
16964 @end table
16965
16966 All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
16967 as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
16968 name and remembers it that way.
16969
16970 @cindex shared libraries
16971 @anchor{Shared Libraries}
16972 @value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, HP-UX, SunOS, SVr4, Irix,
16973 and IBM RS/6000 AIX shared libraries.
16974
16975 On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
16976 shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
16977
16978 @value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
16979 when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
16980 (Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
16981 references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
16982 debugging a core file).
16983
16984 On HP-UX, if the program loads a library explicitly, @value{GDBN}
16985 automatically loads the symbols at the time of the @code{shl_load} call.
16986
16987 @c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
16988 @c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
16989 @c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
16990
16991 There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
16992 symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
16993 particularly large or there are many of them.
16994
16995 To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
16996 commands:
16997
16998 @table @code
16999 @kindex set auto-solib-add
17000 @item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
17001 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
17002 will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
17003 attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
17004 informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
17005 is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
17006 @code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
17007
17008 @cindex memory used for symbol tables
17009 If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
17010 takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
17011 memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
17012 symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
17013 auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
17014 library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
17015 @var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
17016 the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
17017
17018 @kindex show auto-solib-add
17019 @item show auto-solib-add
17020 Display the current autoloading mode.
17021 @end table
17022
17023 @cindex load shared library
17024 To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
17025 command:
17026
17027 @table @code
17028 @kindex info sharedlibrary
17029 @kindex info share
17030 @item info share @var{regex}
17031 @itemx info sharedlibrary @var{regex}
17032 Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded
17033 that match @var{regex}. If @var{regex} is omitted then print
17034 all shared libraries that are loaded.
17035
17036 @kindex sharedlibrary
17037 @kindex share
17038 @item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
17039 @itemx share @var{regex}
17040 Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
17041 Unix regular expression.
17042 As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
17043 required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
17044 @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
17045 loaded.
17046
17047 @item nosharedlibrary
17048 @kindex nosharedlibrary
17049 @cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
17050 Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
17051 that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
17052 libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
17053 discarded.
17054 @end table
17055
17056 Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
17057 when any of shared library events happen. The best way to do this is
17058 to use @code{catch load} and @code{catch unload} (@pxref{Set
17059 Catchpoints}).
17060
17061 @value{GDBN} also supports the the @code{set stop-on-solib-events}
17062 command for this. This command exists for historical reasons. It is
17063 less useful than setting a catchpoint, because it does not allow for
17064 conditions or commands as a catchpoint does.
17065
17066 @table @code
17067 @item set stop-on-solib-events
17068 @kindex set stop-on-solib-events
17069 This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
17070 when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
17071 The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
17072 shared library.
17073
17074 @item show stop-on-solib-events
17075 @kindex show stop-on-solib-events
17076 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
17077 library events happen.
17078 @end table
17079
17080 Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
17081 configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
17082 this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
17083 on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
17084 libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
17085 provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
17086 copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
17087 not.
17088
17089 @cindex where to look for shared libraries
17090 For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
17091 libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
17092 may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
17093 to specify the search directories for target libraries.
17094
17095 @table @code
17096 @cindex prefix for shared library file names
17097 @cindex system root, alternate
17098 @kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
17099 @kindex set sysroot
17100 @item set sysroot @var{path}
17101 Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
17102 absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
17103 runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
17104 target program's memory. If you use @code{set sysroot} to find shared
17105 libraries, they need to be laid out in the same way that they are on
17106 the target, with e.g.@: a @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy
17107 under @var{path}.
17108
17109 If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{remote:}, @value{GDBN} will
17110 retrieve the target libraries from the remote system. This is only
17111 supported when using a remote target that supports the @code{remote get}
17112 command (@pxref{File Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}).
17113 The part of @var{path} following the initial @file{remote:}
17114 (if present) is used as system root prefix on the remote file system.
17115 @footnote{If you want to specify a local system root using a directory
17116 that happens to be named @file{remote:}, you need to use some equivalent
17117 variant of the name like @file{./remote:}.}
17118
17119 For targets with an MS-DOS based filesystem, such as MS-Windows and
17120 SymbianOS, @value{GDBN} tries prefixing a few variants of the target
17121 absolute file name with @var{path}. But first, on Unix hosts,
17122 @value{GDBN} converts all backslash directory separators into forward
17123 slashes, because the backslash is not a directory separator on Unix:
17124
17125 @smallexample
17126 c:\foo\bar.dll @result{} c:/foo/bar.dll
17127 @end smallexample
17128
17129 Then, @value{GDBN} attempts prefixing the target file name with
17130 @var{path}, and looks for the resulting file name in the host file
17131 system:
17132
17133 @smallexample
17134 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c:/foo/bar.dll
17135 @end smallexample
17136
17137 If that does not find the shared library, @value{GDBN} tries removing
17138 the @samp{:} character from the drive spec, both for convenience, and,
17139 for the case of the host file system not supporting file names with
17140 colons:
17141
17142 @smallexample
17143 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c/foo/bar.dll
17144 @end smallexample
17145
17146 This makes it possible to have a system root that mirrors a target
17147 with more than one drive. E.g., you may want to setup your local
17148 copies of the target system shared libraries like so (note @samp{c} vs
17149 @samp{z}):
17150
17151 @smallexample
17152 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/foo.dll}
17153 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/bar.dll}
17154 @file{/path/to/sysroot/z/sys/bin/bar.dll}
17155 @end smallexample
17156
17157 @noindent
17158 and point the system root at @file{/path/to/sysroot}, so that
17159 @value{GDBN} can find the correct copies of both
17160 @file{c:\sys\bin\foo.dll}, and @file{z:\sys\bin\bar.dll}.
17161
17162 If that still does not find the shared library, @value{GDBN} tries
17163 removing the whole drive spec from the target file name:
17164
17165 @smallexample
17166 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/foo/bar.dll
17167 @end smallexample
17168
17169 This last lookup makes it possible to not care about the drive name,
17170 if you don't want or need to.
17171
17172 The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
17173 sysroot}.
17174
17175 @cindex default system root
17176 @cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
17177 You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
17178 @samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
17179 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
17180 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
17181 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
17182 location.
17183
17184 @kindex show sysroot
17185 @item show sysroot
17186 Display the current shared library prefix.
17187
17188 @kindex set solib-search-path
17189 @item set solib-search-path @var{path}
17190 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
17191 directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
17192 is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
17193 path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
17194 use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
17195 @samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
17196 finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
17197 it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
17198 of shared library symbols.
17199
17200 @kindex show solib-search-path
17201 @item show solib-search-path
17202 Display the current shared library search path.
17203
17204 @cindex DOS file-name semantics of file names.
17205 @kindex set target-file-system-kind (unix|dos-based|auto)
17206 @kindex show target-file-system-kind
17207 @item set target-file-system-kind @var{kind}
17208 Set assumed file system kind for target reported file names.
17209
17210 Shared library file names as reported by the target system may not
17211 make sense as is on the system @value{GDBN} is running on. For
17212 example, when remote debugging a target that has MS-DOS based file
17213 system semantics, from a Unix host, the target may be reporting to
17214 @value{GDBN} a list of loaded shared libraries with file names such as
17215 @file{c:\Windows\kernel32.dll}. On Unix hosts, there's no concept of
17216 drive letters, so the @samp{c:\} prefix is not normally understood as
17217 indicating an absolute file name, and neither is the backslash
17218 normally considered a directory separator character. In that case,
17219 the native file system would interpret this whole absolute file name
17220 as a relative file name with no directory components. This would make
17221 it impossible to point @value{GDBN} at a copy of the remote target's
17222 shared libraries on the host using @code{set sysroot}, and impractical
17223 with @code{set solib-search-path}. Setting
17224 @code{target-file-system-kind} to @code{dos-based} tells @value{GDBN}
17225 to interpret such file names similarly to how the target would, and to
17226 map them to file names valid on @value{GDBN}'s native file system
17227 semantics. The value of @var{kind} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition
17228 to one of the supported file system kinds. In that case, @value{GDBN}
17229 tries to determine the appropriate file system variant based on the
17230 current target's operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the
17231 Current ABI}). The supported file system settings are:
17232
17233 @table @code
17234 @item unix
17235 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is of Unix
17236 kind. Only file names starting the forward slash (@samp{/}) character
17237 are considered absolute, and the directory separator character is also
17238 the forward slash.
17239
17240 @item dos-based
17241 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is DOS based.
17242 File names starting with either a forward slash, or a drive letter
17243 followed by a colon (e.g., @samp{c:}), are considered absolute, and
17244 both the slash (@samp{/}) and the backslash (@samp{\\}) characters are
17245 considered directory separators.
17246
17247 @item auto
17248 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the file system kind associated with the
17249 target operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
17250 This is the default.
17251 @end table
17252 @end table
17253
17254 @cindex file name canonicalization
17255 @cindex base name differences
17256 When processing file names provided by the user, @value{GDBN}
17257 frequently needs to compare them to the file names recorded in the
17258 program's debug info. Normally, @value{GDBN} compares just the
17259 @dfn{base names} of the files as strings, which is reasonably fast
17260 even for very large programs. (The base name of a file is the last
17261 portion of its name, after stripping all the leading directories.)
17262 This shortcut in comparison is based upon the assumption that files
17263 cannot have more than one base name. This is usually true, but
17264 references to files that use symlinks or similar filesystem
17265 facilities violate that assumption. If your program records files
17266 using such facilities, or if you provide file names to @value{GDBN}
17267 using symlinks etc., you can set @code{basenames-may-differ} to
17268 @code{true} to instruct @value{GDBN} to completely canonicalize each
17269 pair of file names it needs to compare. This will make file-name
17270 comparisons accurate, but at a price of a significant slowdown.
17271
17272 @table @code
17273 @item set basenames-may-differ
17274 @kindex set basenames-may-differ
17275 Set whether a source file may have multiple base names.
17276
17277 @item show basenames-may-differ
17278 @kindex show basenames-may-differ
17279 Show whether a source file may have multiple base names.
17280 @end table
17281
17282 @node Separate Debug Files
17283 @section Debugging Information in Separate Files
17284 @cindex separate debugging information files
17285 @cindex debugging information in separate files
17286 @cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
17287 @cindex debugging information directory, global
17288 @cindex global debugging information directories
17289 @cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
17290 @cindex @file{.build-id} directory
17291
17292 @value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
17293 file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
17294 @value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
17295 Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
17296 than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
17297 information for their executables in separate files, which users can
17298 install only when they need to debug a problem.
17299
17300 @value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
17301 file:
17302
17303 @itemize @bullet
17304 @item
17305 The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
17306 the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
17307 usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
17308 name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
17309 (e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
17310 debug link specifies a 32-bit @dfn{Cyclic Redundancy Check} (CRC)
17311 checksum for the debug file, which @value{GDBN} uses to validate that
17312 the executable and the debug file came from the same build.
17313
17314 @item
17315 The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
17316 also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
17317 only on some operating systems, notably those which use the ELF format
17318 for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
17319 this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
17320 command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld.info,
17321 The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
17322 explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
17323 below.
17324 @end itemize
17325
17326 Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
17327 uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
17328
17329 @itemize @bullet
17330 @item
17331 For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
17332 the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
17333 directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under each one of the global debug
17334 directories, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
17335 directories of the executable's absolute file name.
17336
17337 @item
17338 For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
17339 @file{.build-id} subdirectory of each one of the global debug directories for
17340 a file named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
17341 first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
17342 are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
17343 hex characters, not 10.)
17344 @end itemize
17345
17346 So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
17347 @file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
17348 file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
17349 @code{abcdef1234}. If the list of the global debug directories includes
17350 @file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
17351 debug information files, in the indicated order:
17352
17353 @itemize @minus
17354 @item
17355 @file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
17356 @item
17357 @file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
17358 @item
17359 @file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
17360 @item
17361 @file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
17362 @end itemize
17363
17364 @anchor{debug-file-directory}
17365 Global debugging info directories default to what is set by @value{GDBN}
17366 configure option @option{--with-separate-debug-dir}. During @value{GDBN} run
17367 you can also set the global debugging info directories, and view the list
17368 @value{GDBN} is currently using.
17369
17370 @table @code
17371
17372 @kindex set debug-file-directory
17373 @item set debug-file-directory @var{directories}
17374 Set the directories which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
17375 information files to @var{directory}. Multiple path components can be set
17376 concatenating them by a path separator.
17377
17378 @kindex show debug-file-directory
17379 @item show debug-file-directory
17380 Show the directories @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
17381 information files.
17382
17383 @end table
17384
17385 @cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
17386 @cindex debug link sections
17387 A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
17388 @code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
17389
17390 @itemize
17391 @item
17392 A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
17393 a zero byte,
17394 @item
17395 zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
17396 boundary within the section, and
17397 @item
17398 a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
17399 executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
17400 information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
17401 zero as the @var{crc} argument.
17402 @end itemize
17403
17404 Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
17405 contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
17406 described above.
17407
17408 @cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
17409 @cindex build ID sections
17410 The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
17411 ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
17412 often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
17413 It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
17414 the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
17415 algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
17416 content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
17417 value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
17418 stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
17419
17420 The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
17421 executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
17422 debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
17423 should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
17424 but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
17425 in an ordinary executable.
17426
17427 The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
17428 @samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
17429 the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
17430 following commands:
17431
17432 @smallexample
17433 @kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
17434 @kbd{strip -g foo}
17435 @end smallexample
17436
17437 @noindent
17438 These commands remove the debugging
17439 information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
17440 @file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
17441 two files:
17442
17443 @itemize @bullet
17444 @item
17445 The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
17446 behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
17447
17448 @smallexample
17449 @kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
17450 @end smallexample
17451
17452 Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
17453 a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
17454 foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
17455 the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
17456
17457 @item
17458 Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
17459 the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
17460 compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
17461 utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
17462 @end itemize
17463
17464 @noindent
17465
17466 @cindex CRC algorithm definition
17467 The CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink} is the CRC-32 defined in
17468 IEEE 802.3 using the polynomial:
17469
17470 @c TexInfo requires naked braces for multi-digit exponents for Tex
17471 @c output, but this causes HTML output to barf. HTML has to be set using
17472 @c raw commands. So we end up having to specify this equation in 2
17473 @c different ways!
17474 @ifhtml
17475 @display
17476 @html
17477 <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>
17478 + <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
17479 @end html
17480 @end display
17481 @end ifhtml
17482 @ifnothtml
17483 @display
17484 @math{x^{32} + x^{26} + x^{23} + x^{22} + x^{16} + x^{12} + x^{11}}
17485 @math{+ x^{10} + x^8 + x^7 + x^5 + x^4 + x^2 + x + 1}
17486 @end display
17487 @end ifnothtml
17488
17489 The function is computed byte at a time, taking the least
17490 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern
17491 @code{0xffffffff} is used, to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC and
17492 the final result is inverted to ensure trailing zeros also affect the
17493 CRC.
17494
17495 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC polynomial as used in handling the
17496 @dfn{Remote Serial Protocol} @code{qCRC} packet (@pxref{Remote Protocol,
17497 , @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol}). However in the
17498 case of the Remote Serial Protocol, the CRC is computed @emph{most}
17499 significant bit first, and the result is not inverted, so trailing
17500 zeros have no effect on the CRC value.
17501
17502 To complete the description, we show below the code of the function
17503 which produces the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}. Inverting the
17504 initially supplied @code{crc} argument means that an initial call to
17505 this function passing in zero will start computing the CRC using
17506 @code{0xffffffff}.
17507
17508 @kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
17509 @smallexample
17510 unsigned long
17511 gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
17512 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
17513 @{
17514 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
17515 @{
17516 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
17517 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
17518 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
17519 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
17520 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
17521 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
17522 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
17523 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
17524 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
17525 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
17526 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
17527 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
17528 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
17529 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
17530 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
17531 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
17532 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
17533 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
17534 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
17535 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
17536 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
17537 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
17538 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
17539 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
17540 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
17541 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
17542 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
17543 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
17544 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
17545 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
17546 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
17547 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
17548 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
17549 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
17550 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
17551 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
17552 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
17553 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
17554 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
17555 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
17556 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
17557 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
17558 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
17559 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
17560 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
17561 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
17562 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
17563 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
17564 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
17565 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
17566 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
17567 0x2d02ef8d
17568 @};
17569 unsigned char *end;
17570
17571 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
17572 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
17573 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
17574 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
17575 @}
17576 @end smallexample
17577
17578 @noindent
17579 This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
17580
17581 @node MiniDebugInfo
17582 @section Debugging information in a special section
17583 @cindex separate debug sections
17584 @cindex @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section
17585
17586 Some systems ship pre-built executables and libraries that have a
17587 special @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section. This feature is called
17588 @dfn{MiniDebugInfo}. This section holds an LZMA-compressed object and
17589 is used to supply extra symbols for backtraces.
17590
17591 The intent of this section is to provide extra minimal debugging
17592 information for use in simple backtraces. It is not intended to be a
17593 replacement for full separate debugging information (@pxref{Separate
17594 Debug Files}). The example below shows the intended use; however,
17595 @value{GDBN} does not currently put restrictions on what sort of
17596 debugging information might be included in the section.
17597
17598 @value{GDBN} has support for this extension. If the section exists,
17599 then it is used provided that no other source of debugging information
17600 can be found, and that @value{GDBN} was configured with LZMA support.
17601
17602 This section can be easily created using @command{objcopy} and other
17603 standard utilities:
17604
17605 @smallexample
17606 # Extract the dynamic symbols from the main binary, there is no need
17607 # to also have these in the normal symbol table.
17608 nm -D @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
17609 | awk '@{ print $1 @}' | sort > dynsyms
17610
17611 # Extract all the text (i.e. function) symbols from the debuginfo.
17612 # (Note that we actually also accept "D" symbols, for the benefit
17613 # of platforms like PowerPC64 that use function descriptors.)
17614 nm @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
17615 | awk '@{ if ($2 == "T" || $2 == "t" || $2 == "D") print $1 @}' \
17616 | sort > funcsyms
17617
17618 # Keep all the function symbols not already in the dynamic symbol
17619 # table.
17620 comm -13 dynsyms funcsyms > keep_symbols
17621
17622 # Separate full debug info into debug binary.
17623 objcopy --only-keep-debug @var{binary} debug
17624
17625 # Copy the full debuginfo, keeping only a minimal set of symbols and
17626 # removing some unnecessary sections.
17627 objcopy -S --remove-section .gdb_index --remove-section .comment \
17628 --keep-symbols=keep_symbols debug mini_debuginfo
17629
17630 # Drop the full debug info from the original binary.
17631 strip --strip-all -R .comment @var{binary}
17632
17633 # Inject the compressed data into the .gnu_debugdata section of the
17634 # original binary.
17635 xz mini_debuginfo
17636 objcopy --add-section .gnu_debugdata=mini_debuginfo.xz @var{binary}
17637 @end smallexample
17638
17639 @node Index Files
17640 @section Index Files Speed Up @value{GDBN}
17641 @cindex index files
17642 @cindex @samp{.gdb_index} section
17643
17644 When @value{GDBN} finds a symbol file, it scans the symbols in the
17645 file in order to construct an internal symbol table. This lets most
17646 @value{GDBN} operations work quickly---at the cost of a delay early
17647 on. For large programs, this delay can be quite lengthy, so
17648 @value{GDBN} provides a way to build an index, which speeds up
17649 startup.
17650
17651 The index is stored as a section in the symbol file. @value{GDBN} can
17652 write the index to a file, then you can put it into the symbol file
17653 using @command{objcopy}.
17654
17655 To create an index file, use the @code{save gdb-index} command:
17656
17657 @table @code
17658 @item save gdb-index @var{directory}
17659 @kindex save gdb-index
17660 Create an index file for each symbol file currently known by
17661 @value{GDBN}. Each file is named after its corresponding symbol file,
17662 with @samp{.gdb-index} appended, and is written into the given
17663 @var{directory}.
17664 @end table
17665
17666 Once you have created an index file you can merge it into your symbol
17667 file, here named @file{symfile}, using @command{objcopy}:
17668
17669 @smallexample
17670 $ objcopy --add-section .gdb_index=symfile.gdb-index \
17671 --set-section-flags .gdb_index=readonly symfile symfile
17672 @end smallexample
17673
17674 @value{GDBN} will normally ignore older versions of @file{.gdb_index}
17675 sections that have been deprecated. Usually they are deprecated because
17676 they are missing a new feature or have performance issues.
17677 To tell @value{GDBN} to use a deprecated index section anyway
17678 specify @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
17679 The default is @code{off}.
17680 This can speed up startup, but may result in some functionality being lost.
17681 @xref{Index Section Format}.
17682
17683 @emph{Warning:} Setting @code{use-deprecated-index-sections} to @code{on}
17684 must be done before gdb reads the file. The following will not work:
17685
17686 @smallexample
17687 $ gdb -ex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
17688 @end smallexample
17689
17690 Instead you must do, for example,
17691
17692 @smallexample
17693 $ gdb -iex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
17694 @end smallexample
17695
17696 There are currently some limitation on indices. They only work when
17697 for DWARF debugging information, not stabs. And, they do not
17698 currently work for programs using Ada.
17699
17700 @node Symbol Errors
17701 @section Errors Reading Symbol Files
17702
17703 While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
17704 such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
17705 output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
17706 they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
17707 debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
17708 about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
17709 only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
17710 times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
17711 to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
17712 complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
17713 Messages}).
17714
17715 The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
17716
17717 @table @code
17718 @item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
17719
17720 The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
17721 (such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
17722 error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
17723 in its outer scope blocks.
17724
17725 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
17726 the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
17727 may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
17728 function.
17729
17730 @item block at @var{address} out of order
17731
17732 The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
17733 order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
17734 do so.
17735
17736 @value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
17737 locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
17738 can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
17739 @code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
17740 Messages}.)
17741
17742 @item bad block start address patched
17743
17744 The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
17745 smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
17746 to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
17747
17748 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
17749 starting on the previous source line.
17750
17751 @item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
17752
17753 @cindex foo
17754 Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
17755 larger than the size of the string table.
17756
17757 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
17758 name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
17759 with this name.
17760
17761 @item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
17762
17763 The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
17764 not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
17765 uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
17766
17767 @value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
17768 This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
17769 are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
17770 debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
17771 on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
17772 and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
17773
17774 @item stub type has NULL name
17775
17776 @value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
17777
17778 @item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
17779 The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
17780 information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
17781 it.
17782
17783 @item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
17784
17785 @value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
17786
17787 @end table
17788
17789 @node Data Files
17790 @section GDB Data Files
17791
17792 @cindex prefix for data files
17793 @value{GDBN} will sometimes read an auxiliary data file. These files
17794 are kept in a directory known as the @dfn{data directory}.
17795
17796 You can set the data directory's name, and view the name @value{GDBN}
17797 is currently using.
17798
17799 @table @code
17800 @kindex set data-directory
17801 @item set data-directory @var{directory}
17802 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files
17803 to @var{directory}.
17804
17805 @kindex show data-directory
17806 @item show data-directory
17807 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files.
17808 @end table
17809
17810 @cindex default data directory
17811 @cindex @samp{--with-gdb-datadir}
17812 You can set the default data directory by using the configure-time
17813 @samp{--with-gdb-datadir} option. If the data directory is inside
17814 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
17815 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default data directory will be updated
17816 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
17817 location.
17818
17819 The data directory may also be specified with the
17820 @code{--data-directory} command line option.
17821 @xref{Mode Options}.
17822
17823 @node Targets
17824 @chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
17825
17826 @cindex debugging target
17827 A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
17828
17829 Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
17830 in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
17831 you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
17832 flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
17833 host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
17834 realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
17835 command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
17836 (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
17837
17838 @cindex target architecture
17839 It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
17840 architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
17841 one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
17842 command.
17843
17844 @table @code
17845 @kindex set architecture
17846 @kindex show architecture
17847 @item set architecture @var{arch}
17848 This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
17849 value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
17850 supported architectures.
17851
17852 @item show architecture
17853 Show the current target architecture.
17854
17855 @item set processor
17856 @itemx processor
17857 @kindex set processor
17858 @kindex show processor
17859 These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
17860 and @code{show architecture}.
17861 @end table
17862
17863 @menu
17864 * Active Targets:: Active targets
17865 * Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
17866 * Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
17867 @end menu
17868
17869 @node Active Targets
17870 @section Active Targets
17871
17872 @cindex stacking targets
17873 @cindex active targets
17874 @cindex multiple targets
17875
17876 There are multiple classes of targets such as: processes, executable files or
17877 recording sessions. Core files belong to the process class, making core file
17878 and process mutually exclusive. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} can work concurrently
17879 on multiple active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for
17880 example) start a process and inspect its activity, while still having access to
17881 the executable file after the process finishes. Or if you start process
17882 recording (@pxref{Reverse Execution}) and @code{reverse-step} there, you are
17883 presented a virtual layer of the recording target, while the process target
17884 remains stopped at the chronologically last point of the process execution.
17885
17886 Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new core
17887 file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}). To
17888 specify as a target a process that is already running, use the @code{attach}
17889 command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
17890
17891 @node Target Commands
17892 @section Commands for Managing Targets
17893
17894 @table @code
17895 @item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
17896 Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
17897 process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
17898 facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
17899 protocol of the target machine.
17900
17901 Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
17902 typically include things like device names or host names to connect
17903 with, process numbers, and baud rates.
17904
17905 The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
17906 after executing the command.
17907
17908 @kindex help target
17909 @item help target
17910 Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
17911 currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
17912 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
17913
17914 @item help target @var{name}
17915 Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
17916 select it.
17917
17918 @kindex set gnutarget
17919 @item set gnutarget @var{args}
17920 @value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
17921 knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
17922 a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
17923 with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
17924 with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
17925
17926 @quotation
17927 @emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
17928 you must know the actual BFD name.
17929 @end quotation
17930
17931 @noindent
17932 @xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
17933
17934 @kindex show gnutarget
17935 @item show gnutarget
17936 Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
17937 @code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
17938 @value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
17939 and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BFD target is "auto"}.
17940 @end table
17941
17942 @cindex common targets
17943 Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
17944 configuration):
17945
17946 @table @code
17947 @kindex target
17948 @item target exec @var{program}
17949 @cindex executable file target
17950 An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
17951 @samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
17952
17953 @item target core @var{filename}
17954 @cindex core dump file target
17955 A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
17956 @samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
17957
17958 @item target remote @var{medium}
17959 @cindex remote target
17960 A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
17961 connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
17962 protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
17963
17964 For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
17965 machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
17966
17967 @smallexample
17968 target remote /dev/ttya
17969 @end smallexample
17970
17971 @code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
17972 useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
17973 system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
17974 clobbered by the download.
17975
17976 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
17977 @cindex built-in simulator target
17978 Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
17979 In general,
17980 @smallexample
17981 target sim
17982 load
17983 run
17984 @end smallexample
17985 @noindent
17986 works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
17987 drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
17988 provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
17989 see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
17990 Processors}.
17991
17992 @end table
17993
17994 Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
17995 your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
17996
17997 Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
17998 you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
17999 various aspects of this process.
18000
18001 @table @code
18002
18003 @item set hash
18004 @kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
18005 @cindex hash mark while downloading
18006 This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
18007 downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
18008 displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
18009 monitor.
18010
18011 @item show hash
18012 @kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
18013 Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
18014
18015 @item set debug monitor
18016 @kindex set debug monitor
18017 @cindex display remote monitor communications
18018 Enable or disable display of communications messages between
18019 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
18020
18021 @item show debug monitor
18022 @kindex show debug monitor
18023 Show the current status of displaying communications between
18024 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
18025 @end table
18026
18027 @table @code
18028
18029 @kindex load @var{filename}
18030 @item load @var{filename}
18031 @anchor{load}
18032 Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
18033 @value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
18034 is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
18035 on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
18036 @code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
18037 the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
18038
18039 If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
18040 execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
18041 target is @dots{}}''
18042
18043 The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
18044 For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
18045 link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
18046 specifies a fixed address.
18047 @c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
18048
18049 Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
18050 load programs into flash memory.
18051
18052 @code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
18053 @end table
18054
18055 @node Byte Order
18056 @section Choosing Target Byte Order
18057
18058 @cindex choosing target byte order
18059 @cindex target byte order
18060
18061 Some types of processors, such as the @acronym{MIPS}, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
18062 offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
18063 orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
18064 designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
18065 which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
18066 @value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
18067
18068 @table @code
18069 @kindex set endian
18070 @item set endian big
18071 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
18072
18073 @item set endian little
18074 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
18075
18076 @item set endian auto
18077 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
18078 executable.
18079
18080 @item show endian
18081 Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
18082
18083 @end table
18084
18085 Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
18086 data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
18087 target system.
18088
18089
18090 @node Remote Debugging
18091 @chapter Debugging Remote Programs
18092 @cindex remote debugging
18093
18094 If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
18095 @value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
18096 For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
18097 or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
18098 powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
18099
18100 Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
18101 to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
18102 @value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
18103 but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
18104 write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
18105 communicate with @value{GDBN}.
18106
18107 Other remote targets may be available in your
18108 configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
18109
18110 @menu
18111 * Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
18112 * File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
18113 * Server:: Using the gdbserver program
18114 * Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
18115 * Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
18116 @end menu
18117
18118 @node Connecting
18119 @section Connecting to a Remote Target
18120
18121 On the @value{GDBN} host machine, you will need an unstripped copy of
18122 your program, since @value{GDBN} needs symbol and debugging information.
18123 Start up @value{GDBN} as usual, using the name of the local copy of your
18124 program as the first argument.
18125
18126 @cindex @code{target remote}
18127 @value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, or
18128 over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
18129 each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
18130 program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
18131 @code{target remote} command establishes a connection to the target.
18132 Its arguments indicate which medium to use:
18133
18134 @table @code
18135
18136 @item target remote @var{serial-device}
18137 @cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
18138 Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
18139 to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
18140
18141 @smallexample
18142 target remote /dev/ttyb
18143 @end smallexample
18144
18145 If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
18146 @samp{--baud} option, or use the @code{set serial baud} command
18147 (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set serial baud}) before the
18148 @code{target} command.
18149
18150 @item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
18151 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
18152 @cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
18153 Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
18154 The @var{host} may be either a host name or a numeric @acronym{IP}
18155 address; @var{port} must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be
18156 the target machine itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or
18157 it might be a terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the
18158 target.
18159
18160 For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
18161 @code{manyfarms}:
18162
18163 @smallexample
18164 target remote manyfarms:2828
18165 @end smallexample
18166
18167 If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
18168 debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
18169 same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
18170 port 1234 on your local machine:
18171
18172 @smallexample
18173 target remote :1234
18174 @end smallexample
18175 @noindent
18176
18177 Note that the colon is still required here.
18178
18179 @item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
18180 @cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
18181 Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
18182 connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
18183
18184 @smallexample
18185 target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
18186 @end smallexample
18187
18188 When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
18189 keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
18190 can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
18191 cause havoc with your debugging session.
18192
18193 @item target remote | @var{command}
18194 @cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
18195 Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
18196 pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
18197 by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
18198 protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
18199 standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
18200 that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
18201 using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
18202
18203 If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
18204 @value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
18205 program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
18206
18207 @end table
18208
18209 Once the connection has been established, you can use all the usual
18210 commands to examine and change data. The remote program is already
18211 running; you can use @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}, and you do not
18212 need to use @kbd{run}.
18213
18214 @cindex interrupting remote programs
18215 @cindex remote programs, interrupting
18216 Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
18217 interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
18218 program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
18219 and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
18220 interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
18221
18222 @smallexample
18223 Interrupted while waiting for the program.
18224 Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
18225 @end smallexample
18226
18227 If you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons the remote debugging session.
18228 (If you decide you want to try again later, you can use @samp{target
18229 remote} again to connect once more.) If you type @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN}
18230 goes back to waiting.
18231
18232 @table @code
18233 @kindex detach (remote)
18234 @item detach
18235 When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
18236 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
18237 Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
18238 will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
18239 command, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to another target.
18240
18241 @kindex disconnect
18242 @item disconnect
18243 The @code{disconnect} command behaves like @code{detach}, except that
18244 the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
18245 (this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
18246 the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
18247 another target.
18248
18249 @cindex send command to remote monitor
18250 @cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
18251 @cindex add new commands for external monitor
18252 @kindex monitor
18253 @item monitor @var{cmd}
18254 This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
18255 remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
18256 sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
18257 can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
18258 and implement.
18259 @end table
18260
18261 @node File Transfer
18262 @section Sending files to a remote system
18263 @cindex remote target, file transfer
18264 @cindex file transfer
18265 @cindex sending files to remote systems
18266
18267 Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
18268 connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
18269 for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
18270 running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
18271 e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
18272 the only way to upload or download files.
18273
18274 Not all remote targets support these commands.
18275
18276 @table @code
18277 @kindex remote put
18278 @item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
18279 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
18280 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
18281
18282 @kindex remote get
18283 @item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
18284 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
18285 on the host system.
18286
18287 @kindex remote delete
18288 @item remote delete @var{targetfile}
18289 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
18290
18291 @end table
18292
18293 @node Server
18294 @section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
18295
18296 @kindex gdbserver
18297 @cindex remote connection without stubs
18298 @code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
18299 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
18300 @code{target remote}---but without linking in the usual debugging stub.
18301
18302 @code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
18303 because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
18304 that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
18305 @code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
18306 @value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
18307 because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
18308 also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
18309 started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
18310 Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
18311 the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
18312 do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
18313 by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
18314 choice for debugging.
18315
18316 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
18317 or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
18318 protocol.
18319
18320 @quotation
18321 @emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
18322 Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
18323 @value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
18324 target system with the same privileges as the user running
18325 @code{gdbserver}.
18326 @end quotation
18327
18328 @subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
18329 @cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
18330 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, command-line arguments
18331
18332 Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
18333 program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
18334 @code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
18335 strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
18336 system does all the symbol handling.
18337
18338 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
18339 the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
18340 syntax is:
18341
18342 @smallexample
18343 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
18344 @end smallexample
18345
18346 @var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line), or a TCP
18347 hostname and portnumber, or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
18348 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}.
18349 For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
18350 @samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
18351 @file{/dev/com1}:
18352
18353 @smallexample
18354 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
18355 @end smallexample
18356
18357 @code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
18358 with it.
18359
18360 To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
18361
18362 @smallexample
18363 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
18364 @end smallexample
18365
18366 The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
18367 specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
18368 TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
18369 expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
18370 (Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
18371 you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
18372 TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
18373 reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
18374 conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
18375 and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
18376 @code{target remote} command.
18377
18378 The @code{stdio} connection is useful when starting @code{gdbserver}
18379 with ssh:
18380
18381 @smallexample
18382 (gdb) target remote | ssh -T hostname gdbserver - hello
18383 @end smallexample
18384
18385 The @samp{-T} option to ssh is provided because we don't need a remote pty,
18386 and we don't want escape-character handling. Ssh does this by default when
18387 a command is provided, the flag is provided to make it explicit.
18388 You could elide it if you want to.
18389
18390 Programs started with stdio-connected gdbserver have @file{/dev/null} for
18391 @code{stdin}, and @code{stdout},@code{stderr} are sent back to gdb for
18392 display through a pipe connected to gdbserver.
18393 Both @code{stdout} and @code{stderr} use the same pipe.
18394
18395 @subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
18396 @cindex attach to a program, @code{gdbserver}
18397 @cindex @option{--attach}, @code{gdbserver} option
18398
18399 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
18400 This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
18401
18402 @smallexample
18403 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
18404 @end smallexample
18405
18406 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't necessary
18407 to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
18408
18409 @pindex pidof
18410 You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
18411 @code{pidof} utility:
18412
18413 @smallexample
18414 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
18415 @end smallexample
18416
18417 In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
18418 has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
18419 @code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
18420
18421 @subsubsection Multi-Process Mode for @code{gdbserver}
18422 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, multiple processes
18423 @cindex multiple processes with @code{gdbserver}
18424
18425 When you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target remote},
18426 @code{gdbserver} debugs the specified program only once. When the
18427 program exits, or you detach from it, @value{GDBN} closes the connection
18428 and @code{gdbserver} exits.
18429
18430 If you connect using @kbd{target extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver}
18431 enters multi-process mode. When the debugged program exits, or you
18432 detach from it, @value{GDBN} stays connected to @code{gdbserver} even
18433 though no program is running. The @code{run} and @code{attach}
18434 commands instruct @code{gdbserver} to run or attach to a new program.
18435 The @code{run} command uses @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set
18436 remote exec-file}) to select the program to run. Command line
18437 arguments are supported, except for wildcard expansion and I/O
18438 redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
18439
18440 @cindex @option{--multi}, @code{gdbserver} option
18441 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
18442 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
18443 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
18444 the program you want to debug.
18445
18446 In multi-process mode @code{gdbserver} does not automatically exit unless you
18447 use the option @option{--once}. You can terminate it by using
18448 @code{monitor exit} (@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}). Note that the
18449 conditions under which @code{gdbserver} terminates depend on how @value{GDBN}
18450 connects to it (@kbd{target remote} or @kbd{target extended-remote}). The
18451 @option{--multi} option to @code{gdbserver} has no influence on that.
18452
18453 @subsubsection TCP port allocation lifecycle of @code{gdbserver}
18454
18455 This section applies only when @code{gdbserver} is run to listen on a TCP port.
18456
18457 @code{gdbserver} normally terminates after all of its debugged processes have
18458 terminated in @kbd{target remote} mode. On the other hand, for @kbd{target
18459 extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver} stays running even with no processes left.
18460 @value{GDBN} normally terminates the spawned debugged process on its exit,
18461 which normally also terminates @code{gdbserver} in the @kbd{target remote}
18462 mode. Therefore, when the connection drops unexpectedly, and @value{GDBN}
18463 cannot ask @code{gdbserver} to kill its debugged processes, @code{gdbserver}
18464 stays running even in the @kbd{target remote} mode.
18465
18466 When @code{gdbserver} stays running, @value{GDBN} can connect to it again later.
18467 Such reconnecting is useful for features like @ref{disconnected tracing}. For
18468 completeness, at most one @value{GDBN} can be connected at a time.
18469
18470 @cindex @option{--once}, @code{gdbserver} option
18471 By default, @code{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
18472 subsequent connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
18473 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
18474 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session. This
18475 means no further connections to @code{gdbserver} will be possible after the
18476 first one. It also means @code{gdbserver} will terminate after the first
18477 connection with remote @value{GDBN} has closed, even for unexpectedly closed
18478 connections and even in the @kbd{target extended-remote} mode. The
18479 @option{--once} option allows reusing the same port number for connecting to
18480 multiple instances of @code{gdbserver} running on the same host, since each
18481 instance closes its port after the first connection.
18482
18483 @subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
18484
18485 @cindex @option{--debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
18486 The @option{--debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display extra
18487 status information about the debugging process.
18488 @cindex @option{--remote-debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
18489 The @option{--remote-debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display
18490 remote protocol debug output. These options are intended for
18491 @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to the developers.
18492
18493 @cindex @option{--wrapper}, @code{gdbserver} option
18494 The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
18495 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
18496 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
18497 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
18498
18499 @code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
18500 command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
18501 program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
18502 runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
18503
18504 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
18505 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
18506 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
18507 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
18508
18509 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
18510 the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
18511 environment:
18512
18513 @smallexample
18514 $ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
18515 @end smallexample
18516
18517 @subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
18518
18519 Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
18520
18521 First make sure you have the necessary symbol files. Load symbols for
18522 your application using the @code{file} command before you connect. Use
18523 @code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN}
18524 was compiled with the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}).
18525
18526 The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
18527 and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
18528 system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
18529 are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
18530 during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
18531 files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
18532 programs.
18533
18534 Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
18535 For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
18536 the @code{target remote} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
18537 text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
18538 @samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
18539 command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{gdbserver}, since the program is
18540 already on the target.
18541
18542 @subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
18543 @cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
18544 @anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
18545
18546 During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
18547 @code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
18548 Here are the available commands.
18549
18550 @table @code
18551 @item monitor help
18552 List the available monitor commands.
18553
18554 @item monitor set debug 0
18555 @itemx monitor set debug 1
18556 Disable or enable general debugging messages.
18557
18558 @item monitor set remote-debug 0
18559 @itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
18560 Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
18561 protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
18562
18563 @item monitor set libthread-db-search-path [PATH]
18564 @cindex gdbserver, search path for @code{libthread_db}
18565 When this command is issued, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
18566 directories to search for @code{libthread_db} (@pxref{Threads,,set
18567 libthread-db-search-path}). If you omit @var{path},
18568 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to its default value.
18569
18570 The special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path} is
18571 not supported in @code{gdbserver}.
18572
18573 @item monitor exit
18574 Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
18575 @code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
18576 detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
18577 Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
18578 of a multi-process mode debug session.
18579
18580 @end table
18581
18582 @subsection Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
18583 @cindex tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
18584
18585 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints, fast
18586 tracepoints and static tracepoints.
18587
18588 For fast or static tracepoints to work, a special library called the
18589 @dfn{in-process agent} (IPA), must be loaded in the inferior process.
18590 This library is built and distributed as an integral part of
18591 @code{gdbserver}. In addition, support for static tracepoints
18592 requires building the in-process agent library with static tracepoints
18593 support. At present, the UST (LTTng Userspace Tracer,
18594 @url{http://lttng.org/ust}) tracing engine is supported. This support
18595 is automatically available if UST development headers are found in the
18596 standard include path when @code{gdbserver} is built, or if
18597 @code{gdbserver} was explicitly configured using @option{--with-ust}
18598 to point at such headers. You can explicitly disable the support
18599 using @option{--with-ust=no}.
18600
18601 There are several ways to load the in-process agent in your program:
18602
18603 @table @code
18604 @item Specifying it as dependency at link time
18605
18606 You can link your program dynamically with the in-process agent
18607 library. On most systems, this is accomplished by adding
18608 @code{-linproctrace} to the link command.
18609
18610 @item Using the system's preloading mechanisms
18611
18612 You can force loading the in-process agent at startup time by using
18613 your system's support for preloading shared libraries. Many Unixes
18614 support the concept of preloading user defined libraries. In most
18615 cases, you do that by specifying @code{LD_PRELOAD=libinproctrace.so}
18616 in the environment. See also the description of @code{gdbserver}'s
18617 @option{--wrapper} command line option.
18618
18619 @item Using @value{GDBN} to force loading the agent at run time
18620
18621 On some systems, you can force the inferior to load a shared library,
18622 by calling a dynamic loader function in the inferior that takes care
18623 of dynamically looking up and loading a shared library. On most Unix
18624 systems, the function is @code{dlopen}. You'll use the @code{call}
18625 command for that. For example:
18626
18627 @smallexample
18628 (@value{GDBP}) call dlopen ("libinproctrace.so", ...)
18629 @end smallexample
18630
18631 Note that on most Unix systems, for the @code{dlopen} function to be
18632 available, the program needs to be linked with @code{-ldl}.
18633 @end table
18634
18635 On systems that have a userspace dynamic loader, like most Unix
18636 systems, when you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target
18637 remote}, you'll find that the program is stopped at the dynamic
18638 loader's entry point, and no shared library has been loaded in the
18639 program's address space yet, including the in-process agent. In that
18640 case, before being able to use any of the fast or static tracepoints
18641 features, you need to let the loader run and load the shared
18642 libraries. The simplest way to do that is to run the program to the
18643 main procedure. E.g., if debugging a C or C@t{++} program, start
18644 @code{gdbserver} like so:
18645
18646 @smallexample
18647 $ gdbserver :9999 myprogram
18648 @end smallexample
18649
18650 Start GDB and connect to @code{gdbserver} like so, and run to main:
18651
18652 @smallexample
18653 $ gdb myprogram
18654 (@value{GDBP}) target remote myhost:9999
18655 0x00007f215893ba60 in ?? () from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
18656 (@value{GDBP}) b main
18657 (@value{GDBP}) continue
18658 @end smallexample
18659
18660 The in-process tracing agent library should now be loaded into the
18661 process; you can confirm it with the @code{info sharedlibrary}
18662 command, which will list @file{libinproctrace.so} as loaded in the
18663 process. You are now ready to install fast tracepoints, list static
18664 tracepoint markers, probe static tracepoints markers, and start
18665 tracing.
18666
18667 @node Remote Configuration
18668 @section Remote Configuration
18669
18670 @kindex set remote
18671 @kindex show remote
18672 This section documents the configuration options available when
18673 debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
18674 extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
18675 system-call-allowed}.
18676
18677 @table @code
18678 @item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
18679 @cindex address size for remote targets
18680 @cindex bits in remote address
18681 Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
18682 number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
18683 that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
18684 default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
18685
18686 @item show remoteaddresssize
18687 Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
18688
18689 @item set serial baud @var{n}
18690 @cindex baud rate for remote targets
18691 Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
18692 value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
18693 remote targets.
18694
18695 @item show serial baud
18696 Show the current speed of the remote connection.
18697
18698 @item set remotebreak
18699 @cindex interrupt remote programs
18700 @cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
18701 @anchor{set remotebreak}
18702 If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
18703 when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
18704 on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
18705 character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
18706 expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
18707
18708 @item show remotebreak
18709 Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
18710 interrupt the remote program.
18711
18712 @item set remoteflow on
18713 @itemx set remoteflow off
18714 @kindex set remoteflow
18715 Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
18716 on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
18717
18718 @item show remoteflow
18719 @kindex show remoteflow
18720 Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
18721
18722 @item set remotelogbase @var{base}
18723 Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
18724 communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
18725 @code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
18726 @code{ascii}.
18727
18728 @item show remotelogbase
18729 Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
18730 protocol.
18731
18732 @item set remotelogfile @var{file}
18733 @cindex record serial communications on file
18734 Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
18735 default is not to record at all.
18736
18737 @item show remotelogfile.
18738 Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
18739 serial communications.
18740
18741 @item set remotetimeout @var{num}
18742 @cindex timeout for serial communications
18743 @cindex remote timeout
18744 Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
18745 @var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
18746
18747 @item show remotetimeout
18748 Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
18749 responses.
18750
18751 @cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
18752 @cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
18753 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
18754 @anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
18755 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
18756 @itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
18757 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware breakpoint or
18758 watchpoints. A limit of -1, the default, is treated as unlimited.
18759
18760 @cindex limit hardware watchpoints length
18761 @cindex remote target, limit watchpoints length
18762 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit}
18763 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit @var{limit}
18764 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} bytes for the maximum length of
18765 a remote hardware watchpoint. A limit of -1, the default, is treated
18766 as unlimited.
18767
18768 @item show remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit
18769 Show the current limit (in bytes) of the maximum length of
18770 a remote hardware watchpoint.
18771
18772 @item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
18773 @itemx show remote exec-file
18774 @anchor{set remote exec-file}
18775 @cindex executable file, for remote target
18776 Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
18777 extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
18778 target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
18779 filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
18780
18781 @item set remote interrupt-sequence
18782 @cindex interrupt remote programs
18783 @cindex select Ctrl-C, BREAK or BREAK-g
18784 Allow the user to select one of @samp{Ctrl-C}, a @code{BREAK} or
18785 @samp{BREAK-g} as the
18786 sequence to the remote target in order to interrupt the execution.
18787 @samp{Ctrl-C} is a default. Some system prefers @code{BREAK} which
18788 is high level of serial line for some certain time.
18789 Linux kernel prefers @samp{BREAK-g}, a.k.a Magic SysRq g.
18790 It is @code{BREAK} signal followed by character @code{g}.
18791
18792 @item show interrupt-sequence
18793 Show which of @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or @code{BREAK-g}
18794 is sent by @value{GDBN} to interrupt the remote program.
18795 @code{BREAK-g} is BREAK signal followed by @code{g} and
18796 also known as Magic SysRq g.
18797
18798 @item set remote interrupt-on-connect
18799 @cindex send interrupt-sequence on start
18800 Specify whether interrupt-sequence is sent to remote target when
18801 @value{GDBN} connects to it. This is mostly needed when you debug
18802 Linux kernel. Linux kernel expects @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}
18803 which is known as Magic SysRq g in order to connect @value{GDBN}.
18804
18805 @item show interrupt-on-connect
18806 Show whether interrupt-sequence is sent
18807 to remote target when @value{GDBN} connects to it.
18808
18809 @kindex set tcp
18810 @kindex show tcp
18811 @item set tcp auto-retry on
18812 @cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
18813 Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
18814 debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
18815 condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
18816 before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
18817 enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
18818 to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
18819 @code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
18820
18821 @item set tcp auto-retry off
18822 Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
18823
18824 @item show tcp auto-retry
18825 Show the current auto-retry setting.
18826
18827 @item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
18828 @itemx set tcp connect-timeout unlimited
18829 @cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
18830 @cindex timeout, for remote target connection
18831 Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
18832 @var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
18833 (enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
18834 that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
18835 value. If @var{seconds} is @code{unlimited}, there is no timeout and
18836 @value{GDBN} will keep attempting to establish a connection forever,
18837 unless interrupted with @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The default is 15 seconds.
18838
18839 @item show tcp connect-timeout
18840 Show the current connection timeout setting.
18841 @end table
18842
18843 @cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
18844 The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
18845 your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
18846 can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
18847 packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
18848 packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
18849 or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
18850 all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
18851 see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
18852
18853 During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
18854 If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
18855 in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
18856 @value{GDBN} developers.
18857
18858 For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
18859 packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
18860 are:
18861
18862 @multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
18863 @item Command Name
18864 @tab Remote Packet
18865 @tab Related Features
18866
18867 @item @code{fetch-register}
18868 @tab @code{p}
18869 @tab @code{info registers}
18870
18871 @item @code{set-register}
18872 @tab @code{P}
18873 @tab @code{set}
18874
18875 @item @code{binary-download}
18876 @tab @code{X}
18877 @tab @code{load}, @code{set}
18878
18879 @item @code{read-aux-vector}
18880 @tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
18881 @tab @code{info auxv}
18882
18883 @item @code{symbol-lookup}
18884 @tab @code{qSymbol}
18885 @tab Detecting multiple threads
18886
18887 @item @code{attach}
18888 @tab @code{vAttach}
18889 @tab @code{attach}
18890
18891 @item @code{verbose-resume}
18892 @tab @code{vCont}
18893 @tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
18894
18895 @item @code{run}
18896 @tab @code{vRun}
18897 @tab @code{run}
18898
18899 @item @code{software-breakpoint}
18900 @tab @code{Z0}
18901 @tab @code{break}
18902
18903 @item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
18904 @tab @code{Z1}
18905 @tab @code{hbreak}
18906
18907 @item @code{write-watchpoint}
18908 @tab @code{Z2}
18909 @tab @code{watch}
18910
18911 @item @code{read-watchpoint}
18912 @tab @code{Z3}
18913 @tab @code{rwatch}
18914
18915 @item @code{access-watchpoint}
18916 @tab @code{Z4}
18917 @tab @code{awatch}
18918
18919 @item @code{target-features}
18920 @tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
18921 @tab @code{set architecture}
18922
18923 @item @code{library-info}
18924 @tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
18925 @tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
18926
18927 @item @code{memory-map}
18928 @tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
18929 @tab @code{info mem}
18930
18931 @item @code{read-sdata-object}
18932 @tab @code{qXfer:sdata:read}
18933 @tab @code{print $_sdata}
18934
18935 @item @code{read-spu-object}
18936 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
18937 @tab @code{info spu}
18938
18939 @item @code{write-spu-object}
18940 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
18941 @tab @code{info spu}
18942
18943 @item @code{read-siginfo-object}
18944 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:read}
18945 @tab @code{print $_siginfo}
18946
18947 @item @code{write-siginfo-object}
18948 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:write}
18949 @tab @code{set $_siginfo}
18950
18951 @item @code{threads}
18952 @tab @code{qXfer:threads:read}
18953 @tab @code{info threads}
18954
18955 @item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
18956 @tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
18957 @tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
18958
18959 @item @code{get-thread-information-block-address}
18960 @tab @code{qGetTIBAddr}
18961 @tab Display MS-Windows Thread Information Block.
18962
18963 @item @code{search-memory}
18964 @tab @code{qSearch:memory}
18965 @tab @code{find}
18966
18967 @item @code{supported-packets}
18968 @tab @code{qSupported}
18969 @tab Remote communications parameters
18970
18971 @item @code{pass-signals}
18972 @tab @code{QPassSignals}
18973 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
18974
18975 @item @code{program-signals}
18976 @tab @code{QProgramSignals}
18977 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
18978
18979 @item @code{hostio-close-packet}
18980 @tab @code{vFile:close}
18981 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18982
18983 @item @code{hostio-open-packet}
18984 @tab @code{vFile:open}
18985 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18986
18987 @item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
18988 @tab @code{vFile:pread}
18989 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18990
18991 @item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
18992 @tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
18993 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18994
18995 @item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
18996 @tab @code{vFile:unlink}
18997 @tab @code{remote delete}
18998
18999 @item @code{hostio-readlink-packet}
19000 @tab @code{vFile:readlink}
19001 @tab Host I/O
19002
19003 @item @code{noack-packet}
19004 @tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
19005 @tab Packet acknowledgment
19006
19007 @item @code{osdata}
19008 @tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
19009 @tab @code{info os}
19010
19011 @item @code{query-attached}
19012 @tab @code{qAttached}
19013 @tab Querying remote process attach state.
19014
19015 @item @code{trace-buffer-size}
19016 @tab @code{QTBuffer:size}
19017 @tab @code{set trace-buffer-size}
19018
19019 @item @code{trace-status}
19020 @tab @code{qTStatus}
19021 @tab @code{tstatus}
19022
19023 @item @code{traceframe-info}
19024 @tab @code{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
19025 @tab Traceframe info
19026
19027 @item @code{install-in-trace}
19028 @tab @code{InstallInTrace}
19029 @tab Install tracepoint in tracing
19030
19031 @item @code{disable-randomization}
19032 @tab @code{QDisableRandomization}
19033 @tab @code{set disable-randomization}
19034
19035 @item @code{conditional-breakpoints-packet}
19036 @tab @code{Z0 and Z1}
19037 @tab @code{Support for target-side breakpoint condition evaluation}
19038 @end multitable
19039
19040 @node Remote Stub
19041 @section Implementing a Remote Stub
19042
19043 @cindex debugging stub, example
19044 @cindex remote stub, example
19045 @cindex stub example, remote debugging
19046 The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
19047 communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
19048 @value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
19049 these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
19050 implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
19051 with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
19052 organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
19053
19054 @cindex remote serial debugging, overview
19055 To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
19056 @dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
19057 prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
19058 program, you need:
19059
19060 @enumerate
19061 @item
19062 A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
19063 have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
19064 your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
19065
19066 @item
19067 A C subroutine library to support your program's
19068 subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
19069
19070 @item
19071 A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
19072 download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
19073 manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
19074 documentation.
19075 @end enumerate
19076
19077 The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
19078 communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
19079 machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
19080
19081 @table @emph
19082 @item On the host,
19083 @value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
19084 else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
19085 (@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
19086
19087 @item On the target,
19088 you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
19089 implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
19090 subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
19091
19092 On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
19093 @code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
19094 @xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
19095 @end table
19096
19097 The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
19098 machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
19099 @sc{sparc} boards.
19100
19101 @cindex remote serial stub list
19102 These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
19103
19104 @table @code
19105
19106 @item i386-stub.c
19107 @cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
19108 @cindex Intel
19109 @cindex i386
19110 For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
19111
19112 @item m68k-stub.c
19113 @cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
19114 @cindex Motorola 680x0
19115 @cindex m680x0
19116 For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
19117
19118 @item sh-stub.c
19119 @cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
19120 @cindex Renesas
19121 @cindex SH
19122 For Renesas SH architectures.
19123
19124 @item sparc-stub.c
19125 @cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
19126 @cindex Sparc
19127 For @sc{sparc} architectures.
19128
19129 @item sparcl-stub.c
19130 @cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
19131 @cindex Fujitsu
19132 @cindex SparcLite
19133 For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
19134
19135 @end table
19136
19137 The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
19138 recently added stubs.
19139
19140 @menu
19141 * Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
19142 * Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
19143 * Debug Session:: Putting it all together
19144 @end menu
19145
19146 @node Stub Contents
19147 @subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
19148
19149 @cindex remote serial stub
19150 The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
19151 subroutines:
19152
19153 @table @code
19154 @item set_debug_traps
19155 @findex set_debug_traps
19156 @cindex remote serial stub, initialization
19157 This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
19158 program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly in your
19159 program's startup code.
19160
19161 @item handle_exception
19162 @findex handle_exception
19163 @cindex remote serial stub, main routine
19164 This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
19165 explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
19166 run when a trap is triggered.
19167
19168 @code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
19169 execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
19170 with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
19171 protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
19172 representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
19173 information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
19174 retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
19175 execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
19176 @code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
19177 machine.
19178
19179 @item breakpoint
19180 @cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
19181 Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
19182 breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
19183 way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
19184 machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
19185 pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
19186 @code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
19187 simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
19188 again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
19189 your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
19190 @value{GDBN} session gets control.
19191
19192 Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
19193 to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
19194 start of your debugging session.
19195 @end table
19196
19197 @node Bootstrapping
19198 @subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
19199
19200 @cindex remote stub, support routines
19201 The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
19202 chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
19203 debugging target machine.
19204
19205 First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
19206 serial port.
19207
19208 @table @code
19209 @item int getDebugChar()
19210 @findex getDebugChar
19211 Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
19212 It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
19213 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
19214
19215 @item void putDebugChar(int)
19216 @findex putDebugChar
19217 Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
19218 It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
19219 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
19220 @end table
19221
19222 @cindex control C, and remote debugging
19223 @cindex interrupting remote targets
19224 If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
19225 running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
19226 for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
19227 character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
19228 remote system to stop.
19229
19230 Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
19231 probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
19232 is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
19233 @value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
19234
19235 Other routines you need to supply are:
19236
19237 @table @code
19238 @item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
19239 @findex exceptionHandler
19240 Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
19241 handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
19242 way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
19243 are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
19244 containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
19245 @var{exception_number} is the exception number which should be changed;
19246 its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
19247 might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
19248 exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
19249 @var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
19250 and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
19251 you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
19252 should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
19253
19254 For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
19255 gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
19256 should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
19257 @sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
19258 help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
19259
19260 @item void flush_i_cache()
19261 @findex flush_i_cache
19262 On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
19263 instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
19264 instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
19265
19266 On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
19267 function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
19268 @end table
19269
19270 @noindent
19271 You must also make sure this library routine is available:
19272
19273 @table @code
19274 @item void *memset(void *, int, int)
19275 @findex memset
19276 This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
19277 memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
19278 @code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
19279 either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
19280 @end table
19281
19282 If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
19283 library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
19284 but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
19285 subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
19286
19287
19288 @node Debug Session
19289 @subsection Putting it All Together
19290
19291 @cindex remote serial debugging summary
19292 In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
19293 steps.
19294
19295 @enumerate
19296 @item
19297 Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
19298 (@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
19299 @display
19300 @code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
19301 @code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
19302 @end display
19303
19304 @item
19305 Insert these lines in your program's startup code, before the main
19306 procedure is called:
19307
19308 @smallexample
19309 set_debug_traps();
19310 breakpoint();
19311 @end smallexample
19312
19313 On some machines, when a breakpoint trap is raised, the hardware
19314 automatically makes the PC point to the instruction after the
19315 breakpoint. If your machine doesn't do that, you may need to adjust
19316 @code{handle_exception} to arrange for it to return to the instruction
19317 after the breakpoint on this first invocation, so that your program
19318 doesn't keep hitting the initial breakpoint instead of making
19319 progress.
19320
19321 @item
19322 For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
19323 @code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
19324
19325 @smallexample
19326 void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
19327 @end smallexample
19328
19329 @noindent
19330 but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
19331 function in your program, that function is called when
19332 @code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
19333 error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
19334 one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
19335
19336 @item
19337 Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
19338 your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
19339
19340 @item
19341 Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
19342 the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
19343
19344 @item
19345 @c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
19346 @c document that. FIXME.
19347 Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
19348 whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
19349
19350 @item
19351 Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
19352 (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
19353
19354 @end enumerate
19355
19356 @node Configurations
19357 @chapter Configuration-Specific Information
19358
19359 While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
19360 cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
19361 describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
19362
19363 There are three major categories of configurations: native
19364 configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
19365 operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
19366 different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
19367 are quite different from each other.
19368
19369 @menu
19370 * Native::
19371 * Embedded OS::
19372 * Embedded Processors::
19373 * Architectures::
19374 @end menu
19375
19376 @node Native
19377 @section Native
19378
19379 This section describes details specific to particular native
19380 configurations.
19381
19382 @menu
19383 * HP-UX:: HP-UX
19384 * BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
19385 * SVR4 Process Information:: SVR4 process information
19386 * DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
19387 * Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
19388 * Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
19389 * Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
19390 @end menu
19391
19392 @node HP-UX
19393 @subsection HP-UX
19394
19395 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
19396 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
19397 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
19398
19399
19400 @node BSD libkvm Interface
19401 @subsection BSD libkvm Interface
19402
19403 @cindex libkvm
19404 @cindex kernel memory image
19405 @cindex kernel crash dump
19406
19407 BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
19408 interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
19409 memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
19410 uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
19411 dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
19412 special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
19413 the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
19414 @code{kvm} target:
19415
19416 @smallexample
19417 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
19418 @end smallexample
19419
19420 For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
19421 argument:
19422
19423 @smallexample
19424 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
19425 @end smallexample
19426
19427 Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
19428 available:
19429
19430 @table @code
19431 @kindex kvm
19432 @item kvm pcb
19433 Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
19434
19435 @item kvm proc
19436 Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
19437 modern FreeBSD systems.
19438 @end table
19439
19440 @node SVR4 Process Information
19441 @subsection SVR4 Process Information
19442 @cindex /proc
19443 @cindex examine process image
19444 @cindex process info via @file{/proc}
19445
19446 Many versions of SVR4 and compatible systems provide a facility called
19447 @samp{/proc} that can be used to examine the image of a running
19448 process using file-system subroutines.
19449
19450 If @value{GDBN} is configured for an operating system with this
19451 facility, the command @code{info proc} is available to report
19452 information about the process running your program, or about any
19453 process running on your system. This includes, as of this writing,
19454 @sc{gnu}/Linux, OSF/1 (Digital Unix), Solaris, and Irix, but
19455 not HP-UX, for example.
19456
19457 This command may also work on core files that were created on a system
19458 that has the @samp{/proc} facility.
19459
19460 @table @code
19461 @kindex info proc
19462 @cindex process ID
19463 @item info proc
19464 @itemx info proc @var{process-id}
19465 Summarize available information about any running process. If a
19466 process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
19467 that process; otherwise display information about the program being
19468 debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
19469 line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
19470 executable file's absolute file name.
19471
19472 On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
19473 @samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
19474 within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
19475 a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
19476 needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
19477 a process ID rather than a thread ID).
19478
19479 @item info proc cmdline
19480 @cindex info proc cmdline
19481 Show the original command line of the process. This command is
19482 specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
19483
19484 @item info proc cwd
19485 @cindex info proc cwd
19486 Show the current working directory of the process. This command is
19487 specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
19488
19489 @item info proc exe
19490 @cindex info proc exe
19491 Show the name of executable of the process. This command is specific
19492 to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
19493
19494 @item info proc mappings
19495 @cindex memory address space mappings
19496 Report the memory address space ranges accessible in the program, with
19497 information on whether the process has read, write, or execute access
19498 rights to each range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, each memory range
19499 includes the object file which is mapped to that range, instead of the
19500 memory access rights to that range.
19501
19502 @item info proc stat
19503 @itemx info proc status
19504 @cindex process detailed status information
19505 These subcommands are specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. They show
19506 the process-related information, including the user ID and group ID;
19507 how many threads are there in the process; its virtual memory usage;
19508 the signals that are pending, blocked, and ignored; its TTY; its
19509 consumption of system and user time; its stack size; its @samp{nice}
19510 value; etc. For more information, see the @samp{proc} man page
19511 (type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
19512
19513 @item info proc all
19514 Show all the information about the process described under all of the
19515 above @code{info proc} subcommands.
19516
19517 @ignore
19518 @comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
19519 @comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
19520 @comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
19521 @kindex info proc times
19522 @item info proc times
19523 Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
19524 its children.
19525
19526 @kindex info proc id
19527 @item info proc id
19528 Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
19529 the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
19530 @end ignore
19531
19532 @item set procfs-trace
19533 @kindex set procfs-trace
19534 @cindex @code{procfs} API calls
19535 This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
19536
19537 @item show procfs-trace
19538 @kindex show procfs-trace
19539 Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
19540
19541 @item set procfs-file @var{file}
19542 @kindex set procfs-file
19543 Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
19544 @var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
19545 contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
19546 standard output.
19547
19548 @item show procfs-file
19549 @kindex show procfs-file
19550 Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
19551
19552 @item proc-trace-entry
19553 @itemx proc-trace-exit
19554 @itemx proc-untrace-entry
19555 @itemx proc-untrace-exit
19556 @kindex proc-trace-entry
19557 @kindex proc-trace-exit
19558 @kindex proc-untrace-entry
19559 @kindex proc-untrace-exit
19560 These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
19561 from the @code{syscall} interface.
19562
19563 @item info pidlist
19564 @kindex info pidlist
19565 @cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
19566 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
19567 processes and all the threads within each process.
19568
19569 @item info meminfo
19570 @kindex info meminfo
19571 @cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
19572 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
19573 @end table
19574
19575 @node DJGPP Native
19576 @subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
19577 @cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
19578 @cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
19579 @cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
19580
19581 @cindex DPMI
19582 @sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
19583 MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
19584 that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
19585 top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
19586
19587 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
19588 defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
19589 subsection describes those commands.
19590
19591 @table @code
19592 @kindex info dos
19593 @item info dos
19594 This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
19595 information about the target system and important OS structures.
19596
19597 @kindex sysinfo
19598 @cindex MS-DOS system info
19599 @cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
19600 @item info dos sysinfo
19601 This command displays assorted information about the underlying
19602 platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
19603 DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
19604
19605 @cindex GDT
19606 @cindex LDT
19607 @cindex IDT
19608 @cindex segment descriptor tables
19609 @cindex descriptor tables display
19610 @item info dos gdt
19611 @itemx info dos ldt
19612 @itemx info dos idt
19613 These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
19614 and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
19615 tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
19616 that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
19617 descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
19618 descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
19619 rights.
19620
19621 A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
19622 segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
19623 allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
19624 conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
19625 additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
19626
19627 @cindex garbled pointers
19628 These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
19629 Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
19630 displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
19631 display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
19632 example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
19633 debugged program's data segment:
19634
19635 @smallexample
19636 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
19637 @exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
19638 @end smallexample
19639
19640 @noindent
19641 This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
19642 the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
19643
19644 @cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
19645 @item info dos pde
19646 @itemx info dos pte
19647 These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
19648 Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
19649 data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
19650 into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
19651 page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
19652 may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
19653 Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
19654 that is currently in use.
19655
19656 Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
19657 Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
19658 the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
19659 @kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
19660 Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
19661 means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
19662 the specified entry in the Page Directory.
19663
19664 @cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
19665 These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
19666 Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
19667 controller.
19668
19669 These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
19670
19671 @cindex physical address from linear address
19672 @item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
19673 This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
19674 address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
19675 already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
19676 because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
19677 segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
19678 the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
19679
19680 @smallexample
19681 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
19682 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
19683 @exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
19684 @end smallexample
19685
19686 @noindent
19687 This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
19688 whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
19689 attributes of that page.
19690
19691 Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
19692 since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
19693 address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
19694 be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
19695 declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
19696 @code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
19697
19698 Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
19699 transfer buffer:
19700
19701 @smallexample
19702 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
19703 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
19704 @exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
19705 @end smallexample
19706
19707 @noindent
19708 (The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
19709 3rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
19710 clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
19711 memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
19712 linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
19713
19714 This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
19715 @end table
19716
19717 @cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
19718 In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
19719 debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
19720 to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
19721
19722 @table @code
19723 @kindex set com1base
19724 @kindex set com1irq
19725 @kindex set com2base
19726 @kindex set com2irq
19727 @kindex set com3base
19728 @kindex set com3irq
19729 @kindex set com4base
19730 @kindex set com4irq
19731 @item set com1base @var{addr}
19732 This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
19733 port.
19734
19735 @item set com1irq @var{irq}
19736 This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
19737 for the @file{COM1} serial port.
19738
19739 There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
19740 etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
19741 other 3 COM ports.
19742
19743 @kindex show com1base
19744 @kindex show com1irq
19745 @kindex show com2base
19746 @kindex show com2irq
19747 @kindex show com3base
19748 @kindex show com3irq
19749 @kindex show com4base
19750 @kindex show com4irq
19751 The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
19752 display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
19753 lines used by the COM ports.
19754
19755 @item info serial
19756 @kindex info serial
19757 @cindex DOS serial port status
19758 This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
19759 port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
19760 IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
19761 counts of various errors encountered so far.
19762 @end table
19763
19764
19765 @node Cygwin Native
19766 @subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
19767 @cindex MS Windows debugging
19768 @cindex native Cygwin debugging
19769 @cindex Cygwin-specific commands
19770
19771 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
19772 DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information.
19773
19774 @cindex Ctrl-BREAK, MS-Windows
19775 @cindex interrupt debuggee on MS-Windows
19776 MS-Windows programs that call @code{SetConsoleMode} to switch off the
19777 special meaning of the @samp{Ctrl-C} keystroke cannot be interrupted
19778 by typing @kbd{C-c}. For this reason, @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows
19779 supports @kbd{C-@key{BREAK}} as an alternative interrupt key
19780 sequence, which can be used to interrupt the debuggee even if it
19781 ignores @kbd{C-c}.
19782
19783 There are various additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in
19784 this section. Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is
19785 described in @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
19786
19787 @table @code
19788 @kindex info w32
19789 @item info w32
19790 This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
19791 information about the target system and important OS structures.
19792
19793 @item info w32 selector
19794 This command displays information returned by
19795 the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
19796 It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
19797 a long value to give the information about this given selector.
19798 Without argument, this command displays information
19799 about the six segment registers.
19800
19801 @item info w32 thread-information-block
19802 This command displays thread specific information stored in the
19803 Thread Information Block (readable on the X86 CPU family using @code{$fs}
19804 selector for 32-bit programs and @code{$gs} for 64-bit programs).
19805
19806 @kindex info dll
19807 @item info dll
19808 This is a Cygwin-specific alias of @code{info shared}.
19809
19810 @kindex dll-symbols
19811 @item dll-symbols
19812 This command loads symbols from a dll similarly to
19813 add-sym command but without the need to specify a base address.
19814
19815 @kindex set cygwin-exceptions
19816 @cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
19817 @cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
19818 @item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
19819 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
19820 happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
19821 @value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
19822 exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
19823 ``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
19824 Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
19825 @value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
19826
19827 @kindex show cygwin-exceptions
19828 @item show cygwin-exceptions
19829 Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
19830 inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
19831
19832 @kindex set new-console
19833 @item set new-console @var{mode}
19834 If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
19835 be started in a new console on next start.
19836 If @var{mode} is @code{off}, the debuggee will
19837 be started in the same console as the debugger.
19838
19839 @kindex show new-console
19840 @item show new-console
19841 Displays whether a new console is used
19842 when the debuggee is started.
19843
19844 @kindex set new-group
19845 @item set new-group @var{mode}
19846 This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
19847 start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
19848 This affects the way the Windows OS handles
19849 @samp{Ctrl-C}.
19850
19851 @kindex show new-group
19852 @item show new-group
19853 Displays current value of new-group boolean.
19854
19855 @kindex set debugevents
19856 @item set debugevents
19857 This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
19858 to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
19859 signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
19860 unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
19861 Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
19862
19863 @kindex set debugexec
19864 @item set debugexec
19865 This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
19866 (such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
19867
19868 @kindex set debugexceptions
19869 @item set debugexceptions
19870 This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
19871 debuggee seen by the debugger.
19872
19873 @kindex set debugmemory
19874 @item set debugmemory
19875 This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
19876 and writes by the debugger.
19877
19878 @kindex set shell
19879 @item set shell
19880 This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
19881 via a shell or directly (default value is on).
19882
19883 @kindex show shell
19884 @item show shell
19885 Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
19886
19887 @end table
19888
19889 @menu
19890 * Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
19891 @end menu
19892
19893 @node Non-debug DLL Symbols
19894 @subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
19895 @cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
19896 @cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
19897
19898 Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
19899 not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
19900 @file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
19901 symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
19902 information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
19903 describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
19904 ``minimal symbols''.
19905
19906 Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
19907 will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
19908 start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
19909 program run once to completion. It is also possible to force
19910 @value{GDBN} to load a particular DLL before starting the executable ---
19911 see the shared library information in @ref{Files}, or the
19912 @code{dll-symbols} command in @ref{Cygwin Native}. Currently,
19913 explicitly loading symbols from a DLL with no debugging information will
19914 cause the symbol names to be duplicated in @value{GDBN}'s lookup table,
19915 which may adversely affect symbol lookup performance.
19916
19917 @subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
19918
19919 In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
19920 tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
19921 DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
19922 also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
19923 sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
19924 (particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
19925 necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
19926 contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
19927 exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
19928
19929 Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
19930 though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
19931 symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
19932 some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
19933 @code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
19934 (@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
19935
19936 @smallexample
19937 (@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
19938 All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
19939
19940 Non-debugging symbols:
19941 0x77e885f4 CreateFileA
19942 0x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
19943 @end smallexample
19944
19945 @smallexample
19946 (@value{GDBP}) info function !
19947 All functions matching regular expression "!":
19948
19949 Non-debugging symbols:
19950 0x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
19951 0x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
19952 0x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
19953 [etc...]
19954 @end smallexample
19955
19956 @subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
19957
19958 Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
19959 type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
19960 refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
19961 contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
19962 contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
19963 means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
19964 a function within a DLL without a running program.
19965
19966 Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
19967 automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
19968 variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
19969 type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
19970 problem:
19971
19972 @smallexample
19973 (@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
19974 $1 = 268572168
19975 @end smallexample
19976
19977 @smallexample
19978 (@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
19979 0x10021610: "\230y\""
19980 @end smallexample
19981
19982 And two possible solutions:
19983
19984 @smallexample
19985 (@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
19986 $2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
19987 @end smallexample
19988
19989 @smallexample
19990 (@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
19991 0x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
19992 (@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
19993 0x10021608: 0x0022fd98
19994 (@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
19995 0x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
19996 @end smallexample
19997
19998 Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
19999 starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
20000 examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
20001 function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
20002 to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
20003
20004 @smallexample
20005 (@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
20006 Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
20007 @end smallexample
20008
20009 The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
20010 break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
20011 safe.
20012
20013 @node Hurd Native
20014 @subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
20015 @cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
20016
20017 This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
20018 @sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
20019
20020 @table @code
20021 @item set signals
20022 @itemx set sigs
20023 @kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
20024 @kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
20025 This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
20026 @value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
20027 affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
20028 @code{signals}.
20029
20030 @item show signals
20031 @itemx show sigs
20032 @kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
20033 @kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
20034 Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
20035
20036 @item set signal-thread
20037 @itemx set sigthread
20038 @kindex set signal-thread
20039 @kindex set sigthread
20040 This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
20041 thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
20042 process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
20043 signal-thread}.
20044
20045 @item show signal-thread
20046 @itemx show sigthread
20047 @kindex show signal-thread
20048 @kindex show sigthread
20049 These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
20050 delivered a signal.
20051
20052 @item set stopped
20053 @kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
20054 This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
20055 as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
20056 continued by delivering a signal to it.
20057
20058 @item show stopped
20059 @kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
20060 This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
20061 stopped.
20062
20063 @item set exceptions
20064 @kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
20065 Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
20066 When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
20067 single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
20068 trapping on.
20069
20070 @item show exceptions
20071 @kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
20072 Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
20073
20074 @item set task pause
20075 @kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
20076 @cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
20077 @cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
20078 This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
20079 Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
20080 whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
20081 effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
20082 to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
20083 thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
20084
20085 @item show task pause
20086 @kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
20087 Show the current state of task suspension.
20088
20089 @item set task detach-suspend-count
20090 @cindex task suspend count
20091 @cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
20092 This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
20093 @value{GDBN} detaches from it.
20094
20095 @item show task detach-suspend-count
20096 Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
20097
20098 @item set task exception-port
20099 @itemx set task excp
20100 @cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
20101 This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
20102 forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
20103 rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
20104
20105 @item set noninvasive
20106 @cindex noninvasive task options
20107 This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
20108 invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
20109 is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
20110 @code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
20111
20112 @item info send-rights
20113 @itemx info receive-rights
20114 @itemx info port-rights
20115 @itemx info port-sets
20116 @itemx info dead-names
20117 @itemx info ports
20118 @itemx info psets
20119 @cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
20120 @cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
20121 @cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
20122 @cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
20123 @cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
20124 These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
20125 receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
20126 There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
20127 port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
20128
20129 @item set thread pause
20130 @kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
20131 @cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
20132 @cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
20133 This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
20134 control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
20135 thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
20136 off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
20137 Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
20138 control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
20139 task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
20140 only the current thread.
20141
20142 @item show thread pause
20143 @kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
20144 This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
20145
20146 @item set thread run
20147 This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
20148
20149 @item show thread run
20150 Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
20151
20152 @item set thread detach-suspend-count
20153 @cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
20154 @cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
20155 This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
20156 thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
20157 found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
20158 takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
20159
20160 @item show thread detach-suspend-count
20161 Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
20162 detaching.
20163
20164 @item set thread exception-port
20165 @itemx set thread excp
20166 Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
20167 overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
20168 @code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
20169
20170 @item set thread takeover-suspend-count
20171 Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
20172 value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
20173 changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
20174
20175 @item set thread default
20176 @itemx show thread default
20177 @cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
20178 Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
20179 default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
20180 thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
20181 variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
20182 threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
20183 the non-default commands.
20184 @end table
20185
20186 @node Darwin
20187 @subsection Darwin
20188 @cindex Darwin
20189
20190 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
20191
20192 @table @code
20193 @item set debug darwin @var{num}
20194 @kindex set debug darwin
20195 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
20196 the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
20197
20198 @item show debug darwin
20199 @kindex show debug darwin
20200 Show the current state of Darwin messages.
20201
20202 @item set debug mach-o @var{num}
20203 @kindex set debug mach-o
20204 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
20205 @value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
20206 file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
20207 values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
20208 problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
20209 usage.
20210
20211 @item show debug mach-o
20212 @kindex show debug mach-o
20213 Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
20214
20215 @item set mach-exceptions on
20216 @itemx set mach-exceptions off
20217 @kindex set mach-exceptions
20218 On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
20219 mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
20220 Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
20221 better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
20222
20223 @item show mach-exceptions
20224 @kindex show mach-exceptions
20225 Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
20226 @end table
20227
20228
20229 @node Embedded OS
20230 @section Embedded Operating Systems
20231
20232 This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
20233 embedded operating systems that are available for several different
20234 architectures.
20235
20236 @menu
20237 * VxWorks:: Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
20238 @end menu
20239
20240 @value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
20241 various real-time operating systems.
20242
20243 @node VxWorks
20244 @subsection Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
20245
20246 @cindex VxWorks
20247
20248 @table @code
20249
20250 @kindex target vxworks
20251 @item target vxworks @var{machinename}
20252 A VxWorks system, attached via TCP/IP. The argument @var{machinename}
20253 is the target system's machine name or IP address.
20254
20255 @end table
20256
20257 On VxWorks, @code{load} links @var{filename} dynamically on the
20258 current target system as well as adding its symbols in @value{GDBN}.
20259
20260 @value{GDBN} enables developers to spawn and debug tasks running on networked
20261 VxWorks targets from a Unix host. Already-running tasks spawned from
20262 the VxWorks shell can also be debugged. @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
20263 both the Unix host and on the VxWorks target. The program
20264 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host. (It may be
20265 installed with the name @code{vxgdb}, to distinguish it from a
20266 @value{GDBN} for debugging programs on the host itself.)
20267
20268 @table @code
20269 @item VxWorks-timeout @var{args}
20270 @kindex vxworks-timeout
20271 All VxWorks-based targets now support the option @code{vxworks-timeout}.
20272 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
20273 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses to rpc's. You might use this if
20274 your VxWorks target is a slow software simulator or is on the far side
20275 of a thin network line.
20276 @end table
20277
20278 The following information on connecting to VxWorks was current when
20279 this manual was produced; newer releases of VxWorks may use revised
20280 procedures.
20281
20282 @findex INCLUDE_RDB
20283 To use @value{GDBN} with VxWorks, you must rebuild your VxWorks kernel
20284 to include the remote debugging interface routines in the VxWorks
20285 library @file{rdb.a}. To do this, define @code{INCLUDE_RDB} in the
20286 VxWorks configuration file @file{configAll.h} and rebuild your VxWorks
20287 kernel. The resulting kernel contains @file{rdb.a}, and spawns the
20288 source debugging task @code{tRdbTask} when VxWorks is booted. For more
20289 information on configuring and remaking VxWorks, see the manufacturer's
20290 manual.
20291 @c VxWorks, see the @cite{VxWorks Programmer's Guide}.
20292
20293 Once you have included @file{rdb.a} in your VxWorks system image and set
20294 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
20295 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}} (or
20296 @code{vxgdb}, depending on your installation).
20297
20298 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
20299
20300 @smallexample
20301 (vxgdb)
20302 @end smallexample
20303
20304 @menu
20305 * VxWorks Connection:: Connecting to VxWorks
20306 * VxWorks Download:: VxWorks download
20307 * VxWorks Attach:: Running tasks
20308 @end menu
20309
20310 @node VxWorks Connection
20311 @subsubsection Connecting to VxWorks
20312
20313 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a VxWorks target on the
20314 network. To connect to a target whose host name is ``@code{tt}'', type:
20315
20316 @smallexample
20317 (vxgdb) target vxworks tt
20318 @end smallexample
20319
20320 @need 750
20321 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
20322
20323 @smallexample
20324 Attaching remote machine across net...
20325 Connected to tt.
20326 @end smallexample
20327
20328 @need 1000
20329 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol tables of any object modules
20330 loaded into the VxWorks target since it was last booted. @value{GDBN} locates
20331 these files by searching the directories listed in the command search
20332 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}); if it fails
20333 to find an object file, it displays a message such as:
20334
20335 @smallexample
20336 prog.o: No such file or directory.
20337 @end smallexample
20338
20339 When this happens, add the appropriate directory to the search path with
20340 the @value{GDBN} command @code{path}, and execute the @code{target}
20341 command again.
20342
20343 @node VxWorks Download
20344 @subsubsection VxWorks Download
20345
20346 @cindex download to VxWorks
20347 If you have connected to the VxWorks target and you want to debug an
20348 object that has not yet been loaded, you can use the @value{GDBN}
20349 @code{load} command to download a file from Unix to VxWorks
20350 incrementally. The object file given as an argument to the @code{load}
20351 command is actually opened twice: first by the VxWorks target in order
20352 to download the code, then by @value{GDBN} in order to read the symbol
20353 table. This can lead to problems if the current working directories on
20354 the two systems differ. If both systems have NFS mounted the same
20355 filesystems, you can avoid these problems by using absolute paths.
20356 Otherwise, it is simplest to set the working directory on both systems
20357 to the directory in which the object file resides, and then to reference
20358 the file by its name, without any path. For instance, a program
20359 @file{prog.o} may reside in @file{@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb} in VxWorks
20360 and in @file{@var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb} on the host. To load this
20361 program, type this on VxWorks:
20362
20363 @smallexample
20364 -> cd "@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb"
20365 @end smallexample
20366
20367 @noindent
20368 Then, in @value{GDBN}, type:
20369
20370 @smallexample
20371 (vxgdb) cd @var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb
20372 (vxgdb) load prog.o
20373 @end smallexample
20374
20375 @value{GDBN} displays a response similar to this:
20376
20377 @smallexample
20378 Reading symbol data from wherever/vw/demo/rdb/prog.o... done.
20379 @end smallexample
20380
20381 You can also use the @code{load} command to reload an object module
20382 after editing and recompiling the corresponding source file. Note that
20383 this makes @value{GDBN} delete all currently-defined breakpoints,
20384 auto-displays, and convenience variables, and to clear the value
20385 history. (This is necessary in order to preserve the integrity of
20386 debugger's data structures that reference the target system's symbol
20387 table.)
20388
20389 @node VxWorks Attach
20390 @subsubsection Running Tasks
20391
20392 @cindex running VxWorks tasks
20393 You can also attach to an existing task using the @code{attach} command as
20394 follows:
20395
20396 @smallexample
20397 (vxgdb) attach @var{task}
20398 @end smallexample
20399
20400 @noindent
20401 where @var{task} is the VxWorks hexadecimal task ID. The task can be running
20402 or suspended when you attach to it. Running tasks are suspended at
20403 the time of attachment.
20404
20405 @node Embedded Processors
20406 @section Embedded Processors
20407
20408 This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
20409 configurations.
20410
20411 @cindex send command to simulator
20412 Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
20413 allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
20414
20415 @table @code
20416 @item sim @var{command}
20417 @kindex sim@r{, a command}
20418 Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
20419 documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
20420 acceptable commands.
20421 @end table
20422
20423
20424 @menu
20425 * ARM:: ARM RDI
20426 * M32R/D:: Renesas M32R/D
20427 * M68K:: Motorola M68K
20428 * MicroBlaze:: Xilinx MicroBlaze
20429 * MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
20430 * PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
20431 * PA:: HP PA Embedded
20432 * Sparclet:: Tsqware Sparclet
20433 * Sparclite:: Fujitsu Sparclite
20434 * Z8000:: Zilog Z8000
20435 * AVR:: Atmel AVR
20436 * CRIS:: CRIS
20437 * Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
20438 @end menu
20439
20440 @node ARM
20441 @subsection ARM
20442 @cindex ARM RDI
20443
20444 @table @code
20445 @kindex target rdi
20446 @item target rdi @var{dev}
20447 ARM Angel monitor, via RDI library interface to ADP protocol. You may
20448 use this target to communicate with both boards running the Angel
20449 monitor, or with the EmbeddedICE JTAG debug device.
20450
20451 @kindex target rdp
20452 @item target rdp @var{dev}
20453 ARM Demon monitor.
20454
20455 @end table
20456
20457 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
20458
20459 @table @code
20460 @item set arm disassembler
20461 @kindex set arm
20462 This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
20463 @code{"std"} style is the standard style.
20464
20465 @item show arm disassembler
20466 @kindex show arm
20467 Show the current disassembly style.
20468
20469 @item set arm apcs32
20470 @cindex ARM 32-bit mode
20471 This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
20472
20473 @item show arm apcs32
20474 Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
20475
20476 @item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
20477 This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
20478 argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
20479
20480 @table @code
20481 @item auto
20482 Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
20483 @item softfpa
20484 Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
20485 processors.
20486 @item fpa
20487 GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
20488 @item softvfp
20489 Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
20490 @item vfp
20491 VFP co-processor.
20492 @end table
20493
20494 @item show arm fpu
20495 Show the current type of the FPU.
20496
20497 @item set arm abi
20498 This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
20499
20500 @item show arm abi
20501 Show the currently used ABI.
20502
20503 @item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
20504 @value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
20505 whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
20506 @value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
20507 available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
20508 use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
20509 register).
20510
20511 @item show arm fallback-mode
20512 Show the current fallback instruction mode.
20513
20514 @item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
20515 This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
20516 instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
20517 causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
20518 of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
20519
20520 @item show arm force-mode
20521 Show the current forced instruction mode.
20522
20523 @item set debug arm
20524 Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
20525 target support subsystem.
20526
20527 @item show debug arm
20528 Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
20529 @end table
20530
20531 The following commands are available when an ARM target is debugged
20532 using the RDI interface:
20533
20534 @table @code
20535 @item rdilogfile @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
20536 @kindex rdilogfile
20537 @cindex ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) logging
20538 Set the filename for the ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) packet log.
20539 With an argument, sets the log file to the specified @var{file}. With
20540 no argument, show the current log file name. The default log file is
20541 @file{rdi.log}.
20542
20543 @item rdilogenable @r{[}@var{arg}@r{]}
20544 @kindex rdilogenable
20545 Control logging of ADP packets. With an argument of 1 or @code{"yes"}
20546 enables logging, with an argument 0 or @code{"no"} disables it. With
20547 no arguments displays the current setting. When logging is enabled,
20548 ADP packets exchanged between @value{GDBN} and the RDI target device
20549 are logged to a file.
20550
20551 @item set rdiromatzero
20552 @kindex set rdiromatzero
20553 @cindex ROM at zero address, RDI
20554 Tell @value{GDBN} whether the target has ROM at address 0. If on,
20555 vector catching is disabled, so that zero address can be used. If off
20556 (the default), vector catching is enabled. For this command to take
20557 effect, it needs to be invoked prior to the @code{target rdi} command.
20558
20559 @item show rdiromatzero
20560 @kindex show rdiromatzero
20561 Show the current setting of ROM at zero address.
20562
20563 @item set rdiheartbeat
20564 @kindex set rdiheartbeat
20565 @cindex RDI heartbeat
20566 Enable or disable RDI heartbeat packets. It is not recommended to
20567 turn on this option, since it confuses ARM and EPI JTAG interface, as
20568 well as the Angel monitor.
20569
20570 @item show rdiheartbeat
20571 @kindex show rdiheartbeat
20572 Show the setting of RDI heartbeat packets.
20573 @end table
20574
20575 @table @code
20576 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
20577 The @value{GDBN} ARM simulator accepts the following optional arguments.
20578
20579 @table @code
20580 @item --swi-support=@var{type}
20581 Tell the simulator which SWI interfaces to support.
20582 @var{type} may be a comma separated list of the following values.
20583 The default value is @code{all}.
20584
20585 @table @code
20586 @item none
20587 @item demon
20588 @item angel
20589 @item redboot
20590 @item all
20591 @end table
20592 @end table
20593 @end table
20594
20595 @node M32R/D
20596 @subsection Renesas M32R/D and M32R/SDI
20597
20598 @table @code
20599 @kindex target m32r
20600 @item target m32r @var{dev}
20601 Renesas M32R/D ROM monitor.
20602
20603 @kindex target m32rsdi
20604 @item target m32rsdi @var{dev}
20605 Renesas M32R SDI server, connected via parallel port to the board.
20606 @end table
20607
20608 The following @value{GDBN} commands are specific to the M32R monitor:
20609
20610 @table @code
20611 @item set download-path @var{path}
20612 @kindex set download-path
20613 @cindex find downloadable @sc{srec} files (M32R)
20614 Set the default path for finding downloadable @sc{srec} files.
20615
20616 @item show download-path
20617 @kindex show download-path
20618 Show the default path for downloadable @sc{srec} files.
20619
20620 @item set board-address @var{addr}
20621 @kindex set board-address
20622 @cindex M32-EVA target board address
20623 Set the IP address for the M32R-EVA target board.
20624
20625 @item show board-address
20626 @kindex show board-address
20627 Show the current IP address of the target board.
20628
20629 @item set server-address @var{addr}
20630 @kindex set server-address
20631 @cindex download server address (M32R)
20632 Set the IP address for the download server, which is the @value{GDBN}'s
20633 host machine.
20634
20635 @item show server-address
20636 @kindex show server-address
20637 Display the IP address of the download server.
20638
20639 @item upload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
20640 @kindex upload@r{, M32R}
20641 Upload the specified @sc{srec} @var{file} via the monitor's Ethernet
20642 upload capability. If no @var{file} argument is given, the current
20643 executable file is uploaded.
20644
20645 @item tload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
20646 @kindex tload@r{, M32R}
20647 Test the @code{upload} command.
20648 @end table
20649
20650 The following commands are available for M32R/SDI:
20651
20652 @table @code
20653 @item sdireset
20654 @kindex sdireset
20655 @cindex reset SDI connection, M32R
20656 This command resets the SDI connection.
20657
20658 @item sdistatus
20659 @kindex sdistatus
20660 This command shows the SDI connection status.
20661
20662 @item debug_chaos
20663 @kindex debug_chaos
20664 @cindex M32R/Chaos debugging
20665 Instructs the remote that M32R/Chaos debugging is to be used.
20666
20667 @item use_debug_dma
20668 @kindex use_debug_dma
20669 Instructs the remote to use the DEBUG_DMA method of accessing memory.
20670
20671 @item use_mon_code
20672 @kindex use_mon_code
20673 Instructs the remote to use the MON_CODE method of accessing memory.
20674
20675 @item use_ib_break
20676 @kindex use_ib_break
20677 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by IB break.
20678
20679 @item use_dbt_break
20680 @kindex use_dbt_break
20681 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by DBT.
20682 @end table
20683
20684 @node M68K
20685 @subsection M68k
20686
20687 The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support, and a
20688 target command for the following ROM monitor.
20689
20690 @table @code
20691
20692 @kindex target dbug
20693 @item target dbug @var{dev}
20694 dBUG ROM monitor for Motorola ColdFire.
20695
20696 @end table
20697
20698 @node MicroBlaze
20699 @subsection MicroBlaze
20700 @cindex Xilinx MicroBlaze
20701 @cindex XMD, Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger
20702
20703 The MicroBlaze is a soft-core processor supported on various Xilinx
20704 FPGAs, such as Spartan or Virtex series. Boards with these processors
20705 usually have JTAG ports which connect to a host system running the Xilinx
20706 Embedded Development Kit (EDK) or Software Development Kit (SDK).
20707 This host system is used to download the configuration bitstream to
20708 the target FPGA. The Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger (XMD) program
20709 communicates with the target board using the JTAG interface and
20710 presents a @code{gdbserver} interface to the board. By default
20711 @code{xmd} uses port @code{1234}. (While it is possible to change
20712 this default port, it requires the use of undocumented @code{xmd}
20713 commands. Contact Xilinx support if you need to do this.)
20714
20715 Use these GDB commands to connect to the MicroBlaze target processor.
20716
20717 @table @code
20718 @item target remote :1234
20719 Use this command to connect to the target if you are running @value{GDBN}
20720 on the same system as @code{xmd}.
20721
20722 @item target remote @var{xmd-host}:1234
20723 Use this command to connect to the target if it is connected to @code{xmd}
20724 running on a different system named @var{xmd-host}.
20725
20726 @item load
20727 Use this command to download a program to the MicroBlaze target.
20728
20729 @item set debug microblaze @var{n}
20730 Enable MicroBlaze-specific debugging messages if non-zero.
20731
20732 @item show debug microblaze @var{n}
20733 Show MicroBlaze-specific debugging level.
20734 @end table
20735
20736 @node MIPS Embedded
20737 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Embedded
20738
20739 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} boards
20740 @value{GDBN} can use the @acronym{MIPS} remote debugging protocol to talk to a
20741 @acronym{MIPS} board attached to a serial line. This is available when
20742 you configure @value{GDBN} with @samp{--target=mips-elf}.
20743
20744 @need 1000
20745 Use these @value{GDBN} commands to specify the connection to your target board:
20746
20747 @table @code
20748 @item target mips @var{port}
20749 @kindex target mips @var{port}
20750 To run a program on the board, start up @code{@value{GDBP}} with the
20751 name of your program as the argument. To connect to the board, use the
20752 command @samp{target mips @var{port}}, where @var{port} is the name of
20753 the serial port connected to the board. If the program has not already
20754 been downloaded to the board, you may use the @code{load} command to
20755 download it. You can then use all the usual @value{GDBN} commands.
20756
20757 For example, this sequence connects to the target board through a serial
20758 port, and loads and runs a program called @var{prog} through the
20759 debugger:
20760
20761 @smallexample
20762 host$ @value{GDBP} @var{prog}
20763 @value{GDBN} is free software and @dots{}
20764 (@value{GDBP}) target mips /dev/ttyb
20765 (@value{GDBP}) load @var{prog}
20766 (@value{GDBP}) run
20767 @end smallexample
20768
20769 @item target mips @var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}
20770 On some @value{GDBN} host configurations, you can specify a TCP
20771 connection (for instance, to a serial line managed by a terminal
20772 concentrator) instead of a serial port, using the syntax
20773 @samp{@var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}}.
20774
20775 @item target pmon @var{port}
20776 @kindex target pmon @var{port}
20777 PMON ROM monitor.
20778
20779 @item target ddb @var{port}
20780 @kindex target ddb @var{port}
20781 NEC's DDB variant of PMON for Vr4300.
20782
20783 @item target lsi @var{port}
20784 @kindex target lsi @var{port}
20785 LSI variant of PMON.
20786
20787 @kindex target r3900
20788 @item target r3900 @var{dev}
20789 Densan DVE-R3900 ROM monitor for Toshiba R3900 Mips.
20790
20791 @kindex target array
20792 @item target array @var{dev}
20793 Array Tech LSI33K RAID controller board.
20794
20795 @end table
20796
20797
20798 @noindent
20799 @value{GDBN} also supports these special commands for @acronym{MIPS} targets:
20800
20801 @table @code
20802 @item set mipsfpu double
20803 @itemx set mipsfpu single
20804 @itemx set mipsfpu none
20805 @itemx set mipsfpu auto
20806 @itemx show mipsfpu
20807 @kindex set mipsfpu
20808 @kindex show mipsfpu
20809 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} remote floating point
20810 @cindex floating point, @acronym{MIPS} remote
20811 If your target board does not support the @acronym{MIPS} floating point
20812 coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
20813 need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
20814 file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
20815 functions which return floating point values. It also allows
20816 @value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
20817 functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
20818 with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
20819 processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
20820 double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
20821 @samp{set mipsfpu double}.
20822
20823 In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
20824 floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
20825 and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
20826
20827 As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
20828 @samp{show mipsfpu}.
20829
20830 @item set timeout @var{seconds}
20831 @itemx set retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}
20832 @itemx show timeout
20833 @itemx show retransmit-timeout
20834 @cindex @code{timeout}, @acronym{MIPS} protocol
20835 @cindex @code{retransmit-timeout}, @acronym{MIPS} protocol
20836 @kindex set timeout
20837 @kindex show timeout
20838 @kindex set retransmit-timeout
20839 @kindex show retransmit-timeout
20840 You can control the timeout used while waiting for a packet, in the @acronym{MIPS}
20841 remote protocol, with the @code{set timeout @var{seconds}} command. The
20842 default is 5 seconds. Similarly, you can control the timeout used while
20843 waiting for an acknowledgment of a packet with the @code{set
20844 retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}} command. The default is 3 seconds.
20845 You can inspect both values with @code{show timeout} and @code{show
20846 retransmit-timeout}. (These commands are @emph{only} available when
20847 @value{GDBN} is configured for @samp{--target=mips-elf}.)
20848
20849 The timeout set by @code{set timeout} does not apply when @value{GDBN}
20850 is waiting for your program to stop. In that case, @value{GDBN} waits
20851 forever because it has no way of knowing how long the program is going
20852 to run before stopping.
20853
20854 @item set syn-garbage-limit @var{num}
20855 @kindex set syn-garbage-limit@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20856 @cindex synchronize with remote @acronym{MIPS} target
20857 Limit the maximum number of characters @value{GDBN} should ignore when
20858 it tries to synchronize with the remote target. The default is 10
20859 characters. Setting the limit to -1 means there's no limit.
20860
20861 @item show syn-garbage-limit
20862 @kindex show syn-garbage-limit@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20863 Show the current limit on the number of characters to ignore when
20864 trying to synchronize with the remote system.
20865
20866 @item set monitor-prompt @var{prompt}
20867 @kindex set monitor-prompt@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20868 @cindex remote monitor prompt
20869 Tell @value{GDBN} to expect the specified @var{prompt} string from the
20870 remote monitor. The default depends on the target:
20871 @table @asis
20872 @item pmon target
20873 @samp{PMON}
20874 @item ddb target
20875 @samp{NEC010}
20876 @item lsi target
20877 @samp{PMON>}
20878 @end table
20879
20880 @item show monitor-prompt
20881 @kindex show monitor-prompt@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20882 Show the current strings @value{GDBN} expects as the prompt from the
20883 remote monitor.
20884
20885 @item set monitor-warnings
20886 @kindex set monitor-warnings@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20887 Enable or disable monitor warnings about hardware breakpoints. This
20888 has effect only for the @code{lsi} target. When on, @value{GDBN} will
20889 display warning messages whose codes are returned by the @code{lsi}
20890 PMON monitor for breakpoint commands.
20891
20892 @item show monitor-warnings
20893 @kindex show monitor-warnings@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20894 Show the current setting of printing monitor warnings.
20895
20896 @item pmon @var{command}
20897 @kindex pmon@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20898 @cindex send PMON command
20899 This command allows sending an arbitrary @var{command} string to the
20900 monitor. The monitor must be in debug mode for this to work.
20901 @end table
20902
20903 @node PowerPC Embedded
20904 @subsection PowerPC Embedded
20905
20906 @cindex DVC register
20907 @value{GDBN} supports using the DVC (Data Value Compare) register to
20908 implement in hardware simple hardware watchpoint conditions of the form:
20909
20910 @smallexample
20911 (@value{GDBP}) watch @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} \
20912 if @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} == @var{CONSTANT EXPRESSION}
20913 @end smallexample
20914
20915 The DVC register will be automatically used when @value{GDBN} detects
20916 such pattern in a condition expression, and the created watchpoint uses one
20917 debug register (either the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on and the
20918 variable is scalar, or the variable has a length of one byte). This feature
20919 is available in native @value{GDBN} running on a Linux kernel version 2.6.34
20920 or newer.
20921
20922 When running on PowerPC embedded processors, @value{GDBN} automatically uses
20923 ranged hardware watchpoints, unless the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on,
20924 in which case watchpoints using only one debug register are created when
20925 watching variables of scalar types.
20926
20927 You can create an artificial array to watch an arbitrary memory
20928 region using one of the following commands (@pxref{Expressions}):
20929
20930 @smallexample
20931 (@value{GDBP}) watch *((char *) @var{address})@@@var{length}
20932 (@value{GDBP}) watch @{char[@var{length}]@} @var{address}
20933 @end smallexample
20934
20935 PowerPC embedded processors support masked watchpoints. See the discussion
20936 about the @code{mask} argument in @ref{Set Watchpoints}.
20937
20938 @cindex ranged breakpoint
20939 PowerPC embedded processors support hardware accelerated
20940 @dfn{ranged breakpoints}. A ranged breakpoint stops execution of
20941 the inferior whenever it executes an instruction at any address within
20942 the range it specifies. To set a ranged breakpoint in @value{GDBN},
20943 use the @code{break-range} command.
20944
20945 @value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
20946
20947 @table @code
20948 @kindex break-range
20949 @item break-range @var{start-location}, @var{end-location}
20950 Set a breakpoint for an address range.
20951 @var{start-location} and @var{end-location} can specify a function name,
20952 a line number, an offset of lines from the current line or from the start
20953 location, or an address of an instruction (see @ref{Specify Location},
20954 for a list of all the possible ways to specify a @var{location}.)
20955 The breakpoint will stop execution of the inferior whenever it
20956 executes an instruction at any address within the specified range,
20957 (including @var{start-location} and @var{end-location}.)
20958
20959 @kindex set powerpc
20960 @item set powerpc soft-float
20961 @itemx show powerpc soft-float
20962 Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
20963 convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
20964 on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
20965
20966 @item set powerpc vector-abi
20967 @itemx show powerpc vector-abi
20968 Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
20969 arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
20970 @samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
20971 @samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
20972 registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
20973 based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
20974
20975 @item set powerpc exact-watchpoints
20976 @itemx show powerpc exact-watchpoints
20977 Allow @value{GDBN} to use only one debug register when watching a variable
20978 of scalar type, thus assuming that the variable is accessed through the
20979 address of its first byte.
20980
20981 @kindex target dink32
20982 @item target dink32 @var{dev}
20983 DINK32 ROM monitor.
20984
20985 @kindex target ppcbug
20986 @item target ppcbug @var{dev}
20987 @kindex target ppcbug1
20988 @item target ppcbug1 @var{dev}
20989 PPCBUG ROM monitor for PowerPC.
20990
20991 @kindex target sds
20992 @item target sds @var{dev}
20993 SDS monitor, running on a PowerPC board (such as Motorola's ADS).
20994 @end table
20995
20996 @cindex SDS protocol
20997 The following commands specific to the SDS protocol are supported
20998 by @value{GDBN}:
20999
21000 @table @code
21001 @item set sdstimeout @var{nsec}
21002 @kindex set sdstimeout
21003 Set the timeout for SDS protocol reads to be @var{nsec} seconds. The
21004 default is 2 seconds.
21005
21006 @item show sdstimeout
21007 @kindex show sdstimeout
21008 Show the current value of the SDS timeout.
21009
21010 @item sds @var{command}
21011 @kindex sds@r{, a command}
21012 Send the specified @var{command} string to the SDS monitor.
21013 @end table
21014
21015
21016 @node PA
21017 @subsection HP PA Embedded
21018
21019 @table @code
21020
21021 @kindex target op50n
21022 @item target op50n @var{dev}
21023 OP50N monitor, running on an OKI HPPA board.
21024
21025 @kindex target w89k
21026 @item target w89k @var{dev}
21027 W89K monitor, running on a Winbond HPPA board.
21028
21029 @end table
21030
21031 @node Sparclet
21032 @subsection Tsqware Sparclet
21033
21034 @cindex Sparclet
21035
21036 @value{GDBN} enables developers to debug tasks running on
21037 Sparclet targets from a Unix host.
21038 @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
21039 both the Unix host and on the Sparclet target. The program
21040 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host.
21041
21042 @table @code
21043 @item remotetimeout @var{args}
21044 @kindex remotetimeout
21045 @value{GDBN} supports the option @code{remotetimeout}.
21046 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
21047 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses.
21048 @end table
21049
21050 @cindex compiling, on Sparclet
21051 When compiling for debugging, include the options @samp{-g} to get debug
21052 information and @samp{-Ttext} to relocate the program to where you wish to
21053 load it on the target. You may also want to add the options @samp{-n} or
21054 @samp{-N} in order to reduce the size of the sections. Example:
21055
21056 @smallexample
21057 sparclet-aout-gcc prog.c -Ttext 0x12010000 -g -o prog -N
21058 @end smallexample
21059
21060 You can use @code{objdump} to verify that the addresses are what you intended:
21061
21062 @smallexample
21063 sparclet-aout-objdump --headers --syms prog
21064 @end smallexample
21065
21066 @cindex running, on Sparclet
21067 Once you have set
21068 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
21069 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}}
21070 (or @code{sparclet-aout-gdb}, depending on your installation).
21071
21072 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
21073
21074 @smallexample
21075 (gdbslet)
21076 @end smallexample
21077
21078 @menu
21079 * Sparclet File:: Setting the file to debug
21080 * Sparclet Connection:: Connecting to Sparclet
21081 * Sparclet Download:: Sparclet download
21082 * Sparclet Execution:: Running and debugging
21083 @end menu
21084
21085 @node Sparclet File
21086 @subsubsection Setting File to Debug
21087
21088 The @value{GDBN} command @code{file} lets you choose with program to debug.
21089
21090 @smallexample
21091 (gdbslet) file prog
21092 @end smallexample
21093
21094 @need 1000
21095 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol table of @file{prog}.
21096 @value{GDBN} locates
21097 the file by searching the directories listed in the command search
21098 path.
21099 If the file was compiled with debug information (option @samp{-g}), source
21100 files will be searched as well.
21101 @value{GDBN} locates
21102 the source files by searching the directories listed in the directory search
21103 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}).
21104 If it fails
21105 to find a file, it displays a message such as:
21106
21107 @smallexample
21108 prog: No such file or directory.
21109 @end smallexample
21110
21111 When this happens, add the appropriate directories to the search paths with
21112 the @value{GDBN} commands @code{path} and @code{dir}, and execute the
21113 @code{target} command again.
21114
21115 @node Sparclet Connection
21116 @subsubsection Connecting to Sparclet
21117
21118 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a Sparclet target.
21119 To connect to a target on serial port ``@code{ttya}'', type:
21120
21121 @smallexample
21122 (gdbslet) target sparclet /dev/ttya
21123 Remote target sparclet connected to /dev/ttya
21124 main () at ../prog.c:3
21125 @end smallexample
21126
21127 @need 750
21128 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
21129
21130 @smallexample
21131 Connected to ttya.
21132 @end smallexample
21133
21134 @node Sparclet Download
21135 @subsubsection Sparclet Download
21136
21137 @cindex download to Sparclet
21138 Once connected to the Sparclet target,
21139 you can use the @value{GDBN}
21140 @code{load} command to download the file from the host to the target.
21141 The file name and load offset should be given as arguments to the @code{load}
21142 command.
21143 Since the file format is aout, the program must be loaded to the starting
21144 address. You can use @code{objdump} to find out what this value is. The load
21145 offset is an offset which is added to the VMA (virtual memory address)
21146 of each of the file's sections.
21147 For instance, if the program
21148 @file{prog} was linked to text address 0x1201000, with data at 0x12010160
21149 and bss at 0x12010170, in @value{GDBN}, type:
21150
21151 @smallexample
21152 (gdbslet) load prog 0x12010000
21153 Loading section .text, size 0xdb0 vma 0x12010000
21154 @end smallexample
21155
21156 If the code is loaded at a different address then what the program was linked
21157 to, you may need to use the @code{section} and @code{add-symbol-file} commands
21158 to tell @value{GDBN} where to map the symbol table.
21159
21160 @node Sparclet Execution
21161 @subsubsection Running and Debugging
21162
21163 @cindex running and debugging Sparclet programs
21164 You can now begin debugging the task using @value{GDBN}'s execution control
21165 commands, @code{b}, @code{step}, @code{run}, etc. See the @value{GDBN}
21166 manual for the list of commands.
21167
21168 @smallexample
21169 (gdbslet) b main
21170 Breakpoint 1 at 0x12010000: file prog.c, line 3.
21171 (gdbslet) run
21172 Starting program: prog
21173 Breakpoint 1, main (argc=1, argv=0xeffff21c) at prog.c:3
21174 3 char *symarg = 0;
21175 (gdbslet) step
21176 4 char *execarg = "hello!";
21177 (gdbslet)
21178 @end smallexample
21179
21180 @node Sparclite
21181 @subsection Fujitsu Sparclite
21182
21183 @table @code
21184
21185 @kindex target sparclite
21186 @item target sparclite @var{dev}
21187 Fujitsu sparclite boards, used only for the purpose of loading.
21188 You must use an additional command to debug the program.
21189 For example: target remote @var{dev} using @value{GDBN} standard
21190 remote protocol.
21191
21192 @end table
21193
21194 @node Z8000
21195 @subsection Zilog Z8000
21196
21197 @cindex Z8000
21198 @cindex simulator, Z8000
21199 @cindex Zilog Z8000 simulator
21200
21201 When configured for debugging Zilog Z8000 targets, @value{GDBN} includes
21202 a Z8000 simulator.
21203
21204 For the Z8000 family, @samp{target sim} simulates either the Z8002 (the
21205 unsegmented variant of the Z8000 architecture) or the Z8001 (the
21206 segmented variant). The simulator recognizes which architecture is
21207 appropriate by inspecting the object code.
21208
21209 @table @code
21210 @item target sim @var{args}
21211 @kindex sim
21212 @kindex target sim@r{, with Z8000}
21213 Debug programs on a simulated CPU. If the simulator supports setup
21214 options, specify them via @var{args}.
21215 @end table
21216
21217 @noindent
21218 After specifying this target, you can debug programs for the simulated
21219 CPU in the same style as programs for your host computer; use the
21220 @code{file} command to load a new program image, the @code{run} command
21221 to run your program, and so on.
21222
21223 As well as making available all the usual machine registers
21224 (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}), the Z8000 simulator provides three
21225 additional items of information as specially named registers:
21226
21227 @table @code
21228
21229 @item cycles
21230 Counts clock-ticks in the simulator.
21231
21232 @item insts
21233 Counts instructions run in the simulator.
21234
21235 @item time
21236 Execution time in 60ths of a second.
21237
21238 @end table
21239
21240 You can refer to these values in @value{GDBN} expressions with the usual
21241 conventions; for example, @w{@samp{b fputc if $cycles>5000}} sets a
21242 conditional breakpoint that suspends only after at least 5000
21243 simulated clock ticks.
21244
21245 @node AVR
21246 @subsection Atmel AVR
21247 @cindex AVR
21248
21249 When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
21250 following AVR-specific commands:
21251
21252 @table @code
21253 @item info io_registers
21254 @kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
21255 @cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
21256 This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
21257 each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
21258 @end table
21259
21260 @node CRIS
21261 @subsection CRIS
21262 @cindex CRIS
21263
21264 When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
21265 following CRIS-specific commands:
21266
21267 @table @code
21268 @item set cris-version @var{ver}
21269 @cindex CRIS version
21270 Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
21271 The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
21272 case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
21273
21274 @item show cris-version
21275 Show the current CRIS version.
21276
21277 @item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
21278 @cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
21279 Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
21280 Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
21281 @code{R59}.
21282
21283 @item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
21284 Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
21285
21286 @item set cris-mode @var{mode}
21287 @cindex CRIS mode
21288 Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
21289 debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
21290 @samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
21291
21292 @item show cris-mode
21293 Show the current CRIS mode.
21294 @end table
21295
21296 @node Super-H
21297 @subsection Renesas Super-H
21298 @cindex Super-H
21299
21300 For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
21301 commands:
21302
21303 @table @code
21304 @item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
21305 @kindex set sh calling-convention
21306 Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
21307 Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
21308 With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
21309 convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
21310 that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
21311 is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
21312 is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
21313 regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
21314 default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
21315 does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
21316
21317 @item show sh calling-convention
21318 @kindex show sh calling-convention
21319 Show the current calling convention setting.
21320
21321 @end table
21322
21323
21324 @node Architectures
21325 @section Architectures
21326
21327 This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
21328 all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
21329
21330 @menu
21331 * AArch64::
21332 * i386::
21333 * Alpha::
21334 * MIPS::
21335 * HPPA:: HP PA architecture
21336 * SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
21337 * PowerPC::
21338 * Nios II::
21339 @end menu
21340
21341 @node AArch64
21342 @subsection AArch64
21343 @cindex AArch64 support
21344
21345 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides the
21346 following special commands:
21347
21348 @table @code
21349 @item set debug aarch64
21350 @kindex set debug aarch64
21351 This command determines whether AArch64 architecture-specific debugging
21352 messages are to be displayed.
21353
21354 @item show debug aarch64
21355 Show whether AArch64 debugging messages are displayed.
21356
21357 @end table
21358
21359 @node i386
21360 @subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
21361
21362 @table @code
21363 @item set struct-convention @var{mode}
21364 @kindex set struct-convention
21365 @cindex struct return convention
21366 @cindex struct/union returned in registers
21367 Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
21368 @code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
21369 @var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
21370 default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
21371 are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
21372 @code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
21373 be returned in a register.
21374
21375 @item show struct-convention
21376 @kindex show struct-convention
21377 Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
21378 from functions.
21379
21380 @cindex Intel(R) Memory Protection Extensions (MPX).
21381 @subsubsection Intel(R) @dfn{Memory Protection Extensions} (MPX).
21382
21383 @item bnd0raw..bnd3raw and bnd0@dots{}bnd3 registers display.
21384 Memory Protection Extension (MPX) adds the bound registers @samp{BND0}
21385 @footnote{The register named with capital letters represent the architecture
21386 registers.} through @samp{BND3}. Bound registers store a pair of 64-bit values
21387 which are the lower bound and upper bound. Bounds are effective addresses or
21388 memory locations. The upper bounds are architecturally represented in 1's
21389 complement form. A bound having lower bound = 0, and upper bound = 0
21390 (1's complement of all bits set) will allow access to the entire address space.
21391
21392 @samp{BND0} through @samp{BND3} are represented in @value{GDBN} as @samp{bnd0raw}
21393 through @samp{bnd3raw}. Pseudo registers @samp{bnd0} through @samp{bnd3}
21394 display the upper bound performing the complement of one operation on the
21395 upper bound value, i.e.@ when upper bound in @samp{bnd0raw} is 0 in the
21396 @value{GDBN} @samp{bnd0} it will be @code{0xfff@dots{}}. In this sense it
21397 can also be noted that the upper bounds are inclusive.
21398
21399 As an example, assume that the register BND0 holds bounds for a pointer having
21400 access allowed for the range between 0x32 and 0x71. The values present on
21401 bnd0raw and bnd registers are presented as follows:
21402
21403 @smallexample
21404 bnd0raw = @{0x32, 0xffffffff8e@}
21405 bnd0 = @{lbound = 0x32, ubound = 0x71@} : size 64
21406 @end smallexample
21407
21408 This way the raw value can be accessed via bnd0raw@dots{}bnd3raw. Any change
21409 on bnd0@dots{}bnd3 or bnd0raw@dots{}bnd3raw is reflect on its counterpart. When the
21410 bnd0@dots{}bnd3 registers are displayed via Python, the display includes the memory size,
21411 in bits, accessible to the pointer.
21412 @end table
21413
21414 @node Alpha
21415 @subsection Alpha
21416
21417 See the following section.
21418
21419 @node MIPS
21420 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}
21421
21422 @cindex stack on Alpha
21423 @cindex stack on @acronym{MIPS}
21424 @cindex Alpha stack
21425 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} stack
21426 Alpha- and @acronym{MIPS}-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
21427 sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
21428 find the beginning of a function.
21429
21430 @cindex response time, @acronym{MIPS} debugging
21431 To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
21432 @value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
21433 you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
21434 commands:
21435
21436 @table @code
21437 @cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, @acronym{MIPS})
21438 @item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
21439 Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
21440 search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
21441 default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
21442 larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
21443 and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
21444 this command when debugging a stripped executable.
21445
21446 @item show heuristic-fence-post
21447 Display the current limit.
21448 @end table
21449
21450 @noindent
21451 These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
21452 for debugging programs on Alpha or @acronym{MIPS} processors.
21453
21454 Several @acronym{MIPS}-specific commands are available when debugging @acronym{MIPS}
21455 programs:
21456
21457 @table @code
21458 @item set mips abi @var{arg}
21459 @kindex set mips abi
21460 @cindex set ABI for @acronym{MIPS}
21461 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
21462 values of @var{arg} are:
21463
21464 @table @samp
21465 @item auto
21466 The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
21467 default).
21468 @item o32
21469 @item o64
21470 @item n32
21471 @item n64
21472 @item eabi32
21473 @item eabi64
21474 @end table
21475
21476 @item show mips abi
21477 @kindex show mips abi
21478 Show the @acronym{MIPS} ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
21479
21480 @item set mips compression @var{arg}
21481 @kindex set mips compression
21482 @cindex code compression, @acronym{MIPS}
21483 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} compressed
21484 @acronym{ISA, Instruction Set Architecture} encoding is used by the
21485 inferior. @value{GDBN} uses this for code disassembly and other
21486 internal interpretation purposes. This setting is only referred to
21487 when no executable has been associated with the debugging session or
21488 the executable does not provide information about the encoding it uses.
21489 Otherwise this setting is automatically updated from information
21490 provided by the executable.
21491
21492 Possible values of @var{arg} are @samp{mips16} and @samp{micromips}.
21493 The default compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding is @samp{mips16}, as
21494 executables containing @acronym{MIPS16} code frequently are not
21495 identified as such.
21496
21497 This setting is ``sticky''; that is, it retains its value across
21498 debugging sessions until reset either explicitly with this command or
21499 implicitly from an executable.
21500
21501 The compiler and/or assembler typically add symbol table annotations to
21502 identify functions compiled for the @acronym{MIPS16} or
21503 @acronym{microMIPS} @acronym{ISA}s. If these function-scope annotations
21504 are present, @value{GDBN} uses them in preference to the global
21505 compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding setting.
21506
21507 @item show mips compression
21508 @kindex show mips compression
21509 Show the @acronym{MIPS} compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding used by
21510 @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
21511
21512 @item set mipsfpu
21513 @itemx show mipsfpu
21514 @xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
21515
21516 @item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
21517 @kindex set mips mask-address
21518 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} addresses, masking
21519 This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
21520 @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
21521 @samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
21522 setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
21523
21524 @item show mips mask-address
21525 @kindex show mips mask-address
21526 Show whether the upper 32 bits of @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off or
21527 not.
21528
21529 @item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
21530 @kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
21531 This command controls compatibility with 64-bit @acronym{MIPS} targets that
21532 transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old @acronym{MIPS} 64 target
21533 that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
21534 and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
21535
21536 @item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
21537 @kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
21538 Show the current setting of compatibility with older @acronym{MIPS} 64 targets.
21539
21540 @item set debug mips
21541 @kindex set debug mips
21542 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the @acronym{MIPS}-specific
21543 target code in @value{GDBN}.
21544
21545 @item show debug mips
21546 @kindex show debug mips
21547 Show the current setting of @acronym{MIPS} debugging messages.
21548 @end table
21549
21550
21551 @node HPPA
21552 @subsection HPPA
21553 @cindex HPPA support
21554
21555 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
21556 following special commands:
21557
21558 @table @code
21559 @item set debug hppa
21560 @kindex set debug hppa
21561 This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
21562 messages are to be displayed.
21563
21564 @item show debug hppa
21565 Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
21566
21567 @item maint print unwind @var{address}
21568 @kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
21569 This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
21570 given @var{address}.
21571
21572 @end table
21573
21574
21575 @node SPU
21576 @subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
21577 @cindex Cell Broadband Engine
21578 @cindex SPU
21579
21580 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
21581 it provides the following special commands:
21582
21583 @table @code
21584 @item info spu event
21585 @kindex info spu
21586 Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
21587 and pending event status.
21588
21589 @item info spu signal
21590 Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
21591 signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
21592 notification channels.
21593
21594 @item info spu mailbox
21595 Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
21596 in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
21597 SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
21598
21599 @item info spu dma
21600 Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
21601 DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
21602 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
21603
21604 @item info spu proxydma
21605 Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
21606 Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
21607 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
21608
21609 @end table
21610
21611 When @value{GDBN} is debugging a combined PowerPC/SPU application
21612 on the Cell Broadband Engine, it provides in addition the following
21613 special commands:
21614
21615 @table @code
21616 @item set spu stop-on-load @var{arg}
21617 @kindex set spu
21618 Set whether to stop for new SPE threads. When set to @code{on}, @value{GDBN}
21619 will give control to the user when a new SPE thread enters its @code{main}
21620 function. The default is @code{off}.
21621
21622 @item show spu stop-on-load
21623 @kindex show spu
21624 Show whether to stop for new SPE threads.
21625
21626 @item set spu auto-flush-cache @var{arg}
21627 Set whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache. When set to
21628 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will automatically cause the SPE software-managed
21629 cache to be flushed whenever SPE execution stops. This provides a consistent
21630 view of PowerPC memory that is accessed via the cache. If an application
21631 does not use the software-managed cache, this option has no effect.
21632
21633 @item show spu auto-flush-cache
21634 Show whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache.
21635
21636 @end table
21637
21638 @node PowerPC
21639 @subsection PowerPC
21640 @cindex PowerPC architecture
21641
21642 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
21643 pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
21644 numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
21645 in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
21646 @code{f0} or @code{f2}.
21647
21648 The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
21649 by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
21650 @code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
21651
21652 For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
21653 wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
21654
21655 @node Nios II
21656 @subsection Nios II
21657 @cindex Nios II architecture
21658
21659 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Nios II architecture,
21660 it provides the following special commands:
21661
21662 @table @code
21663
21664 @item set debug nios2
21665 @kindex set debug nios2
21666 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the Nios II
21667 target code in @value{GDBN}.
21668
21669 @item show debug nios2
21670 @kindex show debug nios2
21671 Show the current setting of Nios II debugging messages.
21672 @end table
21673
21674 @node Controlling GDB
21675 @chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
21676
21677 You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
21678 @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
21679 data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
21680 described here.
21681
21682 @menu
21683 * Prompt:: Prompt
21684 * Editing:: Command editing
21685 * Command History:: Command history
21686 * Screen Size:: Screen size
21687 * Numbers:: Numbers
21688 * ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
21689 * Auto-loading:: Automatically loading associated files
21690 * Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
21691 * Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
21692 * Other Misc Settings:: Other Miscellaneous Settings
21693 @end menu
21694
21695 @node Prompt
21696 @section Prompt
21697
21698 @cindex prompt
21699
21700 @value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
21701 called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
21702 can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
21703 instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
21704 the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
21705 which one you are talking to.
21706
21707 @emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
21708 prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
21709 or a prompt that does not.
21710
21711 @table @code
21712 @kindex set prompt
21713 @item set prompt @var{newprompt}
21714 Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
21715
21716 @kindex show prompt
21717 @item show prompt
21718 Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
21719 @end table
21720
21721 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled have
21722 prompt extensions. The commands for interacting with these extensions
21723 are:
21724
21725 @table @code
21726 @kindex set extended-prompt
21727 @item set extended-prompt @var{prompt}
21728 Set an extended prompt that allows for substitutions.
21729 @xref{gdb.prompt}, for a list of escape sequences that can be used for
21730 substitution. Any escape sequences specified as part of the prompt
21731 string are replaced with the corresponding strings each time the prompt
21732 is displayed.
21733
21734 For example:
21735
21736 @smallexample
21737 set extended-prompt Current working directory: \w (gdb)
21738 @end smallexample
21739
21740 Note that when an extended-prompt is set, it takes control of the
21741 @var{prompt_hook} hook. @xref{prompt_hook}, for further information.
21742
21743 @kindex show extended-prompt
21744 @item show extended-prompt
21745 Prints the extended prompt. Any escape sequences specified as part of
21746 the prompt string with @code{set extended-prompt}, are replaced with the
21747 corresponding strings each time the prompt is displayed.
21748 @end table
21749
21750 @node Editing
21751 @section Command Editing
21752 @cindex readline
21753 @cindex command line editing
21754
21755 @value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
21756 @sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
21757 command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
21758 or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
21759 substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
21760 debugging sessions.
21761
21762 You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
21763 command @code{set}.
21764
21765 @table @code
21766 @kindex set editing
21767 @cindex editing
21768 @item set editing
21769 @itemx set editing on
21770 Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
21771
21772 @item set editing off
21773 Disable command line editing.
21774
21775 @kindex show editing
21776 @item show editing
21777 Show whether command line editing is enabled.
21778 @end table
21779
21780 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
21781 @xref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library},
21782 @end ifset
21783 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
21784 @xref{Command Line Editing},
21785 @end ifclear
21786 for more details about the Readline
21787 interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
21788 encouraged to read that chapter.
21789
21790 @node Command History
21791 @section Command History
21792 @cindex command history
21793
21794 @value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
21795 debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
21796 happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
21797 history facility.
21798
21799 @value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
21800 package, to provide the history facility.
21801 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
21802 @xref{Using History Interactively, , , history, GNU History Library},
21803 @end ifset
21804 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
21805 @xref{Using History Interactively},
21806 @end ifclear
21807 for the detailed description of the History library.
21808
21809 To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
21810 the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
21811 (@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
21812 means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
21813 affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
21814 pressed on a line by itself.
21815
21816 @cindex @code{server}, command prefix
21817 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
21818 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
21819 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
21820
21821 Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
21822 history.
21823
21824 @table @code
21825 @cindex history substitution
21826 @cindex history file
21827 @kindex set history filename
21828 @cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
21829 @item set history filename @var{fname}
21830 Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
21831 This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
21832 list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
21833 exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
21834 the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
21835 to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
21836 @file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
21837 is not set.
21838
21839 @cindex save command history
21840 @kindex set history save
21841 @item set history save
21842 @itemx set history save on
21843 Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
21844 @code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
21845
21846 @item set history save off
21847 Stop recording command history in a file.
21848
21849 @cindex history size
21850 @kindex set history size
21851 @cindex @env{HISTSIZE}, environment variable
21852 @item set history size @var{size}
21853 @itemx set history size unlimited
21854 Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
21855 This defaults to the value of the environment variable
21856 @code{HISTSIZE}, or to 256 if this variable is not set. If @var{size}
21857 is @code{unlimited}, the number of commands @value{GDBN} keeps in the
21858 history list is unlimited.
21859 @end table
21860
21861 History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
21862 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
21863 @xref{Event Designators, , , history, GNU History Library},
21864 @end ifset
21865 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
21866 @xref{Event Designators},
21867 @end ifclear
21868 for more details.
21869
21870 @cindex history expansion, turn on/off
21871 Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
21872 is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
21873 @code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
21874 follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
21875 a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
21876 history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
21877 @kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
21878
21879 The commands to control history expansion are:
21880
21881 @table @code
21882 @item set history expansion on
21883 @itemx set history expansion
21884 @kindex set history expansion
21885 Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
21886
21887 @item set history expansion off
21888 Disable history expansion.
21889
21890 @c @group
21891 @kindex show history
21892 @item show history
21893 @itemx show history filename
21894 @itemx show history save
21895 @itemx show history size
21896 @itemx show history expansion
21897 These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
21898 @code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
21899 @c @end group
21900 @end table
21901
21902 @table @code
21903 @kindex show commands
21904 @cindex show last commands
21905 @cindex display command history
21906 @item show commands
21907 Display the last ten commands in the command history.
21908
21909 @item show commands @var{n}
21910 Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
21911
21912 @item show commands +
21913 Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
21914 @end table
21915
21916 @node Screen Size
21917 @section Screen Size
21918 @cindex size of screen
21919 @cindex pauses in output
21920
21921 Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
21922 information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
21923 @value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
21924 output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
21925 to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
21926 determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
21927 printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
21928 rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
21929
21930 Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
21931 driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
21932 together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
21933 @code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
21934 you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
21935 width} commands:
21936
21937 @table @code
21938 @kindex set height
21939 @kindex set width
21940 @kindex show width
21941 @kindex show height
21942 @item set height @var{lpp}
21943 @itemx set height unlimited
21944 @itemx show height
21945 @itemx set width @var{cpl}
21946 @itemx set width unlimited
21947 @itemx show width
21948 These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
21949 a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
21950 commands display the current settings.
21951
21952 If you specify a height of either @code{unlimited} or zero lines,
21953 @value{GDBN} does not pause during output no matter how long the
21954 output is. This is useful if output is to a file or to an editor
21955 buffer.
21956
21957 Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width unlimited} or @samp{set
21958 width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN} from wrapping its output.
21959
21960 @item set pagination on
21961 @itemx set pagination off
21962 @kindex set pagination
21963 Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
21964 pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height unlimited}. Note that
21965 running @value{GDBN} with the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode
21966 Options, -batch}) also automatically disables pagination.
21967
21968 @item show pagination
21969 @kindex show pagination
21970 Show the current pagination mode.
21971 @end table
21972
21973 @node Numbers
21974 @section Numbers
21975 @cindex number representation
21976 @cindex entering numbers
21977
21978 You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
21979 @value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
21980 @samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
21981 begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
21982 @samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
21983 10; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
21984 format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
21985 both input and output with the commands described below.
21986
21987 @table @code
21988 @kindex set input-radix
21989 @item set input-radix @var{base}
21990 Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
21991 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
21992 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
21993 example, any of
21994
21995 @smallexample
21996 set input-radix 012
21997 set input-radix 10.
21998 set input-radix 0xa
21999 @end smallexample
22000
22001 @noindent
22002 sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
22003 leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
22004 @samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
22005 interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
22006 @samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
22007 change the radix.
22008
22009 @kindex set output-radix
22010 @item set output-radix @var{base}
22011 Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
22012 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
22013 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
22014
22015 @kindex show input-radix
22016 @item show input-radix
22017 Display the current default base for numeric input.
22018
22019 @kindex show output-radix
22020 @item show output-radix
22021 Display the current default base for numeric display.
22022
22023 @item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
22024 @itemx show radix
22025 @kindex set radix
22026 @kindex show radix
22027 These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
22028 of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
22029 the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
22030 default value of 10.
22031
22032 @end table
22033
22034 @node ABI
22035 @section Configuring the Current ABI
22036
22037 @value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
22038 application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
22039 conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
22040 current ABI.
22041
22042 @cindex OS ABI
22043 @kindex set osabi
22044 @kindex show osabi
22045 @cindex Newlib OS ABI and its influence on the longjmp handling
22046
22047 One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
22048 system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
22049 @value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
22050 but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
22051 One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
22052 an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
22053 not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
22054 platform provides.
22055
22056 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides a
22057 ``Newlib'' OS ABI. This is useful for handling @code{setjmp} and
22058 @code{longjmp} when debugging binaries that use the @sc{newlib} C library.
22059 The ``Newlib'' OS ABI can be selected by @code{set osabi Newlib}.
22060
22061 @table @code
22062 @item show osabi
22063 Show the OS ABI currently in use.
22064
22065 @item set osabi
22066 With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
22067
22068 @item set osabi @var{abi}
22069 Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
22070 @end table
22071
22072 @cindex float promotion
22073
22074 Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
22075 function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
22076 (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
22077 according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
22078 (i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
22079 @code{double} and then passed.
22080
22081 Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
22082 a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
22083 as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
22084
22085 @table @code
22086 @kindex set coerce-float-to-double
22087 @item set coerce-float-to-double
22088 @itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
22089 Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
22090 to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
22091
22092 @item set coerce-float-to-double off
22093 Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
22094 functions.
22095
22096 @kindex show coerce-float-to-double
22097 @item show coerce-float-to-double
22098 Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
22099 @end table
22100
22101 @kindex set cp-abi
22102 @kindex show cp-abi
22103 @value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
22104 objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
22105 used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
22106 programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
22107 multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
22108 program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
22109 Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
22110 before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
22111 ``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
22112 use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
22113 ``auto''.
22114
22115 @table @code
22116 @item show cp-abi
22117 Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
22118
22119 @item set cp-abi
22120 With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
22121
22122 @item set cp-abi @var{abi}
22123 @itemx set cp-abi auto
22124 Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
22125 @end table
22126
22127 @node Auto-loading
22128 @section Automatically loading associated files
22129 @cindex auto-loading
22130
22131 @value{GDBN} sometimes reads files with commands and settings automatically,
22132 without being explicitly told so by the user. We call this feature
22133 @dfn{auto-loading}. While auto-loading is useful for automatically adapting
22134 @value{GDBN} to the needs of your project, it can sometimes produce unexpected
22135 results or introduce security risks (e.g., if the file comes from untrusted
22136 sources).
22137
22138 Note that loading of these associated files (including the local @file{.gdbinit}
22139 file) requires accordingly configured @code{auto-load safe-path}
22140 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
22141
22142 For these reasons, @value{GDBN} includes commands and options to let you
22143 control when to auto-load files and which files should be auto-loaded.
22144
22145 @table @code
22146 @anchor{set auto-load off}
22147 @kindex set auto-load off
22148 @item set auto-load off
22149 Globally disable loading of all auto-loaded files.
22150 You may want to use this command with the @samp{-iex} option
22151 (@pxref{Option -init-eval-command}) such as:
22152 @smallexample
22153 $ @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load off" untrusted-executable corefile}
22154 @end smallexample
22155
22156 Be aware that system init file (@pxref{System-wide configuration})
22157 and init files from your home directory (@pxref{Home Directory Init File})
22158 still get read (as they come from generally trusted directories).
22159 To prevent @value{GDBN} from auto-loading even those init files, use the
22160 @option{-nx} option (@pxref{Mode Options}), in addition to
22161 @code{set auto-load no}.
22162
22163 @anchor{show auto-load}
22164 @kindex show auto-load
22165 @item show auto-load
22166 Show whether auto-loading of each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) is enabled
22167 or disabled.
22168
22169 @smallexample
22170 (gdb) show auto-load
22171 gdb-scripts: Auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is on.
22172 libthread-db: Auto-loading of inferior specific libthread_db is on.
22173 local-gdbinit: Auto-loading of .gdbinit script from current directory
22174 is on.
22175 python-scripts: Auto-loading of Python scripts is on.
22176 safe-path: List of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
22177 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
22178 scripts-directory: List of directories from which to load auto-loaded scripts
22179 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
22180 @end smallexample
22181
22182 @anchor{info auto-load}
22183 @kindex info auto-load
22184 @item info auto-load
22185 Print whether each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) have been auto-loaded or
22186 not.
22187
22188 @smallexample
22189 (gdb) info auto-load
22190 gdb-scripts:
22191 Loaded Script
22192 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb
22193 libthread-db: No auto-loaded libthread-db.
22194 local-gdbinit: Local .gdbinit file "/home/user/gdb/.gdbinit" has been
22195 loaded.
22196 python-scripts:
22197 Loaded Script
22198 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py
22199 @end smallexample
22200 @end table
22201
22202 These are various kinds of files @value{GDBN} can automatically load:
22203
22204 @itemize @bullet
22205 @item
22206 @xref{objfile-gdb.py file}, controlled by @ref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
22207 @item
22208 @xref{objfile-gdb.gdb file}, controlled by @ref{set auto-load gdb-scripts}.
22209 @item
22210 @xref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section},
22211 controlled by @ref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
22212 @item
22213 @xref{Init File in the Current Directory},
22214 controlled by @ref{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
22215 @item
22216 @xref{libthread_db.so.1 file}, controlled by @ref{set auto-load libthread-db}.
22217 @end itemize
22218
22219 These are @value{GDBN} control commands for the auto-loading:
22220
22221 @multitable @columnfractions .5 .5
22222 @item @xref{set auto-load off}.
22223 @tab Disable auto-loading globally.
22224 @item @xref{show auto-load}.
22225 @tab Show setting of all kinds of files.
22226 @item @xref{info auto-load}.
22227 @tab Show state of all kinds of files.
22228 @item @xref{set auto-load gdb-scripts}.
22229 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} command scripts.
22230 @item @xref{show auto-load gdb-scripts}.
22231 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
22232 @item @xref{info auto-load gdb-scripts}.
22233 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
22234 @item @xref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
22235 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
22236 @item @xref{show auto-load python-scripts}.
22237 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
22238 @item @xref{info auto-load python-scripts}.
22239 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
22240 @item @xref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
22241 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
22242 @item @xref{show auto-load scripts-directory}.
22243 @tab Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
22244 @item @xref{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
22245 @tab Control for init file in the current directory.
22246 @item @xref{show auto-load local-gdbinit}.
22247 @tab Show setting of init file in the current directory.
22248 @item @xref{info auto-load local-gdbinit}.
22249 @tab Show state of init file in the current directory.
22250 @item @xref{set auto-load libthread-db}.
22251 @tab Control for thread debugging library.
22252 @item @xref{show auto-load libthread-db}.
22253 @tab Show setting of thread debugging library.
22254 @item @xref{info auto-load libthread-db}.
22255 @tab Show state of thread debugging library.
22256 @item @xref{set auto-load safe-path}.
22257 @tab Control directories trusted for automatic loading.
22258 @item @xref{show auto-load safe-path}.
22259 @tab Show directories trusted for automatic loading.
22260 @item @xref{add-auto-load-safe-path}.
22261 @tab Add directory trusted for automatic loading.
22262 @end multitable
22263
22264 @menu
22265 * Init File in the Current Directory:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load local-gdbinit}
22266 * libthread_db.so.1 file:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load libthread-db}
22267 * objfile-gdb.gdb file:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load gdb-script}
22268 * Auto-loading safe path:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load safe-path}
22269 * Auto-loading verbose mode:: @samp{set/show debug auto-load}
22270 @xref{Python Auto-loading}.
22271 @end menu
22272
22273 @node Init File in the Current Directory
22274 @subsection Automatically loading init file in the current directory
22275 @cindex auto-loading init file in the current directory
22276
22277 By default, @value{GDBN} reads and executes the canned sequences of commands
22278 from init file (if any) in the current working directory,
22279 see @ref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}.
22280
22281 Note that loading of this local @file{.gdbinit} file also requires accordingly
22282 configured @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
22283
22284 @table @code
22285 @anchor{set auto-load local-gdbinit}
22286 @kindex set auto-load local-gdbinit
22287 @item set auto-load local-gdbinit [on|off]
22288 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands
22289 (@pxref{Sequences}) found in init file in the current directory.
22290
22291 @anchor{show auto-load local-gdbinit}
22292 @kindex show auto-load local-gdbinit
22293 @item show auto-load local-gdbinit
22294 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands from init file in the
22295 current directory is enabled or disabled.
22296
22297 @anchor{info auto-load local-gdbinit}
22298 @kindex info auto-load local-gdbinit
22299 @item info auto-load local-gdbinit
22300 Print whether canned sequences of commands from init file in the
22301 current directory have been auto-loaded.
22302 @end table
22303
22304 @node libthread_db.so.1 file
22305 @subsection Automatically loading thread debugging library
22306 @cindex auto-loading libthread_db.so.1
22307
22308 This feature is currently present only on @sc{gnu}/Linux native hosts.
22309
22310 @value{GDBN} reads in some cases thread debugging library from places specific
22311 to the inferior (@pxref{set libthread-db-search-path}).
22312
22313 The special @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entry @samp{$sdir} is processed
22314 without checking this @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} switch as system
22315 libraries have to be trusted in general. In all other cases of
22316 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entries @value{GDBN} checks first if @samp{set
22317 auto-load libthread-db} is enabled before trying to open such thread debugging
22318 library.
22319
22320 Note that loading of this debugging library also requires accordingly configured
22321 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
22322
22323 @table @code
22324 @anchor{set auto-load libthread-db}
22325 @kindex set auto-load libthread-db
22326 @item set auto-load libthread-db [on|off]
22327 Enable or disable the auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library.
22328
22329 @anchor{show auto-load libthread-db}
22330 @kindex show auto-load libthread-db
22331 @item show auto-load libthread-db
22332 Show whether auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library is
22333 enabled or disabled.
22334
22335 @anchor{info auto-load libthread-db}
22336 @kindex info auto-load libthread-db
22337 @item info auto-load libthread-db
22338 Print the list of all loaded inferior specific thread debugging libraries and
22339 for each such library print list of inferior @var{pid}s using it.
22340 @end table
22341
22342 @node objfile-gdb.gdb file
22343 @subsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb} file
22344 @cindex auto-loading @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}
22345
22346 @value{GDBN} tries to load an @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb} file containing
22347 canned sequences of commands (@pxref{Sequences}), as long as @samp{set
22348 auto-load gdb-scripts} is set to @samp{on}.
22349
22350 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
22351 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
22352
22353 For more background refer to the similar Python scripts auto-loading
22354 description (@pxref{objfile-gdb.py file}).
22355
22356 @table @code
22357 @anchor{set auto-load gdb-scripts}
22358 @kindex set auto-load gdb-scripts
22359 @item set auto-load gdb-scripts [on|off]
22360 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts.
22361
22362 @anchor{show auto-load gdb-scripts}
22363 @kindex show auto-load gdb-scripts
22364 @item show auto-load gdb-scripts
22365 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is enabled or
22366 disabled.
22367
22368 @anchor{info auto-load gdb-scripts}
22369 @kindex info auto-load gdb-scripts
22370 @cindex print list of auto-loaded canned sequences of commands scripts
22371 @item info auto-load gdb-scripts [@var{regexp}]
22372 Print the list of all canned sequences of commands scripts that @value{GDBN}
22373 auto-loaded.
22374 @end table
22375
22376 If @var{regexp} is supplied only canned sequences of commands scripts with
22377 matching names are printed.
22378
22379 @node Auto-loading safe path
22380 @subsection Security restriction for auto-loading
22381 @cindex auto-loading safe-path
22382
22383 As the files of inferior can come from untrusted source (such as submitted by
22384 an application user) @value{GDBN} does not always load any files automatically.
22385 @value{GDBN} provides the @samp{set auto-load safe-path} setting to list
22386 directories trusted for loading files not explicitly requested by user.
22387 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern.
22388
22389 If the path is not set properly you will see a warning and the file will not
22390 get loaded:
22391
22392 @smallexample
22393 $ ./gdb -q ./gdb
22394 Reading symbols from /home/user/gdb/gdb...done.
22395 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been
22396 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
22397 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
22398 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py" auto-loading has been
22399 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
22400 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
22401 @end smallexample
22402
22403 @noindent
22404 To instruct @value{GDBN} to go ahead and use the init files anyway,
22405 invoke @value{GDBN} like this:
22406
22407 @smallexample
22408 $ gdb -q -iex "set auto-load safe-path /home/user/gdb" ./gdb
22409 @end smallexample
22410
22411 The list of trusted directories is controlled by the following commands:
22412
22413 @table @code
22414 @anchor{set auto-load safe-path}
22415 @kindex set auto-load safe-path
22416 @item set auto-load safe-path @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
22417 Set the list of directories (and their subdirectories) trusted for automatic
22418 loading and execution of scripts. You can also enter a specific trusted file.
22419 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern; wildcards do not match
22420 directory separator - see @code{FNM_PATHNAME} for system function @code{fnmatch}
22421 (@pxref{Wildcard Matching, fnmatch, , libc, GNU C Library Reference Manual}).
22422 If you omit @var{directories}, @samp{auto-load safe-path} will be reset to
22423 its default value as specified during @value{GDBN} compilation.
22424
22425 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
22426 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
22427 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
22428
22429 @anchor{show auto-load safe-path}
22430 @kindex show auto-load safe-path
22431 @item show auto-load safe-path
22432 Show the list of directories trusted for automatic loading and execution of
22433 scripts.
22434
22435 @anchor{add-auto-load-safe-path}
22436 @kindex add-auto-load-safe-path
22437 @item add-auto-load-safe-path
22438 Add an entry (or list of entries) the list of directories trusted for automatic
22439 loading and execution of scripts. Multiple entries may be delimited by the
22440 host platform path separator in use.
22441 @end table
22442
22443 This variable defaults to what @code{--with-auto-load-dir} has been configured
22444 to (@pxref{with-auto-load-dir}). @file{$debugdir} and @file{$datadir}
22445 substitution applies the same as for @ref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
22446 The default @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by
22447 @value{GDBN} configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-safe-path}.
22448
22449 Setting this variable to @file{/} disables this security protection,
22450 corresponding @value{GDBN} configuration option is
22451 @option{--without-auto-load-safe-path}.
22452 This variable is supposed to be set to the system directories writable by the
22453 system superuser only. Users can add their source directories in init files in
22454 their home directories (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). See also deprecated
22455 init file in the current directory
22456 (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}).
22457
22458 To force @value{GDBN} to load the files it declined to load in the previous
22459 example, you could use one of the following ways:
22460
22461 @table @asis
22462 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{add-auto-load-safe-path ~/src/gdb}
22463 Specify this trusted directory (or a file) as additional component of the list.
22464 You have to specify also any existing directories displayed by
22465 by @samp{show auto-load safe-path} (such as @samp{/usr:/bin} in this example).
22466
22467 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /usr:/bin:~/src/gdb" @dots{}}
22468 Specify this directory as in the previous case but just for a single
22469 @value{GDBN} session.
22470
22471 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /" @dots{}}
22472 Disable auto-loading safety for a single @value{GDBN} session.
22473 This assumes all the files you debug during this @value{GDBN} session will come
22474 from trusted sources.
22475
22476 @item @kbd{./configure --without-auto-load-safe-path}
22477 During compilation of @value{GDBN} you may disable any auto-loading safety.
22478 This assumes all the files you will ever debug with this @value{GDBN} come from
22479 trusted sources.
22480 @end table
22481
22482 On the other hand you can also explicitly forbid automatic files loading which
22483 also suppresses any such warning messages:
22484
22485 @table @asis
22486 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load no" @dots{}}
22487 You can use @value{GDBN} command-line option for a single @value{GDBN} session.
22488
22489 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{set auto-load no}
22490 Disable auto-loading globally for the user
22491 (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). While it is improbable, you could also
22492 use system init file instead (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
22493 @end table
22494
22495 This setting applies to the file names as entered by user. If no entry matches
22496 @value{GDBN} tries as a last resort to also resolve all the file names into
22497 their canonical form (typically resolving symbolic links) and compare the
22498 entries again. @value{GDBN} already canonicalizes most of the filenames on its
22499 own before starting the comparison so a canonical form of directories is
22500 recommended to be entered.
22501
22502 @node Auto-loading verbose mode
22503 @subsection Displaying files tried for auto-load
22504 @cindex auto-loading verbose mode
22505
22506 For better visibility of all the file locations where you can place scripts to
22507 be auto-loaded with inferior --- or to protect yourself against accidental
22508 execution of untrusted scripts --- @value{GDBN} provides a feature for printing
22509 all the files attempted to be loaded. Both existing and non-existing files may
22510 be printed.
22511
22512 For example the list of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
22513 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}) applies also to canonicalized filenames which
22514 may not be too obvious while setting it up.
22515
22516 @smallexample
22517 (gdb) set debug auto-load on
22518 (gdb) file ~/src/t/true
22519 auto-load: Loading canned sequences of commands script "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb"
22520 for objfile "/tmp/true".
22521 auto-load: Updating directories of "/usr:/opt".
22522 auto-load: Using directory "/usr".
22523 auto-load: Using directory "/opt".
22524 warning: File "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been declined
22525 by your `auto-load safe-path' set to "/usr:/opt".
22526 @end smallexample
22527
22528 @table @code
22529 @anchor{set debug auto-load}
22530 @kindex set debug auto-load
22531 @item set debug auto-load [on|off]
22532 Set whether to print the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded.
22533
22534 @anchor{show debug auto-load}
22535 @kindex show debug auto-load
22536 @item show debug auto-load
22537 Show whether printing of the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded is turned
22538 on or off.
22539 @end table
22540
22541 @node Messages/Warnings
22542 @section Optional Warnings and Messages
22543
22544 @cindex verbose operation
22545 @cindex optional warnings
22546 By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
22547 running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
22548 command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
22549 internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
22550
22551 Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
22552 which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
22553 see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
22554
22555 @table @code
22556 @kindex set verbose
22557 @item set verbose on
22558 Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
22559
22560 @item set verbose off
22561 Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
22562
22563 @kindex show verbose
22564 @item show verbose
22565 Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
22566 @end table
22567
22568 By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
22569 object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
22570 find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
22571 Symbol Files}).
22572
22573 @table @code
22574
22575 @kindex set complaints
22576 @item set complaints @var{limit}
22577 Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
22578 unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
22579 @var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
22580 to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
22581
22582 @kindex show complaints
22583 @item show complaints
22584 Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
22585
22586 @end table
22587
22588 @anchor{confirmation requests}
22589 By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
22590 lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
22591 you try to run a program which is already running:
22592
22593 @smallexample
22594 (@value{GDBP}) run
22595 The program being debugged has been started already.
22596 Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
22597 @end smallexample
22598
22599 If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
22600 commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
22601
22602 @table @code
22603
22604 @kindex set confirm
22605 @cindex flinching
22606 @cindex confirmation
22607 @cindex stupid questions
22608 @item set confirm off
22609 Disables confirmation requests. Note that running @value{GDBN} with
22610 the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode Options, -batch}) also
22611 automatically disables confirmation requests.
22612
22613 @item set confirm on
22614 Enables confirmation requests (the default).
22615
22616 @kindex show confirm
22617 @item show confirm
22618 Displays state of confirmation requests.
22619
22620 @end table
22621
22622 @cindex command tracing
22623 If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
22624 useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
22625 printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
22626 quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
22627
22628 @table @code
22629 @kindex set trace-commands
22630 @cindex command scripts, debugging
22631 @item set trace-commands on
22632 Enable command tracing.
22633 @item set trace-commands off
22634 Disable command tracing.
22635 @item show trace-commands
22636 Display the current state of command tracing.
22637 @end table
22638
22639 @node Debugging Output
22640 @section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
22641 @cindex optional debugging messages
22642
22643 @value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
22644 various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
22645 interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
22646 section documents those commands.
22647
22648 @table @code
22649 @kindex set exec-done-display
22650 @item set exec-done-display
22651 Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
22652 completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
22653 asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
22654 @kindex show exec-done-display
22655 @item show exec-done-display
22656 Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
22657 notification.
22658 @kindex set debug
22659 @cindex ARM AArch64
22660 @item set debug aarch64
22661 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to ARM AArch64.
22662 The default is off.
22663 @kindex show debug
22664 @item show debug aarch64
22665 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
22666 ARM AArch64.
22667 @cindex gdbarch debugging info
22668 @cindex architecture debugging info
22669 @item set debug arch
22670 Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
22671 @item show debug arch
22672 Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
22673 @item set debug aix-solib
22674 @cindex AIX shared library debugging
22675 Control display of debugging messages from the AIX shared library
22676 support module. The default is off.
22677 @item show debug aix-thread
22678 Show the current state of displaying AIX shared library debugging messages.
22679 @item set debug aix-thread
22680 @cindex AIX threads
22681 Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
22682 module.
22683 @item show debug aix-thread
22684 Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
22685 @item set debug check-physname
22686 @cindex physname
22687 Check the results of the ``physname'' computation. When reading DWARF
22688 debugging information for C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} attempts to compute
22689 each entity's name. @value{GDBN} can do this computation in two
22690 different ways, depending on exactly what information is present.
22691 When enabled, this setting causes @value{GDBN} to compute the names
22692 both ways and display any discrepancies.
22693 @item show debug check-physname
22694 Show the current state of ``physname'' checking.
22695 @item set debug coff-pe-read
22696 @cindex COFF/PE exported symbols
22697 Control display of debugging messages related to reading of COFF/PE
22698 exported symbols. The default is off.
22699 @item show debug coff-pe-read
22700 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
22701 reading of COFF/PE exported symbols.
22702 @item set debug dwarf2-die
22703 @cindex DWARF2 DIEs
22704 Dump DWARF2 DIEs after they are read in.
22705 The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
22706 A value of zero turns off the display.
22707 @item show debug dwarf2-die
22708 Show the current state of DWARF2 DIE debugging.
22709 @item set debug dwarf2-read
22710 @cindex DWARF2 Reading
22711 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to reading
22712 DWARF debug info. The default is 0 (off).
22713 A value of 1 provides basic information.
22714 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
22715 @item show debug dwarf2-read
22716 Show the current state of DWARF2 reader debugging.
22717 @item set debug displaced
22718 @cindex displaced stepping debugging info
22719 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
22720 displaced stepping support. The default is off.
22721 @item show debug displaced
22722 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
22723 related to displaced stepping.
22724 @item set debug event
22725 @cindex event debugging info
22726 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
22727 default is off.
22728 @item show debug event
22729 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
22730 info.
22731 @item set debug expression
22732 @cindex expression debugging info
22733 Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
22734 expression parsing. The default is off.
22735 @item show debug expression
22736 Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
22737 @value{GDBN} expression parsing.
22738 @item set debug frame
22739 @cindex frame debugging info
22740 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
22741 default is off.
22742 @item show debug frame
22743 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
22744 info.
22745 @item set debug gnu-nat
22746 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug messages
22747 Turns on or off debugging messages from the @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug support.
22748 @item show debug gnu-nat
22749 Show the current state of @sc{gnu}/Hurd debugging messages.
22750 @item set debug infrun
22751 @cindex inferior debugging info
22752 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
22753 The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
22754 for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
22755 @item show debug infrun
22756 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
22757 @item set debug jit
22758 @cindex just-in-time compilation, debugging messages
22759 Turns on or off debugging messages from JIT debug support.
22760 @item show debug jit
22761 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} JIT debugging.
22762 @item set debug lin-lwp
22763 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
22764 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
22765 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
22766 @item show debug lin-lwp
22767 Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
22768 @item set debug mach-o
22769 @cindex Mach-O symbols processing
22770 Control display of debugging messages related to Mach-O symbols
22771 processing. The default is off.
22772 @item show debug mach-o
22773 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
22774 reading of COFF/PE exported symbols.
22775 @item set debug notification
22776 @cindex remote async notification debugging info
22777 Turns on or off debugging messages about remote async notification.
22778 The default is off.
22779 @item show debug notification
22780 Displays the current state of remote async notification debugging messages.
22781 @item set debug observer
22782 @cindex observer debugging info
22783 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
22784 includes info such as the notification of observable events.
22785 @item show debug observer
22786 Displays the current state of observer debugging.
22787 @item set debug overload
22788 @cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
22789 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
22790 info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
22791 is off.
22792 @item show debug overload
22793 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
22794 debugging info.
22795 @cindex expression parser, debugging info
22796 @cindex debug expression parser
22797 @item set debug parser
22798 Turns on or off the display of expression parser debugging output.
22799 Internally, this sets the @code{yydebug} variable in the expression
22800 parser. @xref{Tracing, , Tracing Your Parser, bison, Bison}, for
22801 details. The default is off.
22802 @item show debug parser
22803 Show the current state of expression parser debugging.
22804 @cindex packets, reporting on stdout
22805 @cindex serial connections, debugging
22806 @cindex debug remote protocol
22807 @cindex remote protocol debugging
22808 @cindex display remote packets
22809 @item set debug remote
22810 Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
22811 the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
22812 @value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
22813 @item show debug remote
22814 Displays the state of display of remote packets.
22815 @item set debug serial
22816 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
22817 default is off.
22818 @item show debug serial
22819 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
22820 info.
22821 @item set debug solib-frv
22822 @cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
22823 Turns on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
22824 @item show debug solib-frv
22825 Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
22826 messages.
22827 @item set debug symfile
22828 @cindex symbol file functions
22829 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol file functions.
22830 The default is off. @xref{Files}.
22831 @item show debug symfile
22832 Show the current state of symbol file debugging messages.
22833 @item set debug symtab-create
22834 @cindex symbol table creation
22835 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol table creation.
22836 The default is 0 (off).
22837 A value of 1 provides basic information.
22838 A value greater than 1 provides more verbose information.
22839 @item show debug symtab-create
22840 Show the current state of symbol table creation debugging.
22841 @item set debug target
22842 @cindex target debugging info
22843 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
22844 includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
22845 default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
22846 value of large memory transfers. Changes to this flag do not take effect
22847 until the next time you connect to a target or use the @code{run} command.
22848 @item show debug target
22849 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
22850 info.
22851 @item set debug timestamp
22852 @cindex timestampping debugging info
22853 Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
22854 When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
22855 message.
22856 @item show debug timestamp
22857 Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
22858 debugging info.
22859 @item set debugvarobj
22860 @cindex variable object debugging info
22861 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
22862 info. The default is off.
22863 @item show debugvarobj
22864 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
22865 debugging info.
22866 @item set debug xml
22867 @cindex XML parser debugging
22868 Turns on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
22869 @item show debug xml
22870 Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
22871 @end table
22872
22873 @node Other Misc Settings
22874 @section Other Miscellaneous Settings
22875 @cindex miscellaneous settings
22876
22877 @table @code
22878 @kindex set interactive-mode
22879 @item set interactive-mode
22880 If @code{on}, forces @value{GDBN} to assume that GDB was started
22881 in a terminal. In practice, this means that @value{GDBN} should wait
22882 for the user to answer queries generated by commands entered at
22883 the command prompt. If @code{off}, forces @value{GDBN} to operate
22884 in the opposite mode, and it uses the default answers to all queries.
22885 If @code{auto} (the default), @value{GDBN} tries to determine whether
22886 its standard input is a terminal, and works in interactive-mode if it
22887 is, non-interactively otherwise.
22888
22889 In the vast majority of cases, the debugger should be able to guess
22890 correctly which mode should be used. But this setting can be useful
22891 in certain specific cases, such as running a MinGW @value{GDBN}
22892 inside a cygwin window.
22893
22894 @kindex show interactive-mode
22895 @item show interactive-mode
22896 Displays whether the debugger is operating in interactive mode or not.
22897 @end table
22898
22899 @node Extending GDB
22900 @chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
22901 @cindex extending GDB
22902
22903 @value{GDBN} provides three mechanisms for extension. The first is based
22904 on composition of @value{GDBN} commands, the second is based on the
22905 Python scripting language, and the third is for defining new aliases of
22906 existing commands.
22907
22908 To facilitate the use of the first two extensions, @value{GDBN} is capable
22909 of evaluating the contents of a file. When doing so, @value{GDBN}
22910 can recognize which scripting language is being used by looking at
22911 the filename extension. Files with an unrecognized filename extension
22912 are always treated as a @value{GDBN} Command Files.
22913 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
22914
22915 You can control how @value{GDBN} evaluates these files with the following
22916 setting:
22917
22918 @table @code
22919 @kindex set script-extension
22920 @kindex show script-extension
22921 @item set script-extension off
22922 All scripts are always evaluated as @value{GDBN} Command Files.
22923
22924 @item set script-extension soft
22925 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
22926 extension. If this scripting language is supported, @value{GDBN}
22927 evaluates the script using that language. Otherwise, it evaluates
22928 the file as a @value{GDBN} Command File.
22929
22930 @item set script-extension strict
22931 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
22932 extension, and evaluates the script using that language. If the
22933 language is not supported, then the evaluation fails.
22934
22935 @item show script-extension
22936 Display the current value of the @code{script-extension} option.
22937
22938 @end table
22939
22940 @menu
22941 * Sequences:: Canned Sequences of Commands
22942 * Python:: Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
22943 * Aliases:: Creating new spellings of existing commands
22944 @end menu
22945
22946 @node Sequences
22947 @section Canned Sequences of Commands
22948
22949 Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
22950 Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
22951 commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
22952 files.
22953
22954 @menu
22955 * Define:: How to define your own commands
22956 * Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
22957 * Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
22958 * Output:: Commands for controlled output
22959 @end menu
22960
22961 @node Define
22962 @subsection User-defined Commands
22963
22964 @cindex user-defined command
22965 @cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
22966 A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
22967 which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
22968 @code{define} command. User commands may accept up to 10 arguments
22969 separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
22970 via @code{$arg0@dots{}$arg9}. A trivial example:
22971
22972 @smallexample
22973 define adder
22974 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
22975 end
22976 @end smallexample
22977
22978 @noindent
22979 To execute the command use:
22980
22981 @smallexample
22982 adder 1 2 3
22983 @end smallexample
22984
22985 @noindent
22986 This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
22987 its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
22988 reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
22989 functions calls.
22990
22991 @cindex argument count in user-defined commands
22992 @cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
22993 In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
22994 been passed. This expands to a number in the range 0@dots{}10.
22995
22996 @smallexample
22997 define adder
22998 if $argc == 2
22999 print $arg0 + $arg1
23000 end
23001 if $argc == 3
23002 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
23003 end
23004 end
23005 @end smallexample
23006
23007 @table @code
23008
23009 @kindex define
23010 @item define @var{commandname}
23011 Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
23012 by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
23013 @var{commandname} may be a bare command name consisting of letters,
23014 numbers, dashes, and underscores. It may also start with any predefined
23015 prefix command. For example, @samp{define target my-target} creates
23016 a user-defined @samp{target my-target} command.
23017
23018 The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
23019 which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
23020 commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
23021
23022 @kindex document
23023 @kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
23024 @item document @var{commandname}
23025 Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
23026 accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
23027 defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
23028 reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
23029 After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
23030 @var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
23031
23032 You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
23033 documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
23034 does not change the documentation.
23035
23036 @kindex dont-repeat
23037 @cindex don't repeat command
23038 @item dont-repeat
23039 Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
23040 command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
23041 (@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
23042
23043 @kindex help user-defined
23044 @item help user-defined
23045 List all user-defined commands and all python commands defined in class
23046 COMAND_USER. The first line of the documentation or docstring is
23047 included (if any).
23048
23049 @kindex show user
23050 @item show user
23051 @itemx show user @var{commandname}
23052 Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
23053 not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
23054 definitions for all user-defined commands.
23055 This does not work for user-defined python commands.
23056
23057 @cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
23058 @kindex show max-user-call-depth
23059 @kindex set max-user-call-depth
23060 @item show max-user-call-depth
23061 @itemx set max-user-call-depth
23062 The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
23063 levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
23064 infinite recursion and aborts the command.
23065 This does not apply to user-defined python commands.
23066 @end table
23067
23068 In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
23069 use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
23070
23071 When user-defined commands are executed, the
23072 commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
23073 stops execution of the user-defined command.
23074
23075 If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
23076 without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
23077 commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
23078 messages when used in a user-defined command.
23079
23080 @node Hooks
23081 @subsection User-defined Command Hooks
23082 @cindex command hooks
23083 @cindex hooks, for commands
23084 @cindex hooks, pre-command
23085
23086 @kindex hook
23087 You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
23088 command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
23089 command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
23090 before that command.
23091
23092 @cindex hooks, post-command
23093 @kindex hookpost
23094 A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
23095 Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
23096 @samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
23097 that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
23098 pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
23099
23100 It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
23101 occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
23102
23103 @c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
23104 @c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
23105
23106 @kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
23107 In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
23108 (@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
23109 execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
23110 displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
23111
23112 For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
23113 single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
23114 you could define:
23115
23116 @smallexample
23117 define hook-stop
23118 handle SIGALRM nopass
23119 end
23120
23121 define hook-run
23122 handle SIGALRM pass
23123 end
23124
23125 define hook-continue
23126 handle SIGALRM pass
23127 end
23128 @end smallexample
23129
23130 As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
23131 command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
23132 you could define:
23133
23134 @smallexample
23135 define hook-echo
23136 echo <<<---
23137 end
23138
23139 define hookpost-echo
23140 echo --->>>\n
23141 end
23142
23143 (@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
23144 <<<---Hello World--->>>
23145 (@value{GDBP})
23146
23147 @end smallexample
23148
23149 You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
23150 not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
23151 name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
23152 @c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
23153 @c or not?
23154 You can hook a multi-word command by adding @code{hook-} or
23155 @code{hookpost-} to the last word of the command, e.g.@:
23156 @samp{define target hook-remote} to add a hook to @samp{target remote}.
23157
23158 If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
23159 @value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
23160 (before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
23161
23162 If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
23163 get a warning from the @code{define} command.
23164
23165 @node Command Files
23166 @subsection Command Files
23167
23168 @cindex command files
23169 @cindex scripting commands
23170 A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
23171 @value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
23172 also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
23173 does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
23174 terminal.
23175
23176 You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
23177 command. Note that the @code{source} command is also used to evaluate
23178 scripts that are not Command Files. The exact behavior can be configured
23179 using the @code{script-extension} setting.
23180 @xref{Extending GDB,, Extending GDB}.
23181
23182 @table @code
23183 @kindex source
23184 @cindex execute commands from a file
23185 @item source [-s] [-v] @var{filename}
23186 Execute the command file @var{filename}.
23187 @end table
23188
23189 The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
23190 unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
23191 @emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
23192 printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
23193 execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
23194
23195 @value{GDBN} first searches for @var{filename} in the current directory.
23196 If the file is not found there, and @var{filename} does not specify a
23197 directory, then @value{GDBN} also looks for the file on the source search path
23198 (specified with the @samp{directory} command);
23199 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched because the compilation directory
23200 is not relevant to scripts.
23201
23202 If @code{-s} is specified, then @value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename}
23203 on the search path even if @var{filename} specifies a directory.
23204 The search is done by appending @var{filename} to each element of the
23205 search path. So, for example, if @var{filename} is @file{mylib/myscript}
23206 and the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
23207 look for the script @file{/home/user/mylib/myscript}.
23208 The search is also done if @var{filename} is an absolute path.
23209 For example, if @var{filename} is @file{/tmp/myscript} and
23210 the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
23211 look for the script @file{/home/user/tmp/myscript}.
23212 For DOS-like systems, if @var{filename} contains a drive specification,
23213 it is stripped before concatenation. For example, if @var{filename} is
23214 @file{d:myscript} and the search path contains @file{c:/tmp} then @value{GDBN}
23215 will look for the script @file{c:/tmp/myscript}.
23216
23217 If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
23218 each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
23219 @var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
23220
23221 Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
23222 without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
23223 normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
23224 when called from command files.
23225
23226 @value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
23227 mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
23228 standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
23229 not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
23230 the next command.
23231
23232 @smallexample
23233 gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
23234 @end smallexample
23235
23236 (The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
23237 will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
23238 would be directed to @file{log}.
23239
23240 Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
23241 commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
23242 complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
23243 variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
23244 built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
23245 deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
23246 complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
23247 conditionally, etc.
23248
23249 @table @code
23250 @kindex if
23251 @kindex else
23252 @item if
23253 @itemx else
23254 This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
23255 commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
23256 expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
23257 are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
23258 There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
23259 of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
23260 end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
23261
23262 @kindex while
23263 @item while
23264 This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
23265 @code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
23266 to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
23267 line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
23268 @dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
23269 executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
23270
23271 @kindex loop_break
23272 @item loop_break
23273 This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
23274 Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
23275 line.
23276
23277 @kindex loop_continue
23278 @item loop_continue
23279 This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
23280 in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
23281 branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
23282 the controlling expression.
23283
23284 @kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
23285 @item end
23286 Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
23287 @code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
23288 @end table
23289
23290
23291 @node Output
23292 @subsection Commands for Controlled Output
23293
23294 During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
23295 @value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
23296 explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
23297 describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
23298 want.
23299
23300 @table @code
23301 @kindex echo
23302 @item echo @var{text}
23303 @c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
23304 @c because it is not in ANSI.
23305 Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
23306 @var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
23307 newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
23308 In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
23309 by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
23310 string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
23311 trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
23312 To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
23313 @samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
23314
23315 A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
23316 the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
23317
23318 @smallexample
23319 echo This is some text\n\
23320 which is continued\n\
23321 onto several lines.\n
23322 @end smallexample
23323
23324 produces the same output as
23325
23326 @smallexample
23327 echo This is some text\n
23328 echo which is continued\n
23329 echo onto several lines.\n
23330 @end smallexample
23331
23332 @kindex output
23333 @item output @var{expression}
23334 Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
23335 newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
23336 value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
23337 on expressions.
23338
23339 @item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
23340 Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
23341 the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
23342 Formats}, for more information.
23343
23344 @kindex printf
23345 @item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
23346 Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
23347 the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
23348 @var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
23349 which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
23350 specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
23351 executing the code below:
23352
23353 @smallexample
23354 printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
23355 @end smallexample
23356
23357 As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
23358 are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
23359 by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
23360 evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
23361 style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
23362 printed.
23363
23364 For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
23365
23366 @smallexample
23367 printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
23368 @end smallexample
23369
23370 @code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
23371 specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
23372 character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
23373
23374 @itemize @bullet
23375 @item
23376 The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
23377
23378 @item
23379 The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
23380 width.
23381
23382 @item
23383 The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
23384 @code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
23385
23386 @item
23387 The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
23388 supported.
23389
23390 @item
23391 The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
23392
23393 @item
23394 The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
23395 @end itemize
23396
23397 @noindent
23398 Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
23399 underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
23400 the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
23401 supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
23402
23403 As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
23404 sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
23405 @samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
23406 single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
23407 supported.
23408
23409 Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
23410 (@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
23411 together with a floating point specifier.
23412 letters:
23413
23414 @itemize @bullet
23415 @item
23416 @samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
23417
23418 @item
23419 @samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
23420
23421 @item
23422 @samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
23423 @end itemize
23424
23425 If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
23426 support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
23427 such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
23428
23429 In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
23430 available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
23431
23432 Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
23433 @smallexample
23434 printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
23435 @end smallexample
23436
23437 @kindex eval
23438 @item eval @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
23439 Convert the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
23440 the string @var{template} to a command line, and call it.
23441
23442 @end table
23443
23444 @node Python
23445 @section Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
23446 @cindex python scripting
23447 @cindex scripting with python
23448
23449 You can script @value{GDBN} using the @uref{http://www.python.org/,
23450 Python programming language}. This feature is available only if
23451 @value{GDBN} was configured using @option{--with-python}.
23452
23453 @cindex python directory
23454 Python scripts used by @value{GDBN} should be installed in
23455 @file{@var{data-directory}/python}, where @var{data-directory} is
23456 the data directory as determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}).
23457 This directory, known as the @dfn{python directory},
23458 is automatically added to the Python Search Path in order to allow
23459 the Python interpreter to locate all scripts installed at this location.
23460
23461 Additionally, @value{GDBN} commands and convenience functions which
23462 are written in Python and are located in the
23463 @file{@var{data-directory}/python/gdb/command} or
23464 @file{@var{data-directory}/python/gdb/function} directories are
23465 automatically imported when @value{GDBN} starts.
23466
23467 @menu
23468 * Python Commands:: Accessing Python from @value{GDBN}.
23469 * Python API:: Accessing @value{GDBN} from Python.
23470 * Python Auto-loading:: Automatically loading Python code.
23471 * Python modules:: Python modules provided by @value{GDBN}.
23472 @end menu
23473
23474 @node Python Commands
23475 @subsection Python Commands
23476 @cindex python commands
23477 @cindex commands to access python
23478
23479 @value{GDBN} provides two commands for accessing the Python interpreter,
23480 and one related setting:
23481
23482 @table @code
23483 @kindex python-interactive
23484 @kindex pi
23485 @item python-interactive @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
23486 @itemx pi @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
23487 Without an argument, the @code{python-interactive} command can be used
23488 to start an interactive Python prompt. To return to @value{GDBN},
23489 type the @code{EOF} character (e.g., @kbd{Ctrl-D} on an empty prompt).
23490
23491 Alternatively, a single-line Python command can be given as an
23492 argument and evaluated. If the command is an expression, the result
23493 will be printed; otherwise, nothing will be printed. For example:
23494
23495 @smallexample
23496 (@value{GDBP}) python-interactive 2 + 3
23497 5
23498 @end smallexample
23499
23500 @kindex python
23501 @kindex py
23502 @item python @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
23503 @itemx py @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
23504 The @code{python} command can be used to evaluate Python code.
23505
23506 If given an argument, the @code{python} command will evaluate the
23507 argument as a Python command. For example:
23508
23509 @smallexample
23510 (@value{GDBP}) python print 23
23511 23
23512 @end smallexample
23513
23514 If you do not provide an argument to @code{python}, it will act as a
23515 multi-line command, like @code{define}. In this case, the Python
23516 script is made up of subsequent command lines, given after the
23517 @code{python} command. This command list is terminated using a line
23518 containing @code{end}. For example:
23519
23520 @smallexample
23521 (@value{GDBP}) python
23522 Type python script
23523 End with a line saying just "end".
23524 >print 23
23525 >end
23526 23
23527 @end smallexample
23528
23529 @kindex set python print-stack
23530 @item set python print-stack
23531 By default, @value{GDBN} will print only the message component of a
23532 Python exception when an error occurs in a Python script. This can be
23533 controlled using @code{set python print-stack}: if @code{full}, then
23534 full Python stack printing is enabled; if @code{none}, then Python stack
23535 and message printing is disabled; if @code{message}, the default, only
23536 the message component of the error is printed.
23537 @end table
23538
23539 It is also possible to execute a Python script from the @value{GDBN}
23540 interpreter:
23541
23542 @table @code
23543 @item source @file{script-name}
23544 The script name must end with @samp{.py} and @value{GDBN} must be configured
23545 to recognize the script language based on filename extension using
23546 the @code{script-extension} setting. @xref{Extending GDB, ,Extending GDB}.
23547
23548 @item python execfile ("script-name")
23549 This method is based on the @code{execfile} Python built-in function,
23550 and thus is always available.
23551 @end table
23552
23553 @node Python API
23554 @subsection Python API
23555 @cindex python api
23556 @cindex programming in python
23557
23558 You can get quick online help for @value{GDBN}'s Python API by issuing
23559 the command @w{@kbd{python help (gdb)}}.
23560
23561 Functions and methods which have two or more optional arguments allow
23562 them to be specified using keyword syntax. This allows passing some
23563 optional arguments while skipping others. Example:
23564 @w{@code{gdb.some_function ('foo', bar = 1, baz = 2)}}.
23565
23566 @menu
23567 * Basic Python:: Basic Python Functions.
23568 * Exception Handling:: How Python exceptions are translated.
23569 * Values From Inferior:: Python representation of values.
23570 * Types In Python:: Python representation of types.
23571 * Pretty Printing API:: Pretty-printing values.
23572 * Selecting Pretty-Printers:: How GDB chooses a pretty-printer.
23573 * Writing a Pretty-Printer:: Writing a Pretty-Printer.
23574 * Type Printing API:: Pretty-printing types.
23575 * Frame Filter API:: Filtering Frames.
23576 * Frame Decorator API:: Decorating Frames.
23577 * Writing a Frame Filter:: Writing a Frame Filter.
23578 * Inferiors In Python:: Python representation of inferiors (processes)
23579 * Events In Python:: Listening for events from @value{GDBN}.
23580 * Threads In Python:: Accessing inferior threads from Python.
23581 * Commands In Python:: Implementing new commands in Python.
23582 * Parameters In Python:: Adding new @value{GDBN} parameters.
23583 * Functions In Python:: Writing new convenience functions.
23584 * Progspaces In Python:: Program spaces.
23585 * Objfiles In Python:: Object files.
23586 * Frames In Python:: Accessing inferior stack frames from Python.
23587 * Blocks In Python:: Accessing blocks from Python.
23588 * Symbols In Python:: Python representation of symbols.
23589 * Symbol Tables In Python:: Python representation of symbol tables.
23590 * Line Tables In Python:: Python representation of line tables.
23591 * Breakpoints In Python:: Manipulating breakpoints using Python.
23592 * Finish Breakpoints in Python:: Setting Breakpoints on function return
23593 using Python.
23594 * Lazy Strings In Python:: Python representation of lazy strings.
23595 * Architectures In Python:: Python representation of architectures.
23596 @end menu
23597
23598 @node Basic Python
23599 @subsubsection Basic Python
23600
23601 @cindex python stdout
23602 @cindex python pagination
23603 At startup, @value{GDBN} overrides Python's @code{sys.stdout} and
23604 @code{sys.stderr} to print using @value{GDBN}'s output-paging streams.
23605 A Python program which outputs to one of these streams may have its
23606 output interrupted by the user (@pxref{Screen Size}). In this
23607 situation, a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception is thrown.
23608
23609 Some care must be taken when writing Python code to run in
23610 @value{GDBN}. Two things worth noting in particular:
23611
23612 @itemize @bullet
23613 @item
23614 @value{GDBN} install handlers for @code{SIGCHLD} and @code{SIGINT}.
23615 Python code must not override these, or even change the options using
23616 @code{sigaction}. If your program changes the handling of these
23617 signals, @value{GDBN} will most likely stop working correctly. Note
23618 that it is unfortunately common for GUI toolkits to install a
23619 @code{SIGCHLD} handler.
23620
23621 @item
23622 @value{GDBN} takes care to mark its internal file descriptors as
23623 close-on-exec. However, this cannot be done in a thread-safe way on
23624 all platforms. Your Python programs should be aware of this and
23625 should both create new file descriptors with the close-on-exec flag
23626 set and arrange to close unneeded file descriptors before starting a
23627 child process.
23628 @end itemize
23629
23630 @cindex python functions
23631 @cindex python module
23632 @cindex gdb module
23633 @value{GDBN} introduces a new Python module, named @code{gdb}. All
23634 methods and classes added by @value{GDBN} are placed in this module.
23635 @value{GDBN} automatically @code{import}s the @code{gdb} module for
23636 use in all scripts evaluated by the @code{python} command.
23637
23638 @findex gdb.PYTHONDIR
23639 @defvar gdb.PYTHONDIR
23640 A string containing the python directory (@pxref{Python}).
23641 @end defvar
23642
23643 @findex gdb.execute
23644 @defun gdb.execute (command @r{[}, from_tty @r{[}, to_string@r{]]})
23645 Evaluate @var{command}, a string, as a @value{GDBN} CLI command.
23646 If a GDB exception happens while @var{command} runs, it is
23647 translated as described in @ref{Exception Handling,,Exception Handling}.
23648
23649 @var{from_tty} specifies whether @value{GDBN} ought to consider this
23650 command as having originated from the user invoking it interactively.
23651 It must be a boolean value. If omitted, it defaults to @code{False}.
23652
23653 By default, any output produced by @var{command} is sent to
23654 @value{GDBN}'s standard output. If the @var{to_string} parameter is
23655 @code{True}, then output will be collected by @code{gdb.execute} and
23656 returned as a string. The default is @code{False}, in which case the
23657 return value is @code{None}. If @var{to_string} is @code{True}, the
23658 @value{GDBN} virtual terminal will be temporarily set to unlimited width
23659 and height, and its pagination will be disabled; @pxref{Screen Size}.
23660 @end defun
23661
23662 @findex gdb.breakpoints
23663 @defun gdb.breakpoints ()
23664 Return a sequence holding all of @value{GDBN}'s breakpoints.
23665 @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for more information.
23666 @end defun
23667
23668 @findex gdb.parameter
23669 @defun gdb.parameter (parameter)
23670 Return the value of a @value{GDBN} parameter. @var{parameter} is a
23671 string naming the parameter to look up; @var{parameter} may contain
23672 spaces if the parameter has a multi-part name. For example,
23673 @samp{print object} is a valid parameter name.
23674
23675 If the named parameter does not exist, this function throws a
23676 @code{gdb.error} (@pxref{Exception Handling}). Otherwise, the
23677 parameter's value is converted to a Python value of the appropriate
23678 type, and returned.
23679 @end defun
23680
23681 @findex gdb.history
23682 @defun gdb.history (number)
23683 Return a value from @value{GDBN}'s value history (@pxref{Value
23684 History}). @var{number} indicates which history element to return.
23685 If @var{number} is negative, then @value{GDBN} will take its absolute value
23686 and count backward from the last element (i.e., the most recent element) to
23687 find the value to return. If @var{number} is zero, then @value{GDBN} will
23688 return the most recent element. If the element specified by @var{number}
23689 doesn't exist in the value history, a @code{gdb.error} exception will be
23690 raised.
23691
23692 If no exception is raised, the return value is always an instance of
23693 @code{gdb.Value} (@pxref{Values From Inferior}).
23694 @end defun
23695
23696 @findex gdb.parse_and_eval
23697 @defun gdb.parse_and_eval (expression)
23698 Parse @var{expression} as an expression in the current language,
23699 evaluate it, and return the result as a @code{gdb.Value}.
23700 @var{expression} must be a string.
23701
23702 This function can be useful when implementing a new command
23703 (@pxref{Commands In Python}), as it provides a way to parse the
23704 command's argument as an expression. It is also useful simply to
23705 compute values, for example, it is the only way to get the value of a
23706 convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) as a @code{gdb.Value}.
23707 @end defun
23708
23709 @findex gdb.find_pc_line
23710 @defun gdb.find_pc_line (pc)
23711 Return the @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object corresponding to the
23712 @var{pc} value. @xref{Symbol Tables In Python}. If an invalid
23713 value of @var{pc} is passed as an argument, then the @code{symtab} and
23714 @code{line} attributes of the returned @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object
23715 will be @code{None} and 0 respectively.
23716 @end defun
23717
23718 @findex gdb.post_event
23719 @defun gdb.post_event (event)
23720 Put @var{event}, a callable object taking no arguments, into
23721 @value{GDBN}'s internal event queue. This callable will be invoked at
23722 some later point, during @value{GDBN}'s event processing. Events
23723 posted using @code{post_event} will be run in the order in which they
23724 were posted; however, there is no way to know when they will be
23725 processed relative to other events inside @value{GDBN}.
23726
23727 @value{GDBN} is not thread-safe. If your Python program uses multiple
23728 threads, you must be careful to only call @value{GDBN}-specific
23729 functions in the main @value{GDBN} thread. @code{post_event} ensures
23730 this. For example:
23731
23732 @smallexample
23733 (@value{GDBP}) python
23734 >import threading
23735 >
23736 >class Writer():
23737 > def __init__(self, message):
23738 > self.message = message;
23739 > def __call__(self):
23740 > gdb.write(self.message)
23741 >
23742 >class MyThread1 (threading.Thread):
23743 > def run (self):
23744 > gdb.post_event(Writer("Hello "))
23745 >
23746 >class MyThread2 (threading.Thread):
23747 > def run (self):
23748 > gdb.post_event(Writer("World\n"))
23749 >
23750 >MyThread1().start()
23751 >MyThread2().start()
23752 >end
23753 (@value{GDBP}) Hello World
23754 @end smallexample
23755 @end defun
23756
23757 @findex gdb.write
23758 @defun gdb.write (string @r{[}, stream{]})
23759 Print a string to @value{GDBN}'s paginated output stream. The
23760 optional @var{stream} determines the stream to print to. The default
23761 stream is @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream. Possible stream
23762 values are:
23763
23764 @table @code
23765 @findex STDOUT
23766 @findex gdb.STDOUT
23767 @item gdb.STDOUT
23768 @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream.
23769
23770 @findex STDERR
23771 @findex gdb.STDERR
23772 @item gdb.STDERR
23773 @value{GDBN}'s standard error stream.
23774
23775 @findex STDLOG
23776 @findex gdb.STDLOG
23777 @item gdb.STDLOG
23778 @value{GDBN}'s log stream (@pxref{Logging Output}).
23779 @end table
23780
23781 Writing to @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
23782 call this function and will automatically direct the output to the
23783 relevant stream.
23784 @end defun
23785
23786 @findex gdb.flush
23787 @defun gdb.flush ()
23788 Flush the buffer of a @value{GDBN} paginated stream so that the
23789 contents are displayed immediately. @value{GDBN} will flush the
23790 contents of a stream automatically when it encounters a newline in the
23791 buffer. The optional @var{stream} determines the stream to flush. The
23792 default stream is @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream. Possible
23793 stream values are:
23794
23795 @table @code
23796 @findex STDOUT
23797 @findex gdb.STDOUT
23798 @item gdb.STDOUT
23799 @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream.
23800
23801 @findex STDERR
23802 @findex gdb.STDERR
23803 @item gdb.STDERR
23804 @value{GDBN}'s standard error stream.
23805
23806 @findex STDLOG
23807 @findex gdb.STDLOG
23808 @item gdb.STDLOG
23809 @value{GDBN}'s log stream (@pxref{Logging Output}).
23810
23811 @end table
23812
23813 Flushing @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
23814 call this function for the relevant stream.
23815 @end defun
23816
23817 @findex gdb.target_charset
23818 @defun gdb.target_charset ()
23819 Return the name of the current target character set (@pxref{Character
23820 Sets}). This differs from @code{gdb.parameter('target-charset')} in
23821 that @samp{auto} is never returned.
23822 @end defun
23823
23824 @findex gdb.target_wide_charset
23825 @defun gdb.target_wide_charset ()
23826 Return the name of the current target wide character set
23827 (@pxref{Character Sets}). This differs from
23828 @code{gdb.parameter('target-wide-charset')} in that @samp{auto} is
23829 never returned.
23830 @end defun
23831
23832 @findex gdb.solib_name
23833 @defun gdb.solib_name (address)
23834 Return the name of the shared library holding the given @var{address}
23835 as a string, or @code{None}.
23836 @end defun
23837
23838 @findex gdb.decode_line
23839 @defun gdb.decode_line @r{[}expression@r{]}
23840 Return locations of the line specified by @var{expression}, or of the
23841 current line if no argument was given. This function returns a Python
23842 tuple containing two elements. The first element contains a string
23843 holding any unparsed section of @var{expression} (or @code{None} if
23844 the expression has been fully parsed). The second element contains
23845 either @code{None} or another tuple that contains all the locations
23846 that match the expression represented as @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line}
23847 objects (@pxref{Symbol Tables In Python}). If @var{expression} is
23848 provided, it is decoded the way that @value{GDBN}'s inbuilt
23849 @code{break} or @code{edit} commands do (@pxref{Specify Location}).
23850 @end defun
23851
23852 @defun gdb.prompt_hook (current_prompt)
23853 @anchor{prompt_hook}
23854
23855 If @var{prompt_hook} is callable, @value{GDBN} will call the method
23856 assigned to this operation before a prompt is displayed by
23857 @value{GDBN}.
23858
23859 The parameter @code{current_prompt} contains the current @value{GDBN}
23860 prompt. This method must return a Python string, or @code{None}. If
23861 a string is returned, the @value{GDBN} prompt will be set to that
23862 string. If @code{None} is returned, @value{GDBN} will continue to use
23863 the current prompt.
23864
23865 Some prompts cannot be substituted in @value{GDBN}. Secondary prompts
23866 such as those used by readline for command input, and annotation
23867 related prompts are prohibited from being changed.
23868 @end defun
23869
23870 @node Exception Handling
23871 @subsubsection Exception Handling
23872 @cindex python exceptions
23873 @cindex exceptions, python
23874
23875 When executing the @code{python} command, Python exceptions
23876 uncaught within the Python code are translated to calls to
23877 @value{GDBN} error-reporting mechanism. If the command that called
23878 @code{python} does not handle the error, @value{GDBN} will
23879 terminate it and print an error message containing the Python
23880 exception name, the associated value, and the Python call stack
23881 backtrace at the point where the exception was raised. Example:
23882
23883 @smallexample
23884 (@value{GDBP}) python print foo
23885 Traceback (most recent call last):
23886 File "<string>", line 1, in <module>
23887 NameError: name 'foo' is not defined
23888 @end smallexample
23889
23890 @value{GDBN} errors that happen in @value{GDBN} commands invoked by
23891 Python code are converted to Python exceptions. The type of the
23892 Python exception depends on the error.
23893
23894 @ftable @code
23895 @item gdb.error
23896 This is the base class for most exceptions generated by @value{GDBN}.
23897 It is derived from @code{RuntimeError}, for compatibility with earlier
23898 versions of @value{GDBN}.
23899
23900 If an error occurring in @value{GDBN} does not fit into some more
23901 specific category, then the generated exception will have this type.
23902
23903 @item gdb.MemoryError
23904 This is a subclass of @code{gdb.error} which is thrown when an
23905 operation tried to access invalid memory in the inferior.
23906
23907 @item KeyboardInterrupt
23908 User interrupt (via @kbd{C-c} or by typing @kbd{q} at a pagination
23909 prompt) is translated to a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception.
23910 @end ftable
23911
23912 In all cases, your exception handler will see the @value{GDBN} error
23913 message as its value and the Python call stack backtrace at the Python
23914 statement closest to where the @value{GDBN} error occured as the
23915 traceback.
23916
23917 @findex gdb.GdbError
23918 When implementing @value{GDBN} commands in Python via @code{gdb.Command},
23919 it is useful to be able to throw an exception that doesn't cause a
23920 traceback to be printed. For example, the user may have invoked the
23921 command incorrectly. Use the @code{gdb.GdbError} exception
23922 to handle this case. Example:
23923
23924 @smallexample
23925 (gdb) python
23926 >class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
23927 > """Greet the whole world."""
23928 > def __init__ (self):
23929 > super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_USER)
23930 > def invoke (self, args, from_tty):
23931 > argv = gdb.string_to_argv (args)
23932 > if len (argv) != 0:
23933 > raise gdb.GdbError ("hello-world takes no arguments")
23934 > print "Hello, World!"
23935 >HelloWorld ()
23936 >end
23937 (gdb) hello-world 42
23938 hello-world takes no arguments
23939 @end smallexample
23940
23941 @node Values From Inferior
23942 @subsubsection Values From Inferior
23943 @cindex values from inferior, with Python
23944 @cindex python, working with values from inferior
23945
23946 @cindex @code{gdb.Value}
23947 @value{GDBN} provides values it obtains from the inferior program in
23948 an object of type @code{gdb.Value}. @value{GDBN} uses this object
23949 for its internal bookkeeping of the inferior's values, and for
23950 fetching values when necessary.
23951
23952 Inferior values that are simple scalars can be used directly in
23953 Python expressions that are valid for the value's data type. Here's
23954 an example for an integer or floating-point value @code{some_val}:
23955
23956 @smallexample
23957 bar = some_val + 2
23958 @end smallexample
23959
23960 @noindent
23961 As result of this, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object
23962 whose values are of the same type as those of @code{some_val}.
23963
23964 Inferior values that are structures or instances of some class can
23965 be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}. For example, if
23966 @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance holding a structure, you
23967 can access its @code{foo} element with:
23968
23969 @smallexample
23970 bar = some_val['foo']
23971 @end smallexample
23972
23973 Again, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object.
23974
23975 A @code{gdb.Value} that represents a function can be executed via
23976 inferior function call. Any arguments provided to the call must match
23977 the function's prototype, and must be provided in the order specified
23978 by that prototype.
23979
23980 For example, @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance
23981 representing a function that takes two integers as arguments. To
23982 execute this function, call it like so:
23983
23984 @smallexample
23985 result = some_val (10,20)
23986 @end smallexample
23987
23988 Any values returned from a function call will be stored as a
23989 @code{gdb.Value}.
23990
23991 The following attributes are provided:
23992
23993 @defvar Value.address
23994 If this object is addressable, this read-only attribute holds a
23995 @code{gdb.Value} object representing the address. Otherwise,
23996 this attribute holds @code{None}.
23997 @end defvar
23998
23999 @cindex optimized out value in Python
24000 @defvar Value.is_optimized_out
24001 This read-only boolean attribute is true if the compiler optimized out
24002 this value, thus it is not available for fetching from the inferior.
24003 @end defvar
24004
24005 @defvar Value.type
24006 The type of this @code{gdb.Value}. The value of this attribute is a
24007 @code{gdb.Type} object (@pxref{Types In Python}).
24008 @end defvar
24009
24010 @defvar Value.dynamic_type
24011 The dynamic type of this @code{gdb.Value}. This uses C@t{++} run-time
24012 type information (@acronym{RTTI}) to determine the dynamic type of the
24013 value. If this value is of class type, it will return the class in
24014 which the value is embedded, if any. If this value is of pointer or
24015 reference to a class type, it will compute the dynamic type of the
24016 referenced object, and return a pointer or reference to that type,
24017 respectively. In all other cases, it will return the value's static
24018 type.
24019
24020 Note that this feature will only work when debugging a C@t{++} program
24021 that includes @acronym{RTTI} for the object in question. Otherwise,
24022 it will just return the static type of the value as in @kbd{ptype foo}
24023 (@pxref{Symbols, ptype}).
24024 @end defvar
24025
24026 @defvar Value.is_lazy
24027 The value of this read-only boolean attribute is @code{True} if this
24028 @code{gdb.Value} has not yet been fetched from the inferior.
24029 @value{GDBN} does not fetch values until necessary, for efficiency.
24030 For example:
24031
24032 @smallexample
24033 myval = gdb.parse_and_eval ('somevar')
24034 @end smallexample
24035
24036 The value of @code{somevar} is not fetched at this time. It will be
24037 fetched when the value is needed, or when the @code{fetch_lazy}
24038 method is invoked.
24039 @end defvar
24040
24041 The following methods are provided:
24042
24043 @defun Value.__init__ (@var{val})
24044 Many Python values can be converted directly to a @code{gdb.Value} via
24045 this object initializer. Specifically:
24046
24047 @table @asis
24048 @item Python boolean
24049 A Python boolean is converted to the boolean type from the current
24050 language.
24051
24052 @item Python integer
24053 A Python integer is converted to the C @code{long} type for the
24054 current architecture.
24055
24056 @item Python long
24057 A Python long is converted to the C @code{long long} type for the
24058 current architecture.
24059
24060 @item Python float
24061 A Python float is converted to the C @code{double} type for the
24062 current architecture.
24063
24064 @item Python string
24065 A Python string is converted to a target string, using the current
24066 target encoding.
24067
24068 @item @code{gdb.Value}
24069 If @code{val} is a @code{gdb.Value}, then a copy of the value is made.
24070
24071 @item @code{gdb.LazyString}
24072 If @code{val} is a @code{gdb.LazyString} (@pxref{Lazy Strings In
24073 Python}), then the lazy string's @code{value} method is called, and
24074 its result is used.
24075 @end table
24076 @end defun
24077
24078 @defun Value.cast (type)
24079 Return a new instance of @code{gdb.Value} that is the result of
24080 casting this instance to the type described by @var{type}, which must
24081 be a @code{gdb.Type} object. If the cast cannot be performed for some
24082 reason, this method throws an exception.
24083 @end defun
24084
24085 @defun Value.dereference ()
24086 For pointer data types, this method returns a new @code{gdb.Value} object
24087 whose contents is the object pointed to by the pointer. For example, if
24088 @code{foo} is a C pointer to an @code{int}, declared in your C program as
24089
24090 @smallexample
24091 int *foo;
24092 @end smallexample
24093
24094 @noindent
24095 then you can use the corresponding @code{gdb.Value} to access what
24096 @code{foo} points to like this:
24097
24098 @smallexample
24099 bar = foo.dereference ()
24100 @end smallexample
24101
24102 The result @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Value} object holding the
24103 value pointed to by @code{foo}.
24104
24105 A similar function @code{Value.referenced_value} exists which also
24106 returns @code{gdb.Value} objects corresonding to the values pointed to
24107 by pointer values (and additionally, values referenced by reference
24108 values). However, the behavior of @code{Value.dereference}
24109 differs from @code{Value.referenced_value} by the fact that the
24110 behavior of @code{Value.dereference} is identical to applying the C
24111 unary operator @code{*} on a given value. For example, consider a
24112 reference to a pointer @code{ptrref}, declared in your C@t{++} program
24113 as
24114
24115 @smallexample
24116 typedef int *intptr;
24117 ...
24118 int val = 10;
24119 intptr ptr = &val;
24120 intptr &ptrref = ptr;
24121 @end smallexample
24122
24123 Though @code{ptrref} is a reference value, one can apply the method
24124 @code{Value.dereference} to the @code{gdb.Value} object corresponding
24125 to it and obtain a @code{gdb.Value} which is identical to that
24126 corresponding to @code{val}. However, if you apply the method
24127 @code{Value.referenced_value}, the result would be a @code{gdb.Value}
24128 object identical to that corresponding to @code{ptr}.
24129
24130 @smallexample
24131 py_ptrref = gdb.parse_and_eval ("ptrref")
24132 py_val = py_ptrref.dereference ()
24133 py_ptr = py_ptrref.referenced_value ()
24134 @end smallexample
24135
24136 The @code{gdb.Value} object @code{py_val} is identical to that
24137 corresponding to @code{val}, and @code{py_ptr} is identical to that
24138 corresponding to @code{ptr}. In general, @code{Value.dereference} can
24139 be applied whenever the C unary operator @code{*} can be applied
24140 to the corresponding C value. For those cases where applying both
24141 @code{Value.dereference} and @code{Value.referenced_value} is allowed,
24142 the results obtained need not be identical (as we have seen in the above
24143 example). The results are however identical when applied on
24144 @code{gdb.Value} objects corresponding to pointers (@code{gdb.Value}
24145 objects with type code @code{TYPE_CODE_PTR}) in a C/C@t{++} program.
24146 @end defun
24147
24148 @defun Value.referenced_value ()
24149 For pointer or reference data types, this method returns a new
24150 @code{gdb.Value} object corresponding to the value referenced by the
24151 pointer/reference value. For pointer data types,
24152 @code{Value.dereference} and @code{Value.referenced_value} produce
24153 identical results. The difference between these methods is that
24154 @code{Value.dereference} cannot get the values referenced by reference
24155 values. For example, consider a reference to an @code{int}, declared
24156 in your C@t{++} program as
24157
24158 @smallexample
24159 int val = 10;
24160 int &ref = val;
24161 @end smallexample
24162
24163 @noindent
24164 then applying @code{Value.dereference} to the @code{gdb.Value} object
24165 corresponding to @code{ref} will result in an error, while applying
24166 @code{Value.referenced_value} will result in a @code{gdb.Value} object
24167 identical to that corresponding to @code{val}.
24168
24169 @smallexample
24170 py_ref = gdb.parse_and_eval ("ref")
24171 er_ref = py_ref.dereference () # Results in error
24172 py_val = py_ref.referenced_value () # Returns the referenced value
24173 @end smallexample
24174
24175 The @code{gdb.Value} object @code{py_val} is identical to that
24176 corresponding to @code{val}.
24177 @end defun
24178
24179 @defun Value.dynamic_cast (type)
24180 Like @code{Value.cast}, but works as if the C@t{++} @code{dynamic_cast}
24181 operator were used. Consult a C@t{++} reference for details.
24182 @end defun
24183
24184 @defun Value.reinterpret_cast (type)
24185 Like @code{Value.cast}, but works as if the C@t{++} @code{reinterpret_cast}
24186 operator were used. Consult a C@t{++} reference for details.
24187 @end defun
24188
24189 @defun Value.string (@r{[}encoding@r{[}, errors@r{[}, length@r{]]]})
24190 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
24191 converts the contents to a Python string. Otherwise, this method will
24192 throw an exception.
24193
24194 Strings are recognized in a language-specific way; whether a given
24195 @code{gdb.Value} represents a string is determined by the current
24196 language.
24197
24198 For C-like languages, a value is a string if it is a pointer to or an
24199 array of characters or ints. The string is assumed to be terminated
24200 by a zero of the appropriate width. However if the optional length
24201 argument is given, the string will be converted to that given length,
24202 ignoring any embedded zeros that the string may contain.
24203
24204 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
24205 naming the encoding of the string in the @code{gdb.Value}, such as
24206 @code{"ascii"}, @code{"iso-8859-6"} or @code{"utf-8"}. It accepts
24207 the same encodings as the corresponding argument to Python's
24208 @code{string.decode} method, and the Python codec machinery will be used
24209 to convert the string. If @var{encoding} is not given, or if
24210 @var{encoding} is the empty string, then either the @code{target-charset}
24211 (@pxref{Character Sets}) will be used, or a language-specific encoding
24212 will be used, if the current language is able to supply one.
24213
24214 The optional @var{errors} argument is the same as the corresponding
24215 argument to Python's @code{string.decode} method.
24216
24217 If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
24218 fetched and converted to the given length.
24219 @end defun
24220
24221 @defun Value.lazy_string (@r{[}encoding @r{[}, length@r{]]})
24222 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
24223 converts the contents to a @code{gdb.LazyString} (@pxref{Lazy Strings
24224 In Python}). Otherwise, this method will throw an exception.
24225
24226 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
24227 naming the encoding of the @code{gdb.LazyString}. Some examples are:
24228 @samp{ascii}, @samp{iso-8859-6} or @samp{utf-8}. If the
24229 @var{encoding} argument is an encoding that @value{GDBN} does
24230 recognize, @value{GDBN} will raise an error.
24231
24232 When a lazy string is printed, the @value{GDBN} encoding machinery is
24233 used to convert the string during printing. If the optional
24234 @var{encoding} argument is not provided, or is an empty string,
24235 @value{GDBN} will automatically select the encoding most suitable for
24236 the string type. For further information on encoding in @value{GDBN}
24237 please see @ref{Character Sets}.
24238
24239 If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
24240 fetched and encoded to the length of characters specified. If
24241 the @var{length} argument is not provided, the string will be fetched
24242 and encoded until a null of appropriate width is found.
24243 @end defun
24244
24245 @defun Value.fetch_lazy ()
24246 If the @code{gdb.Value} object is currently a lazy value
24247 (@code{gdb.Value.is_lazy} is @code{True}), then the value is
24248 fetched from the inferior. Any errors that occur in the process
24249 will produce a Python exception.
24250
24251 If the @code{gdb.Value} object is not a lazy value, this method
24252 has no effect.
24253
24254 This method does not return a value.
24255 @end defun
24256
24257
24258 @node Types In Python
24259 @subsubsection Types In Python
24260 @cindex types in Python
24261 @cindex Python, working with types
24262
24263 @tindex gdb.Type
24264 @value{GDBN} represents types from the inferior using the class
24265 @code{gdb.Type}.
24266
24267 The following type-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
24268 module:
24269
24270 @findex gdb.lookup_type
24271 @defun gdb.lookup_type (name @r{[}, block@r{]})
24272 This function looks up a type by name. @var{name} is the name of the
24273 type to look up. It must be a string.
24274
24275 If @var{block} is given, then @var{name} is looked up in that scope.
24276 Otherwise, it is searched for globally.
24277
24278 Ordinarily, this function will return an instance of @code{gdb.Type}.
24279 If the named type cannot be found, it will throw an exception.
24280 @end defun
24281
24282 If the type is a structure or class type, or an enum type, the fields
24283 of that type can be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}.
24284 For example, if @code{some_type} is a @code{gdb.Type} instance holding
24285 a structure type, you can access its @code{foo} field with:
24286
24287 @smallexample
24288 bar = some_type['foo']
24289 @end smallexample
24290
24291 @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Field} object; see below under the
24292 description of the @code{Type.fields} method for a description of the
24293 @code{gdb.Field} class.
24294
24295 An instance of @code{Type} has the following attributes:
24296
24297 @defvar Type.code
24298 The type code for this type. The type code will be one of the
24299 @code{TYPE_CODE_} constants defined below.
24300 @end defvar
24301
24302 @defvar Type.sizeof
24303 The size of this type, in target @code{char} units. Usually, a
24304 target's @code{char} type will be an 8-bit byte. However, on some
24305 unusual platforms, this type may have a different size.
24306 @end defvar
24307
24308 @defvar Type.tag
24309 The tag name for this type. The tag name is the name after
24310 @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} in C and C@t{++}; not all
24311 languages have this concept. If this type has no tag name, then
24312 @code{None} is returned.
24313 @end defvar
24314
24315 The following methods are provided:
24316
24317 @defun Type.fields ()
24318 For structure and union types, this method returns the fields. Range
24319 types have two fields, the minimum and maximum values. Enum types
24320 have one field per enum constant. Function and method types have one
24321 field per parameter. The base types of C@t{++} classes are also
24322 represented as fields. If the type has no fields, or does not fit
24323 into one of these categories, an empty sequence will be returned.
24324
24325 Each field is a @code{gdb.Field} object, with some pre-defined attributes:
24326 @table @code
24327 @item bitpos
24328 This attribute is not available for @code{static} fields (as in
24329 C@t{++} or Java). For non-@code{static} fields, the value is the bit
24330 position of the field. For @code{enum} fields, the value is the
24331 enumeration member's integer representation.
24332
24333 @item name
24334 The name of the field, or @code{None} for anonymous fields.
24335
24336 @item artificial
24337 This is @code{True} if the field is artificial, usually meaning that
24338 it was provided by the compiler and not the user. This attribute is
24339 always provided, and is @code{False} if the field is not artificial.
24340
24341 @item is_base_class
24342 This is @code{True} if the field represents a base class of a C@t{++}
24343 structure. This attribute is always provided, and is @code{False}
24344 if the field is not a base class of the type that is the argument of
24345 @code{fields}, or if that type was not a C@t{++} class.
24346
24347 @item bitsize
24348 If the field is packed, or is a bitfield, then this will have a
24349 non-zero value, which is the size of the field in bits. Otherwise,
24350 this will be zero; in this case the field's size is given by its type.
24351
24352 @item type
24353 The type of the field. This is usually an instance of @code{Type},
24354 but it can be @code{None} in some situations.
24355 @end table
24356 @end defun
24357
24358 @defun Type.array (@var{n1} @r{[}, @var{n2}@r{]})
24359 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an array of this
24360 type. If one argument is given, it is the inclusive upper bound of
24361 the array; in this case the lower bound is zero. If two arguments are
24362 given, the first argument is the lower bound of the array, and the
24363 second argument is the upper bound of the array. An array's length
24364 must not be negative, but the bounds can be.
24365 @end defun
24366
24367 @defun Type.vector (@var{n1} @r{[}, @var{n2}@r{]})
24368 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a vector of this
24369 type. If one argument is given, it is the inclusive upper bound of
24370 the vector; in this case the lower bound is zero. If two arguments are
24371 given, the first argument is the lower bound of the vector, and the
24372 second argument is the upper bound of the vector. A vector's length
24373 must not be negative, but the bounds can be.
24374
24375 The difference between an @code{array} and a @code{vector} is that
24376 arrays behave like in C: when used in expressions they decay to a pointer
24377 to the first element whereas vectors are treated as first class values.
24378 @end defun
24379
24380 @defun Type.const ()
24381 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
24382 @code{const}-qualified variant of this type.
24383 @end defun
24384
24385 @defun Type.volatile ()
24386 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
24387 @code{volatile}-qualified variant of this type.
24388 @end defun
24389
24390 @defun Type.unqualified ()
24391 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an unqualified
24392 variant of this type. That is, the result is neither @code{const} nor
24393 @code{volatile}.
24394 @end defun
24395
24396 @defun Type.range ()
24397 Return a Python @code{Tuple} object that contains two elements: the
24398 low bound of the argument type and the high bound of that type. If
24399 the type does not have a range, @value{GDBN} will raise a
24400 @code{gdb.error} exception (@pxref{Exception Handling}).
24401 @end defun
24402
24403 @defun Type.reference ()
24404 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a reference to this
24405 type.
24406 @end defun
24407
24408 @defun Type.pointer ()
24409 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a pointer to this
24410 type.
24411 @end defun
24412
24413 @defun Type.strip_typedefs ()
24414 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} that represents the real type,
24415 after removing all layers of typedefs.
24416 @end defun
24417
24418 @defun Type.target ()
24419 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents the target type
24420 of this type.
24421
24422 For a pointer type, the target type is the type of the pointed-to
24423 object. For an array type (meaning C-like arrays), the target type is
24424 the type of the elements of the array. For a function or method type,
24425 the target type is the type of the return value. For a complex type,
24426 the target type is the type of the elements. For a typedef, the
24427 target type is the aliased type.
24428
24429 If the type does not have a target, this method will throw an
24430 exception.
24431 @end defun
24432
24433 @defun Type.template_argument (n @r{[}, block@r{]})
24434 If this @code{gdb.Type} is an instantiation of a template, this will
24435 return a new @code{gdb.Type} which represents the type of the
24436 @var{n}th template argument.
24437
24438 If this @code{gdb.Type} is not a template type, this will throw an
24439 exception. Ordinarily, only C@t{++} code will have template types.
24440
24441 If @var{block} is given, then @var{name} is looked up in that scope.
24442 Otherwise, it is searched for globally.
24443 @end defun
24444
24445
24446 Each type has a code, which indicates what category this type falls
24447 into. The available type categories are represented by constants
24448 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
24449
24450 @table @code
24451 @findex TYPE_CODE_PTR
24452 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_PTR
24453 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_PTR
24454 The type is a pointer.
24455
24456 @findex TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
24457 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
24458 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
24459 The type is an array.
24460
24461 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
24462 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
24463 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
24464 The type is a structure.
24465
24466 @findex TYPE_CODE_UNION
24467 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_UNION
24468 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_UNION
24469 The type is a union.
24470
24471 @findex TYPE_CODE_ENUM
24472 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ENUM
24473 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_ENUM
24474 The type is an enum.
24475
24476 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
24477 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
24478 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
24479 A bit flags type, used for things such as status registers.
24480
24481 @findex TYPE_CODE_FUNC
24482 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FUNC
24483 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_FUNC
24484 The type is a function.
24485
24486 @findex TYPE_CODE_INT
24487 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INT
24488 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_INT
24489 The type is an integer type.
24490
24491 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLT
24492 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLT
24493 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLT
24494 A floating point type.
24495
24496 @findex TYPE_CODE_VOID
24497 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_VOID
24498 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_VOID
24499 The special type @code{void}.
24500
24501 @findex TYPE_CODE_SET
24502 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_SET
24503 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_SET
24504 A Pascal set type.
24505
24506 @findex TYPE_CODE_RANGE
24507 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_RANGE
24508 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_RANGE
24509 A range type, that is, an integer type with bounds.
24510
24511 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRING
24512 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRING
24513 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRING
24514 A string type. Note that this is only used for certain languages with
24515 language-defined string types; C strings are not represented this way.
24516
24517 @findex TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
24518 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
24519 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
24520 A string of bits. It is deprecated.
24521
24522 @findex TYPE_CODE_ERROR
24523 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ERROR
24524 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_ERROR
24525 An unknown or erroneous type.
24526
24527 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHOD
24528 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHOD
24529 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHOD
24530 A method type, as found in C@t{++} or Java.
24531
24532 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
24533 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
24534 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
24535 A pointer-to-member-function.
24536
24537 @findex TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
24538 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
24539 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
24540 A pointer-to-member.
24541
24542 @findex TYPE_CODE_REF
24543 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_REF
24544 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_REF
24545 A reference type.
24546
24547 @findex TYPE_CODE_CHAR
24548 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_CHAR
24549 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_CHAR
24550 A character type.
24551
24552 @findex TYPE_CODE_BOOL
24553 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BOOL
24554 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_BOOL
24555 A boolean type.
24556
24557 @findex TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
24558 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
24559 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
24560 A complex float type.
24561
24562 @findex TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
24563 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
24564 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
24565 A typedef to some other type.
24566
24567 @findex TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
24568 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
24569 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
24570 A C@t{++} namespace.
24571
24572 @findex TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
24573 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
24574 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
24575 A decimal floating point type.
24576
24577 @findex TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
24578 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
24579 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
24580 A function internal to @value{GDBN}. This is the type used to represent
24581 convenience functions.
24582 @end table
24583
24584 Further support for types is provided in the @code{gdb.types}
24585 Python module (@pxref{gdb.types}).
24586
24587 @node Pretty Printing API
24588 @subsubsection Pretty Printing API
24589
24590 An example output is provided (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
24591
24592 A pretty-printer is just an object that holds a value and implements a
24593 specific interface, defined here.
24594
24595 @defun pretty_printer.children (self)
24596 @value{GDBN} will call this method on a pretty-printer to compute the
24597 children of the pretty-printer's value.
24598
24599 This method must return an object conforming to the Python iterator
24600 protocol. Each item returned by the iterator must be a tuple holding
24601 two elements. The first element is the ``name'' of the child; the
24602 second element is the child's value. The value can be any Python
24603 object which is convertible to a @value{GDBN} value.
24604
24605 This method is optional. If it does not exist, @value{GDBN} will act
24606 as though the value has no children.
24607 @end defun
24608
24609 @defun pretty_printer.display_hint (self)
24610 The CLI may call this method and use its result to change the
24611 formatting of a value. The result will also be supplied to an MI
24612 consumer as a @samp{displayhint} attribute of the variable being
24613 printed.
24614
24615 This method is optional. If it does exist, this method must return a
24616 string.
24617
24618 Some display hints are predefined by @value{GDBN}:
24619
24620 @table @samp
24621 @item array
24622 Indicate that the object being printed is ``array-like''. The CLI
24623 uses this to respect parameters such as @code{set print elements} and
24624 @code{set print array}.
24625
24626 @item map
24627 Indicate that the object being printed is ``map-like'', and that the
24628 children of this value can be assumed to alternate between keys and
24629 values.
24630
24631 @item string
24632 Indicate that the object being printed is ``string-like''. If the
24633 printer's @code{to_string} method returns a Python string of some
24634 kind, then @value{GDBN} will call its internal language-specific
24635 string-printing function to format the string. For the CLI this means
24636 adding quotation marks, possibly escaping some characters, respecting
24637 @code{set print elements}, and the like.
24638 @end table
24639 @end defun
24640
24641 @defun pretty_printer.to_string (self)
24642 @value{GDBN} will call this method to display the string
24643 representation of the value passed to the object's constructor.
24644
24645 When printing from the CLI, if the @code{to_string} method exists,
24646 then @value{GDBN} will prepend its result to the values returned by
24647 @code{children}. Exactly how this formatting is done is dependent on
24648 the display hint, and may change as more hints are added. Also,
24649 depending on the print settings (@pxref{Print Settings}), the CLI may
24650 print just the result of @code{to_string} in a stack trace, omitting
24651 the result of @code{children}.
24652
24653 If this method returns a string, it is printed verbatim.
24654
24655 Otherwise, if this method returns an instance of @code{gdb.Value},
24656 then @value{GDBN} prints this value. This may result in a call to
24657 another pretty-printer.
24658
24659 If instead the method returns a Python value which is convertible to a
24660 @code{gdb.Value}, then @value{GDBN} performs the conversion and prints
24661 the resulting value. Again, this may result in a call to another
24662 pretty-printer. Python scalars (integers, floats, and booleans) and
24663 strings are convertible to @code{gdb.Value}; other types are not.
24664
24665 Finally, if this method returns @code{None} then no further operations
24666 are peformed in this method and nothing is printed.
24667
24668 If the result is not one of these types, an exception is raised.
24669 @end defun
24670
24671 @value{GDBN} provides a function which can be used to look up the
24672 default pretty-printer for a @code{gdb.Value}:
24673
24674 @findex gdb.default_visualizer
24675 @defun gdb.default_visualizer (value)
24676 This function takes a @code{gdb.Value} object as an argument. If a
24677 pretty-printer for this value exists, then it is returned. If no such
24678 printer exists, then this returns @code{None}.
24679 @end defun
24680
24681 @node Selecting Pretty-Printers
24682 @subsubsection Selecting Pretty-Printers
24683
24684 The Python list @code{gdb.pretty_printers} contains an array of
24685 functions or callable objects that have been registered via addition
24686 as a pretty-printer. Printers in this list are called @code{global}
24687 printers, they're available when debugging all inferiors.
24688 Each @code{gdb.Progspace} contains a @code{pretty_printers} attribute.
24689 Each @code{gdb.Objfile} also contains a @code{pretty_printers}
24690 attribute.
24691
24692 Each function on these lists is passed a single @code{gdb.Value}
24693 argument and should return a pretty-printer object conforming to the
24694 interface definition above (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}). If a function
24695 cannot create a pretty-printer for the value, it should return
24696 @code{None}.
24697
24698 @value{GDBN} first checks the @code{pretty_printers} attribute of each
24699 @code{gdb.Objfile} in the current program space and iteratively calls
24700 each enabled lookup routine in the list for that @code{gdb.Objfile}
24701 until it receives a pretty-printer object.
24702 If no pretty-printer is found in the objfile lists, @value{GDBN} then
24703 searches the pretty-printer list of the current program space,
24704 calling each enabled function until an object is returned.
24705 After these lists have been exhausted, it tries the global
24706 @code{gdb.pretty_printers} list, again calling each enabled function until an
24707 object is returned.
24708
24709 The order in which the objfiles are searched is not specified. For a
24710 given list, functions are always invoked from the head of the list,
24711 and iterated over sequentially until the end of the list, or a printer
24712 object is returned.
24713
24714 For various reasons a pretty-printer may not work.
24715 For example, the underlying data structure may have changed and
24716 the pretty-printer is out of date.
24717
24718 The consequences of a broken pretty-printer are severe enough that
24719 @value{GDBN} provides support for enabling and disabling individual
24720 printers. For example, if @code{print frame-arguments} is on,
24721 a backtrace can become highly illegible if any argument is printed
24722 with a broken printer.
24723
24724 Pretty-printers are enabled and disabled by attaching an @code{enabled}
24725 attribute to the registered function or callable object. If this attribute
24726 is present and its value is @code{False}, the printer is disabled, otherwise
24727 the printer is enabled.
24728
24729 @node Writing a Pretty-Printer
24730 @subsubsection Writing a Pretty-Printer
24731 @cindex writing a pretty-printer
24732
24733 A pretty-printer consists of two parts: a lookup function to detect
24734 if the type is supported, and the printer itself.
24735
24736 Here is an example showing how a @code{std::string} printer might be
24737 written. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for details on the API this class
24738 must provide.
24739
24740 @smallexample
24741 class StdStringPrinter(object):
24742 "Print a std::string"
24743
24744 def __init__(self, val):
24745 self.val = val
24746
24747 def to_string(self):
24748 return self.val['_M_dataplus']['_M_p']
24749
24750 def display_hint(self):
24751 return 'string'
24752 @end smallexample
24753
24754 And here is an example showing how a lookup function for the printer
24755 example above might be written.
24756
24757 @smallexample
24758 def str_lookup_function(val):
24759 lookup_tag = val.type.tag
24760 if lookup_tag == None:
24761 return None
24762 regex = re.compile("^std::basic_string<char,.*>$")
24763 if regex.match(lookup_tag):
24764 return StdStringPrinter(val)
24765 return None
24766 @end smallexample
24767
24768 The example lookup function extracts the value's type, and attempts to
24769 match it to a type that it can pretty-print. If it is a type the
24770 printer can pretty-print, it will return a printer object. If not, it
24771 returns @code{None}.
24772
24773 We recommend that you put your core pretty-printers into a Python
24774 package. If your pretty-printers are for use with a library, we
24775 further recommend embedding a version number into the package name.
24776 This practice will enable @value{GDBN} to load multiple versions of
24777 your pretty-printers at the same time, because they will have
24778 different names.
24779
24780 You should write auto-loaded code (@pxref{Python Auto-loading}) such that it
24781 can be evaluated multiple times without changing its meaning. An
24782 ideal auto-load file will consist solely of @code{import}s of your
24783 printer modules, followed by a call to a register pretty-printers with
24784 the current objfile.
24785
24786 Taken as a whole, this approach will scale nicely to multiple
24787 inferiors, each potentially using a different library version.
24788 Embedding a version number in the Python package name will ensure that
24789 @value{GDBN} is able to load both sets of printers simultaneously.
24790 Then, because the search for pretty-printers is done by objfile, and
24791 because your auto-loaded code took care to register your library's
24792 printers with a specific objfile, @value{GDBN} will find the correct
24793 printers for the specific version of the library used by each
24794 inferior.
24795
24796 To continue the @code{std::string} example (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}),
24797 this code might appear in @code{gdb.libstdcxx.v6}:
24798
24799 @smallexample
24800 def register_printers(objfile):
24801 objfile.pretty_printers.append(str_lookup_function)
24802 @end smallexample
24803
24804 @noindent
24805 And then the corresponding contents of the auto-load file would be:
24806
24807 @smallexample
24808 import gdb.libstdcxx.v6
24809 gdb.libstdcxx.v6.register_printers(gdb.current_objfile())
24810 @end smallexample
24811
24812 The previous example illustrates a basic pretty-printer.
24813 There are a few things that can be improved on.
24814 The printer doesn't have a name, making it hard to identify in a
24815 list of installed printers. The lookup function has a name, but
24816 lookup functions can have arbitrary, even identical, names.
24817
24818 Second, the printer only handles one type, whereas a library typically has
24819 several types. One could install a lookup function for each desired type
24820 in the library, but one could also have a single lookup function recognize
24821 several types. The latter is the conventional way this is handled.
24822 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
24823 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
24824
24825 The @code{gdb.printing} module provides a formal way of solving these
24826 problems (@pxref{gdb.printing}).
24827 Here is another example that handles multiple types.
24828
24829 These are the types we are going to pretty-print:
24830
24831 @smallexample
24832 struct foo @{ int a, b; @};
24833 struct bar @{ struct foo x, y; @};
24834 @end smallexample
24835
24836 Here are the printers:
24837
24838 @smallexample
24839 class fooPrinter:
24840 """Print a foo object."""
24841
24842 def __init__(self, val):
24843 self.val = val
24844
24845 def to_string(self):
24846 return ("a=<" + str(self.val["a"]) +
24847 "> b=<" + str(self.val["b"]) + ">")
24848
24849 class barPrinter:
24850 """Print a bar object."""
24851
24852 def __init__(self, val):
24853 self.val = val
24854
24855 def to_string(self):
24856 return ("x=<" + str(self.val["x"]) +
24857 "> y=<" + str(self.val["y"]) + ">")
24858 @end smallexample
24859
24860 This example doesn't need a lookup function, that is handled by the
24861 @code{gdb.printing} module. Instead a function is provided to build up
24862 the object that handles the lookup.
24863
24864 @smallexample
24865 import gdb.printing
24866
24867 def build_pretty_printer():
24868 pp = gdb.printing.RegexpCollectionPrettyPrinter(
24869 "my_library")
24870 pp.add_printer('foo', '^foo$', fooPrinter)
24871 pp.add_printer('bar', '^bar$', barPrinter)
24872 return pp
24873 @end smallexample
24874
24875 And here is the autoload support:
24876
24877 @smallexample
24878 import gdb.printing
24879 import my_library
24880 gdb.printing.register_pretty_printer(
24881 gdb.current_objfile(),
24882 my_library.build_pretty_printer())
24883 @end smallexample
24884
24885 Finally, when this printer is loaded into @value{GDBN}, here is the
24886 corresponding output of @samp{info pretty-printer}:
24887
24888 @smallexample
24889 (gdb) info pretty-printer
24890 my_library.so:
24891 my_library
24892 foo
24893 bar
24894 @end smallexample
24895
24896 @node Type Printing API
24897 @subsubsection Type Printing API
24898 @cindex type printing API for Python
24899
24900 @value{GDBN} provides a way for Python code to customize type display.
24901 This is mainly useful for substituting canonical typedef names for
24902 types.
24903
24904 @cindex type printer
24905 A @dfn{type printer} is just a Python object conforming to a certain
24906 protocol. A simple base class implementing the protocol is provided;
24907 see @ref{gdb.types}. A type printer must supply at least:
24908
24909 @defivar type_printer enabled
24910 A boolean which is True if the printer is enabled, and False
24911 otherwise. This is manipulated by the @code{enable type-printer}
24912 and @code{disable type-printer} commands.
24913 @end defivar
24914
24915 @defivar type_printer name
24916 The name of the type printer. This must be a string. This is used by
24917 the @code{enable type-printer} and @code{disable type-printer}
24918 commands.
24919 @end defivar
24920
24921 @defmethod type_printer instantiate (self)
24922 This is called by @value{GDBN} at the start of type-printing. It is
24923 only called if the type printer is enabled. This method must return a
24924 new object that supplies a @code{recognize} method, as described below.
24925 @end defmethod
24926
24927
24928 When displaying a type, say via the @code{ptype} command, @value{GDBN}
24929 will compute a list of type recognizers. This is done by iterating
24930 first over the per-objfile type printers (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}),
24931 followed by the per-progspace type printers (@pxref{Progspaces In
24932 Python}), and finally the global type printers.
24933
24934 @value{GDBN} will call the @code{instantiate} method of each enabled
24935 type printer. If this method returns @code{None}, then the result is
24936 ignored; otherwise, it is appended to the list of recognizers.
24937
24938 Then, when @value{GDBN} is going to display a type name, it iterates
24939 over the list of recognizers. For each one, it calls the recognition
24940 function, stopping if the function returns a non-@code{None} value.
24941 The recognition function is defined as:
24942
24943 @defmethod type_recognizer recognize (self, type)
24944 If @var{type} is not recognized, return @code{None}. Otherwise,
24945 return a string which is to be printed as the name of @var{type}.
24946 @var{type} will be an instance of @code{gdb.Type} (@pxref{Types In
24947 Python}).
24948 @end defmethod
24949
24950 @value{GDBN} uses this two-pass approach so that type printers can
24951 efficiently cache information without holding on to it too long. For
24952 example, it can be convenient to look up type information in a type
24953 printer and hold it for a recognizer's lifetime; if a single pass were
24954 done then type printers would have to make use of the event system in
24955 order to avoid holding information that could become stale as the
24956 inferior changed.
24957
24958 @node Frame Filter API
24959 @subsubsection Filtering Frames.
24960 @cindex frame filters api
24961
24962 Frame filters are Python objects that manipulate the visibility of a
24963 frame or frames when a backtrace (@pxref{Backtrace}) is printed by
24964 @value{GDBN}.
24965
24966 Only commands that print a backtrace, or, in the case of @sc{gdb/mi}
24967 commands (@pxref{GDB/MI}), those that return a collection of frames
24968 are affected. The commands that work with frame filters are:
24969
24970 @code{backtrace} (@pxref{backtrace-command,, The backtrace command}),
24971 @code{-stack-list-frames}
24972 (@pxref{-stack-list-frames,, The -stack-list-frames command}),
24973 @code{-stack-list-variables} (@pxref{-stack-list-variables,, The
24974 -stack-list-variables command}), @code{-stack-list-arguments}
24975 @pxref{-stack-list-arguments,, The -stack-list-arguments command}) and
24976 @code{-stack-list-locals} (@pxref{-stack-list-locals,, The
24977 -stack-list-locals command}).
24978
24979 A frame filter works by taking an iterator as an argument, applying
24980 actions to the contents of that iterator, and returning another
24981 iterator (or, possibly, the same iterator it was provided in the case
24982 where the filter does not perform any operations). Typically, frame
24983 filters utilize tools such as the Python's @code{itertools} module to
24984 work with and create new iterators from the source iterator.
24985 Regardless of how a filter chooses to apply actions, it must not alter
24986 the underlying @value{GDBN} frame or frames, or attempt to alter the
24987 call-stack within @value{GDBN}. This preserves data integrity within
24988 @value{GDBN}. Frame filters are executed on a priority basis and care
24989 should be taken that some frame filters may have been executed before,
24990 and that some frame filters will be executed after.
24991
24992 An important consideration when designing frame filters, and well
24993 worth reflecting upon, is that frame filters should avoid unwinding
24994 the call stack if possible. Some stacks can run very deep, into the
24995 tens of thousands in some cases. To search every frame when a frame
24996 filter executes may be too expensive at that step. The frame filter
24997 cannot know how many frames it has to iterate over, and it may have to
24998 iterate through them all. This ends up duplicating effort as
24999 @value{GDBN} performs this iteration when it prints the frames. If
25000 the filter can defer unwinding frames until frame decorators are
25001 executed, after the last filter has executed, it should. @xref{Frame
25002 Decorator API}, for more information on decorators. Also, there are
25003 examples for both frame decorators and filters in later chapters.
25004 @xref{Writing a Frame Filter}, for more information.
25005
25006 The Python dictionary @code{gdb.frame_filters} contains key/object
25007 pairings that comprise a frame filter. Frame filters in this
25008 dictionary are called @code{global} frame filters, and they are
25009 available when debugging all inferiors. These frame filters must
25010 register with the dictionary directly. In addition to the
25011 @code{global} dictionary, there are other dictionaries that are loaded
25012 with different inferiors via auto-loading (@pxref{Python
25013 Auto-loading}). The two other areas where frame filter dictionaries
25014 can be found are: @code{gdb.Progspace} which contains a
25015 @code{frame_filters} dictionary attribute, and each @code{gdb.Objfile}
25016 object which also contains a @code{frame_filters} dictionary
25017 attribute.
25018
25019 When a command is executed from @value{GDBN} that is compatible with
25020 frame filters, @value{GDBN} combines the @code{global},
25021 @code{gdb.Progspace} and all @code{gdb.Objfile} dictionaries currently
25022 loaded. All of the @code{gdb.Objfile} dictionaries are combined, as
25023 several frames, and thus several object files, might be in use.
25024 @value{GDBN} then prunes any frame filter whose @code{enabled}
25025 attribute is @code{False}. This pruned list is then sorted according
25026 to the @code{priority} attribute in each filter.
25027
25028 Once the dictionaries are combined, pruned and sorted, @value{GDBN}
25029 creates an iterator which wraps each frame in the call stack in a
25030 @code{FrameDecorator} object, and calls each filter in order. The
25031 output from the previous filter will always be the input to the next
25032 filter, and so on.
25033
25034 Frame filters have a mandatory interface which each frame filter must
25035 implement, defined here:
25036
25037 @defun FrameFilter.filter (iterator)
25038 @value{GDBN} will call this method on a frame filter when it has
25039 reached the order in the priority list for that filter.
25040
25041 For example, if there are four frame filters:
25042
25043 @smallexample
25044 Name Priority
25045
25046 Filter1 5
25047 Filter2 10
25048 Filter3 100
25049 Filter4 1
25050 @end smallexample
25051
25052 The order that the frame filters will be called is:
25053
25054 @smallexample
25055 Filter3 -> Filter2 -> Filter1 -> Filter4
25056 @end smallexample
25057
25058 Note that the output from @code{Filter3} is passed to the input of
25059 @code{Filter2}, and so on.
25060
25061 This @code{filter} method is passed a Python iterator. This iterator
25062 contains a sequence of frame decorators that wrap each
25063 @code{gdb.Frame}, or a frame decorator that wraps another frame
25064 decorator. The first filter that is executed in the sequence of frame
25065 filters will receive an iterator entirely comprised of default
25066 @code{FrameDecorator} objects. However, after each frame filter is
25067 executed, the previous frame filter may have wrapped some or all of
25068 the frame decorators with their own frame decorator. As frame
25069 decorators must also conform to a mandatory interface, these
25070 decorators can be assumed to act in a uniform manner (@pxref{Frame
25071 Decorator API}).
25072
25073 This method must return an object conforming to the Python iterator
25074 protocol. Each item in the iterator must be an object conforming to
25075 the frame decorator interface. If a frame filter does not wish to
25076 perform any operations on this iterator, it should return that
25077 iterator untouched.
25078
25079 This method is not optional. If it does not exist, @value{GDBN} will
25080 raise and print an error.
25081 @end defun
25082
25083 @defvar FrameFilter.name
25084 The @code{name} attribute must be Python string which contains the
25085 name of the filter displayed by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Frame Filter
25086 Management}). This attribute may contain any combination of letters
25087 or numbers. Care should be taken to ensure that it is unique. This
25088 attribute is mandatory.
25089 @end defvar
25090
25091 @defvar FrameFilter.enabled
25092 The @code{enabled} attribute must be Python boolean. This attribute
25093 indicates to @value{GDBN} whether the frame filter is enabled, and
25094 should be considered when frame filters are executed. If
25095 @code{enabled} is @code{True}, then the frame filter will be executed
25096 when any of the backtrace commands detailed earlier in this chapter
25097 are executed. If @code{enabled} is @code{False}, then the frame
25098 filter will not be executed. This attribute is mandatory.
25099 @end defvar
25100
25101 @defvar FrameFilter.priority
25102 The @code{priority} attribute must be Python integer. This attribute
25103 controls the order of execution in relation to other frame filters.
25104 There are no imposed limits on the range of @code{priority} other than
25105 it must be a valid integer. The higher the @code{priority} attribute,
25106 the sooner the frame filter will be executed in relation to other
25107 frame filters. Although @code{priority} can be negative, it is
25108 recommended practice to assume zero is the lowest priority that a
25109 frame filter can be assigned. Frame filters that have the same
25110 priority are executed in unsorted order in that priority slot. This
25111 attribute is mandatory.
25112 @end defvar
25113
25114 @node Frame Decorator API
25115 @subsubsection Decorating Frames.
25116 @cindex frame decorator api
25117
25118 Frame decorators are sister objects to frame filters (@pxref{Frame
25119 Filter API}). Frame decorators are applied by a frame filter and can
25120 only be used in conjunction with frame filters.
25121
25122 The purpose of a frame decorator is to customize the printed content
25123 of each @code{gdb.Frame} in commands where frame filters are executed.
25124 This concept is called decorating a frame. Frame decorators decorate
25125 a @code{gdb.Frame} with Python code contained within each API call.
25126 This separates the actual data contained in a @code{gdb.Frame} from
25127 the decorated data produced by a frame decorator. This abstraction is
25128 necessary to maintain integrity of the data contained in each
25129 @code{gdb.Frame}.
25130
25131 Frame decorators have a mandatory interface, defined below.
25132
25133 @value{GDBN} already contains a frame decorator called
25134 @code{FrameDecorator}. This contains substantial amounts of
25135 boilerplate code to decorate the content of a @code{gdb.Frame}. It is
25136 recommended that other frame decorators inherit and extend this
25137 object, and only to override the methods needed.
25138
25139 @defun FrameDecorator.elided (self)
25140
25141 The @code{elided} method groups frames together in a hierarchical
25142 system. An example would be an interpreter, where multiple low-level
25143 frames make up a single call in the interpreted language. In this
25144 example, the frame filter would elide the low-level frames and present
25145 a single high-level frame, representing the call in the interpreted
25146 language, to the user.
25147
25148 The @code{elided} function must return an iterable and this iterable
25149 must contain the frames that are being elided wrapped in a suitable
25150 frame decorator. If no frames are being elided this function may
25151 return an empty iterable, or @code{None}. Elided frames are indented
25152 from normal frames in a @code{CLI} backtrace, or in the case of
25153 @code{GDB/MI}, are placed in the @code{children} field of the eliding
25154 frame.
25155
25156 It is the frame filter's task to also filter out the elided frames from
25157 the source iterator. This will avoid printing the frame twice.
25158 @end defun
25159
25160 @defun FrameDecorator.function (self)
25161
25162 This method returns the name of the function in the frame that is to
25163 be printed.
25164
25165 This method must return a Python string describing the function, or
25166 @code{None}.
25167
25168 If this function returns @code{None}, @value{GDBN} will not print any
25169 data for this field.
25170 @end defun
25171
25172 @defun FrameDecorator.address (self)
25173
25174 This method returns the address of the frame that is to be printed.
25175
25176 This method must return a Python numeric integer type of sufficient
25177 size to describe the address of the frame, or @code{None}.
25178
25179 If this function returns a @code{None}, @value{GDBN} will not print
25180 any data for this field.
25181 @end defun
25182
25183 @defun FrameDecorator.filename (self)
25184
25185 This method returns the filename and path associated with this frame.
25186
25187 This method must return a Python string containing the filename and
25188 the path to the object file backing the frame, or @code{None}.
25189
25190 If this function returns a @code{None}, @value{GDBN} will not print
25191 any data for this field.
25192 @end defun
25193
25194 @defun FrameDecorator.line (self):
25195
25196 This method returns the line number associated with the current
25197 position within the function addressed by this frame.
25198
25199 This method must return a Python integer type, or @code{None}.
25200
25201 If this function returns a @code{None}, @value{GDBN} will not print
25202 any data for this field.
25203 @end defun
25204
25205 @defun FrameDecorator.frame_args (self)
25206 @anchor{frame_args}
25207
25208 This method must return an iterable, or @code{None}. Returning an
25209 empty iterable, or @code{None} means frame arguments will not be
25210 printed for this frame. This iterable must contain objects that
25211 implement two methods, described here.
25212
25213 This object must implement a @code{argument} method which takes a
25214 single @code{self} parameter and must return a @code{gdb.Symbol}
25215 (@pxref{Symbols In Python}), or a Python string. The object must also
25216 implement a @code{value} method which takes a single @code{self}
25217 parameter and must return a @code{gdb.Value} (@pxref{Values From
25218 Inferior}), a Python value, or @code{None}. If the @code{value}
25219 method returns @code{None}, and the @code{argument} method returns a
25220 @code{gdb.Symbol}, @value{GDBN} will look-up and print the value of
25221 the @code{gdb.Symbol} automatically.
25222
25223 A brief example:
25224
25225 @smallexample
25226 class SymValueWrapper():
25227
25228 def __init__(self, symbol, value):
25229 self.sym = symbol
25230 self.val = value
25231
25232 def value(self):
25233 return self.val
25234
25235 def symbol(self):
25236 return self.sym
25237
25238 class SomeFrameDecorator()
25239 ...
25240 ...
25241 def frame_args(self):
25242 args = []
25243 try:
25244 block = self.inferior_frame.block()
25245 except:
25246 return None
25247
25248 # Iterate over all symbols in a block. Only add
25249 # symbols that are arguments.
25250 for sym in block:
25251 if not sym.is_argument:
25252 continue
25253 args.append(SymValueWrapper(sym,None))
25254
25255 # Add example synthetic argument.
25256 args.append(SymValueWrapper(``foo'', 42))
25257
25258 return args
25259 @end smallexample
25260 @end defun
25261
25262 @defun FrameDecorator.frame_locals (self)
25263
25264 This method must return an iterable or @code{None}. Returning an
25265 empty iterable, or @code{None} means frame local arguments will not be
25266 printed for this frame.
25267
25268 The object interface, the description of the various strategies for
25269 reading frame locals, and the example are largely similar to those
25270 described in the @code{frame_args} function, (@pxref{frame_args,,The
25271 frame filter frame_args function}). Below is a modified example:
25272
25273 @smallexample
25274 class SomeFrameDecorator()
25275 ...
25276 ...
25277 def frame_locals(self):
25278 vars = []
25279 try:
25280 block = self.inferior_frame.block()
25281 except:
25282 return None
25283
25284 # Iterate over all symbols in a block. Add all
25285 # symbols, except arguments.
25286 for sym in block:
25287 if sym.is_argument:
25288 continue
25289 vars.append(SymValueWrapper(sym,None))
25290
25291 # Add an example of a synthetic local variable.
25292 vars.append(SymValueWrapper(``bar'', 99))
25293
25294 return vars
25295 @end smallexample
25296 @end defun
25297
25298 @defun FrameDecorator.inferior_frame (self):
25299
25300 This method must return the underlying @code{gdb.Frame} that this
25301 frame decorator is decorating. @value{GDBN} requires the underlying
25302 frame for internal frame information to determine how to print certain
25303 values when printing a frame.
25304 @end defun
25305
25306 @node Writing a Frame Filter
25307 @subsubsection Writing a Frame Filter
25308 @cindex writing a frame filter
25309
25310 There are three basic elements that a frame filter must implement: it
25311 must correctly implement the documented interface (@pxref{Frame Filter
25312 API}), it must register itself with @value{GDBN}, and finally, it must
25313 decide if it is to work on the data provided by @value{GDBN}. In all
25314 cases, whether it works on the iterator or not, each frame filter must
25315 return an iterator. A bare-bones frame filter follows the pattern in
25316 the following example.
25317
25318 @smallexample
25319 import gdb
25320
25321 class FrameFilter():
25322
25323 def __init__(self):
25324 # Frame filter attribute creation.
25325 #
25326 # 'name' is the name of the filter that GDB will display.
25327 #
25328 # 'priority' is the priority of the filter relative to other
25329 # filters.
25330 #
25331 # 'enabled' is a boolean that indicates whether this filter is
25332 # enabled and should be executed.
25333
25334 self.name = "Foo"
25335 self.priority = 100
25336 self.enabled = True
25337
25338 # Register this frame filter with the global frame_filters
25339 # dictionary.
25340 gdb.frame_filters[self.name] = self
25341
25342 def filter(self, frame_iter):
25343 # Just return the iterator.
25344 return frame_iter
25345 @end smallexample
25346
25347 The frame filter in the example above implements the three
25348 requirements for all frame filters. It implements the API, self
25349 registers, and makes a decision on the iterator (in this case, it just
25350 returns the iterator untouched).
25351
25352 The first step is attribute creation and assignment, and as shown in
25353 the comments the filter assigns the following attributes: @code{name},
25354 @code{priority} and whether the filter should be enabled with the
25355 @code{enabled} attribute.
25356
25357 The second step is registering the frame filter with the dictionary or
25358 dictionaries that the frame filter has interest in. As shown in the
25359 comments, this filter just registers itself with the global dictionary
25360 @code{gdb.frame_filters}. As noted earlier, @code{gdb.frame_filters}
25361 is a dictionary that is initialized in the @code{gdb} module when
25362 @value{GDBN} starts. What dictionary a filter registers with is an
25363 important consideration. Generally, if a filter is specific to a set
25364 of code, it should be registered either in the @code{objfile} or
25365 @code{progspace} dictionaries as they are specific to the program
25366 currently loaded in @value{GDBN}. The global dictionary is always
25367 present in @value{GDBN} and is never unloaded. Any filters registered
25368 with the global dictionary will exist until @value{GDBN} exits. To
25369 avoid filters that may conflict, it is generally better to register
25370 frame filters against the dictionaries that more closely align with
25371 the usage of the filter currently in question. @xref{Python
25372 Auto-loading}, for further information on auto-loading Python scripts.
25373
25374 @value{GDBN} takes a hands-off approach to frame filter registration,
25375 therefore it is the frame filter's responsibility to ensure
25376 registration has occurred, and that any exceptions are handled
25377 appropriately. In particular, you may wish to handle exceptions
25378 relating to Python dictionary key uniqueness. It is mandatory that
25379 the dictionary key is the same as frame filter's @code{name}
25380 attribute. When a user manages frame filters (@pxref{Frame Filter
25381 Management}), the names @value{GDBN} will display are those contained
25382 in the @code{name} attribute.
25383
25384 The final step of this example is the implementation of the
25385 @code{filter} method. As shown in the example comments, we define the
25386 @code{filter} method and note that the method must take an iterator,
25387 and also must return an iterator. In this bare-bones example, the
25388 frame filter is not very useful as it just returns the iterator
25389 untouched. However this is a valid operation for frame filters that
25390 have the @code{enabled} attribute set, but decide not to operate on
25391 any frames.
25392
25393 In the next example, the frame filter operates on all frames and
25394 utilizes a frame decorator to perform some work on the frames.
25395 @xref{Frame Decorator API}, for further information on the frame
25396 decorator interface.
25397
25398 This example works on inlined frames. It highlights frames which are
25399 inlined by tagging them with an ``[inlined]'' tag. By applying a
25400 frame decorator to all frames with the Python @code{itertools imap}
25401 method, the example defers actions to the frame decorator. Frame
25402 decorators are only processed when @value{GDBN} prints the backtrace.
25403
25404 This introduces a new decision making topic: whether to perform
25405 decision making operations at the filtering step, or at the printing
25406 step. In this example's approach, it does not perform any filtering
25407 decisions at the filtering step beyond mapping a frame decorator to
25408 each frame. This allows the actual decision making to be performed
25409 when each frame is printed. This is an important consideration, and
25410 well worth reflecting upon when designing a frame filter. An issue
25411 that frame filters should avoid is unwinding the stack if possible.
25412 Some stacks can run very deep, into the tens of thousands in some
25413 cases. To search every frame to determine if it is inlined ahead of
25414 time may be too expensive at the filtering step. The frame filter
25415 cannot know how many frames it has to iterate over, and it would have
25416 to iterate through them all. This ends up duplicating effort as
25417 @value{GDBN} performs this iteration when it prints the frames.
25418
25419 In this example decision making can be deferred to the printing step.
25420 As each frame is printed, the frame decorator can examine each frame
25421 in turn when @value{GDBN} iterates. From a performance viewpoint,
25422 this is the most appropriate decision to make as it avoids duplicating
25423 the effort that the printing step would undertake anyway. Also, if
25424 there are many frame filters unwinding the stack during filtering, it
25425 can substantially delay the printing of the backtrace which will
25426 result in large memory usage, and a poor user experience.
25427
25428 @smallexample
25429 class InlineFilter():
25430
25431 def __init__(self):
25432 self.name = "InlinedFrameFilter"
25433 self.priority = 100
25434 self.enabled = True
25435 gdb.frame_filters[self.name] = self
25436
25437 def filter(self, frame_iter):
25438 frame_iter = itertools.imap(InlinedFrameDecorator,
25439 frame_iter)
25440 return frame_iter
25441 @end smallexample
25442
25443 This frame filter is somewhat similar to the earlier example, except
25444 that the @code{filter} method applies a frame decorator object called
25445 @code{InlinedFrameDecorator} to each element in the iterator. The
25446 @code{imap} Python method is light-weight. It does not proactively
25447 iterate over the iterator, but rather creates a new iterator which
25448 wraps the existing one.
25449
25450 Below is the frame decorator for this example.
25451
25452 @smallexample
25453 class InlinedFrameDecorator(FrameDecorator):
25454
25455 def __init__(self, fobj):
25456 super(InlinedFrameDecorator, self).__init__(fobj)
25457
25458 def function(self):
25459 frame = fobj.inferior_frame()
25460 name = str(frame.name())
25461
25462 if frame.type() == gdb.INLINE_FRAME:
25463 name = name + " [inlined]"
25464
25465 return name
25466 @end smallexample
25467
25468 This frame decorator only defines and overrides the @code{function}
25469 method. It lets the supplied @code{FrameDecorator}, which is shipped
25470 with @value{GDBN}, perform the other work associated with printing
25471 this frame.
25472
25473 The combination of these two objects create this output from a
25474 backtrace:
25475
25476 @smallexample
25477 #0 0x004004e0 in bar () at inline.c:11
25478 #1 0x00400566 in max [inlined] (b=6, a=12) at inline.c:21
25479 #2 0x00400566 in main () at inline.c:31
25480 @end smallexample
25481
25482 So in the case of this example, a frame decorator is applied to all
25483 frames, regardless of whether they may be inlined or not. As
25484 @value{GDBN} iterates over the iterator produced by the frame filters,
25485 @value{GDBN} executes each frame decorator which then makes a decision
25486 on what to print in the @code{function} callback. Using a strategy
25487 like this is a way to defer decisions on the frame content to printing
25488 time.
25489
25490 @subheading Eliding Frames
25491
25492 It might be that the above example is not desirable for representing
25493 inlined frames, and a hierarchical approach may be preferred. If we
25494 want to hierarchically represent frames, the @code{elided} frame
25495 decorator interface might be preferable.
25496
25497 This example approaches the issue with the @code{elided} method. This
25498 example is quite long, but very simplistic. It is out-of-scope for
25499 this section to write a complete example that comprehensively covers
25500 all approaches of finding and printing inlined frames. However, this
25501 example illustrates the approach an author might use.
25502
25503 This example comprises of three sections.
25504
25505 @smallexample
25506 class InlineFrameFilter():
25507
25508 def __init__(self):
25509 self.name = "InlinedFrameFilter"
25510 self.priority = 100
25511 self.enabled = True
25512 gdb.frame_filters[self.name] = self
25513
25514 def filter(self, frame_iter):
25515 return ElidingInlineIterator(frame_iter)
25516 @end smallexample
25517
25518 This frame filter is very similar to the other examples. The only
25519 difference is this frame filter is wrapping the iterator provided to
25520 it (@code{frame_iter}) with a custom iterator called
25521 @code{ElidingInlineIterator}. This again defers actions to when
25522 @value{GDBN} prints the backtrace, as the iterator is not traversed
25523 until printing.
25524
25525 The iterator for this example is as follows. It is in this section of
25526 the example where decisions are made on the content of the backtrace.
25527
25528 @smallexample
25529 class ElidingInlineIterator:
25530 def __init__(self, ii):
25531 self.input_iterator = ii
25532
25533 def __iter__(self):
25534 return self
25535
25536 def next(self):
25537 frame = next(self.input_iterator)
25538
25539 if frame.inferior_frame().type() != gdb.INLINE_FRAME:
25540 return frame
25541
25542 try:
25543 eliding_frame = next(self.input_iterator)
25544 except StopIteration:
25545 return frame
25546 return ElidingFrameDecorator(eliding_frame, [frame])
25547 @end smallexample
25548
25549 This iterator implements the Python iterator protocol. When the
25550 @code{next} function is called (when @value{GDBN} prints each frame),
25551 the iterator checks if this frame decorator, @code{frame}, is wrapping
25552 an inlined frame. If it is not, it returns the existing frame decorator
25553 untouched. If it is wrapping an inlined frame, it assumes that the
25554 inlined frame was contained within the next oldest frame,
25555 @code{eliding_frame}, which it fetches. It then creates and returns a
25556 frame decorator, @code{ElidingFrameDecorator}, which contains both the
25557 elided frame, and the eliding frame.
25558
25559 @smallexample
25560 class ElidingInlineDecorator(FrameDecorator):
25561
25562 def __init__(self, frame, elided_frames):
25563 super(ElidingInlineDecorator, self).__init__(frame)
25564 self.frame = frame
25565 self.elided_frames = elided_frames
25566
25567 def elided(self):
25568 return iter(self.elided_frames)
25569 @end smallexample
25570
25571 This frame decorator overrides one function and returns the inlined
25572 frame in the @code{elided} method. As before it lets
25573 @code{FrameDecorator} do the rest of the work involved in printing
25574 this frame. This produces the following output.
25575
25576 @smallexample
25577 #0 0x004004e0 in bar () at inline.c:11
25578 #2 0x00400529 in main () at inline.c:25
25579 #1 0x00400529 in max (b=6, a=12) at inline.c:15
25580 @end smallexample
25581
25582 In that output, @code{max} which has been inlined into @code{main} is
25583 printed hierarchically. Another approach would be to combine the
25584 @code{function} method, and the @code{elided} method to both print a
25585 marker in the inlined frame, and also show the hierarchical
25586 relationship.
25587
25588 @node Inferiors In Python
25589 @subsubsection Inferiors In Python
25590 @cindex inferiors in Python
25591
25592 @findex gdb.Inferior
25593 Programs which are being run under @value{GDBN} are called inferiors
25594 (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). Python scripts can access
25595 information about and manipulate inferiors controlled by @value{GDBN}
25596 via objects of the @code{gdb.Inferior} class.
25597
25598 The following inferior-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
25599 module:
25600
25601 @defun gdb.inferiors ()
25602 Return a tuple containing all inferior objects.
25603 @end defun
25604
25605 @defun gdb.selected_inferior ()
25606 Return an object representing the current inferior.
25607 @end defun
25608
25609 A @code{gdb.Inferior} object has the following attributes:
25610
25611 @defvar Inferior.num
25612 ID of inferior, as assigned by GDB.
25613 @end defvar
25614
25615 @defvar Inferior.pid
25616 Process ID of the inferior, as assigned by the underlying operating
25617 system.
25618 @end defvar
25619
25620 @defvar Inferior.was_attached
25621 Boolean signaling whether the inferior was created using `attach', or
25622 started by @value{GDBN} itself.
25623 @end defvar
25624
25625 A @code{gdb.Inferior} object has the following methods:
25626
25627 @defun Inferior.is_valid ()
25628 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Inferior} object is valid,
25629 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Inferior} object will become invalid
25630 if the inferior no longer exists within @value{GDBN}. All other
25631 @code{gdb.Inferior} methods will throw an exception if it is invalid
25632 at the time the method is called.
25633 @end defun
25634
25635 @defun Inferior.threads ()
25636 This method returns a tuple holding all the threads which are valid
25637 when it is called. If there are no valid threads, the method will
25638 return an empty tuple.
25639 @end defun
25640
25641 @findex Inferior.read_memory
25642 @defun Inferior.read_memory (address, length)
25643 Read @var{length} bytes of memory from the inferior, starting at
25644 @var{address}. Returns a buffer object, which behaves much like an array
25645 or a string. It can be modified and given to the
25646 @code{Inferior.write_memory} function. In @code{Python} 3, the return
25647 value is a @code{memoryview} object.
25648 @end defun
25649
25650 @findex Inferior.write_memory
25651 @defun Inferior.write_memory (address, buffer @r{[}, length@r{]})
25652 Write the contents of @var{buffer} to the inferior, starting at
25653 @var{address}. The @var{buffer} parameter must be a Python object
25654 which supports the buffer protocol, i.e., a string, an array or the
25655 object returned from @code{Inferior.read_memory}. If given, @var{length}
25656 determines the number of bytes from @var{buffer} to be written.
25657 @end defun
25658
25659 @findex gdb.search_memory
25660 @defun Inferior.search_memory (address, length, pattern)
25661 Search a region of the inferior memory starting at @var{address} with
25662 the given @var{length} using the search pattern supplied in
25663 @var{pattern}. The @var{pattern} parameter must be a Python object
25664 which supports the buffer protocol, i.e., a string, an array or the
25665 object returned from @code{gdb.read_memory}. Returns a Python @code{Long}
25666 containing the address where the pattern was found, or @code{None} if
25667 the pattern could not be found.
25668 @end defun
25669
25670 @node Events In Python
25671 @subsubsection Events In Python
25672 @cindex inferior events in Python
25673
25674 @value{GDBN} provides a general event facility so that Python code can be
25675 notified of various state changes, particularly changes that occur in
25676 the inferior.
25677
25678 An @dfn{event} is just an object that describes some state change. The
25679 type of the object and its attributes will vary depending on the details
25680 of the change. All the existing events are described below.
25681
25682 In order to be notified of an event, you must register an event handler
25683 with an @dfn{event registry}. An event registry is an object in the
25684 @code{gdb.events} module which dispatches particular events. A registry
25685 provides methods to register and unregister event handlers:
25686
25687 @defun EventRegistry.connect (object)
25688 Add the given callable @var{object} to the registry. This object will be
25689 called when an event corresponding to this registry occurs.
25690 @end defun
25691
25692 @defun EventRegistry.disconnect (object)
25693 Remove the given @var{object} from the registry. Once removed, the object
25694 will no longer receive notifications of events.
25695 @end defun
25696
25697 Here is an example:
25698
25699 @smallexample
25700 def exit_handler (event):
25701 print "event type: exit"
25702 print "exit code: %d" % (event.exit_code)
25703
25704 gdb.events.exited.connect (exit_handler)
25705 @end smallexample
25706
25707 In the above example we connect our handler @code{exit_handler} to the
25708 registry @code{events.exited}. Once connected, @code{exit_handler} gets
25709 called when the inferior exits. The argument @dfn{event} in this example is
25710 of type @code{gdb.ExitedEvent}. As you can see in the example the
25711 @code{ExitedEvent} object has an attribute which indicates the exit code of
25712 the inferior.
25713
25714 The following is a listing of the event registries that are available and
25715 details of the events they emit:
25716
25717 @table @code
25718
25719 @item events.cont
25720 Emits @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
25721
25722 Some events can be thread specific when @value{GDBN} is running in non-stop
25723 mode. When represented in Python, these events all extend
25724 @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}. Note, this event is not emitted directly; instead,
25725 events which are emitted by this or other modules might extend this event.
25726 Examples of these events are @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} and
25727 @code{gdb.ContinueEvent}.
25728
25729 @defvar ThreadEvent.inferior_thread
25730 In non-stop mode this attribute will be set to the specific thread which was
25731 involved in the emitted event. Otherwise, it will be set to @code{None}.
25732 @end defvar
25733
25734 Emits @code{gdb.ContinueEvent} which extends @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
25735
25736 This event indicates that the inferior has been continued after a stop. For
25737 inherited attribute refer to @code{gdb.ThreadEvent} above.
25738
25739 @item events.exited
25740 Emits @code{events.ExitedEvent} which indicates that the inferior has exited.
25741 @code{events.ExitedEvent} has two attributes:
25742 @defvar ExitedEvent.exit_code
25743 An integer representing the exit code, if available, which the inferior
25744 has returned. (The exit code could be unavailable if, for example,
25745 @value{GDBN} detaches from the inferior.) If the exit code is unavailable,
25746 the attribute does not exist.
25747 @end defvar
25748 @defvar ExitedEvent inferior
25749 A reference to the inferior which triggered the @code{exited} event.
25750 @end defvar
25751
25752 @item events.stop
25753 Emits @code{gdb.StopEvent} which extends @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
25754
25755 Indicates that the inferior has stopped. All events emitted by this registry
25756 extend StopEvent. As a child of @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}, @code{gdb.StopEvent}
25757 will indicate the stopped thread when @value{GDBN} is running in non-stop
25758 mode. Refer to @code{gdb.ThreadEvent} above for more details.
25759
25760 Emits @code{gdb.SignalEvent} which extends @code{gdb.StopEvent}.
25761
25762 This event indicates that the inferior or one of its threads has received as
25763 signal. @code{gdb.SignalEvent} has the following attributes:
25764
25765 @defvar SignalEvent.stop_signal
25766 A string representing the signal received by the inferior. A list of possible
25767 signal values can be obtained by running the command @code{info signals} in
25768 the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
25769 @end defvar
25770
25771 Also emits @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} which extends @code{gdb.StopEvent}.
25772
25773 @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} event indicates that one or more breakpoints have
25774 been hit, and has the following attributes:
25775
25776 @defvar BreakpointEvent.breakpoints
25777 A sequence containing references to all the breakpoints (type
25778 @code{gdb.Breakpoint}) that were hit.
25779 @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for details of the @code{gdb.Breakpoint} object.
25780 @end defvar
25781 @defvar BreakpointEvent.breakpoint
25782 A reference to the first breakpoint that was hit.
25783 This function is maintained for backward compatibility and is now deprecated
25784 in favor of the @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent.breakpoints} attribute.
25785 @end defvar
25786
25787 @item events.new_objfile
25788 Emits @code{gdb.NewObjFileEvent} which indicates that a new object file has
25789 been loaded by @value{GDBN}. @code{gdb.NewObjFileEvent} has one attribute:
25790
25791 @defvar NewObjFileEvent.new_objfile
25792 A reference to the object file (@code{gdb.Objfile}) which has been loaded.
25793 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for details of the @code{gdb.Objfile} object.
25794 @end defvar
25795
25796 @end table
25797
25798 @node Threads In Python
25799 @subsubsection Threads In Python
25800 @cindex threads in python
25801
25802 @findex gdb.InferiorThread
25803 Python scripts can access information about, and manipulate inferior threads
25804 controlled by @value{GDBN}, via objects of the @code{gdb.InferiorThread} class.
25805
25806 The following thread-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
25807 module:
25808
25809 @findex gdb.selected_thread
25810 @defun gdb.selected_thread ()
25811 This function returns the thread object for the selected thread. If there
25812 is no selected thread, this will return @code{None}.
25813 @end defun
25814
25815 A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object has the following attributes:
25816
25817 @defvar InferiorThread.name
25818 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using
25819 @code{thread name}, then this returns that name. Otherwise, if an
25820 OS-supplied name is available, then it is returned. Otherwise, this
25821 returns @code{None}.
25822
25823 This attribute can be assigned to. The new value must be a string
25824 object, which sets the new name, or @code{None}, which removes any
25825 user-specified thread name.
25826 @end defvar
25827
25828 @defvar InferiorThread.num
25829 ID of the thread, as assigned by GDB.
25830 @end defvar
25831
25832 @defvar InferiorThread.ptid
25833 ID of the thread, as assigned by the operating system. This attribute is a
25834 tuple containing three integers. The first is the Process ID (PID); the second
25835 is the Lightweight Process ID (LWPID), and the third is the Thread ID (TID).
25836 Either the LWPID or TID may be 0, which indicates that the operating system
25837 does not use that identifier.
25838 @end defvar
25839
25840 A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object has the following methods:
25841
25842 @defun InferiorThread.is_valid ()
25843 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object is valid,
25844 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object will become
25845 invalid if the thread exits, or the inferior that the thread belongs
25846 is deleted. All other @code{gdb.InferiorThread} methods will throw an
25847 exception if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
25848 @end defun
25849
25850 @defun InferiorThread.switch ()
25851 This changes @value{GDBN}'s currently selected thread to the one represented
25852 by this object.
25853 @end defun
25854
25855 @defun InferiorThread.is_stopped ()
25856 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is stopped.
25857 @end defun
25858
25859 @defun InferiorThread.is_running ()
25860 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is running.
25861 @end defun
25862
25863 @defun InferiorThread.is_exited ()
25864 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is exited.
25865 @end defun
25866
25867 @node Commands In Python
25868 @subsubsection Commands In Python
25869
25870 @cindex commands in python
25871 @cindex python commands
25872 You can implement new @value{GDBN} CLI commands in Python. A CLI
25873 command is implemented using an instance of the @code{gdb.Command}
25874 class, most commonly using a subclass.
25875
25876 @defun Command.__init__ (name, @var{command_class} @r{[}, @var{completer_class} @r{[}, @var{prefix}@r{]]})
25877 The object initializer for @code{Command} registers the new command
25878 with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked from the
25879 subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
25880
25881 @var{name} is the name of the command. If @var{name} consists of
25882 multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
25883 commands. In this case, if one of the prefix commands does not exist,
25884 an exception is raised.
25885
25886 There is no support for multi-line commands.
25887
25888 @var{command_class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
25889 defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to categorize the
25890 new command in the help system.
25891
25892 @var{completer_class} is an optional argument. If given, it should be
25893 one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined below. This argument
25894 tells @value{GDBN} how to perform completion for this command. If not
25895 given, @value{GDBN} will attempt to complete using the object's
25896 @code{complete} method (see below); if no such method is found, an
25897 error will occur when completion is attempted.
25898
25899 @var{prefix} is an optional argument. If @code{True}, then the new
25900 command is a prefix command; sub-commands of this command may be
25901 registered.
25902
25903 The help text for the new command is taken from the Python
25904 documentation string for the command's class, if there is one. If no
25905 documentation string is provided, the default value ``This command is
25906 not documented.'' is used.
25907 @end defun
25908
25909 @cindex don't repeat Python command
25910 @defun Command.dont_repeat ()
25911 By default, a @value{GDBN} command is repeated when the user enters a
25912 blank line at the command prompt. A command can suppress this
25913 behavior by invoking the @code{dont_repeat} method. This is similar
25914 to the user command @code{dont-repeat}, see @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
25915 @end defun
25916
25917 @defun Command.invoke (argument, from_tty)
25918 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when this command is invoked.
25919
25920 @var{argument} is a string. It is the argument to the command, after
25921 leading and trailing whitespace has been stripped.
25922
25923 @var{from_tty} is a boolean argument. When true, this means that the
25924 command was entered by the user at the terminal; when false it means
25925 that the command came from elsewhere.
25926
25927 If this method throws an exception, it is turned into a @value{GDBN}
25928 @code{error} call. Otherwise, the return value is ignored.
25929
25930 @findex gdb.string_to_argv
25931 To break @var{argument} up into an argv-like string use
25932 @code{gdb.string_to_argv}. This function behaves identically to
25933 @value{GDBN}'s internal argument lexer @code{buildargv}.
25934 It is recommended to use this for consistency.
25935 Arguments are separated by spaces and may be quoted.
25936 Example:
25937
25938 @smallexample
25939 print gdb.string_to_argv ("1 2\ \\\"3 '4 \"5' \"6 '7\"")
25940 ['1', '2 "3', '4 "5', "6 '7"]
25941 @end smallexample
25942
25943 @end defun
25944
25945 @cindex completion of Python commands
25946 @defun Command.complete (text, word)
25947 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when the user attempts
25948 completion on this command. All forms of completion are handled by
25949 this method, that is, the @key{TAB} and @key{M-?} key bindings
25950 (@pxref{Completion}), and the @code{complete} command (@pxref{Help,
25951 complete}).
25952
25953 The arguments @var{text} and @var{word} are both strings. @var{text}
25954 holds the complete command line up to the cursor's location.
25955 @var{word} holds the last word of the command line; this is computed
25956 using a word-breaking heuristic.
25957
25958 The @code{complete} method can return several values:
25959 @itemize @bullet
25960 @item
25961 If the return value is a sequence, the contents of the sequence are
25962 used as the completions. It is up to @code{complete} to ensure that the
25963 contents actually do complete the word. A zero-length sequence is
25964 allowed, it means that there were no completions available. Only
25965 string elements of the sequence are used; other elements in the
25966 sequence are ignored.
25967
25968 @item
25969 If the return value is one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined
25970 below, then the corresponding @value{GDBN}-internal completion
25971 function is invoked, and its result is used.
25972
25973 @item
25974 All other results are treated as though there were no available
25975 completions.
25976 @end itemize
25977 @end defun
25978
25979 When a new command is registered, it must be declared as a member of
25980 some general class of commands. This is used to classify top-level
25981 commands in the on-line help system; note that prefix commands are not
25982 listed under their own category but rather that of their top-level
25983 command. The available classifications are represented by constants
25984 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
25985
25986 @table @code
25987 @findex COMMAND_NONE
25988 @findex gdb.COMMAND_NONE
25989 @item gdb.COMMAND_NONE
25990 The command does not belong to any particular class. A command in
25991 this category will not be displayed in any of the help categories.
25992
25993 @findex COMMAND_RUNNING
25994 @findex gdb.COMMAND_RUNNING
25995 @item gdb.COMMAND_RUNNING
25996 The command is related to running the inferior. For example,
25997 @code{start}, @code{step}, and @code{continue} are in this category.
25998 Type @kbd{help running} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
25999 commands in this category.
26000
26001 @findex COMMAND_DATA
26002 @findex gdb.COMMAND_DATA
26003 @item gdb.COMMAND_DATA
26004 The command is related to data or variables. For example,
26005 @code{call}, @code{find}, and @code{print} are in this category. Type
26006 @kbd{help data} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands
26007 in this category.
26008
26009 @findex COMMAND_STACK
26010 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STACK
26011 @item gdb.COMMAND_STACK
26012 The command has to do with manipulation of the stack. For example,
26013 @code{backtrace}, @code{frame}, and @code{return} are in this
26014 category. Type @kbd{help stack} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a
26015 list of commands in this category.
26016
26017 @findex COMMAND_FILES
26018 @findex gdb.COMMAND_FILES
26019 @item gdb.COMMAND_FILES
26020 This class is used for file-related commands. For example,
26021 @code{file}, @code{list} and @code{section} are in this category.
26022 Type @kbd{help files} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
26023 commands in this category.
26024
26025 @findex COMMAND_SUPPORT
26026 @findex gdb.COMMAND_SUPPORT
26027 @item gdb.COMMAND_SUPPORT
26028 This should be used for ``support facilities'', generally meaning
26029 things that are useful to the user when interacting with @value{GDBN},
26030 but not related to the state of the inferior. For example,
26031 @code{help}, @code{make}, and @code{shell} are in this category. Type
26032 @kbd{help support} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
26033 commands in this category.
26034
26035 @findex COMMAND_STATUS
26036 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STATUS
26037 @item gdb.COMMAND_STATUS
26038 The command is an @samp{info}-related command, that is, related to the
26039 state of @value{GDBN} itself. For example, @code{info}, @code{macro},
26040 and @code{show} are in this category. Type @kbd{help status} at the
26041 @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this category.
26042
26043 @findex COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
26044 @findex gdb.COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
26045 @item gdb.COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
26046 The command has to do with breakpoints. For example, @code{break},
26047 @code{clear}, and @code{delete} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
26048 breakpoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in
26049 this category.
26050
26051 @findex COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
26052 @findex gdb.COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
26053 @item gdb.COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
26054 The command has to do with tracepoints. For example, @code{trace},
26055 @code{actions}, and @code{tfind} are in this category. Type
26056 @kbd{help tracepoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
26057 commands in this category.
26058
26059 @findex COMMAND_USER
26060 @findex gdb.COMMAND_USER
26061 @item gdb.COMMAND_USER
26062 The command is a general purpose command for the user, and typically
26063 does not fit in one of the other categories.
26064 Type @kbd{help user-defined} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see
26065 a list of commands in this category, as well as the list of gdb macros
26066 (@pxref{Sequences}).
26067
26068 @findex COMMAND_OBSCURE
26069 @findex gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE
26070 @item gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE
26071 The command is only used in unusual circumstances, or is not of
26072 general interest to users. For example, @code{checkpoint},
26073 @code{fork}, and @code{stop} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
26074 obscure} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this
26075 category.
26076
26077 @findex COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
26078 @findex gdb.COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
26079 @item gdb.COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
26080 The command is only useful to @value{GDBN} maintainers. The
26081 @code{maintenance} and @code{flushregs} commands are in this category.
26082 Type @kbd{help internals} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
26083 commands in this category.
26084 @end table
26085
26086 A new command can use a predefined completion function, either by
26087 specifying it via an argument at initialization, or by returning it
26088 from the @code{complete} method. These predefined completion
26089 constants are all defined in the @code{gdb} module:
26090
26091 @table @code
26092 @findex COMPLETE_NONE
26093 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_NONE
26094 @item gdb.COMPLETE_NONE
26095 This constant means that no completion should be done.
26096
26097 @findex COMPLETE_FILENAME
26098 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_FILENAME
26099 @item gdb.COMPLETE_FILENAME
26100 This constant means that filename completion should be performed.
26101
26102 @findex COMPLETE_LOCATION
26103 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_LOCATION
26104 @item gdb.COMPLETE_LOCATION
26105 This constant means that location completion should be done.
26106 @xref{Specify Location}.
26107
26108 @findex COMPLETE_COMMAND
26109 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_COMMAND
26110 @item gdb.COMPLETE_COMMAND
26111 This constant means that completion should examine @value{GDBN}
26112 command names.
26113
26114 @findex COMPLETE_SYMBOL
26115 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_SYMBOL
26116 @item gdb.COMPLETE_SYMBOL
26117 This constant means that completion should be done using symbol names
26118 as the source.
26119
26120 @findex COMPLETE_EXPRESSION
26121 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_EXPRESSION
26122 @item gdb.COMPLETE_EXPRESSION
26123 This constant means that completion should be done on expressions.
26124 Often this means completing on symbol names, but some language
26125 parsers also have support for completing on field names.
26126 @end table
26127
26128 The following code snippet shows how a trivial CLI command can be
26129 implemented in Python:
26130
26131 @smallexample
26132 class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
26133 """Greet the whole world."""
26134
26135 def __init__ (self):
26136 super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_USER)
26137
26138 def invoke (self, arg, from_tty):
26139 print "Hello, World!"
26140
26141 HelloWorld ()
26142 @end smallexample
26143
26144 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
26145 registration of the command with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
26146 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
26147 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
26148
26149 @node Parameters In Python
26150 @subsubsection Parameters In Python
26151
26152 @cindex parameters in python
26153 @cindex python parameters
26154 @tindex gdb.Parameter
26155 @tindex Parameter
26156 You can implement new @value{GDBN} parameters using Python. A new
26157 parameter is implemented as an instance of the @code{gdb.Parameter}
26158 class.
26159
26160 Parameters are exposed to the user via the @code{set} and
26161 @code{show} commands. @xref{Help}.
26162
26163 There are many parameters that already exist and can be set in
26164 @value{GDBN}. Two examples are: @code{set follow fork} and
26165 @code{set charset}. Setting these parameters influences certain
26166 behavior in @value{GDBN}. Similarly, you can define parameters that
26167 can be used to influence behavior in custom Python scripts and commands.
26168
26169 @defun Parameter.__init__ (name, @var{command-class}, @var{parameter-class} @r{[}, @var{enum-sequence}@r{]})
26170 The object initializer for @code{Parameter} registers the new
26171 parameter with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked
26172 from the subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
26173
26174 @var{name} is the name of the new parameter. If @var{name} consists
26175 of multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
26176 parameters. An example of this can be illustrated with the
26177 @code{set print} set of parameters. If @var{name} is
26178 @code{print foo}, then @code{print} will be searched as the prefix
26179 parameter. In this case the parameter can subsequently be accessed in
26180 @value{GDBN} as @code{set print foo}.
26181
26182 If @var{name} consists of multiple words, and no prefix parameter group
26183 can be found, an exception is raised.
26184
26185 @var{command-class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
26186 (@pxref{Commands In Python}). This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to
26187 categorize the new parameter in the help system.
26188
26189 @var{parameter-class} should be one of the @samp{PARAM_} constants
26190 defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} the type of the new
26191 parameter; this information is used for input validation and
26192 completion.
26193
26194 If @var{parameter-class} is @code{PARAM_ENUM}, then
26195 @var{enum-sequence} must be a sequence of strings. These strings
26196 represent the possible values for the parameter.
26197
26198 If @var{parameter-class} is not @code{PARAM_ENUM}, then the presence
26199 of a fourth argument will cause an exception to be thrown.
26200
26201 The help text for the new parameter is taken from the Python
26202 documentation string for the parameter's class, if there is one. If
26203 there is no documentation string, a default value is used.
26204 @end defun
26205
26206 @defvar Parameter.set_doc
26207 If this attribute exists, and is a string, then its value is used as
26208 the help text for this parameter's @code{set} command. The value is
26209 examined when @code{Parameter.__init__} is invoked; subsequent changes
26210 have no effect.
26211 @end defvar
26212
26213 @defvar Parameter.show_doc
26214 If this attribute exists, and is a string, then its value is used as
26215 the help text for this parameter's @code{show} command. The value is
26216 examined when @code{Parameter.__init__} is invoked; subsequent changes
26217 have no effect.
26218 @end defvar
26219
26220 @defvar Parameter.value
26221 The @code{value} attribute holds the underlying value of the
26222 parameter. It can be read and assigned to just as any other
26223 attribute. @value{GDBN} does validation when assignments are made.
26224 @end defvar
26225
26226 There are two methods that should be implemented in any
26227 @code{Parameter} class. These are:
26228
26229 @defun Parameter.get_set_string (self)
26230 @value{GDBN} will call this method when a @var{parameter}'s value has
26231 been changed via the @code{set} API (for example, @kbd{set foo off}).
26232 The @code{value} attribute has already been populated with the new
26233 value and may be used in output. This method must return a string.
26234 @end defun
26235
26236 @defun Parameter.get_show_string (self, svalue)
26237 @value{GDBN} will call this method when a @var{parameter}'s
26238 @code{show} API has been invoked (for example, @kbd{show foo}). The
26239 argument @code{svalue} receives the string representation of the
26240 current value. This method must return a string.
26241 @end defun
26242
26243 When a new parameter is defined, its type must be specified. The
26244 available types are represented by constants defined in the @code{gdb}
26245 module:
26246
26247 @table @code
26248 @findex PARAM_BOOLEAN
26249 @findex gdb.PARAM_BOOLEAN
26250 @item gdb.PARAM_BOOLEAN
26251 The value is a plain boolean. The Python boolean values, @code{True}
26252 and @code{False} are the only valid values.
26253
26254 @findex PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
26255 @findex gdb.PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
26256 @item gdb.PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
26257 The value has three possible states: true, false, and @samp{auto}. In
26258 Python, true and false are represented using boolean constants, and
26259 @samp{auto} is represented using @code{None}.
26260
26261 @findex PARAM_UINTEGER
26262 @findex gdb.PARAM_UINTEGER
26263 @item gdb.PARAM_UINTEGER
26264 The value is an unsigned integer. The value of 0 should be
26265 interpreted to mean ``unlimited''.
26266
26267 @findex PARAM_INTEGER
26268 @findex gdb.PARAM_INTEGER
26269 @item gdb.PARAM_INTEGER
26270 The value is a signed integer. The value of 0 should be interpreted
26271 to mean ``unlimited''.
26272
26273 @findex PARAM_STRING
26274 @findex gdb.PARAM_STRING
26275 @item gdb.PARAM_STRING
26276 The value is a string. When the user modifies the string, any escape
26277 sequences, such as @samp{\t}, @samp{\f}, and octal escapes, are
26278 translated into corresponding characters and encoded into the current
26279 host charset.
26280
26281 @findex PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
26282 @findex gdb.PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
26283 @item gdb.PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
26284 The value is a string. When the user modifies the string, escapes are
26285 passed through untranslated.
26286
26287 @findex PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
26288 @findex gdb.PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
26289 @item gdb.PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
26290 The value is a either a filename (a string), or @code{None}.
26291
26292 @findex PARAM_FILENAME
26293 @findex gdb.PARAM_FILENAME
26294 @item gdb.PARAM_FILENAME
26295 The value is a filename. This is just like
26296 @code{PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE}, but uses file names for completion.
26297
26298 @findex PARAM_ZINTEGER
26299 @findex gdb.PARAM_ZINTEGER
26300 @item gdb.PARAM_ZINTEGER
26301 The value is an integer. This is like @code{PARAM_INTEGER}, except 0
26302 is interpreted as itself.
26303
26304 @findex PARAM_ENUM
26305 @findex gdb.PARAM_ENUM
26306 @item gdb.PARAM_ENUM
26307 The value is a string, which must be one of a collection string
26308 constants provided when the parameter is created.
26309 @end table
26310
26311 @node Functions In Python
26312 @subsubsection Writing new convenience functions
26313
26314 @cindex writing convenience functions
26315 @cindex convenience functions in python
26316 @cindex python convenience functions
26317 @tindex gdb.Function
26318 @tindex Function
26319 You can implement new convenience functions (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
26320 in Python. A convenience function is an instance of a subclass of the
26321 class @code{gdb.Function}.
26322
26323 @defun Function.__init__ (name)
26324 The initializer for @code{Function} registers the new function with
26325 @value{GDBN}. The argument @var{name} is the name of the function,
26326 a string. The function will be visible to the user as a convenience
26327 variable of type @code{internal function}, whose name is the same as
26328 the given @var{name}.
26329
26330 The documentation for the new function is taken from the documentation
26331 string for the new class.
26332 @end defun
26333
26334 @defun Function.invoke (@var{*args})
26335 When a convenience function is evaluated, its arguments are converted
26336 to instances of @code{gdb.Value}, and then the function's
26337 @code{invoke} method is called. Note that @value{GDBN} does not
26338 predetermine the arity of convenience functions. Instead, all
26339 available arguments are passed to @code{invoke}, following the
26340 standard Python calling convention. In particular, a convenience
26341 function can have default values for parameters without ill effect.
26342
26343 The return value of this method is used as its value in the enclosing
26344 expression. If an ordinary Python value is returned, it is converted
26345 to a @code{gdb.Value} following the usual rules.
26346 @end defun
26347
26348 The following code snippet shows how a trivial convenience function can
26349 be implemented in Python:
26350
26351 @smallexample
26352 class Greet (gdb.Function):
26353 """Return string to greet someone.
26354 Takes a name as argument."""
26355
26356 def __init__ (self):
26357 super (Greet, self).__init__ ("greet")
26358
26359 def invoke (self, name):
26360 return "Hello, %s!" % name.string ()
26361
26362 Greet ()
26363 @end smallexample
26364
26365 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
26366 registration of the function with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
26367 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
26368 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
26369
26370 Now you can use the function in an expression:
26371
26372 @smallexample
26373 (gdb) print $greet("Bob")
26374 $1 = "Hello, Bob!"
26375 @end smallexample
26376
26377 @node Progspaces In Python
26378 @subsubsection Program Spaces In Python
26379
26380 @cindex progspaces in python
26381 @tindex gdb.Progspace
26382 @tindex Progspace
26383 A program space, or @dfn{progspace}, represents a symbolic view
26384 of an address space.
26385 It consists of all of the objfiles of the program.
26386 @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
26387 @xref{Inferiors and Programs, program spaces}, for more details
26388 about program spaces.
26389
26390 The following progspace-related functions are available in the
26391 @code{gdb} module:
26392
26393 @findex gdb.current_progspace
26394 @defun gdb.current_progspace ()
26395 This function returns the program space of the currently selected inferior.
26396 @xref{Inferiors and Programs}.
26397 @end defun
26398
26399 @findex gdb.progspaces
26400 @defun gdb.progspaces ()
26401 Return a sequence of all the progspaces currently known to @value{GDBN}.
26402 @end defun
26403
26404 Each progspace is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Progspace}
26405 class.
26406
26407 @defvar Progspace.filename
26408 The file name of the progspace as a string.
26409 @end defvar
26410
26411 @defvar Progspace.pretty_printers
26412 The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
26413 used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
26414 function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
26415 search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
26416 which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for more
26417 information.
26418 @end defvar
26419
26420 @defvar Progspace.type_printers
26421 The @code{type_printers} attribute is a list of type printer objects.
26422 @xref{Type Printing API}, for more information.
26423 @end defvar
26424
26425 @defvar Progspace.frame_filters
26426 The @code{frame_filters} attribute is a dictionary of frame filter
26427 objects. @xref{Frame Filter API}, for more information.
26428 @end defvar
26429
26430 @node Objfiles In Python
26431 @subsubsection Objfiles In Python
26432
26433 @cindex objfiles in python
26434 @tindex gdb.Objfile
26435 @tindex Objfile
26436 @value{GDBN} loads symbols for an inferior from various
26437 symbol-containing files (@pxref{Files}). These include the primary
26438 executable file, any shared libraries used by the inferior, and any
26439 separate debug info files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}).
26440 @value{GDBN} calls these symbol-containing files @dfn{objfiles}.
26441
26442 The following objfile-related functions are available in the
26443 @code{gdb} module:
26444
26445 @findex gdb.current_objfile
26446 @defun gdb.current_objfile ()
26447 When auto-loading a Python script (@pxref{Python Auto-loading}), @value{GDBN}
26448 sets the ``current objfile'' to the corresponding objfile. This
26449 function returns the current objfile. If there is no current objfile,
26450 this function returns @code{None}.
26451 @end defun
26452
26453 @findex gdb.objfiles
26454 @defun gdb.objfiles ()
26455 Return a sequence of all the objfiles current known to @value{GDBN}.
26456 @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
26457 @end defun
26458
26459 Each objfile is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Objfile}
26460 class.
26461
26462 @defvar Objfile.filename
26463 The file name of the objfile as a string.
26464 @end defvar
26465
26466 @defvar Objfile.pretty_printers
26467 The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
26468 used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
26469 function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
26470 search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
26471 which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for more
26472 information.
26473 @end defvar
26474
26475 @defvar Objfile.type_printers
26476 The @code{type_printers} attribute is a list of type printer objects.
26477 @xref{Type Printing API}, for more information.
26478 @end defvar
26479
26480 @defvar Objfile.frame_filters
26481 The @code{frame_filters} attribute is a dictionary of frame filter
26482 objects. @xref{Frame Filter API}, for more information.
26483 @end defvar
26484
26485 A @code{gdb.Objfile} object has the following methods:
26486
26487 @defun Objfile.is_valid ()
26488 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Objfile} object is valid,
26489 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Objfile} object can become invalid
26490 if the object file it refers to is not loaded in @value{GDBN} any
26491 longer. All other @code{gdb.Objfile} methods will throw an exception
26492 if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
26493 @end defun
26494
26495 @node Frames In Python
26496 @subsubsection Accessing inferior stack frames from Python.
26497
26498 @cindex frames in python
26499 When the debugged program stops, @value{GDBN} is able to analyze its call
26500 stack (@pxref{Frames,,Stack frames}). The @code{gdb.Frame} class
26501 represents a frame in the stack. A @code{gdb.Frame} object is only valid
26502 while its corresponding frame exists in the inferior's stack. If you try
26503 to use an invalid frame object, @value{GDBN} will throw a @code{gdb.error}
26504 exception (@pxref{Exception Handling}).
26505
26506 Two @code{gdb.Frame} objects can be compared for equality with the @code{==}
26507 operator, like:
26508
26509 @smallexample
26510 (@value{GDBP}) python print gdb.newest_frame() == gdb.selected_frame ()
26511 True
26512 @end smallexample
26513
26514 The following frame-related functions are available in the @code{gdb} module:
26515
26516 @findex gdb.selected_frame
26517 @defun gdb.selected_frame ()
26518 Return the selected frame object. (@pxref{Selection,,Selecting a Frame}).
26519 @end defun
26520
26521 @findex gdb.newest_frame
26522 @defun gdb.newest_frame ()
26523 Return the newest frame object for the selected thread.
26524 @end defun
26525
26526 @defun gdb.frame_stop_reason_string (reason)
26527 Return a string explaining the reason why @value{GDBN} stopped unwinding
26528 frames, as expressed by the given @var{reason} code (an integer, see the
26529 @code{unwind_stop_reason} method further down in this section).
26530 @end defun
26531
26532 A @code{gdb.Frame} object has the following methods:
26533
26534 @defun Frame.is_valid ()
26535 Returns true if the @code{gdb.Frame} object is valid, false if not.
26536 A frame object can become invalid if the frame it refers to doesn't
26537 exist anymore in the inferior. All @code{gdb.Frame} methods will throw
26538 an exception if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
26539 @end defun
26540
26541 @defun Frame.name ()
26542 Returns the function name of the frame, or @code{None} if it can't be
26543 obtained.
26544 @end defun
26545
26546 @defun Frame.architecture ()
26547 Returns the @code{gdb.Architecture} object corresponding to the frame's
26548 architecture. @xref{Architectures In Python}.
26549 @end defun
26550
26551 @defun Frame.type ()
26552 Returns the type of the frame. The value can be one of:
26553 @table @code
26554 @item gdb.NORMAL_FRAME
26555 An ordinary stack frame.
26556
26557 @item gdb.DUMMY_FRAME
26558 A fake stack frame that was created by @value{GDBN} when performing an
26559 inferior function call.
26560
26561 @item gdb.INLINE_FRAME
26562 A frame representing an inlined function. The function was inlined
26563 into a @code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME} that is older than this one.
26564
26565 @item gdb.TAILCALL_FRAME
26566 A frame representing a tail call. @xref{Tail Call Frames}.
26567
26568 @item gdb.SIGTRAMP_FRAME
26569 A signal trampoline frame. This is the frame created by the OS when
26570 it calls into a signal handler.
26571
26572 @item gdb.ARCH_FRAME
26573 A fake stack frame representing a cross-architecture call.
26574
26575 @item gdb.SENTINEL_FRAME
26576 This is like @code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME}, but it is only used for the
26577 newest frame.
26578 @end table
26579 @end defun
26580
26581 @defun Frame.unwind_stop_reason ()
26582 Return an integer representing the reason why it's not possible to find
26583 more frames toward the outermost frame. Use
26584 @code{gdb.frame_stop_reason_string} to convert the value returned by this
26585 function to a string. The value can be one of:
26586
26587 @table @code
26588 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_NO_REASON
26589 No particular reason (older frames should be available).
26590
26591 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_NULL_ID
26592 The previous frame's analyzer returns an invalid result. This is no
26593 longer used by @value{GDBN}, and is kept only for backward
26594 compatibility.
26595
26596 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_OUTERMOST
26597 This frame is the outermost.
26598
26599 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_UNAVAILABLE
26600 Cannot unwind further, because that would require knowing the
26601 values of registers or memory that have not been collected.
26602
26603 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_INNER_ID
26604 This frame ID looks like it ought to belong to a NEXT frame,
26605 but we got it for a PREV frame. Normally, this is a sign of
26606 unwinder failure. It could also indicate stack corruption.
26607
26608 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_SAME_ID
26609 This frame has the same ID as the previous one. That means
26610 that unwinding further would almost certainly give us another
26611 frame with exactly the same ID, so break the chain. Normally,
26612 this is a sign of unwinder failure. It could also indicate
26613 stack corruption.
26614
26615 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_NO_SAVED_PC
26616 The frame unwinder did not find any saved PC, but we needed
26617 one to unwind further.
26618
26619 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_FIRST_ERROR
26620 Any stop reason greater or equal to this value indicates some kind
26621 of error. This special value facilitates writing code that tests
26622 for errors in unwinding in a way that will work correctly even if
26623 the list of the other values is modified in future @value{GDBN}
26624 versions. Using it, you could write:
26625 @smallexample
26626 reason = gdb.selected_frame().unwind_stop_reason ()
26627 reason_str = gdb.frame_stop_reason_string (reason)
26628 if reason >= gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_FIRST_ERROR:
26629 print "An error occured: %s" % reason_str
26630 @end smallexample
26631 @end table
26632
26633 @end defun
26634
26635 @defun Frame.pc ()
26636 Returns the frame's resume address.
26637 @end defun
26638
26639 @defun Frame.block ()
26640 Return the frame's code block. @xref{Blocks In Python}.
26641 @end defun
26642
26643 @defun Frame.function ()
26644 Return the symbol for the function corresponding to this frame.
26645 @xref{Symbols In Python}.
26646 @end defun
26647
26648 @defun Frame.older ()
26649 Return the frame that called this frame.
26650 @end defun
26651
26652 @defun Frame.newer ()
26653 Return the frame called by this frame.
26654 @end defun
26655
26656 @defun Frame.find_sal ()
26657 Return the frame's symtab and line object.
26658 @xref{Symbol Tables In Python}.
26659 @end defun
26660
26661 @defun Frame.read_var (variable @r{[}, block@r{]})
26662 Return the value of @var{variable} in this frame. If the optional
26663 argument @var{block} is provided, search for the variable from that
26664 block; otherwise start at the frame's current block (which is
26665 determined by the frame's current program counter). @var{variable}
26666 must be a string or a @code{gdb.Symbol} object. @var{block} must be a
26667 @code{gdb.Block} object.
26668 @end defun
26669
26670 @defun Frame.select ()
26671 Set this frame to be the selected frame. @xref{Stack, ,Examining the
26672 Stack}.
26673 @end defun
26674
26675 @node Blocks In Python
26676 @subsubsection Accessing blocks from Python.
26677
26678 @cindex blocks in python
26679 @tindex gdb.Block
26680
26681 In @value{GDBN}, symbols are stored in blocks. A block corresponds
26682 roughly to a scope in the source code. Blocks are organized
26683 hierarchically, and are represented individually in Python as a
26684 @code{gdb.Block}. Blocks rely on debugging information being
26685 available.
26686
26687 A frame has a block. Please see @ref{Frames In Python}, for a more
26688 in-depth discussion of frames.
26689
26690 The outermost block is known as the @dfn{global block}. The global
26691 block typically holds public global variables and functions.
26692
26693 The block nested just inside the global block is the @dfn{static
26694 block}. The static block typically holds file-scoped variables and
26695 functions.
26696
26697 @value{GDBN} provides a method to get a block's superblock, but there
26698 is currently no way to examine the sub-blocks of a block, or to
26699 iterate over all the blocks in a symbol table (@pxref{Symbol Tables In
26700 Python}).
26701
26702 Here is a short example that should help explain blocks:
26703
26704 @smallexample
26705 /* This is in the global block. */
26706 int global;
26707
26708 /* This is in the static block. */
26709 static int file_scope;
26710
26711 /* 'function' is in the global block, and 'argument' is
26712 in a block nested inside of 'function'. */
26713 int function (int argument)
26714 @{
26715 /* 'local' is in a block inside 'function'. It may or may
26716 not be in the same block as 'argument'. */
26717 int local;
26718
26719 @{
26720 /* 'inner' is in a block whose superblock is the one holding
26721 'local'. */
26722 int inner;
26723
26724 /* If this call is expanded by the compiler, you may see
26725 a nested block here whose function is 'inline_function'
26726 and whose superblock is the one holding 'inner'. */
26727 inline_function ();
26728 @}
26729 @}
26730 @end smallexample
26731
26732 A @code{gdb.Block} is iterable. The iterator returns the symbols
26733 (@pxref{Symbols In Python}) local to the block. Python programs
26734 should not assume that a specific block object will always contain a
26735 given symbol, since changes in @value{GDBN} features and
26736 infrastructure may cause symbols move across blocks in a symbol
26737 table.
26738
26739 The following block-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
26740 module:
26741
26742 @findex gdb.block_for_pc
26743 @defun gdb.block_for_pc (pc)
26744 Return the innermost @code{gdb.Block} containing the given @var{pc}
26745 value. If the block cannot be found for the @var{pc} value specified,
26746 the function will return @code{None}.
26747 @end defun
26748
26749 A @code{gdb.Block} object has the following methods:
26750
26751 @defun Block.is_valid ()
26752 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Block} object is valid,
26753 @code{False} if not. A block object can become invalid if the block it
26754 refers to doesn't exist anymore in the inferior. All other
26755 @code{gdb.Block} methods will throw an exception if it is invalid at
26756 the time the method is called. The block's validity is also checked
26757 during iteration over symbols of the block.
26758 @end defun
26759
26760 A @code{gdb.Block} object has the following attributes:
26761
26762 @defvar Block.start
26763 The start address of the block. This attribute is not writable.
26764 @end defvar
26765
26766 @defvar Block.end
26767 The end address of the block. This attribute is not writable.
26768 @end defvar
26769
26770 @defvar Block.function
26771 The name of the block represented as a @code{gdb.Symbol}. If the
26772 block is not named, then this attribute holds @code{None}. This
26773 attribute is not writable.
26774
26775 For ordinary function blocks, the superblock is the static block.
26776 However, you should note that it is possible for a function block to
26777 have a superblock that is not the static block -- for instance this
26778 happens for an inlined function.
26779 @end defvar
26780
26781 @defvar Block.superblock
26782 The block containing this block. If this parent block does not exist,
26783 this attribute holds @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
26784 @end defvar
26785
26786 @defvar Block.global_block
26787 The global block associated with this block. This attribute is not
26788 writable.
26789 @end defvar
26790
26791 @defvar Block.static_block
26792 The static block associated with this block. This attribute is not
26793 writable.
26794 @end defvar
26795
26796 @defvar Block.is_global
26797 @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Block} object is a global block,
26798 @code{False} if not. This attribute is not
26799 writable.
26800 @end defvar
26801
26802 @defvar Block.is_static
26803 @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Block} object is a static block,
26804 @code{False} if not. This attribute is not writable.
26805 @end defvar
26806
26807 @node Symbols In Python
26808 @subsubsection Python representation of Symbols.
26809
26810 @cindex symbols in python
26811 @tindex gdb.Symbol
26812
26813 @value{GDBN} represents every variable, function and type as an
26814 entry in a symbol table. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
26815 Similarly, Python represents these symbols in @value{GDBN} with the
26816 @code{gdb.Symbol} object.
26817
26818 The following symbol-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
26819 module:
26820
26821 @findex gdb.lookup_symbol
26822 @defun gdb.lookup_symbol (name @r{[}, block @r{[}, domain@r{]]})
26823 This function searches for a symbol by name. The search scope can be
26824 restricted to the parameters defined in the optional domain and block
26825 arguments.
26826
26827 @var{name} is the name of the symbol. It must be a string. The
26828 optional @var{block} argument restricts the search to symbols visible
26829 in that @var{block}. The @var{block} argument must be a
26830 @code{gdb.Block} object. If omitted, the block for the current frame
26831 is used. The optional @var{domain} argument restricts
26832 the search to the domain type. The @var{domain} argument must be a
26833 domain constant defined in the @code{gdb} module and described later
26834 in this chapter.
26835
26836 The result is a tuple of two elements.
26837 The first element is a @code{gdb.Symbol} object or @code{None} if the symbol
26838 is not found.
26839 If the symbol is found, the second element is @code{True} if the symbol
26840 is a field of a method's object (e.g., @code{this} in C@t{++}),
26841 otherwise it is @code{False}.
26842 If the symbol is not found, the second element is @code{False}.
26843 @end defun
26844
26845 @findex gdb.lookup_global_symbol
26846 @defun gdb.lookup_global_symbol (name @r{[}, domain@r{]})
26847 This function searches for a global symbol by name.
26848 The search scope can be restricted to by the domain argument.
26849
26850 @var{name} is the name of the symbol. It must be a string.
26851 The optional @var{domain} argument restricts the search to the domain type.
26852 The @var{domain} argument must be a domain constant defined in the @code{gdb}
26853 module and described later in this chapter.
26854
26855 The result is a @code{gdb.Symbol} object or @code{None} if the symbol
26856 is not found.
26857 @end defun
26858
26859 A @code{gdb.Symbol} object has the following attributes:
26860
26861 @defvar Symbol.type
26862 The type of the symbol or @code{None} if no type is recorded.
26863 This attribute is represented as a @code{gdb.Type} object.
26864 @xref{Types In Python}. This attribute is not writable.
26865 @end defvar
26866
26867 @defvar Symbol.symtab
26868 The symbol table in which the symbol appears. This attribute is
26869 represented as a @code{gdb.Symtab} object. @xref{Symbol Tables In
26870 Python}. This attribute is not writable.
26871 @end defvar
26872
26873 @defvar Symbol.line
26874 The line number in the source code at which the symbol was defined.
26875 This is an integer.
26876 @end defvar
26877
26878 @defvar Symbol.name
26879 The name of the symbol as a string. This attribute is not writable.
26880 @end defvar
26881
26882 @defvar Symbol.linkage_name
26883 The name of the symbol, as used by the linker (i.e., may be mangled).
26884 This attribute is not writable.
26885 @end defvar
26886
26887 @defvar Symbol.print_name
26888 The name of the symbol in a form suitable for output. This is either
26889 @code{name} or @code{linkage_name}, depending on whether the user
26890 asked @value{GDBN} to display demangled or mangled names.
26891 @end defvar
26892
26893 @defvar Symbol.addr_class
26894 The address class of the symbol. This classifies how to find the value
26895 of a symbol. Each address class is a constant defined in the
26896 @code{gdb} module and described later in this chapter.
26897 @end defvar
26898
26899 @defvar Symbol.needs_frame
26900 This is @code{True} if evaluating this symbol's value requires a frame
26901 (@pxref{Frames In Python}) and @code{False} otherwise. Typically,
26902 local variables will require a frame, but other symbols will not.
26903 @end defvar
26904
26905 @defvar Symbol.is_argument
26906 @code{True} if the symbol is an argument of a function.
26907 @end defvar
26908
26909 @defvar Symbol.is_constant
26910 @code{True} if the symbol is a constant.
26911 @end defvar
26912
26913 @defvar Symbol.is_function
26914 @code{True} if the symbol is a function or a method.
26915 @end defvar
26916
26917 @defvar Symbol.is_variable
26918 @code{True} if the symbol is a variable.
26919 @end defvar
26920
26921 A @code{gdb.Symbol} object has the following methods:
26922
26923 @defun Symbol.is_valid ()
26924 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symbol} object is valid,
26925 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symbol} object can become invalid if
26926 the symbol it refers to does not exist in @value{GDBN} any longer.
26927 All other @code{gdb.Symbol} methods will throw an exception if it is
26928 invalid at the time the method is called.
26929 @end defun
26930
26931 @defun Symbol.value (@r{[}frame@r{]})
26932 Compute the value of the symbol, as a @code{gdb.Value}. For
26933 functions, this computes the address of the function, cast to the
26934 appropriate type. If the symbol requires a frame in order to compute
26935 its value, then @var{frame} must be given. If @var{frame} is not
26936 given, or if @var{frame} is invalid, then this method will throw an
26937 exception.
26938 @end defun
26939
26940 The available domain categories in @code{gdb.Symbol} are represented
26941 as constants in the @code{gdb} module:
26942
26943 @table @code
26944 @findex SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
26945 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
26946 @item gdb.SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
26947 This is used when a domain has not been discovered or none of the
26948 following domains apply. This usually indicates an error either
26949 in the symbol information or in @value{GDBN}'s handling of symbols.
26950 @findex SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
26951 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
26952 @item gdb.SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
26953 This domain contains variables, function names, typedef names and enum
26954 type values.
26955 @findex SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
26956 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
26957 @item gdb.SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
26958 This domain holds struct, union and enum type names.
26959 @findex SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
26960 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
26961 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
26962 This domain contains names of labels (for gotos).
26963 @findex SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
26964 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
26965 @item gdb.SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
26966 This domain holds a subset of the @code{SYMBOLS_VAR_DOMAIN}; it
26967 contains everything minus functions and types.
26968 @findex SYMBOL_FUNCTIONS_DOMAIN
26969 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_FUNCTIONS_DOMAIN
26970 @item gdb.SYMBOL_FUNCTION_DOMAIN
26971 This domain contains all functions.
26972 @findex SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
26973 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
26974 @item gdb.SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
26975 This domain contains all types.
26976 @end table
26977
26978 The available address class categories in @code{gdb.Symbol} are represented
26979 as constants in the @code{gdb} module:
26980
26981 @table @code
26982 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
26983 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
26984 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
26985 If this is returned by address class, it indicates an error either in
26986 the symbol information or in @value{GDBN}'s handling of symbols.
26987 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
26988 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
26989 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
26990 Value is constant int.
26991 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
26992 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
26993 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
26994 Value is at a fixed address.
26995 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
26996 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
26997 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
26998 Value is in a register.
26999 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
27000 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
27001 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
27002 Value is an argument. This value is at the offset stored within the
27003 symbol inside the frame's argument list.
27004 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
27005 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
27006 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
27007 Value address is stored in the frame's argument list. Just like
27008 @code{LOC_ARG} except that the value's address is stored at the
27009 offset, not the value itself.
27010 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
27011 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
27012 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
27013 Value is a specified register. Just like @code{LOC_REGISTER} except
27014 the register holds the address of the argument instead of the argument
27015 itself.
27016 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
27017 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
27018 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
27019 Value is a local variable.
27020 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
27021 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
27022 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
27023 Value not used. Symbols in the domain @code{SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN} all
27024 have this class.
27025 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
27026 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
27027 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
27028 Value is a block.
27029 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
27030 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
27031 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
27032 Value is a byte-sequence.
27033 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
27034 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
27035 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
27036 Value is at a fixed address, but the address of the variable has to be
27037 determined from the minimal symbol table whenever the variable is
27038 referenced.
27039 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
27040 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
27041 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
27042 The value does not actually exist in the program.
27043 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
27044 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
27045 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
27046 The value's address is a computed location.
27047 @end table
27048
27049 @node Symbol Tables In Python
27050 @subsubsection Symbol table representation in Python.
27051
27052 @cindex symbol tables in python
27053 @tindex gdb.Symtab
27054 @tindex gdb.Symtab_and_line
27055
27056 Access to symbol table data maintained by @value{GDBN} on the inferior
27057 is exposed to Python via two objects: @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} and
27058 @code{gdb.Symtab}. Symbol table and line data for a frame is returned
27059 from the @code{find_sal} method in @code{gdb.Frame} object.
27060 @xref{Frames In Python}.
27061
27062 For more information on @value{GDBN}'s symbol table management, see
27063 @ref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, for more information.
27064
27065 A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object has the following attributes:
27066
27067 @defvar Symtab_and_line.symtab
27068 The symbol table object (@code{gdb.Symtab}) for this frame.
27069 This attribute is not writable.
27070 @end defvar
27071
27072 @defvar Symtab_and_line.pc
27073 Indicates the start of the address range occupied by code for the
27074 current source line. This attribute is not writable.
27075 @end defvar
27076
27077 @defvar Symtab_and_line.last
27078 Indicates the end of the address range occupied by code for the current
27079 source line. This attribute is not writable.
27080 @end defvar
27081
27082 @defvar Symtab_and_line.line
27083 Indicates the current line number for this object. This
27084 attribute is not writable.
27085 @end defvar
27086
27087 A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object has the following methods:
27088
27089 @defun Symtab_and_line.is_valid ()
27090 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object is valid,
27091 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object can become
27092 invalid if the Symbol table and line object it refers to does not
27093 exist in @value{GDBN} any longer. All other
27094 @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} methods will throw an exception if it is
27095 invalid at the time the method is called.
27096 @end defun
27097
27098 A @code{gdb.Symtab} object has the following attributes:
27099
27100 @defvar Symtab.filename
27101 The symbol table's source filename. This attribute is not writable.
27102 @end defvar
27103
27104 @defvar Symtab.objfile
27105 The symbol table's backing object file. @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
27106 This attribute is not writable.
27107 @end defvar
27108
27109 A @code{gdb.Symtab} object has the following methods:
27110
27111 @defun Symtab.is_valid ()
27112 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symtab} object is valid,
27113 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symtab} object can become invalid if
27114 the symbol table it refers to does not exist in @value{GDBN} any
27115 longer. All other @code{gdb.Symtab} methods will throw an exception
27116 if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
27117 @end defun
27118
27119 @defun Symtab.fullname ()
27120 Return the symbol table's source absolute file name.
27121 @end defun
27122
27123 @defun Symtab.global_block ()
27124 Return the global block of the underlying symbol table.
27125 @xref{Blocks In Python}.
27126 @end defun
27127
27128 @defun Symtab.static_block ()
27129 Return the static block of the underlying symbol table.
27130 @xref{Blocks In Python}.
27131 @end defun
27132
27133 @defun Symtab.linetable ()
27134 Return the line table associated with the symbol table.
27135 @xref{Line Tables In Python}.
27136 @end defun
27137
27138 @node Line Tables In Python
27139 @subsubsection Manipulating line tables using Python
27140
27141 @cindex line tables in python
27142 @tindex gdb.LineTable
27143
27144 Python code can request and inspect line table information from a
27145 symbol table that is loaded in @value{GDBN}. A line table is a
27146 mapping of source lines to their executable locations in memory. To
27147 acquire the line table information for a particular symbol table, use
27148 the @code{linetable} function (@pxref{Symbol Tables In Python}).
27149
27150 A @code{gdb.LineTable} is iterable. The iterator returns
27151 @code{LineTableEntry} objects that correspond to the source line and
27152 address for each line table entry. @code{LineTableEntry} objects have
27153 the following attributes:
27154
27155 @defvar LineTableEntry.line
27156 The source line number for this line table entry. This number
27157 corresponds to the actual line of source. This attribute is not
27158 writable.
27159 @end defvar
27160
27161 @defvar LineTableEntry.pc
27162 The address that is associated with the line table entry where the
27163 executable code for that source line resides in memory. This
27164 attribute is not writable.
27165 @end defvar
27166
27167 As there can be multiple addresses for a single source line, you may
27168 receive multiple @code{LineTableEntry} objects with matching
27169 @code{line} attributes, but with different @code{pc} attributes. The
27170 iterator is sorted in ascending @code{pc} order. Here is a small
27171 example illustrating iterating over a line table.
27172
27173 @smallexample
27174 symtab = gdb.selected_frame().find_sal().symtab
27175 linetable = symtab.linetable()
27176 for line in linetable:
27177 print "Line: "+str(line.line)+" Address: "+hex(line.pc)
27178 @end smallexample
27179
27180 This will have the following output:
27181
27182 @smallexample
27183 Line: 33 Address: 0x4005c8L
27184 Line: 37 Address: 0x4005caL
27185 Line: 39 Address: 0x4005d2L
27186 Line: 40 Address: 0x4005f8L
27187 Line: 42 Address: 0x4005ffL
27188 Line: 44 Address: 0x400608L
27189 Line: 42 Address: 0x40060cL
27190 Line: 45 Address: 0x400615L
27191 @end smallexample
27192
27193 In addition to being able to iterate over a @code{LineTable}, it also
27194 has the following direct access methods:
27195
27196 @defun LineTable.line (line)
27197 Return a Python @code{Tuple} of @code{LineTableEntry} objects for any
27198 entries in the line table for the given @var{line}. @var{line} refers
27199 to the source code line. If there are no entries for that source code
27200 @var{line}, the Python @code{None} is returned.
27201 @end defun
27202
27203 @defun LineTable.has_line (line)
27204 Return a Python @code{Boolean} indicating whether there is an entry in
27205 the line table for this source line. Return @code{True} if an entry
27206 is found, or @code{False} if not.
27207 @end defun
27208
27209 @defun LineTable.source_lines ()
27210 Return a Python @code{List} of the source line numbers in the symbol
27211 table. Only lines with executable code locations are returned. The
27212 contents of the @code{List} will just be the source line entries
27213 represented as Python @code{Long} values.
27214 @end defun
27215
27216 @node Breakpoints In Python
27217 @subsubsection Manipulating breakpoints using Python
27218
27219 @cindex breakpoints in python
27220 @tindex gdb.Breakpoint
27221
27222 Python code can manipulate breakpoints via the @code{gdb.Breakpoint}
27223 class.
27224
27225 @defun Breakpoint.__init__ (spec @r{[}, type @r{[}, wp_class @r{[},internal @r{[},temporary@r{]]]]})
27226 Create a new breakpoint. @var{spec} is a string naming the location
27227 of the breakpoint, or an expression that defines a watchpoint. The
27228 contents can be any location recognized by the @code{break} command,
27229 or in the case of a watchpoint, by the @code{watch} command. The
27230 optional @var{type} denotes the breakpoint to create from the types
27231 defined later in this chapter. This argument can be either:
27232 @code{gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT} or @code{gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT}. @var{type}
27233 defaults to @code{gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT}. The optional @var{internal}
27234 argument allows the breakpoint to become invisible to the user. The
27235 breakpoint will neither be reported when created, nor will it be
27236 listed in the output from @code{info breakpoints} (but will be listed
27237 with the @code{maint info breakpoints} command). The optional
27238 @var{temporary} argument makes the breakpoint a temporary breakpoint.
27239 Temporary breakpoints are deleted after they have been hit. Any
27240 further access to the Python breakpoint after it has been hit will
27241 result in a runtime error (as that breakpoint has now been
27242 automatically deleted). The optional @var{wp_class} argument defines
27243 the class of watchpoint to create, if @var{type} is
27244 @code{gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT}. If a watchpoint class is not provided, it
27245 is assumed to be a @code{gdb.WP_WRITE} class.
27246 @end defun
27247
27248 @defun Breakpoint.stop (self)
27249 The @code{gdb.Breakpoint} class can be sub-classed and, in
27250 particular, you may choose to implement the @code{stop} method.
27251 If this method is defined in a sub-class of @code{gdb.Breakpoint},
27252 it will be called when the inferior reaches any location of a
27253 breakpoint which instantiates that sub-class. If the method returns
27254 @code{True}, the inferior will be stopped at the location of the
27255 breakpoint, otherwise the inferior will continue.
27256
27257 If there are multiple breakpoints at the same location with a
27258 @code{stop} method, each one will be called regardless of the
27259 return status of the previous. This ensures that all @code{stop}
27260 methods have a chance to execute at that location. In this scenario
27261 if one of the methods returns @code{True} but the others return
27262 @code{False}, the inferior will still be stopped.
27263
27264 You should not alter the execution state of the inferior (i.e.@:, step,
27265 next, etc.), alter the current frame context (i.e.@:, change the current
27266 active frame), or alter, add or delete any breakpoint. As a general
27267 rule, you should not alter any data within @value{GDBN} or the inferior
27268 at this time.
27269
27270 Example @code{stop} implementation:
27271
27272 @smallexample
27273 class MyBreakpoint (gdb.Breakpoint):
27274 def stop (self):
27275 inf_val = gdb.parse_and_eval("foo")
27276 if inf_val == 3:
27277 return True
27278 return False
27279 @end smallexample
27280 @end defun
27281
27282 The available watchpoint types represented by constants are defined in the
27283 @code{gdb} module:
27284
27285 @table @code
27286 @findex WP_READ
27287 @findex gdb.WP_READ
27288 @item gdb.WP_READ
27289 Read only watchpoint.
27290
27291 @findex WP_WRITE
27292 @findex gdb.WP_WRITE
27293 @item gdb.WP_WRITE
27294 Write only watchpoint.
27295
27296 @findex WP_ACCESS
27297 @findex gdb.WP_ACCESS
27298 @item gdb.WP_ACCESS
27299 Read/Write watchpoint.
27300 @end table
27301
27302 @defun Breakpoint.is_valid ()
27303 Return @code{True} if this @code{Breakpoint} object is valid,
27304 @code{False} otherwise. A @code{Breakpoint} object can become invalid
27305 if the user deletes the breakpoint. In this case, the object still
27306 exists, but the underlying breakpoint does not. In the cases of
27307 watchpoint scope, the watchpoint remains valid even if execution of the
27308 inferior leaves the scope of that watchpoint.
27309 @end defun
27310
27311 @defun Breakpoint.delete
27312 Permanently deletes the @value{GDBN} breakpoint. This also
27313 invalidates the Python @code{Breakpoint} object. Any further access
27314 to this object's attributes or methods will raise an error.
27315 @end defun
27316
27317 @defvar Breakpoint.enabled
27318 This attribute is @code{True} if the breakpoint is enabled, and
27319 @code{False} otherwise. This attribute is writable.
27320 @end defvar
27321
27322 @defvar Breakpoint.silent
27323 This attribute is @code{True} if the breakpoint is silent, and
27324 @code{False} otherwise. This attribute is writable.
27325
27326 Note that a breakpoint can also be silent if it has commands and the
27327 first command is @code{silent}. This is not reported by the
27328 @code{silent} attribute.
27329 @end defvar
27330
27331 @defvar Breakpoint.thread
27332 If the breakpoint is thread-specific, this attribute holds the thread
27333 id. If the breakpoint is not thread-specific, this attribute is
27334 @code{None}. This attribute is writable.
27335 @end defvar
27336
27337 @defvar Breakpoint.task
27338 If the breakpoint is Ada task-specific, this attribute holds the Ada task
27339 id. If the breakpoint is not task-specific (or the underlying
27340 language is not Ada), this attribute is @code{None}. This attribute
27341 is writable.
27342 @end defvar
27343
27344 @defvar Breakpoint.ignore_count
27345 This attribute holds the ignore count for the breakpoint, an integer.
27346 This attribute is writable.
27347 @end defvar
27348
27349 @defvar Breakpoint.number
27350 This attribute holds the breakpoint's number --- the identifier used by
27351 the user to manipulate the breakpoint. This attribute is not writable.
27352 @end defvar
27353
27354 @defvar Breakpoint.type
27355 This attribute holds the breakpoint's type --- the identifier used to
27356 determine the actual breakpoint type or use-case. This attribute is not
27357 writable.
27358 @end defvar
27359
27360 @defvar Breakpoint.visible
27361 This attribute tells whether the breakpoint is visible to the user
27362 when set, or when the @samp{info breakpoints} command is run. This
27363 attribute is not writable.
27364 @end defvar
27365
27366 @defvar Breakpoint.temporary
27367 This attribute indicates whether the breakpoint was created as a
27368 temporary breakpoint. Temporary breakpoints are automatically deleted
27369 after that breakpoint has been hit. Access to this attribute, and all
27370 other attributes and functions other than the @code{is_valid}
27371 function, will result in an error after the breakpoint has been hit
27372 (as it has been automatically deleted). This attribute is not
27373 writable.
27374 @end defvar
27375
27376 The available types are represented by constants defined in the @code{gdb}
27377 module:
27378
27379 @table @code
27380 @findex BP_BREAKPOINT
27381 @findex gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT
27382 @item gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT
27383 Normal code breakpoint.
27384
27385 @findex BP_WATCHPOINT
27386 @findex gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT
27387 @item gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT
27388 Watchpoint breakpoint.
27389
27390 @findex BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
27391 @findex gdb.BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
27392 @item gdb.BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
27393 Hardware assisted watchpoint.
27394
27395 @findex BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
27396 @findex gdb.BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
27397 @item gdb.BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
27398 Hardware assisted read watchpoint.
27399
27400 @findex BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
27401 @findex gdb.BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
27402 @item gdb.BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
27403 Hardware assisted access watchpoint.
27404 @end table
27405
27406 @defvar Breakpoint.hit_count
27407 This attribute holds the hit count for the breakpoint, an integer.
27408 This attribute is writable, but currently it can only be set to zero.
27409 @end defvar
27410
27411 @defvar Breakpoint.location
27412 This attribute holds the location of the breakpoint, as specified by
27413 the user. It is a string. If the breakpoint does not have a location
27414 (that is, it is a watchpoint) the attribute's value is @code{None}. This
27415 attribute is not writable.
27416 @end defvar
27417
27418 @defvar Breakpoint.expression
27419 This attribute holds a breakpoint expression, as specified by
27420 the user. It is a string. If the breakpoint does not have an
27421 expression (the breakpoint is not a watchpoint) the attribute's value
27422 is @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
27423 @end defvar
27424
27425 @defvar Breakpoint.condition
27426 This attribute holds the condition of the breakpoint, as specified by
27427 the user. It is a string. If there is no condition, this attribute's
27428 value is @code{None}. This attribute is writable.
27429 @end defvar
27430
27431 @defvar Breakpoint.commands
27432 This attribute holds the commands attached to the breakpoint. If
27433 there are commands, this attribute's value is a string holding all the
27434 commands, separated by newlines. If there are no commands, this
27435 attribute is @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
27436 @end defvar
27437
27438 @node Finish Breakpoints in Python
27439 @subsubsection Finish Breakpoints
27440
27441 @cindex python finish breakpoints
27442 @tindex gdb.FinishBreakpoint
27443
27444 A finish breakpoint is a temporary breakpoint set at the return address of
27445 a frame, based on the @code{finish} command. @code{gdb.FinishBreakpoint}
27446 extends @code{gdb.Breakpoint}. The underlying breakpoint will be disabled
27447 and deleted when the execution will run out of the breakpoint scope (i.e.@:
27448 @code{Breakpoint.stop} or @code{FinishBreakpoint.out_of_scope} triggered).
27449 Finish breakpoints are thread specific and must be create with the right
27450 thread selected.
27451
27452 @defun FinishBreakpoint.__init__ (@r{[}frame@r{]} @r{[}, internal@r{]})
27453 Create a finish breakpoint at the return address of the @code{gdb.Frame}
27454 object @var{frame}. If @var{frame} is not provided, this defaults to the
27455 newest frame. The optional @var{internal} argument allows the breakpoint to
27456 become invisible to the user. @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for further
27457 details about this argument.
27458 @end defun
27459
27460 @defun FinishBreakpoint.out_of_scope (self)
27461 In some circumstances (e.g.@: @code{longjmp}, C@t{++} exceptions, @value{GDBN}
27462 @code{return} command, @dots{}), a function may not properly terminate, and
27463 thus never hit the finish breakpoint. When @value{GDBN} notices such a
27464 situation, the @code{out_of_scope} callback will be triggered.
27465
27466 You may want to sub-class @code{gdb.FinishBreakpoint} and override this
27467 method:
27468
27469 @smallexample
27470 class MyFinishBreakpoint (gdb.FinishBreakpoint)
27471 def stop (self):
27472 print "normal finish"
27473 return True
27474
27475 def out_of_scope ():
27476 print "abnormal finish"
27477 @end smallexample
27478 @end defun
27479
27480 @defvar FinishBreakpoint.return_value
27481 When @value{GDBN} is stopped at a finish breakpoint and the frame
27482 used to build the @code{gdb.FinishBreakpoint} object had debug symbols, this
27483 attribute will contain a @code{gdb.Value} object corresponding to the return
27484 value of the function. The value will be @code{None} if the function return
27485 type is @code{void} or if the return value was not computable. This attribute
27486 is not writable.
27487 @end defvar
27488
27489 @node Lazy Strings In Python
27490 @subsubsection Python representation of lazy strings.
27491
27492 @cindex lazy strings in python
27493 @tindex gdb.LazyString
27494
27495 A @dfn{lazy string} is a string whose contents is not retrieved or
27496 encoded until it is needed.
27497
27498 A @code{gdb.LazyString} is represented in @value{GDBN} as an
27499 @code{address} that points to a region of memory, an @code{encoding}
27500 that will be used to encode that region of memory, and a @code{length}
27501 to delimit the region of memory that represents the string. The
27502 difference between a @code{gdb.LazyString} and a string wrapped within
27503 a @code{gdb.Value} is that a @code{gdb.LazyString} will be treated
27504 differently by @value{GDBN} when printing. A @code{gdb.LazyString} is
27505 retrieved and encoded during printing, while a @code{gdb.Value}
27506 wrapping a string is immediately retrieved and encoded on creation.
27507
27508 A @code{gdb.LazyString} object has the following functions:
27509
27510 @defun LazyString.value ()
27511 Convert the @code{gdb.LazyString} to a @code{gdb.Value}. This value
27512 will point to the string in memory, but will lose all the delayed
27513 retrieval, encoding and handling that @value{GDBN} applies to a
27514 @code{gdb.LazyString}.
27515 @end defun
27516
27517 @defvar LazyString.address
27518 This attribute holds the address of the string. This attribute is not
27519 writable.
27520 @end defvar
27521
27522 @defvar LazyString.length
27523 This attribute holds the length of the string in characters. If the
27524 length is -1, then the string will be fetched and encoded up to the
27525 first null of appropriate width. This attribute is not writable.
27526 @end defvar
27527
27528 @defvar LazyString.encoding
27529 This attribute holds the encoding that will be applied to the string
27530 when the string is printed by @value{GDBN}. If the encoding is not
27531 set, or contains an empty string, then @value{GDBN} will select the
27532 most appropriate encoding when the string is printed. This attribute
27533 is not writable.
27534 @end defvar
27535
27536 @defvar LazyString.type
27537 This attribute holds the type that is represented by the lazy string's
27538 type. For a lazy string this will always be a pointer type. To
27539 resolve this to the lazy string's character type, use the type's
27540 @code{target} method. @xref{Types In Python}. This attribute is not
27541 writable.
27542 @end defvar
27543
27544 @node Architectures In Python
27545 @subsubsection Python representation of architectures
27546 @cindex Python architectures
27547
27548 @value{GDBN} uses architecture specific parameters and artifacts in a
27549 number of its various computations. An architecture is represented
27550 by an instance of the @code{gdb.Architecture} class.
27551
27552 A @code{gdb.Architecture} class has the following methods:
27553
27554 @defun Architecture.name ()
27555 Return the name (string value) of the architecture.
27556 @end defun
27557
27558 @defun Architecture.disassemble (@var{start_pc} @r{[}, @var{end_pc} @r{[}, @var{count}@r{]]})
27559 Return a list of disassembled instructions starting from the memory
27560 address @var{start_pc}. The optional arguments @var{end_pc} and
27561 @var{count} determine the number of instructions in the returned list.
27562 If both the optional arguments @var{end_pc} and @var{count} are
27563 specified, then a list of at most @var{count} disassembled instructions
27564 whose start address falls in the closed memory address interval from
27565 @var{start_pc} to @var{end_pc} are returned. If @var{end_pc} is not
27566 specified, but @var{count} is specified, then @var{count} number of
27567 instructions starting from the address @var{start_pc} are returned. If
27568 @var{count} is not specified but @var{end_pc} is specified, then all
27569 instructions whose start address falls in the closed memory address
27570 interval from @var{start_pc} to @var{end_pc} are returned. If neither
27571 @var{end_pc} nor @var{count} are specified, then a single instruction at
27572 @var{start_pc} is returned. For all of these cases, each element of the
27573 returned list is a Python @code{dict} with the following string keys:
27574
27575 @table @code
27576
27577 @item addr
27578 The value corresponding to this key is a Python long integer capturing
27579 the memory address of the instruction.
27580
27581 @item asm
27582 The value corresponding to this key is a string value which represents
27583 the instruction with assembly language mnemonics. The assembly
27584 language flavor used is the same as that specified by the current CLI
27585 variable @code{disassembly-flavor}. @xref{Machine Code}.
27586
27587 @item length
27588 The value corresponding to this key is the length (integer value) of the
27589 instruction in bytes.
27590
27591 @end table
27592 @end defun
27593
27594 @node Python Auto-loading
27595 @subsection Python Auto-loading
27596 @cindex Python auto-loading
27597
27598 When a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
27599 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library),
27600 @value{GDBN} will look for Python support scripts in several ways:
27601 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} (@pxref{objfile-gdb.py file})
27602 and @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
27603 (@pxref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}).
27604
27605 The auto-loading feature is useful for supplying application-specific
27606 debugging commands and scripts.
27607
27608 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
27609 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
27610
27611 @table @code
27612 @anchor{set auto-load python-scripts}
27613 @kindex set auto-load python-scripts
27614 @item set auto-load python-scripts [on|off]
27615 Enable or disable the auto-loading of Python scripts.
27616
27617 @anchor{show auto-load python-scripts}
27618 @kindex show auto-load python-scripts
27619 @item show auto-load python-scripts
27620 Show whether auto-loading of Python scripts is enabled or disabled.
27621
27622 @anchor{info auto-load python-scripts}
27623 @kindex info auto-load python-scripts
27624 @cindex print list of auto-loaded Python scripts
27625 @item info auto-load python-scripts [@var{regexp}]
27626 Print the list of all Python scripts that @value{GDBN} auto-loaded.
27627
27628 Also printed is the list of Python scripts that were mentioned in
27629 the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section and were not found
27630 (@pxref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}).
27631 This is useful because their names are not printed when @value{GDBN}
27632 tries to load them and fails. There may be many of them, and printing
27633 an error message for each one is problematic.
27634
27635 If @var{regexp} is supplied only Python scripts with matching names are printed.
27636
27637 Example:
27638
27639 @smallexample
27640 (gdb) info auto-load python-scripts
27641 Loaded Script
27642 Yes py-section-script.py
27643 full name: /tmp/py-section-script.py
27644 No my-foo-pretty-printers.py
27645 @end smallexample
27646 @end table
27647
27648 When reading an auto-loaded file, @value{GDBN} sets the
27649 @dfn{current objfile}. This is available via the @code{gdb.current_objfile}
27650 function (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}). This can be useful for
27651 registering objfile-specific pretty-printers and frame-filters.
27652
27653 @menu
27654 * objfile-gdb.py file:: The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} file
27655 * dotdebug_gdb_scripts section:: The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
27656 * Which flavor to choose?::
27657 @end menu
27658
27659 @node objfile-gdb.py file
27660 @subsubsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} file
27661 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
27662
27663 When a new object file is read, @value{GDBN} looks for
27664 a file named @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} (we call it @var{script-name} below),
27665 where @var{objfile} is the object file's real name, formed by ensuring
27666 that the file name is absolute, following all symlinks, and resolving
27667 @code{.} and @code{..} components. If this file exists and is
27668 readable, @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as a Python script.
27669
27670 If this file does not exist, then @value{GDBN} will look for
27671 @var{script-name} file in all of the directories as specified below.
27672
27673 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
27674 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
27675
27676 For object files using @file{.exe} suffix @value{GDBN} tries to load first the
27677 scripts normally according to its @file{.exe} filename. But if no scripts are
27678 found @value{GDBN} also tries script filenames matching the object file without
27679 its @file{.exe} suffix. This @file{.exe} stripping is case insensitive and it
27680 is attempted on any platform. This makes the script filenames compatible
27681 between Unix and MS-Windows hosts.
27682
27683 @table @code
27684 @anchor{set auto-load scripts-directory}
27685 @kindex set auto-load scripts-directory
27686 @item set auto-load scripts-directory @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
27687 Control @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location. Multiple directory entries
27688 may be delimited by the host platform path separator in use
27689 (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS).
27690
27691 Each entry here needs to be covered also by the security setting
27692 @code{set auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{set auto-load safe-path}).
27693
27694 @anchor{with-auto-load-dir}
27695 This variable defaults to @file{$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load}. The default
27696 @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by @value{GDBN}
27697 configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-dir}.
27698
27699 Any reference to @file{$debugdir} will get replaced by
27700 @var{debug-file-directory} value (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}) and any
27701 reference to @file{$datadir} will get replaced by @var{data-directory} which is
27702 determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}). @file{$debugdir} and
27703 @file{$datadir} must be placed as a directory component --- either alone or
27704 delimited by @file{/} or @file{\} directory separators, depending on the host
27705 platform.
27706
27707 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
27708 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
27709 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
27710
27711 @anchor{show auto-load scripts-directory}
27712 @kindex show auto-load scripts-directory
27713 @item show auto-load scripts-directory
27714 Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
27715 @end table
27716
27717 @value{GDBN} does not track which files it has already auto-loaded this way.
27718 @value{GDBN} will load the associated script every time the corresponding
27719 @var{objfile} is opened.
27720 So your @file{-gdb.py} file should be careful to avoid errors if it
27721 is evaluated more than once.
27722
27723 @node dotdebug_gdb_scripts section
27724 @subsubsection The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
27725 @cindex @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
27726
27727 For systems using file formats like ELF and COFF,
27728 when @value{GDBN} loads a new object file
27729 it will look for a special section named @samp{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
27730 If this section exists, its contents is a list of names of scripts to load.
27731
27732 @value{GDBN} will look for each specified script file first in the
27733 current directory and then along the source search path
27734 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}),
27735 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched, since the compilation
27736 directory is not relevant to scripts.
27737
27738 Entries can be placed in section @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} with,
27739 for example, this GCC macro:
27740
27741 @example
27742 /* Note: The "MS" section flags are to remove duplicates. */
27743 #define DEFINE_GDB_SCRIPT(script_name) \
27744 asm("\
27745 .pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n\
27746 .byte 1\n\
27747 .asciz \"" script_name "\"\n\
27748 .popsection \n\
27749 ");
27750 @end example
27751
27752 @noindent
27753 Then one can reference the macro in a header or source file like this:
27754
27755 @example
27756 DEFINE_GDB_SCRIPT ("my-app-scripts.py")
27757 @end example
27758
27759 The script name may include directories if desired.
27760
27761 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
27762 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
27763
27764 If the macro is put in a header, any application or library
27765 using this header will get a reference to the specified script.
27766
27767 @node Which flavor to choose?
27768 @subsubsection Which flavor to choose?
27769
27770 Given the multiple ways of auto-loading Python scripts, it might not always
27771 be clear which one to choose. This section provides some guidance.
27772
27773 Benefits of the @file{-gdb.py} way:
27774
27775 @itemize @bullet
27776 @item
27777 Can be used with file formats that don't support multiple sections.
27778
27779 @item
27780 Ease of finding scripts for public libraries.
27781
27782 Scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section are searched for
27783 in the source search path.
27784 For publicly installed libraries, e.g., @file{libstdc++}, there typically
27785 isn't a source directory in which to find the script.
27786
27787 @item
27788 Doesn't require source code additions.
27789 @end itemize
27790
27791 Benefits of the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} way:
27792
27793 @itemize @bullet
27794 @item
27795 Works with static linking.
27796
27797 Scripts for libraries done the @file{-gdb.py} way require an objfile to
27798 trigger their loading. When an application is statically linked the only
27799 objfile available is the executable, and it is cumbersome to attach all the
27800 scripts from all the input libraries to the executable's @file{-gdb.py} script.
27801
27802 @item
27803 Works with classes that are entirely inlined.
27804
27805 Some classes can be entirely inlined, and thus there may not be an associated
27806 shared library to attach a @file{-gdb.py} script to.
27807
27808 @item
27809 Scripts needn't be copied out of the source tree.
27810
27811 In some circumstances, apps can be built out of large collections of internal
27812 libraries, and the build infrastructure necessary to install the
27813 @file{-gdb.py} scripts in a place where @value{GDBN} can find them is
27814 cumbersome. It may be easier to specify the scripts in the
27815 @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section as relative paths, and add a path to the
27816 top of the source tree to the source search path.
27817 @end itemize
27818
27819 @node Python modules
27820 @subsection Python modules
27821 @cindex python modules
27822
27823 @value{GDBN} comes with several modules to assist writing Python code.
27824
27825 @menu
27826 * gdb.printing:: Building and registering pretty-printers.
27827 * gdb.types:: Utilities for working with types.
27828 * gdb.prompt:: Utilities for prompt value substitution.
27829 @end menu
27830
27831 @node gdb.printing
27832 @subsubsection gdb.printing
27833 @cindex gdb.printing
27834
27835 This module provides a collection of utilities for working with
27836 pretty-printers.
27837
27838 @table @code
27839 @item PrettyPrinter (@var{name}, @var{subprinters}=None)
27840 This class specifies the API that makes @samp{info pretty-printer},
27841 @samp{enable pretty-printer} and @samp{disable pretty-printer} work.
27842 Pretty-printers should generally inherit from this class.
27843
27844 @item SubPrettyPrinter (@var{name})
27845 For printers that handle multiple types, this class specifies the
27846 corresponding API for the subprinters.
27847
27848 @item RegexpCollectionPrettyPrinter (@var{name})
27849 Utility class for handling multiple printers, all recognized via
27850 regular expressions.
27851 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for an example.
27852
27853 @item FlagEnumerationPrinter (@var{name})
27854 A pretty-printer which handles printing of @code{enum} values. Unlike
27855 @value{GDBN}'s built-in @code{enum} printing, this printer attempts to
27856 work properly when there is some overlap between the enumeration
27857 constants. @var{name} is the name of the printer and also the name of
27858 the @code{enum} type to look up.
27859
27860 @item register_pretty_printer (@var{obj}, @var{printer}, @var{replace}=False)
27861 Register @var{printer} with the pretty-printer list of @var{obj}.
27862 If @var{replace} is @code{True} then any existing copy of the printer
27863 is replaced. Otherwise a @code{RuntimeError} exception is raised
27864 if a printer with the same name already exists.
27865 @end table
27866
27867 @node gdb.types
27868 @subsubsection gdb.types
27869 @cindex gdb.types
27870
27871 This module provides a collection of utilities for working with
27872 @code{gdb.Type} objects.
27873
27874 @table @code
27875 @item get_basic_type (@var{type})
27876 Return @var{type} with const and volatile qualifiers stripped,
27877 and with typedefs and C@t{++} references converted to the underlying type.
27878
27879 C@t{++} example:
27880
27881 @smallexample
27882 typedef const int const_int;
27883 const_int foo (3);
27884 const_int& foo_ref (foo);
27885 int main () @{ return 0; @}
27886 @end smallexample
27887
27888 Then in gdb:
27889
27890 @smallexample
27891 (gdb) start
27892 (gdb) python import gdb.types
27893 (gdb) python foo_ref = gdb.parse_and_eval("foo_ref")
27894 (gdb) python print gdb.types.get_basic_type(foo_ref.type)
27895 int
27896 @end smallexample
27897
27898 @item has_field (@var{type}, @var{field})
27899 Return @code{True} if @var{type}, assumed to be a type with fields
27900 (e.g., a structure or union), has field @var{field}.
27901
27902 @item make_enum_dict (@var{enum_type})
27903 Return a Python @code{dictionary} type produced from @var{enum_type}.
27904
27905 @item deep_items (@var{type})
27906 Returns a Python iterator similar to the standard
27907 @code{gdb.Type.iteritems} method, except that the iterator returned
27908 by @code{deep_items} will recursively traverse anonymous struct or
27909 union fields. For example:
27910
27911 @smallexample
27912 struct A
27913 @{
27914 int a;
27915 union @{
27916 int b0;
27917 int b1;
27918 @};
27919 @};
27920 @end smallexample
27921
27922 @noindent
27923 Then in @value{GDBN}:
27924 @smallexample
27925 (@value{GDBP}) python import gdb.types
27926 (@value{GDBP}) python struct_a = gdb.lookup_type("struct A")
27927 (@value{GDBP}) python print struct_a.keys ()
27928 @{['a', '']@}
27929 (@value{GDBP}) python print [k for k,v in gdb.types.deep_items(struct_a)]
27930 @{['a', 'b0', 'b1']@}
27931 @end smallexample
27932
27933 @item get_type_recognizers ()
27934 Return a list of the enabled type recognizers for the current context.
27935 This is called by @value{GDBN} during the type-printing process
27936 (@pxref{Type Printing API}).
27937
27938 @item apply_type_recognizers (recognizers, type_obj)
27939 Apply the type recognizers, @var{recognizers}, to the type object
27940 @var{type_obj}. If any recognizer returns a string, return that
27941 string. Otherwise, return @code{None}. This is called by
27942 @value{GDBN} during the type-printing process (@pxref{Type Printing
27943 API}).
27944
27945 @item register_type_printer (locus, printer)
27946 This is a convenience function to register a type printer.
27947 @var{printer} is the type printer to register. It must implement the
27948 type printer protocol. @var{locus} is either a @code{gdb.Objfile}, in
27949 which case the printer is registered with that objfile; a
27950 @code{gdb.Progspace}, in which case the printer is registered with
27951 that progspace; or @code{None}, in which case the printer is
27952 registered globally.
27953
27954 @item TypePrinter
27955 This is a base class that implements the type printer protocol. Type
27956 printers are encouraged, but not required, to derive from this class.
27957 It defines a constructor:
27958
27959 @defmethod TypePrinter __init__ (self, name)
27960 Initialize the type printer with the given name. The new printer
27961 starts in the enabled state.
27962 @end defmethod
27963
27964 @end table
27965
27966 @node gdb.prompt
27967 @subsubsection gdb.prompt
27968 @cindex gdb.prompt
27969
27970 This module provides a method for prompt value-substitution.
27971
27972 @table @code
27973 @item substitute_prompt (@var{string})
27974 Return @var{string} with escape sequences substituted by values. Some
27975 escape sequences take arguments. You can specify arguments inside
27976 ``@{@}'' immediately following the escape sequence.
27977
27978 The escape sequences you can pass to this function are:
27979
27980 @table @code
27981 @item \\
27982 Substitute a backslash.
27983 @item \e
27984 Substitute an ESC character.
27985 @item \f
27986 Substitute the selected frame; an argument names a frame parameter.
27987 @item \n
27988 Substitute a newline.
27989 @item \p
27990 Substitute a parameter's value; the argument names the parameter.
27991 @item \r
27992 Substitute a carriage return.
27993 @item \t
27994 Substitute the selected thread; an argument names a thread parameter.
27995 @item \v
27996 Substitute the version of GDB.
27997 @item \w
27998 Substitute the current working directory.
27999 @item \[
28000 Begin a sequence of non-printing characters. These sequences are
28001 typically used with the ESC character, and are not counted in the string
28002 length. Example: ``\[\e[0;34m\](gdb)\[\e[0m\]'' will return a
28003 blue-colored ``(gdb)'' prompt where the length is five.
28004 @item \]
28005 End a sequence of non-printing characters.
28006 @end table
28007
28008 For example:
28009
28010 @smallexample
28011 substitute_prompt (``frame: \f,
28012 print arguments: \p@{print frame-arguments@}'')
28013 @end smallexample
28014
28015 @exdent will return the string:
28016
28017 @smallexample
28018 "frame: main, print arguments: scalars"
28019 @end smallexample
28020 @end table
28021
28022 @node Aliases
28023 @section Creating new spellings of existing commands
28024 @cindex aliases for commands
28025
28026 It is often useful to define alternate spellings of existing commands.
28027 For example, if a new @value{GDBN} command defined in Python has
28028 a long name to type, it is handy to have an abbreviated version of it
28029 that involves less typing.
28030
28031 @value{GDBN} itself uses aliases. For example @samp{s} is an alias
28032 of the @samp{step} command even though it is otherwise an ambiguous
28033 abbreviation of other commands like @samp{set} and @samp{show}.
28034
28035 Aliases are also used to provide shortened or more common versions
28036 of multi-word commands. For example, @value{GDBN} provides the
28037 @samp{tty} alias of the @samp{set inferior-tty} command.
28038
28039 You can define a new alias with the @samp{alias} command.
28040
28041 @table @code
28042
28043 @kindex alias
28044 @item alias [-a] [--] @var{ALIAS} = @var{COMMAND}
28045
28046 @end table
28047
28048 @var{ALIAS} specifies the name of the new alias.
28049 Each word of @var{ALIAS} must consist of letters, numbers, dashes and
28050 underscores.
28051
28052 @var{COMMAND} specifies the name of an existing command
28053 that is being aliased.
28054
28055 The @samp{-a} option specifies that the new alias is an abbreviation
28056 of the command. Abbreviations are not shown in command
28057 lists displayed by the @samp{help} command.
28058
28059 The @samp{--} option specifies the end of options,
28060 and is useful when @var{ALIAS} begins with a dash.
28061
28062 Here is a simple example showing how to make an abbreviation
28063 of a command so that there is less to type.
28064 Suppose you were tired of typing @samp{disas}, the current
28065 shortest unambiguous abbreviation of the @samp{disassemble} command
28066 and you wanted an even shorter version named @samp{di}.
28067 The following will accomplish this.
28068
28069 @smallexample
28070 (gdb) alias -a di = disas
28071 @end smallexample
28072
28073 Note that aliases are different from user-defined commands.
28074 With a user-defined command, you also need to write documentation
28075 for it with the @samp{document} command.
28076 An alias automatically picks up the documentation of the existing command.
28077
28078 Here is an example where we make @samp{elms} an abbreviation of
28079 @samp{elements} in the @samp{set print elements} command.
28080 This is to show that you can make an abbreviation of any part
28081 of a command.
28082
28083 @smallexample
28084 (gdb) alias -a set print elms = set print elements
28085 (gdb) alias -a show print elms = show print elements
28086 (gdb) set p elms 20
28087 (gdb) show p elms
28088 Limit on string chars or array elements to print is 200.
28089 @end smallexample
28090
28091 Note that if you are defining an alias of a @samp{set} command,
28092 and you want to have an alias for the corresponding @samp{show}
28093 command, then you need to define the latter separately.
28094
28095 Unambiguously abbreviated commands are allowed in @var{COMMAND} and
28096 @var{ALIAS}, just as they are normally.
28097
28098 @smallexample
28099 (gdb) alias -a set pr elms = set p ele
28100 @end smallexample
28101
28102 Finally, here is an example showing the creation of a one word
28103 alias for a more complex command.
28104 This creates alias @samp{spe} of the command @samp{set print elements}.
28105
28106 @smallexample
28107 (gdb) alias spe = set print elements
28108 (gdb) spe 20
28109 @end smallexample
28110
28111 @node Interpreters
28112 @chapter Command Interpreters
28113 @cindex command interpreters
28114
28115 @value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
28116 infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
28117 between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
28118
28119 @value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
28120 interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
28121 and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
28122 describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
28123
28124 By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
28125 However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
28126 interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
28127 startup options. Defined interpreters include:
28128
28129 @table @code
28130 @item console
28131 @cindex console interpreter
28132 The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
28133 used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
28134 @value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
28135
28136 @item mi
28137 @cindex mi interpreter
28138 The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
28139 by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
28140 or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
28141 Interface}.
28142
28143 @item mi2
28144 @cindex mi2 interpreter
28145 The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
28146
28147 @item mi1
28148 @cindex mi1 interpreter
28149 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
28150
28151 @end table
28152
28153 @cindex invoke another interpreter
28154 The interpreter being used by @value{GDBN} may not be dynamically
28155 switched at runtime. Although possible, this could lead to a very
28156 precarious situation. Consider an IDE using @sc{gdb/mi}. If a user
28157 enters the command "interpreter-set console" in a console view,
28158 @value{GDBN} would switch to using the console interpreter, rendering
28159 the IDE inoperable!
28160
28161 @kindex interpreter-exec
28162 Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, you may execute
28163 commands in any interpreter from the current interpreter using the appropriate
28164 command. If you are running the console interpreter, simply use the
28165 @code{interpreter-exec} command:
28166
28167 @smallexample
28168 interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
28169 @end smallexample
28170
28171 @sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
28172 @value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
28173
28174 @node TUI
28175 @chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
28176 @cindex TUI
28177 @cindex Text User Interface
28178
28179 @menu
28180 * TUI Overview:: TUI overview
28181 * TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
28182 * TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
28183 * TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
28184 * TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
28185 @end menu
28186
28187 The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
28188 interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
28189 file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
28190 commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
28191 on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
28192 is available.
28193
28194 The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
28195 @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
28196 You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
28197 using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @kbd{C-x C-a}.
28198 @xref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
28199
28200 @node TUI Overview
28201 @section TUI Overview
28202
28203 In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
28204
28205 @table @emph
28206 @item command
28207 This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
28208 prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
28209 managed using readline.
28210
28211 @item source
28212 The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
28213 line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
28214
28215 @item assembly
28216 The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
28217
28218 @item register
28219 This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
28220 when their values change.
28221 @end table
28222
28223 The source and assembly windows show the current program position
28224 by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
28225 Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
28226 indicates the breakpoint type:
28227
28228 @table @code
28229 @item B
28230 Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
28231
28232 @item b
28233 Breakpoint which was never hit.
28234
28235 @item H
28236 Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
28237
28238 @item h
28239 Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
28240 @end table
28241
28242 The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
28243
28244 @table @code
28245 @item +
28246 Breakpoint is enabled.
28247
28248 @item -
28249 Breakpoint is disabled.
28250 @end table
28251
28252 The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
28253 thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
28254 changes.
28255
28256 These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
28257 window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
28258 layouts:
28259
28260 @itemize @bullet
28261 @item
28262 source only,
28263
28264 @item
28265 assembly only,
28266
28267 @item
28268 source and assembly,
28269
28270 @item
28271 source and registers, or
28272
28273 @item
28274 assembly and registers.
28275 @end itemize
28276
28277 A status line above the command window shows the following information:
28278
28279 @table @emph
28280 @item target
28281 Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
28282 (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
28283
28284 @item process
28285 Gives the current process or thread number.
28286 When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
28287
28288 @item function
28289 Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
28290 The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
28291 When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
28292 the string @code{??} is displayed.
28293
28294 @item line
28295 Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
28296 When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
28297
28298 @item pc
28299 Indicates the current program counter address.
28300 @end table
28301
28302 @node TUI Keys
28303 @section TUI Key Bindings
28304 @cindex TUI key bindings
28305
28306 The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
28307 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
28308 (@pxref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library}).
28309 @end ifset
28310 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
28311 (@pxref{Command Line Editing}).
28312 @end ifclear
28313 The following key bindings are installed for both TUI mode and the
28314 @value{GDBN} standard mode.
28315
28316 @table @kbd
28317 @kindex C-x C-a
28318 @item C-x C-a
28319 @kindex C-x a
28320 @itemx C-x a
28321 @kindex C-x A
28322 @itemx C-x A
28323 Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
28324 the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
28325 its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
28326 the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
28327 The screen is then refreshed.
28328
28329 @kindex C-x 1
28330 @item C-x 1
28331 Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
28332 either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
28333 is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
28334
28335 Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
28336
28337 @kindex C-x 2
28338 @item C-x 2
28339 Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
28340 layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
28341 When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
28342 previous layout and the new one.
28343
28344 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
28345
28346 @kindex C-x o
28347 @item C-x o
28348 Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
28349 (like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
28350 gives the focus to the next TUI window.
28351
28352 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
28353
28354 @kindex C-x s
28355 @item C-x s
28356 Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
28357 keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
28358 @end table
28359
28360 The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
28361
28362 @table @asis
28363 @kindex PgUp
28364 @item @key{PgUp}
28365 Scroll the active window one page up.
28366
28367 @kindex PgDn
28368 @item @key{PgDn}
28369 Scroll the active window one page down.
28370
28371 @kindex Up
28372 @item @key{Up}
28373 Scroll the active window one line up.
28374
28375 @kindex Down
28376 @item @key{Down}
28377 Scroll the active window one line down.
28378
28379 @kindex Left
28380 @item @key{Left}
28381 Scroll the active window one column left.
28382
28383 @kindex Right
28384 @item @key{Right}
28385 Scroll the active window one column right.
28386
28387 @kindex C-L
28388 @item @kbd{C-L}
28389 Refresh the screen.
28390 @end table
28391
28392 Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
28393 are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
28394 window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
28395 other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
28396 and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
28397
28398 @node TUI Single Key Mode
28399 @section TUI Single Key Mode
28400 @cindex TUI single key mode
28401
28402 The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
28403 frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
28404 switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
28405
28406 @table @kbd
28407 @kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28408 @item c
28409 continue
28410
28411 @kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28412 @item d
28413 down
28414
28415 @kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28416 @item f
28417 finish
28418
28419 @kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28420 @item n
28421 next
28422
28423 @kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28424 @item q
28425 exit the SingleKey mode.
28426
28427 @kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28428 @item r
28429 run
28430
28431 @kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28432 @item s
28433 step
28434
28435 @kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28436 @item u
28437 up
28438
28439 @kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28440 @item v
28441 info locals
28442
28443 @kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28444 @item w
28445 where
28446 @end table
28447
28448 Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
28449 The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
28450 it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
28451 with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
28452 SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
28453 this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
28454
28455
28456 @node TUI Commands
28457 @section TUI-specific Commands
28458 @cindex TUI commands
28459
28460 The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
28461 These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
28462 the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
28463 of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
28464
28465 Note that if @value{GDBN}'s @code{stdout} is not connected to a
28466 terminal, or @value{GDBN} has been started with the machine interface
28467 interpreter (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}), most of
28468 these commands will fail with an error, because it would not be
28469 possible or desirable to enable curses window management.
28470
28471 @table @code
28472 @item info win
28473 @kindex info win
28474 List and give the size of all displayed windows.
28475
28476 @item layout next
28477 @kindex layout
28478 Display the next layout.
28479
28480 @item layout prev
28481 Display the previous layout.
28482
28483 @item layout src
28484 Display the source window only.
28485
28486 @item layout asm
28487 Display the assembly window only.
28488
28489 @item layout split
28490 Display the source and assembly window.
28491
28492 @item layout regs
28493 Display the register window together with the source or assembly window.
28494
28495 @item focus next
28496 @kindex focus
28497 Make the next window active for scrolling.
28498
28499 @item focus prev
28500 Make the previous window active for scrolling.
28501
28502 @item focus src
28503 Make the source window active for scrolling.
28504
28505 @item focus asm
28506 Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
28507
28508 @item focus regs
28509 Make the register window active for scrolling.
28510
28511 @item focus cmd
28512 Make the command window active for scrolling.
28513
28514 @item refresh
28515 @kindex refresh
28516 Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
28517
28518 @item tui reg float
28519 @kindex tui reg
28520 Show the floating point registers in the register window.
28521
28522 @item tui reg general
28523 Show the general registers in the register window.
28524
28525 @item tui reg next
28526 Show the next register group. The list of register groups as well as
28527 their order is target specific. The predefined register groups are the
28528 following: @code{general}, @code{float}, @code{system}, @code{vector},
28529 @code{all}, @code{save}, @code{restore}.
28530
28531 @item tui reg system
28532 Show the system registers in the register window.
28533
28534 @item update
28535 @kindex update
28536 Update the source window and the current execution point.
28537
28538 @item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
28539 @itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
28540 @kindex winheight
28541 Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
28542 lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
28543 decrease it.
28544
28545 @item tabset @var{nchars}
28546 @kindex tabset
28547 Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters.
28548 @end table
28549
28550 @node TUI Configuration
28551 @section TUI Configuration Variables
28552 @cindex TUI configuration variables
28553
28554 Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
28555
28556 @table @code
28557 @item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
28558 @kindex set tui border-kind
28559 Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
28560 The possible values are the following:
28561 @table @code
28562 @item space
28563 Use a space character to draw the border.
28564
28565 @item ascii
28566 Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
28567
28568 @item acs
28569 Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
28570 drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
28571 @end table
28572
28573 @item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
28574 @kindex set tui border-mode
28575 @itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
28576 @kindex set tui active-border-mode
28577 Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
28578 or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
28579 @table @code
28580 @item normal
28581 Use normal attributes to display the border.
28582
28583 @item standout
28584 Use standout mode.
28585
28586 @item reverse
28587 Use reverse video mode.
28588
28589 @item half
28590 Use half bright mode.
28591
28592 @item half-standout
28593 Use half bright and standout mode.
28594
28595 @item bold
28596 Use extra bright or bold mode.
28597
28598 @item bold-standout
28599 Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
28600 @end table
28601 @end table
28602
28603 @node Emacs
28604 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
28605
28606 @cindex Emacs
28607 @cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
28608 A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
28609 edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
28610 @value{GDBN}.
28611
28612 To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
28613 executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
28614 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
28615 created Emacs buffer.
28616 @c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
28617
28618 Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
28619 things:
28620
28621 @itemize @bullet
28622 @item
28623 All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
28624 the GUD buffer.
28625
28626 This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
28627 and output done by the program you are debugging.
28628
28629 This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
28630 commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
28631 in this way.
28632
28633 All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
28634 with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
28635 way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
28636 stop.
28637
28638 @item
28639 @value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
28640
28641 Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
28642 source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
28643 left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
28644 source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
28645 and the source.
28646
28647 Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
28648 usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
28649 @end itemize
28650
28651 We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
28652 a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
28653 that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
28654 @xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
28655
28656 If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
28657 gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
28658 your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
28659 sets your current working directory to the directory associated
28660 with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
28661 program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
28662 some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
28663 @value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
28664 buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
28665
28666 The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
28667 line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
28668 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
28669 ,Commands to Specify Files}.
28670
28671 By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
28672 need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
28673 keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
28674 customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
28675 one you want.
28676
28677 In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
28678 addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
28679
28680 @table @kbd
28681 @item C-h m
28682 Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
28683
28684 @item C-c C-s
28685 Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
28686 update the display window to show the current file and location.
28687
28688 @item C-c C-n
28689 Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
28690 calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
28691 to show the current file and location.
28692
28693 @item C-c C-i
28694 Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
28695 display window accordingly.
28696
28697 @item C-c C-f
28698 Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
28699 @code{finish} command.
28700
28701 @item C-c C-r
28702 Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
28703 command.
28704
28705 @item C-c <
28706 Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
28707 (@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
28708 like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
28709
28710 @item C-c >
28711 Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
28712 @value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
28713 @end table
28714
28715 In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
28716 tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
28717
28718 In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
28719 separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
28720 Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
28721 become the current frame and display the associated source in the
28722 source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
28723 selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
28724 speedbar displays watch expressions.
28725
28726 If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
28727 it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
28728 request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
28729 the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
28730 frame.
28731
28732 The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
28733 which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
28734 the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
28735 communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
28736 delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
28737 to correspond properly with the code.
28738
28739 A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
28740 given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
28741 Emacs Manual}).
28742
28743 @node GDB/MI
28744 @chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
28745
28746 @unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
28747
28748 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
28749 @sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
28750 @value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
28751 @option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
28752 is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
28753 use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
28754
28755 This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
28756 in the form of a reference manual.
28757
28758 Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
28759 features described below are incomplete and subject to change
28760 (@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
28761
28762 @unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
28763
28764 @cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
28765 This chapter uses the following notation:
28766
28767 @itemize @bullet
28768 @item
28769 @code{|} separates two alternatives.
28770
28771 @item
28772 @code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
28773 it may or may not be given.
28774
28775 @item
28776 @code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
28777 may repeat zero or more times.
28778
28779 @item
28780 @code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
28781 may repeat one or more times.
28782
28783 @item
28784 @code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
28785 @end itemize
28786
28787 @ignore
28788 @heading Dependencies
28789 @end ignore
28790
28791 @menu
28792 * GDB/MI General Design::
28793 * GDB/MI Command Syntax::
28794 * GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
28795 * GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
28796 * GDB/MI Output Records::
28797 * GDB/MI Simple Examples::
28798 * GDB/MI Command Description Format::
28799 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
28800 * GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
28801 * GDB/MI Program Context::
28802 * GDB/MI Thread Commands::
28803 * GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands::
28804 * GDB/MI Program Execution::
28805 * GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
28806 * GDB/MI Variable Objects::
28807 * GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
28808 * GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
28809 * GDB/MI Symbol Query::
28810 * GDB/MI File Commands::
28811 @ignore
28812 * GDB/MI Kod Commands::
28813 * GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
28814 * GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
28815 @end ignore
28816 * GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
28817 * GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
28818 * GDB/MI Ada Exceptions Commands::
28819 * GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
28820 @end menu
28821
28822 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28823 @node GDB/MI General Design
28824 @section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
28825 @cindex GDB/MI General Design
28826
28827 Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
28828 parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
28829 and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
28830 indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
28831 For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
28832 requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
28833 response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
28834 Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
28835 target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
28836 a command and reported as part of that command response.
28837
28838 The important examples of notifications are:
28839 @itemize @bullet
28840
28841 @item
28842 Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
28843 target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
28844 be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
28845 commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
28846 different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
28847 happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
28848 command itself was successfully executed.
28849
28850 @item
28851 Console output, and status notifications. Console output
28852 notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
28853 diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
28854 report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
28855 this information in command response would mean no output is produced
28856 until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
28857
28858 @item
28859 General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
28860 the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
28861 a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
28862 be included in command response, using notification allows for more
28863 orthogonal frontend design.
28864
28865 @end itemize
28866
28867 There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
28868 @value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
28869 the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
28870 processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
28871 we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
28872 the user interface.
28873
28874
28875 @menu
28876 * Context management::
28877 * Asynchronous and non-stop modes::
28878 * Thread groups::
28879 @end menu
28880
28881 @node Context management
28882 @subsection Context management
28883
28884 @subsubsection Threads and Frames
28885
28886 In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
28887 done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
28888 Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
28889 be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
28890 and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
28891 because a command line user would not want to specify that information
28892 explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
28893 @value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
28894 to what thread and frame are the current ones.
28895
28896 In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
28897 useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
28898 itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
28899 each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
28900 want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
28901 increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
28902 frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
28903 should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
28904 make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
28905 @samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} identifier
28906 for thread and frame to operate on.
28907
28908 Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
28909 a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
28910 operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
28911 current thread be changed. For example, when stopping on a breakpoint
28912 it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is hit. For
28913 another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} command via
28914 the frontend, it is desirable to change the frontend's selected thread to the
28915 one specified by user. @value{GDBN} communicates the suggestion to
28916 change current thread using the @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
28917 No such notification is available for the selected frame at the moment.
28918
28919 Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
28920 frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
28921 right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
28922 simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
28923 before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
28924 to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
28925 if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
28926 thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
28927 optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
28928 sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
28929 selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
28930 change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
28931 problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
28932 all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
28933 right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
28934 @samp{--frame} options.
28935
28936 @subsubsection Language
28937
28938 The execution of several commands depends on which language is selected.
28939 By default, the current language (@pxref{show language}) is used.
28940 But for commands known to be language-sensitive, it is recommended
28941 to use the @samp{--language} option. This option takes one argument,
28942 which is the name of the language to use while executing the command.
28943 For instance:
28944
28945 @smallexample
28946 -data-evaluate-expression --language c "sizeof (void*)"
28947 ^done,value="4"
28948 (gdb)
28949 @end smallexample
28950
28951 The valid language names are the same names accepted by the
28952 @samp{set language} command (@pxref{Manually}), excluding @samp{auto},
28953 @samp{local} or @samp{unknown}.
28954
28955 @node Asynchronous and non-stop modes
28956 @subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
28957
28958 On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
28959 even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
28960 command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
28961 specify a preferrence for asynchronous execution using the
28962 @code{-gdb-set target-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
28963 either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
28964 frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
28965 find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
28966 @code{-list-target-features} command.
28967
28968 Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
28969 many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
28970 running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
28971 when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
28972 it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
28973 are running.
28974
28975 When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
28976 target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
28977 some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
28978 stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
28979 modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
28980 that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
28981 @code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
28982 context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
28983 stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
28984 @samp{--thread} option).
28985
28986 Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
28987 highly target dependent. However, the two commands
28988 @code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
28989 to find the state of a thread, will always work.
28990
28991 @node Thread groups
28992 @subsection Thread groups
28993 @value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
28994 On some platfroms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
28995 hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
28996 processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
28997 mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
28998
28999 The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
29000 target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
29001 accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
29002 thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
29003 neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
29004 current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
29005 that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
29006 into processes.
29007
29008 To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
29009 hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
29010 @dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
29011 thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
29012 and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
29013 command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
29014 thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
29015 debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
29016 to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
29017 the members of specific thread group.
29018
29019 To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
29020 wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
29021 introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
29022 @value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
29023 @code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
29024 groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
29025 In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
29026 after attaching to that thread group.
29027
29028 Thread groups are related to inferiors (@pxref{Inferiors and
29029 Programs}). Each inferior corresponds to a thread group of a special
29030 type @samp{process}, and some additional operations are permitted on
29031 such thread groups.
29032
29033 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29034 @node GDB/MI Command Syntax
29035 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
29036
29037 @menu
29038 * GDB/MI Input Syntax::
29039 * GDB/MI Output Syntax::
29040 @end menu
29041
29042 @node GDB/MI Input Syntax
29043 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
29044
29045 @cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
29046 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
29047 @table @code
29048 @item @var{command} @expansion{}
29049 @code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
29050
29051 @item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
29052 @code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
29053 @var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
29054
29055 @item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
29056 @code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
29057 @code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
29058
29059 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
29060 "any sequence of digits"
29061
29062 @item @var{option} @expansion{}
29063 @code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
29064
29065 @item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
29066 @code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
29067
29068 @item @var{operation} @expansion{}
29069 @emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
29070
29071 @item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
29072 @emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
29073 "-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
29074
29075 @item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
29076 @code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
29077
29078 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
29079 @code{CR | CR-LF}
29080 @end table
29081
29082 @noindent
29083 Notes:
29084
29085 @itemize @bullet
29086 @item
29087 The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
29088 output is described below.
29089
29090 @item
29091 The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
29092 finishes.
29093
29094 @item
29095 Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
29096 list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
29097 followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
29098 parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
29099 @samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
29100 @end itemize
29101
29102 Pragmatics:
29103
29104 @itemize @bullet
29105 @item
29106 We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
29107
29108 @item
29109 We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
29110 @end itemize
29111
29112 @node GDB/MI Output Syntax
29113 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
29114
29115 @cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
29116 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
29117 The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
29118 followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
29119 is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
29120 terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
29121
29122 If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
29123 corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
29124 @var{token}.
29125
29126 @table @code
29127 @item @var{output} @expansion{}
29128 @code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
29129
29130 @item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
29131 @code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
29132
29133 @item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
29134 @code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
29135
29136 @item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
29137 @code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
29138
29139 @item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
29140 @code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output}}
29141
29142 @item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
29143 @code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output}}
29144
29145 @item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
29146 @code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output}}
29147
29148 @item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
29149 @code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
29150
29151 @item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
29152 @code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
29153
29154 @item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
29155 @code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
29156 depending on the needs---this is still in development).
29157
29158 @item @var{result} @expansion{}
29159 @code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
29160
29161 @item @var{variable} @expansion{}
29162 @code{ @var{string} }
29163
29164 @item @var{value} @expansion{}
29165 @code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
29166
29167 @item @var{const} @expansion{}
29168 @code{@var{c-string}}
29169
29170 @item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
29171 @code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
29172
29173 @item @var{list} @expansion{}
29174 @code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
29175 @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
29176
29177 @item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
29178 @code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
29179
29180 @item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
29181 @code{"~" @var{c-string}}
29182
29183 @item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
29184 @code{"@@" @var{c-string}}
29185
29186 @item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
29187 @code{"&" @var{c-string}}
29188
29189 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
29190 @code{CR | CR-LF}
29191
29192 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
29193 @emph{any sequence of digits}.
29194 @end table
29195
29196 @noindent
29197 Notes:
29198
29199 @itemize @bullet
29200 @item
29201 All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
29202
29203 @item
29204 The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
29205 for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
29206 may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
29207 output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
29208 all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
29209 target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
29210 prior command.
29211
29212 @item
29213 @cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
29214 @var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
29215 progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
29216 prefixed by @samp{+}.
29217
29218 @item
29219 @cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
29220 @var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
29221 (stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
29222 @samp{*}.
29223
29224 @item
29225 @cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
29226 @var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
29227 client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
29228 output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
29229
29230 @item
29231 @cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
29232 @var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
29233 console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
29234 output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
29235
29236 @item
29237 @cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
29238 @var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
29239 All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
29240
29241 @item
29242 @cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
29243 @var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
29244 instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
29245 the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
29246
29247 @item
29248 @cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
29249 New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
29250 @var{values}.
29251
29252
29253 @end itemize
29254
29255 @xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
29256 details about the various output records.
29257
29258 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29259 @node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
29260 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
29261
29262 @cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
29263 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
29264
29265 For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
29266 but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
29267 that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
29268 command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
29269 @code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
29270 @samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
29271
29272 This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
29273 recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
29274 (@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
29275
29276 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29277 @node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
29278 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
29279 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
29280
29281 The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
29282 program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
29283
29284 Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
29285 by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
29286 to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
29287 section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
29288 might change.
29289
29290 Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
29291 for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
29292 list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
29293 parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
29294
29295 @itemize @bullet
29296 @item
29297 New MI commands may be added.
29298
29299 @item
29300 New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
29301
29302 @item
29303 The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
29304 @code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
29305
29306 @c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
29307 @c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
29308
29309 @c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
29310 @c resolve inconsistencies.
29311 @end itemize
29312
29313 If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
29314 will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
29315 output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
29316 @value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
29317 responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
29318
29319 @c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
29320 @c version?
29321
29322 The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
29323 end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
29324 follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
29325 @email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
29326 @cindex mailing lists
29327
29328 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29329 @node GDB/MI Output Records
29330 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
29331
29332 @menu
29333 * GDB/MI Result Records::
29334 * GDB/MI Stream Records::
29335 * GDB/MI Async Records::
29336 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Information::
29337 * GDB/MI Frame Information::
29338 * GDB/MI Thread Information::
29339 * GDB/MI Ada Exception Information::
29340 @end menu
29341
29342 @node GDB/MI Result Records
29343 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
29344
29345 @cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
29346 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
29347 In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
29348 @sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
29349
29350 @table @code
29351 @findex ^done
29352 @item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
29353 The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
29354 values.
29355
29356 @item "^running"
29357 @findex ^running
29358 This result record is equivalent to @samp{^done}. Historically, it
29359 was output instead of @samp{^done} if the command has resumed the
29360 target. This behaviour is maintained for backward compatibility, but
29361 all frontends should treat @samp{^done} and @samp{^running}
29362 identically and rely on the @samp{*running} output record to determine
29363 which threads are resumed.
29364
29365 @item "^connected"
29366 @findex ^connected
29367 @value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
29368
29369 @item "^error" "," "msg=" @var{c-string} [ "," "code=" @var{c-string} ]
29370 @findex ^error
29371 The operation failed. The @code{msg=@var{c-string}} variable contains
29372 the corresponding error message.
29373
29374 If present, the @code{code=@var{c-string}} variable provides an error
29375 code on which consumers can rely on to detect the corresponding
29376 error condition. At present, only one error code is defined:
29377
29378 @table @samp
29379 @item "undefined-command"
29380 Indicates that the command causing the error does not exist.
29381 @end table
29382
29383 @item "^exit"
29384 @findex ^exit
29385 @value{GDBN} has terminated.
29386
29387 @end table
29388
29389 @node GDB/MI Stream Records
29390 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
29391
29392 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
29393 @cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
29394 @value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
29395 target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
29396 funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
29397
29398 Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
29399 identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
29400 Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
29401 @code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
29402 line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
29403
29404 @table @code
29405 @item "~" @var{string-output}
29406 The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
29407 CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
29408
29409 @item "@@" @var{string-output}
29410 The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
29411 target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
29412 asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
29413
29414 @item "&" @var{string-output}
29415 The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
29416 internals.
29417 @end table
29418
29419 @node GDB/MI Async Records
29420 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
29421
29422 @cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
29423 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
29424 @dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
29425 additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
29426 consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
29427 target activity (e.g., target stopped).
29428
29429 The following is the list of possible async records:
29430
29431 @table @code
29432
29433 @item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
29434 The target is now running. The @var{thread} field tells which
29435 specific thread is now running, and can be @samp{all} if all threads
29436 are running. The frontend should assume that no interaction with a
29437 running thread is possible after this notification is produced.
29438 The frontend should not assume that this notification is output
29439 only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may emit this notification
29440 several times, either for different threads, because it cannot resume
29441 all threads together, or even for a single thread, if the thread must
29442 be stepped though some code before letting it run freely.
29443
29444 @item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}",core="@var{core}"
29445 The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
29446 following values:
29447
29448 @table @code
29449 @item breakpoint-hit
29450 A breakpoint was reached.
29451 @item watchpoint-trigger
29452 A watchpoint was triggered.
29453 @item read-watchpoint-trigger
29454 A read watchpoint was triggered.
29455 @item access-watchpoint-trigger
29456 An access watchpoint was triggered.
29457 @item function-finished
29458 An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
29459 @item location-reached
29460 An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
29461 @item watchpoint-scope
29462 A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
29463 @item end-stepping-range
29464 An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
29465 similar CLI command was accomplished.
29466 @item exited-signalled
29467 The inferior exited because of a signal.
29468 @item exited
29469 The inferior exited.
29470 @item exited-normally
29471 The inferior exited normally.
29472 @item signal-received
29473 A signal was received by the inferior.
29474 @item solib-event
29475 The inferior has stopped due to a library being loaded or unloaded.
29476 This can happen when @code{stop-on-solib-events} (@pxref{Files}) is
29477 set or when a @code{catch load} or @code{catch unload} catchpoint is
29478 in use (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}).
29479 @item fork
29480 The inferior has forked. This is reported when @code{catch fork}
29481 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
29482 @item vfork
29483 The inferior has vforked. This is reported in when @code{catch vfork}
29484 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
29485 @item syscall-entry
29486 The inferior entered a system call. This is reported when @code{catch
29487 syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
29488 @item syscall-entry
29489 The inferior returned from a system call. This is reported when
29490 @code{catch syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
29491 @item exec
29492 The inferior called @code{exec}. This is reported when @code{catch exec}
29493 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
29494 @end table
29495
29496 The @var{id} field identifies the thread that directly caused the stop
29497 -- for example by hitting a breakpoint. Depending on whether all-stop
29498 mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
29499 stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
29500 If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
29501 value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
29502 field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
29503 always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
29504 several threads in the list. The @var{core} field reports the
29505 processor core on which the stop event has happened. This field may be absent
29506 if such information is not available.
29507
29508 @item =thread-group-added,id="@var{id}"
29509 @itemx =thread-group-removed,id="@var{id}"
29510 A thread group was either added or removed. The @var{id} field
29511 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. When a thread
29512 group is added, it generally might not be associated with a running
29513 process. When a thread group is removed, its id becomes invalid and
29514 cannot be used in any way.
29515
29516 @item =thread-group-started,id="@var{id}",pid="@var{pid}"
29517 A thread group became associated with a running program,
29518 either because the program was just started or the thread group
29519 was attached to a program. The @var{id} field contains the
29520 @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. The @var{pid} field
29521 contains process identifier, specific to the operating system.
29522
29523 @item =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"[,exit-code="@var{code}"]
29524 A thread group is no longer associated with a running program,
29525 either because the program has exited, or because it was detached
29526 from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
29527 thread group. @var{code} is the exit code of the inferior; it exists
29528 only when the inferior exited with some code.
29529
29530 @item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
29531 @itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
29532 A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
29533 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
29534 field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
29535
29536 @item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"
29537 Informs that the selected thread was changed as result of the last
29538 command. This notification is not emitted as result of @code{-thread-select}
29539 command but is emitted whenever an MI command that is not documented
29540 to change the selected thread actually changes it. In particular,
29541 invoking, directly or indirectly (via user-defined command), the CLI
29542 @code{thread} command, will generate this notification.
29543
29544 We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
29545 highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
29546 that thread.
29547
29548 @item =library-loaded,...
29549 Reports that a new library file was loaded by the program. This
29550 notification has 4 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name},
29551 @var{host-name}, and @var{symbols-loaded}. The @var{id} field is an
29552 opaque identifier of the library. For remote debugging case,
29553 @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} fields give the name of the
29554 library file on the target, and on the host respectively. For native
29555 debugging, both those fields have the same value. The
29556 @var{symbols-loaded} field is emitted only for backward compatibility
29557 and should not be relied on to convey any useful information. The
29558 @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the thread
29559 group in whose context the library was loaded. If the field is
29560 absent, it means the library was loaded in the context of all present
29561 thread groups.
29562
29563 @item =library-unloaded,...
29564 Reports that a library was unloaded by the program. This notification
29565 has 3 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} with
29566 the same meaning as for the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
29567 The @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the
29568 thread group in whose context the library was unloaded. If the field is
29569 absent, it means the library was unloaded in the context of all present
29570 thread groups.
29571
29572 @item =traceframe-changed,num=@var{tfnum},tracepoint=@var{tpnum}
29573 @itemx =traceframe-changed,end
29574 Reports that the trace frame was changed and its new number is
29575 @var{tfnum}. The number of the tracepoint associated with this trace
29576 frame is @var{tpnum}.
29577
29578 @item =tsv-created,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}
29579 Reports that the new trace state variable @var{name} is created with
29580 initial value @var{initial}.
29581
29582 @item =tsv-deleted,name=@var{name}
29583 @itemx =tsv-deleted
29584 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is deleted or all
29585 trace state variables are deleted.
29586
29587 @item =tsv-modified,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}[,current=@var{current}]
29588 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is modified with
29589 the initial value @var{initial}. The current value @var{current} of
29590 trace state variable is optional and is reported if the current
29591 value of trace state variable is known.
29592
29593 @item =breakpoint-created,bkpt=@{...@}
29594 @itemx =breakpoint-modified,bkpt=@{...@}
29595 @itemx =breakpoint-deleted,id=@var{number}
29596 Reports that a breakpoint was created, modified, or deleted,
29597 respectively. Only user-visible breakpoints are reported to the MI
29598 user.
29599
29600 The @var{bkpt} argument is of the same form as returned by the various
29601 breakpoint commands; @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}. The
29602 @var{number} is the ordinal number of the breakpoint.
29603
29604 Note that if a breakpoint is emitted in the result record of a
29605 command, then it will not also be emitted in an async record.
29606
29607 @item =record-started,thread-group="@var{id}"
29608 @itemx =record-stopped,thread-group="@var{id}"
29609 Execution log recording was either started or stopped on an
29610 inferior. The @var{id} is the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread
29611 group corresponding to the affected inferior.
29612
29613 @item =cmd-param-changed,param=@var{param},value=@var{value}
29614 Reports that a parameter of the command @code{set @var{param}} is
29615 changed to @var{value}. In the multi-word @code{set} command,
29616 the @var{param} is the whole parameter list to @code{set} command.
29617 For example, In command @code{set check type on}, @var{param}
29618 is @code{check type} and @var{value} is @code{on}.
29619
29620 @item =memory-changed,thread-group=@var{id},addr=@var{addr},len=@var{len}[,type="code"]
29621 Reports that bytes from @var{addr} to @var{data} + @var{len} were
29622 written in an inferior. The @var{id} is the identifier of the
29623 thread group corresponding to the affected inferior. The optional
29624 @code{type="code"} part is reported if the memory written to holds
29625 executable code.
29626 @end table
29627
29628 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Information
29629 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Information
29630
29631 When @value{GDBN} reports information about a breakpoint, a
29632 tracepoint, a watchpoint, or a catchpoint, it uses a tuple with the
29633 following fields:
29634
29635 @table @code
29636 @item number
29637 The breakpoint number. For a breakpoint that represents one location
29638 of a multi-location breakpoint, this will be a dotted pair, like
29639 @samp{1.2}.
29640
29641 @item type
29642 The type of the breakpoint. For ordinary breakpoints this will be
29643 @samp{breakpoint}, but many values are possible.
29644
29645 @item catch-type
29646 If the type of the breakpoint is @samp{catchpoint}, then this
29647 indicates the exact type of catchpoint.
29648
29649 @item disp
29650 This is the breakpoint disposition---either @samp{del}, meaning that
29651 the breakpoint will be deleted at the next stop, or @samp{keep},
29652 meaning that the breakpoint will not be deleted.
29653
29654 @item enabled
29655 This indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled, in which case the
29656 value is @samp{y}, or disabled, in which case the value is @samp{n}.
29657 Note that this is not the same as the field @code{enable}.
29658
29659 @item addr
29660 The address of the breakpoint. This may be a hexidecimal number,
29661 giving the address; or the string @samp{<PENDING>}, for a pending
29662 breakpoint; or the string @samp{<MULTIPLE>}, for a breakpoint with
29663 multiple locations. This field will not be present if no address can
29664 be determined. For example, a watchpoint does not have an address.
29665
29666 @item func
29667 If known, the function in which the breakpoint appears.
29668 If not known, this field is not present.
29669
29670 @item filename
29671 The name of the source file which contains this function, if known.
29672 If not known, this field is not present.
29673
29674 @item fullname
29675 The full file name of the source file which contains this function, if
29676 known. If not known, this field is not present.
29677
29678 @item line
29679 The line number at which this breakpoint appears, if known.
29680 If not known, this field is not present.
29681
29682 @item at
29683 If the source file is not known, this field may be provided. If
29684 provided, this holds the address of the breakpoint, possibly followed
29685 by a symbol name.
29686
29687 @item pending
29688 If this breakpoint is pending, this field is present and holds the
29689 text used to set the breakpoint, as entered by the user.
29690
29691 @item evaluated-by
29692 Where this breakpoint's condition is evaluated, either @samp{host} or
29693 @samp{target}.
29694
29695 @item thread
29696 If this is a thread-specific breakpoint, then this identifies the
29697 thread in which the breakpoint can trigger.
29698
29699 @item task
29700 If this breakpoint is restricted to a particular Ada task, then this
29701 field will hold the task identifier.
29702
29703 @item cond
29704 If the breakpoint is conditional, this is the condition expression.
29705
29706 @item ignore
29707 The ignore count of the breakpoint.
29708
29709 @item enable
29710 The enable count of the breakpoint.
29711
29712 @item traceframe-usage
29713 FIXME.
29714
29715 @item static-tracepoint-marker-string-id
29716 For a static tracepoint, the name of the static tracepoint marker.
29717
29718 @item mask
29719 For a masked watchpoint, this is the mask.
29720
29721 @item pass
29722 A tracepoint's pass count.
29723
29724 @item original-location
29725 The location of the breakpoint as originally specified by the user.
29726 This field is optional.
29727
29728 @item times
29729 The number of times the breakpoint has been hit.
29730
29731 @item installed
29732 This field is only given for tracepoints. This is either @samp{y},
29733 meaning that the tracepoint is installed, or @samp{n}, meaning that it
29734 is not.
29735
29736 @item what
29737 Some extra data, the exact contents of which are type-dependent.
29738
29739 @end table
29740
29741 For example, here is what the output of @code{-break-insert}
29742 (@pxref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}) might be:
29743
29744 @smallexample
29745 -> -break-insert main
29746 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
29747 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
29748 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
29749 times="0"@}
29750 <- (gdb)
29751 @end smallexample
29752
29753 @node GDB/MI Frame Information
29754 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
29755
29756 Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
29757 frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
29758 fields:
29759
29760 @table @code
29761 @item level
29762 The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
29763 zero. This field is always present.
29764
29765 @item func
29766 The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
29767 be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
29768
29769 @item addr
29770 The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
29771
29772 @item file
29773 The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
29774 address. This field may be absent.
29775
29776 @item line
29777 The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
29778 may be absent.
29779
29780 @item from
29781 The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
29782 corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
29783
29784 @end table
29785
29786 @node GDB/MI Thread Information
29787 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Information
29788
29789 Whenever @value{GDBN} has to report an information about a thread, it
29790 uses a tuple with the following fields:
29791
29792 @table @code
29793 @item id
29794 The numeric id assigned to the thread by @value{GDBN}. This field is
29795 always present.
29796
29797 @item target-id
29798 Target-specific string identifying the thread. This field is always present.
29799
29800 @item details
29801 Additional information about the thread provided by the target.
29802 It is supposed to be human-readable and not interpreted by the
29803 frontend. This field is optional.
29804
29805 @item state
29806 Either @samp{stopped} or @samp{running}, depending on whether the
29807 thread is presently running. This field is always present.
29808
29809 @item core
29810 The value of this field is an integer number of the processor core the
29811 thread was last seen on. This field is optional.
29812 @end table
29813
29814 @node GDB/MI Ada Exception Information
29815 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Exception Information
29816
29817 Whenever a @code{*stopped} record is emitted because the program
29818 stopped after hitting an exception catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}),
29819 @value{GDBN} provides the name of the exception that was raised via
29820 the @code{exception-name} field.
29821
29822 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29823 @node GDB/MI Simple Examples
29824 @section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
29825 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
29826
29827 This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
29828 the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
29829 following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
29830 the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
29831
29832 Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
29833 readability, they don't appear in the real output.
29834
29835 @subheading Setting a Breakpoint
29836
29837 Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
29838 information of the breakpoint.
29839
29840 @smallexample
29841 -> -break-insert main
29842 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
29843 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
29844 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
29845 times="0"@}
29846 <- (gdb)
29847 @end smallexample
29848
29849 @subheading Program Execution
29850
29851 Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
29852 reason that execution stopped.
29853
29854 @smallexample
29855 -> -exec-run
29856 <- ^running
29857 <- (gdb)
29858 <- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
29859 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
29860 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
29861 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68"@}
29862 <- (gdb)
29863 -> -exec-continue
29864 <- ^running
29865 <- (gdb)
29866 <- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
29867 <- (gdb)
29868 @end smallexample
29869
29870 @subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
29871
29872 Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
29873
29874 @smallexample
29875 -> (gdb)
29876 <- -gdb-exit
29877 <- ^exit
29878 @end smallexample
29879
29880 Please note that @samp{^exit} is printed immediately, but it might
29881 take some time for @value{GDBN} to actually exit. During that time, @value{GDBN}
29882 performs necessary cleanups, including killing programs being debugged
29883 or disconnecting from debug hardware, so the frontend should wait till
29884 @value{GDBN} exits and should only forcibly kill @value{GDBN} if it
29885 fails to exit in reasonable time.
29886
29887 @subheading A Bad Command
29888
29889 Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
29890
29891 @smallexample
29892 -> -rubbish
29893 <- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
29894 <- (gdb)
29895 @end smallexample
29896
29897
29898 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29899 @node GDB/MI Command Description Format
29900 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
29901
29902 The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
29903 commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
29904
29905 @subheading Motivation
29906
29907 The motivation for this collection of commands.
29908
29909 @subheading Introduction
29910
29911 A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
29912
29913 @subheading Commands
29914
29915 For each command in the block, the following is described:
29916
29917 @subsubheading Synopsis
29918
29919 @smallexample
29920 -command @var{args}@dots{}
29921 @end smallexample
29922
29923 @subsubheading Result
29924
29925 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29926
29927 The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
29928
29929 @subsubheading Example
29930
29931 Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
29932 not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
29933
29934
29935 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29936 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
29937 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
29938
29939 @cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
29940 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
29941 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
29942 breakpoints.
29943
29944 @subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
29945 @findex -break-after
29946
29947 @subsubheading Synopsis
29948
29949 @smallexample
29950 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
29951 @end smallexample
29952
29953 The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
29954 hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
29955 the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
29956 @samp{-break-list} command below.
29957
29958 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29959
29960 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
29961
29962 @subsubheading Example
29963
29964 @smallexample
29965 (gdb)
29966 -break-insert main
29967 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
29968 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
29969 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
29970 times="0"@}
29971 (gdb)
29972 -break-after 1 3
29973 ~
29974 ^done
29975 (gdb)
29976 -break-list
29977 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
29978 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
29979 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
29980 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
29981 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
29982 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
29983 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
29984 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
29985 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
29986 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
29987 (gdb)
29988 @end smallexample
29989
29990 @ignore
29991 @subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
29992 @findex -break-catch
29993 @end ignore
29994
29995 @subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
29996 @findex -break-commands
29997
29998 @subsubheading Synopsis
29999
30000 @smallexample
30001 -break-commands @var{number} [ @var{command1} ... @var{commandN} ]
30002 @end smallexample
30003
30004 Specifies the CLI commands that should be executed when breakpoint
30005 @var{number} is hit. The parameters @var{command1} to @var{commandN}
30006 are the commands. If no command is specified, any previously-set
30007 commands are cleared. @xref{Break Commands}. Typical use of this
30008 functionality is tracing a program, that is, printing of values of
30009 some variables whenever breakpoint is hit and then continuing.
30010
30011 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30012
30013 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{commands}.
30014
30015 @subsubheading Example
30016
30017 @smallexample
30018 (gdb)
30019 -break-insert main
30020 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
30021 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
30022 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
30023 times="0"@}
30024 (gdb)
30025 -break-commands 1 "print v" "continue"
30026 ^done
30027 (gdb)
30028 @end smallexample
30029
30030 @subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
30031 @findex -break-condition
30032
30033 @subsubheading Synopsis
30034
30035 @smallexample
30036 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
30037 @end smallexample
30038
30039 Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
30040 @var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
30041 @samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
30042 command below).
30043
30044 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30045
30046 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
30047
30048 @subsubheading Example
30049
30050 @smallexample
30051 (gdb)
30052 -break-condition 1 1
30053 ^done
30054 (gdb)
30055 -break-list
30056 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
30057 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30058 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30059 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30060 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30061 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30062 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30063 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30064 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
30065 line="5",cond="1",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
30066 (gdb)
30067 @end smallexample
30068
30069 @subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
30070 @findex -break-delete
30071
30072 @subsubheading Synopsis
30073
30074 @smallexample
30075 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
30076 @end smallexample
30077
30078 Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
30079 list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
30080
30081 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30082
30083 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
30084
30085 @subsubheading Example
30086
30087 @smallexample
30088 (gdb)
30089 -break-delete 1
30090 ^done
30091 (gdb)
30092 -break-list
30093 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
30094 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30095 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30096 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30097 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30098 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30099 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30100 body=[]@}
30101 (gdb)
30102 @end smallexample
30103
30104 @subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
30105 @findex -break-disable
30106
30107 @subsubheading Synopsis
30108
30109 @smallexample
30110 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
30111 @end smallexample
30112
30113 Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
30114 break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
30115
30116 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30117
30118 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
30119
30120 @subsubheading Example
30121
30122 @smallexample
30123 (gdb)
30124 -break-disable 2
30125 ^done
30126 (gdb)
30127 -break-list
30128 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
30129 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30130 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30131 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30132 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30133 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30134 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30135 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
30136 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
30137 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
30138 (gdb)
30139 @end smallexample
30140
30141 @subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
30142 @findex -break-enable
30143
30144 @subsubheading Synopsis
30145
30146 @smallexample
30147 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
30148 @end smallexample
30149
30150 Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
30151
30152 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30153
30154 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
30155
30156 @subsubheading Example
30157
30158 @smallexample
30159 (gdb)
30160 -break-enable 2
30161 ^done
30162 (gdb)
30163 -break-list
30164 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
30165 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30166 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30167 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30168 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30169 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30170 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30171 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30172 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
30173 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
30174 (gdb)
30175 @end smallexample
30176
30177 @subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
30178 @findex -break-info
30179
30180 @subsubheading Synopsis
30181
30182 @smallexample
30183 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
30184 @end smallexample
30185
30186 @c REDUNDANT???
30187 Get information about a single breakpoint.
30188
30189 The result is a table of breakpoints. @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint
30190 Information}, for details on the format of each breakpoint in the
30191 table.
30192
30193 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30194
30195 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
30196
30197 @subsubheading Example
30198 N.A.
30199
30200 @subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
30201 @findex -break-insert
30202
30203 @subsubheading Synopsis
30204
30205 @smallexample
30206 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ] [ -d ] [ -a ]
30207 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
30208 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{location} ]
30209 @end smallexample
30210
30211 @noindent
30212 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
30213
30214 @itemize @bullet
30215 @item function
30216 @c @item +offset
30217 @c @item -offset
30218 @c @item linenum
30219 @item filename:linenum
30220 @item filename:function
30221 @item *address
30222 @end itemize
30223
30224 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
30225
30226 @table @samp
30227 @item -t
30228 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
30229 @item -h
30230 Insert a hardware breakpoint.
30231 @item -f
30232 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
30233 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
30234 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
30235 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
30236 cannot be parsed.
30237 @item -d
30238 Create a disabled breakpoint.
30239 @item -a
30240 Create a tracepoint. @xref{Tracepoints}. When this parameter
30241 is used together with @samp{-h}, a fast tracepoint is created.
30242 @item -c @var{condition}
30243 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
30244 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
30245 Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
30246 @item -p @var{thread-id}
30247 Restrict the breakpoint to the specified @var{thread-id}.
30248 @end table
30249
30250 @subsubheading Result
30251
30252 @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Information}, for details on the format of the
30253 resulting breakpoint.
30254
30255 Note: this format is open to change.
30256 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
30257
30258 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30259
30260 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
30261 @samp{hbreak}, and @samp{thbreak}. @c and @samp{rbreak}.
30262
30263 @subsubheading Example
30264
30265 @smallexample
30266 (gdb)
30267 -break-insert main
30268 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
30269 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
30270 times="0"@}
30271 (gdb)
30272 -break-insert -t foo
30273 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
30274 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
30275 times="0"@}
30276 (gdb)
30277 -break-list
30278 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
30279 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30280 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30281 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30282 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30283 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30284 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30285 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30286 addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
30287 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
30288 times="0"@},
30289 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
30290 addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
30291 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
30292 times="0"@}]@}
30293 (gdb)
30294 @c -break-insert -r foo.*
30295 @c ~int foo(int, int);
30296 @c ^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
30297 @c "fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
30298 @c times="0"@}
30299 @c (gdb)
30300 @end smallexample
30301
30302 @subheading The @code{-dprintf-insert} Command
30303 @findex -dprintf-insert
30304
30305 @subsubheading Synopsis
30306
30307 @smallexample
30308 -dprintf-insert [ -t ] [ -f ] [ -d ]
30309 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
30310 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{location} ] [ @var{format} ]
30311 [ @var{argument} ]
30312 @end smallexample
30313
30314 @noindent
30315 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
30316
30317 @itemize @bullet
30318 @item @var{function}
30319 @c @item +offset
30320 @c @item -offset
30321 @c @item @var{linenum}
30322 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
30323 @item @var{filename}:function
30324 @item *@var{address}
30325 @end itemize
30326
30327 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
30328
30329 @table @samp
30330 @item -t
30331 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
30332 @item -f
30333 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example, if it
30334 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
30335 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
30336 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
30337 cannot be parsed.
30338 @item -d
30339 Create a disabled breakpoint.
30340 @item -c @var{condition}
30341 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
30342 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
30343 Set the ignore count of the breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ignore count})
30344 to @var{ignore-count}.
30345 @item -p @var{thread-id}
30346 Restrict the breakpoint to the specified @var{thread-id}.
30347 @end table
30348
30349 @subsubheading Result
30350
30351 @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Information}, for details on the format of the
30352 resulting breakpoint.
30353
30354 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
30355
30356 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30357
30358 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dprintf}.
30359
30360 @subsubheading Example
30361
30362 @smallexample
30363 (gdb)
30364 4-dprintf-insert foo "At foo entry\n"
30365 4^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="dprintf",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30366 addr="0x000000000040061b",func="foo",file="mi-dprintf.c",
30367 fullname="mi-dprintf.c",line="25",thread-groups=["i1"],
30368 times="0",script=@{"printf \"At foo entry\\n\"","continue"@},
30369 original-location="foo"@}
30370 (gdb)
30371 5-dprintf-insert 26 "arg=%d, g=%d\n" arg g
30372 5^done,bkpt=@{number="2",type="dprintf",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30373 addr="0x000000000040062a",func="foo",file="mi-dprintf.c",
30374 fullname="mi-dprintf.c",line="26",thread-groups=["i1"],
30375 times="0",script=@{"printf \"arg=%d, g=%d\\n\", arg, g","continue"@},
30376 original-location="mi-dprintf.c:26"@}
30377 (gdb)
30378 @end smallexample
30379
30380 @subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
30381 @findex -break-list
30382
30383 @subsubheading Synopsis
30384
30385 @smallexample
30386 -break-list
30387 @end smallexample
30388
30389 Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
30390
30391 @table @samp
30392 @item Number
30393 number of the breakpoint
30394 @item Type
30395 type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
30396 @item Disposition
30397 should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
30398 or @samp{nokeep}
30399 @item Enabled
30400 is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
30401 @item Address
30402 memory location at which the breakpoint is set
30403 @item What
30404 logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
30405 name, line number
30406 @item Thread-groups
30407 list of thread groups to which this breakpoint applies
30408 @item Times
30409 number of times the breakpoint has been hit
30410 @end table
30411
30412 If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
30413 @code{body} field is an empty list.
30414
30415 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30416
30417 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
30418
30419 @subsubheading Example
30420
30421 @smallexample
30422 (gdb)
30423 -break-list
30424 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
30425 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30426 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30427 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30428 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30429 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30430 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30431 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30432 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
30433 times="0"@},
30434 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30435 addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
30436 line="13",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
30437 (gdb)
30438 @end smallexample
30439
30440 Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
30441
30442 @smallexample
30443 (gdb)
30444 -break-list
30445 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
30446 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30447 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30448 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30449 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30450 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30451 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30452 body=[]@}
30453 (gdb)
30454 @end smallexample
30455
30456 @subheading The @code{-break-passcount} Command
30457 @findex -break-passcount
30458
30459 @subsubheading Synopsis
30460
30461 @smallexample
30462 -break-passcount @var{tracepoint-number} @var{passcount}
30463 @end smallexample
30464
30465 Set the passcount for tracepoint @var{tracepoint-number} to
30466 @var{passcount}. If the breakpoint referred to by @var{tracepoint-number}
30467 is not a tracepoint, error is emitted. This corresponds to CLI
30468 command @samp{passcount}.
30469
30470 @subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
30471 @findex -break-watch
30472
30473 @subsubheading Synopsis
30474
30475 @smallexample
30476 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
30477 @end smallexample
30478
30479 Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
30480 @dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
30481 read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
30482 option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
30483 trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
30484 either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
30485 i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
30486 @xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
30487
30488 Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
30489 breakpoints inserted.
30490
30491 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30492
30493 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
30494 @samp{rwatch}.
30495
30496 @subsubheading Example
30497
30498 Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
30499
30500 @smallexample
30501 (gdb)
30502 -break-watch x
30503 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
30504 (gdb)
30505 -exec-continue
30506 ^running
30507 (gdb)
30508 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
30509 value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
30510 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
30511 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5"@}
30512 (gdb)
30513 @end smallexample
30514
30515 Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
30516 the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
30517 for the watchpoint going out of scope.
30518
30519 @smallexample
30520 (gdb)
30521 -break-watch C
30522 ^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
30523 (gdb)
30524 -exec-continue
30525 ^running
30526 (gdb)
30527 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
30528 wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
30529 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
30530 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30531 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
30532 (gdb)
30533 -exec-continue
30534 ^running
30535 (gdb)
30536 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
30537 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
30538 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
30539 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30540 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
30541 (gdb)
30542 @end smallexample
30543
30544 Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
30545 execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
30546 deleted.
30547
30548 @smallexample
30549 (gdb)
30550 -break-watch C
30551 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
30552 (gdb)
30553 -break-list
30554 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
30555 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30556 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30557 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30558 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30559 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30560 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30561 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30562 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
30563 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30564 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
30565 times="1"@},
30566 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
30567 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
30568 (gdb)
30569 -exec-continue
30570 ^running
30571 (gdb)
30572 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
30573 value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
30574 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
30575 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30576 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
30577 (gdb)
30578 -break-list
30579 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
30580 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30581 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30582 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30583 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30584 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30585 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30586 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30587 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
30588 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30589 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
30590 times="1"@},
30591 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
30592 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="-5"@}]@}
30593 (gdb)
30594 -exec-continue
30595 ^running
30596 ^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
30597 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
30598 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
30599 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30600 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
30601 (gdb)
30602 -break-list
30603 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
30604 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30605 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30606 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30607 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30608 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30609 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30610 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30611 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
30612 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30613 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
30614 thread-groups=["i1"],times="1"@}]@}
30615 (gdb)
30616 @end smallexample
30617
30618
30619 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30620 @node GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
30621 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoint Commands
30622
30623 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
30624 catchpoints.
30625
30626 @menu
30627 * Shared Library GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
30628 * Ada Exception GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
30629 @end menu
30630
30631 @node Shared Library GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
30632 @subsection Shared Library @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoints
30633
30634 @subheading The @code{-catch-load} Command
30635 @findex -catch-load
30636
30637 @subsubheading Synopsis
30638
30639 @smallexample
30640 -catch-load [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
30641 @end smallexample
30642
30643 Add a catchpoint for library load events. If the @samp{-t} option is used,
30644 the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
30645 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is created
30646 in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
30647 expression used to match the name of the loaded library.
30648
30649
30650 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30651
30652 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch load}.
30653
30654 @subsubheading Example
30655
30656 @smallexample
30657 -catch-load -t foo.so
30658 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="catchpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
30659 what="load of library matching foo.so",catch-type="load",times="0"@}
30660 (gdb)
30661 @end smallexample
30662
30663
30664 @subheading The @code{-catch-unload} Command
30665 @findex -catch-unload
30666
30667 @subsubheading Synopsis
30668
30669 @smallexample
30670 -catch-unload [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
30671 @end smallexample
30672
30673 Add a catchpoint for library unload events. If the @samp{-t} option is
30674 used, the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
30675 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is
30676 created in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
30677 expression used to match the name of the unloaded library.
30678
30679 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30680
30681 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch unload}.
30682
30683 @subsubheading Example
30684
30685 @smallexample
30686 -catch-unload -d bar.so
30687 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",type="catchpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
30688 what="load of library matching bar.so",catch-type="unload",times="0"@}
30689 (gdb)
30690 @end smallexample
30691
30692 @node Ada Exception GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
30693 @subsection Ada Exception @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoints
30694
30695 The following @sc{gdb/mi} commands can be used to create catchpoints
30696 that stop the execution when Ada exceptions are being raised.
30697
30698 @subheading The @code{-catch-assert} Command
30699 @findex -catch-assert
30700
30701 @subsubheading Synopsis
30702
30703 @smallexample
30704 -catch-assert [ -c @var{condition}] [ -d ] [ -t ]
30705 @end smallexample
30706
30707 Add a catchpoint for failed Ada assertions.
30708
30709 The possible optional parameters for this command are:
30710
30711 @table @samp
30712 @item -c @var{condition}
30713 Make the catchpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
30714 @item -d
30715 Create a disabled catchpoint.
30716 @item -t
30717 Create a temporary catchpoint.
30718 @end table
30719
30720 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30721
30722 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch assert}.
30723
30724 @subsubheading Example
30725
30726 @smallexample
30727 -catch-assert
30728 ^done,bkptno="5",bkpt=@{number="5",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
30729 enabled="y",addr="0x0000000000404888",what="failed Ada assertions",
30730 thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",
30731 original-location="__gnat_debug_raise_assert_failure"@}
30732 (gdb)
30733 @end smallexample
30734
30735 @subheading The @code{-catch-exception} Command
30736 @findex -catch-exception
30737
30738 @subsubheading Synopsis
30739
30740 @smallexample
30741 -catch-exception [ -c @var{condition}] [ -d ] [ -e @var{exception-name} ]
30742 [ -t ] [ -u ]
30743 @end smallexample
30744
30745 Add a catchpoint stopping when Ada exceptions are raised.
30746 By default, the command stops the program when any Ada exception
30747 gets raised. But it is also possible, by using some of the
30748 optional parameters described below, to create more selective
30749 catchpoints.
30750
30751 The possible optional parameters for this command are:
30752
30753 @table @samp
30754 @item -c @var{condition}
30755 Make the catchpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
30756 @item -d
30757 Create a disabled catchpoint.
30758 @item -e @var{exception-name}
30759 Only stop when @var{exception-name} is raised. This option cannot
30760 be used combined with @samp{-u}.
30761 @item -t
30762 Create a temporary catchpoint.
30763 @item -u
30764 Stop only when an unhandled exception gets raised. This option
30765 cannot be used combined with @samp{-e}.
30766 @end table
30767
30768 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30769
30770 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{catch exception}
30771 and @samp{catch exception unhandled}.
30772
30773 @subsubheading Example
30774
30775 @smallexample
30776 -catch-exception -e Program_Error
30777 ^done,bkptno="4",bkpt=@{number="4",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
30778 enabled="y",addr="0x0000000000404874",
30779 what="`Program_Error' Ada exception", thread-groups=["i1"],
30780 times="0",original-location="__gnat_debug_raise_exception"@}
30781 (gdb)
30782 @end smallexample
30783
30784 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30785 @node GDB/MI Program Context
30786 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
30787
30788 @subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
30789 @findex -exec-arguments
30790
30791
30792 @subsubheading Synopsis
30793
30794 @smallexample
30795 -exec-arguments @var{args}
30796 @end smallexample
30797
30798 Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
30799 @samp{-exec-run}.
30800
30801 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30802
30803 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
30804
30805 @subsubheading Example
30806
30807 @smallexample
30808 (gdb)
30809 -exec-arguments -v word
30810 ^done
30811 (gdb)
30812 @end smallexample
30813
30814
30815 @ignore
30816 @subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
30817 @findex -exec-show-arguments
30818
30819 @subsubheading Synopsis
30820
30821 @smallexample
30822 -exec-show-arguments
30823 @end smallexample
30824
30825 Print the arguments of the program.
30826
30827 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30828
30829 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
30830
30831 @subsubheading Example
30832 N.A.
30833 @end ignore
30834
30835
30836 @subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
30837 @findex -environment-cd
30838
30839 @subsubheading Synopsis
30840
30841 @smallexample
30842 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
30843 @end smallexample
30844
30845 Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
30846
30847 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30848
30849 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
30850
30851 @subsubheading Example
30852
30853 @smallexample
30854 (gdb)
30855 -environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
30856 ^done
30857 (gdb)
30858 @end smallexample
30859
30860
30861 @subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
30862 @findex -environment-directory
30863
30864 @subsubheading Synopsis
30865
30866 @smallexample
30867 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
30868 @end smallexample
30869
30870 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
30871 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
30872 search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
30873 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
30874 occurs as normal.
30875 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
30876 multiple directories in a single command
30877 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
30878 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
30879 If blanks are needed as
30880 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
30881 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
30882 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
30883 character must not be used
30884 in any directory name.
30885 If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
30886
30887 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30888
30889 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
30890
30891 @subsubheading Example
30892
30893 @smallexample
30894 (gdb)
30895 -environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
30896 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
30897 (gdb)
30898 -environment-directory ""
30899 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
30900 (gdb)
30901 -environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
30902 ^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
30903 (gdb)
30904 -environment-directory -r
30905 ^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
30906 (gdb)
30907 @end smallexample
30908
30909
30910 @subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
30911 @findex -environment-path
30912
30913 @subsubheading Synopsis
30914
30915 @smallexample
30916 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
30917 @end smallexample
30918
30919 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
30920 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
30921 search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
30922 supplied in addition to the
30923 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
30924 occurs as normal.
30925 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
30926 multiple directories in a single command
30927 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
30928 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
30929 If blanks are needed as
30930 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
30931 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
30932 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
30933 character must not be used
30934 in any directory name.
30935 If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
30936
30937
30938 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30939
30940 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
30941
30942 @subsubheading Example
30943
30944 @smallexample
30945 (gdb)
30946 -environment-path
30947 ^done,path="/usr/bin"
30948 (gdb)
30949 -environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
30950 ^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
30951 (gdb)
30952 -environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
30953 ^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
30954 (gdb)
30955 @end smallexample
30956
30957
30958 @subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
30959 @findex -environment-pwd
30960
30961 @subsubheading Synopsis
30962
30963 @smallexample
30964 -environment-pwd
30965 @end smallexample
30966
30967 Show the current working directory.
30968
30969 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30970
30971 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
30972
30973 @subsubheading Example
30974
30975 @smallexample
30976 (gdb)
30977 -environment-pwd
30978 ^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
30979 (gdb)
30980 @end smallexample
30981
30982 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30983 @node GDB/MI Thread Commands
30984 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
30985
30986
30987 @subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
30988 @findex -thread-info
30989
30990 @subsubheading Synopsis
30991
30992 @smallexample
30993 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
30994 @end smallexample
30995
30996 Reports information about either a specific thread, if
30997 the @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all
30998 threads. When printing information about all threads,
30999 also reports the current thread.
31000
31001 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31002
31003 The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
31004 about all threads.
31005
31006 @subsubheading Result
31007
31008 The result is a list of threads. The following attributes are
31009 defined for a given thread:
31010
31011 @table @samp
31012 @item current
31013 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
31014
31015 @item id
31016 The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the thread.
31017
31018 @item target-id
31019 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the thread.
31020
31021 @item details
31022 Extra information about the thread, in a target-specific format. This
31023 field is optional.
31024
31025 @item name
31026 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using the
31027 @code{thread name} command, then this name is given. Otherwise, if
31028 @value{GDBN} can extract the thread name from the target, then that
31029 name is given. If @value{GDBN} cannot find the thread name, then this
31030 field is omitted.
31031
31032 @item frame
31033 The stack frame currently executing in the thread.
31034
31035 @item state
31036 The thread's state. The @samp{state} field may have the following
31037 values:
31038
31039 @table @code
31040 @item stopped
31041 The thread is stopped. Frame information is available for stopped
31042 threads.
31043
31044 @item running
31045 The thread is running. There's no frame information for running
31046 threads.
31047
31048 @end table
31049
31050 @item core
31051 If @value{GDBN} can find the CPU core on which this thread is running,
31052 then this field is the core identifier. This field is optional.
31053
31054 @end table
31055
31056 @subsubheading Example
31057
31058 @smallexample
31059 -thread-info
31060 ^done,threads=[
31061 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
31062 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",
31063 args=[]@},state="running"@},
31064 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
31065 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",
31066 args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
31067 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},
31068 state="running"@}],
31069 current-thread-id="1"
31070 (gdb)
31071 @end smallexample
31072
31073 @subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
31074 @findex -thread-list-ids
31075
31076 @subsubheading Synopsis
31077
31078 @smallexample
31079 -thread-list-ids
31080 @end smallexample
31081
31082 Produces a list of the currently known @value{GDBN} thread ids. At the
31083 end of the list it also prints the total number of such threads.
31084
31085 This command is retained for historical reasons, the
31086 @code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
31087
31088 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31089
31090 Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
31091
31092 @subsubheading Example
31093
31094 @smallexample
31095 (gdb)
31096 -thread-list-ids
31097 ^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
31098 current-thread-id="1",number-of-threads="3"
31099 (gdb)
31100 @end smallexample
31101
31102
31103 @subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
31104 @findex -thread-select
31105
31106 @subsubheading Synopsis
31107
31108 @smallexample
31109 -thread-select @var{threadnum}
31110 @end smallexample
31111
31112 Make @var{threadnum} the current thread. It prints the number of the new
31113 current thread, and the topmost frame for that thread.
31114
31115 This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
31116 @samp{--thread} option to each command.
31117
31118 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31119
31120 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
31121
31122 @subsubheading Example
31123
31124 @smallexample
31125 (gdb)
31126 -exec-next
31127 ^running
31128 (gdb)
31129 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
31130 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
31131 (gdb)
31132 -thread-list-ids
31133 ^done,
31134 thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
31135 number-of-threads="3"
31136 (gdb)
31137 -thread-select 3
31138 ^done,new-thread-id="3",
31139 frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
31140 args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
31141 @{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31"@}
31142 (gdb)
31143 @end smallexample
31144
31145 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31146 @node GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands
31147 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Tasking Commands
31148
31149 @subheading The @code{-ada-task-info} Command
31150 @findex -ada-task-info
31151
31152 @subsubheading Synopsis
31153
31154 @smallexample
31155 -ada-task-info [ @var{task-id} ]
31156 @end smallexample
31157
31158 Reports information about either a specific Ada task, if the
31159 @var{task-id} parameter is present, or about all Ada tasks.
31160
31161 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31162
31163 The @samp{info tasks} command prints the same information
31164 about all Ada tasks (@pxref{Ada Tasks}).
31165
31166 @subsubheading Result
31167
31168 The result is a table of Ada tasks. The following columns are
31169 defined for each Ada task:
31170
31171 @table @samp
31172 @item current
31173 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
31174
31175 @item id
31176 The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the Ada task.
31177
31178 @item task-id
31179 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the Ada task.
31180
31181 @item thread-id
31182 The identifier of the thread corresponding to the Ada task.
31183
31184 This field should always exist, as Ada tasks are always implemented
31185 on top of a thread. But if @value{GDBN} cannot find this corresponding
31186 thread for any reason, the field is omitted.
31187
31188 @item parent-id
31189 This field exists only when the task was created by another task.
31190 In this case, it provides the ID of the parent task.
31191
31192 @item priority
31193 The base priority of the task.
31194
31195 @item state
31196 The current state of the task. For a detailed description of the
31197 possible states, see @ref{Ada Tasks}.
31198
31199 @item name
31200 The name of the task.
31201
31202 @end table
31203
31204 @subsubheading Example
31205
31206 @smallexample
31207 -ada-task-info
31208 ^done,tasks=@{nr_rows="3",nr_cols="8",
31209 hdr=[@{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr=""@},
31210 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="id",colhdr="ID"@},
31211 @{width="9",alignment="1",col_name="task-id",colhdr="TID"@},
31212 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="thread-id",colhdr=""@},
31213 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="parent-id",colhdr="P-ID"@},
31214 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="priority",colhdr="Pri"@},
31215 @{width="22",alignment="-1",col_name="state",colhdr="State"@},
31216 @{width="1",alignment="2",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@}],
31217 body=[@{current="*",id="1",task-id=" 644010",thread-id="1",priority="48",
31218 state="Child Termination Wait",name="main_task"@}]@}
31219 (gdb)
31220 @end smallexample
31221
31222 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31223 @node GDB/MI Program Execution
31224 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
31225
31226 These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
31227 record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
31228 asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
31229 other cases.
31230
31231 @subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
31232 @findex -exec-continue
31233
31234 @subsubheading Synopsis
31235
31236 @smallexample
31237 -exec-continue [--reverse] [--all|--thread-group N]
31238 @end smallexample
31239
31240 Resumes the execution of the inferior program, which will continue
31241 to execute until it reaches a debugger stop event. If the
31242 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, execution resumes in reverse until
31243 it reaches a stop event. Stop events may include
31244 @itemize @bullet
31245 @item
31246 breakpoints or watchpoints
31247 @item
31248 signals or exceptions
31249 @item
31250 the end of the process (or its beginning under @samp{--reverse})
31251 @item
31252 the end or beginning of a replay log if one is being used.
31253 @end itemize
31254 In all-stop mode (@pxref{All-Stop
31255 Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads, depending on the
31256 value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. If @samp{--all} is
31257 specified, all threads (in all inferiors) will be resumed. The @samp{--all} option is
31258 ignored in all-stop mode. If the @samp{--thread-group} options is
31259 specified, then all threads in that thread group are resumed.
31260
31261 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31262
31263 The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
31264
31265 @subsubheading Example
31266
31267 @smallexample
31268 -exec-continue
31269 ^running
31270 (gdb)
31271 @@Hello world
31272 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
31273 func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
31274 line="13"@}
31275 (gdb)
31276 @end smallexample
31277
31278
31279 @subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
31280 @findex -exec-finish
31281
31282 @subsubheading Synopsis
31283
31284 @smallexample
31285 -exec-finish [--reverse]
31286 @end smallexample
31287
31288 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
31289 function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
31290 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes the reverse
31291 execution of the inferior program until the point where current
31292 function was called.
31293
31294 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31295
31296 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
31297
31298 @subsubheading Example
31299
31300 Function returning @code{void}.
31301
31302 @smallexample
31303 -exec-finish
31304 ^running
31305 (gdb)
31306 @@hello from foo
31307 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
31308 file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7"@}
31309 (gdb)
31310 @end smallexample
31311
31312 Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
31313 @value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
31314 value itself.
31315
31316 @smallexample
31317 -exec-finish
31318 ^running
31319 (gdb)
31320 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
31321 args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
31322 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31323 gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
31324 (gdb)
31325 @end smallexample
31326
31327
31328 @subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
31329 @findex -exec-interrupt
31330
31331 @subsubheading Synopsis
31332
31333 @smallexample
31334 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
31335 @end smallexample
31336
31337 Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
31338 associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
31339 that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
31340 appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
31341 interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
31342
31343 Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
31344 asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
31345 @samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
31346 reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
31347
31348 In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
31349 All threads (in all inferiors) will be interrupted if the
31350 @samp{--all} option is specified. If the @samp{--thread-group}
31351 option is specified, all threads in that group will be interrupted.
31352
31353 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31354
31355 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
31356
31357 @subsubheading Example
31358
31359 @smallexample
31360 (gdb)
31361 111-exec-continue
31362 111^running
31363
31364 (gdb)
31365 222-exec-interrupt
31366 222^done
31367 (gdb)
31368 111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
31369 frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
31370 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13"@}
31371 (gdb)
31372
31373 (gdb)
31374 -exec-interrupt
31375 ^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
31376 (gdb)
31377 @end smallexample
31378
31379 @subheading The @code{-exec-jump} Command
31380 @findex -exec-jump
31381
31382 @subsubheading Synopsis
31383
31384 @smallexample
31385 -exec-jump @var{location}
31386 @end smallexample
31387
31388 Resumes execution of the inferior program at the location specified by
31389 parameter. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
31390 different forms of @var{location}.
31391
31392 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31393
31394 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{jump}.
31395
31396 @subsubheading Example
31397
31398 @smallexample
31399 -exec-jump foo.c:10
31400 *running,thread-id="all"
31401 ^running
31402 @end smallexample
31403
31404
31405 @subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
31406 @findex -exec-next
31407
31408 @subsubheading Synopsis
31409
31410 @smallexample
31411 -exec-next [--reverse]
31412 @end smallexample
31413
31414 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
31415 of the next source line is reached.
31416
31417 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
31418 of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the previous
31419 source line. If you issue this command on the first line of a
31420 function, it will take you back to the caller of that function, to the
31421 source line where the function was called.
31422
31423
31424 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31425
31426 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
31427
31428 @subsubheading Example
31429
31430 @smallexample
31431 -exec-next
31432 ^running
31433 (gdb)
31434 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
31435 (gdb)
31436 @end smallexample
31437
31438
31439 @subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
31440 @findex -exec-next-instruction
31441
31442 @subsubheading Synopsis
31443
31444 @smallexample
31445 -exec-next-instruction [--reverse]
31446 @end smallexample
31447
31448 Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
31449 call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
31450 instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
31451 printed as well.
31452
31453 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
31454 of the inferior program, stopping at the previous instruction. If the
31455 previously executed instruction was a return from another function,
31456 it will continue to execute in reverse until the call to that function
31457 (from the current stack frame) is reached.
31458
31459 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31460
31461 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
31462
31463 @subsubheading Example
31464
31465 @smallexample
31466 (gdb)
31467 -exec-next-instruction
31468 ^running
31469
31470 (gdb)
31471 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
31472 addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
31473 (gdb)
31474 @end smallexample
31475
31476
31477 @subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
31478 @findex -exec-return
31479
31480 @subsubheading Synopsis
31481
31482 @smallexample
31483 -exec-return
31484 @end smallexample
31485
31486 Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
31487 Displays the new current frame.
31488
31489 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31490
31491 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
31492
31493 @subsubheading Example
31494
31495 @smallexample
31496 (gdb)
31497 200-break-insert callee4
31498 200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
31499 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
31500 (gdb)
31501 000-exec-run
31502 000^running
31503 (gdb)
31504 000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
31505 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
31506 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31507 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
31508 (gdb)
31509 205-break-delete
31510 205^done
31511 (gdb)
31512 111-exec-return
31513 111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
31514 args=[@{name="strarg",
31515 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
31516 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31517 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
31518 (gdb)
31519 @end smallexample
31520
31521
31522 @subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
31523 @findex -exec-run
31524
31525 @subsubheading Synopsis
31526
31527 @smallexample
31528 -exec-run [ --all | --thread-group N ] [ --start ]
31529 @end smallexample
31530
31531 Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
31532 executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
31533 exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
31534 the program has exited exceptionally.
31535
31536 When neither the @samp{--all} nor the @samp{--thread-group} option
31537 is specified, the current inferior is started. If the
31538 @samp{--thread-group} option is specified, it should refer to a thread
31539 group of type @samp{process}, and that thread group will be started.
31540 If the @samp{--all} option is specified, then all inferiors will be started.
31541
31542 Using the @samp{--start} option instructs the debugger to stop
31543 the execution at the start of the inferior's main subprogram,
31544 following the same behavior as the @code{start} command
31545 (@pxref{Starting}).
31546
31547 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31548
31549 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
31550
31551 @subsubheading Examples
31552
31553 @smallexample
31554 (gdb)
31555 -break-insert main
31556 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
31557 (gdb)
31558 -exec-run
31559 ^running
31560 (gdb)
31561 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
31562 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
31563 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}
31564 (gdb)
31565 @end smallexample
31566
31567 @noindent
31568 Program exited normally:
31569
31570 @smallexample
31571 (gdb)
31572 -exec-run
31573 ^running
31574 (gdb)
31575 x = 55
31576 *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
31577 (gdb)
31578 @end smallexample
31579
31580 @noindent
31581 Program exited exceptionally:
31582
31583 @smallexample
31584 (gdb)
31585 -exec-run
31586 ^running
31587 (gdb)
31588 x = 55
31589 *stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
31590 (gdb)
31591 @end smallexample
31592
31593 Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
31594 @code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
31595
31596 @smallexample
31597 (gdb)
31598 *stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
31599 signal-meaning="Interrupt"
31600 @end smallexample
31601
31602
31603 @c @subheading -exec-signal
31604
31605
31606 @subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
31607 @findex -exec-step
31608
31609 @subsubheading Synopsis
31610
31611 @smallexample
31612 -exec-step [--reverse]
31613 @end smallexample
31614
31615 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
31616 of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
31617 function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
31618 function. If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse
31619 execution of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the
31620 previously executed source line.
31621
31622 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31623
31624 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
31625
31626 @subsubheading Example
31627
31628 Stepping into a function:
31629
31630 @smallexample
31631 -exec-step
31632 ^running
31633 (gdb)
31634 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
31635 frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
31636 @{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
31637 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@}
31638 (gdb)
31639 @end smallexample
31640
31641 Regular stepping:
31642
31643 @smallexample
31644 -exec-step
31645 ^running
31646 (gdb)
31647 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
31648 (gdb)
31649 @end smallexample
31650
31651
31652 @subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
31653 @findex -exec-step-instruction
31654
31655 @subsubheading Synopsis
31656
31657 @smallexample
31658 -exec-step-instruction [--reverse]
31659 @end smallexample
31660
31661 Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. If the
31662 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution of the
31663 inferior program, stopping at the previously executed instruction.
31664 The output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on
31665 whether we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the
31666 former case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed
31667 as well.
31668
31669 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31670
31671 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
31672
31673 @subsubheading Example
31674
31675 @smallexample
31676 (gdb)
31677 -exec-step-instruction
31678 ^running
31679
31680 (gdb)
31681 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
31682 frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
31683 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
31684 (gdb)
31685 -exec-step-instruction
31686 ^running
31687
31688 (gdb)
31689 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
31690 frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
31691 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
31692 (gdb)
31693 @end smallexample
31694
31695
31696 @subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
31697 @findex -exec-until
31698
31699 @subsubheading Synopsis
31700
31701 @smallexample
31702 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
31703 @end smallexample
31704
31705 Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
31706 argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
31707 until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
31708 reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
31709
31710 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31711
31712 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
31713
31714 @subsubheading Example
31715
31716 @smallexample
31717 (gdb)
31718 -exec-until recursive2.c:6
31719 ^running
31720 (gdb)
31721 x = 55
31722 *stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
31723 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6"@}
31724 (gdb)
31725 @end smallexample
31726
31727 @ignore
31728 @subheading -file-clear
31729 Is this going away????
31730 @end ignore
31731
31732 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31733 @node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
31734 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
31735
31736 @subheading The @code{-enable-frame-filters} Command
31737 @findex -enable-frame-filters
31738
31739 @smallexample
31740 -enable-frame-filters
31741 @end smallexample
31742
31743 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based frame filters to affect the output of
31744 the MI commands relating to stack traces. As there is no way to
31745 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
31746 request that this functionality be enabled.
31747
31748 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
31749
31750 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
31751 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
31752
31753 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
31754 @findex -stack-info-frame
31755
31756 @subsubheading Synopsis
31757
31758 @smallexample
31759 -stack-info-frame
31760 @end smallexample
31761
31762 Get info on the selected frame.
31763
31764 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31765
31766 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
31767 (without arguments).
31768
31769 @subsubheading Example
31770
31771 @smallexample
31772 (gdb)
31773 -stack-info-frame
31774 ^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
31775 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31776 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@}
31777 (gdb)
31778 @end smallexample
31779
31780 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
31781 @findex -stack-info-depth
31782
31783 @subsubheading Synopsis
31784
31785 @smallexample
31786 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
31787 @end smallexample
31788
31789 Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
31790 is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
31791
31792 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31793
31794 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
31795
31796 @subsubheading Example
31797
31798 For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
31799
31800 @smallexample
31801 (gdb)
31802 -stack-info-depth
31803 ^done,depth="12"
31804 (gdb)
31805 -stack-info-depth 4
31806 ^done,depth="4"
31807 (gdb)
31808 -stack-info-depth 12
31809 ^done,depth="12"
31810 (gdb)
31811 -stack-info-depth 11
31812 ^done,depth="11"
31813 (gdb)
31814 -stack-info-depth 13
31815 ^done,depth="12"
31816 (gdb)
31817 @end smallexample
31818
31819 @anchor{-stack-list-arguments}
31820 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
31821 @findex -stack-list-arguments
31822
31823 @subsubheading Synopsis
31824
31825 @smallexample
31826 -stack-list-arguments [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
31827 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
31828 @end smallexample
31829
31830 Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
31831 and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
31832 @var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
31833 call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
31834 at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
31835 larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
31836 @var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
31837 which case only existing frames will be returned.
31838
31839 If @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
31840 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
31841 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
31842 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
31843 structures and unions. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is
31844 supplied, then Python frame filters will not be executed.
31845
31846 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, arguments that
31847 are not available are not listed. Partially available arguments
31848 are still displayed, however.
31849
31850 Use of this command to obtain arguments in a single frame is
31851 deprecated in favor of the @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
31852
31853 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31854
31855 @value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
31856 @samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
31857 functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
31858
31859 @subsubheading Example
31860
31861 @smallexample
31862 (gdb)
31863 -stack-list-frames
31864 ^done,
31865 stack=[
31866 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
31867 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31868 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@},
31869 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
31870 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31871 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@},
31872 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
31873 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31874 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22"@},
31875 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
31876 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31877 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27"@},
31878 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
31879 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31880 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32"@}]
31881 (gdb)
31882 -stack-list-arguments 0
31883 ^done,
31884 stack-args=[
31885 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
31886 frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
31887 frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
31888 frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
31889 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
31890 (gdb)
31891 -stack-list-arguments 1
31892 ^done,
31893 stack-args=[
31894 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
31895 frame=@{level="1",
31896 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
31897 frame=@{level="2",args=[
31898 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
31899 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
31900 @{frame=@{level="3",args=[
31901 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
31902 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
31903 @{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
31904 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
31905 (gdb)
31906 -stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
31907 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
31908 (gdb)
31909 -stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
31910 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
31911 args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
31912 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
31913 (gdb)
31914 @end smallexample
31915
31916 @c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
31917
31918
31919 @anchor{-stack-list-frames}
31920 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
31921 @findex -stack-list-frames
31922
31923 @subsubheading Synopsis
31924
31925 @smallexample
31926 -stack-list-frames [ --no-frame-filters @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
31927 @end smallexample
31928
31929 List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
31930 following info:
31931
31932 @table @samp
31933 @item @var{level}
31934 The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
31935 @item @var{addr}
31936 The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
31937 @item @var{func}
31938 Function name.
31939 @item @var{file}
31940 File name of the source file where the function lives.
31941 @item @var{fullname}
31942 The full file name of the source file where the function lives.
31943 @item @var{line}
31944 Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
31945 @item @var{from}
31946 The shared library where this function is defined. This is only given
31947 if the frame's function is not known.
31948 @end table
31949
31950 If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
31951 whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
31952 levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
31953 are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
31954 an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
31955 frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
31956 actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be
31957 returned. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is supplied, then
31958 Python frame filters will not be executed.
31959
31960 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31961
31962 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
31963
31964 @subsubheading Example
31965
31966 Full stack backtrace:
31967
31968 @smallexample
31969 (gdb)
31970 -stack-list-frames
31971 ^done,stack=
31972 [frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
31973 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@},
31974 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31975 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31976 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31977 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31978 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31979 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31980 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31981 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31982 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31983 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31984 frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31985 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31986 frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31987 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31988 frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31989 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31990 frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31991 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31992 frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31993 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31994 frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
31995 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}]
31996 (gdb)
31997 @end smallexample
31998
31999 Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
32000
32001 @smallexample
32002 (gdb)
32003 -stack-list-frames 3 5
32004 ^done,stack=
32005 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
32006 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
32007 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
32008 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
32009 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
32010 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
32011 (gdb)
32012 @end smallexample
32013
32014 Show a single frame:
32015
32016 @smallexample
32017 (gdb)
32018 -stack-list-frames 3 3
32019 ^done,stack=
32020 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
32021 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
32022 (gdb)
32023 @end smallexample
32024
32025
32026 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
32027 @findex -stack-list-locals
32028 @anchor{-stack-list-locals}
32029
32030 @subsubheading Synopsis
32031
32032 @smallexample
32033 -stack-list-locals [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
32034 @end smallexample
32035
32036 Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
32037 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
32038 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
32039 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
32040 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
32041 structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
32042 display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
32043 other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
32044 more detail. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is supplied, then
32045 Python frame filters will not be executed.
32046
32047 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, local variables
32048 that are not available are not listed. Partially available local
32049 variables are still displayed, however.
32050
32051 This command is deprecated in favor of the
32052 @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
32053
32054 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32055
32056 @samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
32057
32058 @subsubheading Example
32059
32060 @smallexample
32061 (gdb)
32062 -stack-list-locals 0
32063 ^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
32064 (gdb)
32065 -stack-list-locals --all-values
32066 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
32067 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
32068 -stack-list-locals --simple-values
32069 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
32070 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
32071 (gdb)
32072 @end smallexample
32073
32074 @anchor{-stack-list-variables}
32075 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-variables} Command
32076 @findex -stack-list-variables
32077
32078 @subsubheading Synopsis
32079
32080 @smallexample
32081 -stack-list-variables [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
32082 @end smallexample
32083
32084 Display the names of local variables and function arguments for the selected frame. If
32085 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
32086 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
32087 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
32088 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
32089 structures and unions. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is
32090 supplied, then Python frame filters will not be executed.
32091
32092 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, local variables
32093 and arguments that are not available are not listed. Partially
32094 available arguments and local variables are still displayed, however.
32095
32096 @subsubheading Example
32097
32098 @smallexample
32099 (gdb)
32100 -stack-list-variables --thread 1 --frame 0 --all-values
32101 ^done,variables=[@{name="x",value="11"@},@{name="s",value="@{a = 1, b = 2@}"@}]
32102 (gdb)
32103 @end smallexample
32104
32105
32106 @subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
32107 @findex -stack-select-frame
32108
32109 @subsubheading Synopsis
32110
32111 @smallexample
32112 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
32113 @end smallexample
32114
32115 Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
32116 the stack.
32117
32118 This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
32119 option to every command.
32120
32121 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32122
32123 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
32124 @samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
32125
32126 @subsubheading Example
32127
32128 @smallexample
32129 (gdb)
32130 -stack-select-frame 2
32131 ^done
32132 (gdb)
32133 @end smallexample
32134
32135 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32136 @node GDB/MI Variable Objects
32137 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
32138
32139 @ignore
32140
32141 @subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
32142
32143 For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
32144 expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
32145 used by @code{Insight}.
32146
32147 The two main reasons for that are:
32148
32149 @enumerate 1
32150 @item
32151 It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
32152
32153 @item
32154 It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
32155 now).
32156 @end enumerate
32157
32158 The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
32159 slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
32160 describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
32161 hints about their use.
32162
32163 @emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
32164 expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
32165 least, the following operations:
32166
32167 @itemize @bullet
32168 @item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
32169 @item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
32170 @item @code{-stack-list-locals}
32171 @item @code{-stack-select-frame}
32172 @end itemize
32173
32174 @end ignore
32175
32176 @subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
32177
32178 @cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
32179
32180 Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
32181 changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
32182 work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
32183 simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
32184 is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
32185 frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
32186 expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
32187 expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
32188 variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
32189 operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
32190 object, or to change display format.
32191
32192 Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
32193 that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
32194 a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
32195 element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
32196 children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
32197 leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
32198 objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
32199 is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
32200 child will be created.
32201
32202 For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
32203 string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
32204 obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
32205 that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
32206 contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
32207
32208 A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
32209 the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
32210 variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
32211 operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
32212 be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
32213 objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
32214 real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
32215 variables that frontend has created.
32216
32217 The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
32218 might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
32219 and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
32220 relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
32221 to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
32222 visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
32223 called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
32224 implicitly updated.
32225
32226 Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
32227 fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
32228 object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
32229 variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
32230 variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
32231 expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
32232 frame. Consider this example:
32233
32234 @smallexample
32235 void do_work(...)
32236 @{
32237 struct work_state state;
32238
32239 if (...)
32240 do_work(...);
32241 @}
32242 @end smallexample
32243
32244 If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
32245 this function, and we enter the recursive call, the variable
32246 object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
32247 @code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
32248 object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
32249
32250 If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
32251 refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
32252 thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
32253 variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
32254 thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
32255 and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
32256
32257 The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
32258 access this functionality:
32259
32260 @multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
32261 @item @strong{Operation}
32262 @tab @strong{Description}
32263
32264 @item @code{-enable-pretty-printing}
32265 @tab enable Python-based pretty-printing
32266 @item @code{-var-create}
32267 @tab create a variable object
32268 @item @code{-var-delete}
32269 @tab delete the variable object and/or its children
32270 @item @code{-var-set-format}
32271 @tab set the display format of this variable
32272 @item @code{-var-show-format}
32273 @tab show the display format of this variable
32274 @item @code{-var-info-num-children}
32275 @tab tells how many children this object has
32276 @item @code{-var-list-children}
32277 @tab return a list of the object's children
32278 @item @code{-var-info-type}
32279 @tab show the type of this variable object
32280 @item @code{-var-info-expression}
32281 @tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
32282 @item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
32283 @tab print full expression that this variable object represents
32284 @item @code{-var-show-attributes}
32285 @tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
32286 @item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
32287 @tab get the value of this variable
32288 @item @code{-var-assign}
32289 @tab set the value of this variable
32290 @item @code{-var-update}
32291 @tab update the variable and its children
32292 @item @code{-var-set-frozen}
32293 @tab set frozeness attribute
32294 @item @code{-var-set-update-range}
32295 @tab set range of children to display on update
32296 @end multitable
32297
32298 In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
32299 how it can be used.
32300
32301 @subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
32302
32303 @subheading The @code{-enable-pretty-printing} Command
32304 @findex -enable-pretty-printing
32305
32306 @smallexample
32307 -enable-pretty-printing
32308 @end smallexample
32309
32310 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based visualizers to affect the output of the
32311 MI variable object commands. However, because there was no way to
32312 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
32313 request that this functionality be enabled.
32314
32315 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
32316
32317 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
32318 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
32319
32320 This feature is currently (as of @value{GDBN} 7.0) experimental, and
32321 may work differently in future versions of @value{GDBN}.
32322
32323 @subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
32324 @findex -var-create
32325
32326 @subsubheading Synopsis
32327
32328 @smallexample
32329 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
32330 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
32331 @end smallexample
32332
32333 This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
32334 a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
32335 register.
32336
32337 The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
32338 referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
32339 system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
32340 unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
32341 The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
32342
32343 The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
32344 specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
32345 frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
32346 object must be created.
32347
32348 @var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
32349 begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
32350
32351 @itemize @bullet
32352 @item
32353 @samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
32354
32355 @item
32356 @samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
32357
32358 @item
32359 @samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
32360 @end itemize
32361
32362 @cindex dynamic varobj
32363 A varobj's contents may be provided by a Python-based pretty-printer. In this
32364 case the varobj is known as a @dfn{dynamic varobj}. Dynamic varobjs
32365 have slightly different semantics in some cases. If the
32366 @code{-enable-pretty-printing} command is not sent, then @value{GDBN}
32367 will never create a dynamic varobj. This ensures backward
32368 compatibility for existing clients.
32369
32370 @subsubheading Result
32371
32372 This operation returns attributes of the newly-created varobj. These
32373 are:
32374
32375 @table @samp
32376 @item name
32377 The name of the varobj.
32378
32379 @item numchild
32380 The number of children of the varobj. This number is not necessarily
32381 reliable for a dynamic varobj. Instead, you must examine the
32382 @samp{has_more} attribute.
32383
32384 @item value
32385 The varobj's scalar value. For a varobj whose type is some sort of
32386 aggregate (e.g., a @code{struct}), or for a dynamic varobj, this value
32387 will not be interesting.
32388
32389 @item type
32390 The varobj's type. This is a string representation of the type, as
32391 would be printed by the @value{GDBN} CLI. If @samp{print object}
32392 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
32393 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
32394 @emph{declared} one.
32395
32396 @item thread-id
32397 If a variable object is bound to a specific thread, then this is the
32398 thread's identifier.
32399
32400 @item has_more
32401 For a dynamic varobj, this indicates whether there appear to be any
32402 children available. For a non-dynamic varobj, this will be 0.
32403
32404 @item dynamic
32405 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
32406 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
32407 then this attribute will not be present.
32408
32409 @item displayhint
32410 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
32411 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
32412 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
32413 @end table
32414
32415 Typical output will look like this:
32416
32417 @smallexample
32418 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}",
32419 has_more="@var{has_more}"
32420 @end smallexample
32421
32422
32423 @subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
32424 @findex -var-delete
32425
32426 @subsubheading Synopsis
32427
32428 @smallexample
32429 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
32430 @end smallexample
32431
32432 Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
32433 With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
32434
32435 Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
32436
32437
32438 @subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
32439 @findex -var-set-format
32440
32441 @subsubheading Synopsis
32442
32443 @smallexample
32444 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
32445 @end smallexample
32446
32447 Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
32448 @var{format-spec}.
32449
32450 @anchor{-var-set-format}
32451 The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
32452
32453 @smallexample
32454 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
32455 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural@}
32456 @end smallexample
32457
32458 The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
32459 based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
32460 for pointers, etc.).
32461
32462 For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
32463 variable itself, and the children are not affected.
32464
32465 @subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
32466 @findex -var-show-format
32467
32468 @subsubheading Synopsis
32469
32470 @smallexample
32471 -var-show-format @var{name}
32472 @end smallexample
32473
32474 Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
32475
32476 @smallexample
32477 @var{format} @expansion{}
32478 @var{format-spec}
32479 @end smallexample
32480
32481
32482 @subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
32483 @findex -var-info-num-children
32484
32485 @subsubheading Synopsis
32486
32487 @smallexample
32488 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
32489 @end smallexample
32490
32491 Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
32492
32493 @smallexample
32494 numchild=@var{n}
32495 @end smallexample
32496
32497 Note that this number is not completely reliable for a dynamic varobj.
32498 It will return the current number of children, but more children may
32499 be available.
32500
32501
32502 @subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
32503 @findex -var-list-children
32504
32505 @subsubheading Synopsis
32506
32507 @smallexample
32508 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name} [@var{from} @var{to}]
32509 @end smallexample
32510 @anchor{-var-list-children}
32511
32512 Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
32513 create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
32514 a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value of 0 or
32515 @code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
32516 @var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
32517 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
32518 value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
32519 and unions.
32520
32521 @var{from} and @var{to}, if specified, indicate the range of children
32522 to report. If @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is
32523 reset and all children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting
32524 at @var{from} (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be
32525 reported.
32526
32527 If a child range is requested, it will only affect the current call to
32528 @code{-var-list-children}, but not future calls to @code{-var-update}.
32529 For this, you must instead use @code{-var-set-update-range}. The
32530 intent of this approach is to enable a front end to implement any
32531 update approach it likes; for example, scrolling a view may cause the
32532 front end to request more children with @code{-var-list-children}, and
32533 then the front end could call @code{-var-set-update-range} with a
32534 different range to ensure that future updates are restricted to just
32535 the visible items.
32536
32537 For each child the following results are returned:
32538
32539 @table @var
32540
32541 @item name
32542 Name of the variable object created for this child.
32543
32544 @item exp
32545 The expression to be shown to the user by the front end to designate this child.
32546 For example this may be the name of a structure member.
32547
32548 For a dynamic varobj, this value cannot be used to form an
32549 expression. There is no way to do this at all with a dynamic varobj.
32550
32551 For C/C@t{++} structures there are several pseudo children returned to
32552 designate access qualifiers. For these pseudo children @var{exp} is
32553 @samp{public}, @samp{private}, or @samp{protected}. In this case the
32554 type and value are not present.
32555
32556 A dynamic varobj will not report the access qualifying
32557 pseudo-children, regardless of the language. This information is not
32558 available at all with a dynamic varobj.
32559
32560 @item numchild
32561 Number of children this child has. For a dynamic varobj, this will be
32562 0.
32563
32564 @item type
32565 The type of the child. If @samp{print object}
32566 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
32567 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
32568 @emph{declared} one.
32569
32570 @item value
32571 If values were requested, this is the value.
32572
32573 @item thread-id
32574 If this variable object is associated with a thread, this is the thread id.
32575 Otherwise this result is not present.
32576
32577 @item frozen
32578 If the variable object is frozen, this variable will be present with a value of 1.
32579
32580 @item displayhint
32581 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
32582 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
32583 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
32584
32585 @item dynamic
32586 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
32587 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
32588 then this attribute will not be present.
32589
32590 @end table
32591
32592 The result may have its own attributes:
32593
32594 @table @samp
32595 @item displayhint
32596 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
32597 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
32598 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
32599
32600 @item has_more
32601 This is an integer attribute which is nonzero if there are children
32602 remaining after the end of the selected range.
32603 @end table
32604
32605 @subsubheading Example
32606
32607 @smallexample
32608 (gdb)
32609 -var-list-children n
32610 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
32611 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
32612 (gdb)
32613 -var-list-children --all-values n
32614 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
32615 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
32616 @end smallexample
32617
32618
32619 @subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
32620 @findex -var-info-type
32621
32622 @subsubheading Synopsis
32623
32624 @smallexample
32625 -var-info-type @var{name}
32626 @end smallexample
32627
32628 Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
32629 returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
32630 @value{GDBN} CLI:
32631
32632 @smallexample
32633 type=@var{typename}
32634 @end smallexample
32635
32636
32637 @subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
32638 @findex -var-info-expression
32639
32640 @subsubheading Synopsis
32641
32642 @smallexample
32643 -var-info-expression @var{name}
32644 @end smallexample
32645
32646 Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
32647 variable object in user interface. The string is generally
32648 not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
32649
32650 For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
32651 @code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
32652
32653 @smallexample
32654 (gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
32655 ^done,lang="C",exp="1"
32656 @end smallexample
32657
32658 @noindent
32659 Here, the value of @code{lang} is the language name, which can be
32660 found in @ref{Supported Languages}.
32661
32662 Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
32663 includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
32664 is of limited use.
32665
32666 @subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
32667 @findex -var-info-path-expression
32668
32669 @subsubheading Synopsis
32670
32671 @smallexample
32672 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
32673 @end smallexample
32674
32675 Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
32676 context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
32677 Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
32678 result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
32679 the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
32680 watchpoint from a variable object.
32681
32682 This command is currently not valid for children of a dynamic varobj,
32683 and will give an error when invoked on one.
32684
32685 For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
32686 @code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
32687 @code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
32688 @code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
32689 @code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
32690 @smallexample
32691 (gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
32692 ^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
32693 @end smallexample
32694
32695 @subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
32696 @findex -var-show-attributes
32697
32698 @subsubheading Synopsis
32699
32700 @smallexample
32701 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
32702 @end smallexample
32703
32704 List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
32705
32706 @smallexample
32707 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
32708 @end smallexample
32709
32710 @noindent
32711 where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
32712
32713 @subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
32714 @findex -var-evaluate-expression
32715
32716 @subsubheading Synopsis
32717
32718 @smallexample
32719 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
32720 @end smallexample
32721
32722 Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
32723 object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
32724 can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
32725 this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
32726 (@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
32727 the current display format will be used. The current display format
32728 can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
32729
32730 @smallexample
32731 value=@var{value}
32732 @end smallexample
32733
32734 Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
32735 before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
32736
32737 @subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
32738 @findex -var-assign
32739
32740 @subsubheading Synopsis
32741
32742 @smallexample
32743 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
32744 @end smallexample
32745
32746 Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
32747 by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
32748 value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
32749 subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
32750
32751 @subsubheading Example
32752
32753 @smallexample
32754 (gdb)
32755 -var-assign var1 3
32756 ^done,value="3"
32757 (gdb)
32758 -var-update *
32759 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
32760 (gdb)
32761 @end smallexample
32762
32763 @subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
32764 @findex -var-update
32765
32766 @subsubheading Synopsis
32767
32768 @smallexample
32769 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
32770 @end smallexample
32771
32772 Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
32773 @var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
32774 list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
32775 be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
32776 @code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
32777 @code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
32778 object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
32779 for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
32780 @var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
32781 names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
32782 as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
32783 recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
32784 number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
32785
32786 With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
32787 currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
32788 diagnostic.
32789
32790 If @code{-var-set-update-range} was previously used on a varobj, then
32791 only the selected range of children will be reported.
32792
32793 @code{-var-update} reports all the changed varobjs in a tuple named
32794 @samp{changelist}.
32795
32796 Each item in the change list is itself a tuple holding:
32797
32798 @table @samp
32799 @item name
32800 The name of the varobj.
32801
32802 @item value
32803 If values were requested for this update, then this field will be
32804 present and will hold the value of the varobj.
32805
32806 @item in_scope
32807 @anchor{-var-update}
32808 This field is a string which may take one of three values:
32809
32810 @table @code
32811 @item "true"
32812 The variable object's current value is valid.
32813
32814 @item "false"
32815 The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
32816 hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
32817 scope.
32818
32819 @item "invalid"
32820 The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
32821 This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
32822 either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
32823 command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
32824 objects.
32825 @end table
32826
32827 In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
32828 be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
32829
32830 @item type_changed
32831 This is only present if the varobj is still valid. If the type
32832 changed, then this will be the string @samp{true}; otherwise it will
32833 be @samp{false}.
32834
32835 When a varobj's type changes, its children are also likely to have
32836 become incorrect. Therefore, the varobj's children are automatically
32837 deleted when this attribute is @samp{true}. Also, the varobj's update
32838 range, when set using the @code{-var-set-update-range} command, is
32839 unset.
32840
32841 @item new_type
32842 If the varobj's type changed, then this field will be present and will
32843 hold the new type.
32844
32845 @item new_num_children
32846 For a dynamic varobj, if the number of children changed, or if the
32847 type changed, this will be the new number of children.
32848
32849 The @samp{numchild} field in other varobj responses is generally not
32850 valid for a dynamic varobj -- it will show the number of children that
32851 @value{GDBN} knows about, but because dynamic varobjs lazily
32852 instantiate their children, this will not reflect the number of
32853 children which may be available.
32854
32855 The @samp{new_num_children} attribute only reports changes to the
32856 number of children known by @value{GDBN}. This is the only way to
32857 detect whether an update has removed children (which necessarily can
32858 only happen at the end of the update range).
32859
32860 @item displayhint
32861 The display hint, if any.
32862
32863 @item has_more
32864 This is an integer value, which will be 1 if there are more children
32865 available outside the varobj's update range.
32866
32867 @item dynamic
32868 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
32869 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
32870 then this attribute will not be present.
32871
32872 @item new_children
32873 If new children were added to a dynamic varobj within the selected
32874 update range (as set by @code{-var-set-update-range}), then they will
32875 be listed in this attribute.
32876 @end table
32877
32878 @subsubheading Example
32879
32880 @smallexample
32881 (gdb)
32882 -var-assign var1 3
32883 ^done,value="3"
32884 (gdb)
32885 -var-update --all-values var1
32886 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
32887 type_changed="false"@}]
32888 (gdb)
32889 @end smallexample
32890
32891 @subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
32892 @findex -var-set-frozen
32893 @anchor{-var-set-frozen}
32894
32895 @subsubheading Synopsis
32896
32897 @smallexample
32898 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
32899 @end smallexample
32900
32901 Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
32902 @var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
32903 frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
32904 frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
32905 implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
32906 a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
32907 @code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
32908 values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
32909 implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
32910 Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
32911 @code{-var-update} does.
32912
32913 @subsubheading Example
32914
32915 @smallexample
32916 (gdb)
32917 -var-set-frozen V 1
32918 ^done
32919 (gdb)
32920 @end smallexample
32921
32922 @subheading The @code{-var-set-update-range} command
32923 @findex -var-set-update-range
32924 @anchor{-var-set-update-range}
32925
32926 @subsubheading Synopsis
32927
32928 @smallexample
32929 -var-set-update-range @var{name} @var{from} @var{to}
32930 @end smallexample
32931
32932 Set the range of children to be returned by future invocations of
32933 @code{-var-update}.
32934
32935 @var{from} and @var{to} indicate the range of children to report. If
32936 @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is reset and all
32937 children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting at @var{from}
32938 (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be reported.
32939
32940 @subsubheading Example
32941
32942 @smallexample
32943 (gdb)
32944 -var-set-update-range V 1 2
32945 ^done
32946 @end smallexample
32947
32948 @subheading The @code{-var-set-visualizer} command
32949 @findex -var-set-visualizer
32950 @anchor{-var-set-visualizer}
32951
32952 @subsubheading Synopsis
32953
32954 @smallexample
32955 -var-set-visualizer @var{name} @var{visualizer}
32956 @end smallexample
32957
32958 Set a visualizer for the variable object @var{name}.
32959
32960 @var{visualizer} is the visualizer to use. The special value
32961 @samp{None} means to disable any visualizer in use.
32962
32963 If not @samp{None}, @var{visualizer} must be a Python expression.
32964 This expression must evaluate to a callable object which accepts a
32965 single argument. @value{GDBN} will call this object with the value of
32966 the varobj @var{name} as an argument (this is done so that the same
32967 Python pretty-printing code can be used for both the CLI and MI).
32968 When called, this object must return an object which conforms to the
32969 pretty-printing interface (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}).
32970
32971 The pre-defined function @code{gdb.default_visualizer} may be used to
32972 select a visualizer by following the built-in process
32973 (@pxref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}). This is done automatically when
32974 a varobj is created, and so ordinarily is not needed.
32975
32976 This feature is only available if Python support is enabled. The MI
32977 command @code{-list-features} (@pxref{GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands})
32978 can be used to check this.
32979
32980 @subsubheading Example
32981
32982 Resetting the visualizer:
32983
32984 @smallexample
32985 (gdb)
32986 -var-set-visualizer V None
32987 ^done
32988 @end smallexample
32989
32990 Reselecting the default (type-based) visualizer:
32991
32992 @smallexample
32993 (gdb)
32994 -var-set-visualizer V gdb.default_visualizer
32995 ^done
32996 @end smallexample
32997
32998 Suppose @code{SomeClass} is a visualizer class. A lambda expression
32999 can be used to instantiate this class for a varobj:
33000
33001 @smallexample
33002 (gdb)
33003 -var-set-visualizer V "lambda val: SomeClass()"
33004 ^done
33005 @end smallexample
33006
33007 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
33008 @node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
33009 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
33010
33011 @cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
33012 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
33013 This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
33014 examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
33015
33016 @c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
33017 @c @subheading -data-assign
33018 @c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
33019 @c @subsubheading GDB Command
33020 @c set variable
33021 @c @subsubheading Example
33022 @c N.A.
33023
33024 @subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
33025 @findex -data-disassemble
33026
33027 @subsubheading Synopsis
33028
33029 @smallexample
33030 -data-disassemble
33031 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
33032 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
33033 -- @var{mode}
33034 @end smallexample
33035
33036 @noindent
33037 Where:
33038
33039 @table @samp
33040 @item @var{start-addr}
33041 is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
33042 @item @var{end-addr}
33043 is the end address
33044 @item @var{filename}
33045 is the name of the file to disassemble
33046 @item @var{linenum}
33047 is the line number to disassemble around
33048 @item @var{lines}
33049 is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
33050 the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
33051 specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
33052 @var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
33053 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
33054 displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
33055 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
33056 are displayed.
33057 @item @var{mode}
33058 is either 0 (meaning only disassembly), 1 (meaning mixed source and
33059 disassembly), 2 (meaning disassembly with raw opcodes), or 3 (meaning
33060 mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes).
33061 @end table
33062
33063 @subsubheading Result
33064
33065 The result of the @code{-data-disassemble} command will be a list named
33066 @samp{asm_insns}, the contents of this list depend on the @var{mode}
33067 used with the @code{-data-disassemble} command.
33068
33069 For modes 0 and 2 the @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples with the
33070 following fields:
33071
33072 @table @code
33073 @item address
33074 The address at which this instruction was disassembled.
33075
33076 @item func-name
33077 The name of the function this instruction is within.
33078
33079 @item offset
33080 The decimal offset in bytes from the start of @samp{func-name}.
33081
33082 @item inst
33083 The text disassembly for this @samp{address}.
33084
33085 @item opcodes
33086 This field is only present for mode 2. This contains the raw opcode
33087 bytes for the @samp{inst} field.
33088
33089 @end table
33090
33091 For modes 1 and 3 the @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples named
33092 @samp{src_and_asm_line}, each of which has the following fields:
33093
33094 @table @code
33095 @item line
33096 The line number within @samp{file}.
33097
33098 @item file
33099 The file name from the compilation unit. This might be an absolute
33100 file name or a relative file name depending on the compile command
33101 used.
33102
33103 @item fullname
33104 Absolute file name of @samp{file}. It is converted to a canonical form
33105 using the source file search path
33106 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories})
33107 and after resolving all the symbolic links.
33108
33109 If the source file is not found this field will contain the path as
33110 present in the debug information.
33111
33112 @item line_asm_insn
33113 This is a list of tuples containing the disassembly for @samp{line} in
33114 @samp{file}. The fields of each tuple are the same as for
33115 @code{-data-disassemble} in @var{mode} 0 and 2, so @samp{address},
33116 @samp{func-name}, @samp{offset}, @samp{inst}, and optionally
33117 @samp{opcodes}.
33118
33119 @end table
33120
33121 Note that whatever included in the @samp{inst} field, is not
33122 manipulated directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to
33123 adjust its format.
33124
33125 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33126
33127 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disassemble}.
33128
33129 @subsubheading Example
33130
33131 Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
33132
33133 @smallexample
33134 (gdb)
33135 -data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
33136 ^done,
33137 asm_insns=[
33138 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
33139 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
33140 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
33141 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
33142 @{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
33143 inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
33144 @{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
33145 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
33146 @{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
33147 inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
33148 (gdb)
33149 @end smallexample
33150
33151 Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
33152 @code{main}.
33153
33154 @smallexample
33155 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
33156 ^done,asm_insns=[
33157 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
33158 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
33159 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
33160 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
33161 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
33162 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
33163 [@dots{}]
33164 @{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
33165 @{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
33166 (gdb)
33167 @end smallexample
33168
33169 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
33170
33171 @smallexample
33172 (gdb)
33173 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
33174 ^done,asm_insns=[
33175 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
33176 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
33177 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
33178 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
33179 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
33180 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
33181 (gdb)
33182 @end smallexample
33183
33184 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
33185
33186 @smallexample
33187 (gdb)
33188 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
33189 ^done,asm_insns=[
33190 src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
33191 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
33192 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
33193 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107bc",
33194 func-name="main",offset="0",inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
33195 src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
33196 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
33197 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
33198 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107c0",
33199 func-name="main",offset="4",inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
33200 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
33201 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
33202 (gdb)
33203 @end smallexample
33204
33205
33206 @subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
33207 @findex -data-evaluate-expression
33208
33209 @subsubheading Synopsis
33210
33211 @smallexample
33212 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
33213 @end smallexample
33214
33215 Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
33216 inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
33217 If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
33218
33219 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33220
33221 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
33222 @samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
33223 @samp{gdb_eval} command.
33224
33225 @subsubheading Example
33226
33227 In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
33228 @dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
33229 Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
33230 output.
33231
33232 @smallexample
33233 211-data-evaluate-expression A
33234 211^done,value="1"
33235 (gdb)
33236 311-data-evaluate-expression &A
33237 311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
33238 (gdb)
33239 411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
33240 411^done,value="4"
33241 (gdb)
33242 511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
33243 511^done,value="4"
33244 (gdb)
33245 @end smallexample
33246
33247
33248 @subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
33249 @findex -data-list-changed-registers
33250
33251 @subsubheading Synopsis
33252
33253 @smallexample
33254 -data-list-changed-registers
33255 @end smallexample
33256
33257 Display a list of the registers that have changed.
33258
33259 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33260
33261 @value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
33262 has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
33263
33264 @subsubheading Example
33265
33266 On a PPC MBX board:
33267
33268 @smallexample
33269 (gdb)
33270 -exec-continue
33271 ^running
33272
33273 (gdb)
33274 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
33275 func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
33276 line="5"@}
33277 (gdb)
33278 -data-list-changed-registers
33279 ^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
33280 "10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
33281 "24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
33282 (gdb)
33283 @end smallexample
33284
33285
33286 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
33287 @findex -data-list-register-names
33288
33289 @subsubheading Synopsis
33290
33291 @smallexample
33292 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
33293 @end smallexample
33294
33295 Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
33296 are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
33297 integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
33298 names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
33299 consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
33300 include empty register names.
33301
33302 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33303
33304 @value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
33305 @samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
33306 corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
33307
33308 @subsubheading Example
33309
33310 For the PPC MBX board:
33311 @smallexample
33312 (gdb)
33313 -data-list-register-names
33314 ^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
33315 "r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
33316 "r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
33317 "r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
33318 "f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
33319 "f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
33320 "", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
33321 (gdb)
33322 -data-list-register-names 1 2 3
33323 ^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
33324 (gdb)
33325 @end smallexample
33326
33327 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
33328 @findex -data-list-register-values
33329
33330 @subsubheading Synopsis
33331
33332 @smallexample
33333 -data-list-register-values
33334 [ @code{--skip-unavailable} ] @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
33335 @end smallexample
33336
33337 Display the registers' contents. @var{fmt} is the format according to
33338 which the registers' contents are to be returned, followed by an optional
33339 list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A missing list of
33340 numbers indicates that the contents of all the registers must be
33341 returned. The @code{--skip-unavailable} option indicates that only
33342 the available registers are to be returned.
33343
33344 Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
33345
33346 @table @code
33347 @item x
33348 Hexadecimal
33349 @item o
33350 Octal
33351 @item t
33352 Binary
33353 @item d
33354 Decimal
33355 @item r
33356 Raw
33357 @item N
33358 Natural
33359 @end table
33360
33361 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33362
33363 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
33364 all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
33365
33366 @subsubheading Example
33367
33368 For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
33369 don't appear in the actual output):
33370
33371 @smallexample
33372 (gdb)
33373 -data-list-register-values r 64 65
33374 ^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
33375 @{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
33376 (gdb)
33377 -data-list-register-values x
33378 ^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
33379 @{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
33380 @{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
33381 @{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
33382 @{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
33383 @{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
33384 @{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
33385 @{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
33386 @{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
33387 @{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
33388 @{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
33389 @{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
33390 @{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
33391 @{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
33392 @{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
33393 @{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
33394 @{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
33395 @{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
33396 @{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
33397 @{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
33398 @{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
33399 @{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
33400 @{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
33401 @{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
33402 @{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
33403 @{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
33404 @{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
33405 @{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
33406 @{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
33407 @{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
33408 @{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
33409 @{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
33410 @{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
33411 @{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
33412 @{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
33413 @{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
33414 (gdb)
33415 @end smallexample
33416
33417
33418 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
33419 @findex -data-read-memory
33420
33421 This command is deprecated, use @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} instead.
33422
33423 @subsubheading Synopsis
33424
33425 @smallexample
33426 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
33427 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
33428 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
33429 @end smallexample
33430
33431 @noindent
33432 where:
33433
33434 @table @samp
33435 @item @var{address}
33436 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
33437 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
33438 quoted using the C convention.
33439
33440 @item @var{word-format}
33441 The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
33442 same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
33443 ,Output Formats}).
33444
33445 @item @var{word-size}
33446 The size of each memory word in bytes.
33447
33448 @item @var{nr-rows}
33449 The number of rows in the output table.
33450
33451 @item @var{nr-cols}
33452 The number of columns in the output table.
33453
33454 @item @var{aschar}
33455 If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
33456 value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
33457 member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
33458 characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
33459
33460 @item @var{byte-offset}
33461 An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
33462 @end table
33463
33464 This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
33465 @var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
33466 @code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
33467 (returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
33468 of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
33469 using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
33470 in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
33471 @samp{addr}.
33472
33473 The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
33474 @samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
33475 @samp{prev-page}.
33476
33477 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33478
33479 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
33480 @samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
33481
33482 @subsubheading Example
33483
33484 Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
33485 @code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
33486 word. Display each word in hex.
33487
33488 @smallexample
33489 (gdb)
33490 9-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
33491 9^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
33492 next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
33493 prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
33494 @{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
33495 @{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
33496 @{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
33497 (gdb)
33498 @end smallexample
33499
33500 Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
33501 display as a single word formatted in decimal.
33502
33503 @smallexample
33504 (gdb)
33505 5-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
33506 5^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
33507 next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
33508 next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
33509 @{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
33510 (gdb)
33511 @end smallexample
33512
33513 Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
33514 as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
33515 used as the non-printable character.
33516
33517 @smallexample
33518 (gdb)
33519 4-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
33520 4^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
33521 next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
33522 next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
33523 @{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
33524 @{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
33525 @{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
33526 @{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
33527 @{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
33528 @{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
33529 @{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
33530 @{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
33531 (gdb)
33532 @end smallexample
33533
33534 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} Command
33535 @findex -data-read-memory-bytes
33536
33537 @subsubheading Synopsis
33538
33539 @smallexample
33540 -data-read-memory-bytes [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
33541 @var{address} @var{count}
33542 @end smallexample
33543
33544 @noindent
33545 where:
33546
33547 @table @samp
33548 @item @var{address}
33549 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
33550 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
33551 quoted using the C convention.
33552
33553 @item @var{count}
33554 The number of bytes to read. This should be an integer literal.
33555
33556 @item @var{byte-offset}
33557 The offsets in bytes relative to @var{address} at which to start
33558 reading. This should be an integer literal. This option is provided
33559 so that a frontend is not required to first evaluate address and then
33560 perform address arithmetics itself.
33561
33562 @end table
33563
33564 This command attempts to read all accessible memory regions in the
33565 specified range. First, all regions marked as unreadable in the memory
33566 map (if one is defined) will be skipped. @xref{Memory Region
33567 Attributes}. Second, @value{GDBN} will attempt to read the remaining
33568 regions. For each one, if reading full region results in an errors,
33569 @value{GDBN} will try to read a subset of the region.
33570
33571 In general, every single byte in the region may be readable or not,
33572 and the only way to read every readable byte is to try a read at
33573 every address, which is not practical. Therefore, @value{GDBN} will
33574 attempt to read all accessible bytes at either beginning or the end
33575 of the region, using a binary division scheme. This heuristic works
33576 well for reading accross a memory map boundary. Note that if a region
33577 has a readable range that is neither at the beginning or the end,
33578 @value{GDBN} will not read it.
33579
33580 The result record (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}) that is output of
33581 the command includes a field named @samp{memory} whose content is a
33582 list of tuples. Each tuple represent a successfully read memory block
33583 and has the following fields:
33584
33585 @table @code
33586 @item begin
33587 The start address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
33588
33589 @item end
33590 The end address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
33591
33592 @item offset
33593 The offset of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal, relative to
33594 the start address passed to @code{-data-read-memory-bytes}.
33595
33596 @item contents
33597 The contents of the memory block, in hex.
33598
33599 @end table
33600
33601
33602
33603 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33604
33605 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}.
33606
33607 @subsubheading Example
33608
33609 @smallexample
33610 (gdb)
33611 -data-read-memory-bytes &a 10
33612 ^done,memory=[@{begin="0xbffff154",offset="0x00000000",
33613 end="0xbffff15e",
33614 contents="01000000020000000300"@}]
33615 (gdb)
33616 @end smallexample
33617
33618
33619 @subheading The @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} Command
33620 @findex -data-write-memory-bytes
33621
33622 @subsubheading Synopsis
33623
33624 @smallexample
33625 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents}
33626 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents} @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
33627 @end smallexample
33628
33629 @noindent
33630 where:
33631
33632 @table @samp
33633 @item @var{address}
33634 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
33635 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
33636 quoted using the C convention.
33637
33638 @item @var{contents}
33639 The hex-encoded bytes to write.
33640
33641 @item @var{count}
33642 Optional argument indicating the number of bytes to be written. If @var{count}
33643 is greater than @var{contents}' length, @value{GDBN} will repeatedly
33644 write @var{contents} until it fills @var{count} bytes.
33645
33646 @end table
33647
33648 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33649
33650 There's no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
33651
33652 @subsubheading Example
33653
33654 @smallexample
33655 (gdb)
33656 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd"
33657 ^done
33658 (gdb)
33659 @end smallexample
33660
33661 @smallexample
33662 (gdb)
33663 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd" 16e
33664 ^done
33665 (gdb)
33666 @end smallexample
33667
33668 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
33669 @node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
33670 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
33671
33672 The commands defined in this section implement MI support for
33673 tracepoints. For detailed introduction, see @ref{Tracepoints}.
33674
33675 @subheading The @code{-trace-find} Command
33676 @findex -trace-find
33677
33678 @subsubheading Synopsis
33679
33680 @smallexample
33681 -trace-find @var{mode} [@var{parameters}@dots{}]
33682 @end smallexample
33683
33684 Find a trace frame using criteria defined by @var{mode} and
33685 @var{parameters}. The following table lists permissible
33686 modes and their parameters. For details of operation, see @ref{tfind}.
33687
33688 @table @samp
33689
33690 @item none
33691 No parameters are required. Stops examining trace frames.
33692
33693 @item frame-number
33694 An integer is required as parameter. Selects tracepoint frame with
33695 that index.
33696
33697 @item tracepoint-number
33698 An integer is required as parameter. Finds next
33699 trace frame that corresponds to tracepoint with the specified number.
33700
33701 @item pc
33702 An address is required as parameter. Finds
33703 next trace frame that corresponds to any tracepoint at the specified
33704 address.
33705
33706 @item pc-inside-range
33707 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds next trace
33708 frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address inside the
33709 specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
33710
33711 @item pc-outside-range
33712 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds
33713 next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address outside
33714 the specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
33715
33716 @item line
33717 Line specification is required as parameter. @xref{Specify Location}.
33718 Finds next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at
33719 the specified location.
33720
33721 @end table
33722
33723 If @samp{none} was passed as @var{mode}, the response does not
33724 have fields. Otherwise, the response may have the following fields:
33725
33726 @table @samp
33727 @item found
33728 This field has either @samp{0} or @samp{1} as the value, depending
33729 on whether a matching tracepoint was found.
33730
33731 @item traceframe
33732 The index of the found traceframe. This field is present iff
33733 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
33734
33735 @item tracepoint
33736 The index of the found tracepoint. This field is present iff
33737 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
33738
33739 @item frame
33740 The information about the frame corresponding to the found trace
33741 frame. This field is present only if a trace frame was found.
33742 @xref{GDB/MI Frame Information}, for description of this field.
33743
33744 @end table
33745
33746 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33747
33748 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tfind}.
33749
33750 @subheading -trace-define-variable
33751 @findex -trace-define-variable
33752
33753 @subsubheading Synopsis
33754
33755 @smallexample
33756 -trace-define-variable @var{name} [ @var{value} ]
33757 @end smallexample
33758
33759 Create trace variable @var{name} if it does not exist. If
33760 @var{value} is specified, sets the initial value of the specified
33761 trace variable to that value. Note that the @var{name} should start
33762 with the @samp{$} character.
33763
33764 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33765
33766 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariable}.
33767
33768 @subheading The @code{-trace-frame-collected} Command
33769 @findex -trace-frame-collected
33770
33771 @subsubheading Synopsis
33772
33773 @smallexample
33774 -trace-frame-collected
33775 [--var-print-values @var{var_pval}]
33776 [--comp-print-values @var{comp_pval}]
33777 [--registers-format @var{regformat}]
33778 [--memory-contents]
33779 @end smallexample
33780
33781 This command returns the set of collected objects, register names,
33782 trace state variable names, memory ranges and computed expressions
33783 that have been collected at a particular trace frame. The optional
33784 parameters to the command affect the output format in different ways.
33785 See the output description table below for more details.
33786
33787 The reported names can be used in the normal manner to create
33788 varobjs and inspect the objects themselves. The items returned by
33789 this command are categorized so that it is clear which is a variable,
33790 which is a register, which is a trace state variable, which is a
33791 memory range and which is a computed expression.
33792
33793 For instance, if the actions were
33794 @smallexample
33795 collect myVar, myArray[myIndex], myObj.field, myPtr->field, myCount + 2
33796 collect *(int*)0xaf02bef0@@40
33797 @end smallexample
33798
33799 @noindent
33800 the object collected in its entirety would be @code{myVar}. The
33801 object @code{myArray} would be partially collected, because only the
33802 element at index @code{myIndex} would be collected. The remaining
33803 objects would be computed expressions.
33804
33805 An example output would be:
33806
33807 @smallexample
33808 (gdb)
33809 -trace-frame-collected
33810 ^done,
33811 explicit-variables=[@{name="myVar",value="1"@}],
33812 computed-expressions=[@{name="myArray[myIndex]",value="0"@},
33813 @{name="myObj.field",value="0"@},
33814 @{name="myPtr->field",value="1"@},
33815 @{name="myCount + 2",value="3"@},
33816 @{name="$tvar1 + 1",value="43970027"@}],
33817 registers=[@{number="0",value="0x7fe2c6e79ec8"@},
33818 @{number="1",value="0x0"@},
33819 @{number="2",value="0x4"@},
33820 ...
33821 @{number="125",value="0x0"@}],
33822 tvars=[@{name="$tvar1",current="43970026"@}],
33823 memory=[@{address="0x0000000000602264",length="4"@},
33824 @{address="0x0000000000615bc0",length="4"@}]
33825 (gdb)
33826 @end smallexample
33827
33828 Where:
33829
33830 @table @code
33831 @item explicit-variables
33832 The set of objects that have been collected in their entirety (as
33833 opposed to collecting just a few elements of an array or a few struct
33834 members). For each object, its name and value are printed.
33835 The @code{--var-print-values} option affects how or whether the value
33836 field is output. If @var{var_pval} is 0, then print only the names;
33837 if it is 1, print also their values; and if it is 2, print the name,
33838 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for
33839 arrays, structures and unions.
33840
33841 @item computed-expressions
33842 The set of computed expressions that have been collected at the
33843 current trace frame. The @code{--comp-print-values} option affects
33844 this set like the @code{--var-print-values} option affects the
33845 @code{explicit-variables} set. See above.
33846
33847 @item registers
33848 The registers that have been collected at the current trace frame.
33849 For each register collected, the name and current value are returned.
33850 The value is formatted according to the @code{--registers-format}
33851 option. See the @command{-data-list-register-values} command for a
33852 list of the allowed formats. The default is @samp{x}.
33853
33854 @item tvars
33855 The trace state variables that have been collected at the current
33856 trace frame. For each trace state variable collected, the name and
33857 current value are returned.
33858
33859 @item memory
33860 The set of memory ranges that have been collected at the current trace
33861 frame. Its content is a list of tuples. Each tuple represents a
33862 collected memory range and has the following fields:
33863
33864 @table @code
33865 @item address
33866 The start address of the memory range, as hexadecimal literal.
33867
33868 @item length
33869 The length of the memory range, as decimal literal.
33870
33871 @item contents
33872 The contents of the memory block, in hex. This field is only present
33873 if the @code{--memory-contents} option is specified.
33874
33875 @end table
33876
33877 @end table
33878
33879 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33880
33881 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
33882
33883 @subsubheading Example
33884
33885 @subheading -trace-list-variables
33886 @findex -trace-list-variables
33887
33888 @subsubheading Synopsis
33889
33890 @smallexample
33891 -trace-list-variables
33892 @end smallexample
33893
33894 Return a table of all defined trace variables. Each element of the
33895 table has the following fields:
33896
33897 @table @samp
33898 @item name
33899 The name of the trace variable. This field is always present.
33900
33901 @item initial
33902 The initial value. This is a 64-bit signed integer. This
33903 field is always present.
33904
33905 @item current
33906 The value the trace variable has at the moment. This is a 64-bit
33907 signed integer. This field is absent iff current value is
33908 not defined, for example if the trace was never run, or is
33909 presently running.
33910
33911 @end table
33912
33913 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33914
33915 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariables}.
33916
33917 @subsubheading Example
33918
33919 @smallexample
33920 (gdb)
33921 -trace-list-variables
33922 ^done,trace-variables=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="3",
33923 hdr=[@{width="15",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
33924 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="initial",colhdr="Initial"@},
33925 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr="Current"@}],
33926 body=[variable=@{name="$trace_timestamp",initial="0"@}
33927 variable=@{name="$foo",initial="10",current="15"@}]@}
33928 (gdb)
33929 @end smallexample
33930
33931 @subheading -trace-save
33932 @findex -trace-save
33933
33934 @subsubheading Synopsis
33935
33936 @smallexample
33937 -trace-save [-r ] @var{filename}
33938 @end smallexample
33939
33940 Saves the collected trace data to @var{filename}. Without the
33941 @samp{-r} option, the data is downloaded from the target and saved
33942 in a local file. With the @samp{-r} option the target is asked
33943 to perform the save.
33944
33945 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33946
33947 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tsave}.
33948
33949
33950 @subheading -trace-start
33951 @findex -trace-start
33952
33953 @subsubheading Synopsis
33954
33955 @smallexample
33956 -trace-start
33957 @end smallexample
33958
33959 Starts a tracing experiments. The result of this command does not
33960 have any fields.
33961
33962 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33963
33964 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstart}.
33965
33966 @subheading -trace-status
33967 @findex -trace-status
33968
33969 @subsubheading Synopsis
33970
33971 @smallexample
33972 -trace-status
33973 @end smallexample
33974
33975 Obtains the status of a tracing experiment. The result may include
33976 the following fields:
33977
33978 @table @samp
33979
33980 @item supported
33981 May have a value of either @samp{0}, when no tracing operations are
33982 supported, @samp{1}, when all tracing operations are supported, or
33983 @samp{file} when examining trace file. In the latter case, examining
33984 of trace frame is possible but new tracing experiement cannot be
33985 started. This field is always present.
33986
33987 @item running
33988 May have a value of either @samp{0} or @samp{1} depending on whether
33989 tracing experiement is in progress on target. This field is present
33990 if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
33991
33992 @item stop-reason
33993 Report the reason why the tracing was stopped last time. This field
33994 may be absent iff tracing was never stopped on target yet. The
33995 value of @samp{request} means the tracing was stopped as result of
33996 the @code{-trace-stop} command. The value of @samp{overflow} means
33997 the tracing buffer is full. The value of @samp{disconnection} means
33998 tracing was automatically stopped when @value{GDBN} has disconnected.
33999 The value of @samp{passcount} means tracing was stopped when a
34000 tracepoint was passed a maximal number of times for that tracepoint.
34001 This field is present if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
34002
34003 @item stopping-tracepoint
34004 The number of tracepoint whose passcount as exceeded. This field is
34005 present iff the @samp{stop-reason} field has the value of
34006 @samp{passcount}.
34007
34008 @item frames
34009 @itemx frames-created
34010 The @samp{frames} field is a count of the total number of trace frames
34011 in the trace buffer, while @samp{frames-created} is the total created
34012 during the run, including ones that were discarded, such as when a
34013 circular trace buffer filled up. Both fields are optional.
34014
34015 @item buffer-size
34016 @itemx buffer-free
34017 These fields tell the current size of the tracing buffer and the
34018 remaining space. These fields are optional.
34019
34020 @item circular
34021 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
34022 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
34023 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
34024 and may fill up.
34025
34026 @item disconnected
34027 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
34028 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
34029 that the trace run will stop.
34030
34031 @item trace-file
34032 The filename of the trace file being examined. This field is
34033 optional, and only present when examining a trace file.
34034
34035 @end table
34036
34037 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34038
34039 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstatus}.
34040
34041 @subheading -trace-stop
34042 @findex -trace-stop
34043
34044 @subsubheading Synopsis
34045
34046 @smallexample
34047 -trace-stop
34048 @end smallexample
34049
34050 Stops a tracing experiment. The result of this command has the same
34051 fields as @code{-trace-status}, except that the @samp{supported} and
34052 @samp{running} fields are not output.
34053
34054 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34055
34056 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstop}.
34057
34058
34059 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
34060 @node GDB/MI Symbol Query
34061 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
34062
34063
34064 @ignore
34065 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
34066 @findex -symbol-info-address
34067
34068 @subsubheading Synopsis
34069
34070 @smallexample
34071 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
34072 @end smallexample
34073
34074 Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
34075
34076 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34077
34078 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
34079
34080 @subsubheading Example
34081 N.A.
34082
34083
34084 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
34085 @findex -symbol-info-file
34086
34087 @subsubheading Synopsis
34088
34089 @smallexample
34090 -symbol-info-file
34091 @end smallexample
34092
34093 Show the file for the symbol.
34094
34095 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34096
34097 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
34098 @samp{gdb_find_file}.
34099
34100 @subsubheading Example
34101 N.A.
34102
34103
34104 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
34105 @findex -symbol-info-function
34106
34107 @subsubheading Synopsis
34108
34109 @smallexample
34110 -symbol-info-function
34111 @end smallexample
34112
34113 Show which function the symbol lives in.
34114
34115 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34116
34117 @samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
34118
34119 @subsubheading Example
34120 N.A.
34121
34122
34123 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
34124 @findex -symbol-info-line
34125
34126 @subsubheading Synopsis
34127
34128 @smallexample
34129 -symbol-info-line
34130 @end smallexample
34131
34132 Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
34133
34134 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34135
34136 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
34137 @code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
34138
34139 @subsubheading Example
34140 N.A.
34141
34142
34143 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
34144 @findex -symbol-info-symbol
34145
34146 @subsubheading Synopsis
34147
34148 @smallexample
34149 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
34150 @end smallexample
34151
34152 Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
34153
34154 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34155
34156 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
34157
34158 @subsubheading Example
34159 N.A.
34160
34161
34162 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
34163 @findex -symbol-list-functions
34164
34165 @subsubheading Synopsis
34166
34167 @smallexample
34168 -symbol-list-functions
34169 @end smallexample
34170
34171 List the functions in the executable.
34172
34173 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34174
34175 @samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
34176 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
34177
34178 @subsubheading Example
34179 N.A.
34180 @end ignore
34181
34182
34183 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
34184 @findex -symbol-list-lines
34185
34186 @subsubheading Synopsis
34187
34188 @smallexample
34189 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
34190 @end smallexample
34191
34192 Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
34193 addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
34194 ascending PC order.
34195
34196 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34197
34198 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
34199
34200 @subsubheading Example
34201 @smallexample
34202 (gdb)
34203 -symbol-list-lines basics.c
34204 ^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
34205 (gdb)
34206 @end smallexample
34207
34208
34209 @ignore
34210 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
34211 @findex -symbol-list-types
34212
34213 @subsubheading Synopsis
34214
34215 @smallexample
34216 -symbol-list-types
34217 @end smallexample
34218
34219 List all the type names.
34220
34221 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34222
34223 The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
34224 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
34225
34226 @subsubheading Example
34227 N.A.
34228
34229
34230 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
34231 @findex -symbol-list-variables
34232
34233 @subsubheading Synopsis
34234
34235 @smallexample
34236 -symbol-list-variables
34237 @end smallexample
34238
34239 List all the global and static variable names.
34240
34241 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34242
34243 @samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
34244
34245 @subsubheading Example
34246 N.A.
34247
34248
34249 @subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
34250 @findex -symbol-locate
34251
34252 @subsubheading Synopsis
34253
34254 @smallexample
34255 -symbol-locate
34256 @end smallexample
34257
34258 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34259
34260 @samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
34261
34262 @subsubheading Example
34263 N.A.
34264
34265
34266 @subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
34267 @findex -symbol-type
34268
34269 @subsubheading Synopsis
34270
34271 @smallexample
34272 -symbol-type @var{variable}
34273 @end smallexample
34274
34275 Show type of @var{variable}.
34276
34277 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34278
34279 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
34280 @samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
34281
34282 @subsubheading Example
34283 N.A.
34284 @end ignore
34285
34286
34287 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
34288 @node GDB/MI File Commands
34289 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
34290
34291 This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
34292 and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
34293
34294 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
34295 @findex -file-exec-and-symbols
34296
34297 @subsubheading Synopsis
34298
34299 @smallexample
34300 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
34301 @end smallexample
34302
34303 Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
34304 which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
34305 command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
34306 are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
34307 error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
34308 notification.
34309
34310 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34311
34312 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
34313
34314 @subsubheading Example
34315
34316 @smallexample
34317 (gdb)
34318 -file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
34319 ^done
34320 (gdb)
34321 @end smallexample
34322
34323
34324 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
34325 @findex -file-exec-file
34326
34327 @subsubheading Synopsis
34328
34329 @smallexample
34330 -file-exec-file @var{file}
34331 @end smallexample
34332
34333 Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
34334 @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
34335 from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
34336 about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
34337 notification.
34338
34339 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34340
34341 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
34342
34343 @subsubheading Example
34344
34345 @smallexample
34346 (gdb)
34347 -file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
34348 ^done
34349 (gdb)
34350 @end smallexample
34351
34352
34353 @ignore
34354 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
34355 @findex -file-list-exec-sections
34356
34357 @subsubheading Synopsis
34358
34359 @smallexample
34360 -file-list-exec-sections
34361 @end smallexample
34362
34363 List the sections of the current executable file.
34364
34365 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34366
34367 The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
34368 information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
34369 @samp{gdb_load_info}.
34370
34371 @subsubheading Example
34372 N.A.
34373 @end ignore
34374
34375
34376 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
34377 @findex -file-list-exec-source-file
34378
34379 @subsubheading Synopsis
34380
34381 @smallexample
34382 -file-list-exec-source-file
34383 @end smallexample
34384
34385 List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
34386 to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
34387 information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
34388 whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
34389
34390 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34391
34392 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
34393
34394 @subsubheading Example
34395
34396 @smallexample
34397 (gdb)
34398 123-file-list-exec-source-file
34399 123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
34400 (gdb)
34401 @end smallexample
34402
34403
34404 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
34405 @findex -file-list-exec-source-files
34406
34407 @subsubheading Synopsis
34408
34409 @smallexample
34410 -file-list-exec-source-files
34411 @end smallexample
34412
34413 List the source files for the current executable.
34414
34415 It will always output both the filename and fullname (absolute file
34416 name) of a source file.
34417
34418 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34419
34420 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
34421 @code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
34422
34423 @subsubheading Example
34424 @smallexample
34425 (gdb)
34426 -file-list-exec-source-files
34427 ^done,files=[
34428 @{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
34429 @{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
34430 @{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
34431 (gdb)
34432 @end smallexample
34433
34434 @ignore
34435 @subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
34436 @findex -file-list-shared-libraries
34437
34438 @subsubheading Synopsis
34439
34440 @smallexample
34441 -file-list-shared-libraries
34442 @end smallexample
34443
34444 List the shared libraries in the program.
34445
34446 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34447
34448 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}.
34449
34450 @subsubheading Example
34451 N.A.
34452
34453
34454 @subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
34455 @findex -file-list-symbol-files
34456
34457 @subsubheading Synopsis
34458
34459 @smallexample
34460 -file-list-symbol-files
34461 @end smallexample
34462
34463 List symbol files.
34464
34465 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34466
34467 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
34468
34469 @subsubheading Example
34470 N.A.
34471 @end ignore
34472
34473
34474 @subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
34475 @findex -file-symbol-file
34476
34477 @subsubheading Synopsis
34478
34479 @smallexample
34480 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
34481 @end smallexample
34482
34483 Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
34484 used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
34485 produced, except for a completion notification.
34486
34487 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34488
34489 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
34490
34491 @subsubheading Example
34492
34493 @smallexample
34494 (gdb)
34495 -file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
34496 ^done
34497 (gdb)
34498 @end smallexample
34499
34500 @ignore
34501 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
34502 @node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
34503 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
34504
34505 The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
34506
34507 @c @subheading -overlay-auto
34508
34509 @c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
34510
34511 @c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
34512
34513 @c @subheading -overlay-map
34514
34515 @c @subheading -overlay-off
34516
34517 @c @subheading -overlay-on
34518
34519 @c @subheading -overlay-unmap
34520
34521 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
34522 @node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
34523 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
34524
34525 Signal handling commands are not implemented.
34526
34527 @c @subheading -signal-handle
34528
34529 @c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
34530
34531 @c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
34532 @end ignore
34533
34534
34535 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
34536 @node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
34537 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
34538
34539
34540 @subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
34541 @findex -target-attach
34542
34543 @subsubheading Synopsis
34544
34545 @smallexample
34546 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
34547 @end smallexample
34548
34549 Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
34550 @value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
34551 group, the id previously returned by
34552 @samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
34553
34554 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34555
34556 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
34557
34558 @subsubheading Example
34559 @smallexample
34560 (gdb)
34561 -target-attach 34
34562 =thread-created,id="1"
34563 *stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
34564 ^done
34565 (gdb)
34566 @end smallexample
34567
34568 @ignore
34569 @subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
34570 @findex -target-compare-sections
34571
34572 @subsubheading Synopsis
34573
34574 @smallexample
34575 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
34576 @end smallexample
34577
34578 Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
34579 Without the argument, all sections are compared.
34580
34581 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34582
34583 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
34584
34585 @subsubheading Example
34586 N.A.
34587 @end ignore
34588
34589
34590 @subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
34591 @findex -target-detach
34592
34593 @subsubheading Synopsis
34594
34595 @smallexample
34596 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
34597 @end smallexample
34598
34599 Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
34600 If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
34601 the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
34602
34603 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34604
34605 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
34606
34607 @subsubheading Example
34608
34609 @smallexample
34610 (gdb)
34611 -target-detach
34612 ^done
34613 (gdb)
34614 @end smallexample
34615
34616
34617 @subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
34618 @findex -target-disconnect
34619
34620 @subsubheading Synopsis
34621
34622 @smallexample
34623 -target-disconnect
34624 @end smallexample
34625
34626 Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
34627 generally not resumed.
34628
34629 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34630
34631 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
34632
34633 @subsubheading Example
34634
34635 @smallexample
34636 (gdb)
34637 -target-disconnect
34638 ^done
34639 (gdb)
34640 @end smallexample
34641
34642
34643 @subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
34644 @findex -target-download
34645
34646 @subsubheading Synopsis
34647
34648 @smallexample
34649 -target-download
34650 @end smallexample
34651
34652 Loads the executable onto the remote target.
34653 It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
34654
34655 @table @samp
34656 @item section
34657 The name of the section.
34658 @item section-sent
34659 The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
34660 @item section-size
34661 The size of the section.
34662 @item total-sent
34663 The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
34664 @item total-size
34665 The size of the overall executable to download.
34666 @end table
34667
34668 @noindent
34669 Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
34670 @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
34671
34672 In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
34673 downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
34674
34675 @table @samp
34676 @item section
34677 The name of the section.
34678 @item section-size
34679 The size of the section.
34680 @item total-size
34681 The size of the overall executable to download.
34682 @end table
34683
34684 @noindent
34685 At the end, a summary is printed.
34686
34687 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34688
34689 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
34690
34691 @subsubheading Example
34692
34693 Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
34694 have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
34695
34696 @smallexample
34697 (gdb)
34698 -target-download
34699 +download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
34700 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
34701 total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
34702 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
34703 total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
34704 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
34705 total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
34706 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
34707 total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
34708 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
34709 total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
34710 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
34711 total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
34712 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
34713 total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
34714 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
34715 total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
34716 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
34717 total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
34718 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
34719 total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
34720 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
34721 total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
34722 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
34723 total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
34724 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
34725 total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
34726 +download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
34727 +download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
34728 +download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
34729 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
34730 total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
34731 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
34732 total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
34733 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
34734 total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
34735 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
34736 total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
34737 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
34738 total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
34739 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
34740 total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
34741 ^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
34742 write-rate="429"
34743 (gdb)
34744 @end smallexample
34745
34746
34747 @ignore
34748 @subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
34749 @findex -target-exec-status
34750
34751 @subsubheading Synopsis
34752
34753 @smallexample
34754 -target-exec-status
34755 @end smallexample
34756
34757 Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
34758 not, for instance).
34759
34760 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34761
34762 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
34763
34764 @subsubheading Example
34765 N.A.
34766
34767
34768 @subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
34769 @findex -target-list-available-targets
34770
34771 @subsubheading Synopsis
34772
34773 @smallexample
34774 -target-list-available-targets
34775 @end smallexample
34776
34777 List the possible targets to connect to.
34778
34779 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34780
34781 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
34782
34783 @subsubheading Example
34784 N.A.
34785
34786
34787 @subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
34788 @findex -target-list-current-targets
34789
34790 @subsubheading Synopsis
34791
34792 @smallexample
34793 -target-list-current-targets
34794 @end smallexample
34795
34796 Describe the current target.
34797
34798 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34799
34800 The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
34801 other things).
34802
34803 @subsubheading Example
34804 N.A.
34805
34806
34807 @subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
34808 @findex -target-list-parameters
34809
34810 @subsubheading Synopsis
34811
34812 @smallexample
34813 -target-list-parameters
34814 @end smallexample
34815
34816 @c ????
34817 @end ignore
34818
34819 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34820
34821 No equivalent.
34822
34823 @subsubheading Example
34824 N.A.
34825
34826
34827 @subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
34828 @findex -target-select
34829
34830 @subsubheading Synopsis
34831
34832 @smallexample
34833 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
34834 @end smallexample
34835
34836 Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
34837
34838 @table @samp
34839 @item @var{type}
34840 The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
34841 @item @var{parameters}
34842 Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
34843 Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
34844 @end table
34845
34846 The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
34847 which the target program is, in the following form:
34848
34849 @smallexample
34850 ^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
34851 args=[@var{arg list}]
34852 @end smallexample
34853
34854 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34855
34856 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
34857
34858 @subsubheading Example
34859
34860 @smallexample
34861 (gdb)
34862 -target-select remote /dev/ttya
34863 ^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
34864 (gdb)
34865 @end smallexample
34866
34867 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
34868 @node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
34869 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
34870
34871
34872 @subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
34873 @findex -target-file-put
34874
34875 @subsubheading Synopsis
34876
34877 @smallexample
34878 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
34879 @end smallexample
34880
34881 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
34882 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
34883
34884 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34885
34886 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
34887
34888 @subsubheading Example
34889
34890 @smallexample
34891 (gdb)
34892 -target-file-put localfile remotefile
34893 ^done
34894 (gdb)
34895 @end smallexample
34896
34897
34898 @subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
34899 @findex -target-file-get
34900
34901 @subsubheading Synopsis
34902
34903 @smallexample
34904 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
34905 @end smallexample
34906
34907 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
34908 on the host system.
34909
34910 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34911
34912 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
34913
34914 @subsubheading Example
34915
34916 @smallexample
34917 (gdb)
34918 -target-file-get remotefile localfile
34919 ^done
34920 (gdb)
34921 @end smallexample
34922
34923
34924 @subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
34925 @findex -target-file-delete
34926
34927 @subsubheading Synopsis
34928
34929 @smallexample
34930 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
34931 @end smallexample
34932
34933 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
34934
34935 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34936
34937 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
34938
34939 @subsubheading Example
34940
34941 @smallexample
34942 (gdb)
34943 -target-file-delete remotefile
34944 ^done
34945 (gdb)
34946 @end smallexample
34947
34948
34949 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
34950 @node GDB/MI Ada Exceptions Commands
34951 @section Ada Exceptions @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
34952
34953 @subheading The @code{-info-ada-exceptions} Command
34954 @findex -info-ada-exceptions
34955
34956 @subsubheading Synopsis
34957
34958 @smallexample
34959 -info-ada-exceptions [ @var{regexp}]
34960 @end smallexample
34961
34962 List all Ada exceptions defined within the program being debugged.
34963 With a regular expression @var{regexp}, only those exceptions whose
34964 names match @var{regexp} are listed.
34965
34966 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34967
34968 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info exceptions}.
34969
34970 @subsubheading Result
34971
34972 The result is a table of Ada exceptions. The following columns are
34973 defined for each exception:
34974
34975 @table @samp
34976 @item name
34977 The name of the exception.
34978
34979 @item address
34980 The address of the exception.
34981
34982 @end table
34983
34984 @subsubheading Example
34985
34986 @smallexample
34987 -info-ada-exceptions aint
34988 ^done,ada-exceptions=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="2",
34989 hdr=[@{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
34990 @{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="address",colhdr="Address"@}],
34991 body=[@{name="constraint_error",address="0x0000000000613da0"@},
34992 @{name="const.aint_global_e",address="0x0000000000613b00"@}]@}
34993 @end smallexample
34994
34995 @subheading Catching Ada Exceptions
34996
34997 The commands describing how to ask @value{GDBN} to stop when a program
34998 raises an exception are described at @ref{Ada Exception GDB/MI
34999 Catchpoint Commands}.
35000
35001
35002 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
35003 @node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
35004 @section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
35005
35006 @c @subheading -gdb-complete
35007
35008 @subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
35009 @findex -gdb-exit
35010
35011 @subsubheading Synopsis
35012
35013 @smallexample
35014 -gdb-exit
35015 @end smallexample
35016
35017 Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
35018
35019 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35020
35021 Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
35022
35023 @subsubheading Example
35024
35025 @smallexample
35026 (gdb)
35027 -gdb-exit
35028 ^exit
35029 @end smallexample
35030
35031
35032 @ignore
35033 @subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
35034 @findex -exec-abort
35035
35036 @subsubheading Synopsis
35037
35038 @smallexample
35039 -exec-abort
35040 @end smallexample
35041
35042 Kill the inferior running program.
35043
35044 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35045
35046 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
35047
35048 @subsubheading Example
35049 N.A.
35050 @end ignore
35051
35052
35053 @subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
35054 @findex -gdb-set
35055
35056 @subsubheading Synopsis
35057
35058 @smallexample
35059 -gdb-set
35060 @end smallexample
35061
35062 Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
35063 @c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
35064
35065 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35066
35067 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
35068
35069 @subsubheading Example
35070
35071 @smallexample
35072 (gdb)
35073 -gdb-set $foo=3
35074 ^done
35075 (gdb)
35076 @end smallexample
35077
35078
35079 @subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
35080 @findex -gdb-show
35081
35082 @subsubheading Synopsis
35083
35084 @smallexample
35085 -gdb-show
35086 @end smallexample
35087
35088 Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
35089
35090 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35091
35092 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
35093
35094 @subsubheading Example
35095
35096 @smallexample
35097 (gdb)
35098 -gdb-show annotate
35099 ^done,value="0"
35100 (gdb)
35101 @end smallexample
35102
35103 @c @subheading -gdb-source
35104
35105
35106 @subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
35107 @findex -gdb-version
35108
35109 @subsubheading Synopsis
35110
35111 @smallexample
35112 -gdb-version
35113 @end smallexample
35114
35115 Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
35116
35117 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35118
35119 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
35120 default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
35121
35122 @subsubheading Example
35123
35124 @c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
35125 @c box in TeX.
35126 @smallexample
35127 (gdb)
35128 -gdb-version
35129 ~GNU gdb 5.2.1
35130 ~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
35131 ~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
35132 ~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
35133 ~ certain conditions.
35134 ~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
35135 ~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
35136 ~ details.
35137 ~This GDB was configured as
35138 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
35139 ^done
35140 (gdb)
35141 @end smallexample
35142
35143 @subheading The @code{-info-gdb-mi-command} Command
35144 @cindex @code{-info-gdb-mi-command}
35145 @findex -info-gdb-mi-command
35146
35147 @subsubheading Synopsis
35148
35149 @smallexample
35150 -info-gdb-mi-command @var{cmd_name}
35151 @end smallexample
35152
35153 Query support for the @sc{gdb/mi} command named @var{cmd_name}.
35154
35155 Note that the dash (@code{-}) starting all @sc{gdb/mi} commands
35156 is technically not part of the command name (@pxref{GDB/MI Input
35157 Syntax}), and thus should be omitted in @var{cmd_name}. However,
35158 for ease of use, this command also accepts the form with the leading
35159 dash.
35160
35161 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35162
35163 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
35164
35165 @subsubheading Result
35166
35167 The result is a tuple. There is currently only one field:
35168
35169 @table @samp
35170 @item exists
35171 This field is equal to @code{"true"} if the @sc{gdb/mi} command exists,
35172 @code{"false"} otherwise.
35173
35174 @end table
35175
35176 @subsubheading Example
35177
35178 Here is an example where the @sc{gdb/mi} command does not exist:
35179
35180 @smallexample
35181 -info-gdb-mi-command unsupported-command
35182 ^done,command=@{exists="false"@}
35183 @end smallexample
35184
35185 @noindent
35186 And here is an example where the @sc{gdb/mi} command is known
35187 to the debugger:
35188
35189 @smallexample
35190 -info-gdb-mi-command symbol-list-lines
35191 ^done,command=@{exists="true"@}
35192 @end smallexample
35193
35194 @subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
35195 @findex -list-features
35196
35197 Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
35198 this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
35199 or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
35200 important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
35201 of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
35202 startup.
35203
35204 The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
35205 available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
35206 have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
35207 is given below.
35208
35209 Example output:
35210
35211 @smallexample
35212 (gdb) -list-features
35213 ^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
35214 @end smallexample
35215
35216 The current list of features is:
35217
35218 @table @samp
35219 @item frozen-varobjs
35220 Indicates support for the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
35221 as possible presense of the @code{frozen} field in the output
35222 of @code{-varobj-create}.
35223 @item pending-breakpoints
35224 Indicates support for the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert}
35225 command.
35226 @item python
35227 Indicates Python scripting support, Python-based
35228 pretty-printing commands, and possible presence of the
35229 @samp{display_hint} field in the output of @code{-var-list-children}
35230 @item thread-info
35231 Indicates support for the @code{-thread-info} command.
35232 @item data-read-memory-bytes
35233 Indicates support for the @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} and the
35234 @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} commands.
35235 @item breakpoint-notifications
35236 Indicates that changes to breakpoints and breakpoints created via the
35237 CLI will be announced via async records.
35238 @item ada-task-info
35239 Indicates support for the @code{-ada-task-info} command.
35240 @item language-option
35241 Indicates that all @sc{gdb/mi} commands accept the @option{--language}
35242 option (@pxref{Context management}).
35243 @item info-gdb-mi-command
35244 Indicates support for the @code{-info-gdb-mi-command} command.
35245 @item undefined-command-error-code
35246 Indicates support for the "undefined-command" error code in error result
35247 records, produced when trying to execute an undefined @sc{gdb/mi} command
35248 (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}).
35249 @end table
35250
35251 @subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
35252 @findex -list-target-features
35253
35254 Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
35255 target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
35256 unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
35257 features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
35258 a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
35259 @code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
35260 may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
35261 Example output:
35262
35263 @smallexample
35264 (gdb) -list-target-features
35265 ^done,result=["async"]
35266 @end smallexample
35267
35268 The current list of features is:
35269
35270 @table @samp
35271 @item async
35272 Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
35273 execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
35274 while the target is running.
35275
35276 @item reverse
35277 Indicates that the target is capable of reverse execution.
35278 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
35279
35280 @end table
35281
35282 @subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
35283 @findex -list-thread-groups
35284
35285 @subheading Synopsis
35286
35287 @smallexample
35288 -list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ --recurse 1 ] [ @var{group} ... ]
35289 @end smallexample
35290
35291 Lists thread groups (@pxref{Thread groups}). When a single thread
35292 group is passed as the argument, lists the children of that group.
35293 When several thread group are passed, lists information about those
35294 thread groups. Without any parameters, lists information about all
35295 top-level thread groups.
35296
35297 Normally, thread groups that are being debugged are reported.
35298 With the @samp{--available} option, @value{GDBN} reports thread groups
35299 available on the target.
35300
35301 The output of this command may have either a @samp{threads} result or
35302 a @samp{groups} result. The @samp{thread} result has a list of tuples
35303 as value, with each tuple describing a thread (@pxref{GDB/MI Thread
35304 Information}). The @samp{groups} result has a list of tuples as value,
35305 each tuple describing a thread group. If top-level groups are
35306 requested (that is, no parameter is passed), or when several groups
35307 are passed, the output always has a @samp{groups} result. The format
35308 of the @samp{group} result is described below.
35309
35310 To reduce the number of roundtrips it's possible to list thread groups
35311 together with their children, by passing the @samp{--recurse} option
35312 and the recursion depth. Presently, only recursion depth of 1 is
35313 permitted. If this option is present, then every reported thread group
35314 will also include its children, either as @samp{group} or
35315 @samp{threads} field.
35316
35317 In general, any combination of option and parameters is permitted, with
35318 the following caveats:
35319
35320 @itemize @bullet
35321 @item
35322 When a single thread group is passed, the output will typically
35323 be the @samp{threads} result. Because threads may not contain
35324 anything, the @samp{recurse} option will be ignored.
35325
35326 @item
35327 When the @samp{--available} option is passed, limited information may
35328 be available. In particular, the list of threads of a process might
35329 be inaccessible. Further, specifying specific thread groups might
35330 not give any performance advantage over listing all thread groups.
35331 The frontend should assume that @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}
35332 is always an expensive operation and cache the results.
35333
35334 @end itemize
35335
35336 The @samp{groups} result is a list of tuples, where each tuple may
35337 have the following fields:
35338
35339 @table @code
35340 @item id
35341 Identifier of the thread group. This field is always present.
35342 The identifier is an opaque string; frontends should not try to
35343 convert it to an integer, even though it might look like one.
35344
35345 @item type
35346 The type of the thread group. At present, only @samp{process} is a
35347 valid type.
35348
35349 @item pid
35350 The target-specific process identifier. This field is only present
35351 for thread groups of type @samp{process} and only if the process exists.
35352
35353 @item num_children
35354 The number of children this thread group has. This field may be
35355 absent for an available thread group.
35356
35357 @item threads
35358 This field has a list of tuples as value, each tuple describing a
35359 thread. It may be present if the @samp{--recurse} option is
35360 specified, and it's actually possible to obtain the threads.
35361
35362 @item cores
35363 This field is a list of integers, each identifying a core that one
35364 thread of the group is running on. This field may be absent if
35365 such information is not available.
35366
35367 @item executable
35368 The name of the executable file that corresponds to this thread group.
35369 The field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process},
35370 and only if there is a corresponding executable file.
35371
35372 @end table
35373
35374 @subheading Example
35375
35376 @smallexample
35377 @value{GDBP}
35378 -list-thread-groups
35379 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
35380 -list-thread-groups 17
35381 ^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
35382 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
35383 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
35384 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
35385 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}]]
35386 -list-thread-groups --available
35387 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2]@}]
35388 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1
35389 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
35390 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
35391 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},..]
35392 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1 17 18
35393 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
35394 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
35395 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},...]
35396 @end smallexample
35397
35398 @subheading The @code{-info-os} Command
35399 @findex -info-os
35400
35401 @subsubheading Synopsis
35402
35403 @smallexample
35404 -info-os [ @var{type} ]
35405 @end smallexample
35406
35407 If no argument is supplied, the command returns a table of available
35408 operating-system-specific information types. If one of these types is
35409 supplied as an argument @var{type}, then the command returns a table
35410 of data of that type.
35411
35412 The types of information available depend on the target operating
35413 system.
35414
35415 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
35416
35417 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info os}.
35418
35419 @subsubheading Example
35420
35421 When run on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, the output will look something
35422 like this:
35423
35424 @smallexample
35425 @value{GDBP}
35426 -info-os
35427 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="9",nr_cols="3",
35428 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="Type"@},
35429 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="Description"@},
35430 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="Title"@}],
35431 body=[item=@{col0="processes",col1="Listing of all processes",
35432 col2="Processes"@},
35433 item=@{col0="procgroups",col1="Listing of all process groups",
35434 col2="Process groups"@},
35435 item=@{col0="threads",col1="Listing of all threads",
35436 col2="Threads"@},
35437 item=@{col0="files",col1="Listing of all file descriptors",
35438 col2="File descriptors"@},
35439 item=@{col0="sockets",col1="Listing of all internet-domain sockets",
35440 col2="Sockets"@},
35441 item=@{col0="shm",col1="Listing of all shared-memory regions",
35442 col2="Shared-memory regions"@},
35443 item=@{col0="semaphores",col1="Listing of all semaphores",
35444 col2="Semaphores"@},
35445 item=@{col0="msg",col1="Listing of all message queues",
35446 col2="Message queues"@},
35447 item=@{col0="modules",col1="Listing of all loaded kernel modules",
35448 col2="Kernel modules"@}]@}
35449 @value{GDBP}
35450 -info-os processes
35451 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="190",nr_cols="4",
35452 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="pid"@},
35453 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="user"@},
35454 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="command"@},
35455 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col3",colhdr="cores"@}],
35456 body=[item=@{col0="1",col1="root",col2="/sbin/init",col3="0"@},
35457 item=@{col0="2",col1="root",col2="[kthreadd]",col3="1"@},
35458 item=@{col0="3",col1="root",col2="[ksoftirqd/0]",col3="0"@},
35459 ...
35460 item=@{col0="26446",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="0"@},
35461 item=@{col0="28152",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="1"@}]@}
35462 (gdb)
35463 @end smallexample
35464
35465 (Note that the MI output here includes a @code{"Title"} column that
35466 does not appear in command-line @code{info os}; this column is useful
35467 for MI clients that want to enumerate the types of data, such as in a
35468 popup menu, but is needless clutter on the command line, and
35469 @code{info os} omits it.)
35470
35471 @subheading The @code{-add-inferior} Command
35472 @findex -add-inferior
35473
35474 @subheading Synopsis
35475
35476 @smallexample
35477 -add-inferior
35478 @end smallexample
35479
35480 Creates a new inferior (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). The created
35481 inferior is not associated with any executable. Such association may
35482 be established with the @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols} command
35483 (@pxref{GDB/MI File Commands}). The command response has a single
35484 field, @samp{inferior}, whose value is the identifier of the
35485 thread group corresponding to the new inferior.
35486
35487 @subheading Example
35488
35489 @smallexample
35490 @value{GDBP}
35491 -add-inferior
35492 ^done,inferior="i3"
35493 @end smallexample
35494
35495 @subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
35496 @findex -interpreter-exec
35497
35498 @subheading Synopsis
35499
35500 @smallexample
35501 -interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
35502 @end smallexample
35503 @anchor{-interpreter-exec}
35504
35505 Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
35506
35507 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
35508
35509 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
35510
35511 @subheading Example
35512
35513 @smallexample
35514 (gdb)
35515 -interpreter-exec console "break main"
35516 &"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
35517 &"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
35518 ~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
35519 ^done
35520 (gdb)
35521 @end smallexample
35522
35523 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
35524 @findex -inferior-tty-set
35525
35526 @subheading Synopsis
35527
35528 @smallexample
35529 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
35530 @end smallexample
35531
35532 Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
35533
35534 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
35535
35536 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
35537
35538 @subheading Example
35539
35540 @smallexample
35541 (gdb)
35542 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
35543 ^done
35544 (gdb)
35545 @end smallexample
35546
35547 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
35548 @findex -inferior-tty-show
35549
35550 @subheading Synopsis
35551
35552 @smallexample
35553 -inferior-tty-show
35554 @end smallexample
35555
35556 Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
35557
35558 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
35559
35560 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
35561
35562 @subheading Example
35563
35564 @smallexample
35565 (gdb)
35566 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
35567 ^done
35568 (gdb)
35569 -inferior-tty-show
35570 ^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
35571 (gdb)
35572 @end smallexample
35573
35574 @subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
35575 @findex -enable-timings
35576
35577 @subheading Synopsis
35578
35579 @smallexample
35580 -enable-timings [yes | no]
35581 @end smallexample
35582
35583 Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
35584 command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
35585 developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
35586 equivalent to @samp{yes}.
35587
35588 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
35589
35590 No equivalent.
35591
35592 @subheading Example
35593
35594 @smallexample
35595 (gdb)
35596 -enable-timings
35597 ^done
35598 (gdb)
35599 -break-insert main
35600 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
35601 addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
35602 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",thread-groups=["i1"],
35603 times="0"@},
35604 time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
35605 (gdb)
35606 -enable-timings no
35607 ^done
35608 (gdb)
35609 -exec-run
35610 ^running
35611 (gdb)
35612 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
35613 frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
35614 @{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
35615 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73"@}
35616 (gdb)
35617 @end smallexample
35618
35619 @node Annotations
35620 @chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
35621
35622 This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
35623 designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
35624 similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
35625 relatively high level.
35626
35627 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
35628 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
35629
35630 @ignore
35631 This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
35632 @end ignore
35633
35634 @menu
35635 * Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
35636 * Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
35637 * Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
35638 * Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
35639 * Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
35640 * Annotations for Running::
35641 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
35642 * Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
35643 @end menu
35644
35645 @node Annotations Overview
35646 @section What is an Annotation?
35647 @cindex annotations
35648
35649 Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
35650 characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
35651 information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
35652 is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
35653 information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
35654 additional information, and a newline. The additional information
35655 cannot contain newline characters.
35656
35657 Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
35658 characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
35659 no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
35660 @samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
35661 annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
35662 means those three characters as output.
35663
35664 The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
35665 @option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
35666 how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
35667 values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
35668 is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
35669 subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
35670 for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
35671 been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
35672 Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
35673
35674 @table @code
35675 @kindex set annotate
35676 @item set annotate @var{level}
35677 The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
35678 annotations to the specified @var{level}.
35679
35680 @item show annotate
35681 @kindex show annotate
35682 Show the current annotation level.
35683 @end table
35684
35685 This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
35686
35687 A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
35688
35689 @smallexample
35690 $ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
35691 GNU gdb 6.0
35692 Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
35693 GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
35694 and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
35695 under certain conditions.
35696 Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
35697 There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
35698 for details.
35699 This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
35700
35701 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
35702 (@value{GDBP})
35703 ^Z^Zprompt
35704 @kbd{quit}
35705
35706 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
35707 $
35708 @end smallexample
35709
35710 Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
35711 @value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
35712 denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
35713 output from @value{GDBN}.
35714
35715 @node Server Prefix
35716 @section The Server Prefix
35717 @cindex server prefix
35718
35719 If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
35720 the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
35721 command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
35722 means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
35723 a transparent manner.
35724
35725 The @code{server } prefix does not affect the recording of values into
35726 the value history; to print a value without recording it into the
35727 value history, use the @code{output} command instead of the
35728 @code{print} command.
35729
35730 Using this prefix also disables confirmation requests
35731 (@pxref{confirmation requests}).
35732
35733 @node Prompting
35734 @section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
35735
35736 @cindex annotations for prompts
35737 When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
35738 to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
35739 over, etc.
35740
35741 Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
35742 input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
35743 denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
35744 annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
35745 annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
35746 associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
35747 features the following annotations:
35748
35749 @smallexample
35750 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
35751 ^Z^Zprompt
35752 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
35753 @end smallexample
35754
35755 The input types are
35756
35757 @table @code
35758 @findex pre-prompt annotation
35759 @findex prompt annotation
35760 @findex post-prompt annotation
35761 @item prompt
35762 When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
35763
35764 @findex pre-commands annotation
35765 @findex commands annotation
35766 @findex post-commands annotation
35767 @item commands
35768 When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
35769 command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
35770
35771 @findex pre-overload-choice annotation
35772 @findex overload-choice annotation
35773 @findex post-overload-choice annotation
35774 @item overload-choice
35775 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
35776
35777 @findex pre-query annotation
35778 @findex query annotation
35779 @findex post-query annotation
35780 @item query
35781 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
35782
35783 @findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
35784 @findex prompt-for-continue annotation
35785 @findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
35786 @item prompt-for-continue
35787 When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
35788 expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
35789 prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
35790 presence of annotations.
35791 @end table
35792
35793 @node Errors
35794 @section Errors
35795 @cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
35796
35797 @findex quit annotation
35798 @smallexample
35799 ^Z^Zquit
35800 @end smallexample
35801
35802 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
35803
35804 @findex error annotation
35805 @smallexample
35806 ^Z^Zerror
35807 @end smallexample
35808
35809 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
35810
35811 Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
35812 in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
35813 @code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
35814 cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
35815 cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
35816 does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
35817 to the top level.
35818
35819 @findex error-begin annotation
35820 A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
35821
35822 @smallexample
35823 ^Z^Zerror-begin
35824 @end smallexample
35825
35826 Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
35827 message.
35828
35829 Warning messages are not yet annotated.
35830 @c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
35831 @c range_error(), and possibly other places.
35832
35833 @node Invalidation
35834 @section Invalidation Notices
35835
35836 @cindex annotations for invalidation messages
35837 The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
35838 changed.
35839
35840 @table @code
35841 @findex frames-invalid annotation
35842 @item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
35843
35844 The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
35845 have changed.
35846
35847 @findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
35848 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
35849
35850 The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
35851 deleted a breakpoint.
35852 @end table
35853
35854 @node Annotations for Running
35855 @section Running the Program
35856 @cindex annotations for running programs
35857
35858 @findex starting annotation
35859 @findex stopping annotation
35860 When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
35861 @code{step} or @code{continue},
35862
35863 @smallexample
35864 ^Z^Zstarting
35865 @end smallexample
35866
35867 is output. When the program stops,
35868
35869 @smallexample
35870 ^Z^Zstopped
35871 @end smallexample
35872
35873 is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
35874 annotations describe how the program stopped.
35875
35876 @table @code
35877 @findex exited annotation
35878 @item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
35879 The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
35880 successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
35881
35882 @findex signalled annotation
35883 @findex signal-name annotation
35884 @findex signal-name-end annotation
35885 @findex signal-string annotation
35886 @findex signal-string-end annotation
35887 @item ^Z^Zsignalled
35888 The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
35889 annotation continues:
35890
35891 @smallexample
35892 @var{intro-text}
35893 ^Z^Zsignal-name
35894 @var{name}
35895 ^Z^Zsignal-name-end
35896 @var{middle-text}
35897 ^Z^Zsignal-string
35898 @var{string}
35899 ^Z^Zsignal-string-end
35900 @var{end-text}
35901 @end smallexample
35902
35903 @noindent
35904 where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
35905 @code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
35906 as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}.
35907 @var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
35908 user's benefit and have no particular format.
35909
35910 @findex signal annotation
35911 @item ^Z^Zsignal
35912 The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
35913 just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
35914 terminated with it.
35915
35916 @findex breakpoint annotation
35917 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
35918 The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
35919
35920 @findex watchpoint annotation
35921 @item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
35922 The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
35923 @end table
35924
35925 @node Source Annotations
35926 @section Displaying Source
35927 @cindex annotations for source display
35928
35929 @findex source annotation
35930 The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
35931
35932 @smallexample
35933 ^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
35934 @end smallexample
35935
35936 where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
35937 file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
35938 first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
35939 within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
35940 debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
35941 @var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
35942 line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
35943 @var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
35944 source which is being displayed. @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
35945 followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
35946 depend on the language).
35947
35948 @node JIT Interface
35949 @chapter JIT Compilation Interface
35950 @cindex just-in-time compilation
35951 @cindex JIT compilation interface
35952
35953 This chapter documents @value{GDBN}'s @dfn{just-in-time} (JIT) compilation
35954 interface. A JIT compiler is a program or library that generates native
35955 executable code at runtime and executes it, usually in order to achieve good
35956 performance while maintaining platform independence.
35957
35958 Programs that use JIT compilation are normally difficult to debug because
35959 portions of their code are generated at runtime, instead of being loaded from
35960 object files, which is where @value{GDBN} normally finds the program's symbols
35961 and debug information. In order to debug programs that use JIT compilation,
35962 @value{GDBN} has an interface that allows the program to register in-memory
35963 symbol files with @value{GDBN} at runtime.
35964
35965 If you are using @value{GDBN} to debug a program that uses this interface, then
35966 it should work transparently so long as you have not stripped the binary. If
35967 you are developing a JIT compiler, then the interface is documented in the rest
35968 of this chapter. At this time, the only known client of this interface is the
35969 LLVM JIT.
35970
35971 Broadly speaking, the JIT interface mirrors the dynamic loader interface. The
35972 JIT compiler communicates with @value{GDBN} by writing data into a global
35973 variable and calling a fuction at a well-known symbol. When @value{GDBN}
35974 attaches, it reads a linked list of symbol files from the global variable to
35975 find existing code, and puts a breakpoint in the function so that it can find
35976 out about additional code.
35977
35978 @menu
35979 * Declarations:: Relevant C struct declarations
35980 * Registering Code:: Steps to register code
35981 * Unregistering Code:: Steps to unregister code
35982 * Custom Debug Info:: Emit debug information in a custom format
35983 @end menu
35984
35985 @node Declarations
35986 @section JIT Declarations
35987
35988 These are the relevant struct declarations that a C program should include to
35989 implement the interface:
35990
35991 @smallexample
35992 typedef enum
35993 @{
35994 JIT_NOACTION = 0,
35995 JIT_REGISTER_FN,
35996 JIT_UNREGISTER_FN
35997 @} jit_actions_t;
35998
35999 struct jit_code_entry
36000 @{
36001 struct jit_code_entry *next_entry;
36002 struct jit_code_entry *prev_entry;
36003 const char *symfile_addr;
36004 uint64_t symfile_size;
36005 @};
36006
36007 struct jit_descriptor
36008 @{
36009 uint32_t version;
36010 /* This type should be jit_actions_t, but we use uint32_t
36011 to be explicit about the bitwidth. */
36012 uint32_t action_flag;
36013 struct jit_code_entry *relevant_entry;
36014 struct jit_code_entry *first_entry;
36015 @};
36016
36017 /* GDB puts a breakpoint in this function. */
36018 void __attribute__((noinline)) __jit_debug_register_code() @{ @};
36019
36020 /* Make sure to specify the version statically, because the
36021 debugger may check the version before we can set it. */
36022 struct jit_descriptor __jit_debug_descriptor = @{ 1, 0, 0, 0 @};
36023 @end smallexample
36024
36025 If the JIT is multi-threaded, then it is important that the JIT synchronize any
36026 modifications to this global data properly, which can easily be done by putting
36027 a global mutex around modifications to these structures.
36028
36029 @node Registering Code
36030 @section Registering Code
36031
36032 To register code with @value{GDBN}, the JIT should follow this protocol:
36033
36034 @itemize @bullet
36035 @item
36036 Generate an object file in memory with symbols and other desired debug
36037 information. The file must include the virtual addresses of the sections.
36038
36039 @item
36040 Create a code entry for the file, which gives the start and size of the symbol
36041 file.
36042
36043 @item
36044 Add it to the linked list in the JIT descriptor.
36045
36046 @item
36047 Point the relevant_entry field of the descriptor at the entry.
36048
36049 @item
36050 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_REGISTER} and call
36051 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
36052 @end itemize
36053
36054 When @value{GDBN} is attached and the breakpoint fires, @value{GDBN} uses the
36055 @code{relevant_entry} pointer so it doesn't have to walk the list looking for
36056 new code. However, the linked list must still be maintained in order to allow
36057 @value{GDBN} to attach to a running process and still find the symbol files.
36058
36059 @node Unregistering Code
36060 @section Unregistering Code
36061
36062 If code is freed, then the JIT should use the following protocol:
36063
36064 @itemize @bullet
36065 @item
36066 Remove the code entry corresponding to the code from the linked list.
36067
36068 @item
36069 Point the @code{relevant_entry} field of the descriptor at the code entry.
36070
36071 @item
36072 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_UNREGISTER} and call
36073 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
36074 @end itemize
36075
36076 If the JIT frees or recompiles code without unregistering it, then @value{GDBN}
36077 and the JIT will leak the memory used for the associated symbol files.
36078
36079 @node Custom Debug Info
36080 @section Custom Debug Info
36081 @cindex custom JIT debug info
36082 @cindex JIT debug info reader
36083
36084 Generating debug information in platform-native file formats (like ELF
36085 or COFF) may be an overkill for JIT compilers; especially if all the
36086 debug info is used for is displaying a meaningful backtrace. The
36087 issue can be resolved by having the JIT writers decide on a debug info
36088 format and also provide a reader that parses the debug info generated
36089 by the JIT compiler. This section gives a brief overview on writing
36090 such a parser. More specific details can be found in the source file
36091 @file{gdb/jit-reader.in}, which is also installed as a header at
36092 @file{@var{includedir}/gdb/jit-reader.h} for easy inclusion.
36093
36094 The reader is implemented as a shared object (so this functionality is
36095 not available on platforms which don't allow loading shared objects at
36096 runtime). Two @value{GDBN} commands, @code{jit-reader-load} and
36097 @code{jit-reader-unload} are provided, to be used to load and unload
36098 the readers from a preconfigured directory. Once loaded, the shared
36099 object is used the parse the debug information emitted by the JIT
36100 compiler.
36101
36102 @menu
36103 * Using JIT Debug Info Readers:: How to use supplied readers correctly
36104 * Writing JIT Debug Info Readers:: Creating a debug-info reader
36105 @end menu
36106
36107 @node Using JIT Debug Info Readers
36108 @subsection Using JIT Debug Info Readers
36109 @kindex jit-reader-load
36110 @kindex jit-reader-unload
36111
36112 Readers can be loaded and unloaded using the @code{jit-reader-load}
36113 and @code{jit-reader-unload} commands.
36114
36115 @table @code
36116 @item jit-reader-load @var{reader}
36117 Load the JIT reader named @var{reader}. @var{reader} is a shared
36118 object specified as either an absolute or a relative file name. In
36119 the latter case, @value{GDBN} will try to load the reader from a
36120 pre-configured directory, usually @file{@var{libdir}/gdb/} on a UNIX
36121 system (here @var{libdir} is the system library directory, often
36122 @file{/usr/local/lib}).
36123
36124 Only one reader can be active at a time; trying to load a second
36125 reader when one is already loaded will result in @value{GDBN}
36126 reporting an error. A new JIT reader can be loaded by first unloading
36127 the current one using @code{jit-reader-unload} and then invoking
36128 @code{jit-reader-load}.
36129
36130 @item jit-reader-unload
36131 Unload the currently loaded JIT reader.
36132
36133 @end table
36134
36135 @node Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
36136 @subsection Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
36137 @cindex writing JIT debug info readers
36138
36139 As mentioned, a reader is essentially a shared object conforming to a
36140 certain ABI. This ABI is described in @file{jit-reader.h}.
36141
36142 @file{jit-reader.h} defines the structures, macros and functions
36143 required to write a reader. It is installed (along with
36144 @value{GDBN}), in @file{@var{includedir}/gdb} where @var{includedir} is
36145 the system include directory.
36146
36147 Readers need to be released under a GPL compatible license. A reader
36148 can be declared as released under such a license by placing the macro
36149 @code{GDB_DECLARE_GPL_COMPATIBLE_READER} in a source file.
36150
36151 The entry point for readers is the symbol @code{gdb_init_reader},
36152 which is expected to be a function with the prototype
36153
36154 @findex gdb_init_reader
36155 @smallexample
36156 extern struct gdb_reader_funcs *gdb_init_reader (void);
36157 @end smallexample
36158
36159 @cindex @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs}
36160
36161 @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs} contains a set of pointers to callback
36162 functions. These functions are executed to read the debug info
36163 generated by the JIT compiler (@code{read}), to unwind stack frames
36164 (@code{unwind}) and to create canonical frame IDs
36165 (@code{get_Frame_id}). It also has a callback that is called when the
36166 reader is being unloaded (@code{destroy}). The struct looks like this
36167
36168 @smallexample
36169 struct gdb_reader_funcs
36170 @{
36171 /* Must be set to GDB_READER_INTERFACE_VERSION. */
36172 int reader_version;
36173
36174 /* For use by the reader. */
36175 void *priv_data;
36176
36177 gdb_read_debug_info *read;
36178 gdb_unwind_frame *unwind;
36179 gdb_get_frame_id *get_frame_id;
36180 gdb_destroy_reader *destroy;
36181 @};
36182 @end smallexample
36183
36184 @cindex @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks}
36185 @cindex @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}
36186
36187 The callbacks are provided with another set of callbacks by
36188 @value{GDBN} to do their job. For @code{read}, these callbacks are
36189 passed in a @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} and for @code{unwind}
36190 and @code{get_frame_id}, in a @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}.
36191 @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} has callbacks to create new object
36192 files and new symbol tables inside those object files. @code{struct
36193 gdb_unwind_callbacks} has callbacks to read registers off the current
36194 frame and to write out the values of the registers in the previous
36195 frame. Both have a callback (@code{target_read}) to read bytes off the
36196 target's address space.
36197
36198 @node In-Process Agent
36199 @chapter In-Process Agent
36200 @cindex debugging agent
36201 The traditional debugging model is conceptually low-speed, but works fine,
36202 because most bugs can be reproduced in debugging-mode execution. However,
36203 as multi-core or many-core processors are becoming mainstream, and
36204 multi-threaded programs become more and more popular, there should be more
36205 and more bugs that only manifest themselves at normal-mode execution, for
36206 example, thread races, because debugger's interference with the program's
36207 timing may conceal the bugs. On the other hand, in some applications,
36208 it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt the program's execution
36209 long enough for the developer to learn anything helpful about its behavior.
36210 If the program's correctness depends on its real-time behavior, delays
36211 introduced by a debugger might cause the program to fail, even when the
36212 code itself is correct. It is useful to be able to observe the program's
36213 behavior without interrupting it.
36214
36215 Therefore, traditional debugging model is too intrusive to reproduce
36216 some bugs. In order to reduce the interference with the program, we can
36217 reduce the number of operations performed by debugger. The
36218 @dfn{In-Process Agent}, a shared library, is running within the same
36219 process with inferior, and is able to perform some debugging operations
36220 itself. As a result, debugger is only involved when necessary, and
36221 performance of debugging can be improved accordingly. Note that
36222 interference with program can be reduced but can't be removed completely,
36223 because the in-process agent will still stop or slow down the program.
36224
36225 The in-process agent can interpret and execute Agent Expressions
36226 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) during performing debugging operations. The
36227 agent expressions can be used for different purposes, such as collecting
36228 data in tracepoints, and condition evaluation in breakpoints.
36229
36230 @anchor{Control Agent}
36231 You can control whether the in-process agent is used as an aid for
36232 debugging with the following commands:
36233
36234 @table @code
36235 @kindex set agent on
36236 @item set agent on
36237 Causes the in-process agent to perform some operations on behalf of the
36238 debugger. Just which operations requested by the user will be done
36239 by the in-process agent depends on the its capabilities. For example,
36240 if you request to evaluate breakpoint conditions in the in-process agent,
36241 and the in-process agent has such capability as well, then breakpoint
36242 conditions will be evaluated in the in-process agent.
36243
36244 @kindex set agent off
36245 @item set agent off
36246 Disables execution of debugging operations by the in-process agent. All
36247 of the operations will be performed by @value{GDBN}.
36248
36249 @kindex show agent
36250 @item show agent
36251 Display the current setting of execution of debugging operations by
36252 the in-process agent.
36253 @end table
36254
36255 @menu
36256 * In-Process Agent Protocol::
36257 @end menu
36258
36259 @node In-Process Agent Protocol
36260 @section In-Process Agent Protocol
36261 @cindex in-process agent protocol
36262
36263 The in-process agent is able to communicate with both @value{GDBN} and
36264 GDBserver (@pxref{In-Process Agent}). This section documents the protocol
36265 used for communications between @value{GDBN} or GDBserver and the IPA.
36266 In general, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver sends commands
36267 (@pxref{IPA Protocol Commands}) and data to in-process agent, and then
36268 in-process agent replies back with the return result of the command, or
36269 some other information. The data sent to in-process agent is composed
36270 of primitive data types, such as 4-byte or 8-byte type, and composite
36271 types, which are called objects (@pxref{IPA Protocol Objects}).
36272
36273 @menu
36274 * IPA Protocol Objects::
36275 * IPA Protocol Commands::
36276 @end menu
36277
36278 @node IPA Protocol Objects
36279 @subsection IPA Protocol Objects
36280 @cindex ipa protocol objects
36281
36282 The commands sent to and results received from agent may contain some
36283 complex data types called @dfn{objects}.
36284
36285 The in-process agent is running on the same machine with @value{GDBN}
36286 or GDBserver, so it doesn't have to handle as much differences between
36287 two ends as remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}) tries to handle.
36288 However, there are still some differences of two ends in two processes:
36289
36290 @enumerate
36291 @item
36292 word size. On some 64-bit machines, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver can be
36293 compiled as a 64-bit executable, while in-process agent is a 32-bit one.
36294 @item
36295 ABI. Some machines may have multiple types of ABI, @value{GDBN} or
36296 GDBserver is compiled with one, and in-process agent is compiled with
36297 the other one.
36298 @end enumerate
36299
36300 Here are the IPA Protocol Objects:
36301
36302 @enumerate
36303 @item
36304 agent expression object. It represents an agent expression
36305 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}).
36306 @anchor{agent expression object}
36307 @item
36308 tracepoint action object. It represents a tracepoint action
36309 (@pxref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}) to collect registers,
36310 memory, static trace data and to evaluate expression.
36311 @anchor{tracepoint action object}
36312 @item
36313 tracepoint object. It represents a tracepoint (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
36314 @anchor{tracepoint object}
36315
36316 @end enumerate
36317
36318 The following table describes important attributes of each IPA protocol
36319 object:
36320
36321 @multitable @columnfractions .30 .20 .50
36322 @headitem Name @tab Size @tab Description
36323 @item @emph{agent expression object} @tab @tab
36324 @item length @tab 4 @tab length of bytes code
36325 @item byte code @tab @var{length} @tab contents of byte code
36326 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting memory} @tab @tab
36327 @item 'M' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
36328 @item addr @tab 8 @tab if @var{basereg} is @samp{-1}, @var{addr} is the
36329 address of the lowest byte to collect, otherwise @var{addr} is the offset
36330 of @var{basereg} for memory collecting.
36331 @item len @tab 8 @tab length of memory for collecting
36332 @item basereg @tab 4 @tab the register number containing the starting
36333 memory address for collecting.
36334 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting registers} @tab @tab
36335 @item 'R' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
36336 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting static trace data} @tab @tab
36337 @item 'L' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
36338 @item @emph{tracepoint action for expression evaluation} @tab @tab
36339 @item 'X' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
36340 @item agent expression @tab length of @tab @ref{agent expression object}
36341 @item @emph{tracepoint object} @tab @tab
36342 @item number @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint
36343 @item address @tab 8 @tab address of tracepoint inserted on
36344 @item type @tab 4 @tab type of tracepoint
36345 @item enabled @tab 1 @tab enable or disable of tracepoint
36346 @item step_count @tab 8 @tab step
36347 @item pass_count @tab 8 @tab pass
36348 @item numactions @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint actions
36349 @item hit count @tab 8 @tab hit count
36350 @item trace frame usage @tab 8 @tab trace frame usage
36351 @item compiled_cond @tab 8 @tab compiled condition
36352 @item orig_size @tab 8 @tab orig size
36353 @item condition @tab 4 if condition is NULL otherwise length of
36354 @ref{agent expression object}
36355 @tab zero if condition is NULL, otherwise is
36356 @ref{agent expression object}
36357 @item actions @tab variable
36358 @tab numactions number of @ref{tracepoint action object}
36359 @end multitable
36360
36361 @node IPA Protocol Commands
36362 @subsection IPA Protocol Commands
36363 @cindex ipa protocol commands
36364
36365 The spaces in each command are delimiters to ease reading this commands
36366 specification. They don't exist in real commands.
36367
36368 @table @samp
36369
36370 @item FastTrace:@var{tracepoint_object} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}
36371 Installs a new fast tracepoint described by @var{tracepoint_object}
36372 (@pxref{tracepoint object}). @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}, 8-byte long, is the
36373 head of @dfn{jumppad}, which is used to jump to data collection routine
36374 in IPA finally.
36375
36376 Replies:
36377 @table @samp
36378 @item OK @var{target_address} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} @var{fjump_size} @var{fjump}
36379 @var{target_address} is address of tracepoint in the inferior.
36380 @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} is updated head of jumppad. Both of
36381 @var{target_address} and @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} are 8-byte long.
36382 @var{fjump} contains a sequence of instructions jump to jumppad entry.
36383 @var{fjump_size}, 4-byte long, is the size of @var{fjump}.
36384 @item E @var{NN}
36385 for an error
36386
36387 @end table
36388
36389 @item close
36390 Closes the in-process agent. This command is sent when @value{GDBN} or GDBserver
36391 is about to kill inferiors.
36392
36393 @item qTfSTM
36394 @xref{qTfSTM}.
36395 @item qTsSTM
36396 @xref{qTsSTM}.
36397 @item qTSTMat
36398 @xref{qTSTMat}.
36399 @item probe_marker_at:@var{address}
36400 Asks in-process agent to probe the marker at @var{address}.
36401
36402 Replies:
36403 @table @samp
36404 @item E @var{NN}
36405 for an error
36406 @end table
36407 @item unprobe_marker_at:@var{address}
36408 Asks in-process agent to unprobe the marker at @var{address}.
36409 @end table
36410
36411 @node GDB Bugs
36412 @chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
36413 @cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
36414 @cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
36415
36416 Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
36417
36418 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
36419 may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
36420 the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
36421 reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
36422
36423 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
36424 information that enables us to fix the bug.
36425
36426 @menu
36427 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
36428 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
36429 @end menu
36430
36431 @node Bug Criteria
36432 @section Have You Found a Bug?
36433 @cindex bug criteria
36434
36435 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
36436
36437 @itemize @bullet
36438 @cindex fatal signal
36439 @cindex debugger crash
36440 @cindex crash of debugger
36441 @item
36442 If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
36443 @value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
36444
36445 @cindex error on valid input
36446 @item
36447 If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
36448 bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
36449 somewhere in the connection to the target.)
36450
36451 @cindex invalid input
36452 @item
36453 If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
36454 that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
36455 ``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
36456 for traditional practice''.
36457
36458 @item
36459 If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
36460 for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
36461 @end itemize
36462
36463 @node Bug Reporting
36464 @section How to Report Bugs
36465 @cindex bug reports
36466 @cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
36467
36468 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
36469 If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
36470 contact that organization first.
36471
36472 You can find contact information for many support companies and
36473 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
36474 distribution.
36475 @c should add a web page ref...
36476
36477 @ifset BUGURL
36478 @ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
36479 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
36480 @value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
36481 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
36482 page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
36483 be used.
36484
36485 @strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
36486 @samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
36487 not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
36488 @samp{bug-gdb}.
36489
36490 The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
36491 serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
36492 the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
36493 newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
36494 problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
36495 path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
36496 we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
36497 bug reports to the mailing list.
36498 @end ifset
36499 @ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
36500 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
36501 @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
36502 @end ifclear
36503 @end ifset
36504
36505 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
36506 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
36507 fact or leave it out, state it!
36508
36509 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
36510 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
36511 assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
36512 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
36513 stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
36514 name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
36515 of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
36516 the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
36517 easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
36518
36519 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
36520 bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
36521 you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
36522 self-contained.
36523
36524 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
36525 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
36526 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
36527 bugs properly.
36528
36529 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
36530
36531 @itemize @bullet
36532 @item
36533 The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
36534 with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
36535 version}.
36536
36537 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
36538 the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
36539
36540 @item
36541 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
36542 version number.
36543
36544 @item
36545 The details of the @value{GDBN} build-time configuration.
36546 @value{GDBN} shows these details if you invoke it with the
36547 @option{--configuration} command-line option, or if you type
36548 @code{show configuration} at @value{GDBN}'s prompt.
36549
36550 @item
36551 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
36552 ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
36553
36554 @item
36555 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
36556 debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
36557 C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
36558 to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
36559 those compilers.
36560
36561 @item
36562 The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
36563 observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
36564 you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
36565 Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
36566
36567 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
36568 and then we might not encounter the bug.
36569
36570 @item
36571 A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
36572 reproduce the bug.
36573
36574 @item
36575 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
36576 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
36577
36578 Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
36579 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
36580 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
36581 a chance to make a mistake.
36582
36583 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
36584 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
36585 copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
36586 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
36587 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
36588 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
36589 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
36590 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
36591
36592 @pindex script
36593 @cindex recording a session script
36594 To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
36595 such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
36596 Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
36597 include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
36598
36599 Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
36600 inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
36601
36602 @item
36603 If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
36604 diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
36605 it by context, not by line number.
36606
36607 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
36608 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
36609
36610 @end itemize
36611
36612 Here are some things that are not necessary:
36613
36614 @itemize @bullet
36615 @item
36616 A description of the envelope of the bug.
36617
36618 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
36619 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
36620 changes will not affect it.
36621
36622 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
36623 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
36624 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
36625 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
36626
36627 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
36628 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
36629 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
36630 less time, and so on.
36631
36632 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
36633 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
36634
36635 @item
36636 A patch for the bug.
36637
36638 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
36639 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
36640 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
36641 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
36642
36643 Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
36644 construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
36645 through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
36646 to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
36647
36648 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
36649 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
36650 help us to understand.
36651
36652 @item
36653 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
36654
36655 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
36656 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
36657 @end itemize
36658
36659 @c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
36660 @c and consists of the two following files:
36661 @c rluser.texi
36662 @c hsuser.texi
36663 @c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
36664 @c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
36665 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
36666 @include rluser.texi
36667 @include hsuser.texi
36668 @end ifclear
36669
36670 @node In Memoriam
36671 @appendix In Memoriam
36672
36673 The @value{GDBN} project mourns the loss of the following long-time
36674 contributors:
36675
36676 @table @code
36677 @item Fred Fish
36678 Fred was a long-standing contributor to @value{GDBN} (1991-2006), and
36679 to Free Software in general. Outside of @value{GDBN}, he was known in
36680 the Amiga world for his series of Fish Disks, and the GeekGadget project.
36681
36682 @item Michael Snyder
36683 Michael was one of the Global Maintainers of the @value{GDBN} project,
36684 with contributions recorded as early as 1996, until 2011. In addition
36685 to his day to day participation, he was a large driving force behind
36686 adding Reverse Debugging to @value{GDBN}.
36687 @end table
36688
36689 Beyond their technical contributions to the project, they were also
36690 enjoyable members of the Free Software Community. We will miss them.
36691
36692 @node Formatting Documentation
36693 @appendix Formatting Documentation
36694
36695 @cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
36696 @cindex reference card
36697 The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
36698 for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
36699 subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
36700 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
36701 release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
36702 you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
36703
36704 The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
36705 can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
36706
36707 @smallexample
36708 make refcard.dvi
36709 @end smallexample
36710
36711 The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
36712 mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
36713 that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
36714 high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
36715 your @sc{dvi} output program.
36716
36717 @cindex documentation
36718
36719 All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
36720 distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
36721 a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
36722 on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
36723 formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
36724 and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
36725
36726 @value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
36727 version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
36728 file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
36729 subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
36730 necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
36731 but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
36732 Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
36733 @sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
36734
36735 If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
36736 Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
36737 @code{makeinfo}.
36738
36739 If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
36740 @value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
36741 version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
36742
36743 @smallexample
36744 cd gdb
36745 make gdb.info
36746 @end smallexample
36747
36748 If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
36749 a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
36750 Texinfo definitions file.
36751
36752 @TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
36753 produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
36754 document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
36755 has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
36756 command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
36757 (for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
36758 require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
36759
36760 @TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
36761 @file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
36762 written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
36763 typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
36764 and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
36765 directory.
36766
36767 If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
36768 typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
36769 subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
36770 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
36771
36772 @smallexample
36773 make gdb.dvi
36774 @end smallexample
36775
36776 Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
36777
36778 @node Installing GDB
36779 @appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
36780 @cindex installation
36781
36782 @menu
36783 * Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
36784 * Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
36785 * Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
36786 * Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
36787 * Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
36788 * System-wide configuration:: Having a system-wide init file
36789 @end menu
36790
36791 @node Requirements
36792 @section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
36793 @cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
36794
36795 Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
36796 Other packages will be used only if they are found.
36797
36798 @heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
36799 @table @asis
36800 @item ISO C90 compiler
36801 @value{GDBN} is written in ISO C90. It should be buildable with any
36802 working C90 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
36803
36804 @end table
36805
36806 @heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
36807 @table @asis
36808 @item Expat
36809 @anchor{Expat}
36810 @value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
36811 included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
36812 can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
36813 The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
36814 standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
36815 use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
36816
36817 Expat is used for:
36818
36819 @itemize @bullet
36820 @item
36821 Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
36822 @item
36823 Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
36824 @item
36825 Remote shared library lists (@xref{Library List Format},
36826 or alternatively @pxref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets})
36827 @item
36828 MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
36829 @item
36830 Traceframe info (@pxref{Traceframe Info Format})
36831 @item
36832 Branch trace (@pxref{Branch Trace Format})
36833 @end itemize
36834
36835 @item zlib
36836 @cindex compressed debug sections
36837 @value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
36838 compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
36839 of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
36840 is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
36841 information in such binaries.
36842
36843 The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
36844 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
36845 @url{http://zlib.net}.
36846
36847 @item iconv
36848 @value{GDBN}'s features related to character sets (@pxref{Character
36849 Sets}) require a functioning @code{iconv} implementation. If you are
36850 on a GNU system, then this is provided by the GNU C Library. Some
36851 other systems also provide a working @code{iconv}.
36852
36853 If @value{GDBN} is using the @code{iconv} program which is installed
36854 in a non-standard place, you will need to tell @value{GDBN} where to find it.
36855 This is done with @option{--with-iconv-bin} which specifies the
36856 directory that contains the @code{iconv} program.
36857
36858 On systems without @code{iconv}, you can install GNU Libiconv. If you
36859 have previously installed Libiconv, you can use the
36860 @option{--with-libiconv-prefix} option to configure.
36861
36862 @value{GDBN}'s top-level @file{configure} and @file{Makefile} will
36863 arrange to build Libiconv if a directory named @file{libiconv} appears
36864 in the top-most source directory. If Libiconv is built this way, and
36865 if the operating system does not provide a suitable @code{iconv}
36866 implementation, then the just-built library will automatically be used
36867 by @value{GDBN}. One easy way to set this up is to download GNU
36868 Libiconv, unpack it, and then rename the directory holding the
36869 Libiconv source code to @samp{libiconv}.
36870 @end table
36871
36872 @node Running Configure
36873 @section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
36874 @cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
36875 @value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
36876 of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
36877 build the @code{gdb} program.
36878 @iftex
36879 @c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
36880 @footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
36881 look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
36882 installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
36883 @end iftex
36884
36885 The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
36886 @value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
36887 appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
36888
36889 For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
36890 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
36891
36892 @table @code
36893 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
36894 script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
36895
36896 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
36897 the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
36898
36899 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
36900 source for the Binary File Descriptor library
36901
36902 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
36903 @sc{gnu} include files
36904
36905 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
36906 source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
36907
36908 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
36909 source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
36910
36911 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
36912 source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
36913
36914 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
36915 source for the @sc{gnu} filename pattern-matching subroutine
36916
36917 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
36918 source for the @sc{gnu} memory-mapped malloc package
36919 @end table
36920
36921 The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
36922 from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
36923 this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
36924
36925 First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
36926 if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
36927 identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
36928 argument.
36929
36930 For example:
36931
36932 @smallexample
36933 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
36934 ./configure @var{host}
36935 make
36936 @end smallexample
36937
36938 @noindent
36939 where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
36940 @samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where @value{GDBN} will run.
36941 (You can often leave off @var{host}; @file{configure} tries to guess the
36942 correct value by examining your system.)
36943
36944 Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
36945 @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
36946 libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
36947 binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
36948
36949 @need 750
36950 @file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
36951 system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
36952 shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
36953
36954 @smallexample
36955 sh configure @var{host}
36956 @end smallexample
36957
36958 If you run @file{configure} from a directory that contains source
36959 directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
36960 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN},
36961 @file{configure}
36962 creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
36963 you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
36964
36965 You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
36966 source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
36967 @file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
36968 that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
36969 if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
36970 of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
36971 configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
36972 directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
36973 about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
36974
36975 You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
36976 However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
36977 the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
36978 that @value{GDBN} uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
36979 let @value{GDBN} debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
36980
36981 @node Separate Objdir
36982 @section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
36983
36984 If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
36985 you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
36986 host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
36987 allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
36988 rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
36989 handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
36990 @code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
36991 program specified there.
36992
36993 To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
36994 with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
36995 (You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
36996 itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
36997 would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
36998 the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
36999
37000 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
37001 separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
37002
37003 @smallexample
37004 @group
37005 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
37006 mkdir ../gdb-sun4
37007 cd ../gdb-sun4
37008 ../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
37009 make
37010 @end group
37011 @end smallexample
37012
37013 When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
37014 directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
37015 (and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
37016 the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
37017 directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
37018 @file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
37019
37020 Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
37021 instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
37022 like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
37023 one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
37024 build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
37025
37026 One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
37027 directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
37028 @value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
37029 programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
37030 You specify a cross-debugging target by
37031 giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
37032
37033 When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
37034 it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
37035 called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
37036
37037 The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
37038 directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
37039 directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
37040 directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
37041 will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
37042
37043 When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
37044 directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
37045 if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
37046 with each other.
37047
37048 @node Config Names
37049 @section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
37050
37051 The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
37052 script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
37053 aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
37054 of information in the following pattern:
37055
37056 @smallexample
37057 @var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
37058 @end smallexample
37059
37060 For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
37061 or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
37062 option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
37063
37064 The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
37065 any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
37066 aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
37067 @code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
37068 script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
37069 abbreviations---for example:
37070
37071 @smallexample
37072 % sh config.sub i386-linux
37073 i386-pc-linux-gnu
37074 % sh config.sub alpha-linux
37075 alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
37076 % sh config.sub hp9k700
37077 hppa1.1-hp-hpux
37078 % sh config.sub sun4
37079 sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
37080 % sh config.sub sun3
37081 m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
37082 % sh config.sub i986v
37083 Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
37084 @end smallexample
37085
37086 @noindent
37087 @code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
37088 directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
37089
37090 @node Configure Options
37091 @section @file{configure} Options
37092
37093 Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
37094 are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure} also has
37095 several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
37096 Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @file{configure}.
37097
37098 @smallexample
37099 configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
37100 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
37101 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
37102 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
37103 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
37104 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
37105 @var{host}
37106 @end smallexample
37107
37108 @noindent
37109 You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
37110 @samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
37111 @samp{--}.
37112
37113 @table @code
37114 @item --help
37115 Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
37116
37117 @item --prefix=@var{dir}
37118 Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
37119 @file{@var{dir}}.
37120
37121 @item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
37122 Configure the source to install programs under directory
37123 @file{@var{dir}}.
37124
37125 @c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
37126 @need 2000
37127 @item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
37128 @strong{Warning: using this option requires @sc{gnu} @code{make}, or another
37129 @code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
37130 Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
37131 @value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
37132 build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
37133 directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
37134 the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
37135 directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
37136 the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
37137 @var{dirname}.
37138
37139 @item --norecursion
37140 Configure only the directory level where @file{configure} is executed; do not
37141 propagate configuration to subdirectories.
37142
37143 @item --target=@var{target}
37144 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
37145 @var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
37146 programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
37147
37148 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
37149
37150 @item @var{host} @dots{}
37151 Configure @value{GDBN} to run on the specified @var{host}.
37152
37153 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
37154 @end table
37155
37156 There are many other options available as well, but they are generally
37157 needed for special purposes only.
37158
37159 @node System-wide configuration
37160 @section System-wide configuration and settings
37161 @cindex system-wide init file
37162
37163 @value{GDBN} can be configured to have a system-wide init file;
37164 this file will be read and executed at startup (@pxref{Startup, , What
37165 @value{GDBN} does during startup}).
37166
37167 Here is the corresponding configure option:
37168
37169 @table @code
37170 @item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
37171 Specify that the default location of the system-wide init file is
37172 @var{file}.
37173 @end table
37174
37175 If @value{GDBN} has been configured with the option @option{--prefix=$prefix},
37176 it may be subject to relocation. Two possible cases:
37177
37178 @itemize @bullet
37179 @item
37180 If the default location of this init file contains @file{$prefix},
37181 it will be subject to relocation. Suppose that the configure options
37182 are @option{--prefix=$prefix --with-system-gdbinit=$prefix/etc/gdbinit};
37183 if @value{GDBN} is moved from @file{$prefix} to @file{$install}, the system
37184 init file is looked for as @file{$install/etc/gdbinit} instead of
37185 @file{$prefix/etc/gdbinit}.
37186
37187 @item
37188 By contrast, if the default location does not contain the prefix,
37189 it will not be relocated. E.g.@: if @value{GDBN} has been configured with
37190 @option{--prefix=/usr/local --with-system-gdbinit=/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
37191 then @value{GDBN} will always look for @file{/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
37192 wherever @value{GDBN} is installed.
37193 @end itemize
37194
37195 If the configured location of the system-wide init file (as given by the
37196 @option{--with-system-gdbinit} option at configure time) is in the
37197 data-directory (as specified by @option{--with-gdb-datadir} at configure
37198 time) or in one of its subdirectories, then @value{GDBN} will look for the
37199 system-wide init file in the directory specified by the
37200 @option{--data-directory} command-line option.
37201 Note that the system-wide init file is only read once, during @value{GDBN}
37202 initialization. If the data-directory is changed after @value{GDBN} has
37203 started with the @code{set data-directory} command, the file will not be
37204 reread.
37205
37206 @menu
37207 * System-wide Configuration Scripts:: Installed System-wide Configuration Scripts
37208 @end menu
37209
37210 @node System-wide Configuration Scripts
37211 @subsection Installed System-wide Configuration Scripts
37212 @cindex system-wide configuration scripts
37213
37214 The @file{system-gdbinit} directory, located inside the data-directory
37215 (as specified by @option{--with-gdb-datadir} at configure time) contains
37216 a number of scripts which can be used as system-wide init files. To
37217 automatically source those scripts at startup, @value{GDBN} should be
37218 configured with @option{--with-system-gdbinit}. Otherwise, any user
37219 should be able to source them by hand as needed.
37220
37221 The following scripts are currently available:
37222 @itemize @bullet
37223
37224 @item @file{elinos.py}
37225 @pindex elinos.py
37226 @cindex ELinOS system-wide configuration script
37227 This script is useful when debugging a program on an ELinOS target.
37228 It takes advantage of the environment variables defined in a standard
37229 ELinOS environment in order to determine the location of the system
37230 shared libraries, and then sets the @samp{solib-absolute-prefix}
37231 and @samp{solib-search-path} variables appropriately.
37232
37233 @item @file{wrs-linux.py}
37234 @pindex wrs-linux.py
37235 @cindex Wind River Linux system-wide configuration script
37236 This script is useful when debugging a program on a target running
37237 Wind River Linux. It expects the @env{ENV_PREFIX} to be set to
37238 the host-side sysroot used by the target system.
37239
37240 @end itemize
37241
37242 @node Maintenance Commands
37243 @appendix Maintenance Commands
37244 @cindex maintenance commands
37245 @cindex internal commands
37246
37247 In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
37248 includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
37249 that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
37250 provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
37251 messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
37252
37253 @table @code
37254 @kindex maint agent
37255 @kindex maint agent-eval
37256 @item maint agent @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
37257 @itemx maint agent-eval @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
37258 Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
37259 This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
37260 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}). The @samp{agent} version produces an
37261 expression useful for data collection, such as by tracepoints, while
37262 @samp{maint agent-eval} produces an expression that evaluates directly
37263 to a result. For instance, a collection expression for @code{globa +
37264 globb} will include bytecodes to record four bytes of memory at each
37265 of the addresses of @code{globa} and @code{globb}, while discarding
37266 the result of the addition, while an evaluation expression will do the
37267 addition and return the sum.
37268 If @code{-at} is given, generate remote agent bytecode for @var{location}.
37269 If not, generate remote agent bytecode for current frame PC address.
37270
37271 @kindex maint agent-printf
37272 @item maint agent-printf @var{format},@var{expr},...
37273 Translate the given format string and list of argument expressions
37274 into remote agent bytecodes and display them as a disassembled list.
37275 This command is useful for debugging the agent version of dynamic
37276 printf (@pxref{Dynamic Printf}).
37277
37278 @kindex maint info breakpoints
37279 @item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
37280 Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
37281 breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
37282 internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
37283 breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
37284 is shown:
37285
37286 @table @code
37287 @item breakpoint
37288 Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
37289
37290 @item watchpoint
37291 Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
37292
37293 @item longjmp
37294 Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
37295 @code{longjmp} calls.
37296
37297 @item longjmp resume
37298 Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
37299
37300 @item until
37301 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
37302
37303 @item finish
37304 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
37305
37306 @item shlib events
37307 Shared library events.
37308
37309 @end table
37310
37311 @kindex maint info bfds
37312 @item maint info bfds
37313 This prints information about each @code{bfd} object that is known to
37314 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Top, , BFD, bfd, The Binary File Descriptor Library}.
37315
37316 @kindex set displaced-stepping
37317 @kindex show displaced-stepping
37318 @cindex displaced stepping support
37319 @cindex out-of-line single-stepping
37320 @item set displaced-stepping
37321 @itemx show displaced-stepping
37322 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
37323 if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
37324 over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
37325 an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
37326 breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
37327
37328 @table @code
37329 @item set displaced-stepping on
37330 If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
37331 displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
37332
37333 @item set displaced-stepping off
37334 @value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
37335 even if such is supported by the target architecture.
37336
37337 @cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
37338 @item set displaced-stepping auto
37339 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
37340 only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
37341 architecture supports displaced stepping.
37342 @end table
37343
37344 @kindex maint check-psymtabs
37345 @item maint check-psymtabs
37346 Check the consistency of currently expanded psymtabs versus symtabs.
37347 Use this to check, for example, whether a symbol is in one but not the other.
37348
37349 @kindex maint check-symtabs
37350 @item maint check-symtabs
37351 Check the consistency of currently expanded symtabs.
37352
37353 @kindex maint expand-symtabs
37354 @item maint expand-symtabs [@var{regexp}]
37355 Expand symbol tables.
37356 If @var{regexp} is specified, only expand symbol tables for file
37357 names matching @var{regexp}.
37358
37359 @kindex maint cplus first_component
37360 @item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
37361 Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
37362
37363 @kindex maint cplus namespace
37364 @item maint cplus namespace
37365 Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
37366
37367 @kindex maint demangle
37368 @item maint demangle @var{name}
37369 Demangle a C@t{++} or Objective-C mangled @var{name}.
37370
37371 @kindex maint deprecate
37372 @kindex maint undeprecate
37373 @cindex deprecated commands
37374 @item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
37375 @itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
37376 Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
37377 cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
37378 argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
37379 favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
37380 the replacement as part of the warning.
37381
37382 @kindex maint dump-me
37383 @item maint dump-me
37384 @cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
37385 Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
37386 This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
37387 with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
37388
37389 @kindex maint internal-error
37390 @kindex maint internal-warning
37391 @item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
37392 @itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
37393 Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error}
37394 or @code{internal_warning} and hence behave as though an internal error
37395 or internal warning has been detected. In addition to reporting the
37396 internal problem, these functions give the user the opportunity to
37397 either quit @value{GDBN} or create a core file of the current
37398 @value{GDBN} session.
37399
37400 These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
37401 used as the text of the error or warning message.
37402
37403 Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
37404
37405 @smallexample
37406 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
37407 @dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
37408 A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
37409 debugging may prove unreliable.
37410 Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
37411 Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
37412 (@value{GDBP})
37413 @end smallexample
37414
37415 @cindex @value{GDBN} internal error
37416 @cindex internal errors, control of @value{GDBN} behavior
37417
37418 @kindex maint set internal-error
37419 @kindex maint show internal-error
37420 @kindex maint set internal-warning
37421 @kindex maint show internal-warning
37422 @item maint set internal-error @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
37423 @itemx maint show internal-error @var{action}
37424 @itemx maint set internal-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
37425 @itemx maint show internal-warning @var{action}
37426 When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it
37427 gives the user the opportunity to both quit @value{GDBN} and create a
37428 core file of the current @value{GDBN} session. These commands let you
37429 override the default behaviour for each particular @var{action},
37430 described in the table below.
37431
37432 @table @samp
37433 @item quit
37434 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
37435 quit. The default is to ask the user what to do.
37436
37437 @item corefile
37438 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
37439 create a core file. The default is to ask the user what to do.
37440 @end table
37441
37442 @kindex maint packet
37443 @item maint packet @var{text}
37444 If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
37445 then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
37446 displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
37447 @samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
37448 checksum.
37449
37450 @kindex maint print architecture
37451 @item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
37452 Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
37453 @var{file} names the file where the output goes.
37454
37455 @kindex maint print c-tdesc
37456 @item maint print c-tdesc
37457 Print the current target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
37458 a C source file. The created source file can be used in @value{GDBN}
37459 when an XML parser is not available to parse the description.
37460
37461 @kindex maint print dummy-frames
37462 @item maint print dummy-frames
37463 Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
37464
37465 @smallexample
37466 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
37467 @dots{}
37468 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
37469 Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
37470 58 return (a + b);
37471 The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
37472 @dots{}
37473 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
37474 0x1a57c80: pc=0x01014068 fp=0x0200bddc sp=0x0200bdd6
37475 top=0x0200bdd4 id=@{stack=0x200bddc,code=0x101405c@}
37476 call_lo=0x01014000 call_hi=0x01014001
37477 (@value{GDBP})
37478 @end smallexample
37479
37480 Takes an optional file parameter.
37481
37482 @kindex maint print registers
37483 @kindex maint print raw-registers
37484 @kindex maint print cooked-registers
37485 @kindex maint print register-groups
37486 @kindex maint print remote-registers
37487 @item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
37488 @itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
37489 @itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
37490 @itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
37491 @itemx maint print remote-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
37492 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
37493
37494 The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
37495 the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print
37496 cooked-registers} includes the (cooked) value of all registers,
37497 including registers which aren't available on the target nor visible
37498 to user; the command @code{maint print register-groups} includes the
37499 groups that each register is a member of; and the command @code{maint
37500 print remote-registers} includes the remote target's register numbers
37501 and offsets in the `G' packets.
37502
37503 These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
37504 write the information.
37505
37506 @kindex maint print reggroups
37507 @item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
37508 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
37509 optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
37510 information.
37511
37512 The register groups info looks like this:
37513
37514 @smallexample
37515 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
37516 Group Type
37517 general user
37518 float user
37519 all user
37520 vector user
37521 system user
37522 save internal
37523 restore internal
37524 @end smallexample
37525
37526 @kindex flushregs
37527 @item flushregs
37528 This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
37529
37530 @kindex maint print objfiles
37531 @cindex info for known object files
37532 @item maint print objfiles @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
37533 Print a dump of all known object files.
37534 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print object files whose names
37535 match @var{regexp}. For each object file, this command prints its name,
37536 address in memory, and all of its psymtabs and symtabs.
37537
37538 @kindex maint print section-scripts
37539 @cindex info for known .debug_gdb_scripts-loaded scripts
37540 @item maint print section-scripts [@var{regexp}]
37541 Print a dump of scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_section} section.
37542 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print scripts loaded by object files
37543 matching @var{regexp}.
37544 For each script, this command prints its name as specified in the objfile,
37545 and the full path if known.
37546 @xref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}.
37547
37548 @kindex maint print statistics
37549 @cindex bcache statistics
37550 @item maint print statistics
37551 This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
37552 about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
37553 statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
37554 of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
37555 defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
37556 the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
37557 used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
37558 sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
37559 average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
37560 savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
37561 lengths.
37562
37563 @kindex maint print target-stack
37564 @cindex target stack description
37565 @item maint print target-stack
37566 A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
37567 kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
37568 so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
37569 In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
37570 until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
37571 address.
37572
37573 This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
37574 the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
37575
37576 @kindex maint print type
37577 @cindex type chain of a data type
37578 @item maint print type @var{expr}
37579 Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
37580 can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
37581 that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
37582 a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
37583 data structures, including its flags and contained types.
37584
37585 @kindex maint set dwarf2 always-disassemble
37586 @kindex maint show dwarf2 always-disassemble
37587 @item maint set dwarf2 always-disassemble
37588 @item maint show dwarf2 always-disassemble
37589 Control the behavior of @code{info address} when using DWARF debugging
37590 information.
37591
37592 The default is @code{off}, which means that @value{GDBN} should try to
37593 describe a variable's location in an easily readable format. When
37594 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will instead display the DWARF location
37595 expression in an assembly-like format. Note that some locations are
37596 too complex for @value{GDBN} to describe simply; in this case you will
37597 always see the disassembly form.
37598
37599 Here is an example of the resulting disassembly:
37600
37601 @smallexample
37602 (gdb) info addr argc
37603 Symbol "argc" is a complex DWARF expression:
37604 1: DW_OP_fbreg 0
37605 @end smallexample
37606
37607 For more information on these expressions, see
37608 @uref{http://www.dwarfstd.org/, the DWARF standard}.
37609
37610 @kindex maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
37611 @kindex maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
37612 @item maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
37613 @itemx maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
37614 Control the DWARF 2 compilation unit cache.
37615
37616 @cindex DWARF 2 compilation units cache
37617 In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
37618 produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF 2
37619 reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
37620 This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
37621 cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
37622 compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
37623 memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
37624 slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
37625
37626 @kindex maint set profile
37627 @kindex maint show profile
37628 @cindex profiling GDB
37629 @item maint set profile
37630 @itemx maint show profile
37631 Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
37632
37633 Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
37634 command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
37635 collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
37636 exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
37637 if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
37638 (often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
37639 data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
37640
37641 Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
37642 compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
37643
37644 @kindex maint set show-debug-regs
37645 @kindex maint show show-debug-regs
37646 @cindex hardware debug registers
37647 @item maint set show-debug-regs
37648 @itemx maint show show-debug-regs
37649 Control whether to show variables that mirror the hardware debug
37650 registers. Use @code{on} to enable, @code{off} to disable. If
37651 enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
37652 removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
37653 triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
37654
37655 @kindex maint set show-all-tib
37656 @kindex maint show show-all-tib
37657 @item maint set show-all-tib
37658 @itemx maint show show-all-tib
37659 Control whether to show all non zero areas within a 1k block starting
37660 at thread local base, when using the @samp{info w32 thread-information-block}
37661 command.
37662
37663 @kindex maint set per-command
37664 @kindex maint show per-command
37665 @item maint set per-command
37666 @itemx maint show per-command
37667 @cindex resources used by commands
37668
37669 @value{GDBN} can display the resources used by each command.
37670 This is useful in debugging performance problems.
37671
37672 @table @code
37673 @item maint set per-command space [on|off]
37674 @itemx maint show per-command space
37675 Enable or disable the printing of the memory used by GDB for each command.
37676 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
37677 took, following the command's own output.
37678 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
37679 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
37680
37681 @item maint set per-command time [on|off]
37682 @itemx maint show per-command time
37683 Enable or disable the printing of the execution time of @value{GDBN}
37684 for each command.
37685 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
37686 took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
37687 Both CPU time and wallclock time are printed.
37688 Printing both is useful when trying to determine whether the cost is
37689 CPU or, e.g., disk/network latency.
37690 Note that the CPU time printed is for @value{GDBN} only, it does not include
37691 the execution time of the inferior because there's no mechanism currently
37692 to compute how much time was spent by @value{GDBN} and how much time was
37693 spent by the program been debugged.
37694 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
37695 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
37696
37697 @item maint set per-command symtab [on|off]
37698 @itemx maint show per-command symtab
37699 Enable or disable the printing of basic symbol table statistics
37700 for each command.
37701 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display the following information:
37702
37703 @enumerate a
37704 @item
37705 number of symbol tables
37706 @item
37707 number of primary symbol tables
37708 @item
37709 number of blocks in the blockvector
37710 @end enumerate
37711 @end table
37712
37713 @kindex maint space
37714 @cindex memory used by commands
37715 @item maint space @var{value}
37716 An alias for @code{maint set per-command space}.
37717 A non-zero value enables it, zero disables it.
37718
37719 @kindex maint time
37720 @cindex time of command execution
37721 @item maint time @var{value}
37722 An alias for @code{maint set per-command time}.
37723 A non-zero value enables it, zero disables it.
37724
37725 @kindex maint translate-address
37726 @item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
37727 Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
37728 @var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
37729 @value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
37730 the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
37731 the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
37732 command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
37733
37734 If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
37735 is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
37736 executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
37737
37738 @end table
37739
37740 The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
37741 @value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
37742
37743 @table @code
37744 @item set watchdog @var{nsec}
37745 @kindex set watchdog
37746 @cindex watchdog timer
37747 @cindex timeout for commands
37748 Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
37749 target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
37750 reports and error and the command is aborted.
37751
37752 @item show watchdog
37753 Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
37754 @end table
37755
37756 @node Remote Protocol
37757 @appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
37758
37759 @menu
37760 * Overview::
37761 * Packets::
37762 * Stop Reply Packets::
37763 * General Query Packets::
37764 * Architecture-Specific Protocol Details::
37765 * Tracepoint Packets::
37766 * Host I/O Packets::
37767 * Interrupts::
37768 * Notification Packets::
37769 * Remote Non-Stop::
37770 * Packet Acknowledgment::
37771 * Examples::
37772 * File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
37773 * Library List Format::
37774 * Library List Format for SVR4 Targets::
37775 * Memory Map Format::
37776 * Thread List Format::
37777 * Traceframe Info Format::
37778 * Branch Trace Format::
37779 @end menu
37780
37781 @node Overview
37782 @section Overview
37783
37784 There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
37785 protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
37786 machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
37787 recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
37788
37789 In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
37790 transmitted and received data, respectively.
37791
37792 @cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
37793 @cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
37794 @cindex remote serial protocol
37795 All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
37796 and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
37797 @var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
37798 @samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
37799 @samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
37800
37801 @smallexample
37802 @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
37803 @end smallexample
37804 @noindent
37805
37806 @cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
37807 @noindent
37808 The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
37809 characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
37810 eight bit unsigned checksum).
37811
37812 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
37813 specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
37814
37815 @smallexample
37816 @code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
37817 @end smallexample
37818
37819 @cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
37820 @noindent
37821 That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
37822 has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
37823 since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
37824
37825 When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
37826 response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
37827 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
37828 retransmission):
37829
37830 @smallexample
37831 -> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
37832 <- @code{+}
37833 @end smallexample
37834 @noindent
37835
37836 The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
37837 once a connection is established.
37838 @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
37839
37840 The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
37841 debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
37842 the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
37843 when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
37844 threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
37845 behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
37846 execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
37847
37848 @var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
37849 exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
37850 exceptions).
37851
37852 @cindex remote protocol, field separator
37853 Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
37854 @samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
37855 @sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
37856
37857 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
37858 @samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
37859 would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
37860
37861 @cindex remote protocol, binary data
37862 @anchor{Binary Data}
37863 Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
37864 digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
37865 protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
37866 Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
37867 connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
37868 binary data.
37869
37870 The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
37871 as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
37872 character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
37873 For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
37874 bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
37875 @code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
37876 @samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
37877 must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
37878 is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
37879 (described next).
37880
37881 Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
37882 Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
37883 instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
37884 repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
37885 binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
37886 @code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
37887 produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
37888 code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
37889 encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
37890 @samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
37891 after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
37892 3}} more times.
37893
37894 The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
37895 greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
37896 seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
37897 five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
37898 @samp{0*"00}.
37899
37900 The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
37901 error number. That number is not well defined.
37902
37903 @cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
37904 For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
37905 (@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
37906 protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
37907 on that response.
37908
37909 At a minimum, a stub is required to support the @samp{g} and @samp{G}
37910 commands for register access, and the @samp{m} and @samp{M} commands
37911 for memory access. Stubs that only control single-threaded targets
37912 can implement run control with the @samp{c} (continue), and @samp{s}
37913 (step) commands. Stubs that support multi-threading targets should
37914 support the @samp{vCont} command. All other commands are optional.
37915
37916 @node Packets
37917 @section Packets
37918
37919 The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
37920 @var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
37921 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
37922 I/O extension of the remote protocol.
37923
37924 Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
37925 syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
37926 include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
37927 part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
37928 separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
37929 @var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
37930 bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
37931 @var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
37932 @samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
37933 @var{baz}.
37934
37935 @cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
37936 @anchor{thread-id syntax}
37937 Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
37938 a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
37939 interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
37940 can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
37941 pick any thread.
37942
37943 In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
37944 which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
37945 process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
37946 The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
37947 format described above: a positive number with target-specific
37948 interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
37949 to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
37950 indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
37951 @samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
37952 error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
37953 @samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
37954 for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
37955 ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
37956
37957 The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
37958 @value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
37959 feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
37960 more information.
37961
37962 Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
37963 letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
37964
37965 Here are the packet descriptions.
37966
37967 @table @samp
37968
37969 @item !
37970 @cindex @samp{!} packet
37971 @anchor{extended mode}
37972 Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
37973 persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
37974 debugged.
37975
37976 Reply:
37977 @table @samp
37978 @item OK
37979 The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
37980 @end table
37981
37982 @item ?
37983 @cindex @samp{?} packet
37984 Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
37985 step and continue. This packet has a special interpretation when the
37986 target is in non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
37987
37988 Reply:
37989 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
37990
37991 @item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
37992 @cindex @samp{A} packet
37993 Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
37994 specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
37995 @var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
37996
37997 Reply:
37998 @table @samp
37999 @item OK
38000 The arguments were set.
38001 @item E @var{NN}
38002 An error occurred.
38003 @end table
38004
38005 @item b @var{baud}
38006 @cindex @samp{b} packet
38007 (Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
38008 Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
38009
38010 JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
38011 received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
38012 problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
38013
38014 Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
38015 it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
38016 some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
38017 switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
38018 of view, nothing actually happened.}
38019
38020 @item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
38021 @cindex @samp{B} packet
38022 Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
38023 breakpoint at @var{addr}.
38024
38025 Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
38026 (@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
38027
38028 @cindex @samp{bc} packet
38029 @anchor{bc}
38030 @item bc
38031 Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
38032 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
38033
38034 Reply:
38035 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
38036
38037 @cindex @samp{bs} packet
38038 @anchor{bs}
38039 @item bs
38040 Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
38041 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
38042
38043 Reply:
38044 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
38045
38046 @item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
38047 @cindex @samp{c} packet
38048 Continue. @var{addr} is address to resume. If @var{addr} is omitted,
38049 resume at current address.
38050
38051 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
38052 packet}.
38053
38054 Reply:
38055 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
38056
38057 @item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
38058 @cindex @samp{C} packet
38059 Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
38060 @samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
38061
38062 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
38063 packet}.
38064
38065 Reply:
38066 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
38067
38068 @item d
38069 @cindex @samp{d} packet
38070 Toggle debug flag.
38071
38072 Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
38073 (@pxref{General Query Packets}).
38074
38075 @item D
38076 @itemx D;@var{pid}
38077 @cindex @samp{D} packet
38078 The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
38079 remote system. It is sent to the remote target
38080 before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
38081
38082 The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
38083 protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
38084 detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
38085 big-endian hex string.
38086
38087 Reply:
38088 @table @samp
38089 @item OK
38090 for success
38091 @item E @var{NN}
38092 for an error
38093 @end table
38094
38095 @item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
38096 @cindex @samp{F} packet
38097 A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
38098 This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
38099 Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
38100
38101 @item g
38102 @anchor{read registers packet}
38103 @cindex @samp{g} packet
38104 Read general registers.
38105
38106 Reply:
38107 @table @samp
38108 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
38109 Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
38110 with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
38111 each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
38112 determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
38113 @code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}. The
38114 specification of several standard @samp{g} packets is specified below.
38115
38116 When reading registers from a trace frame (@pxref{Analyze Collected
38117 Data,,Using the Collected Data}), the stub may also return a string of
38118 literal @samp{x}'s in place of the register data digits, to indicate
38119 that the corresponding register has not been collected, thus its value
38120 is unavailable. For example, for an architecture with 4 registers of
38121 4 bytes each, the following reply indicates to @value{GDBN} that
38122 registers 0 and 2 have not been collected, while registers 1 and 3
38123 have been collected, and both have zero value:
38124
38125 @smallexample
38126 -> @code{g}
38127 <- @code{xxxxxxxx00000000xxxxxxxx00000000}
38128 @end smallexample
38129
38130 @item E @var{NN}
38131 for an error.
38132 @end table
38133
38134 @item G @var{XX@dots{}}
38135 @cindex @samp{G} packet
38136 Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
38137 description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
38138
38139 Reply:
38140 @table @samp
38141 @item OK
38142 for success
38143 @item E @var{NN}
38144 for an error
38145 @end table
38146
38147 @item H @var{op} @var{thread-id}
38148 @cindex @samp{H} packet
38149 Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
38150 @samp{G}, et.al.). @var{op} depends on the operation to be performed:
38151 it should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations (note that this
38152 is deprecated, supporting the @samp{vCont} command is a better
38153 option), @samp{g} for other operations. The thread designator
38154 @var{thread-id} has the format and interpretation described in
38155 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
38156
38157 Reply:
38158 @table @samp
38159 @item OK
38160 for success
38161 @item E @var{NN}
38162 for an error
38163 @end table
38164
38165 @c FIXME: JTC:
38166 @c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
38167 @c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
38168 @c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
38169 @c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
38170 @c described. For example:
38171 @c
38172 @c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
38173 @c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
38174 @c otherwise returns current registers.
38175 @c
38176 @c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
38177 @c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
38178 @c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
38179
38180 @item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
38181 @anchor{cycle step packet}
38182 @cindex @samp{i} packet
38183 Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
38184 present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
38185 step starting at that address.
38186
38187 @item I
38188 @cindex @samp{I} packet
38189 Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
38190 step packet}.
38191
38192 @item k
38193 @cindex @samp{k} packet
38194 Kill request.
38195
38196 FIXME: @emph{There is no description of how to operate when a specific
38197 thread context has been selected (i.e.@: does 'k' kill only that
38198 thread?)}.
38199
38200 @item m @var{addr},@var{length}
38201 @cindex @samp{m} packet
38202 Read @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
38203 Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to any particular boundary.
38204
38205 The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
38206 data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
38207 and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
38208 use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
38209 suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
38210 @cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
38211 @cindex size of remote memory accesses
38212 @cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
38213
38214 Reply:
38215 @table @samp
38216 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
38217 Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal
38218 number. The reply may contain fewer bytes than requested if the
38219 server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
38220 @item E @var{NN}
38221 @var{NN} is errno
38222 @end table
38223
38224 @item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
38225 @cindex @samp{M} packet
38226 Write @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
38227 @var{XX@dots{}} is the data; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit
38228 hexadecimal number.
38229
38230 Reply:
38231 @table @samp
38232 @item OK
38233 for success
38234 @item E @var{NN}
38235 for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
38236 written).
38237 @end table
38238
38239 @item p @var{n}
38240 @cindex @samp{p} packet
38241 Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
38242 @xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
38243 register value is encoded.
38244
38245 Reply:
38246 @table @samp
38247 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
38248 the register's value
38249 @item E @var{NN}
38250 for an error
38251 @item @w{}
38252 Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
38253 @end table
38254
38255 @item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
38256 @anchor{write register packet}
38257 @cindex @samp{P} packet
38258 Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
38259 number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
38260 digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
38261
38262 Reply:
38263 @table @samp
38264 @item OK
38265 for success
38266 @item E @var{NN}
38267 for an error
38268 @end table
38269
38270 @item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
38271 @itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
38272 @cindex @samp{q} packet
38273 @cindex @samp{Q} packet
38274 General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
38275 described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
38276
38277 @item r
38278 @cindex @samp{r} packet
38279 Reset the entire system.
38280
38281 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
38282
38283 @item R @var{XX}
38284 @cindex @samp{R} packet
38285 Restart the program being debugged. @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
38286 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
38287
38288 The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
38289
38290 @item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
38291 @cindex @samp{s} packet
38292 Single step. @var{addr} is the address at which to resume. If
38293 @var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
38294
38295 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
38296 packet}.
38297
38298 Reply:
38299 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
38300
38301 @item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
38302 @anchor{step with signal packet}
38303 @cindex @samp{S} packet
38304 Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
38305 requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
38306
38307 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
38308 packet}.
38309
38310 Reply:
38311 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
38312
38313 @item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
38314 @cindex @samp{t} packet
38315 Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
38316 @var{PP} and mask @var{MM}. @var{PP} and @var{MM} are 4 bytes.
38317 @var{addr} must be at least 3 digits.
38318
38319 @item T @var{thread-id}
38320 @cindex @samp{T} packet
38321 Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
38322
38323 Reply:
38324 @table @samp
38325 @item OK
38326 thread is still alive
38327 @item E @var{NN}
38328 thread is dead
38329 @end table
38330
38331 @item v
38332 Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
38333 up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
38334
38335 @item vAttach;@var{pid}
38336 @cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
38337 Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
38338 The process ID is a
38339 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
38340 threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
38341 attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
38342
38343 @c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
38344 @c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
38345 @c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
38346 @c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
38347 @c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
38348 @c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
38349 @c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
38350 @c stopping or restarting threads.
38351
38352 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
38353
38354 Reply:
38355 @table @samp
38356 @item E @var{nn}
38357 for an error
38358 @item @r{Any stop packet}
38359 for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
38360 @item OK
38361 for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
38362 @end table
38363
38364 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
38365 @cindex @samp{vCont} packet
38366 @anchor{vCont packet}
38367 Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
38368 If an action is specified with no @var{thread-id}, then it is applied to any
38369 threads that don't have a specific action specified; if no default action is
38370 specified then other threads should remain stopped in all-stop mode and
38371 in their current state in non-stop mode.
38372 Specifying multiple
38373 default actions is an error; specifying no actions is also an error.
38374 Thread IDs are specified using the syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
38375
38376 Currently supported actions are:
38377
38378 @table @samp
38379 @item c
38380 Continue.
38381 @item C @var{sig}
38382 Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
38383 @item s
38384 Step.
38385 @item S @var{sig}
38386 Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
38387 @item t
38388 Stop.
38389 @item r @var{start},@var{end}
38390 Step once, and then keep stepping as long as the thread stops at
38391 addresses between @var{start} (inclusive) and @var{end} (exclusive).
38392 The remote stub reports a stop reply when either the thread goes out
38393 of the range or is stopped due to an unrelated reason, such as hitting
38394 a breakpoint. @xref{range stepping}.
38395
38396 If the range is empty (@var{start} == @var{end}), then the action
38397 becomes equivalent to the @samp{s} action. In other words,
38398 single-step once, and report the stop (even if the stepped instruction
38399 jumps to @var{start}).
38400
38401 (A stop reply may be sent at any point even if the PC is still within
38402 the stepping range; for example, it is valid to implement this packet
38403 in a degenerate way as a single instruction step operation.)
38404
38405 @end table
38406
38407 The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
38408 @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
38409 not supported in @samp{vCont}.
38410
38411 The @samp{t} action is only relevant in non-stop mode
38412 (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
38413 A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
38414 When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
38415 the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
38416 signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
38417 as an implementation detail.
38418
38419 The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
38420 multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}). Note that in
38421 this case @samp{vCont} actions can be specified to apply to all threads
38422 in a process by using the @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the
38423 @var{thread-id}.
38424
38425 Reply:
38426 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
38427
38428 @item vCont?
38429 @cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
38430 Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
38431
38432 Reply:
38433 @table @samp
38434 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
38435 The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
38436 command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
38437 @item @w{}
38438 The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
38439 @end table
38440
38441 @item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
38442 @cindex @samp{vFile} packet
38443 Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
38444 see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
38445
38446 @item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
38447 @cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
38448 Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
38449 @var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
38450 its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
38451 flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
38452 Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
38453 together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
38454 stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
38455 packet is received.
38456
38457 Reply:
38458 @table @samp
38459 @item OK
38460 for success
38461 @item E @var{NN}
38462 for an error
38463 @end table
38464
38465 @item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
38466 @cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
38467 Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
38468 is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
38469 packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
38470 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
38471 not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
38472 (although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
38473 have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
38474 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
38475 neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
38476 target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
38477
38478
38479 Reply:
38480 @table @samp
38481 @item OK
38482 for success
38483 @item E.memtype
38484 for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
38485 @item E @var{NN}
38486 for an error
38487 @end table
38488
38489 @item vFlashDone
38490 @cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
38491 Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
38492 The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
38493 @samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
38494 @samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
38495 regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
38496 request is completed.
38497
38498 @item vKill;@var{pid}
38499 @cindex @samp{vKill} packet
38500 Kill the process with the specified process ID. @var{pid} is a
38501 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
38502 preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
38503 supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
38504
38505 Reply:
38506 @table @samp
38507 @item E @var{nn}
38508 for an error
38509 @item OK
38510 for success
38511 @end table
38512
38513 @item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
38514 @cindex @samp{vRun} packet
38515 Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
38516 command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
38517 @var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
38518 (e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
38519 state.
38520
38521 @c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
38522
38523 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
38524
38525 Reply:
38526 @table @samp
38527 @item E @var{nn}
38528 for an error
38529 @item @r{Any stop packet}
38530 for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
38531 @end table
38532
38533 @item vStopped
38534 @cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
38535 @xref{Notification Packets}.
38536
38537 @item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
38538 @anchor{X packet}
38539 @cindex @samp{X} packet
38540 Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
38541 @var{addr} is address, @var{length} is number of bytes,
38542 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
38543
38544 Reply:
38545 @table @samp
38546 @item OK
38547 for success
38548 @item E @var{NN}
38549 for an error
38550 @end table
38551
38552 @item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
38553 @itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
38554 @anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
38555 @cindex @samp{z} packet
38556 @cindex @samp{Z} packets
38557 Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
38558 watchpoint starting at address @var{address} of kind @var{kind}.
38559
38560 Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
38561 separately.
38562
38563 @emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
38564 for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
38565 remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
38566 @samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
38567 avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
38568 be implemented in an idempotent way.}
38569
38570 @item z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
38571 @itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}@r{[};cmds:@var{persist},@var{cmd_list}@dots{}@r{]}
38572 @cindex @samp{z0} packet
38573 @cindex @samp{Z0} packet
38574 Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a memory breakpoint at address
38575 @var{addr} of type @var{kind}.
38576
38577 A memory breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
38578 @var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
38579 @var{kind} is target-specific and typically indicates the size of
38580 the breakpoint in bytes that should be inserted. E.g., the @sc{arm}
38581 and @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint. Some
38582 architectures have additional meanings for @var{kind};
38583 @var{cond_list} is an optional list of conditional expressions in bytecode
38584 form that should be evaluated on the target's side. These are the
38585 conditions that should be taken into consideration when deciding if
38586 the breakpoint trigger should be reported back to @var{GDBN}.
38587
38588 The @var{cond_list} parameter is comprised of a series of expressions,
38589 concatenated without separators. Each expression has the following form:
38590
38591 @table @samp
38592
38593 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
38594 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
38595 actual conditional expression in bytecode form.
38596
38597 @end table
38598
38599 The optional @var{cmd_list} parameter introduces commands that may be
38600 run on the target, rather than being reported back to @value{GDBN}.
38601 The parameter starts with a numeric flag @var{persist}; if the flag is
38602 nonzero, then the breakpoint may remain active and the commands
38603 continue to be run even when @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target.
38604 Following this flag is a series of expressions concatenated with no
38605 separators. Each expression has the following form:
38606
38607 @table @samp
38608
38609 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
38610 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
38611 actual conditional expression in bytecode form.
38612
38613 @end table
38614
38615 see @ref{Architecture-Specific Protocol Details}.
38616
38617 @emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
38618 code that contains memory breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
38619 overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
38620 target, is not defined.}
38621
38622 Reply:
38623 @table @samp
38624 @item OK
38625 success
38626 @item @w{}
38627 not supported
38628 @item E @var{NN}
38629 for an error
38630 @end table
38631
38632 @item z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
38633 @itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}
38634 @cindex @samp{z1} packet
38635 @cindex @samp{Z1} packet
38636 Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
38637 address @var{addr}.
38638
38639 A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
38640 dependant on being able to modify the target's memory. @var{kind}
38641 and @var{cond_list} have the same meaning as in @samp{Z0} packets.
38642
38643 @emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
38644 movement.}
38645
38646 Reply:
38647 @table @samp
38648 @item OK
38649 success
38650 @item @w{}
38651 not supported
38652 @item E @var{NN}
38653 for an error
38654 @end table
38655
38656 @item z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
38657 @itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
38658 @cindex @samp{z2} packet
38659 @cindex @samp{Z2} packet
38660 Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint at @var{addr}.
38661 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
38662
38663 Reply:
38664 @table @samp
38665 @item OK
38666 success
38667 @item @w{}
38668 not supported
38669 @item E @var{NN}
38670 for an error
38671 @end table
38672
38673 @item z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
38674 @itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
38675 @cindex @samp{z3} packet
38676 @cindex @samp{Z3} packet
38677 Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint at @var{addr}.
38678 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
38679
38680 Reply:
38681 @table @samp
38682 @item OK
38683 success
38684 @item @w{}
38685 not supported
38686 @item E @var{NN}
38687 for an error
38688 @end table
38689
38690 @item z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
38691 @itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
38692 @cindex @samp{z4} packet
38693 @cindex @samp{Z4} packet
38694 Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint at @var{addr}.
38695 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
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 @end table
38708
38709 @node Stop Reply Packets
38710 @section Stop Reply Packets
38711 @cindex stop reply packets
38712
38713 The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
38714 @samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
38715 receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
38716 and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
38717 when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
38718 number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
38719 @value{GDBN} source code.
38720
38721 As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
38722 reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
38723 syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
38724 components.
38725
38726 @table @samp
38727
38728 @item S @var{AA}
38729 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
38730 number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
38731 @var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
38732
38733 @item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
38734 @cindex @samp{T} packet reply
38735 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
38736 number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
38737 @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
38738 and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
38739 round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
38740 this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
38741
38742 @itemize @bullet
38743 @item
38744 If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
38745 corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. @var{r} is a
38746 series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
38747 two-digit hex number.
38748
38749 @item
38750 If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the @var{thread-id} of
38751 the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
38752
38753 @item
38754 If @var{n} is @samp{core}, then @var{r} is the hexadecimal number of
38755 the core on which the stop event was detected.
38756
38757 @item
38758 If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
38759 specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
38760 reasons are listed below. @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
38761 signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
38762
38763 @item
38764 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
38765 and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
38766 future.
38767 @end itemize
38768
38769 The currently defined stop reasons are:
38770
38771 @table @samp
38772 @item watch
38773 @itemx rwatch
38774 @itemx awatch
38775 The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
38776 hex.
38777
38778 @cindex shared library events, remote reply
38779 @item library
38780 The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
38781 @value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
38782 list of loaded libraries. @var{r} is ignored.
38783
38784 @cindex replay log events, remote reply
38785 @item replaylog
38786 The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
38787 logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
38788 beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
38789 will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
38790 for more information.
38791 @end table
38792
38793 @item W @var{AA}
38794 @itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
38795 The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
38796 applicable to certain targets.
38797
38798 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the exited
38799 process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported support for
38800 multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
38801 The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
38802
38803 @item X @var{AA}
38804 @itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
38805 The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
38806
38807 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
38808 terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
38809 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
38810 extensions}. The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
38811
38812 @item O @var{XX}@dots{}
38813 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
38814 written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
38815 while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
38816 for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
38817
38818 @item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
38819 @var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
38820 be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
38821 correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
38822 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
38823 system calls.
38824
38825 @samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
38826 this very system call.
38827
38828 The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
38829 call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
38830 with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
38831 reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
38832 or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
38833 Protocol Extension}, for more details.
38834
38835 @end table
38836
38837 @node General Query Packets
38838 @section General Query Packets
38839 @cindex remote query requests
38840
38841 Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
38842 packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
38843 query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
38844 sending information to and from the stub.
38845
38846 The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
38847 indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
38848 @value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
38849 definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
38850 conventions:
38851
38852 @itemize @bullet
38853 @item
38854 The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
38855 @item
38856 Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
38857 letter.
38858 @item
38859 The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
38860 lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
38861 the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
38862 foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
38863 @end itemize
38864
38865 The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
38866 parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
38867 separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
38868 full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
38869 in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
38870 with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
38871 packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
38872 for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
38873 are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
38874 existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
38875 packet.}.
38876
38877 Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
38878 has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
38879 explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
38880 templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
38881 @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
38882
38883 Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
38884
38885 @table @samp
38886
38887 @item QAgent:1
38888 @itemx QAgent:0
38889 Turn on or off the agent as a helper to perform some debugging operations
38890 delegated from @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Control Agent}).
38891
38892 @item QAllow:@var{op}:@var{val}@dots{}
38893 @cindex @samp{QAllow} packet
38894 Specify which operations @value{GDBN} expects to request of the
38895 target, as a semicolon-separated list of operation name and value
38896 pairs. Possible values for @var{op} include @samp{WriteReg},
38897 @samp{WriteMem}, @samp{InsertBreak}, @samp{InsertTrace},
38898 @samp{InsertFastTrace}, and @samp{Stop}. @var{val} is either 0,
38899 indicating that @value{GDBN} will not request the operation, or 1,
38900 indicating that it may. (The target can then use this to set up its
38901 own internals optimally, for instance if the debugger never expects to
38902 insert breakpoints, it may not need to install its own trap handler.)
38903
38904 @item qC
38905 @cindex current thread, remote request
38906 @cindex @samp{qC} packet
38907 Return the current thread ID.
38908
38909 Reply:
38910 @table @samp
38911 @item QC @var{thread-id}
38912 Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
38913 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
38914 @item @r{(anything else)}
38915 Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
38916 @end table
38917
38918 @item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
38919 @cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
38920 @cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
38921 Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory using CRC-32 defined in
38922 IEEE 802.3. The CRC is computed byte at a time, taking the most
38923 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern code
38924 @code{0xffffffff} is used to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC.
38925
38926 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC used in validating separate debug
38927 files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files, , Debugging Information in Separate
38928 Files}). However the algorithm is slightly different. When validating
38929 separate debug files, the CRC is computed taking the @emph{least}
38930 significant bit of each byte first, and the final result is inverted to
38931 detect trailing zeros.
38932
38933 Reply:
38934 @table @samp
38935 @item E @var{NN}
38936 An error (such as memory fault)
38937 @item C @var{crc32}
38938 The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
38939 @end table
38940
38941 @item QDisableRandomization:@var{value}
38942 @cindex disable address space randomization, remote request
38943 @cindex @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet
38944 Some target operating systems will randomize the virtual address space
38945 of the inferior process as a security feature, but provide a feature
38946 to disable such randomization, e.g.@: to allow for a more deterministic
38947 debugging experience. On such systems, this packet with a @var{value}
38948 of 1 directs the target to disable address space randomization for
38949 processes subsequently started via @samp{vRun} packets, while a packet
38950 with a @var{value} of 0 tells the target to enable address space
38951 randomization.
38952
38953 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
38954
38955 Reply:
38956 @table @samp
38957 @item OK
38958 The request succeeded.
38959
38960 @item E @var{nn}
38961 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
38962
38963 @item @w{}
38964 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QDisableRandomization} is not supported
38965 by the stub.
38966 @end table
38967
38968 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38969 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38970 This should only be done on targets that actually support disabling
38971 address space randomization.
38972
38973 @item qfThreadInfo
38974 @itemx qsThreadInfo
38975 @cindex list active threads, remote request
38976 @cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
38977 @cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
38978 Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
38979 may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
38980 works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
38981 obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
38982 be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
38983 sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
38984
38985 NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
38986
38987 Reply:
38988 @table @samp
38989 @item m @var{thread-id}
38990 A single thread ID
38991 @item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
38992 a comma-separated list of thread IDs
38993 @item l
38994 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
38995 @end table
38996
38997 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
38998 more thread IDs, separated by commas.
38999 @value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
39000 ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
39001 with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for @dfn{last}).
39002 Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
39003 fields.
39004
39005 @item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
39006 @cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
39007 @cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
39008 Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
39009 by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
39010
39011 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
39012 thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
39013
39014 @var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
39015 thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
39016 information associated with the variable.)
39017
39018 @var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
39019 load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
39020 a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
39021 object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
39022 Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
39023 differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
39024
39025 Reply:
39026 @table @samp
39027 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
39028 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
39029 local storage requested.
39030
39031 @item E @var{nn}
39032 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
39033
39034 @item @w{}
39035 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
39036 @end table
39037
39038 @item qGetTIBAddr:@var{thread-id}
39039 @cindex get thread information block address
39040 @cindex @samp{qGetTIBAddr} packet
39041 Fetch address of the Windows OS specific Thread Information Block.
39042
39043 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the thread.
39044
39045 Reply:
39046 @table @samp
39047 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
39048 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the linear address of the
39049 thread information block.
39050
39051 @item E @var{nn}
39052 An error occured. This means that either the thread was not found, or the
39053 address could not be retrieved.
39054
39055 @item @w{}
39056 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTIBAddr} is not supported by the stub.
39057 @end table
39058
39059 @item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
39060 Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
39061 digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
39062 subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
39063 number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
39064 (eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
39065 returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
39066
39067 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
39068
39069 Reply:
39070 @table @samp
39071 @item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
39072 Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
39073 returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
39074 and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
39075 digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
39076 is a sequence of thread IDs from the target. @var{threadid} (eight hex
39077 digits). See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
39078 @end table
39079
39080 @item qOffsets
39081 @cindex section offsets, remote request
39082 @cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
39083 Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
39084 image.
39085
39086 Reply:
39087 @table @samp
39088 @item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
39089 Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
39090 Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
39091 If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
39092 @samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
39093 segments by the supplied offsets.
39094
39095 @emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
39096 @value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
39097 to the @code{Bss} section.}
39098
39099 @item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
39100 Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
39101 contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
39102 @samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
39103 conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
39104 @var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
39105 does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
39106 as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
39107 kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
39108 @end table
39109
39110 @item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
39111 @cindex thread information, remote request
39112 @cindex @samp{qP} packet
39113 Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
39114 encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
39115 (@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
39116
39117 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
39118 (see below).
39119
39120 Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
39121
39122 @item QNonStop:1
39123 @itemx QNonStop:0
39124 @cindex non-stop mode, remote request
39125 @cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
39126 @anchor{QNonStop}
39127 Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
39128 @xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
39129
39130 Reply:
39131 @table @samp
39132 @item OK
39133 The request succeeded.
39134
39135 @item E @var{nn}
39136 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
39137
39138 @item @w{}
39139 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
39140 the stub.
39141 @end table
39142
39143 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39144 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39145 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
39146 @pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
39147
39148 @item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
39149 @cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
39150 @cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
39151 @anchor{QPassSignals}
39152 Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
39153 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
39154 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
39155 strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
39156 the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
39157 reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
39158 combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
39159 new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
39160 @var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
39161
39162 Reply:
39163 @table @samp
39164 @item OK
39165 The request succeeded.
39166
39167 @item E @var{nn}
39168 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
39169
39170 @item @w{}
39171 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
39172 the stub.
39173 @end table
39174
39175 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
39176 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
39177 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39178 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39179
39180 @item QProgramSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
39181 @cindex signals the inferior may see, remote request
39182 @cindex @samp{QProgramSignals} packet
39183 @anchor{QProgramSignals}
39184 Each listed @var{signal} may be delivered to the inferior process.
39185 Others should be silently discarded.
39186
39187 In some cases, the remote stub may need to decide whether to deliver a
39188 signal to the program or not without @value{GDBN} involvement. One
39189 example of that is while detaching --- the program's threads may have
39190 stopped for signals that haven't yet had a chance of being reported to
39191 @value{GDBN}, and so the remote stub can use the signal list specified
39192 by this packet to know whether to deliver or ignore those pending
39193 signals.
39194
39195 This does not influence whether to deliver a signal as requested by a
39196 resumption packet (@pxref{vCont packet}).
39197
39198 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
39199 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
39200 strictly greater than the previous item. Multiple
39201 @samp{QProgramSignals} packets do not combine; any earlier
39202 @samp{QProgramSignals} list is completely replaced by the new list.
39203
39204 Reply:
39205 @table @samp
39206 @item OK
39207 The request succeeded.
39208
39209 @item E @var{nn}
39210 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
39211
39212 @item @w{}
39213 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QProgramSignals} is not supported
39214 by the stub.
39215 @end table
39216
39217 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote program-signals}
39218 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote program-signals}).
39219 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39220 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39221
39222 @item qRcmd,@var{command}
39223 @cindex execute remote command, remote request
39224 @cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
39225 @var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
39226 execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
39227 string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
39228 with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
39229 packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
39230 stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
39231
39232 Reply:
39233 @table @samp
39234 @item OK
39235 A command response with no output.
39236 @item @var{OUTPUT}
39237 A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
39238 @item E @var{NN}
39239 Indicate a badly formed request.
39240 @item @w{}
39241 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
39242 @end table
39243
39244 (Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
39245 command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
39246 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
39247 packets.)
39248
39249 @item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
39250 @cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
39251 @ifnotinfo
39252 @cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
39253 @end ifnotinfo
39254 @cindex @samp{qSearch memory} packet
39255 @anchor{qSearch memory}
39256 Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
39257 @var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex.
39258 @var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, hex encoded.
39259
39260 Reply:
39261 @table @samp
39262 @item 0
39263 The pattern was not found.
39264 @item 1,address
39265 The pattern was found at @var{address}.
39266 @item E @var{NN}
39267 A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
39268 @item @w{}
39269 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
39270 @end table
39271
39272 @item QStartNoAckMode
39273 @cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
39274 @anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
39275 Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
39276 protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
39277
39278 Reply:
39279 @table @samp
39280 @item OK
39281 The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
39282 @value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
39283 but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
39284 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
39285 @item @w{}
39286 An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
39287 @end table
39288
39289 @item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
39290 @cindex supported packets, remote query
39291 @cindex features of the remote protocol
39292 @cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
39293 @anchor{qSupported}
39294 Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
39295 query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
39296 @value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
39297 features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
39298 at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
39299 packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
39300 high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
39301 be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
39302 stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
39303 automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
39304 reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
39305 unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
39306 helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
39307 versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
39308
39309 Reply:
39310 @table @samp
39311 @item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
39312 The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
39313 depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
39314 possible forms).
39315 @item @w{}
39316 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
39317 or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
39318 @end table
39319
39320 The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
39321 @samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
39322 are:
39323
39324 @table @samp
39325 @item @var{name}=@var{value}
39326 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
39327 with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
39328 on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
39329 @item @var{name}+
39330 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
39331 need an associated value.
39332 @item @var{name}-
39333 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
39334 @item @var{name}?
39335 The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
39336 @value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
39337 needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
39338 but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
39339 @end table
39340
39341 Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
39342 supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
39343 request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
39344 state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
39345 a different version of @value{GDBN}.
39346
39347 The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
39348 are defined:
39349
39350 @table @samp
39351 @item multiprocess
39352 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
39353 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
39354 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
39355 including @samp{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
39356 @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
39357
39358 @item xmlRegisters
39359 This feature indicates that @value{GDBN} supports the XML target
39360 description. If the stub sees @samp{xmlRegisters=} with target
39361 specific strings separated by a comma, it will report register
39362 description.
39363
39364 @item qRelocInsn
39365 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the
39366 @samp{qRelocInsn} packet (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
39367 instruction reply packet}).
39368 @end table
39369
39370 Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
39371 @var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
39372 packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
39373 versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
39374 for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
39375 advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
39376 improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
39377 an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
39378 of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
39379 describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
39380 all the features it supports.
39381
39382 Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
39383 responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
39384
39385 Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
39386 should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
39387 require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
39388 form response.
39389
39390 Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
39391 @samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
39392 in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
39393 stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
39394
39395 Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
39396 mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
39397 architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
39398 about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
39399 stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
39400
39401 These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
39402
39403 @multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
39404 @c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
39405 @c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
39406 @item Feature Name
39407 @tab Value Required
39408 @tab Default
39409 @tab Probe Allowed
39410
39411 @item @samp{PacketSize}
39412 @tab Yes
39413 @tab @samp{-}
39414 @tab No
39415
39416 @item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
39417 @tab No
39418 @tab @samp{-}
39419 @tab Yes
39420
39421 @item @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
39422 @tab No
39423 @tab @samp{-}
39424 @tab Yes
39425
39426 @item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
39427 @tab No
39428 @tab @samp{-}
39429 @tab Yes
39430
39431 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
39432 @tab No
39433 @tab @samp{-}
39434 @tab Yes
39435
39436 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read}
39437 @tab No
39438 @tab @samp{-}
39439 @tab Yes
39440
39441 @item @samp{augmented-libraries-svr4-read}
39442 @tab No
39443 @tab @samp{-}
39444 @tab No
39445
39446 @item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
39447 @tab No
39448 @tab @samp{-}
39449 @tab Yes
39450
39451 @item @samp{qXfer:sdata:read}
39452 @tab No
39453 @tab @samp{-}
39454 @tab Yes
39455
39456 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
39457 @tab No
39458 @tab @samp{-}
39459 @tab Yes
39460
39461 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
39462 @tab No
39463 @tab @samp{-}
39464 @tab Yes
39465
39466 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read}
39467 @tab No
39468 @tab @samp{-}
39469 @tab Yes
39470
39471 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write}
39472 @tab No
39473 @tab @samp{-}
39474 @tab Yes
39475
39476 @item @samp{qXfer:threads:read}
39477 @tab No
39478 @tab @samp{-}
39479 @tab Yes
39480
39481 @item @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
39482 @tab No
39483 @tab @samp{-}
39484 @tab Yes
39485
39486 @item @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
39487 @tab No
39488 @tab @samp{-}
39489 @tab Yes
39490
39491 @item @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
39492 @tab No
39493 @tab @samp{-}
39494 @tab Yes
39495
39496 @item @samp{Qbtrace:off}
39497 @tab Yes
39498 @tab @samp{-}
39499 @tab Yes
39500
39501 @item @samp{Qbtrace:bts}
39502 @tab Yes
39503 @tab @samp{-}
39504 @tab Yes
39505
39506 @item @samp{QNonStop}
39507 @tab No
39508 @tab @samp{-}
39509 @tab Yes
39510
39511 @item @samp{QPassSignals}
39512 @tab No
39513 @tab @samp{-}
39514 @tab Yes
39515
39516 @item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
39517 @tab No
39518 @tab @samp{-}
39519 @tab Yes
39520
39521 @item @samp{multiprocess}
39522 @tab No
39523 @tab @samp{-}
39524 @tab No
39525
39526 @item @samp{ConditionalBreakpoints}
39527 @tab No
39528 @tab @samp{-}
39529 @tab No
39530
39531 @item @samp{ConditionalTracepoints}
39532 @tab No
39533 @tab @samp{-}
39534 @tab No
39535
39536 @item @samp{ReverseContinue}
39537 @tab No
39538 @tab @samp{-}
39539 @tab No
39540
39541 @item @samp{ReverseStep}
39542 @tab No
39543 @tab @samp{-}
39544 @tab No
39545
39546 @item @samp{TracepointSource}
39547 @tab No
39548 @tab @samp{-}
39549 @tab No
39550
39551 @item @samp{QAgent}
39552 @tab No
39553 @tab @samp{-}
39554 @tab No
39555
39556 @item @samp{QAllow}
39557 @tab No
39558 @tab @samp{-}
39559 @tab No
39560
39561 @item @samp{QDisableRandomization}
39562 @tab No
39563 @tab @samp{-}
39564 @tab No
39565
39566 @item @samp{EnableDisableTracepoints}
39567 @tab No
39568 @tab @samp{-}
39569 @tab No
39570
39571 @item @samp{QTBuffer:size}
39572 @tab No
39573 @tab @samp{-}
39574 @tab No
39575
39576 @item @samp{tracenz}
39577 @tab No
39578 @tab @samp{-}
39579 @tab No
39580
39581 @item @samp{BreakpointCommands}
39582 @tab No
39583 @tab @samp{-}
39584 @tab No
39585
39586 @end multitable
39587
39588 These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
39589
39590 @table @samp
39591 @cindex packet size, remote protocol
39592 @item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
39593 The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
39594 length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
39595 transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
39596 data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
39597 There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
39598 stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
39599 byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
39600 @value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
39601
39602 @item qXfer:auxv:read
39603 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
39604 (@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
39605
39606 @item qXfer:btrace:read
39607 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
39608 packet (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}).
39609
39610 @item qXfer:features:read
39611 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
39612 (@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
39613
39614 @item qXfer:libraries:read
39615 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
39616 (@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
39617
39618 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read
39619 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
39620 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
39621
39622 @item augmented-libraries-svr4-read
39623 The remote stub understands the augmented form of the
39624 @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
39625 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
39626
39627 @item qXfer:memory-map:read
39628 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
39629 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
39630
39631 @item qXfer:sdata:read
39632 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:sdata:read} packet
39633 (@pxref{qXfer sdata read}).
39634
39635 @item qXfer:spu:read
39636 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
39637 (@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
39638
39639 @item qXfer:spu:write
39640 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
39641 (@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
39642
39643 @item qXfer:siginfo:read
39644 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read} packet
39645 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo read}).
39646
39647 @item qXfer:siginfo:write
39648 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write} packet
39649 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo write}).
39650
39651 @item qXfer:threads:read
39652 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
39653 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}).
39654
39655 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read
39656 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
39657 packet (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}).
39658
39659 @item qXfer:uib:read
39660 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
39661 packet (@pxref{qXfer unwind info block}).
39662
39663 @item qXfer:fdpic:read
39664 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
39665 packet (@pxref{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}).
39666
39667 @item QNonStop
39668 The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
39669 (@pxref{QNonStop}).
39670
39671 @item QPassSignals
39672 The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
39673 (@pxref{QPassSignals}).
39674
39675 @item QStartNoAckMode
39676 The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
39677 prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
39678
39679 @item multiprocess
39680 @anchor{multiprocess extensions}
39681 @cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
39682 The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
39683 protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
39684 thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
39685 add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
39686 replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
39687 syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
39688 debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
39689 multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
39690 indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
39691
39692 @item qXfer:osdata:read
39693 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
39694 ((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
39695
39696 @item ConditionalBreakpoints
39697 The target accepts and implements evaluation of conditional expressions
39698 defined for breakpoints. The target will only report breakpoint triggers
39699 when such conditions are true (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
39700
39701 @item ConditionalTracepoints
39702 The remote stub accepts and implements conditional expressions defined
39703 for tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoint Conditions}).
39704
39705 @item ReverseContinue
39706 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse continue packet
39707 (@pxref{bc}).
39708
39709 @item ReverseStep
39710 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse step packet
39711 (@pxref{bs}).
39712
39713 @item TracepointSource
39714 The remote stub understands the @samp{QTDPsrc} packet that supplies
39715 the source form of tracepoint definitions.
39716
39717 @item QAgent
39718 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAgent} packet.
39719
39720 @item QAllow
39721 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAllow} packet.
39722
39723 @item QDisableRandomization
39724 The remote stub understands the @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet.
39725
39726 @item StaticTracepoint
39727 @cindex static tracepoints, in remote protocol
39728 The remote stub supports static tracepoints.
39729
39730 @item InstallInTrace
39731 @anchor{install tracepoint in tracing}
39732 The remote stub supports installing tracepoint in tracing.
39733
39734 @item EnableDisableTracepoints
39735 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTEnable} (@pxref{QTEnable}) and
39736 @samp{QTDisable} (@pxref{QTDisable}) packets that allow tracepoints
39737 to be enabled and disabled while a trace experiment is running.
39738
39739 @item QTBuffer:size
39740 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTBuffer:size} (@pxref{QTBuffer-size})
39741 packet that allows to change the size of the trace buffer.
39742
39743 @item tracenz
39744 @cindex string tracing, in remote protocol
39745 The remote stub supports the @samp{tracenz} bytecode for collecting strings.
39746 See @ref{Bytecode Descriptions} for details about the bytecode.
39747
39748 @item BreakpointCommands
39749 @cindex breakpoint commands, in remote protocol
39750 The remote stub supports running a breakpoint's command list itself,
39751 rather than reporting the hit to @value{GDBN}.
39752
39753 @item Qbtrace:off
39754 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:off} packet.
39755
39756 @item Qbtrace:bts
39757 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:bts} packet.
39758
39759 @end table
39760
39761 @item qSymbol::
39762 @cindex symbol lookup, remote request
39763 @cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
39764 Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
39765 requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
39766
39767 Reply:
39768 @table @samp
39769 @item OK
39770 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
39771 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
39772 The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
39773 @value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
39774 @samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
39775 below.
39776 @end table
39777
39778 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
39779 Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
39780
39781 @var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
39782 target has previously requested.
39783
39784 @var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
39785 @value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
39786 will be empty.
39787
39788 Reply:
39789 @table @samp
39790 @item OK
39791 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
39792 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
39793 The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
39794 encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
39795 (if available), until the target ceases to request them.
39796 @end table
39797
39798 @item qTBuffer
39799 @itemx QTBuffer
39800 @itemx QTDisconnected
39801 @itemx QTDP
39802 @itemx QTDPsrc
39803 @itemx QTDV
39804 @itemx qTfP
39805 @itemx qTfV
39806 @itemx QTFrame
39807 @itemx qTMinFTPILen
39808
39809 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
39810
39811 @item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
39812 @cindex thread attributes info, remote request
39813 @cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
39814 Obtain a printable string description of a thread's attributes from
39815 the target OS. @var{thread-id} is a thread ID;
39816 see @ref{thread-id syntax}. This
39817 string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
39818 for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
39819 displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
39820 examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
39821 @samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
39822
39823 Reply:
39824 @table @samp
39825 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
39826 Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
39827 comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
39828 the thread's attributes.
39829 @end table
39830
39831 (Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
39832 the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
39833 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
39834 packets.)
39835
39836 @item QTNotes
39837 @itemx qTP
39838 @itemx QTSave
39839 @itemx qTsP
39840 @itemx qTsV
39841 @itemx QTStart
39842 @itemx QTStop
39843 @itemx QTEnable
39844 @itemx QTDisable
39845 @itemx QTinit
39846 @itemx QTro
39847 @itemx qTStatus
39848 @itemx qTV
39849 @itemx qTfSTM
39850 @itemx qTsSTM
39851 @itemx qTSTMat
39852 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
39853
39854 @item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39855 @cindex read special object, remote request
39856 @cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
39857 @anchor{qXfer read}
39858 Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
39859 identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
39860 starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
39861 encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
39862 additional details about what data to access.
39863
39864 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
39865 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
39866 formats, listed below.
39867
39868 @table @samp
39869 @item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39870 @anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
39871 Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
39872 auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
39873
39874 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39875 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39876
39877 @item qXfer:btrace:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39878 @anchor{qXfer btrace read}
39879
39880 Return a description of the current branch trace.
39881 @xref{Branch Trace Format}. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer}
39882 packet may have one of the following values:
39883
39884 @table @code
39885 @item all
39886 Returns all available branch trace.
39887
39888 @item new
39889 Returns all available branch trace if the branch trace changed since
39890 the last read request.
39891 @end table
39892
39893 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it
39894 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39895
39896 @item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39897 @anchor{qXfer target description read}
39898 Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
39899 annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
39900 always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
39901
39902 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39903 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39904
39905 @item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39906 @anchor{qXfer library list read}
39907 Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
39908 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
39909 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
39910
39911 Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
39912 not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
39913 the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
39914
39915 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39916 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39917
39918 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39919 @anchor{qXfer svr4 library list read}
39920 Access the target's list of loaded libraries when the target is an SVR4
39921 platform. @xref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets}. The annex part
39922 of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty unless the remote
39923 stub indicated it supports the augmented form of this packet
39924 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
39925 (@pxref{qXfer read}, @ref{qSupported}).
39926
39927 This packet is optional for better performance on SVR4 targets.
39928 @value{GDBN} uses memory read packets to read the SVR4 library list otherwise.
39929
39930 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39931 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39932
39933 If the remote stub indicates it supports the augmented form of this
39934 packet then the annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet may
39935 contain a semicolon-separated list of @samp{@var{name}=@var{value}}
39936 arguments. The currently supported arguments are:
39937
39938 @table @code
39939 @item start=@var{address}
39940 A hexadecimal number specifying the address of the @samp{struct
39941 link_map} to start reading the library list from. If unset or zero
39942 then the first @samp{struct link_map} in the library list will be
39943 chosen as the starting point.
39944
39945 @item prev=@var{address}
39946 A hexadecimal number specifying the address of the @samp{struct
39947 link_map} immediately preceding the @samp{struct link_map}
39948 specified by the @samp{start} argument. If unset or zero then
39949 the remote stub will expect that no @samp{struct link_map}
39950 exists prior to the starting point.
39951
39952 @end table
39953
39954 Arguments that are not understood by the remote stub will be silently
39955 ignored.
39956
39957 @item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39958 @anchor{qXfer memory map read}
39959 Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
39960 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
39961 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
39962
39963 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39964 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39965
39966 @item qXfer:sdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39967 @anchor{qXfer sdata read}
39968
39969 Read contents of the extra collected static tracepoint marker
39970 information. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must
39971 be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}). @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint
39972 Action Lists}.
39973
39974 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39975 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
39976 (@pxref{qSupported}).
39977
39978 @item qXfer:siginfo:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39979 @anchor{qXfer siginfo read}
39980 Read contents of the extra signal information on the target
39981 system. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
39982 empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
39983
39984 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39985 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
39986 (@pxref{qSupported}).
39987
39988 @item qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39989 @anchor{qXfer spu read}
39990 Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
39991 annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
39992 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
39993 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
39994 in that context to be accessed.
39995
39996 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39997 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
39998 (@pxref{qSupported}).
39999
40000 @item qXfer:threads:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
40001 @anchor{qXfer threads read}
40002 Access the list of threads on target. @xref{Thread List Format}. The
40003 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
40004 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
40005
40006 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
40007 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
40008
40009 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
40010 @anchor{qXfer traceframe info read}
40011
40012 Return a description of the current traceframe's contents.
40013 @xref{Traceframe Info Format}. The annex part of the generic
40014 @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
40015
40016 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
40017 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
40018
40019 @item qXfer:uib:read:@var{pc}:@var{offset},@var{length}
40020 @anchor{qXfer unwind info block}
40021
40022 Return the unwind information block for @var{pc}. This packet is used
40023 on OpenVMS/ia64 to ask the kernel unwind information.
40024
40025 This packet is not probed by default.
40026
40027 @item qXfer:fdpic:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
40028 @anchor{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}
40029 Read contents of @code{loadmap}s on the target system. The
40030 annex, either @samp{exec} or @samp{interp}, specifies which @code{loadmap},
40031 executable @code{loadmap} or interpreter @code{loadmap} to read.
40032
40033 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
40034 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
40035
40036 @item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
40037 @anchor{qXfer osdata read}
40038 Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
40039 @xref{Operating System Information}.
40040
40041 @end table
40042
40043 Reply:
40044 @table @samp
40045 @item m @var{data}
40046 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
40047 target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
40048 it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
40049 block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
40050 @var{data} may have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
40051 request.
40052
40053 @item l @var{data}
40054 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
40055 There is no more data to be read. @var{data} may have fewer bytes
40056 than the @var{length} in the request.
40057
40058 @item l
40059 The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
40060 There is no more data to be read.
40061
40062 @item E00
40063 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
40064
40065 @item E @var{nn}
40066 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
40067 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
40068
40069 @item @w{}
40070 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
40071 the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
40072 @end table
40073
40074 @item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
40075 @cindex write data into object, remote request
40076 @anchor{qXfer write}
40077 Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
40078 identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
40079 into the data. @var{data}@dots{} is the binary-encoded data
40080 (@pxref{Binary Data}) to be written. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
40081 is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
40082 to access.
40083
40084 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
40085 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
40086 formats, listed below.
40087
40088 @table @samp
40089 @item qXfer:siginfo:write::@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
40090 @anchor{qXfer siginfo write}
40091 Write @var{data} to the extra signal information on the target system.
40092 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
40093 empty (@pxref{qXfer write}).
40094
40095 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
40096 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
40097 (@pxref{qSupported}).
40098
40099 @item qXfer:spu:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
40100 @anchor{qXfer spu write}
40101 Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
40102 annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
40103 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
40104 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
40105 in that context to be accessed.
40106
40107 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
40108 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
40109 @end table
40110
40111 Reply:
40112 @table @samp
40113 @item @var{nn}
40114 @var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
40115 This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
40116
40117 @item E00
40118 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
40119
40120 @item E @var{nn}
40121 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
40122 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
40123
40124 @item @w{}
40125 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
40126 recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
40127 @end table
40128
40129 @item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
40130 Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
40131 not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
40132 @var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
40133 must respond with an empty packet.
40134
40135 @item qAttached:@var{pid}
40136 @cindex query attached, remote request
40137 @cindex @samp{qAttached} packet
40138 Return an indication of whether the remote server attached to an
40139 existing process or created a new process. When the multiprocess
40140 protocol extensions are supported (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}),
40141 @var{pid} is an integer in hexadecimal format identifying the target
40142 process. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will omit the @var{pid} field and
40143 the query packet will be simplified as @samp{qAttached}.
40144
40145 This query is used, for example, to know whether the remote process
40146 should be detached or killed when a @value{GDBN} session is ended with
40147 the @code{quit} command.
40148
40149 Reply:
40150 @table @samp
40151 @item 1
40152 The remote server attached to an existing process.
40153 @item 0
40154 The remote server created a new process.
40155 @item E @var{NN}
40156 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
40157 @end table
40158
40159 @item Qbtrace:bts
40160 Enable branch tracing for the current thread using bts tracing.
40161
40162 Reply:
40163 @table @samp
40164 @item OK
40165 Branch tracing has been enabled.
40166 @item E.errtext
40167 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
40168 @end table
40169
40170 @item Qbtrace:off
40171 Disable branch tracing for the current thread.
40172
40173 Reply:
40174 @table @samp
40175 @item OK
40176 Branch tracing has been disabled.
40177 @item E.errtext
40178 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
40179 @end table
40180
40181 @end table
40182
40183 @node Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
40184 @section Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
40185
40186 This section describes how the remote protocol is applied to specific
40187 target architectures. Also see @ref{Standard Target Features}, for
40188 details of XML target descriptions for each architecture.
40189
40190 @menu
40191 * ARM-Specific Protocol Details::
40192 * MIPS-Specific Protocol Details::
40193 @end menu
40194
40195 @node ARM-Specific Protocol Details
40196 @subsection @acronym{ARM}-specific Protocol Details
40197
40198 @menu
40199 * ARM Breakpoint Kinds::
40200 @end menu
40201
40202 @node ARM Breakpoint Kinds
40203 @subsubsection @acronym{ARM} Breakpoint Kinds
40204 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{ARM}
40205
40206 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
40207
40208 @table @r
40209
40210 @item 2
40211 16-bit Thumb mode breakpoint.
40212
40213 @item 3
40214 32-bit Thumb mode (Thumb-2) breakpoint.
40215
40216 @item 4
40217 32-bit @acronym{ARM} mode breakpoint.
40218
40219 @end table
40220
40221 @node MIPS-Specific Protocol Details
40222 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}-specific Protocol Details
40223
40224 @menu
40225 * MIPS Register packet Format::
40226 * MIPS Breakpoint Kinds::
40227 @end menu
40228
40229 @node MIPS Register packet Format
40230 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Register Packet Format
40231 @cindex register packet format, @acronym{MIPS}
40232
40233 The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
40234 In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
40235 sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
40236 to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
40237 byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
40238 most-significant -- least-significant.
40239
40240 @table @r
40241
40242 @item MIPS32
40243 All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
40244 32 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
40245 registers; fsr; fir; fp.
40246
40247 @item MIPS64
40248 All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
40249 thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
40250 as @code{MIPS32}.
40251
40252 @end table
40253
40254 @node MIPS Breakpoint Kinds
40255 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Breakpoint Kinds
40256 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{MIPS}
40257
40258 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
40259
40260 @table @r
40261
40262 @item 2
40263 16-bit @acronym{MIPS16} mode breakpoint.
40264
40265 @item 3
40266 16-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
40267
40268 @item 4
40269 32-bit standard @acronym{MIPS} mode breakpoint.
40270
40271 @item 5
40272 32-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
40273
40274 @end table
40275
40276 @node Tracepoint Packets
40277 @section Tracepoint Packets
40278 @cindex tracepoint packets
40279 @cindex packets, tracepoint
40280
40281 Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
40282 tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
40283
40284 @table @samp
40285
40286 @item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}[:F@var{flen}][:X@var{len},@var{bytes}]@r{[}-@r{]}
40287 @cindex @samp{QTDP} packet
40288 Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
40289 is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
40290 the tracepoint is disabled. @var{step} is the tracepoint's step
40291 count, and @var{pass} is its pass count. If an @samp{F} is present,
40292 then the tracepoint is to be a fast tracepoint, and the @var{flen} is
40293 the number of bytes that the target should copy elsewhere to make room
40294 for the tracepoint. If an @samp{X} is present, it introduces a
40295 tracepoint condition, which consists of a hexadecimal length, followed
40296 by a comma and hex-encoded bytes, in a manner similar to action
40297 encodings as described below. If the trailing @samp{-} is present,
40298 further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this tracepoint's
40299 actions.
40300
40301 Replies:
40302 @table @samp
40303 @item OK
40304 The packet was understood and carried out.
40305 @item qRelocInsn
40306 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
40307 @item @w{}
40308 The packet was not recognized.
40309 @end table
40310
40311 @item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
40312 Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. @var{n} and
40313 @var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
40314 this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
40315 another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
40316 trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
40317 specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
40318
40319 In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
40320 can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
40321 is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
40322 actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
40323 taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
40324 @samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
40325 tracepoint actions.
40326
40327 The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
40328 actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
40329 following forms:
40330
40331 @table @samp
40332
40333 @item R @var{mask}
40334 Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask}. @var{mask} is
40335 a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
40336 @var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
40337 zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
40338 not fit in a 32-bit word.
40339
40340 @item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
40341 Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
40342 number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
40343 @samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
40344 address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
40345 @var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
40346 values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
40347
40348 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
40349 Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
40350 it directs. @var{expr} is an agent expression, as described in
40351 @ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
40352 two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
40353 in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
40354 packet).
40355
40356 @end table
40357
40358 Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
40359 packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
40360 length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
40361 action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
40362 actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
40363 must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
40364 ``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
40365 separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
40366
40367 Replies:
40368 @table @samp
40369 @item OK
40370 The packet was understood and carried out.
40371 @item qRelocInsn
40372 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
40373 @item @w{}
40374 The packet was not recognized.
40375 @end table
40376
40377 @item QTDPsrc:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{type}:@var{start}:@var{slen}:@var{bytes}
40378 @cindex @samp{QTDPsrc} packet
40379 Specify a source string of tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr}.
40380 This is useful to get accurate reproduction of the tracepoints
40381 originally downloaded at the beginning of the trace run. @var{type}
40382 is the name of the tracepoint part, such as @samp{cond} for the
40383 tracepoint's conditional expression (see below for a list of types), while
40384 @var{bytes} is the string, encoded in hexadecimal.
40385
40386 @var{start} is the offset of the @var{bytes} within the overall source
40387 string, while @var{slen} is the total length of the source string.
40388 This is intended for handling source strings that are longer than will
40389 fit in a single packet.
40390 @c Add detailed example when this info is moved into a dedicated
40391 @c tracepoint descriptions section.
40392
40393 The available string types are @samp{at} for the location,
40394 @samp{cond} for the conditional, and @samp{cmd} for an action command.
40395 @value{GDBN} sends a separate packet for each command in the action
40396 list, in the same order in which the commands are stored in the list.
40397
40398 The target does not need to do anything with source strings except
40399 report them back as part of the replies to the @samp{qTfP}/@samp{qTsP}
40400 query packets.
40401
40402 Although this packet is optional, and @value{GDBN} will only send it
40403 if the target replies with @samp{TracepointSource} @xref{General
40404 Query Packets}, it makes both disconnected tracing and trace files
40405 much easier to use. Otherwise the user must be careful that the
40406 tracepoints in effect while looking at trace frames are identical to
40407 the ones in effect during the trace run; even a small discrepancy
40408 could cause @samp{tdump} not to work, or a particular trace frame not
40409 be found.
40410
40411 @item QTDV:@var{n}:@var{value}
40412 @cindex define trace state variable, remote request
40413 @cindex @samp{QTDV} packet
40414 Create a new trace state variable, number @var{n}, with an initial
40415 value of @var{value}, which is a 64-bit signed integer. Both @var{n}
40416 and @var{value} are encoded as hexadecimal values. @value{GDBN} has
40417 the option of not using this packet for initial values of zero; the
40418 target should simply create the trace state variables as they are
40419 mentioned in expressions.
40420
40421 @item QTFrame:@var{n}
40422 @cindex @samp{QTFrame} packet
40423 Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
40424 register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
40425 request packets from @value{GDBN}.
40426
40427 A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
40428 requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
40429 without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
40430 one of the following forms:
40431
40432 @table @samp
40433 @item F @var{f}
40434 The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
40435 @var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
40436 was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
40437
40438 @item T @var{t}
40439 The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
40440 @var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
40441
40442 @end table
40443
40444 @item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
40445 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
40446 currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
40447 @var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
40448
40449 @item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
40450 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
40451 currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
40452 is a hexadecimal number.
40453
40454 @item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
40455 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
40456 currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
40457 and @var{end} (inclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
40458 numbers.
40459
40460 @item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
40461 Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
40462 frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses (exclusive).
40463
40464 @item qTMinFTPILen
40465 @cindex @samp{qTMinFTPILen} packet
40466 This packet requests the minimum length of instruction at which a fast
40467 tracepoint (@pxref{Set Tracepoints}) may be placed. For instance, on
40468 the 32-bit x86 architecture, it is possible to use a 4-byte jump, but
40469 it depends on the target system being able to create trampolines in
40470 the first 64K of memory, which might or might not be possible for that
40471 system. So the reply to this packet will be 4 if it is able to
40472 arrange for that.
40473
40474 Replies:
40475
40476 @table @samp
40477 @item 0
40478 The minimum instruction length is currently unknown.
40479 @item @var{length}
40480 The minimum instruction length is @var{length}, where @var{length} is greater
40481 or equal to 1. @var{length} is a hexadecimal number. A reply of 1 means
40482 that a fast tracepoint may be placed on any instruction regardless of size.
40483 @item E
40484 An error has occurred.
40485 @item @w{}
40486 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the stub.
40487 @end table
40488
40489 @item QTStart
40490 @cindex @samp{QTStart} packet
40491 Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from
40492 tracepoint hits in the trace frame buffer. This packet supports the
40493 @samp{qRelocInsn} reply (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
40494 instruction reply packet}).
40495
40496 @item QTStop
40497 @cindex @samp{QTStop} packet
40498 End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
40499
40500 @item QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
40501 @anchor{QTEnable}
40502 @cindex @samp{QTEnable} packet
40503 Enable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
40504 experiment. If the tracepoint was previously disabled, then collection
40505 of data from it will resume.
40506
40507 @item QTDisable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
40508 @anchor{QTDisable}
40509 @cindex @samp{QTDisable} packet
40510 Disable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
40511 experiment. No more data will be collected from the tracepoint unless
40512 @samp{QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}} is subsequently issued.
40513
40514 @item QTinit
40515 @cindex @samp{QTinit} packet
40516 Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
40517
40518 @item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
40519 @cindex @samp{QTro} packet
40520 Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
40521 will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
40522 if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
40523
40524 @value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
40525 containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
40526 still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
40527 there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
40528
40529 @item QTDisconnected:@var{value}
40530 @cindex @samp{QTDisconnected} packet
40531 Set the choice to what to do with the tracing run when @value{GDBN}
40532 disconnects from the target. A @var{value} of 1 directs the target to
40533 continue the tracing run, while 0 tells the target to stop tracing if
40534 @value{GDBN} is no longer in the picture.
40535
40536 @item qTStatus
40537 @cindex @samp{qTStatus} packet
40538 Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
40539
40540 The reply has the form:
40541
40542 @table @samp
40543
40544 @item T@var{running}@r{[};@var{field}@r{]}@dots{}
40545 @var{running} is a single digit @code{1} if the trace is presently
40546 running, or @code{0} if not. It is followed by semicolon-separated
40547 optional fields that an agent may use to report additional status.
40548
40549 @end table
40550
40551 If the trace is not running, the agent may report any of several
40552 explanations as one of the optional fields:
40553
40554 @table @samp
40555
40556 @item tnotrun:0
40557 No trace has been run yet.
40558
40559 @item tstop[:@var{text}]:0
40560 The trace was stopped by a user-originated stop command. The optional
40561 @var{text} field is a user-supplied string supplied as part of the
40562 stop command (for instance, an explanation of why the trace was
40563 stopped manually). It is hex-encoded.
40564
40565 @item tfull:0
40566 The trace stopped because the trace buffer filled up.
40567
40568 @item tdisconnected:0
40569 The trace stopped because @value{GDBN} disconnected from the target.
40570
40571 @item tpasscount:@var{tpnum}
40572 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} exceeded its pass count.
40573
40574 @item terror:@var{text}:@var{tpnum}
40575 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} had an error. The
40576 string @var{text} is available to describe the nature of the error
40577 (for instance, a divide by zero in the condition expression).
40578 @var{text} is hex encoded.
40579
40580 @item tunknown:0
40581 The trace stopped for some other reason.
40582
40583 @end table
40584
40585 Additional optional fields supply statistical and other information.
40586 Although not required, they are extremely useful for users monitoring
40587 the progress of a trace run. If a trace has stopped, and these
40588 numbers are reported, they must reflect the state of the just-stopped
40589 trace.
40590
40591 @table @samp
40592
40593 @item tframes:@var{n}
40594 The number of trace frames in the buffer.
40595
40596 @item tcreated:@var{n}
40597 The total number of trace frames created during the run. This may
40598 be larger than the trace frame count, if the buffer is circular.
40599
40600 @item tsize:@var{n}
40601 The total size of the trace buffer, in bytes.
40602
40603 @item tfree:@var{n}
40604 The number of bytes still unused in the buffer.
40605
40606 @item circular:@var{n}
40607 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
40608 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
40609 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
40610 and may fill up.
40611
40612 @item disconn:@var{n}
40613 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
40614 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
40615 that the trace run will stop.
40616
40617 @end table
40618
40619 @item qTP:@var{tp}:@var{addr}
40620 @cindex tracepoint status, remote request
40621 @cindex @samp{qTP} packet
40622 Ask the stub for the current state of tracepoint number @var{tp} at
40623 address @var{addr}.
40624
40625 Replies:
40626 @table @samp
40627 @item V@var{hits}:@var{usage}
40628 The tracepoint has been hit @var{hits} times so far during the trace
40629 run, and accounts for @var{usage} in the trace buffer. Note that
40630 @code{while-stepping} steps are not counted as separate hits, but the
40631 steps' space consumption is added into the usage number.
40632
40633 @end table
40634
40635 @item qTV:@var{var}
40636 @cindex trace state variable value, remote request
40637 @cindex @samp{qTV} packet
40638 Ask the stub for the value of the trace state variable number @var{var}.
40639
40640 Replies:
40641 @table @samp
40642 @item V@var{value}
40643 The value of the variable is @var{value}. This will be the current
40644 value of the variable if the user is examining a running target, or a
40645 saved value if the variable was collected in the trace frame that the
40646 user is looking at. Note that multiple requests may result in
40647 different reply values, such as when requesting values while the
40648 program is running.
40649
40650 @item U
40651 The value of the variable is unknown. This would occur, for example,
40652 if the user is examining a trace frame in which the requested variable
40653 was not collected.
40654 @end table
40655
40656 @item qTfP
40657 @cindex @samp{qTfP} packet
40658 @itemx qTsP
40659 @cindex @samp{qTsP} packet
40660 These packets request data about tracepoints that are being used by
40661 the target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfP} to get the first piece
40662 of data, and multiple @code{qTsP} to get additional pieces. Replies
40663 to these packets generally take the form of the @code{QTDP} packets
40664 that define tracepoints. (FIXME add detailed syntax)
40665
40666 @item qTfV
40667 @cindex @samp{qTfV} packet
40668 @itemx qTsV
40669 @cindex @samp{qTsV} packet
40670 These packets request data about trace state variables that are on the
40671 target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfV} to get the first vari of data,
40672 and multiple @code{qTsV} to get additional variables. Replies to
40673 these packets follow the syntax of the @code{QTDV} packets that define
40674 trace state variables.
40675
40676 @item qTfSTM
40677 @itemx qTsSTM
40678 @anchor{qTfSTM}
40679 @anchor{qTsSTM}
40680 @cindex @samp{qTfSTM} packet
40681 @cindex @samp{qTsSTM} packet
40682 These packets request data about static tracepoint markers that exist
40683 in the target program. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfSTM} to get the
40684 first piece of data, and multiple @code{qTsSTM} to get additional
40685 pieces. Replies to these packets take the following form:
40686
40687 Reply:
40688 @table @samp
40689 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}
40690 A single marker
40691 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra},@var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}@dots{}
40692 a comma-separated list of markers
40693 @item l
40694 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
40695 @item E @var{nn}
40696 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
40697 @item @w{}
40698 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the
40699 stub.
40700 @end table
40701
40702 @var{address} is encoded in hex.
40703 @var{id} and @var{extra} are strings encoded in hex.
40704
40705 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
40706 more markers, separated by commas. @value{GDBN} will respond to each
40707 reply with a request for more markers (using the @samp{qs} form of the
40708 query), until the target responds with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for
40709 @dfn{last}).
40710
40711 @item qTSTMat:@var{address}
40712 @anchor{qTSTMat}
40713 @cindex @samp{qTSTMat} packet
40714 This packets requests data about static tracepoint markers in the
40715 target program at @var{address}. Replies to this packet follow the
40716 syntax of the @samp{qTfSTM} and @code{qTsSTM} packets that list static
40717 tracepoint markers.
40718
40719 @item QTSave:@var{filename}
40720 @cindex @samp{QTSave} packet
40721 This packet directs the target to save trace data to the file name
40722 @var{filename} in the target's filesystem. @var{filename} is encoded
40723 as a hex string; the interpretation of the file name (relative vs
40724 absolute, wild cards, etc) is up to the target.
40725
40726 @item qTBuffer:@var{offset},@var{len}
40727 @cindex @samp{qTBuffer} packet
40728 Return up to @var{len} bytes of the current contents of trace buffer,
40729 starting at @var{offset}. The trace buffer is treated as if it were
40730 a contiguous collection of traceframes, as per the trace file format.
40731 The reply consists as many hex-encoded bytes as the target can deliver
40732 in a packet; it is not an error to return fewer than were asked for.
40733 A reply consisting of just @code{l} indicates that no bytes are
40734 available.
40735
40736 @item QTBuffer:circular:@var{value}
40737 This packet directs the target to use a circular trace buffer if
40738 @var{value} is 1, or a linear buffer if the value is 0.
40739
40740 @item QTBuffer:size:@var{size}
40741 @anchor{QTBuffer-size}
40742 @cindex @samp{QTBuffer size} packet
40743 This packet directs the target to make the trace buffer be of size
40744 @var{size} if possible. A value of @code{-1} tells the target to
40745 use whatever size it prefers.
40746
40747 @item QTNotes:@r{[}@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@r{[};@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@dots{}
40748 @cindex @samp{QTNotes} packet
40749 This packet adds optional textual notes to the trace run. Allowable
40750 types include @code{user}, @code{notes}, and @code{tstop}, the
40751 @var{text} fields are arbitrary strings, hex-encoded.
40752
40753 @end table
40754
40755 @subsection Relocate instruction reply packet
40756 When installing fast tracepoints in memory, the target may need to
40757 relocate the instruction currently at the tracepoint address to a
40758 different address in memory. For most instructions, a simple copy is
40759 enough, but, for example, call instructions that implicitly push the
40760 return address on the stack, and relative branches or other
40761 PC-relative instructions require offset adjustment, so that the effect
40762 of executing the instruction at a different address is the same as if
40763 it had executed in the original location.
40764
40765 In response to several of the tracepoint packets, the target may also
40766 respond with a number of intermediate @samp{qRelocInsn} request
40767 packets before the final result packet, to have @value{GDBN} handle
40768 this relocation operation. If a packet supports this mechanism, its
40769 documentation will explicitly say so. See for example the above
40770 descriptions for the @samp{QTStart} and @samp{QTDP} packets. The
40771 format of the request is:
40772
40773 @table @samp
40774 @item qRelocInsn:@var{from};@var{to}
40775
40776 This requests @value{GDBN} to copy instruction at address @var{from}
40777 to address @var{to}, possibly adjusted so that executing the
40778 instruction at @var{to} has the same effect as executing it at
40779 @var{from}. @value{GDBN} writes the adjusted instruction to target
40780 memory starting at @var{to}.
40781 @end table
40782
40783 Replies:
40784 @table @samp
40785 @item qRelocInsn:@var{adjusted_size}
40786 Informs the stub the relocation is complete. @var{adjusted_size} is
40787 the length in bytes of resulting relocated instruction sequence.
40788 @item E @var{NN}
40789 A badly formed request was detected, or an error was encountered while
40790 relocating the instruction.
40791 @end table
40792
40793 @node Host I/O Packets
40794 @section Host I/O Packets
40795 @cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
40796 @cindex file transfer, remote protocol
40797
40798 The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
40799 operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
40800 used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
40801 filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
40802 layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
40803 Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
40804 protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
40805 Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
40806 target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
40807 Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
40808
40809 The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
40810 its arguments. They have this format:
40811
40812 @table @samp
40813
40814 @item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
40815 @var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
40816 should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
40817 for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
40818 the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
40819 numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
40820 used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
40821 hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
40822 buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
40823
40824 @end table
40825
40826 The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
40827
40828 @table @samp
40829
40830 @item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
40831 @var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
40832 non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
40833 @var{errno} will be included in the result. @var{errno} will have a
40834 value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
40835 operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
40836 binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
40837 normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
40838 documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
40839 @var{attachment}.
40840
40841 @item @w{}
40842 An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
40843
40844 @end table
40845
40846 These are the supported Host I/O operations:
40847
40848 @table @samp
40849 @item vFile:open: @var{pathname}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
40850 Open a file at @var{pathname} and return a file descriptor for it, or
40851 return -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string,
40852 @var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
40853 (@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
40854 of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
40855 @xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
40856
40857 @item vFile:close: @var{fd}
40858 Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
40859 -1 if an error occurs.
40860
40861 @item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
40862 Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
40863 @var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
40864 relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
40865 common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
40866 condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
40867 returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
40868 @var{count} was zero.
40869
40870 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
40871 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
40872 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
40873 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
40874 some characters were escaped.
40875
40876 @item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
40877 Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
40878 to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
40879 file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
40880 separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
40881 packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
40882 which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
40883 error occurred.
40884
40885 @item vFile:unlink: @var{pathname}
40886 Delete the file at @var{pathname} on the target. Return 0,
40887 or -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string.
40888
40889 @item vFile:readlink: @var{filename}
40890 Read value of symbolic link @var{filename} on the target. Return
40891 the number of bytes read, or -1 if an error occurs.
40892
40893 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
40894 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
40895 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
40896 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
40897 some characters were escaped.
40898
40899 @end table
40900
40901 @node Interrupts
40902 @section Interrupts
40903 @cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
40904
40905 When a program on the remote target is running, @value{GDBN} may
40906 attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or
40907 a @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g},
40908 control of which is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{interrupt-sequence}.
40909
40910 The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
40911 mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
40912 currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
40913 interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
40914 @code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
40915
40916 @samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
40917 transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
40918 @code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
40919 the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
40920 transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
40921 and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
40922 (@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
40923 @code{0x03} as part of its packet.
40924
40925 @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g} is also known as Magic SysRq g.
40926 When Linux kernel receives this sequence from serial port,
40927 it stops execution and connects to gdb.
40928
40929 Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
40930 precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
40931 implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
40932 threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
40933 currently-executing threads and processes.
40934 If the stub is successful at interrupting the
40935 running program, it should send one of the stop
40936 reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
40937 of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
40938 for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
40939 Interrupts received while the
40940 program is stopped are discarded.
40941
40942 @node Notification Packets
40943 @section Notification Packets
40944 @cindex notification packets
40945 @cindex packets, notification
40946
40947 The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
40948 packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
40949 may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
40950 present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
40951 without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
40952 are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
40953 is not a problem.
40954
40955 A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
40956 @var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
40957 and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
40958 as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
40959 never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
40960 receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
40961 to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
40962
40963 Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
40964 colon characters, followed by a colon character.
40965
40966 Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
40967 notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
40968 timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
40969 not they understand it.
40970
40971 Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
40972 protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
40973 future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
40974 new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
40975 recipients.
40976
40977 (Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
40978 the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
40979 transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
40980 are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
40981 assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
40982
40983 Each notification is comprised of three parts:
40984 @table @samp
40985 @item @var{name}:@var{event}
40986 The notification packet is sent by the side that initiates the
40987 exchange (currently, only the stub does that), with @var{event}
40988 carrying the specific information about the notification.
40989 @var{name} is the name of the notification.
40990 @item @var{ack}
40991 The acknowledge sent by the other side, usually @value{GDBN}, to
40992 acknowledge the exchange and request the event.
40993 @end table
40994
40995 The purpose of an asynchronous notification mechanism is to report to
40996 @value{GDBN} that something interesting happened in the remote stub.
40997
40998 The remote stub may send notification @var{name}:@var{event}
40999 at any time, but @value{GDBN} acknowledges the notification when
41000 appropriate. The notification event is pending before @value{GDBN}
41001 acknowledges. Only one notification at a time may be pending; if
41002 additional events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
41003 previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
41004 synchronous transmission in response to @var{ack} packets from
41005 @value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
41006 the stub is permitted to resend a notification if it believes
41007 @value{GDBN} may not have received it.
41008
41009 Specifically, notifications may appear when @value{GDBN} is not
41010 otherwise reading input from the stub, or when @value{GDBN} is
41011 expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
41012 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
41013 Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
41014 the stub so there is no ambiguity.
41015
41016 After receiving a notification, @value{GDBN} shall acknowledge it by
41017 sending a @var{ack} packet as a regular, synchronous request to the
41018 stub. Such acknowledgment is not required to happen immediately, as
41019 @value{GDBN} is permitted to send other, unrelated packets to the
41020 stub first, which the stub should process normally.
41021
41022 Upon receiving a @var{ack} packet, if the stub has other queued
41023 events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
41024 normal @var{event}. @value{GDBN} shall then send another @var{ack}
41025 packet to solicit further responses; again, it is permitted to send
41026 other, unrelated packets as well which the stub should process
41027 normally.
41028
41029 If the stub receives a @var{ack} packet and there are no additional
41030 @var{event} to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK} response.
41031 At this point, @value{GDBN} has finished processing a notification
41032 and the stub has completed sending any queued events. @value{GDBN}
41033 won't accept any new notifications until the final @samp{OK} is
41034 received . If further notification events occur, the stub shall send
41035 a new notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the notification, and
41036 the process shall be repeated.
41037
41038 The process of asynchronous notification can be illustrated by the
41039 following example:
41040 @smallexample
41041 <- @code{%%Stop:T0505:98e7ffbf;04:4ce6ffbf;08:b1b6e54c;thread:p7526.7526;core:0;}
41042 @code{...}
41043 -> @code{vStopped}
41044 <- @code{T0505:68f37db7;04:40f37db7;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7528;core:0;}
41045 -> @code{vStopped}
41046 <- @code{T0505:68e3fdb6;04:40e3fdb6;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7529;core:0;}
41047 -> @code{vStopped}
41048 <- @code{OK}
41049 @end smallexample
41050
41051 The following notifications are defined:
41052 @multitable @columnfractions 0.12 0.12 0.38 0.38
41053
41054 @item Notification
41055 @tab Ack
41056 @tab Event
41057 @tab Description
41058
41059 @item Stop
41060 @tab vStopped
41061 @tab @var{reply}. The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
41062 described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
41063 for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
41064 @value{GDBN}.
41065 @tab Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
41066
41067 @end multitable
41068
41069 @node Remote Non-Stop
41070 @section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
41071
41072 @value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
41073 multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
41074 supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
41075 @samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
41076
41077 @value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
41078 establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
41079 does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
41080 must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
41081 all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
41082 probe the target state after a mode change.
41083
41084 In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
41085 would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
41086 asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
41087 inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
41088 in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
41089 mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
41090 when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
41091 of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
41092 affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
41093 to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
41094 threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
41095
41096 In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
41097 follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
41098 sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
41099 sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
41100 it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
41101 stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
41102 subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
41103 using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
41104 asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
41105 If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
41106 or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
41107 @samp{OK}.
41108
41109 @node Packet Acknowledgment
41110 @section Packet Acknowledgment
41111
41112 @cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
41113 @cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
41114 By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
41115 the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
41116 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
41117 This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
41118 unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
41119
41120 In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
41121 TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
41122 It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
41123 overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
41124 @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
41125
41126 When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
41127 expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
41128 and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
41129 @ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
41130
41131 If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
41132 no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
41133 by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
41134 @pxref{qSupported}.
41135 If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
41136 disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
41137 (@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
41138 @value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
41139 Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
41140 @value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
41141 response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
41142
41143 Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
41144 between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
41145 it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
41146 connection.
41147 Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
41148 new connection is established,
41149 there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
41150 for the current connection, once disabled.
41151
41152 @node Examples
41153 @section Examples
41154
41155 Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
41156 does not get any direct output:
41157
41158 @smallexample
41159 -> @code{R00}
41160 <- @code{+}
41161 @emph{target restarts}
41162 -> @code{?}
41163 <- @code{+}
41164 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
41165 -> @code{+}
41166 @end smallexample
41167
41168 Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
41169
41170 @smallexample
41171 -> @code{G1445@dots{}}
41172 <- @code{+}
41173 -> @code{s}
41174 <- @code{+}
41175 @emph{time passes}
41176 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
41177 -> @code{+}
41178 -> @code{g}
41179 <- @code{+}
41180 <- @code{1455@dots{}}
41181 -> @code{+}
41182 @end smallexample
41183
41184 @node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
41185 @section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
41186 @cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
41187
41188 @menu
41189 * File-I/O Overview::
41190 * Protocol Basics::
41191 * The F Request Packet::
41192 * The F Reply Packet::
41193 * The Ctrl-C Message::
41194 * Console I/O::
41195 * List of Supported Calls::
41196 * Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
41197 * Constants::
41198 * File-I/O Examples::
41199 @end menu
41200
41201 @node File-I/O Overview
41202 @subsection File-I/O Overview
41203 @cindex file-i/o overview
41204
41205 The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
41206 target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
41207 system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
41208 remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
41209 actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
41210 This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
41211
41212 The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
41213 It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
41214 @value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
41215 translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
41216 protocol representations when data is transmitted.
41217
41218 The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
41219 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
41220 or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
41221 the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
41222 memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
41223 the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
41224 (@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
41225
41226 The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
41227 the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
41228 after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
41229 previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
41230 request from @value{GDBN} is required.
41231
41232 @smallexample
41233 (@value{GDBP}) continue
41234 <- target requests 'system call X'
41235 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
41236 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
41237 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
41238 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
41239 @end smallexample
41240
41241 The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
41242 the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
41243 named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
41244 system are not supported by this protocol.
41245
41246 File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
41247
41248 @node Protocol Basics
41249 @subsection Protocol Basics
41250 @cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
41251
41252 The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
41253 as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
41254 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
41255 the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
41256 of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
41257 This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
41258 to call the appropriate host system call:
41259
41260 @itemize @bullet
41261 @item
41262 A unique identifier for the requested system call.
41263
41264 @item
41265 All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
41266 in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
41267 pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
41268 Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
41269
41270 @end itemize
41271
41272 At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
41273
41274 @itemize @bullet
41275 @item
41276 If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
41277 system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
41278 standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
41279 expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
41280 packet.
41281
41282 @item
41283 @value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
41284 representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
41285
41286 @item
41287 @value{GDBN} calls the system call.
41288
41289 @item
41290 It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
41291
41292 @item
41293 If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
41294 by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
41295 target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
41296 by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
41297 packet.
41298
41299 @end itemize
41300
41301 Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
41302 necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
41303
41304 @itemize @bullet
41305 @item
41306 Return value.
41307
41308 @item
41309 @code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
41310
41311 @item
41312 ``Ctrl-C'' flag.
41313
41314 @end itemize
41315
41316 After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
41317 the latest continue or step action.
41318
41319 @node The F Request Packet
41320 @subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
41321 @cindex file-i/o request packet
41322 @cindex @code{F} request packet
41323
41324 The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
41325
41326 @table @samp
41327 @item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
41328
41329 @var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
41330 This is just the name of the function.
41331
41332 @var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
41333 Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
41334 of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
41335 datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
41336 of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
41337 comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
41338 string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
41339
41340 @end table
41341
41342
41343
41344 @node The F Reply Packet
41345 @subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
41346 @cindex file-i/o reply packet
41347 @cindex @code{F} reply packet
41348
41349 The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
41350
41351 @table @samp
41352
41353 @item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
41354
41355 @var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
41356
41357 @var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
41358 representation.
41359 This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
41360
41361 @var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
41362 case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
41363 The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
41364
41365 @smallexample
41366 F0,0,C
41367 @end smallexample
41368
41369 @noindent
41370 or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
41371
41372 @smallexample
41373 F-1,4,C
41374 @end smallexample
41375
41376 @noindent
41377 assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
41378
41379 @end table
41380
41381
41382 @node The Ctrl-C Message
41383 @subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
41384 @cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
41385
41386 If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
41387 reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
41388 the target should behave as if it had
41389 gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
41390 interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
41391 (as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
41392 packet.
41393
41394 It's important for the target to know in which
41395 state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
41396
41397 @itemize @bullet
41398 @item
41399 The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
41400
41401 @item
41402 The system call on the host has been finished.
41403
41404 @end itemize
41405
41406 These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
41407 returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
41408 call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
41409 on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
41410 system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
41411 as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
41412
41413 @value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
41414 yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
41415 @code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
41416 before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
41417 @value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
41418 The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
41419 or the full action has been completed.
41420
41421 @node Console I/O
41422 @subsection Console I/O
41423 @cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
41424
41425 By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
41426 descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
41427 on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
41428 (@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
41429 by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
41430 0 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
41431 conditions is met:
41432
41433 @itemize @bullet
41434 @item
41435 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
41436 @code{read}
41437 system call is treated as finished.
41438
41439 @item
41440 The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
41441 newline.
41442
41443 @item
41444 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
41445 character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
41446
41447 @end itemize
41448
41449 If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
41450 the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
41451 either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
41452 is stopped at the user's request.
41453
41454
41455 @node List of Supported Calls
41456 @subsection List of Supported Calls
41457 @cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
41458
41459 @menu
41460 * open::
41461 * close::
41462 * read::
41463 * write::
41464 * lseek::
41465 * rename::
41466 * unlink::
41467 * stat/fstat::
41468 * gettimeofday::
41469 * isatty::
41470 * system::
41471 @end menu
41472
41473 @node open
41474 @unnumberedsubsubsec open
41475 @cindex open, file-i/o system call
41476
41477 @table @asis
41478 @item Synopsis:
41479 @smallexample
41480 int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
41481 int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
41482 @end smallexample
41483
41484 @item Request:
41485 @samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
41486
41487 @noindent
41488 @var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
41489
41490 @table @code
41491 @item O_CREAT
41492 If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
41493 rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
41494 are concerned.
41495
41496 @item O_EXCL
41497 When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
41498 an error and open() fails.
41499
41500 @item O_TRUNC
41501 If the file already exists and the open mode allows
41502 writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
41503 truncated to zero length.
41504
41505 @item O_APPEND
41506 The file is opened in append mode.
41507
41508 @item O_RDONLY
41509 The file is opened for reading only.
41510
41511 @item O_WRONLY
41512 The file is opened for writing only.
41513
41514 @item O_RDWR
41515 The file is opened for reading and writing.
41516 @end table
41517
41518 @noindent
41519 Other bits are silently ignored.
41520
41521
41522 @noindent
41523 @var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
41524
41525 @table @code
41526 @item S_IRUSR
41527 User has read permission.
41528
41529 @item S_IWUSR
41530 User has write permission.
41531
41532 @item S_IRGRP
41533 Group has read permission.
41534
41535 @item S_IWGRP
41536 Group has write permission.
41537
41538 @item S_IROTH
41539 Others have read permission.
41540
41541 @item S_IWOTH
41542 Others have write permission.
41543 @end table
41544
41545 @noindent
41546 Other bits are silently ignored.
41547
41548
41549 @item Return value:
41550 @code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
41551 occurred.
41552
41553 @item Errors:
41554
41555 @table @code
41556 @item EEXIST
41557 @var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
41558
41559 @item EISDIR
41560 @var{pathname} refers to a directory.
41561
41562 @item EACCES
41563 The requested access is not allowed.
41564
41565 @item ENAMETOOLONG
41566 @var{pathname} was too long.
41567
41568 @item ENOENT
41569 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
41570
41571 @item ENODEV
41572 @var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
41573
41574 @item EROFS
41575 @var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
41576 write access was requested.
41577
41578 @item EFAULT
41579 @var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
41580
41581 @item ENOSPC
41582 No space on device to create the file.
41583
41584 @item EMFILE
41585 The process already has the maximum number of files open.
41586
41587 @item ENFILE
41588 The limit on the total number of files open on the system
41589 has been reached.
41590
41591 @item EINTR
41592 The call was interrupted by the user.
41593 @end table
41594
41595 @end table
41596
41597 @node close
41598 @unnumberedsubsubsec close
41599 @cindex close, file-i/o system call
41600
41601 @table @asis
41602 @item Synopsis:
41603 @smallexample
41604 int close(int fd);
41605 @end smallexample
41606
41607 @item Request:
41608 @samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
41609
41610 @item Return value:
41611 @code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
41612
41613 @item Errors:
41614
41615 @table @code
41616 @item EBADF
41617 @var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
41618
41619 @item EINTR
41620 The call was interrupted by the user.
41621 @end table
41622
41623 @end table
41624
41625 @node read
41626 @unnumberedsubsubsec read
41627 @cindex read, file-i/o system call
41628
41629 @table @asis
41630 @item Synopsis:
41631 @smallexample
41632 int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
41633 @end smallexample
41634
41635 @item Request:
41636 @samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
41637
41638 @item Return value:
41639 On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
41640 Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
41641 returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
41642
41643 @item Errors:
41644
41645 @table @code
41646 @item EBADF
41647 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
41648 reading.
41649
41650 @item EFAULT
41651 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41652
41653 @item EINTR
41654 The call was interrupted by the user.
41655 @end table
41656
41657 @end table
41658
41659 @node write
41660 @unnumberedsubsubsec write
41661 @cindex write, file-i/o system call
41662
41663 @table @asis
41664 @item Synopsis:
41665 @smallexample
41666 int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
41667 @end smallexample
41668
41669 @item Request:
41670 @samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
41671
41672 @item Return value:
41673 On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
41674 Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
41675 is returned.
41676
41677 @item Errors:
41678
41679 @table @code
41680 @item EBADF
41681 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
41682 writing.
41683
41684 @item EFAULT
41685 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41686
41687 @item EFBIG
41688 An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
41689 host-specific maximum file size allowed.
41690
41691 @item ENOSPC
41692 No space on device to write the data.
41693
41694 @item EINTR
41695 The call was interrupted by the user.
41696 @end table
41697
41698 @end table
41699
41700 @node lseek
41701 @unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
41702 @cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
41703
41704 @table @asis
41705 @item Synopsis:
41706 @smallexample
41707 long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
41708 @end smallexample
41709
41710 @item Request:
41711 @samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
41712
41713 @var{flag} is one of:
41714
41715 @table @code
41716 @item SEEK_SET
41717 The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
41718
41719 @item SEEK_CUR
41720 The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
41721 bytes.
41722
41723 @item SEEK_END
41724 The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
41725 bytes.
41726 @end table
41727
41728 @item Return value:
41729 On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
41730 the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
41731 value of -1 is returned.
41732
41733 @item Errors:
41734
41735 @table @code
41736 @item EBADF
41737 @var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
41738
41739 @item ESPIPE
41740 @var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
41741
41742 @item EINVAL
41743 @var{flag} is not a proper value.
41744
41745 @item EINTR
41746 The call was interrupted by the user.
41747 @end table
41748
41749 @end table
41750
41751 @node rename
41752 @unnumberedsubsubsec rename
41753 @cindex rename, file-i/o system call
41754
41755 @table @asis
41756 @item Synopsis:
41757 @smallexample
41758 int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
41759 @end smallexample
41760
41761 @item Request:
41762 @samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
41763
41764 @item Return value:
41765 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
41766
41767 @item Errors:
41768
41769 @table @code
41770 @item EISDIR
41771 @var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
41772 directory.
41773
41774 @item EEXIST
41775 @var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
41776
41777 @item EBUSY
41778 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
41779 process.
41780
41781 @item EINVAL
41782 An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
41783 of itself.
41784
41785 @item ENOTDIR
41786 A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
41787 path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
41788 and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
41789
41790 @item EFAULT
41791 @var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
41792
41793 @item EACCES
41794 No access to the file or the path of the file.
41795
41796 @item ENAMETOOLONG
41797
41798 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
41799
41800 @item ENOENT
41801 A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
41802
41803 @item EROFS
41804 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
41805
41806 @item ENOSPC
41807 The device containing the file has no room for the new
41808 directory entry.
41809
41810 @item EINTR
41811 The call was interrupted by the user.
41812 @end table
41813
41814 @end table
41815
41816 @node unlink
41817 @unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
41818 @cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
41819
41820 @table @asis
41821 @item Synopsis:
41822 @smallexample
41823 int unlink(const char *pathname);
41824 @end smallexample
41825
41826 @item Request:
41827 @samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
41828
41829 @item Return value:
41830 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
41831
41832 @item Errors:
41833
41834 @table @code
41835 @item EACCES
41836 No access to the file or the path of the file.
41837
41838 @item EPERM
41839 The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
41840
41841 @item EBUSY
41842 The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
41843 being used by another process.
41844
41845 @item EFAULT
41846 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41847
41848 @item ENAMETOOLONG
41849 @var{pathname} was too long.
41850
41851 @item ENOENT
41852 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
41853
41854 @item ENOTDIR
41855 A component of the path is not a directory.
41856
41857 @item EROFS
41858 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
41859
41860 @item EINTR
41861 The call was interrupted by the user.
41862 @end table
41863
41864 @end table
41865
41866 @node stat/fstat
41867 @unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
41868 @cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
41869 @cindex stat, file-i/o system call
41870
41871 @table @asis
41872 @item Synopsis:
41873 @smallexample
41874 int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
41875 int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
41876 @end smallexample
41877
41878 @item Request:
41879 @samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
41880 @samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
41881
41882 @item Return value:
41883 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
41884
41885 @item Errors:
41886
41887 @table @code
41888 @item EBADF
41889 @var{fd} is not a valid open file.
41890
41891 @item ENOENT
41892 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
41893 path is an empty string.
41894
41895 @item ENOTDIR
41896 A component of the path is not a directory.
41897
41898 @item EFAULT
41899 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41900
41901 @item EACCES
41902 No access to the file or the path of the file.
41903
41904 @item ENAMETOOLONG
41905 @var{pathname} was too long.
41906
41907 @item EINTR
41908 The call was interrupted by the user.
41909 @end table
41910
41911 @end table
41912
41913 @node gettimeofday
41914 @unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
41915 @cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
41916
41917 @table @asis
41918 @item Synopsis:
41919 @smallexample
41920 int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
41921 @end smallexample
41922
41923 @item Request:
41924 @samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
41925
41926 @item Return value:
41927 On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
41928
41929 @item Errors:
41930
41931 @table @code
41932 @item EINVAL
41933 @var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
41934
41935 @item EFAULT
41936 @var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41937 @end table
41938
41939 @end table
41940
41941 @node isatty
41942 @unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
41943 @cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
41944
41945 @table @asis
41946 @item Synopsis:
41947 @smallexample
41948 int isatty(int fd);
41949 @end smallexample
41950
41951 @item Request:
41952 @samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
41953
41954 @item Return value:
41955 Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
41956
41957 @item Errors:
41958
41959 @table @code
41960 @item EINTR
41961 The call was interrupted by the user.
41962 @end table
41963
41964 @end table
41965
41966 Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
41967 1 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
41968 to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
41969 would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
41970 needed.
41971
41972
41973 @node system
41974 @unnumberedsubsubsec system
41975 @cindex system, file-i/o system call
41976
41977 @table @asis
41978 @item Synopsis:
41979 @smallexample
41980 int system(const char *command);
41981 @end smallexample
41982
41983 @item Request:
41984 @samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
41985
41986 @item Return value:
41987 If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
41988 available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
41989 For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
41990 return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
41991 command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
41992 return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
41993 @file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
41994
41995 @item Errors:
41996
41997 @table @code
41998 @item EINTR
41999 The call was interrupted by the user.
42000 @end table
42001
42002 @end table
42003
42004 @value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
42005 to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
42006 the host is simplified before it's returned
42007 to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
42008 is discarded, and the return value consists
42009 entirely of the exit status of the called command.
42010
42011 Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
42012 by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
42013 @code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
42014
42015 @table @code
42016 @item set remote system-call-allowed
42017 @kindex set remote system-call-allowed
42018 Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
42019 protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
42020
42021 @item show remote system-call-allowed
42022 @kindex show remote system-call-allowed
42023 Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
42024 protocol.
42025 @end table
42026
42027 @node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
42028 @subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
42029 @cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
42030
42031 @menu
42032 * Integral Datatypes::
42033 * Pointer Values::
42034 * Memory Transfer::
42035 * struct stat::
42036 * struct timeval::
42037 @end menu
42038
42039 @node Integral Datatypes
42040 @unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
42041 @cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
42042
42043 The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
42044 @code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
42045 @code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
42046
42047 @code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
42048 implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
42049
42050 @code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
42051
42052 @xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
42053 in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
42054
42055 @code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
42056
42057 All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
42058 structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
42059 byte order.
42060
42061 @node Pointer Values
42062 @unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
42063 @cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
42064
42065 Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
42066 is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
42067 transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
42068 are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
42069
42070 @smallexample
42071 @code{1aaf/12}
42072 @end smallexample
42073
42074 @noindent
42075 which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
42076 The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
42077 the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
42078 at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
42079
42080 @smallexample
42081 @code{123456/d}
42082 @end smallexample
42083
42084 @node Memory Transfer
42085 @unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
42086 @cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
42087
42088 Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
42089 example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
42090 with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
42091 this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
42092 packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
42093 it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
42094 data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
42095
42096
42097 @node struct stat
42098 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
42099 @cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
42100
42101 The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
42102 is defined as follows:
42103
42104 @smallexample
42105 struct stat @{
42106 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
42107 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
42108 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
42109 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
42110 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
42111 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
42112 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
42113 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
42114 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
42115 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
42116 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
42117 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
42118 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
42119 @};
42120 @end smallexample
42121
42122 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
42123 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
42124 structure is of size 64 bytes.
42125
42126 The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
42127 range of values.
42128
42129 @table @code
42130
42131 @item st_dev
42132 A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
42133
42134 @item st_ino
42135 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
42136
42137 @item st_mode
42138 Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
42139 bits have currently no meaning for the target.
42140
42141 @item st_uid
42142 @itemx st_gid
42143 @itemx st_rdev
42144 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
42145
42146 @item st_atime
42147 @itemx st_mtime
42148 @itemx st_ctime
42149 These values have a host and file system dependent
42150 accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
42151 support exact timing values.
42152 @end table
42153
42154 The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
42155 responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
42156 continuing.
42157
42158 Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
42159 representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
42160 get truncated on the target.
42161
42162 @node struct timeval
42163 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
42164 @cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
42165
42166 The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
42167 is defined as follows:
42168
42169 @smallexample
42170 struct timeval @{
42171 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
42172 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
42173 @};
42174 @end smallexample
42175
42176 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
42177 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
42178 structure is of size 8 bytes.
42179
42180 @node Constants
42181 @subsection Constants
42182 @cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
42183
42184 The following values are used for the constants inside of the
42185 protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
42186 values before and after the call as needed.
42187
42188 @menu
42189 * Open Flags::
42190 * mode_t Values::
42191 * Errno Values::
42192 * Lseek Flags::
42193 * Limits::
42194 @end menu
42195
42196 @node Open Flags
42197 @unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
42198 @cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
42199
42200 All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
42201
42202 @smallexample
42203 O_RDONLY 0x0
42204 O_WRONLY 0x1
42205 O_RDWR 0x2
42206 O_APPEND 0x8
42207 O_CREAT 0x200
42208 O_TRUNC 0x400
42209 O_EXCL 0x800
42210 @end smallexample
42211
42212 @node mode_t Values
42213 @unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
42214 @cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
42215
42216 All values are given in octal representation.
42217
42218 @smallexample
42219 S_IFREG 0100000
42220 S_IFDIR 040000
42221 S_IRUSR 0400
42222 S_IWUSR 0200
42223 S_IXUSR 0100
42224 S_IRGRP 040
42225 S_IWGRP 020
42226 S_IXGRP 010
42227 S_IROTH 04
42228 S_IWOTH 02
42229 S_IXOTH 01
42230 @end smallexample
42231
42232 @node Errno Values
42233 @unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
42234 @cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
42235
42236 All values are given in decimal representation.
42237
42238 @smallexample
42239 EPERM 1
42240 ENOENT 2
42241 EINTR 4
42242 EBADF 9
42243 EACCES 13
42244 EFAULT 14
42245 EBUSY 16
42246 EEXIST 17
42247 ENODEV 19
42248 ENOTDIR 20
42249 EISDIR 21
42250 EINVAL 22
42251 ENFILE 23
42252 EMFILE 24
42253 EFBIG 27
42254 ENOSPC 28
42255 ESPIPE 29
42256 EROFS 30
42257 ENAMETOOLONG 91
42258 EUNKNOWN 9999
42259 @end smallexample
42260
42261 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
42262 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
42263
42264 @node Lseek Flags
42265 @unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
42266 @cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
42267
42268 @smallexample
42269 SEEK_SET 0
42270 SEEK_CUR 1
42271 SEEK_END 2
42272 @end smallexample
42273
42274 @node Limits
42275 @unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
42276 @cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
42277
42278 All values are given in decimal representation.
42279
42280 @smallexample
42281 INT_MIN -2147483648
42282 INT_MAX 2147483647
42283 UINT_MAX 4294967295
42284 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
42285 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
42286 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
42287 @end smallexample
42288
42289 @node File-I/O Examples
42290 @subsection File-I/O Examples
42291 @cindex file-i/o examples
42292
42293 Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
42294 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
42295
42296 @smallexample
42297 <- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
42298 @emph{request memory read from target}
42299 -> @code{m1234,6}
42300 <- XXXXXX
42301 @emph{return "6 bytes written"}
42302 -> @code{F6}
42303 @end smallexample
42304
42305 Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
42306 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
42307
42308 @smallexample
42309 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
42310 @emph{request memory write to target}
42311 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
42312 @emph{return "6 bytes read"}
42313 -> @code{F6}
42314 @end smallexample
42315
42316 Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
42317 file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
42318
42319 @smallexample
42320 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
42321 -> @code{F-1,9}
42322 @end smallexample
42323
42324 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
42325 host is called:
42326
42327 @smallexample
42328 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
42329 -> @code{F-1,4,C}
42330 <- @code{T02}
42331 @end smallexample
42332
42333 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
42334 host is called:
42335
42336 @smallexample
42337 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
42338 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
42339 <- @code{T02}
42340 @end smallexample
42341
42342 @node Library List Format
42343 @section Library List Format
42344 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
42345
42346 On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
42347 same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
42348 @value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
42349 operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
42350 platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
42351 @value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
42352 through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
42353 packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
42354 queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
42355 are loaded.
42356
42357 The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
42358 lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
42359 associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
42360 which report where the library was loaded in memory.
42361
42362 For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
42363 library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
42364 dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
42365 should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
42366 section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
42367 depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
42368
42369 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
42370 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
42371
42372 A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
42373 offset, looks like this:
42374
42375 @smallexample
42376 <library-list>
42377 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
42378 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
42379 </library>
42380 </library-list>
42381 @end smallexample
42382
42383 Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
42384 allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
42385
42386 @smallexample
42387 <library-list>
42388 <library name="sharedlib.o">
42389 <section address="0x10000000"/>
42390 <section address="0x20000000"/>
42391 <section address="0x30000000"/>
42392 </library>
42393 </library-list>
42394 @end smallexample
42395
42396 The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
42397
42398 @smallexample
42399 <!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
42400 <!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
42401 <!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
42402 <!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
42403 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
42404 <!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
42405 <!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
42406 <!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
42407 <!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
42408 @end smallexample
42409
42410 In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
42411 single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
42412 section for each library.
42413
42414 @node Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
42415 @section Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
42416 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
42417
42418 On SVR4 platforms @value{GDBN} can use the symbol table of a dynamic loader
42419 (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) and normal memory operations to maintain a list of
42420 shared libraries. Still a special library list provided by this packet is
42421 more efficient for the @value{GDBN} remote protocol.
42422
42423 The @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet returns an XML document which lists
42424 loaded libraries and their SVR4 linker parameters. For each library on SVR4
42425 target, the following parameters are reported:
42426
42427 @itemize @minus
42428 @item
42429 @code{name}, the absolute file name from the @code{l_name} field of
42430 @code{struct link_map}.
42431 @item
42432 @code{lm} with address of @code{struct link_map} used for TLS
42433 (Thread Local Storage) access.
42434 @item
42435 @code{l_addr}, the displacement as read from the field @code{l_addr} of
42436 @code{struct link_map}. For prelinked libraries this is not an absolute
42437 memory address. It is a displacement of absolute memory address against
42438 address the file was prelinked to during the library load.
42439 @item
42440 @code{l_ld}, which is memory address of the @code{PT_DYNAMIC} segment
42441 @end itemize
42442
42443 Additionally the single @code{main-lm} attribute specifies address of
42444 @code{struct link_map} used for the main executable. This parameter is used
42445 for TLS access and its presence is optional.
42446
42447 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
42448 SVR4 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
42449
42450 A simple memory map, with two loaded libraries (which do not use prelink),
42451 looks like this:
42452
42453 @smallexample
42454 <library-list-svr4 version="1.0" main-lm="0xe4f8f8">
42455 <library name="/lib/ld-linux.so.2" lm="0xe4f51c" l_addr="0xe2d000"
42456 l_ld="0xe4eefc"/>
42457 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6" lm="0xe4fbe8" l_addr="0x154000"
42458 l_ld="0x152350"/>
42459 </library-list-svr>
42460 @end smallexample
42461
42462 The format of an SVR4 library list is described by this DTD:
42463
42464 @smallexample
42465 <!-- library-list-svr4: Root element with versioning -->
42466 <!ELEMENT library-list-svr4 (library)*>
42467 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
42468 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 main-lm CDATA #IMPLIED>
42469 <!ELEMENT library EMPTY>
42470 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
42471 <!ATTLIST library lm CDATA #REQUIRED>
42472 <!ATTLIST library l_addr CDATA #REQUIRED>
42473 <!ATTLIST library l_ld CDATA #REQUIRED>
42474 @end smallexample
42475
42476 @node Memory Map Format
42477 @section Memory Map Format
42478 @cindex memory map format
42479
42480 To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
42481 memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
42482 memory map.
42483
42484 The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
42485 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
42486 lists memory regions.
42487
42488 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
42489 memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
42490
42491 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
42492
42493 @smallexample
42494 <?xml version="1.0"?>
42495 <!DOCTYPE memory-map
42496 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
42497 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
42498 <memory-map>
42499 region...
42500 </memory-map>
42501 @end smallexample
42502
42503 Each region can be either:
42504
42505 @itemize
42506
42507 @item
42508 A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
42509 bytes from there:
42510
42511 @smallexample
42512 <memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
42513 @end smallexample
42514
42515
42516 @item
42517 A region of read-only memory:
42518
42519 @smallexample
42520 <memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
42521 @end smallexample
42522
42523
42524 @item
42525 A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
42526 bytes in length:
42527
42528 @smallexample
42529 <memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
42530 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
42531 </memory>
42532 @end smallexample
42533
42534 @end itemize
42535
42536 Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
42537 by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
42538 packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
42539
42540 The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
42541
42542 @smallexample
42543 <!-- ................................................... -->
42544 <!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
42545 <!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
42546 <!-- .................................... .............. -->
42547 <!-- memory-map.dtd -->
42548 <!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
42549 <!ELEMENT memory-map (memory | property)>
42550 <!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
42551 <!ELEMENT memory (property)>
42552 <!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
42553 and its type, or device. -->
42554 <!ATTLIST memory type CDATA #REQUIRED
42555 start CDATA #REQUIRED
42556 length CDATA #REQUIRED
42557 device CDATA #IMPLIED>
42558 <!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
42559 <!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
42560 <!ATTLIST property name CDATA #REQUIRED>
42561 @end smallexample
42562
42563 @node Thread List Format
42564 @section Thread List Format
42565 @cindex thread list format
42566
42567 To efficiently update the list of threads and their attributes,
42568 @value{GDBN} issues the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
42569 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}) and obtains the XML document with
42570 the following structure:
42571
42572 @smallexample
42573 <?xml version="1.0"?>
42574 <threads>
42575 <thread id="id" core="0">
42576 ... description ...
42577 </thread>
42578 </threads>
42579 @end smallexample
42580
42581 Each @samp{thread} element must have the @samp{id} attribute that
42582 identifies the thread (@pxref{thread-id syntax}). The
42583 @samp{core} attribute, if present, specifies which processor core
42584 the thread was last executing on. The content of the of @samp{thread}
42585 element is interpreted as human-readable auxilliary information.
42586
42587 @node Traceframe Info Format
42588 @section Traceframe Info Format
42589 @cindex traceframe info format
42590
42591 To be able to know which objects in the inferior can be examined when
42592 inspecting a tracepoint hit, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of
42593 memory ranges, registers and trace state variables that have been
42594 collected in a traceframe.
42595
42596 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
42597 (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}) packet and is an XML document.
42598
42599 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
42600 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
42601
42602 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
42603
42604 @smallexample
42605 <?xml version="1.0"?>
42606 <!DOCTYPE traceframe-info
42607 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
42608 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-traceframe-info.dtd">
42609 <traceframe-info>
42610 block...
42611 </traceframe-info>
42612 @end smallexample
42613
42614 Each traceframe block can be either:
42615
42616 @itemize
42617
42618 @item
42619 A region of collected memory starting at @var{addr} and extending for
42620 @var{length} bytes from there:
42621
42622 @smallexample
42623 <memory start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
42624 @end smallexample
42625
42626 @item
42627 A block indicating trace state variable numbered @var{number} has been
42628 collected:
42629
42630 @smallexample
42631 <tvar id="@var{number}"/>
42632 @end smallexample
42633
42634 @end itemize
42635
42636 The formal DTD for the traceframe info format is given below:
42637
42638 @smallexample
42639 <!ELEMENT traceframe-info (memory | tvar)* >
42640 <!ATTLIST traceframe-info version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
42641
42642 <!ELEMENT memory EMPTY>
42643 <!ATTLIST memory start CDATA #REQUIRED
42644 length CDATA #REQUIRED>
42645 <!ELEMENT tvar>
42646 <!ATTLIST tvar id CDATA #REQUIRED>
42647 @end smallexample
42648
42649 @node Branch Trace Format
42650 @section Branch Trace Format
42651 @cindex branch trace format
42652
42653 In order to display the branch trace of an inferior thread,
42654 @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of branches. This list is
42655 represented as list of sequential code blocks that are connected via
42656 branches. The code in each block has been executed sequentially.
42657
42658 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
42659 (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}) packet and is an XML document.
42660
42661 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
42662 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
42663
42664 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
42665
42666 @smallexample
42667 <?xml version="1.0"?>
42668 <!DOCTYPE btrace
42669 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Branch Trace V1.0//EN"
42670 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-btrace.dtd">
42671 <btrace>
42672 block...
42673 </btrace>
42674 @end smallexample
42675
42676 @itemize
42677
42678 @item
42679 A block of sequentially executed instructions starting at @var{begin}
42680 and ending at @var{end}:
42681
42682 @smallexample
42683 <block begin="@var{begin}" end="@var{end}"/>
42684 @end smallexample
42685
42686 @end itemize
42687
42688 The formal DTD for the branch trace format is given below:
42689
42690 @smallexample
42691 <!ELEMENT btrace (block)* >
42692 <!ATTLIST btrace version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
42693
42694 <!ELEMENT block EMPTY>
42695 <!ATTLIST block begin CDATA #REQUIRED
42696 end CDATA #REQUIRED>
42697 @end smallexample
42698
42699 @include agentexpr.texi
42700
42701 @node Target Descriptions
42702 @appendix Target Descriptions
42703 @cindex target descriptions
42704
42705 One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
42706 is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
42707 architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
42708 a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or @acronym{MIPS}, for example ---
42709 and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
42710 architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
42711 vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
42712
42713 @itemize @bullet
42714 @item
42715 With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
42716 the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
42717 @item
42718 Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
42719 audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
42720 variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
42721 @item
42722 When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
42723 at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
42724 @command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
42725 @end itemize
42726
42727 To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
42728 target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
42729 actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
42730 processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
42731 descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
42732
42733 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
42734 target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
42735
42736 @menu
42737 * Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
42738 * Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
42739 * Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
42740 descriptions.
42741 * Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
42742 @end menu
42743
42744 @node Retrieving Descriptions
42745 @section Retrieving Descriptions
42746
42747 Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
42748 specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
42749 description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
42750 protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
42751 qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
42752 @samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
42753 XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
42754 Format}.
42755
42756 Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
42757 If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
42758 specify a file are:
42759
42760 @table @code
42761 @cindex set tdesc filename
42762 @item set tdesc filename @var{path}
42763 Read the target description from @var{path}.
42764
42765 @cindex unset tdesc filename
42766 @item unset tdesc filename
42767 Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
42768 will use the description supplied by the current target.
42769
42770 @cindex show tdesc filename
42771 @item show tdesc filename
42772 Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
42773 @end table
42774
42775
42776 @node Target Description Format
42777 @section Target Description Format
42778 @cindex target descriptions, XML format
42779
42780 A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
42781 document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
42782 the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
42783 means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
42784 check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
42785 However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
42786 their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
42787
42788 Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
42789 and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
42790 sets. They can also identify the OS ABI of the remote target.
42791 @value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
42792 target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
42793
42794 Here is a simple target description:
42795
42796 @smallexample
42797 <target version="1.0">
42798 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
42799 </target>
42800 @end smallexample
42801
42802 @noindent
42803 This minimal description only says that the target uses
42804 the x86-64 architecture.
42805
42806 A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
42807 optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
42808 are explained further below.
42809
42810 @smallexample
42811 <?xml version="1.0"?>
42812 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
42813 <target version="1.0">
42814 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
42815 @r{[}@var{osabi}@r{]}
42816 @r{[}@var{compatible}@r{]}
42817 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
42818 </target>
42819 @end smallexample
42820
42821 @noindent
42822 The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
42823 breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
42824 declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
42825 (@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
42826 useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
42827 @samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
42828 including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
42829 revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
42830 the version mismatch.
42831
42832 @subsection Inclusion
42833 @cindex target descriptions, inclusion
42834 @cindex XInclude
42835 @ifnotinfo
42836 @cindex <xi:include>
42837 @end ifnotinfo
42838
42839 It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
42840 several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
42841 share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
42842 divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
42843 the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
42844
42845 @smallexample
42846 <xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
42847 @end smallexample
42848
42849 @noindent
42850 When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
42851 the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
42852 the contents of that document. If the current description was read
42853 using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
42854 @var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
42855 current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
42856 @var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
42857 original description.
42858
42859 @subsection Architecture
42860 @cindex <architecture>
42861
42862 An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
42863
42864 @smallexample
42865 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
42866 @end smallexample
42867
42868 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
42869 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
42870
42871 @subsection OS ABI
42872 @cindex @code{<osabi>}
42873
42874 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
42875 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
42876
42877 An @samp{<osabi>} element has this form:
42878
42879 @smallexample
42880 <osabi>@var{abi-name}</osabi>
42881 @end smallexample
42882
42883 @var{abi-name} is an OS ABI name from the same selection accepted by
42884 @w{@code{set osabi}} (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
42885
42886 @subsection Compatible Architecture
42887 @cindex @code{<compatible>}
42888
42889 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
42890 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
42891
42892 A @samp{<compatible>} element has this form:
42893
42894 @smallexample
42895 <compatible>@var{arch}</compatible>
42896 @end smallexample
42897
42898 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
42899 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
42900
42901 A @samp{<compatible>} element is used to specify that the target
42902 is able to run binaries in some other than the main target architecture
42903 given by the @samp{<architecture>} element. For example, on the
42904 Cell Broadband Engine, the main architecture is @code{powerpc:common}
42905 or @code{powerpc:common64}, but the system is able to run binaries
42906 in the @code{spu} architecture as well. The way to describe this
42907 capability with @samp{<compatible>} is as follows:
42908
42909 @smallexample
42910 <architecture>powerpc:common</architecture>
42911 <compatible>spu</compatible>
42912 @end smallexample
42913
42914 @subsection Features
42915 @cindex <feature>
42916
42917 Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
42918 system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
42919 registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
42920 has this form:
42921
42922 @smallexample
42923 <feature name="@var{name}">
42924 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
42925 @var{reg}@dots{}
42926 </feature>
42927 @end smallexample
42928
42929 @noindent
42930 Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
42931 of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
42932 knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
42933 should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
42934
42935 @subsection Types
42936
42937 Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
42938 interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
42939 but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
42940 Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
42941 Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite types.
42942
42943 Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
42944 a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
42945 Types must be defined before they are used.
42946
42947 @cindex <vector>
42948 Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
42949 of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
42950 specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
42951 @var{count}:
42952
42953 @smallexample
42954 <vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
42955 @end smallexample
42956
42957 @cindex <union>
42958 If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
42959 with a union type containing the useful representations. The
42960 @samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
42961 each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
42962
42963 @smallexample
42964 <union id="@var{id}">
42965 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
42966 @dots{}
42967 </union>
42968 @end smallexample
42969
42970 @cindex <struct>
42971 If a register's value is composed from several separate values, define
42972 it with a structure type. There are two forms of the @samp{<struct>}
42973 element; a @samp{<struct>} element must either contain only bitfields
42974 or contain no bitfields. If the structure contains only bitfields,
42975 its total size in bytes must be specified, each bitfield must have an
42976 explicit start and end, and bitfields are automatically assigned an
42977 integer type. The field's @var{start} should be less than or
42978 equal to its @var{end}, and zero represents the least significant bit.
42979
42980 @smallexample
42981 <struct id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
42982 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
42983 @dots{}
42984 </struct>
42985 @end smallexample
42986
42987 If the structure contains no bitfields, then each field has an
42988 explicit type, and no implicit padding is added.
42989
42990 @smallexample
42991 <struct id="@var{id}">
42992 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
42993 @dots{}
42994 </struct>
42995 @end smallexample
42996
42997 @cindex <flags>
42998 If a register's value is a series of single-bit flags, define it with
42999 a flags type. The @samp{<flags>} element has an explicit @var{size}
43000 and contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements. Each field has a
43001 @var{name}, a @var{start}, and an @var{end}. Only single-bit flags
43002 are supported.
43003
43004 @smallexample
43005 <flags id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
43006 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
43007 @dots{}
43008 </flags>
43009 @end smallexample
43010
43011 @subsection Registers
43012 @cindex <reg>
43013
43014 Each register is represented as an element with this form:
43015
43016 @smallexample
43017 <reg name="@var{name}"
43018 bitsize="@var{size}"
43019 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
43020 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
43021 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
43022 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
43023 @end smallexample
43024
43025 @noindent
43026 The components are as follows:
43027
43028 @table @var
43029
43030 @item name
43031 The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
43032
43033 @item bitsize
43034 The register's size, in bits.
43035
43036 @item regnum
43037 The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
43038 than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
43039 a preceding feature); the first register in the target description
43040 defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
43041 the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
43042 packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
43043 in order of increasing register number.
43044
43045 @item save-restore
43046 Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
43047 calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
43048 @code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
43049 some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
43050 ABI.
43051
43052 @item type
43053 The type of the register. @var{type} may be a predefined type, a type
43054 defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
43055 and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
43056 for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
43057 architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
43058 @var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
43059
43060 @item group
43061 The register group to which this register belongs. @var{group} must
43062 be either @code{general}, @code{float}, or @code{vector}. If no
43063 @var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register
43064 in @code{info registers}.
43065
43066 @end table
43067
43068 @node Predefined Target Types
43069 @section Predefined Target Types
43070 @cindex target descriptions, predefined types
43071
43072 Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
43073 from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
43074 standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
43075 types. The currently supported types are:
43076
43077 @table @code
43078
43079 @item int8
43080 @itemx int16
43081 @itemx int32
43082 @itemx int64
43083 @itemx int128
43084 Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
43085
43086 @item uint8
43087 @itemx uint16
43088 @itemx uint32
43089 @itemx uint64
43090 @itemx uint128
43091 Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
43092
43093 @item code_ptr
43094 @itemx data_ptr
43095 Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
43096 any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
43097 pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
43098 address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
43099 may be marked as data pointers.
43100
43101 @item ieee_single
43102 Single precision IEEE floating point.
43103
43104 @item ieee_double
43105 Double precision IEEE floating point.
43106
43107 @item arm_fpa_ext
43108 The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
43109
43110 @item i387_ext
43111 The 10-byte extended precision format used by x87 registers.
43112
43113 @item i386_eflags
43114 32bit @sc{eflags} register used by x86.
43115
43116 @item i386_mxcsr
43117 32bit @sc{mxcsr} register used by x86.
43118
43119 @end table
43120
43121 @node Standard Target Features
43122 @section Standard Target Features
43123 @cindex target descriptions, standard features
43124
43125 A target description must contain either no registers or all the
43126 target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
43127 @value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
43128 the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
43129 default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
43130 described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
43131 can recognize them.
43132
43133 This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
43134 which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
43135 with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
43136 if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
43137 feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
43138 description. You can add additional registers to any of the
43139 standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
43140 they were added to an unrecognized feature.
43141
43142 This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
43143 Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
43144 @value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
43145
43146 Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
43147 company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
43148 architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
43149 containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
43150
43151 The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
43152 of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
43153 registers using the capitalization used in the description.
43154
43155 @menu
43156 * AArch64 Features::
43157 * ARM Features::
43158 * i386 Features::
43159 * MIPS Features::
43160 * M68K Features::
43161 * Nios II Features::
43162 * PowerPC Features::
43163 * S/390 and System z Features::
43164 * TIC6x Features::
43165 @end menu
43166
43167
43168 @node AArch64 Features
43169 @subsection AArch64 Features
43170 @cindex target descriptions, AArch64 features
43171
43172 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.core} feature is required for AArch64
43173 targets. It should contain registers @samp{x0} through @samp{x30},
43174 @samp{sp}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
43175
43176 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.fpu} feature is optional. If present,
43177 it should contain registers @samp{v0} through @samp{v31}, @samp{fpsr},
43178 and @samp{fpcr}.
43179
43180 @node ARM Features
43181 @subsection ARM Features
43182 @cindex target descriptions, ARM features
43183
43184 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for non-M-profile
43185 ARM targets.
43186 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
43187 @samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
43188
43189 For M-profile targets (e.g. Cortex-M3), the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}
43190 feature is replaced by @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.m-profile}. It should contain
43191 registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp}, @samp{lr}, @samp{pc},
43192 and @samp{xpsr}.
43193
43194 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
43195 should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
43196
43197 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
43198 it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
43199 @samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
43200 @samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
43201
43202 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} feature is optional. If present, it
43203 should contain at least registers @samp{d0} through @samp{d15}. If
43204 they are present, @samp{d16} through @samp{d31} should also be included.
43205 @value{GDBN} will synthesize the single-precision registers from
43206 halves of the double-precision registers.
43207
43208 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.neon} feature is optional. It does not
43209 need to contain registers; it instructs @value{GDBN} to display the
43210 VFP double-precision registers as vectors and to synthesize the
43211 quad-precision registers from pairs of double-precision registers.
43212 If this feature is present, @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} must also
43213 be present and include 32 double-precision registers.
43214
43215 @node i386 Features
43216 @subsection i386 Features
43217 @cindex target descriptions, i386 features
43218
43219 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.core} feature is required for i386/amd64
43220 targets. It should describe the following registers:
43221
43222 @itemize @minus
43223 @item
43224 @samp{eax} through @samp{edi} plus @samp{eip} for i386
43225 @item
43226 @samp{rax} through @samp{r15} plus @samp{rip} for amd64
43227 @item
43228 @samp{eflags}, @samp{cs}, @samp{ss}, @samp{ds}, @samp{es},
43229 @samp{fs}, @samp{gs}
43230 @item
43231 @samp{st0} through @samp{st7}
43232 @item
43233 @samp{fctrl}, @samp{fstat}, @samp{ftag}, @samp{fiseg}, @samp{fioff},
43234 @samp{foseg}, @samp{fooff} and @samp{fop}
43235 @end itemize
43236
43237 The register sets may be different, depending on the target.
43238
43239 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature is optional. It should
43240 describe registers:
43241
43242 @itemize @minus
43243 @item
43244 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm7} for i386
43245 @item
43246 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm15} for amd64
43247 @item
43248 @samp{mxcsr}
43249 @end itemize
43250
43251 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature is optional and requires the
43252 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature. It should
43253 describe the upper 128 bits of @sc{ymm} registers:
43254
43255 @itemize @minus
43256 @item
43257 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm7h} for i386
43258 @item
43259 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm15h} for amd64
43260 @end itemize
43261
43262 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.mpx} is an optional feature representing Intel(R)
43263 Memory Protection Extension (MPX). It should describe the following registers:
43264
43265 @itemize @minus
43266 @item
43267 @samp{bnd0raw} through @samp{bnd3raw} for i386 and amd64.
43268 @item
43269 @samp{bndcfgu} and @samp{bndstatus} for i386 and amd64.
43270 @end itemize
43271
43272 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.linux} feature is optional. It should
43273 describe a single register, @samp{orig_eax}.
43274
43275 @node MIPS Features
43276 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Features
43277 @cindex target descriptions, @acronym{MIPS} features
43278
43279 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for @acronym{MIPS} targets.
43280 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
43281 @samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
43282 on the target.
43283
43284 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
43285 contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
43286 registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
43287
43288 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
43289 it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
43290 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
43291 @samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
43292
43293 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.dsp} feature is optional. It should
43294 contain registers @samp{hi1} through @samp{hi3}, @samp{lo1} through
43295 @samp{lo3}, and @samp{dspctl}. The @samp{dspctl} register should
43296 be 32-bit and the rest may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
43297
43298 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
43299 contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
43300 Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
43301
43302 @node M68K Features
43303 @subsection M68K Features
43304 @cindex target descriptions, M68K features
43305
43306 @table @code
43307 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
43308 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
43309 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
43310 One of those features must be always present.
43311 The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
43312 used. The feature that is present should contain registers
43313 @samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
43314 @samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
43315
43316 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
43317 This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
43318 @samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
43319 @samp{fpiaddr}.
43320 @end table
43321
43322 @node Nios II Features
43323 @subsection Nios II Features
43324 @cindex target descriptions, Nios II features
43325
43326 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.nios2.cpu} feature is required for Nios II
43327 targets. It should contain the 32 core registers (@samp{zero},
43328 @samp{at}, @samp{r2} through @samp{r23}, @samp{et} through @samp{ra}),
43329 @samp{pc}, and the 16 control registers (@samp{status} through
43330 @samp{mpuacc}).
43331
43332 @node PowerPC Features
43333 @subsection PowerPC Features
43334 @cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
43335
43336 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
43337 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
43338 @samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
43339 @samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
43340
43341 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
43342 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
43343
43344 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
43345 contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
43346 and @samp{vrsave}.
43347
43348 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
43349 contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN}
43350 will combine these registers with the floating point registers
43351 (@samp{f0} through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0}
43352 through @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0}
43353 through @samp{vs63}, the set of vector registers for POWER7.
43354
43355 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
43356 contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
43357 @samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
43358 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
43359 @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
43360 these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
43361 user.
43362
43363 @node S/390 and System z Features
43364 @subsection S/390 and System z Features
43365 @cindex target descriptions, S/390 features
43366 @cindex target descriptions, System z features
43367
43368 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.core} feature is required for S/390 and
43369 System z targets. It should contain the PSW and the 16 general
43370 registers. In particular, System z targets should provide the 64-bit
43371 registers @samp{pswm}, @samp{pswa}, and @samp{r0} through @samp{r15}.
43372 S/390 targets should provide the 32-bit versions of these registers.
43373 A System z target that runs in 31-bit addressing mode should provide
43374 32-bit versions of @samp{pswm} and @samp{pswa}, as well as the general
43375 register's upper halves @samp{r0h} through @samp{r15h}, and their
43376 lower halves @samp{r0l} through @samp{r15l}.
43377
43378 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.fpr} feature is required. It should
43379 contain the 64-bit registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f15}, and
43380 @samp{fpc}.
43381
43382 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.acr} feature is required. It should
43383 contain the 32-bit registers @samp{acr0} through @samp{acr15}.
43384
43385 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.linux} feature is optional. It should
43386 contain the register @samp{orig_r2}, which is 64-bit wide on System z
43387 targets and 32-bit otherwise. In addition, the feature may contain
43388 the @samp{last_break} register, whose width depends on the addressing
43389 mode, as well as the @samp{system_call} register, which is always
43390 32-bit wide.
43391
43392 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.tdb} feature is optional. It should
43393 contain the 64-bit registers @samp{tdb0}, @samp{tac}, @samp{tct},
43394 @samp{atia}, and @samp{tr0} through @samp{tr15}.
43395
43396 @node TIC6x Features
43397 @subsection TMS320C6x Features
43398 @cindex target descriptions, TIC6x features
43399 @cindex target descriptions, TMS320C6x features
43400 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.core} feature is required for TMS320C6x
43401 targets. It should contain registers @samp{A0} through @samp{A15},
43402 registers @samp{B0} through @samp{B15}, @samp{CSR} and @samp{PC}.
43403
43404 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.gp} feature is optional. It should
43405 contain registers @samp{A16} through @samp{A31} and @samp{B16}
43406 through @samp{B31}.
43407
43408 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.c6xp} feature is optional. It should
43409 contain registers @samp{TSR}, @samp{ILC} and @samp{RILC}.
43410
43411 @node Operating System Information
43412 @appendix Operating System Information
43413 @cindex operating system information
43414
43415 @menu
43416 * Process list::
43417 @end menu
43418
43419 Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
43420 the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
43421 processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
43422 mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
43423 target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
43424 on a different aspect of target.
43425
43426 Operating system information is retrived from the target via the
43427 remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
43428 read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
43429 the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
43430
43431 @node Process list
43432 @appendixsection Process list
43433 @cindex operating system information, process list
43434
43435 When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
43436 @samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
43437 an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
43438 @file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
43439
43440 An example document is:
43441
43442 @smallexample
43443 <?xml version="1.0"?>
43444 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
43445 <osdata type="processes">
43446 <item>
43447 <column name="pid">1</column>
43448 <column name="user">root</column>
43449 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
43450 <column name="cores">1,2,3</column>
43451 </item>
43452 </osdata>
43453 @end smallexample
43454
43455 Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
43456 of that column should identify the process on the target. The
43457 @samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
43458 displayed by @value{GDBN}. The @samp{cores} column, if present,
43459 should contain a comma-separated list of cores that this process
43460 is running on. Target may provide additional columns,
43461 which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
43462
43463 @node Trace File Format
43464 @appendix Trace File Format
43465 @cindex trace file format
43466
43467 The trace file comes in three parts: a header, a textual description
43468 section, and a trace frame section with binary data.
43469
43470 The header has the form @code{\x7fTRACE0\n}. The first byte is
43471 @code{0x7f} so as to indicate that the file contains binary data,
43472 while the @code{0} is a version number that may have different values
43473 in the future.
43474
43475 The description section consists of multiple lines of @sc{ascii} text
43476 separated by newline characters (@code{0xa}). The lines may include a
43477 variety of optional descriptive or context-setting information, such
43478 as tracepoint definitions or register set size. @value{GDBN} will
43479 ignore any line that it does not recognize. An empty line marks the end
43480 of this section.
43481
43482 @c FIXME add some specific types of data
43483
43484 The trace frame section consists of a number of consecutive frames.
43485 Each frame begins with a two-byte tracepoint number, followed by a
43486 four-byte size giving the amount of data in the frame. The data in
43487 the frame consists of a number of blocks, each introduced by a
43488 character indicating its type (at least register, memory, and trace
43489 state variable). The data in this section is raw binary, not a
43490 hexadecimal or other encoding; its endianness matches the target's
43491 endianness.
43492
43493 @c FIXME bi-arch may require endianness/arch info in description section
43494
43495 @table @code
43496 @item R @var{bytes}
43497 Register block. The number and ordering of bytes matches that of a
43498 @code{g} packet in the remote protocol. Note that these are the
43499 actual bytes, in target order and @value{GDBN} register order, not a
43500 hexadecimal encoding.
43501
43502 @item M @var{address} @var{length} @var{bytes}...
43503 Memory block. This is a contiguous block of memory, at the 8-byte
43504 address @var{address}, with a 2-byte length @var{length}, followed by
43505 @var{length} bytes.
43506
43507 @item V @var{number} @var{value}
43508 Trace state variable block. This records the 8-byte signed value
43509 @var{value} of trace state variable numbered @var{number}.
43510
43511 @end table
43512
43513 Future enhancements of the trace file format may include additional types
43514 of blocks.
43515
43516 @node Index Section Format
43517 @appendix @code{.gdb_index} section format
43518 @cindex .gdb_index section format
43519 @cindex index section format
43520
43521 This section documents the index section that is created by @code{save
43522 gdb-index} (@pxref{Index Files}). The index section is
43523 DWARF-specific; some knowledge of DWARF is assumed in this
43524 description.
43525
43526 The mapped index file format is designed to be directly
43527 @code{mmap}able on any architecture. In most cases, a datum is
43528 represented using a little-endian 32-bit integer value, called an
43529 @code{offset_type}. Big endian machines must byte-swap the values
43530 before using them. Exceptions to this rule are noted. The data is
43531 laid out such that alignment is always respected.
43532
43533 A mapped index consists of several areas, laid out in order.
43534
43535 @enumerate
43536 @item
43537 The file header. This is a sequence of values, of @code{offset_type}
43538 unless otherwise noted:
43539
43540 @enumerate
43541 @item
43542 The version number, currently 8. Versions 1, 2 and 3 are obsolete.
43543 Version 4 uses a different hashing function from versions 5 and 6.
43544 Version 6 includes symbols for inlined functions, whereas versions 4
43545 and 5 do not. Version 7 adds attributes to the CU indices in the
43546 symbol table. Version 8 specifies that symbols from DWARF type units
43547 (@samp{DW_TAG_type_unit}) refer to the type unit's symbol table and not the
43548 compilation unit (@samp{DW_TAG_comp_unit}) using the type.
43549
43550 @value{GDBN} will only read version 4, 5, or 6 indices
43551 by specifying @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
43552 GDB has a workaround for potentially broken version 7 indices so it is
43553 currently not flagged as deprecated.
43554
43555 @item
43556 The offset, from the start of the file, of the CU list.
43557
43558 @item
43559 The offset, from the start of the file, of the types CU list. Note
43560 that this area can be empty, in which case this offset will be equal
43561 to the next offset.
43562
43563 @item
43564 The offset, from the start of the file, of the address area.
43565
43566 @item
43567 The offset, from the start of the file, of the symbol table.
43568
43569 @item
43570 The offset, from the start of the file, of the constant pool.
43571 @end enumerate
43572
43573 @item
43574 The CU list. This is a sequence of pairs of 64-bit little-endian
43575 values, sorted by the CU offset. The first element in each pair is
43576 the offset of a CU in the @code{.debug_info} section. The second
43577 element in each pair is the length of that CU. References to a CU
43578 elsewhere in the map are done using a CU index, which is just the
43579 0-based index into this table. Note that if there are type CUs, then
43580 conceptually CUs and type CUs form a single list for the purposes of
43581 CU indices.
43582
43583 @item
43584 The types CU list. This is a sequence of triplets of 64-bit
43585 little-endian values. In a triplet, the first value is the CU offset,
43586 the second value is the type offset in the CU, and the third value is
43587 the type signature. The types CU list is not sorted.
43588
43589 @item
43590 The address area. The address area consists of a sequence of address
43591 entries. Each address entry has three elements:
43592
43593 @enumerate
43594 @item
43595 The low address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value.
43596
43597 @item
43598 The high address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value. Like
43599 @code{DW_AT_high_pc}, the value is one byte beyond the end.
43600
43601 @item
43602 The CU index. This is an @code{offset_type} value.
43603 @end enumerate
43604
43605 @item
43606 The symbol table. This is an open-addressed hash table. The size of
43607 the hash table is always a power of 2.
43608
43609 Each slot in the hash table consists of a pair of @code{offset_type}
43610 values. The first value is the offset of the symbol's name in the
43611 constant pool. The second value is the offset of the CU vector in the
43612 constant pool.
43613
43614 If both values are 0, then this slot in the hash table is empty. This
43615 is ok because while 0 is a valid constant pool index, it cannot be a
43616 valid index for both a string and a CU vector.
43617
43618 The hash value for a table entry is computed by applying an
43619 iterative hash function to the symbol's name. Starting with an
43620 initial value of @code{r = 0}, each (unsigned) character @samp{c} in
43621 the string is incorporated into the hash using the formula depending on the
43622 index version:
43623
43624 @table @asis
43625 @item Version 4
43626 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + c - 113}.
43627
43628 @item Versions 5 to 7
43629 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + tolower (c) - 113}.
43630 @end table
43631
43632 The terminating @samp{\0} is not incorporated into the hash.
43633
43634 The step size used in the hash table is computed via
43635 @code{((hash * 17) & (size - 1)) | 1}, where @samp{hash} is the hash
43636 value, and @samp{size} is the size of the hash table. The step size
43637 is used to find the next candidate slot when handling a hash
43638 collision.
43639
43640 The names of C@t{++} symbols in the hash table are canonicalized. We
43641 don't currently have a simple description of the canonicalization
43642 algorithm; if you intend to create new index sections, you must read
43643 the code.
43644
43645 @item
43646 The constant pool. This is simply a bunch of bytes. It is organized
43647 so that alignment is correct: CU vectors are stored first, followed by
43648 strings.
43649
43650 A CU vector in the constant pool is a sequence of @code{offset_type}
43651 values. The first value is the number of CU indices in the vector.
43652 Each subsequent value is the index and symbol attributes of a CU in
43653 the CU list. This element in the hash table is used to indicate which
43654 CUs define the symbol and how the symbol is used.
43655 See below for the format of each CU index+attributes entry.
43656
43657 A string in the constant pool is zero-terminated.
43658 @end enumerate
43659
43660 Attributes were added to CU index values in @code{.gdb_index} version 7.
43661 If a symbol has multiple uses within a CU then there is one
43662 CU index+attributes value for each use.
43663
43664 The format of each CU index+attributes entry is as follows
43665 (bit 0 = LSB):
43666
43667 @table @asis
43668
43669 @item Bits 0-23
43670 This is the index of the CU in the CU list.
43671 @item Bits 24-27
43672 These bits are reserved for future purposes and must be zero.
43673 @item Bits 28-30
43674 The kind of the symbol in the CU.
43675
43676 @table @asis
43677 @item 0
43678 This value is reserved and should not be used.
43679 By reserving zero the full @code{offset_type} value is backwards compatible
43680 with previous versions of the index.
43681 @item 1
43682 The symbol is a type.
43683 @item 2
43684 The symbol is a variable or an enum value.
43685 @item 3
43686 The symbol is a function.
43687 @item 4
43688 Any other kind of symbol.
43689 @item 5,6,7
43690 These values are reserved.
43691 @end table
43692
43693 @item Bit 31
43694 This bit is zero if the value is global and one if it is static.
43695
43696 The determination of whether a symbol is global or static is complicated.
43697 The authorative reference is the file @file{dwarf2read.c} in
43698 @value{GDBN} sources.
43699
43700 @end table
43701
43702 This pseudo-code describes the computation of a symbol's kind and
43703 global/static attributes in the index.
43704
43705 @smallexample
43706 is_external = get_attribute (die, DW_AT_external);
43707 language = get_attribute (cu_die, DW_AT_language);
43708 switch (die->tag)
43709 @{
43710 case DW_TAG_typedef:
43711 case DW_TAG_base_type:
43712 case DW_TAG_subrange_type:
43713 kind = TYPE;
43714 is_static = 1;
43715 break;
43716 case DW_TAG_enumerator:
43717 kind = VARIABLE;
43718 is_static = (language != CPLUS && language != JAVA);
43719 break;
43720 case DW_TAG_subprogram:
43721 kind = FUNCTION;
43722 is_static = ! (is_external || language == ADA);
43723 break;
43724 case DW_TAG_constant:
43725 kind = VARIABLE;
43726 is_static = ! is_external;
43727 break;
43728 case DW_TAG_variable:
43729 kind = VARIABLE;
43730 is_static = ! is_external;
43731 break;
43732 case DW_TAG_namespace:
43733 kind = TYPE;
43734 is_static = 0;
43735 break;
43736 case DW_TAG_class_type:
43737 case DW_TAG_interface_type:
43738 case DW_TAG_structure_type:
43739 case DW_TAG_union_type:
43740 case DW_TAG_enumeration_type:
43741 kind = TYPE;
43742 is_static = (language != CPLUS && language != JAVA);
43743 break;
43744 default:
43745 assert (0);
43746 @}
43747 @end smallexample
43748
43749 @node Man Pages
43750 @appendix Manual pages
43751 @cindex Man pages
43752
43753 @menu
43754 * gdb man:: The GNU Debugger man page
43755 * gdbserver man:: Remote Server for the GNU Debugger man page
43756 * gcore man:: Generate a core file of a running program
43757 * gdbinit man:: gdbinit scripts
43758 @end menu
43759
43760 @node gdb man
43761 @heading gdb man
43762
43763 @c man title gdb The GNU Debugger
43764
43765 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdb
43766 gdb [@option{-help}] [@option{-nh}] [@option{-nx}] [@option{-q}]
43767 [@option{-batch}] [@option{-cd=}@var{dir}] [@option{-f}]
43768 [@option{-b}@w{ }@var{bps}]
43769 [@option{-tty=}@var{dev}] [@option{-s} @var{symfile}]
43770 [@option{-e}@w{ }@var{prog}] [@option{-se}@w{ }@var{prog}]
43771 [@option{-c}@w{ }@var{core}] [@option{-p}@w{ }@var{procID}]
43772 [@option{-x}@w{ }@var{cmds}] [@option{-d}@w{ }@var{dir}]
43773 [@var{prog}|@var{prog} @var{procID}|@var{prog} @var{core}]
43774 @c man end
43775
43776 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdb
43777 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
43778 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes -- or what another
43779 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
43780
43781 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
43782 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
43783
43784 @itemize @bullet
43785 @item
43786 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
43787
43788 @item
43789 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
43790
43791 @item
43792 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
43793
43794 @item
43795 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
43796 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
43797 @end itemize
43798
43799 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C, C@t{++}, Fortran and
43800 Modula-2.
43801
43802 @value{GDBN} is invoked with the shell command @code{gdb}. Once started, it reads
43803 commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit with the @value{GDBN}
43804 command @code{quit}. You can get online help from @value{GDBN} itself
43805 by using the command @code{help}.
43806
43807 You can run @code{gdb} with no arguments or options; but the most
43808 usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument or two, specifying an
43809 executable program as the argument:
43810
43811 @smallexample
43812 gdb program
43813 @end smallexample
43814
43815 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file specified:
43816
43817 @smallexample
43818 gdb program core
43819 @end smallexample
43820
43821 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
43822 to debug a running process:
43823
43824 @smallexample
43825 gdb program 1234
43826 gdb -p 1234
43827 @end smallexample
43828
43829 @noindent
43830 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
43831 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
43832 With option @option{-p} you can omit the @var{program} filename.
43833
43834 Here are some of the most frequently needed @value{GDBN} commands:
43835
43836 @c pod2man highlights the right hand side of the @item lines.
43837 @table @env
43838 @item break [@var{file}:]@var{functiop}
43839 Set a breakpoint at @var{function} (in @var{file}).
43840
43841 @item run [@var{arglist}]
43842 Start your program (with @var{arglist}, if specified).
43843
43844 @item bt
43845 Backtrace: display the program stack.
43846
43847 @item print @var{expr}
43848 Display the value of an expression.
43849
43850 @item c
43851 Continue running your program (after stopping, e.g. at a breakpoint).
43852
43853 @item next
43854 Execute next program line (after stopping); step @emph{over} any
43855 function calls in the line.
43856
43857 @item edit [@var{file}:]@var{function}
43858 look at the program line where it is presently stopped.
43859
43860 @item list [@var{file}:]@var{function}
43861 type the text of the program in the vicinity of where it is presently stopped.
43862
43863 @item step
43864 Execute next program line (after stopping); step @emph{into} any
43865 function calls in the line.
43866
43867 @item help [@var{name}]
43868 Show information about @value{GDBN} command @var{name}, or general information
43869 about using @value{GDBN}.
43870
43871 @item quit
43872 Exit from @value{GDBN}.
43873 @end table
43874
43875 @ifset man
43876 For full details on @value{GDBN},
43877 see @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
43878 by Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch. The same text is available online
43879 as the @code{gdb} entry in the @code{info} program.
43880 @end ifset
43881 @c man end
43882
43883 @c man begin OPTIONS gdb
43884 Any arguments other than options specify an executable
43885 file and core file (or process ID); that is, the first argument
43886 encountered with no
43887 associated option flag is equivalent to a @option{-se} option, and the second,
43888 if any, is equivalent to a @option{-c} option if it's the name of a file.
43889 Many options have
43890 both long and short forms; both are shown here. The long forms are also
43891 recognized if you truncate them, so long as enough of the option is
43892 present to be unambiguous. (If you prefer, you can flag option
43893 arguments with @option{+} rather than @option{-}, though we illustrate the
43894 more usual convention.)
43895
43896 All the options and command line arguments you give are processed
43897 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the @option{-x}
43898 option is used.
43899
43900 @table @env
43901 @item -help
43902 @itemx -h
43903 List all options, with brief explanations.
43904
43905 @item -symbols=@var{file}
43906 @itemx -s @var{file}
43907 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
43908
43909 @item -write
43910 Enable writing into executable and core files.
43911
43912 @item -exec=@var{file}
43913 @itemx -e @var{file}
43914 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when
43915 appropriate, and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core
43916 dump.
43917
43918 @item -se=@var{file}
43919 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
43920 file.
43921
43922 @item -core=@var{file}
43923 @itemx -c @var{file}
43924 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
43925
43926 @item -command=@var{file}
43927 @itemx -x @var{file}
43928 Execute @value{GDBN} commands from file @var{file}.
43929
43930 @item -ex @var{command}
43931 Execute given @value{GDBN} @var{command}.
43932
43933 @item -directory=@var{directory}
43934 @itemx -d @var{directory}
43935 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source files.
43936
43937 @item -nh
43938 Do not execute commands from @file{~/.gdbinit}.
43939
43940 @item -nx
43941 @itemx -n
43942 Do not execute commands from any @file{.gdbinit} initialization files.
43943
43944 @item -quiet
43945 @itemx -q
43946 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
43947 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
43948
43949 @item -batch
43950 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the command
43951 files specified with @option{-x} (and @file{.gdbinit}, if not inhibited).
43952 Exit with nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN}
43953 commands in the command files.
43954
43955 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for example to
43956 download and run a program on another computer; in order to make this
43957 more useful, the message
43958
43959 @smallexample
43960 Program exited normally.
43961 @end smallexample
43962
43963 @noindent
43964 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under @value{GDBN} control
43965 terminates) is not issued when running in batch mode.
43966
43967 @item -cd=@var{directory}
43968 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
43969 instead of the current directory.
43970
43971 @item -fullname
43972 @itemx -f
43973 Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells
43974 @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line number in a standard,
43975 recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is displayed (which
43976 includes each time the program stops). This recognizable format looks
43977 like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by the file name, line number
43978 and character position separated by colons, and a newline. The
43979 Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two @samp{\032}
43980 characters as a signal to display the source code for the frame.
43981
43982 @item -b @var{bps}
43983 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
43984 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
43985
43986 @item -tty=@var{device}
43987 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
43988 @end table
43989 @c man end
43990
43991 @c man begin SEEALSO gdb
43992 @ifset man
43993 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
43994 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
43995 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
43996
43997 @smallexample
43998 info gdb
43999 @end smallexample
44000
44001 @noindent
44002 should give you access to the complete manual.
44003
44004 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
44005 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
44006 @end ifset
44007 @c man end
44008
44009 @node gdbserver man
44010 @heading gdbserver man
44011
44012 @c man title gdbserver Remote Server for the GNU Debugger
44013 @format
44014 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdbserver
44015 gdbserver @var{comm} @var{prog} [@var{args}@dots{}]
44016
44017 gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
44018
44019 gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
44020 @c man end
44021 @end format
44022
44023 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdbserver
44024 @command{gdbserver} is a program that allows you to run @value{GDBN} on a different machine
44025 than the one which is running the program being debugged.
44026
44027 @ifclear man
44028 @subheading Usage (server (target) side)
44029 @end ifclear
44030 @ifset man
44031 Usage (server (target) side):
44032 @end ifset
44033
44034 First, you need to have a copy of the program you want to debug put onto
44035 the target system. The program can be stripped to save space if needed, as
44036 @command{gdbserver} doesn't care about symbols. All symbol handling is taken care of by
44037 the @value{GDBN} running on the host system.
44038
44039 To use the server, you log on to the target system, and run the @command{gdbserver}
44040 program. You must tell it (a) how to communicate with @value{GDBN}, (b) the name of
44041 your program, and (c) its arguments. The general syntax is:
44042
44043 @smallexample
44044 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [@var{args} ...]
44045 @end smallexample
44046
44047 For example, using a serial port, you might say:
44048
44049 @smallexample
44050 @ifset man
44051 @c @file would wrap it as F</dev/com1>.
44052 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
44053 @end ifset
44054 @ifclear man
44055 target> gdbserver @file{/dev/com1} emacs foo.txt
44056 @end ifclear
44057 @end smallexample
44058
44059 This tells @command{gdbserver} to debug emacs with an argument of foo.txt, and
44060 to communicate with @value{GDBN} via @file{/dev/com1}. @command{gdbserver} now
44061 waits patiently for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate with it.
44062
44063 To use a TCP connection, you could say:
44064
44065 @smallexample
44066 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
44067 @end smallexample
44068
44069 This says pretty much the same thing as the last example, except that we are
44070 going to communicate with the @code{host} @value{GDBN} via TCP. The @code{host:2345} argument means
44071 that we are expecting to see a TCP connection from @code{host} to local TCP port
44072 2345. (Currently, the @code{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number you
44073 want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any existing TCP
44074 ports on the target system. This same port number must be used in the host
44075 @value{GDBN}s @code{target remote} command, which will be described shortly. Note that if
44076 you chose a port number that conflicts with another service, @command{gdbserver} will
44077 print an error message and exit.
44078
44079 @command{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
44080 This is accomplished via the @option{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
44081
44082 @smallexample
44083 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
44084 @end smallexample
44085
44086 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
44087 necessary to point @command{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
44088
44089 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
44090 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
44091 In such case you should connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} to start
44092 the program you want to debug.
44093
44094 @smallexample
44095 target> gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
44096 @end smallexample
44097
44098 @ifclear man
44099 @subheading Usage (host side)
44100 @end ifclear
44101 @ifset man
44102 Usage (host side):
44103 @end ifset
44104
44105 You need an unstripped copy of the target program on your host system, since
44106 @value{GDBN} needs to examine it's symbol tables and such. Start up @value{GDBN} as you normally
44107 would, with the target program as the first argument. (You may need to use the
44108 @option{--baud} option if the serial line is running at anything except 9600 baud.)
44109 That is @code{gdb TARGET-PROG}, or @code{gdb --baud BAUD TARGET-PROG}. After that, the only
44110 new command you need to know about is @code{target remote}
44111 (or @code{target extended-remote}). Its argument is either
44112 a device name (usually a serial device, like @file{/dev/ttyb}), or a @code{HOST:PORT}
44113 descriptor. For example:
44114
44115 @smallexample
44116 @ifset man
44117 @c @file would wrap it as F</dev/ttyb>.
44118 (gdb) target remote /dev/ttyb
44119 @end ifset
44120 @ifclear man
44121 (gdb) target remote @file{/dev/ttyb}
44122 @end ifclear
44123 @end smallexample
44124
44125 @noindent
44126 communicates with the server via serial line @file{/dev/ttyb}, and:
44127
44128 @smallexample
44129 (gdb) target remote the-target:2345
44130 @end smallexample
44131
44132 @noindent
44133 communicates via a TCP connection to port 2345 on host `the-target', where
44134 you previously started up @command{gdbserver} with the same port number. Note that for
44135 TCP connections, you must start up @command{gdbserver} prior to using the `target remote'
44136 command, otherwise you may get an error that looks something like
44137 `Connection refused'.
44138
44139 @command{gdbserver} can also debug multiple inferiors at once,
44140 described in
44141 @ifset man
44142 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Inferiors and Programs}
44143 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'Inferiors and Programs'}.
44144 @end ifset
44145 @ifclear man
44146 @ref{Inferiors and Programs}.
44147 @end ifclear
44148 In such case use the @code{extended-remote} @value{GDBN} command variant:
44149
44150 @smallexample
44151 (gdb) target extended-remote the-target:2345
44152 @end smallexample
44153
44154 The @command{gdbserver} option @option{--multi} may or may not be used in such
44155 case.
44156 @c man end
44157
44158 @c man begin OPTIONS gdbserver
44159 There are three different modes for invoking @command{gdbserver}:
44160
44161 @itemize @bullet
44162
44163 @item
44164 Debug a specific program specified by its program name:
44165
44166 @smallexample
44167 gdbserver @var{comm} @var{prog} [@var{args}@dots{}]
44168 @end smallexample
44169
44170 The @var{comm} parameter specifies how should the server communicate
44171 with @value{GDBN}; it is either a device name (to use a serial line),
44172 a TCP port number (@code{:1234}), or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
44173 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}. Specify the name of the program to
44174 debug in @var{prog}. Any remaining arguments will be passed to the
44175 program verbatim. When the program exits, @value{GDBN} will close the
44176 connection, and @code{gdbserver} will exit.
44177
44178 @item
44179 Debug a specific program by specifying the process ID of a running
44180 program:
44181
44182 @smallexample
44183 gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
44184 @end smallexample
44185
44186 The @var{comm} parameter is as described above. Supply the process ID
44187 of a running program in @var{pid}; @value{GDBN} will do everything
44188 else. Like with the previous mode, when the process @var{pid} exits,
44189 @value{GDBN} will close the connection, and @code{gdbserver} will exit.
44190
44191 @item
44192 Multi-process mode -- debug more than one program/process:
44193
44194 @smallexample
44195 gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
44196 @end smallexample
44197
44198 In this mode, @value{GDBN} can instruct @command{gdbserver} which
44199 command(s) to run. Unlike the other 2 modes, @value{GDBN} will not
44200 close the connection when a process being debugged exits, so you can
44201 debug several processes in the same session.
44202 @end itemize
44203
44204 In each of the modes you may specify these options:
44205
44206 @table @env
44207
44208 @item --help
44209 List all options, with brief explanations.
44210
44211 @item --version
44212 This option causes @command{gdbserver} to print its version number and exit.
44213
44214 @item --attach
44215 @command{gdbserver} will attach to a running program. The syntax is:
44216
44217 @smallexample
44218 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
44219 @end smallexample
44220
44221 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
44222 necessary to point @command{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
44223
44224 @item --multi
44225 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
44226 or process ID to attach, use this command line option.
44227 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
44228 the program you want to debug. The syntax is:
44229
44230 @smallexample
44231 target> gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
44232 @end smallexample
44233
44234 @item --debug
44235 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to display extra status information about the debugging
44236 process.
44237 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
44238 the developers.
44239
44240 @item --remote-debug
44241 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to display remote protocol debug output.
44242 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
44243 the developers.
44244
44245 @item --wrapper
44246 Specify a wrapper to launch programs
44247 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
44248 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
44249 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
44250
44251 @item --once
44252 By default, @command{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
44253 additional connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
44254 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
44255 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session.
44256
44257 @c --disable-packet is not documented for users.
44258
44259 @c --disable-randomization and --no-disable-randomization are superseded by
44260 @c QDisableRandomization.
44261
44262 @end table
44263 @c man end
44264
44265 @c man begin SEEALSO gdbserver
44266 @ifset man
44267 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
44268 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
44269 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
44270
44271 @smallexample
44272 info gdb
44273 @end smallexample
44274
44275 should give you access to the complete manual.
44276
44277 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
44278 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
44279 @end ifset
44280 @c man end
44281
44282 @node gcore man
44283 @heading gcore
44284
44285 @c man title gcore Generate a core file of a running program
44286
44287 @format
44288 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gcore
44289 gcore [-o @var{filename}] @var{pid}
44290 @c man end
44291 @end format
44292
44293 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gcore
44294 Generate a core dump of a running program with process ID @var{pid}.
44295 Produced file is equivalent to a kernel produced core file as if the process
44296 crashed (and if @kbd{ulimit -c} were used to set up an appropriate core dump
44297 limit). Unlike after a crash, after @command{gcore} the program remains
44298 running without any change.
44299 @c man end
44300
44301 @c man begin OPTIONS gcore
44302 @table @env
44303 @item -o @var{filename}
44304 The optional argument
44305 @var{filename} specifies the file name where to put the core dump.
44306 If not specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}},
44307 where @var{pid} is the running program process ID.
44308 @end table
44309 @c man end
44310
44311 @c man begin SEEALSO gcore
44312 @ifset man
44313 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
44314 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
44315 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
44316
44317 @smallexample
44318 info gdb
44319 @end smallexample
44320
44321 @noindent
44322 should give you access to the complete manual.
44323
44324 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
44325 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
44326 @end ifset
44327 @c man end
44328
44329 @node gdbinit man
44330 @heading gdbinit
44331
44332 @c man title gdbinit GDB initialization scripts
44333
44334 @format
44335 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdbinit
44336 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT
44337 @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT}
44338 @end ifset
44339
44340 ~/.gdbinit
44341
44342 ./.gdbinit
44343 @c man end
44344 @end format
44345
44346 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdbinit
44347 These files contain @value{GDBN} commands to automatically execute during
44348 @value{GDBN} startup. The lines of contents are canned sequences of commands,
44349 described in
44350 @ifset man
44351 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Sequences}
44352 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n Sequences}.
44353 @end ifset
44354 @ifclear man
44355 @ref{Sequences}.
44356 @end ifclear
44357
44358 Please read more in
44359 @ifset man
44360 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Startup}
44361 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n Startup}.
44362 @end ifset
44363 @ifclear man
44364 @ref{Startup}.
44365 @end ifclear
44366
44367 @table @env
44368 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT
44369 @item @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT}
44370 @end ifset
44371 @ifclear SYSTEM_GDBINIT
44372 @item (not enabled with @code{--with-system-gdbinit} during compilation)
44373 @end ifclear
44374 System-wide initialization file. It is executed unless user specified
44375 @value{GDBN} option @code{-nx} or @code{-n}.
44376 See more in
44377 @ifset man
44378 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{System-wide configuration}
44379 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'System-wide configuration'}.
44380 @end ifset
44381 @ifclear man
44382 @ref{System-wide configuration}.
44383 @end ifclear
44384
44385 @item ~/.gdbinit
44386 User initialization file. It is executed unless user specified
44387 @value{GDBN} options @code{-nx}, @code{-n} or @code{-nh}.
44388
44389 @item ./.gdbinit
44390 Initialization file for current directory. It may need to be enabled with
44391 @value{GDBN} security command @code{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
44392 See more in
44393 @ifset man
44394 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Init File in the Current Directory}
44395 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'Init File in the Current Directory'}.
44396 @end ifset
44397 @ifclear man
44398 @ref{Init File in the Current Directory}.
44399 @end ifclear
44400 @end table
44401 @c man end
44402
44403 @c man begin SEEALSO gdbinit
44404 @ifset man
44405 gdb(1), @code{info -f gdb -n Startup}
44406
44407 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
44408 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
44409 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
44410
44411 @smallexample
44412 info gdb
44413 @end smallexample
44414
44415 should give you access to the complete manual.
44416
44417 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
44418 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
44419 @end ifset
44420 @c man end
44421
44422 @include gpl.texi
44423
44424 @node GNU Free Documentation License
44425 @appendix GNU Free Documentation License
44426 @include fdl.texi
44427
44428 @node Concept Index
44429 @unnumbered Concept Index
44430
44431 @printindex cp
44432
44433 @node Command and Variable Index
44434 @unnumbered Command, Variable, and Function Index
44435
44436 @printindex fn
44437
44438 @tex
44439 % I think something like @@colophon should be in texinfo. In the
44440 % meantime:
44441 \long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
44442 \centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
44443 \centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
44444 \centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
44445 \centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
44446 \centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
44447 \centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
44448 \centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
44449 \centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
44450 \page\colophon
44451 % Blame: doc@@cygnus.com, 1991.
44452 @end tex
44453
44454 @bye